Ethics…where do you stand?

So I took a week off last week due to an internal struggle at my “real job”. We have a new hire. It is a high priced position and a red flag caught my attention as I was about to order this person’s business cards and he requested I omit his CPA license designation from his signature block and business …

Find Yourself Friday

What do you do to motivate yourself? Are you a list-maker? Are you a “big picture” person who sets large goals and then breaks down the steps needed to accomplish them? Do you just get to the office a few minutes early to see what new adventure awaits and structure your day by what appears in your inbox? For years …

I want YOU to want ME!

Recruiters & Headhunters – Are they worth it? Typically there are two schools of thought when it comes to getting help with your job hunt. One is that employment agencies and recruiters don’t really have the jobs they post and it’s just a bait and switch game. The second is that the more nets you cast into the sea, the …

A bit off topic….Friday, Oct 25th

Teachers….I love you. I have many teachers in my family. I have many friends who are teachers. I totally support teachers. I am the mom who backs the teacher 100% when I get the call or email that my child has done “something”. That said….Chicago teachers, I am so sad about this strike. I am sad for the students who …

No boundaries…aim high!

Sorry to be out of touch. I am now on day 9 of a sinus infection, double ear infection, and case of strep throat. I do pride myself on being thorough. I have been thinking about motivation a lot lately. You see, I have a 14 year old boy (#5) who has officially turned into a “teenager”… mutant, but not …

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

In the wake of 9/11, many were inspired to make changes in their lives and careers. Some began volunteering in earnest. Others joined the military. Many made the conscious decision to follow a path that is more about service to others, the country, the world. It is not always tragedy that opens our eyes and hearts to inspirational change. Sometimes …

Are you as fierce as Elle Woods?

This week I receive a resume that would make Elle proud. It was on pink paper…yes, that’s right. Now it wasn’t scented, and it did stand out, but the “powers that be” did not take it seriously despite the candidate having a credible career history and notable skills. In today’s job market, there is a lot of noise. It is …

A story of loss, resilience & life-changing lessons.

Let me introduce you to an amazing woman who is both inspirational and real. She champions everyone she meets to SHINE. Her name is Ashley LeMieux. I have been a faithful reader of her blog, “The Shine Project”, since the beginning and had the pleasure of watching her dreams evolve and grow thru the years. Please check it out if …

Overcoming the Past

Is you past job experience sporadic or less than glowing? Have you had some unfortunate events occur causing you to be terminated from prior positions? Do you have solid skills, but lack reliable references? Fear not. All is not lost. Job hunting in today’s market is largely about connections and marketing one’s strengths in a visible way. Creativity can be …

Times are a changin’

Many companies such as IBM and Penguin Random House are seeing things more clearly and have changed their mindset when it comes to job candidates. They are no longer locked-in to the “Bachelor’s Degree required” idea and that a degree somehow translates to “professional achievement”. If you consider that some of the most successful people such as Steve Jobs, Bill …