You have just dropped the bombshell news on your boss that you are leaving. After they pick themselves up off the floor, there will usually be one of three reactions:

1. Congratulations, good for you!
2. Traitor! Pack your stuff and get out (or work through your notice and endure my constant looks of contempt)
3. Sorry to hear that, is there anything we can do to keep you…

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That euphoric feeling of accepting a new position can quickly leave when you start to think about the prospect of having to go to your current boss and give notice. Mostly because you probably have a decent relationship with she or he and your co-workers, so it will be a bittersweet departure. Even if you absolutely despise everything about your job, it still can be tough.



The best way to approach… Continue

Alright, you have cleared all the hurdles and the company calls you and wants to tender an offer. How should I handle this?



Well, most of the time the person authorized to offer you a job will give a verbal offer over the phone. Basically it will be a high level summation of the offer:

1. Job Title
2. Base Salary
3. Bonus Plan
4. Anticipated Start…

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Nice work. You nailed your interviews and are moving to the exciting offer stage. The thing that sometimes causes agita amongst job seekers is that little step in betwixt the interviews and the offer: The reference check.

Today we will discuss how to approach the reference check. First thing: Always have your group of references ready and updated if you are in the job market. Make sure they know they… Continue

So the blessed day has come, you have your interview. We have already talked about how to prep before your interview day - now some last minute fine tuning and then what to do when you are in the midst of your discussions.

Ramping up or down:

Ramp up: If it is a morning interview, make sure you get a good night's sleep. If you are currently not employed, ramp up with some last minute study or review of notes/job/resume, read the Wall… Continue

To hear that you have been invited in for an interview is always an exciting time. It gives you a renewed optimism, like when spring blooms in New England. Whenever the hell that will happen. It also can wreak havoc on even the most seasoned job seeker's innards because you feel so much is riding on your performance.

While I can't come with you, lean over and whisper in your ear the answers to the… Continue

People get so stressed about the cover letter.

• Do I send?
• How long should it be?
• What should I put in it?
• Do I put salary requirements in it?

Let's start with the first question. Carol from North Carolina said to me: "When sending in my resume for a job, I don't send a cover letter. It doesn't give me any advantage in getting the… Continue