Author Archive

Mastering the art of the follow-up »

Kevin G.*, a marketing communications professional, is waiting.
“I applied for a position that would require an international move, had a phone interview, and was then flown down for a series of face-to-face meetings. That was about three weeks ago. Now [I’m] waiting, wondering if I should follow up. I’m currently employed, so there are LOTS [...]

December job numbers redux »

The BLS released the last unemployment numbers of the year this morning and overall job loss numbers declined by -85,000 in the last month of 2009.  Among the largest industries, construction, manufacturing and retail lost jobs, while health care and temporary help services added jobs.
In December, both the number of unemployed persons, at 15.3 million, and the [...]

4 ways to change up your 2010 job search »

It’s a new year – a new decade even — and now is the time we can start anew. Well, many of us spent 2009 trying to start fresh in a new job to no avail. Perhaps it’s time to change up some of your job search tactics.
Our guest blogger today will help you do just that.  Joe Turner, the [...]

One year to a new career »

With 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Great Recession and everything in between, many of us are saying “good riddance” to what Time magazine referred to as the “Decade from Hell”. As 2009  winds down many people are ready for a fresh start in a new decade.
One new beginning many Americans are are hoping to have are in their [...]

Resuscitating your job search »

Is your job search showing no signs of life? Are its vital signs weak?
Today we have a guest post from Duncan Mathison, who is the co-author of the book “Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Search When Times Are Tough” with Martha I. Finney (FT Press, 2009). You can check out their Web site [...]

Metros where employment is growing »

I’m probably as sick of writing about job loss as you are reading about it. Today I have some good news to report.
Yesterday, the Brookings Institute released the Q3 edition of its MetroMonitor, a “quarterly, interactive barometer of the health of America’s 100 largest metropolitan economies.” The MetroMonitor analyzes trends in U.S. metro employment, unemployment, [...]

Another holiday party poll »

Last week, two of our posts were dedicated to holiday parties and year-end raises and bonuses … or the lack thereof this year.
This morning on my daily bus ride, I found the results of yet another poll. This one came from a joint venture with 60 Minutes and Vanity Fair magazine. This monthly poll covers [...]

Want a six-figure salary? Try the federal government »

How many of you have ridden in an elevator or taxi that has a mini screen that flashes the news, weather and trivia? We have those in the elevators in the high-rise that’s home to CareerBuilder’s corporate headquarters.  
Quite often there’s a tidbit that intrigues me in my pre-caffeinated state and I’ll actually remember to [...]

How to use the office holiday party … if you have one this year »

Over the years I’ve attended all kinds of work holiday parties. From the afternoon punch and cookies where you just have to show your face for five minutes, to the intimate and extravagant fine dining meal, to the huge blowout with endless food, open bar, chocolate fountains  and partying until the wee hours of the morning. This [...]

November job numbers redux »

In another indicator that the economy is healing, November’s overall job loss numbers dropped by only -11,000 — less than economists predicted. Additionally, October’s job loss number was revised from -190,000 down to -111,000, and September was revised -219,000 down to -139,000.  That’s a sign things are headed in the right direction, but it may not [...]