Beware of Sharing Salary Details

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


In today's office culture, many traditional rules no longer apply. It's common, for example, to call your boss by his or her first name, dress casual all the time, and work a flexible schedule that could include some hours spent at home. But one convention remains firmly in place in most workplaces: It's not considered a good idea to discuss with coworkers how much you make.

"It's definitely one of those touchy subjects," says compensation consultant Amy Stainman Herman, who has worked for large and small companies, including Verizon Communications, Altria Group Inc., IBM and Empsight International.

"It can cause ill will and feelings of inequity among employees."

People, Not Packages

The main reason to keep your salary to yourself, according to human resources professionals, is because varying levels of experience and skill sets make for an apples-and-oranges, dollars-and-cents comparison; this can be true, even for people with similar job descriptions.

"I might be an engineer and my salary could be different from yours for a variety of reasons," says T. Ray Bennett, vice president of human resources at the 2,600-employee American Bureau of Shipping in Houston. "They could include time with the company, industry time, performance, specialties, additional training -- there are a lot of reasons why guys in the same job could have different salaries."

The Case for Transparency

Taking the opposite tack on this issue is Traci Fenton, who advocates for a democratic workplace where salaries are discussed openly. As the founder and CEO of the leadership and business design firm WorldBlu Inc., Fenton believes offices function better if decisions, including those about compensation, are shared by bosses and workers.

"Everyone gossips about how much people make and everyone's wondering -- it's very toxic and wasteful," Fenton says. "When you're open and transparent, it cuts down on the noise, and allows people to be more efficient.

"If [workers] have the same relative job, and they're adding value, if you create an open system that acknowledges and rewards them, that's so much better."

Know Your Worth

However, in the view of human resources professionals, those with legitimate concerns that they're being underpaid can get a sense of their worth through career sites like Yahoo! HotJobs or professional organizations, without having to ask a colleague.

"You can research your own market value, and address it with your manager directly, without mentioning anyone else," Bennett says.

When managers learn of salary figures being exchanged, they should consider this an opportunity to review with their HR department how their compensation systems rank with the marketplace.

Tell the Boss

Salary discrepancies often can crop up for longtime workers, who may have started at a lower pay scale than recent college hires.

"Most companies on a regular basis will track their pay against the marketplace," Herman says. "This is just another reason to initiate an analysis, if one hasn't been done in the past."

Whether or not a raise is warranted, managers should make sure employees understand the thinking behind their pay. Still, it's not always possible to meet someone's salary needs.

"At some point, the answer gets down to, 'We feel your pay is appropriate,' and if the individual says, 'I don't,' we can't do much more," Bennett says.

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Work Burnout Threatens Vacations

Employees Need More Breaks, Survey Suggests
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


Despite summer's reputation for being a time of travel and leisure, many U.S. workers are not using all their vacation time and are too tired to plan a getaway, according to a new Yahoo! HotJobs survey.

Nearly half of the respondents (49%) said they feel "burned out" by their jobs, and many did not fully use vacation time as a remedy. Out of 1,800 professionals surveyed, 45% said they did not use all of their vacation days allotted in 2006, and 39% said they were too tired to take a "real" vacation during their days off.

"People don't always realize the true benefits of taking vacation time," says Susan Vobejda, vice president of marketing at Yahoo! HotJobs. "They focus more on the absence from work and related details, when in fact a vacation allows time to recharge batteries and come back to the office with new energy and increased productivity."

Why Create More Work?

There are several reasons why workers don't use all their vacation time: having too much work to do to take a vacation (36%), not being able to afford a getaway (34%), wanting to save vacation time for emergencies (32%), and worrying about coming back to an excessive workload after a vacation (15 percent).

"I think people have thrown in the vacation towel," says Debra Davenport, a professional mentor, licensed career counselor, and employment agent. "What's the point of taking a vacation when you're still strapped to your cell phone and laptop, and, worse, you return to the office from your break only to have 500 emails, 100 voicemails, and weeks of work to catch up on?"

Taking a 'Mental Health Day'

When people do take time off, it's often used in ways unrelated to vacations. In fact, nearly a third of respondents (31%) said they use the time to run errands, such as doctor visits, and 30% said they often use vacation time as "mental health days" to cope with stress.

"The issue," says Davenport, "is making self-care a priority. Vacations are an extension of that mindset."

The Problem of Presenteeism

Liz Bywater, president of Bywater Consulting Group, which specializes in organizational behavior change, suggests that elements of corporate culture may be responsible for the work-vacation imbalance.

"Part of the problem is that our culture supports an ethic of 'presenteeism,' whereby employees show up for work even when they are too ill or tired to be effective on their jobs," she says. "There is an expectation, sometimes unspoken, that people will come to work under all but the most extreme circumstances."

Making Vacation a Priority

Bywater offers the following tips for making the most of vacations:

Choose the vacation that best meets your needs. You may need a peaceful retreat from stress, or you may benefit from something more active and exciting. Avoid the kind of vacation that will leave you even more exhausted than before.

Plan ahead for your time off. Take practical steps to manage your workload with your upcoming vacation in mind. Try to wrap up important projects before you leave. Don't leave behind time-sensitive tasks that only you can handle.

Enlist help. Ask a trusted coworker to back you up while you're away and offer to return the favor. It's much easier to relax when you know someone's got you covered.

Have no regrets. You earned the vacation, so enjoy it!

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Time Management for Your Time Off

Checklist Helps You Prepare for Vacation
by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


The trick to getting ready for a vacation, according to time management expert Peggy Duncan, is to stay organized at work every day.

For example, you should always keep your files, emails and project details ordered, as if you were preparing to head to the airport at any time.

"You shouldn't have to kill yourself working the week before you go on vacation," says Duncan, a consultant and author of "Put Time Management to Work and Live the Life You Want."

Check Your Success

Even for the organizationally challenged, however, leaving work behind is doable, if you follow this checklist:

* Set your pre-vacation priorities. Starting about a month before you leave, determine what items must be completed by your departure date and what can wait.

"You need to keep perspective on what's important and what needs to get done," says work/life coach Natalie Gahrmann of N-R-G Coaching Associates and author of "Succeeding as a Super Busy Parent: 75 Practical Tips for Life, Love, Kids, & Career."

* Give plenty of advance notice. Depending on your office culture, hold a meeting or call colleagues several weeks ahead to alert them to your time off and their duties in your absence; don't rely on email.

"It's important the people on your team know their responsibilities, and are prepared for what's on their plate," Gahrmann says.

* Leave a paper -- and email -- trail. Help your colleagues from afar by keeping project files organized in your real and virtual inboxes.

"Your processes should be streamlined and documented, so people know what you're doing, and who to call when you're gone -- rather than you on vacation," Duncan says.

* Know who's boss. Be clear about who's leading a project or supervising your staff while you're gone.

"Your team, as well as your customers, your clients and other employees, should know who's in charge, so they don't see you as the only person who can answer a question," Gahrmann says.

* Decide who gets your number. Designate a point person to contact you -- and under what circumstances.

"That person should know only to contact you in emergencies, or if you have someone checking your email, they should know only to forward [certain] things," Duncan says.

* Prepare for your return agenda. The week before you leave, take some time to schedule future meetings or set timelines for your post-vacation goals.

"Part of planning is knowing what's on my plate when I get back," Gahrmann says.

* Don't lose that vacation state-of-mind. Set your return date on your voicemail and out-of-office email messages for a day or two after you're scheduled to come back, so you have time to reacclimatize.

"Deal with all the things you can see first -- all the mail piled up and that kind of thing -- before you start to tackle email and set up meetings," Duncan advises. "You want to clear up the clutter and chaos, so you can think better."

Finally, remember your job is just that. Of course you're essential to your company's success, but everyone needs time off to recharge.

"If you're going away for a week, life doesn't stop -- the company isn't going to fail in a week," Gahrmann says.

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At the Company Picnic, Etiquette Matters

by JoAnn Greco, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Memorial Day is gone, and Labor Day beckons ahead. Sometime in between, many of us are likely to find ourselves at an oft-dreaded workplace event: the company summer outing.

It's a tossup as to which comes fraught with more peril, frolicking in the sand with the pasty-legged guys from IT or shimmying with "secret Santas" at the office Christmas party. Both events are ripe with potential faux pas, says Sue Fox, owner of the Etiquette Survival Group.

"Most people seem to naturally behave better when they are dressed for a business or formal event," she says, "and the fact that a picnic or daytime event is more casual creates an atmosphere that might justify more casual behavior."

That determinedly casual atmosphere is the largest snake hiding under the office picnic table. "The goal is to be noticed -- in a positive light," says Fox. "You don't want to be the subject of gossip at the water cooler on Monday morning."

Here's how to keep the panic out of the picnic:

* Show up. Even if such events make you uncomfortable, or you can't stand the thought of spending extra time with your coworkers, skipping the party is not a good idea. "The very reason the company has these events is to thank the employees and allow them to enjoy some relaxed fun," Fox observes. "While such opportunities are not strictly part of the workday, they are an important part of your career. This is the time to introduce yourself to the CEO and senior managers. Network and mingle!"

* Be on your best behavior. "Your manners are always under examination . . . awarding or denying you very high prizes when you least expect it," Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote. The relevant insight: Your boss might be weighing a promotion.

* Indulge with caution. "As always, drink moderately and use proper table manners," says Fox. Corn on the cob and barbecued chicken on the menu do not give you leeway to turn into a slob.

* Don't be over-baring. Yes, it's casual -- and yes, it's hot. But thong bikinis, short-shorts, and too-tight T-shirts send the wrong message. "This is not the time or place to come across as sexy," says Fox, "and that goes for family members, as well." Men, too, should abide by common sense and decency: no stained T-shirts and definitely no bare chests.

* Be a good sport. Resist the temptation to play hard at the volleyball net or to venture far, farther, farthest into the lake or ocean. "The company picnic is not the time for showing off or trying to be a big shot," recommends Fox. "Play your best, but play fair."

* Mind the kids. Don't forfeit your babysitting duties if you're a parent, and watch your language -- sexual overtones, off-color jokes, etc. -- around the kids if you're child-free.

* Don't talk shop. "These events should be the time to meet other employees and their families," says Fox. Too much business chat can leave spouses and others feeling left out.

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Group Taps Top Companies for GLBT Employees

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


The number of companies cited as best for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) employees grew in 2007, according to a leading U.S. advocacy group.

The Washington, D.C.-based Human Rights Campaign (HRC) named 195 companies to its list this year, up from 138 last year.

The list of companies includes Aetna, Apple Computer, Boeing, Charles Schwab, Chevron, Cisco Systems, Coors, Ford, Gap, IBM, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, Motorola, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Viacom, Visa, Wells Fargo, and Yahoo! Inc. For the complete report and list of companies, go to www.hrc.org/cei.

The Measures for Approval

All of the companies received perfect 100 ratings as part of the HRC's annual Corporate Equality Index, which evaluates companies' efforts to advance equality in the workplace. Criteria for the ratings include domestic partner benefits beyond health insurance (e.g. COBRA, vision, or dental), retirement benefits, leave policies, and supportive workplace guidelines.

"More businesses than ever before have recognized the value of a diverse and dedicated workforce," said Joe Solmonese, HRC's president. "These employers understand that discrimination against GLBT workers will ultimately hurt their ability to compete in a global marketplace."

Business leaders and community leaders agree that promoting equal treatment of GLBT workers makes good business sense.

"GLBT inclusiveness is a critical component of our objective to the employer of choice, service provider of choice, business partner of choice and neighbor of choice globally," said Ana Duarte McCarthy, chief diversity officer of Citigroup.

The DiversityInc Top 10

In April, DiversityInc magazine released its own list of the 10 best companies for GLBT employees -- all of which are included in the HRC's list.

The DiversityInc list is, in order: Xerox, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Ernst & Young, Eastman Kodak, SC Johnson & Son, Merrill Lynch, Whirlpool, and Chubb.

The magazine's criteria for honoring the 10 companies also included general diversity measures extending beyond LGBT equality issues.

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Get Serious About Your Career in Four Steps

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Summer and all its trappings -- reduced hours, vacations, lazy days -- are terrific. But did you know you can still get serious about your career while you're having fun in the sun?

Follow these four steps to be prepared to reach new heights this fall.

1. Draw the line online.

Social networking sites can be fun, but if you're serious about getting serious about your career, it's time to move your online networking to a more purposeful level. Delete any profiles that exist on sites catering primarily to adolescents, and migrate to a structured professional networking site. You may lose a thousand "friends" or so, but you'll likely gain much more viable business contacts.

2. Take a trip with purpose.

Unplugging from work can make you a more productive professional, but you may consider combining business and pleasure on your next getaway. Instead of just sitting on a beach for a week, why not visit a city or site that is critical to your vocation? You may even arrange a tour of an industry leader's facilities. Newspapers, television studios, and manufacturers are just a few of the types of businesses that offer an inside look at their workings.

Or use your vacation as an opportunity to fill out the "Volunteer Activities" portion of your resume by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or another worthy cause.

3. Do a little academic planning.

You can take it easy this summer, but if you want to get ahead come September, get a catalog from your local university and enroll in a class for the fall. Choose a course that will help you do your current job better or one that helps you move into management. Involve your supervisor so that she knows you're serious about advancing your knowledge -- and so that she may help you get reimbursed for the course.

4. Put a little business in your beach reading.

Society has become more than a little obsessed with pop culture. While it's fun to be in the know about Paris Hilton's jail stint when you're standing around the water cooler, it's better to be in the know about the most recent business and management trends when you're trying to be taken seriously.

So instead of taking a celebrity tabloid to the beach, start tackling the latest and the greatest business books or magazines. If you're not sure where to start, ask your boss what his management must-reads are. Also, consult the New York Times Book Hardcover Nonfiction Best Seller list, which is updated every week. Or get in the habit of reading the business section of your local newspaper as a way to stay more informed.

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Cleanse Your Career

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

People use "cleanses" as a way to detoxify their bodies. Advocates believe cleanses remove toxins, restore energy, and increase mental acuity. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could do just that to your career?

Try it with the simple steps below, and make a fresh start.

Cut out Toxic Coworkers and Conversations

Start your career cleanse by tuning out colleagues who complain incessantly. If someone comes in to your office and starts griping about work or another coworker, do not engage or indulge them.

Certified holistic health counselor Trish Balbert says, "Negativity like this flavors your whole day and the environment. Who wants bad energy floating around the office?"

End such one-sided conversations by telling your associate that you need to get on a call or attend a meeting. He will eventually figure out that you aren't interested in his grousing.

Take Small Bites

Are you weighed down by incomplete projects that are lingering from the long winter?

Balbert, the founder of Awaken Wellness, a Manhattan-based holistic health private practice, advises breaking down large, intimidating projects into smaller pieces. She counsels, "It's important to take small 'bites' when sinking your teeth into a big assignment. It makes it less overwhelming -- and more digestible."

Being honest about what your priorities are is also helpful in completing past-due projects and tasks, she says. "People often put things in order of how important they think tasks should be rather than how important they actually are." To accomplish more, she adds, "It's best to prioritize in accordance with your true nature, rather than fighting yourself."

Make It Your Nature to Nurture Yourself

You can't always control how stressful your work day will be, but you can create periods of calm. Balbert, who is also a Reiki practitioner, encourages clients to include elements of self-care in their workdays. "Make sure you're not eating at your desk. Strip away work for an hour. Talk a walk. Go to a park. Create a routine that allows you to take care of yourself," she says.

If you have a demanding job, it may be unrealistic to say that you're never going to work late, but, Balbert recommends, "Set a limit as to how many nights you're willing to stay late, and then stick to it."

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Group Taps Top Companies for GLBT Employees

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


The number of companies cited as best for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) employees grew in 2007, according to a leading U.S. advocacy group.

The Washington, D.C.-based Human Rights Campaign (HRC) named 195 companies to its list this year, up from 138 last year.

The list of companies includes Aetna, Apple Computer, Boeing, Charles Schwab, Chevron, Cisco Systems, Coors, Ford, Gap, IBM, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, Motorola, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Viacom, Visa, Wells Fargo, and Yahoo! Inc. For the complete report and list of companies, go to www.hrc.org/cei.

The Measures for Approval

All of the companies received perfect 100 ratings as part of the HRC's annual Corporate Equality Index, which evaluates companies' efforts to advance equality in the workplace. Criteria for the ratings include domestic partner benefits beyond health insurance (e.g. COBRA, vision, or dental), retirement benefits, leave policies, and supportive workplace guidelines.

"More businesses than ever before have recognized the value of a diverse and dedicated workforce," said Joe Solmonese, HRC's president. "These employers understand that discrimination against GLBT workers will ultimately hurt their ability to compete in a global marketplace."

Business leaders and community leaders agree that promoting equal treatment of GLBT workers makes good business sense.

"GLBT inclusiveness is a critical component of our objective to the employer of choice, service provider of choice, business partner of choice and neighbor of choice globally," said Ana Duarte McCarthy, chief diversity officer of Citigroup.

The DiversityInc Top 10

In April, DiversityInc magazine released its own list of the 10 best companies for GLBT employees -- all of which are included in the HRC's list.

The DiversityInc list is, in order: Xerox, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Ernst & Young, Eastman Kodak, SC Johnson & Son, Merrill Lynch, Whirlpool, and Chubb.

The magazine's criteria for honoring the 10 companies also included general diversity measures extending beyond LGBT equality issues.

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How to Entertain Clients with Class

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


For some people, entertaining clients is as much fun as entertaining their in-laws. But showing clients a good time is good for business -- as long as you get it right.

Use these tips to master the art of blending business and pleasure.

Planning Makes Perfect

If you want your time with clients to be successful, go on a fact-finding mission first. Find out what your clients' likes and dislikes are and plan accordingly.

Maya Kalman, founder of Swank Productions, tells anyone who's planning an event, "Learn as much as you can. You can never have too much information."

At Swank, a Manhattan-based event planning and design firm, Kalman and her staff fool-proof all events they put on by careful planning and thinking events through (and through and through). Kalman believes the best way to safeguard against a mishap at a client outing is to imagine worst-case scenarios and then create a plan to avoid such incidents or address them if they do occur.

"If you're afraid clients won't be able to find a venue or restaurant, plan for that. Provide transportation or escorts to make sure they get there," states Kalman. "You must be able to anticipate problems."

Muster More Than a Meal

Everyone likes to eat out, and clients are no exception. However, try to plan an additional activity or outing that will make your meeting memorable. Kalman recommends doing something with clients that they haven't done before. She says, "If you're going to take them to a show and their tastes are a bit edgy, try something like 'Avenue Q.'"

Swank Productions has also helped arrange adult scavenger hunts for its corporate clients. Kalman says, "We work with a company called Watson Adventures that writes these group scavenger hunts. Some feature finding things in certain artwork at the Met or the MOMA, kind of like 'The DaVinci Code.' It's a great bonding and teambuilding experience."

Sporting events, golf outings, or touring a local landmark can be fun. Whatever you choose, Kalman warns, "Be wary of the shock factor. A gentleman's club or comedy clubs can both make clients uncomfortable. Know their likes and limitations before planning anything like that."

Set the Mood

Entertaining clients can feel like play, but it's still work, so make sure you set an appropriate mood. "Don't go to a place where the music is so loud that it prohibits conversation," recommends Kalman. Conversely, she says, "Don't put too much pressure on people to interact with each other immediately."

If you're worried about a lack of energy, she recommends a well-orchestrated surprise at some point during the day or evening. "A timely surprise really adds life to an event or outing. Right now, a lot of folks are planning small, surprise after-parties following an event and they've been very successful and fun."

Balance the Booze

At many company outings, food and alcohol go hand in hand. Says Kalman, "Feeding people is really important. A lot of people focus on having drinks first, but you must offer some food as well. You don't want to set up a situation where a client overindulges and does something embarrassing."

Also, she says, "You want people to keep their energy up. Making sure food is available at healthy intervals throughout the day and evening ensures that."

A client may not always ask for what she needs. Kalman believes you need to "keep checking in, even if you're just making eye contact. Oftentimes, people have a question or a need and are hesitant to bring it up. Scan their faces for a curious look."

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Four Ways to Overcome Boredom at Work

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

Even if you really enjoy your job, it's still possible to battle boredom as you work your way toward the boardroom. You may not be able to make big changes -- or change your job -- but you can make small adjustments to your routine that can make every day seem, well, a little less routine.

1. Switch Your Seat

Change your outlook at the office by changing your office -- literally. Ask your supervisor to help you find a new desk, office, or cube to call home. Even switching desks with a neighboring coworker can offer a fresh perspective.

If it's not possible to change your location, see if you can change how your desk is oriented. A new perspective can be just as refreshing as a new location.

2. Change Your Commute

Start and end your day in a different way by making changes to your commute. Consider a new mode of transportation, if it's possible. Take a subway. Ride a bike on sunny days. Carpool with a coworker. Use a new route to get to your job. You needn't change your commute permanently -- just long enough to help you escape the doldrums.

3. Find a New Way to Work

Shake things up at the office by changing how things get done.

Sick of attending that long-standing Monday morning meeting? Try to rally your boss to change it to the afternoon.

If you find yourself feeling most bored in the afternoons, try to arrange to do your favorite tasks then and tackle less desirable projects in the mornings.

If you usually communicate with coworkers via email and instant messaging, start dealing with people face to face. Increased interaction with coworkers may help improve your mood.

4. Get and Set a Goal

If you're not working toward something, it's no wonder that work has become boring. Identify a goal and set an "achieve by" date for it.

Your goal needn't be lofty as long as you have sufficient enthusiasm for it. Perhaps you want to tackle a new project. Maybe you'd like to pursue a promotion. Or you may even set a goal of finding a new job altogether. Whatever it is, actively moving toward an objective will make work much more interesting.

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When the New Job Is a Letdown

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Starting a new job can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and even scary. Unfortunately, it can also be disappointing. Perhaps you're being asked to work too many hours. Maybe you're not receiving any training. Or, worse yet, the job you accepted doesn't look anything like the job you're actually doing.

As a new hire, what should you do when a new job isn't what you thought it would be? Use these tips to navigate the rough waters in your first weeks.

1. Don't panic!

If things aren't going at all as you'd planned in your first few days or weeks in a new position, your instinct may be to hit the panic button and quit or begin a covert job search. Resist the urge to make a dramatic decision or rush to judgment. Rather, analyze what's making you feel like you've been duped. Create a document you can refer to, listing out what you were told or had expected versus what the reality of your day-to-day at a company is.

2. Speak with your supervisor.

Talent retention is an issue these days, and your manager likely doesn't want to be short-staffed. Debbi Titlebaum, the human resources director for Zingy, Inc., a mobile media company, advises opening a dialogue with a manager. She says, "Go to your boss and say, 'I've only been here for a few weeks and it's not what I was expecting. Can we talk about what my responsibilities are and how we can change them to include more of what we agreed upon?'"

If your boss is unable or unwilling to help you, you should then seek advice from human resources.

3. HR is there to help.

No one understands how difficult it is to find talented employees better than a human resources professional -- which gives you a valuable and knowledgeable ally in your plight. Titlebaum, who has worked in human resources for more than 12 years, advises, "If a job isn't exactly what you expected there can be a lot of valid reasons. If you communicate your dissatisfaction to your manager and to HR, there's probably a way to make it work."

Are long hours conflicting with child care? Ask about flex time. If you need more training, find out how you can get that. Is a position less glamorous than you thought? Ask for some additional, more compelling responsibilities.

If the position itself remains a bust despite everyone's best efforts, you may still have a future at the company. "If an employer is dealing with a good employee, they are going to want to hold onto her. Depending on the size of the company, they may be able to use her in another capacity," notes Titlebaum.

4. Move on to another opportunity.

Sometimes when a job isn't what you thought it would be, leaving may be your only option. If this is true, find another job first to avoid a gap on your resume. Also, treat your employer with respect and professional courtesy (even if you weren't treated that way) when leaving, so you don't burn any bridges.

To avoid a similar situation in the future, Titlebaum suggests that you always request a comprehensive job description before accepting an offer. "A written job description ensures that you and your supervisor know what your responsibilities will be," she says. And, be sure to ask your future manager to describe a typical workday and work week so that you have a better understanding of what your daily professional life will be like.

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How Second Careers Start

Pursue Other Interests While Getting Ahead
by Saira Rao, for Yahoo! HotJobs


So you've got it all -- great job, great office, great perks. You're thrilled, right? Not exactly. Your flabby stomach, weak social life, and unwritten screenplay could be nagging signs of dissatisfaction.

Welcome to 2007, where you're more likely to spot a live dinosaur than a 9-to-5 job. Today, work and its myriad demands can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed, with nary a moment to focus on you -- the you who used to have hobbies, friends, and -- gasp! -- a life.

But it doesn't have to be this way. If you are someone who has always dreamed of running a marathon, writing a novel, or sharpening your culinary skills, there are ways to pursue such interests -- or even a second career -- while still getting ahead at the office.

Finding the Time

While it's not easy to find extra time, it is possible. Marci Alboher, author of "One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success," knows a thing or two about juggling multiple careers. Before becoming an author, journalist, and speaking/writer coach, Alboher was a lawyer. Her advice:

    * Cultivate "double duty" activities. "For example, if you are interested in photography but have no time to practice because you're always at work, see if there is a way to do some photography on the job by offering to be the official photographer at a work event."
    * Creative vacations. "When you finally get a vacation, rather than kick back at the beach, consider taking an intensive class or working with a career coach."
    * Be a slacker. "Many of us give 115% at work. What's the worst thing if you just gave 100% for a while to make room for more things in your life?"

No More Excuses

You can always find an excuse for not taking action.

    * Remove "if only" from your vocabulary. For example, stop thinking "if only I didn't have that deadline, I could really focus on my painting" OR "if only my client wasn't so demanding, I could start thinking about that novel I've wanted to write."
    * Skip the blame game. It is not your boss' job to make time for you to tend to your hydrangeas or get to that yoga class. Take responsibility -- you have more control than you think.
    * Set and stick to personal deadlines.

You Can Unplug

It's true -- Blackberries and other personal digital assistants (PDAs) can feel like human GPS tracking systems. But perhaps that's more self-imposed rather than work-imposed. If you've become that person who can't stop staring at their handheld device, chances are you're doing it to yourself.

    * Turn your device off on the weekends, unless absolutely necessary.
    * Once you leave the office, check your device only once before going to bed.
    * Whatever you do -- don't sleep with your Blackberry under your pillow.
    * Remind yourself often that working during your personal time robs you of time to engage in other interests, and ultimately enhance your fulfillment.

Saira Rao's debut novel, "Chambermaid," was just published by Grove Press. Ms. Rao wrote her novel while simultaneously working as an associate at a large New York City law firm. Learn more at www.sairarao.com.

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Real-Life Interview Blunders to Avoid

by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International


As any job seeker can tell you, acing an employment interview is no easy feat. According to a survey by Robert Half International, nearly one-third (32%) of executives polled said job candidates make more mistakes during the job interview than any other part of the job-hunting process.

You Can't Take It Back

Consider these real-life responses from hiring managers who were asked to name the strangest things they had ever heard of happening in a job interview:

* "After answering the first few questions, the candidate picked up his cell phone and called his parents to let them know the interview was going well."

* "The job seeker halted the conversation about work hours and the office environment, saying she didn't like being confined to a building, but would consider taking the job if she could move her desk to the courtyard outside."

* "When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the applicant said, 'My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.'"

* "After arriving for an early morning interview, the job seeker asked to use the hiring manager's phone. She proceeded to fake a coughing fit as she called in sick to her boss."

Preparation Is Good Insurance

While it's unlikely you'll make mistakes as egregious as the ones above, it always helps to prepare before interviewing with a prospective employer. Here are five tips to help you make a good first impression:

* Do your homework. Before the interview, review the job description again and make sure you can describe how your skills and experience match the requirements of the open position.

* Come prepared. Bring extra copies of your resume -- printed on high-quality paper -- and a list of references to the interview. Also dress appropriately. Even if you're interviewing with a company that has a casual dress code, it's better to be slightly over-dressed than under-dressed.

* Know what to expect. In all likelihood, the hiring manager will ask you a host of standard questions, such as "Why do you want to work for this firm?" and "What makes you right for this role?" Practice your responses to these queries with a friend at home so you can provide clear and concise answers.

* Have the right attitude. Be confident during the interview but not arrogant. Also consider your body language. Making eye contact with the interviewer and nodding your head in agreement shows you're engaged; slouching in your chair indicates you're bored.

* Follow up. Sending a thank-you note after the interview may seem old-fashioned, but hiring managers always appreciate receiving one. A brief message thanking the person for his or her time and reaffirming your interest in the role shows your professionalism and desire for the job.

Above all, be yourself when interviewing with a prospective employer. Companies seek workers who not only have the skills to perform the job but also the personality to thrive within the corporate culture.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

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Send Your Job Search on a Summer Vacation

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


You want to take a vacation, but you feel guilty for abandoning your job search. Why not combine the two?

If you can find some time (and your search isn't dire), there are ways that even a budget-conscious job seeker can pick up some skills, make new contacts, or glean new knowledge. Consider it a crash course in your job or industry of choice. You can make your job search your summer vacation.

Take a Tour

Trying to break into a particular industry? Go on a fact-finding mission: Opportunities abound to tour manufacturing facilities, corporate offices, and industry centers. Many large manufacturers offer public tours. Find a facility in the industry you're interested in at Factory Tours USA (factorytoursusa.com).

Tours are daily business at many breweries, wineries, and food manufacturing plants. Looking for work in television or film production? Tour CNN Studios or Warner Bros. Studios. If you've got a nose for news, you can see newspapers roll off the presses at The Seattle Times.

Many tours are free, but not all. Always call ahead to find out how much a tour costs, if reservations are required and, when traveling with the tykes in tow, if children are allowed.

Visit the Capital

Plan a trip to the capital of the industry in which you're looking for work.

If you're interested in government work, you may want to start in Washington, D.C. But you can also visit your state capital, which may be easier and more cost-effective.

Into advertising? Blow into the Windy City (Chicago). Is big-time finance your bag? Take a bite out of the Big Apple. Into entertainment? Head for Hollywood.

Set up some informational interviews in advance. Industry publications and company directories can help you determine who holds jobs in which you're interested. Next, contact people to explain that you're visiting and are interested in an informational interview.

You'll gain lots of insider information, have a familiarity with the "heart" of your chosen industry and perhaps make a lasting connection with someone who's well connected. Try to arrange to take tours or attend a relevant conference too.

Volunteer Vacation

There's a do-good getaway for almost any budget.

Volunteer vacations can be related to a career you're pursuing or a way to network with people from different walks of life. You can participate in vital humanitarian and preservation projects across the country, around the world, or even in your own backyard.

In you want to stay close to home, Habitat for Humanity builds simple, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter. You may even find yourself hammering side by side with a CEO or a celebrity.

Are exotic locales beckoning you? Help build communities, conserve landscapes or provide care while gaining skills. Most programs will match your interests, background and skills with your assignment and allow you to stretch some new muscles in your field. Visit the Care Corps (careusa.org/getinvolved/volunteer/) for more information.

Vocation Vacations

"Vocation vacations" are the gold standard for gleaning new skills on holiday.

They're ideal if you've had a hankering for a completely different career and can't make a dramatic switch or commitment right now. Vocation vacations allow you to see a job for what it really is. You'll get to do the fun stuff as well as the dirty work.

The company Vocation Vacations (vocationvacations.com) arranges for people to pursue their dream jobs while under the attentive eye of a mentor.

If you're intrigued by a vocation vacation but find it financially implausible, create your own. Ask someone who has your dream job if you can work with him for free -- even for a day. An understaffed innkeeper, for instance, might be open to the idea of having an extra pair of hands to make beds linens in exchange for letting you see how a bed-and-breakfast is run.

After all, there's no reason why you can't vacation and look for a job at the same time.

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The Art of Being Assertive. Your Job Advancement May Depend on It

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


There are many factors that contribute to your career success, but one that's often overlooked is the art of being an assertive employee. If your idea of standing out as a good employee is to simply show up everyday and do the work put in front of you, you are losing out on many opportunities to advance your career and earnings potential.

"Assertiveness is the balance between being mousy and being aggressive," says career coach Cheryl Palmer. "It is standing up for yourself, but not at the expense of others."

For some, striking that balance may mean not being so harsh and bold. For others, it means stepping up and asking for what you want. Palmer says that taking an honest, introspective look at yourself is the first step to measuring your level of assertive self-expression.

So in what areas of your career is it crucial to become assertive? Following are three key areas where assertiveness pays.

Salary

"Being assertive can earn you more money throughout your career," says Palmer. "I have seen many clients lose thousands of dollars because they are not assertive enough to negotiate salary or speak up and ask for a raise. Women in particular tend to have issues with assertiveness when it comes to money."

Career coaches agree that if you're waiting for your boss to notice your contributions and reward you with higher pay, you're losing out. Dee C. Marshall, a career and life coach, says to put your request for a raise in writing, outlining all of your achievements, and ask for a meeting with your boss to discuss. "You must go confidently and ask. No one is going to hand you anything," says Marshall.

Meetings

"Meetings are the perfect situation to be assertive," says career coach Rebecca Kiki Weingarten. "It can be an opportunity for you to shine and show your stuff."

Using meetings to share your creative ideas and solutions to problems will help you stand out in front of key leaders. Weingarten points out that even asking the right questions in a meeting is being assertive.

"One of my clients was promoted to vice president of the company just because he contributed in meetings," says Palmer. "He had been at a much lower level in the organization, but his contributions were so salient that upper management saw his potential and promoted him. He ended up making six figures."

Setting Boundaries

If your coworkers are driving you crazy or bullying you around, it's time to put good boundaries in place. Palmer says that there are a lot of workplace bullies, and being assertive allows you to set limits without being becoming a bully yourself.

Learning to say "No" to projects when your own workload is full is an important skill for employees at all levels. Saying "No" is the hardest mode of assertiveness for some people, says Palmer.

"Assertiveness training can be beneficial not only for people's careers, but in their personal lives as well," she concludes "People who want to feel good about themselves and their work need to be assertive."

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