Your Career Goals

Yes, job interviews can be scary. It’s your one chance to make a good first impression on your potential employer. You whole, entire career rests with an interviewer who will decide in the first few minutes whether or not they like you. Okay, maybe that’s a big dramatic. But it’s still a stressful experience for most people. Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can diffuse some of your anxiety and take the “scary” out of interviewing. Here are three ways to do that.

If you’ve been fired in the past—even if it was unjust—then job interviews are probably a little more stressful than they need to be. You’re dreading that question: why did you leave your last job? It’s a fair question, and it’s a common, so you know it’s coming. But it’s still uncomfortable. But it’s totally doable. If you’re honest and you frame it the right way, you can make it seem like it’s no big deal. Here’s how to talk about getting fired in a job interview.

The fear of public speaking is really common. And in extreme cases, it’s paralyzing. Some people completely freeze up, unable to remember anything they were supposed to say. But if you’re comfortable doing it, it can be a really valuable skill. Many employers are looking for effective public speakers, especially in leadership positions. Here are some public speaking tips that can help you at work.

In most cases your resume is the first piece of information employers ad learn about you when you apply for a job. So if you’re not getting any callbacks and hiring managers seem to be ignoring you, it might be time to revamp your resume. And though it’s a little daunting to have to start from scratch, it’ll be totally worth it once recruiters and hiring managers start reaching out to you. Here are some ways to go medieval on your resume.

Starting a new job is one of the most exciting changes in your life. But if you want to do it right, you probably need a few things—a new portfolio, some new shoes, and maybe a new wardrobe. But clothes are expensive! Even a few token items that every closet needs to have can add up. Here’s how you can adjust your finances so you can budget for a new wardrobe.

Most people shy away from networking. It can be intimidating, awkward, draining, and time-consuming. When so many of us are already pressed for time, the last thing we want to do at the end of a long day is attend a “networking event.” We’d much rather meet up with friends, check in with our families, or just sit in front of the TV for a few hours. But networking can be extremely valuable, for finding a new job and advancing your career. Here are three reasons why networking can lead to a better job.

Finding a job is never easy. But if you go about it the right way, you can find something suited for you—a job you’re qualified for that challenges you and helps you achieve your long-term goals. And the best thing you can do, before you do anything else, is to prepare. Here’s why preparation is important during your job search.

You know that feeling—you bounce out of the interview room with confidence! You know it went well, though you can’t quite put your finger on why. You just feel good about the whole job interview and you’re pretty sure you got the job. Or that you at least impressed them. But there’s always that doubt that seeps in, that makes you question whether it really did go well. But you don’t have to wonder anymore. Here are seven telltale signs that you got the job.

Every job search is bound to have it’s barriers and setbacks. After all, it’s an ambitious endeavor and if it were easy, people would be switching jobs all the time, every time they got frustrated at work. And the best ways to get your application and resume noticed is by taking the more challenging route, not by taking the easy way out. How often do online applications get lost? Or the information doesn’t save? It never makes it to the hiring manager? Here are four ways you can overcome those job search barriers.

Filling out job applications can be frustrating! There’s no guarantee that you’ll hear back, and sometimes it doesn’t seem worth the effort. You might fill out several dozen applications only to land one or two interviews. In fact, you might not hear back from several of them at all and you wonder whether the online application even went through. Here’s why you don’t need to spend 20 minutes on a job application and what you can do instead.