Everyone Wants a Funny Boss

Survey: Humor Is Key for Good Managers
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


When you think of the ideal boss, actress Carol Burnett and late-night TV host David Letterman probably don't come to mind. But those two celebrities have a quality that most workers say is essential to being a good boss: a sense of humor.

When asked in a recent poll how important it is for a manager to have a sense of humor, 65% of workers answered "very important," while 32% answered "somewhat important." The survey, conducted by staffing firm Robert Half International, also revealed that most of the workers (87%) rated their managers as having good senses of humor.

Max Messmer, chairman and chief executive of RHI, said the survey underscores that humor can make a boss seem more approachable, but it's not a license to be a clown.

"To be taken seriously, supervisors must balance their desire to keep the mood light with the need to accomplish business objectives, inspire great performance, and maintain professionalism," Messmer said.

Is Your Boss Funny?

You may not know whether your boss has a good sense of humor. "In this case, it's best to let your manager set the tone for humor," says Liz Bywater, president of Bywater Consulting Group, a Philadelphia-area firm focused on organization performance.

"It's OK to 'test drive' using some humor to see how it's received," she adds. "Just do so cautiously at the beginning. Take a mental note of your manager's response and let that be your guide."

"Definitely stay away from sarcasm or any statements that might be offensive or potentially viewed as criticism," advises Debra Mandel, a psychologist and author of "Your Boss Is Not Your Mother." She continues, "Some managers take the workplace too seriously, but it's not an employee's job to loosen them up -- unless of course the employee doesn't mind the view from the unemployment line."

Humoring the Boss

What if you don't think your boss is very funny?

"Humoring a not-so-funny boss is OK," says Bywater. "Think of it as being kind and sensitive to the feelings of another human being. Don't, however, humor a boss who has gone over the line from funny to offensive."

Manage the Punch Lines

For bosses who want to flex their humor muscles more, Bywater suggests the following guidelines:

    * Do not make jokes about anyone's physical appearance.
    * Do not attempt humor that could be construed as sexist or racist, even if it's not intended as such.
    * If you've got a direct report who is particularly sensitive or has no sense of humor, it's best to play it straight.

Having a good sense of humor at work helps everyone, Mandel concludes.

"Both bosses and employees need to stay on track and be productive, but everything doesn't have to be heavyweight," she says. "Sometimes it's good to just have a big belly laugh, especially when things go wrong, and look forward to the next day to get back on track."

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Promotion Denied. What Next?

Move Forward When You Can't Move Up
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


There are few things worse than pursuing a promotion only to be passed over for it. Whatever the reason, it could take you a while to get over the shock or humiliation you're feeling and to adjust to having a new supervisor, if that's the case.

Follow these three steps to help you move on after you didn't get to move up.

1. Be gracious.

New York career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman advises, "Be great! You have to be great and professional when this happens." Even if a much-loathed coworker receives a promotion you'd coveted, extend congratulations to her. Also, offer sincere assurances that you're going to be the same team player you've always been.

Doing your best to support all of your colleagues will only help your professional reputation. A stalwart attitude will deflect any passing pity people may be tempted to feel for you.

2. Get answers.

Brown-Volkman counsels her clients, "When you're trying to find out what happened, first look inward. Many times people know why they didn't get a promotion."

After your emotions have settled, set up a meeting with the powers that be to discover why you didn't win the promotion. Brown-Volkman, author of numerous books including "Coach Yourself to a New Career," says, "People don't like to tell other people the cold hard truth, so you have to give them permission to tell the truth." She suggests assuring your supervisor and colleagues that there won't be any consequences for being honest. "Tell them, 'This is just for me.'"

Bring questions to your meeting so you can learn how to overcome any professional shortcomings or lack of specific skills. Ask for suggestions as to how you can better improve your performance. Request specific situations that made your superiors doubt your ability to handle the new position. Try to get your employers to help subsidize some professional development courses that might improve your performance on the job.

And then, says Brown-Volkman, "Start making changes."

3. Make your move.

After you learn why you didn't get a promotion, you may come to understand that you're not perceived as management material and even the best in-office public relations campaign would be futile. To climb to the next notch, you may need to move on to a new employer.

"If you've given it your best shot and it's going nowhere, it may be that you're just not a fit for that organization," says Brown-Volkman. "Find a place where you do fit."

Employees who have worked for only one company often face a similar predicament. Diversifying your employment experience is a plus, and Brown-Volkman firmly believes that other companies will value your talents.

"People get stuck in failure," she states. "But you didn't fail. It was a learning experience."

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Give Thanks, Get the Job

Recruiter Roundtable Discusses Thank-You Notes
by Yahoo! HotJobs


The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

How much do thank-you notes from candidates influence your hiring decisions?

Market Yourself Well

Thank-you notes are a nice gesture, and I would always encourage candidates to follow up with one after an interview. However, as far as influencing a hiring decision, I have yet to see someone being extended an offer because of it. The strongest candidate will get the offer. Every little bit helps in marketing yourself as the best and most enthusiastic person for the role. If you do send a thank-you note, always check for spelling and grammar!
-- Bob Hancock, senior manager of global talent acquisition, Electronic Arts

No Question About It

Sending a thank-you note is a must. When a job candidate sends me a thank-you note, it shows me the person is truly interested in the opportunity. This simple gesture can distinguish one applicant over another. In fact, when considering multiple people for an open position, I typically recall who has and hasn't sent a thank-you note.

The thank-you note is valuable for job seekers beyond demonstrating their interest in a position. This also is an opportunity to re-emphasize the skills and expertise they would bring to the role and address any outstanding concerns they may have from the interview.

The best strategy is to send a quick e-mail shortly after the interview followed by a handwritten note. Whether you choose to send a thank-you via e-mail or in writing, the key is to send one!
-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International

A Good Way to Stand Out

While my hiring managers or I would not make a hiring decision based solely on a thank you note, a short and well-written note from a candidate following an interview will certainly not hurt their chances. As most candidates don't follow up this way, you will automatically stand out if you do, and this can set you apart from the crowd in a positive way.

For example, a tasteful hand-written card sent to your interviewer is thoughtful, and will probably end up on their desk or bulletin board for awhile, further reminding them of you when they see it. An alternative is to send an email note, which may appear more professional, will arrive more quickly, and has the advantage of being able to be forwarded on to other interested parties within the company.
-- Suzanne McFadden, senior technical staffing consultant, Wells Fargo

Boost Your Impact Easily

According to surveys, about 85 percent of executives say that a post interview thank-you note has some influence on the hiring decision. While only half of candidates send thank-you notes, it seems to be an easy gesture everyone should use to greatly impact the hiring process. Surveys also suggest that hiring managers are divided in terms of preference for receiving thank-you notes by email or letter. It is therefore up to you to decide which method best fits the culture of the organization.
-- Yves Lermusi, CEO of Checkster

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Bullet-Proof Yourself Against a Layoff

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


It's often easy to spot round of layoffs looming at your company: There's talk of mergers or acquisitions, belts are being tightened, and hiring comes to a standstill. But how can you protect yourself in that situation?

A layoff can catch even the most seasoned professionals off guard. Some of these folks are able to take their job loss in stride. In fact, they may not even miss a beat. Why? Because they've bullet-proofed their professional lives. You can, too, with these four elements.

1. An up-to-the-minute resume.

The moment you're laid off, you're going to be chasing down new job leads, each of which will require you to furnish a resume. Your resume must be completely current and immediately available in several formats at all times. The morning after a layoff is no time to start figuring out how to paraphrase everything you've accomplished in your former job. You may be reeling with emotion (or even a bit hungover, if you drowned your sorrows in a beer or three) and unable to think clearly.

Remember, too, if you're laid off with a bunch of other folks from your company, you may be competing with them for each and every lead. In this case, the early bird will likely get the interview. Update your resume every month to make sure you're armed and ready for anything.

2. Six months of living expenses (above and beyond your savings).

If you're laid off, you'll probably be eligible for unemployment insurance. However, even the maximum unemployment benefits may pale in comparison to your regular salary and could jeopardize your finances and your entire life.

Rather than panicking and accepting the first offer that comes your way, a small nest egg will allow you to make decisions based on what is best for your career in the long term rather than what's right for your wallet in the short term.

3. An active network.

If you've let your network languish, most folks in it won't have too much sympathy when you look to cry on their shoulders and exploit their industry contacts. However, if you've been a good networker and an even better professional friend, the troops will be more likely to rally around you in your time of need, even making calls on your behalf and putting their reputation on the line to recommend you. Work your network every week, making sure you're helping others so that they'll be there to help you in a pinch.

4. A backup plan.

Even the most stellar resume, supportive network, and neat nest egg may not be enough for you to land a prime position in a timely manner. Having an alternate means of generating income in tough times will stave off feelings of financial and professional panic. Perhaps you have a much-coveted skill, such as accounting, child-care, welding, plumbing, or programming that will help you land temporary positions to tide you over and help you feel productive. Seeking out these opportunities on a part-time basis may also allow you the time to continue to pursue your chosen profession.

Also, consider that if you cannot get the precise position you had, you may still get a position related to your former job. Keep your mind open to keep your options open.

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'Green Collar' Jobs Are Poised for Growth

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

For career changers thinking about growth and advancement potential, forget the blue-collar and white-collar categories: Green is the way to go.

A bull market has begun to develop in green careers and opportunities for job seekers and career changers. Careers promoting environmental responsibility that are now considered cutting edge will become mainstream within a decade, according to Bracken Hendricks, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress.

"The growth in green careers will be like the Internet boom, which not only created new jobs, but also significantly impacted the overall economy," he says.

Wide Range of New Jobs

A recent study by the Cleantech Network, a venture capital firm for green business, showed that up to half a million new jobs in ecologically responsible trades will blossom in the next three years alone. And jobs will pop up at every income level, from chief sustainability officer to "green" maintenance supervisor. A few job titles poised for growth include:

* green product designer -- designs products that use less energy and raw materials to produce and consume less energy and resources to use.

* energy rating auditor -- performs a comprehensive analysis of a building's energy efficiency. An energy retrofitter can use an auditor's recommendations to create more efficient home heating and cooling systems for existing buildings.

* environmental manager -- coordinates management of organization's environmental performance to protect and conserve natural resources.

* biological systems engineer -- designs, manages, and develops systems and equipment that produce, package, process, and distribute the world's food and fiber supplies.

* permaculture specialist -- analyzes land use and community building to create a harmonious blend of buildings, microclimate, plants, animals, soils, and water.

* urban arborist -- a landscaper or greenskeeper with an understanding of conservation and renewable resources.

In addition, professionals will find opportunities by adding green to their skill sets, from accountants who can manage corporate carbon emission offsets, to zookeepers who must maintain environmentally sensitive and ecologically friendly animal habitats.

More Growth on the Horizon

Part of the growth in green collar jobs will come from government initiatives: The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Green Jobs Act of 2007 that would provide $125 million annually to train people for green vocational fields that offer living wages and upward mobility for low-income communities.

In the private sector, Bank of America launched a $20 billion initiative to support environmentally sustainable business activity to address global climate change, and Citigroup plans to commit $50 billion to environmental projects over the next decade.

With that kind of rapid growth, supply and demand is likely to be unbalanced for a while. "If you look at jobs in solar, wind and renewable energy management, there are very few people with the right training and this could lead to a serious labor shortage," said Rona Fried, president of sustainablebusiness.com, a news and networking service for growing sustainable businesses.

Get in on the Action

For anyone considering a green collar-career path, consider:

* Can your current job be 'greened'? An employer who values you may be willing to train you to include skills to meet the goals of the company's green initiatives.

* Can you go back to school? An increasing number of colleges are offering environmental studies programs and green MBAs.

* Do you already have the skills? Start on eco job boards, and check out sustainablebusiness.com, ecojobs.com, greenbiz.com, and treehugger.com.

As in traditional careers, personal connections help in finding a green-collar job. Volunteering for an eco-friendly organization could help build those connections while doing some good for the planet.

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Pushing Past a Career Slump

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Are you having trouble getting out of bed in the morning? Are you bored at work and can't wait for the weekends? Has your great "idea well" run dry? These could be signs that have a lack of motivation in your career.

"If you find your career stagnating, it's on you to figure out what will help motivate you," says Kurt Weyerhauser, managing partner with Kensington Stone, an executive search firm. "In today's economy you are really left on your own to drive your career and achieve your aspirations."

While it's important to determine if you've hit a wall because your job isn't interesting and challenging, there are steps you can take to get out of a career slump.

Understand What Motivates You

Exploring the things that truly motivate you will help get your career moving in the right direction. Some people are motivated by job titles and money, while some may be motivated by helping others. If your current job isn't meeting these needs, you'll have a better understanding of which direction to head in next.

Motivation can also come from setting goals. Understanding your goals and how your current job fits into the bigger plan is the key. "Goals move you and your career forward," says Andrea Kay, an author and career counselor in Cincinnati. "They can help you develop as a person."

Challenge Yourself

When defining your goals, make sure you build in your own challenges. "There is no benevolent corporation to manage your career for you," warns Weyerhauser. "You don't have to wait for your company to provide training or a development plan in order to move forward."

One strategy to get you motivated is to get a support system in place that challenges you.

Another strategy is a little friendly competition. "Maybe you can assign yourself a well-known counterpart and measure your career by hers -- not competitively, but if you admire what she's accomplished, you can set guideposts to help you get to that point," says Rachel Weingarten, author of "Career and Corporate Cool."

Keep Your Cool

Weingarten warns that the worst thing you can do is let your boss or colleagues know that you're not on top of your game. So keep your lack of motivation to yourself or vent feelings to safe mentors.

If you find that you can't stir up any motivation you may want to begin a new job hunt, but be careful not to let your current work slide in the meantime.

"The last thing you want to happen is to be fired for lack of performance," says Jan Melnik, president of Absolute Advantage,a professional career management firm in Durham, Connecticut. "It's infinitely better to take control and find the right career and propel yourself in a new, exciting direction."

Finally, don't make any rash decisions or lose your cool. "It's not a good idea to walk off the job or tell someone off," says Kay, as such impulses could tarnish your professional reputation.

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Five Ways to Make Unemployment Work for You

by Katherine Tom, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Hate your job? Unemployment might not seem like an attractive alternative, but it comes with one major upside: more time. With the right game plan, you can take advantage of a temporary pause between jobs to reevaluate and rejuvenate your entire career.

Dean LaTourette, co-author of "Time Off! The Upside to Downtime," observes, "While it can be a scary time, most people who allow themselves a break find that getting laid off or quitting their job ends up being one of the best career moves they ever made."

1. Work Your Network

Sure, you're browsing the job listings every day and applying to positions as they come up. But imagine if you could multiply your efforts a hundredfold. Today's online networking sites not only make it a breeze to let your friends know you're looking for work, they also give you access to your friends' networks. That's an exponential increase in potential employment connections.

Make sure all of your online info is up-to-date and typo-free, re-activate resumes that you may have hidden when you found your last job, and let your friends and colleagues know that you're actively seeking employment.

2. Get an Internship or Volunteer

If you're considering a complete career change, working for free may be your best bet for gaining experience in your desired field. Well-established volunteer and internship programs often include formal training, which is basically like a free education in your new vocation. If you have technical skills or a consulting background, doing pro bono work can be a great way to build your portfolio while contributing to a good cause.

3. Go Back to School

In addition to traditional graduate schools, there are dozens of options for getting job-relevant training year-round. Most major universities offer extension courses for a variety of professional fields including marketing, graphic design, and computer programming. Media Bistro, another valuable resource, offers writing and media courses both online and in six cities across the U.S.

4. Explore Your Hobbies

Ever spent a spare moment at work wishing you could spend more time fishing, painting, cooking, or whatever your passion is? Well consider your wish granted. Unemployment can be a perfect time to explore your personal passions. At worst, you'll get to enjoy yourself, and at best you may find a way to make money doing what you love.

Michelle Goodman, author of the "Anti 9 to 5 Guide," points out that "even if you're not going for investment money, it's helpful to write down the basics of your business plan: how much it will take to break even, the cost of supplies, analysis of your competitors. Putting it on paper makes it hard to be in denial about finances."

5. Travel

Recently the Center for Economic and Policy Research released a report entitled "No Vacation Nation" which revealed that 1 in 4 American workers receive no paid vacation or holidays. Even those lucky employees who get paid time off receive up to 30 days fewer than their European counterparts. So take advantage of your time off and take a well-deserved vacation. If you sublet your apartment or home and choose a cheap destination, you could even end up saving money while you're away.

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