Career Accelerator 

Once a year, most workers sit down with their boss for their annual review. This is your chance to remind your boss why you’re a valuable employee, and it’s your bosses chance to let you know what you’re doing right and how you can improve. It’s easy to be intimidated at the thought of receiving criticism or asking for more money – especially in a tough economy when most people feel lucky just to be employed. However, in a slow economy, it’s important to remind your boss why you’re worth the investment.

In 1920, with the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, women finally won their inherent right to vote in America. It’s hard to believe that well into the 20th century women were excluded from a basic right that many – men and women – now take for granted. In the decades since, women have made great strides to catch up with men in respect to their professional and personal liberties. But studies still show that women have a long way to go until they reach a level playing field.

If you’ve ever written a resume or have attempted to accomplish the daunting task, then you probably know that everyone has a different approach. Now, that’s not to say that any particular way is wrong, but, quite frankly, your resume should always be tailored to the prospective position. However, there are some basic rules of thumb that can help your resume scream “Qualified; read me!” just a little bit louder than the rest.

The employment landscape no longer resembles the luscious and opportunistic landscape once enjoyed by the job seekers of the late 90’s.  Today’s job conditions are meager and difficult to navigate for the most savvy of job seekers.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports (July 2011) that the average job search now exceeds 40 weeks.  That equates to approximately 10 months of applications and interviews to secure a position!  Many technical school's offer marketable programs that can be completed in nearly the same amount of time.

There are certain dos and don’ts of interviewing that are so important that we feel they should almost be the Ten Commandments of Interviewing.  Follow our commandments and hopefully you can avoid some of these common interview deal breakers.

Any employer will tell you, if a job applicant is clueless about their company, it’s sudden death in an interview.  Failure to do proper research about a company you’ve applied at can make you seem unprepared, uninterested and grasping for the right answers during the interview.  Basically, it can cost you the job.