Getting the compensation you deserve...Remember, salary, benefits, and other compensation is always negotiable! Your salary should be determined by three important considerations: The job responsibilities, your experience and qualifications, and the fair market value for comparable jobs, not your current or former salary. You can't know what the job is worth unless you have sufficient information about the expectations of t...

One of the fastest growing segments of the work force is people aged 55 to 68. Many of these individuals are transitioning because of some kind of personal or organizational change. A smaller percentage is dismissed from jobs due to performance. Some are returning to the work force after a period of retirement, homemaking or letting go of a business. Others are looking for work after divorce or death of a spouse. Some seek...

The job interview will be the most important factor in an employer's decision to hire. Employers are most interested in job candidates who communicate well, have a professional attitude and who have researched their organizations. There are different types of interviews and several people may interview you. Be prepared with extra copies of your resume, cover letter, and references and find out in advance the names and title...

When applying for a job, you will always have to fill out a job application form. If possible, complete the job application form at home or download it from an employer's Internet site. This form is "sacred" to the company and will become part of your personnel file if you are hired; it is important to complete it legibly and completely. Your resume and cover letter will not take the place of completing a job application fo...

A recent trend is toward hiring more overqualified job candidates. People are expressing interest in positions that provide flexibility in salary and job responsibilities. These are high functioning, professional people who will accept decreased salaries in exchange for 'other benefits' such as a stable or growing company, future growth opportunities, a great working environment, or the challenge of learning new application...

References are people and/or letters of recommendation that support your application for a job opening. They provide information about your skills, abilities, character, and other pertinent employment-related data. A reference document includes the names of three to five professional, and possibly personal, individuals whom prospective employers may contact to ask about your qualifications, give you a favorable recommendat...

Spirituality in career development is about quality of life and making a contribution. Much of what gives us meaning and fulfillment is being of service to others. Where your skills serve people's needs, a likely income source awaits. Satisfying work is rarely revealed through a burning bush. Finding suitable and satisfying work may require profound contemplation and searching. It is more often a practical nuts-and-bolts...

Preparing and practicing a well organized, articulate, and succinct introduction about your specific knowledge, skills, qualifications and career achievements within about 60-90 seconds lays the foundation for a great interview. You appear confident and the interviewer is impressed by your ability to share valuable information. The purpose of this introduction is to inform the listener that you possess competence and enthus...