Are you planning a transition “from college to career?” You won’t want to miss out on advice from Lindsey Pollak, a recognized expert on next-generation career trends. She recently released a new edition of her terrific book, Getting from College to Career. In this Q & A with Lindsey, she outlines some best practices for networking, following up, and transitioning to your first job. In addition to LinkedIn, what online too...

Job seekers, particularly those just finishing school, have a lot more control over their situations than they acknowledge. Even in a competitive economy, there are steps to take to help land a new job successfully. Check these off your list to get on the road to job search success:1. Apply for the right jobs. Study job descriptions and highlight the parts describing you. If, when you're done, most of the description isn't...

Job-search and career coaches always tout networking's importance. They implore clients to break away from their computers to engage in old-fashioned interactions with people who may be able to help them. It's not so easy to master the art of juggling a plate and drink in one hand while gracefully delivering an on-target elevator pitch. And for introverted job-seekers who prefer one-on-one meetings or small group interactio...

Are you prepared to negotiate a job offer? New LinkedIn research shows 42 percent of professionals in the United States are uncomfortable negotiating; approximately 25 percent admit to never having negotiated in the workplace. The study also shows that many of LinkedIn's U.S. members (39 percent) report feeling anxious about negotiation, more so than participants from other countries do. What's wrong with neglecting to nego...

As graduation approaches, many young job seekers are wondering how they can land an opportunity in this very challenging job market. Lindsey Pollak, a recognized expert on next-generation career trends, recently released a new edition of her terrific book, Getting from College to Career. Lindsey graciously agreed to answer some questions to help new professions get “from college to career.” In this first of a two-part serie...

When you're job hunting, you want to target organizations and companies with workplaces and cultures conducive to your lifestyle. And if you're looking for a job with some flexibility, you are in good company: A 2011 national study, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the flexible staffing firm Mom Corps, found that 42 percent of working adults are willing to forfeit some percent of their salary in exchange for mor...

When people ask for help to prepare people for interviews, they inevitably ask how to respond to the “What is your greatest weakness?” question. But what about the times job seekers are asked about identifying their greatest strength or best accomplishment? It’s important to be able to identify and discuss something you are actively improving regarding your qualifications (as long as it is not a major requirement of the job...

Hiring managers see thousands upon thousands of resumes every year. That’s why job seekers have to stand out in a crowd if they are harboring any hope they’ll be hired. When you’re writing a resume, what you don’t know can hurt you. John Kalusa is a nationally recognized writer who speaks about corporate sales, recruiting, and personal career management. With over 25 years of experience as a strategic recruiting, human res...

Every year, I report on U.S. News & World Report’s “best careers” article. What are the “hot” jobs for this year? Are they different from last year’s “hot” jobs? (For the past year+, I’ve also contributed to their On Careers page.) U.S. News selects its jobs based on several factors. One is the growth potential in the various positions. However, the article explains, “…our rankings give you some context as to why you’d want...

You’re looking for a job? When is the last time you tried a new strategy? A change of direction? Your job hunt is lasting longer than you thought? You know it’s a tough market, but you’re frustrated and looking for answers? Maybe it is time to “change up” your job search. When I speak to clients about job search, I often suggest, “Talk to people you don’t think can help you.” Silence typically ensures…”People who CAN’T help...