Canadians never really know which way to go when practising that murky art of American or British usage
It is hard not to be skeptical when spelling in Canada. Our spellings are coloured by our Commonwealth heritage and Canadians are in the unenviable position of never really knowing which way to go when practising that murky art: American or British usage? One has to admire the sheer efficiency of American spelling; they do…
Employees don't quit their companies; they quit their bosses
Contrary to popular belief, a low salary is usually not the primary reason for quitting a job. Statistics predict that most career-builders won't be working for the same company a decade from now. They're likely to have at least two more jobs. Even though frequent job changes often have a lot to do with variables…
It is unrealistic to hope the interview will run smoothly
Whether during good or bad economies, interview stress is a given in the job-hunting process. Job candidates experience stress prior to the interview and during the interview. During both occasions, the stress can be equally intense. Don't be passive and hope the interview will run smoothly. That's being unrealistic. The worst thing you can do is…
It's not a good idea to zone out when HR explains complicated benefits packages
Most new hires zone out when HR staffers explain complicated benefits packages. It's not that they're not concentrating on what's being said, it's because the explanation is being delivered in an incomprehensible dialect called "HR-speak." Just because a job offer is doled out in an alien tongue doesn't mean you can't ask for a translation…
But there is no proven path to preparing for it
Thousands of books have been published about leadership because millions of people have fantasies of being top dog. Former presidents, prominent military leaders, CEOs, academics and consultants of every stripe have written books about what it takes to be an exceptional leader. It's worth finding out. While theories abound about what makes a great leader,…
As frustrating as it is, it can also be an incredible career opportunity
It's been said countless times: "People don't leave companies; they leave bosses." It's hard working for an incompetent boss under any circumstance. In demanding IT and technology jobs where the workloads can be torturous and the pressure to complete projects quickly is relentless, it's especially tough. Tougher still is when you love your job and…
Best advice: Cope as best you can until you find another job
Every industry has its fair share of toxic bosses. Many are accomplished, and extremely successful. Some are working for or running well-known companies. Others are geniuses who created breakthrough technology. Typically, they make sterling impressions during the interview process. Unfortunately, their toxicity doesn't surface until you're working with them. Management consultant and author Robert Bacal…
A "competent jerk" runs the risk of losing out on opportunities and being ignored
How easy are you to work with? It’s worth asking and, even better, checking. To paraphrase Bobby McFerrin of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (remember that tune?) fame: In every workday we have some trouble. When you’re difficult to work with, you make it at least double for your colleagues. And if you’re considered a “competent…
Helpful tips to doing it right
Hankering to go off on your own and start your own business? If you think you've got what it takes, consider launching a microbusiness. Dal LaMagna, a Poulsbo, Wash.-based entrepreneur, says anyone can do it – if they go about it the right way. He speaks from experience. LaMagna launched personal beauty-tool company Tweezerman in…
Doublespeak protects a company's image
You're summoned to your boss's office and told that you've been "selected out." Strange words. What do they mean? "Selected" sounds positive. But "out"? That's clearly a negative and confusing word. Together, both words are perplexing. An optimist may interpret it as sort of a promotion. A skeptic is worried. The term "selected out" is…
Most managers handle the uncomfortable task of terminating employees badly
Most managers, regardless of level, handle the uncomfortable task of terminating employees badly. The biggest mistake managers make is terminating them in a harsh, unkind and insensitive way. The manner in which employees are fired often fuels lawsuits. Right or wrong, if employees feel that they are being unfairly treated, they perceive it as grounds…
Instead of wasting energy obsessing about what could go wrong, think like an athlete by psyching yourself for the win
It's perfectly normal to be nervous about job interviews. For many job candidates, "hysterical" more accurately describe pre-interview jitters – especially if a great job rides on an outstanding interview performance. So it's no surprise that many job candidates suffer severe anxiety before job interviews. They don't eat or sleep. They obsess about the pending trauma…
Counteroffers can be deadly. Unfortunately, most people don't realize it until too late
Blame the outrageous and short-lived dot-com era of the late 1990s for making counteroffers a favoured strategy for holding onto valuable employees lured by competitors dangling bigger paychecks. During that brief, outrageous blip on the technological innovation timeline, money flowed, company loyalty was abandoned and job-hopping was rampant. Typically, counter-offers are popular during strong economies…
Picture yourself walking out a revolving door then walking back in with a new attitude and a new take on life
Older workers must first understand the realities of the career world as it exists today before they are ready to pitch themselves to employers. Your goal is to convince employers you're not a vestige of a bygone work era but a high-energy chameleon who quickly adapts to any environment. Picture yourself walking out a revolving door then…
Newly minted college grads make the mistake of jumping at any company dangling a high salary and attractive benefits package
Don't be seduced by a high-paying job offer. Newly minted college grads make the mistake of jumping at any company dangling a high salary and attractive benefits package. Compared with a decade ago, colleges are more diligent about preparing grads for the real world, but they still fall short when it comes to teaching them…