July 20, 2022

47 Online Classes That’ll Help Your Career (and They’re Free!)

Learning a new skill helps your career. Period. And it’s true no matter who you are. Looking for a new job? A unique skill could easily set you apart from the hundreds of other applicants. Worked in the same position for a long time? Expertise in a new field could be the factor that gets you the promotion. And even if you’re a senior-level manager who’s totally content, getting experience in an unfamiliar area shows your team how much you value learning something new. Before you start stressing, know that we’re not asking you to sacrifice your life to…

July 13, 2022

How to Develop a Strong Work Ethic

Will Hunting, they boy genius from the movie Good Will Hunting, said that when it came to organic chemistry, he could “always just play”. He also said that Beethoven saw a piano at a young age and could “just play”. Well good for them! What about the rest of us? Can we too achieve greatness? And if so, how? There is in fact hope for us, and it comes in the form of two little words: Work Ethic. My favorite thing about work ethic is that it does not discriminate. It does not care if you are old or young,…

July 5, 2022

Why Work in Government?

Every July 4th we celebrate our founding of our nation and it seems like a good time to discuss career opportunities in government. Career opportunities in government range from cybersecurity to environmental safety to public health. Public servants are passionate about making a difference in the world and keen to help our government tackle complex national and global challenges. The chance to make a difference Federal employees change lives here and around the world, working to end homelessness, find cures for disease, keep our food supply safe and more. Great benefits and competitive pay Average salaries are competitive with the…

June 29, 2022

How to Make a Potential Employer Fall in Love With You

Looking for ways to impress a potential employer? Want to make your resume or job application stand out from the pack? During one two-week time period, a Human Resources staff member in a small manufacturing company shared that she reviewed 485 resumes and applications for 18 different positions. They then interviewed 23 candidates and brought six back for a second, more intense round of interviews. You’ll want to believe this advice. This HR staff person can tell you what really rang her chimes. You may find that some of this advice is like, duh, who doesn’t know this job…

June 1, 2022

7 “Green Flags” to Look for in an Employer

When interviewing with a new organization, it’s wise to keep an eye out for “red flags.” Some job-seekers might be wary of high company turnover, lack of punctuality, low salaries, or other factors that signal that it might not be the right job for them. Others might have had negative experiences in the past and are actively seeking a role that’s the complete opposite. It’s key to know your boundaries and what sorts of things you don’t want in an employer, as this knowledge can save you from uncomfortable experiences down the road. Red flags certainly have a place in…

May 25, 2022

When in Doubt, Apply!

How do you analyze a job description to determine if you are a fit? Many people assume that you must meet every requirement in order to apply. In particular, women tend to apply for fewer opportunities than men due to self-doubt about their qualifications. Keep these tips in mind during your job search to boost your confidence. “No one will hire me without experience!” We hear this question all the time: “How can I get experience when they won’t hire me without experience?” In some cases, with some employers, this can be true. However, most employers have a range of…

April 27, 2022

Salary Negotiation Tips for the Entry-Level Applicant

Don’t take that job!… at least, not until you’ve scrutinized your pay rate and every detail of your offer. Many students fall into the trap of accepting their first entry-level job offer without realizing what a bit of research can do to drastically change the concessions in their favor. Even fewer realize just how crucial it is to negotiate their pay rate early on. In 2016, The National Association of Colleges and Employers released an article on the importance of salary negotiations in closing the gender pay gap. While the article’s main goal reflects the importance…

Aug. 10, 2021

How to Write a Cover Letter For a Job: 5 Essential Tips

Before you start writing your cover letter, read the job posting carefully. Pay attention to the primary responsibilities, as well as the desired skills and experience for candidates. Keep the posting handy so you can refer back to it while you write.