should you follow your parents’ job search advice? by Alison Green on February 8, 2013 We have two questions from readers about advice they’re getting from their parents. Here’s the first one: Have the rules about hardcopy resumes changed? I came across a posting for a position that would like to have resumes and cover letters mailed to the company’s HR department. My parents insist that I should print my […] Read the full article →
6 career myths you shouldn’t fall for by Alison Green on January 7, 2013 You’ve probably heard the same bits of career advice tossed around over and over from well-meaning friends, relatives, and even bosses. But plenty of the maxims that we hear repeated actually aren’t true. Here are six of the most popular career myths that you shouldn’t fall for. 1. A college degree will get you a […] Read the full article →
how to deal with gimmicky recruiters by Alison Green on December 17, 2012 A reader writes: I’ve just come home from one of the oddest professional experiences I’ve ever had. A large recruiting company in my area invited me in for an initial meeting/screening with one of its recruiters for an unnamed position with a local nonprofit trade association focusing on outdoor activities. The meeting began with an […] Read the full article →
unemployed? get a spray tan! by Alison Green on November 5, 2012 It was bad enough when the state of Florida was offering unemployed people capes to tell them that they’re “superheroes,” but now a local job training office in the U.K. is offering the unemployed free spray tans. Because that’s how you find a job. Seriously, professional career advice industry, just give up and admit you […] Read the full article →
do not use a video resume by Alison Green on September 21, 2012 A reader forwarded me this email from a job applicant, which she notes was “sent after we posted a job listing with the explicit instructions to follow a link and apply through our online form”: Here’s my video resume – it highlights my experience, qualifications, etc.: (LINK REDACTED) It’s about 2 minutes, then it downloads my […] Read the full article →
colleges aren’t preparing students to get jobs when they graduate by Alison Green on August 15, 2012 Far too many students are graduating from college unprepared to get a job. And part of the reason for that is that colleges aren’t providing the right guidance — and in some cases are actually providing harmful information. Here are eight things that higher education could do in order to better prepare students to find […] Read the full article →
wearing coveralls to a job interview by Alison Green on August 12, 2012 A reader writes: My question is about job advice my husband received from his technical school’s career adviser. He is studying to become certified as an aircraft maintenance mechanic. However, this school attracts a lot of students who don’t care much, are not known for continuing to seek certification after graduation, and are mostly lazy. […] Read the full article →
ignore your parents! they are forbidden from giving you advice by Alison Green on August 10, 2012 A reader writes: As a recent college graduate using your tips, I was able to secure a job as an Administrative Assistant at a brand-new charter school that is opening up in my area in the fall. Granted, it does not offer many benefits and the pay is $10.00/hour, but I am also from an […] Read the full article →
10 pieces of bad job-searching advice that you can ignore by Alison Green on July 9, 2012 Not every piece of job search advice you hear is worth following. In fact, some of it is downright bad and will hurt your chances. Here are 10 pieces of job search advice that you should ignore every time. 1. Collect letters of recommendation from previous managers before you start your job hunt. Reality: You […] Read the full article →
stop telling me that you work well independently and in groups by Alison Green on June 4, 2012 If you’re a recent grad, there’s a 50% chance that your cover letter includes a mention that you “work well both independently and in groups.” Announcing this is like announcing that you show up for work on time. It’s expected that you’ll do it; it’s not a bragging point. I don’t know where this trend […] Read the full article →