Just Say No: Five Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Employer caution has extended the hiring process by weeks, even months. You may interview for a position several times, in person and by phone. No matter how long the process is and how well you've gotten to know your potential colleagues, it's still perfectly acceptable to turn down a job offer. In fact, there may be many valid reasons that you should politely decline an opportunity, assuming, of course, that you're not in dire financial straits.

1. The word on "The Street."

Is the company's stock price tanking? Or is there talk of a merger? Both of these things could indicate that layoffs loom large, and the position you accept today may not exist in a few months. To calculate your risks, speak with industry experts, do your due diligence on Yahoo! Finance, and consult with family and trusted friends. If you still want to accept the position, try to obtain an iron-clad employment contract.

2. A revolving "Employees Only" door.

A certain percentage of employee turnover is normal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average voluntary employee turnover in the U.S. for 2006 was 23.4 percent. However, high employee turnover should raise a red flag for any potential worker. Research a company thoroughly before accepting an offer. Also, be sure to listen carefully during the hiring process. Do interviewers keep referring to folks who've left the company or mentioning a total lack of redundancy? These could be signs that people are leaving faster than replacements can be recruited.

3. Money isn't everything; it's the only thing.

If money is a major factor in your decision to accept a new job, think twice before you do. In fact, think three times. Even four.

Depending on your personal financial situation and how much more you'd be earning in a new job, money may not buy you on-the-job happiness or professional fulfillment. It may not even guarantee career advancement. Assess your finances. Revisit your career goals. Look at the situation with a big-picture view of your future. Making a move for a modest increase may not be worth it if there's more long-term potential with your current employer. Also, be sure to calculate your entire compensation package to make sure that you're not forfeiting a valuable retirement or insurance plan for a bigger paycheck.

4. All work, no life.

There's a time in almost everyone's career where they have to put their nose to the grindstone and work almost to the point of burnout. If you're just beginning your career or starting a second one, this may be what lies ahead for the next few years. However, if you're a mid-careerist with a family and personal obligations, it may not be wise to accept an 80-hour-a-week job. Consider the impact your new schedule will have on you and your family. Will generous vacation make up for the longer hours? Is there flex time available so you can still attend family functions? Can you work from home? Forfeiting invaluable work-life balance benefits without assessing the consequences can have a devastating impact on your personal life.

5. A bad reputation.

Going to work for a company with a reputation that's been sullied by a corporate scandal or that isn't well respected can, in turn, sully your resume. Investigate any potential employer's standing within their industry. Solicit opinions from within your network as well as that of an executive recruiter. You may learn that it's better to be a top salesperson at an admired organization rather than a VP of sales at a suspect one.

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Four Cover Letter Flubs to Avoid

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Resumes get a lot of attention during a job hunt. However, don't forget to give your cover letter its due. After all, employers usually review a cover letter prior to looking at your resume. If your cover letter doesn't pass muster, your resume won't ever get any attention at all.

Each time you craft a new cover letter, be sure to avoid these four flubs that can contribute to missed opportunities.

1. Gender Bender

Don't start things off on the wrong foot with a gender-specific salutation, such as "Gentlemen." In fact, it's best to completely avoid references to gender as they can seem dated and even offend someone who is transitioning to another gender. Rather, try to find out the name of the person who will be reviewing your resume and address the cover letter to that individual. If this isn't possible, opt for "To Whom It May Concern," the most neutral of all salutations.

2. One Letter Doesn't Fit All

It's fine to create a standard cover letter during your job search, but be sure that you use extreme caution when revising the letter for different employers. Common errors include listing the wrong job title, company name, date, or source of a job listing. Take the time to be sure that you've got your facts straight in each letter -- and while you're at it, spend a few more moments tailoring a unique response to each employer.

3. Size Matters

A cover letter should be just that -- a letter. Put thought into its content. While you don't want to submit a two-page tome, so to speak, you do want your cover letter to consist of more than a sentence or two. Three well-written paragraphs outlining your interest in the position and qualifications are ideal. Anything shorter could communicate a lack of effort while anything longer probably won't be read.

4. Take Direction Well

Employers want to know if you take direction well -- and that appraisal begins with your cover letter. If you're asked to send your resume to a particular person, make sure you do so. Follow any format requests (PDF, Microsoft Word, text documents, etc.). Also, if an ad states that you must include your salary requirements to be considered, do so if you really want to be considered for the position. Ignoring obvious instructions at the stage of the game is an easy way to guarantee you won't be hired.

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The First-Time Manager's Guide to Success

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


You worked hard, became the go-to person on your team and finally were promoted to manager. You feel that you've arrived. And you may have already made your first mistake.

"A lot of people think there's some glory in getting this title of manager" and take the job because of the success it implies, not because they really want to manage other people, said Gerard H. Gaynor, author of "What Every New Manager Needs to Know."

But never fear. Gaynor and other experts have tips on five common mistakes new managers make -- and how you can avoid them.

Take Time to Learn

You naturally want to show the people who promoted you that they made the right decision, so it's tempting to try to make big changes right away. "There's always pressure to do something soon to get some visibility," said Libby Pannwitt, a career counselor and principal of Work Life Design Group in San Carlos, California.

But it's better to take it slow. "There's an awful lot to learn," Pannwitt said. "Who are the other players? What is your place in the hierarchy? What is the contribution that's expected of you?" And if you spend some time listening and learning, when you do take on a big project you'll be more likely to succeed.

Share the Work

If you're feeling overwhelmed with all the work you have to do, take a careful look to be sure you're not still trying to do your old job as well. It's a common mistake of new managers, said Carol W. Ellis, a business and career management consultant and in Placitas, New Mexico, and author of "Management Skills for New Managers."

"In many cases they've been rewarded for doing work," Ellis said. "Therefore they're afraid to give it up." Remember, though, that your old job is now someone else's responsibility -- and yours is to make sure your team succeeds, not to do all the work yourself.

Listen to Your Staff

Making decisions without getting your staff's input can cause two problems. First, you won't benefit from the insights they may have had about how best to go about your project. Second, your staff will not have any investment in making sure the project is successful.

"If employees don't feel that they were involved in the decision, then they can have all kinds of excuses for why this program or project is not going to work," said Carole C. Edman, a human resources consultant and coach in San Jose, California.

Share Good News

If someone compliments you on your team's work, tell your team. Some new managers "don't think people need to know when they do a good job," Ellis said. But that's not true. Sharing praise helps build trust.

Expand Your Perspective

As a manager, you have to expand your thinking to know what other groups are doing and how their work and your group's affect each other.

"Your scope of interest must go beyond the scope of interest of your group," Gaynor said. "You just can't sit back and say, 'I've got my own little shop over here.'"

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Internships Give Students a Career Advantage

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

With summer just around the corner, college students are getting serious about finding internships.

"Many young people don't know what they want to do when they come out of college," said Susan Terry, director of the Center for Career Services at the University of Washington in Seattle. "The internship gives them a chance to dabble."

Internships give college students access to workplaces that would otherwise be unlikely to hire them for the summer. Larger companies with well-organized programs may provide mentoring and a chance to work on a project that will benefit a college student's resume.

Experience That Pays Off

Interns "learn how to apply what they're learning in class in the real world," said Nadene Francis, assistant director for public relations at the University of Florida Career Resource Center. "It makes them more marketable to potential full-time employers or to graduate programs."

Indeed, many companies use internship programs as a way to evaluate students for potential full-time jobs. A survey of employers last year by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that the employers offered jobs to more than 70 percent of their interns.

And internships can help sell candidates to other companies, as well: The same survey found that more than 60 percent of the new college grads hired by the companies that responded had some sort of internship experience, though not necessarily at the company that hired them.

Expand Your Horizons

Students looking for internships should think broadly. For example, someone who is planning to go to medical school doesn't need to work in an obstetrician's office for the summer. An internship with a pharmaceutical company, a medical nonprofit or even an insurance company could provide valuable experience, Francis said.

It's also important to remember that although some internships pay very well, others offer low pay -- or none at all. Some count for college credit; others do not.

"Don't let the fact that it's unpaid deter you," Francis said. "Plan ahead. Work other parts of the year, or do a better job of budgeting."

Tools for the Search

So what's the best way to find an internship? In many ways, an internship search is similar to a job search: Online postings, career fairs and networking are all good sources of leads. College students have an additional resource in their career centers. And psychology majors, for example, should check with the psychology department for internships in their field.

Some deadlines for summer internships have already passed, so students who haven't started looking may need to look beyond the biggest companies.

"There are plenty of internships available year-round for students," Terry said. "It's certainly not too late."

Plan for Interviews

Francis suggests students take a regional approach: First, they figure out where they'll be for the summer. Then they consider what skills they would like to develop, and research companies or organizations in that area where they might get that experience.

Jamila Blake, who is interviewing candidates for an internship coordinating volunteers at Willow Tree Hospice in West Grove, Pa., said candidates can make a good impression by being on time and dressing appropriately for their interview. She is looking for evidence that a candidate is interested in marketing, as well as experience as a volunteer.

"It's important to ask questions" during the interview, Blake said. "You're interviewing the agency as well."

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Make a Fresh Start This Spring

Spring-Cleaning to Improve Your Work Life
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Spring has sprung. What better way to embrace the season by doing a little professional spring cleaning?

De-clutter Your Desk

The long winter may have left your desk in disarray. Piles of papers, sticky notes that have stuck around for way too long, and unread news articles are common culprits.

To begin the unpleasant process, you'll have to admit some lies. You're not ever going to "Call Tom!" or read the pile of trade magazines gathering dust in the corner.

File away anything that you must keep. Take action on what you've been avoiding but are willing to address. Toss everything else.

Clutter on your desk and in your office clutters your mind.

Out With the Old Projects, in With the New

If you're like most people, you probably have an unfinished project or two on your plate.

Take a look at why each project remains unfinished. Are you merely being lazy? Or are you overwhelmed by the work that still needs to be done? Perhaps the project itself is shaping up to be a waste of time and resources.

Whatever the case, speak with your supervisor to get the assistance you need to finish a project -- or the permission to abandon it altogether.

You can't spring forward if you're bogged down with old projects.

Organize Your Email Inbox

If you've got scores of old emails lingering in your inbox, you may risk noticing important new messages. Address old messages this spring so you can face the season with an empty inbox.

Also, if you haven't done so, create folders for important messages that you wish to keep after they've been addressed.

And here's one final point for motivation: Some professional spring cleaning can go a long way to enhancing your attitude and productivity.

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Do the Right Thing With Your References

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

If you're like most job seekers, you probably pay lots of attention to your resume and even your cover letter. In comparison, your references may be something of an after-thought, but treating them as such is a huge tactical error in your quest for work. A thoughtful and stellar reference can help you get hired, while an unenthusiastic, uninformative reference may hurt your chances.

Here are eight do's and don'ts to make the most of your references.

The Do's:

    * Do remove "References available upon request" from your resume. Of course they are!
    * Do mention a reference by name in your cover letter if that individual works at the company to which you're applying and has a good reputation there. This will help ensure that your resume gets the attention it deserves.
    * Do keep your references varied. List just one per job or period in your professional life.
    * Do check in with your references at least two times a year. Let each person know where you're at in your career. Also, remember to see if there's any way you can help them in their careers.

The Don'ts:

    * Don't give your references out to prospective employers without being asked. Also, make sure you're being asked at the appropriate point in the hiring process. It should be clear that you're under serious consideration when you provide them.
    * Don't provide a prospective employer with too many references. Three should be ample. Just be sure that each has something unique to say about your talents and your contributions at each job you've done.
    * Don't list references that go too far back in your employment history, unless the person you're using as a reference is famous in the field in which you're working, or your contribution to that company was particularly noteworthy.
    * Don't ask your references to "stretch the truth." It's bad enough if you get caught in a lie. If a professional reference is implicated in it, it can damage that person's reputation as well.

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References Rules That Shouldn't Be Broken

by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International


"References available upon request" seems to pop up on many resumes. But is the line really necessary?

No. Hiring managers assume you are able to provide this information when asked. Plus, by omitting the line from your document, you can save valuable space.

The following excerpts, all from real application materials, illustrate some other common mistakes people make when giving their references. Also provided are tips for avoiding these errors.

Choosing the wrong people

"References: My best friend."

When considering your list of references, select people you've worked with who can speak to your qualifications and professional attributes. Rest assured, glowing recommendations from a sibling or old college roommate will hold little weight with prospective employers. Coworkers and former managers are best.

Leaving out important details

"Bill, Tom, Eric. Phone numbers: I don't know."
"Contact John. He's the troubleman in the electric department."

List your references on a separate sheet of paper from your resume and cover letter, and bring the document with you to the employment interview. It should include each person's name, job title and contact information. Make sure the information is accurate and complete. After all, an acquaintance won't be able to help you land the position if hiring managers can't reach him or her.

Taking a negative tone

"You will not get a good reference on me from these folks, I am afraid."
"People who will talk about me behind my back."

Above all, you want prospective employers to speak with people who will paint you in a positive light -- so don't list those who aren't your biggest fans. Also make sure everyone on your list of references knows you well enough to provide in-depth information about your best qualities. It's a good idea to let references know the type of work you seek and send them a copy of your resume so they can better speak to your skills and experience.

Focusing on the funny bone

"'Believe it or not, he can really do it all.' -- Robert Ripley"
"'He's worth every penny.' -- Ebenezer Scrooge"

All of your job search materials should be written in a straightforward manner. Jokes do not always come across on paper, and there's no guarantee the person reading your application will share your sense of humor. Impress hiring managers with strong references, not funny quips.

Going on and on and on...

"References: Many managers."

Your roster of references should include three to five names. Most hiring managers will not require more; if a prospective employer wishes to speak to additional individuals, he or she will ask you for more people to contact.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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Where Should You Settle Down?

What to Consider Before Moving for Your Job
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


If you're just beginning your career or embarking on an entirely new one, you may be thinking about a change of scenery as well. How can you best decide which part of the country -- or the world -- will serve you best professionally?

Opportunity

Naturally, certain towns and cities are magnets for particular industries. New York has Wall Street and finance professionals. Los Angeles has Hollywood Boulevard and entertainment professionals. Chicago has North Michigan Avenue and advertising executives. However, while these areas represent the seats of these industries, opportunities still abound in many regions.

In other words, if you want to be a software developer, you may find a lot of opportunities in Silicon Valley -- and in other parts of the country as well.

Cost of Living

Typically, companies based in large metropolitan areas offer higher salaries. However, the cost of living is also higher -- perhaps to the point that a bigger salary won't compensate for it.

Create a budget based around living and working in different locales. Factor in what housing and transportation will cost as well as things such as entertainment. Make sure you're being realistic about your budget and always factor in socking away money for a rainy day.

Don't forget to take your lifestyle preferences into account. If you enjoy golf or tennis, pick a place to live where it will be easy (and within your budget) to pursue your favorite pastimes.

Airport Accessibility

If travel is a part of your profession, the location of your home can mean the difference between a happy personal life and a miserable one. Think strategically about how close you are to a major airport and how accessible public transportation to it is. If you're in and out of airports with great frequency, you'll want to be able to get home and unwind in a hurry.

You'll also want to ensure that you can take as many direct flights as possible. When your only option is a smaller airport, you may have take connecting flights more than you care to.

Economic Growth

Are you moving to an area that's experiencing economic growth? If so, that bodes well for your long-term prospects in the area. Even if you decide to change jobs or careers, a robust local economy will yield greater opportunity.

Contact local chambers of commerce for help in determining if the industry in which you work has a substantial presence in the area. This will be crucial in building a new professional network wherever you put down roots.

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Five Tips for Switching Career Paths

by Jennifer Merritt, Carolyn Bigda and Donna Rosato, MONEY Magazine


Switching fields may seem taboo, but it's quite doable, especially now when labor markets are tight. Almost half of the 164 employers who responded to our MONEY Magazine/Salary.com survey say they regularly target mid-career changers when recruiting. One reason: Switchers are dedicated to their move, with 32 percent saying they'll spend "as long as it takes" to get the necessary certification and schooling.

What are they looking for? Pay and advancement, sure, but also fulfillment and a sense that they can control their career paths.

Steve Mullins, 44, already has a good job: He's a telecommunications engineer for a pharmaceutical company. But he's studying to become a nurse -- it's a top job for career changers because demand is so high. "They can offshore my job any day of the week," says Mullins of Noblesville, Indiana. "And of course, when you fix a router, it doesn't say thanks."

To make your case to a hiring manager, follow these tips.

1. Show your commitment.

"Employers are seeing high turnover," says Kimberly Bishop, a senior client partner at recruiter Korn/Ferry International. "They want to make sure you will be the right fit."

You'll be more convincing if you take classes, join industry organizations or moonlight (even on a volunteer basis) within the field you're exploring before you try to go full time -- and you'll also have a much better idea if this really is the right move for you.

2. Quantify your skills.

It may not be obvious how what you know translates into what they do. So focus on your transferable skills -- not your experience -- in interviews and on your resume.

Quantify your accomplishments: Show that you increased sales X percent or managed Y number of people. "It helps provide the scope and breadth of your accomplishments," says Bishop, "and it shows you very clearly understand what you've done."

Also highlight areas in your background that give you an advantage. When interviewing for an IT position, Randy Jensen, 36, of Riverton, Utah, pointed out that after 15 years in radio, he has good communication skills. "I can string two sentences together," he says. "I'm not going to be a hermit in a cubicle."

3. Talk the talk.

Learning industry lingo is critical. "If you want to be a brand manager, you need to talk like one," says Ricki Frankel, a career coach who specializes in transitions. Read trade publications and job postings. And start networking.

To make the switch from sales engineer to marketing, Todd Cox, 39, of Atlanta, has been reading books and seeking out mentors. "It may be someone I read about or hear speak," he says. "I tell them what I'm trying to do and ask if they'll coach me along. It doesn't always work, but everyone gives me little tidbits."

4. Take a two-step approach.

"Every career is composed of two main factors, a job title and a particular industry," says Dick Bolles, author of "What Color Is Your Parachute?" "An easier way to transition is to change just one of those factors at a time."

So if you're a lawyer itching to become a travel writer, work as a writer for a legal publication first (new title) and then eventually move into travel writing (new industry).

Or do legal work for a travel publication and contribute pieces until you're able to pick up a writing position.

5. Give yourself enough time.

Quitting on a whim often results in a frantic scramble for a paycheck. Plus, you need to think through logistics. If you have to take a salary cut, how will you cover it? Are you willing to relocate?

It took Susan Rubin, 48, of Armonk, New York, four years to give up her legal practice and become a yoga instructor.

"I was hesitant to make the jump," she says, "but in the meantime, I was training and saving money. It was very hard for me to close the doors of my practice. But once I did, I never looked back."

Salary.com is a leading provider of on-demand compensation management solutions helping businesses and individuals manage pay and performance. For more information, visit salary.com.

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The Five Things You Need to Succeed

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Whether starting a career or moving into senior management, everyone defines success differently. Whatever definition you use, there are five assets that can help you realize it on a professional level.

1. A Thick Skin

As you climb the corporate ladder or chase your dreams, you'll likely encounter criticism and rejection. Learn how to accept both graciously sooner rather than later. Constructive criticism can help you refine your plans. Rejection becomes less scary after you experience it a couple of times, which will help you become a more bold business person.

2. A Rainy Day Fund

Pursuing professional success often involves risk-taking -- leaving a longtime job for a new opportunity, moving to another state or country, or opening your own business. It's easier to take such risks if you have even a modest financial cushion. Work now to create a nest egg big enough to cover six months of living expenses. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to answer when new opportunity knocks.

3. Confidence

Pursuing your passion -- whatever it may be -- requires courage. You need to be able to ask for a promotion, ask for business, ask for financing. This can be intimidating, but, not unlike rejection, practice makes perfect. Start asking for what you want; you may not always get it, but you'll become more comfortable (and confident) doing so.

4. A Goal

If you want to move forward in your professional life, you need a goal to move toward. If you don't have a goal, get one -- or your career could stagnate.

Once you've identified your long-term goal, begin assembling a list of short-term objectives that will act as stepping stones to achieving your dream.

If you find that you don't know what you want to do with your life, try meeting with a career coach or counselor who can work with you to identify your passions and how you can pursue them professionally.

5. A Role Model

Chasing success is never easy, but it can be easier if you follow in someone else's footsteps. Focus on an individual whose rise to professional power has inspired you and model some of your actions after hers. Your role model doesn't have to work in the same field as you. What's important is to zero in on the habits and work ethic that may help you in your career. Look at how she handled adversity or how much determination it took to keep doggedly pursuing a goal and let that inspire and motivate you to follow suit.

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Perfecting the Passive Job Search

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

Is your boss taking you for granted? Is business slowing around the office? You may not be ready to jump ship just yet, but you should start to explore other professional options. You need not engage in an all-out active job search. Rather, you can put out feelers in another way.

Follow these five steps to start your passive job search.

1. Post your resume online.

The easiest way to begin exploring your professional possibilities is to post your resume on Yahoo! HotJobs. By doing so, you're letting thousands of recruiters, human resources professionals, and employment experts know what your unique qualifications are and that you're interested in new opportunities.

Remember that your current employer might see your resume online, which may prompt your boss to give you a raise or a promotion if she's worried that you're going to jump ship. But you can also restrict searches of your resume, if you prefer.

2. Create an employer wish list.

Even if you're not yet ready to leave your current job, there are probably other employers in which you're interested. Create a comprehensive list of your dream employers. Research them on Yahoo! Finance. See if they show up on Fortune's popular "Best Companies to Work For" list. Then, find out if these companies employ people with your skill set.

3. Enlist your network.

Now that you have a list of dream employers, make inquiries to people in your network. Lauren Milligan, owner of Resumayday (www.resumayday.com), a career management services firm, warns against being too casual when reaching out for assistance. "If you're too casual, your network may not take your requests seriously," she counsels.

Ask if they've ever worked for any of the companies, or if they know of any who does. Request contacts (at any level) for each organization.

4. Harness the power of informational interviews.

Informational interviews are a powerful tool for the passive job seeker. Because you're not formally in the market for a new job, employers may welcome the opportunity to speak with you, as there is less pressure on both parties.

Career coach and resume expert Lauren Milligan believes informational interviews are a great way for any job seeker to gauge how attractive a candidate he is. Milligan says, "Near the end of the interview, ask, 'Do you mind looking at my resume?' Ask your interviewer to tell you what it's lacking so you can make yourself more marketable in your industry." Then, she says, "Find a way to acquire those skills or experiences while you still have your current job."

5. Follow up.

Whatever the immediate outcome of your search, continue to follow up with everyone in your network.

Career coach Milligan says, "Reach out and keep the people who've offered advice in the loop. If you've heeded it, drop them a note saying, 'I've taken your advice and I just want you to know you've been a big part of my success.' Or better yet, pick up the phone. Thanking someone ensures that they'll be there for you the next time you need help."

Conversely, if you know you want (and are now qualified for) a job at an informational interviewer's company, Milligan thinks you should ask for one. "Contact the person and say, 'I've done x, y, and z. I would like to pursue a position at your company. Can I send you a resume?'" Don't be afraid to be direct, she says. "You have to ask for the sale, so to speak. People rely on other folks to reach out, but the person on the other end has her own agenda. It can be a real time saver to just come out and ask for what you want."

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Five Simple Ways to Motivate Your Staff

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

Even the greatest jobs can become monotonous from time to time, and even the greatest employees can become unmotivated. As a team leader, it can seem hard to help staffers maintain their momentum on the job, but it doesn't have to be. Small gestures go a long way in winning the favor of your team members.

Try one of these five fun and low-cost methods for getting your staff inspired once again.

1. Give a gift certificate.

Gift certificates are an affordable way to reward an employee for going the extra mile.

Popular choices that are pleasing to most employees include Starbucks gift cards and Yahoo! Music download subscriptions.

Because most gift certificates can be purchased in modest denominations, you can likely avoid going through lots of corporate red tape to receive company permission and/or petty cash.

2. Spread the joy with happy hour.

Plan a Friday night happy hour for your immediate staff where you can all bond over a cocktail or two away from work and the rest of the company.

An hour spent kicking back with colleagues at a local watering hole can create camaraderie and allow you and your team to get to know each other better. Just remember not to overindulge when you drink or share stories.

3. That's the ticket!

What's the next big summer blockbuster that's coming to a theater near you? Find out and buy tickets to it for you and your staff. Ask management if you and your team can leave work an hour or two early for extra excitement.

If your staffers are more interested in sports, get group tickets to a baseball or basketball game. Contact the group ticket sales department of your local arena or stadium to ensure that you all are able to sit together.

4. Subsidize their education.

Show your teammates that you want to help them grow by investing in their success. Get permission from management to fund career development classes for staffers.

Rather than recommending specific courses, encourage each individual to find a class that is interesting to them as well as being helpful to their growth on your team.

5. Compliment them with comp time.

When people put in extra hours for you, go the extra mile for them by arranging for comp time. Keep track of the overtime each staffer puts in and speak with your supervisor or human resources manager about rewarding each individual with a "free" day off.

This may be outside company policy, but if your team members are consistently burning the midnight oil, management may agree that rewarding them with comp time is better than having them burn out.

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How to Deal With an Office Jerk

by Robert M. Detman, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Office life can have its ups and downs, but having to endure a jerk can make it miserable. Office jerks take on many forms, and thus require creative strategies for dealing with them.

Handling Six Common Types

The Loud Phone-Talker. "Obviously the first step is to pull them aside quietly and ask them to lower their voice when using the phone," says Julie Jansen, a career coach, consultant, and trainer. "If this doesn't stop them, you could dish out the same treatment and stand near their cube on your cell phone and talk loudly. Or you can hold up a sign that says, 'Please turn volume down.'"

The Hang-Arounder. When confronting the co-worker who chronically lingers to chat when you are trying to make a deadline -- a subtle jerk, but a jerk nonetheless -- try standing up when they enter your office or cube. "The unspoken message of your body language will clearly tell him or her to keep it brief and head for the door," says Ken Lloyd, author of "Jerks at Work: How to Deal With People Problems and Problem People."

The Idea Stealer. There is a strong possibility that this jerk can't distinguish between a good idea and a bad one. "Somewhere along the way, slip in a really bad idea and let the jerk steal that," Lloyd says. However, beware that this might only encourage the jerk to become worse.

The Meeting Monopolizer. Get creative. "Try eliminating the chairs and making it a standup meeting," Lloyd suggests. The monopolizer will likely get thrown off and won't have time to settle into the usual routine of unproductive dominance.

The Bully. Remember, you're not in high school anymore. "Hold your ground and refuse to be bullied," says Steve Piazzale, a career and life coach who runs BayAreaCareerCoach.com. "They'll usually back off over time."

The Boss. Sometimes dealing with a jerk should not be your problem, particularly if you have a manager who is a jerk. In this case you might take a look around the company and notice several jerks. "This may be part of the company culture," Piazzale says. "In which case get out!"

More General Coping Strategies

Passive. Avoidance is the most obvious solution if you don't want a confrontation with any type of office jerk. "You can go to your boss and ask him to intervene," says Jansen. Or, if things are really unbearable, you could ask to be relocated to another part of the office.

Active. Avoidance can backfire if the jerk continues the annoying behavior. Try talking to the person. "Difficult people don't always know they're being difficult," Jansen says. "People generally don't have a very high level of self-awareness, so specific and constructive feedback is important."

If you must confront a jerk, it is wise to take the high road. Career coach Piazzale says, "Try to understand where the behavior is coming from, and tailor your response to that."

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Work Burnout Threatens Vacations

Employees Need More Breaks, Survey Suggests
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


Despite summer's reputation for being a time of travel and leisure, many U.S. workers are not using all their vacation time and are too tired to plan a getaway, according to a new Yahoo! HotJobs survey.

Nearly half of the respondents (49%) said they feel "burned out" by their jobs, and many did not fully use vacation time as a remedy. Out of 1,800 professionals surveyed, 45% said they did not use all of their vacation days allotted in 2006, and 39% said they were too tired to take a "real" vacation during their days off.

"People don't always realize the true benefits of taking vacation time," says Susan Vobejda, vice president of marketing at Yahoo! HotJobs. "They focus more on the absence from work and related details, when in fact a vacation allows time to recharge batteries and come back to the office with new energy and increased productivity."

Why Create More Work?

There are several reasons why workers don't use all their vacation time: having too much work to do to take a vacation (36%), not being able to afford a getaway (34%), wanting to save vacation time for emergencies (32%), and worrying about coming back to an excessive workload after a vacation (15 percent).

"I think people have thrown in the vacation towel," says Debra Davenport, a professional mentor, licensed career counselor, and employment agent. "What's the point of taking a vacation when you're still strapped to your cell phone and laptop, and, worse, you return to the office from your break only to have 500 emails, 100 voicemails, and weeks of work to catch up on?"

Taking a 'Mental Health Day'

When people do take time off, it's often used in ways unrelated to vacations. In fact, nearly a third of respondents (31%) said they use the time to run errands, such as doctor visits, and 30% said they often use vacation time as "mental health days" to cope with stress.

"The issue," says Davenport, "is making self-care a priority. Vacations are an extension of that mindset."

The Problem of Presenteeism

Liz Bywater, president of Bywater Consulting Group, which specializes in organizational behavior change, suggests that elements of corporate culture may be responsible for the work-vacation imbalance.

"Part of the problem is that our culture supports an ethic of 'presenteeism,' whereby employees show up for work even when they are too ill or tired to be effective on their jobs," she says. "There is an expectation, sometimes unspoken, that people will come to work under all but the most extreme circumstances."

Making Vacation a Priority

Bywater offers the following tips for making the most of vacations:

Choose the vacation that best meets your needs. You may need a peaceful retreat from stress, or you may benefit from something more active and exciting. Avoid the kind of vacation that will leave you even more exhausted than before.

Plan ahead for your time off. Take practical steps to manage your workload with your upcoming vacation in mind. Try to wrap up important projects before you leave. Don't leave behind time-sensitive tasks that only you can handle.

Enlist help. Ask a trusted coworker to back you up while you're away and offer to return the favor. It's much easier to relax when you know someone's got you covered.

Have no regrets. You earned the vacation, so enjoy it!

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Get Serious About Your Career in Four Steps

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Summer and all its trappings -- reduced hours, vacations, lazy days -- are terrific. But did you know you can still get serious about your career while you're having fun in the sun?

Follow these four steps to be prepared to reach new heights this fall.

1. Draw the line online.

Social networking sites can be fun, but if you're serious about getting serious about your career, it's time to move your online networking to a more purposeful level. Delete any profiles that exist on sites catering primarily to adolescents, and migrate to a structured professional networking site. You may lose a thousand "friends" or so, but you'll likely gain much more viable business contacts.

2. Take a trip with purpose.

Unplugging from work can make you a more productive professional, but you may consider combining business and pleasure on your next getaway. Instead of just sitting on a beach for a week, why not visit a city or site that is critical to your vocation? You may even arrange a tour of an industry leader's facilities. Newspapers, television studios, and manufacturers are just a few of the types of businesses that offer an inside look at their workings.

Or use your vacation as an opportunity to fill out the "Volunteer Activities" portion of your resume by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or another worthy cause.

3. Do a little academic planning.

You can take it easy this summer, but if you want to get ahead come September, get a catalog from your local university and enroll in a class for the fall. Choose a course that will help you do your current job better or one that helps you move into management. Involve your supervisor so that she knows you're serious about advancing your knowledge -- and so that she may help you get reimbursed for the course.

4. Put a little business in your beach reading.

Society has become more than a little obsessed with pop culture. While it's fun to be in the know about Paris Hilton's jail stint when you're standing around the water cooler, it's better to be in the know about the most recent business and management trends when you're trying to be taken seriously.

So instead of taking a celebrity tabloid to the beach, start tackling the latest and the greatest business books or magazines. If you're not sure where to start, ask your boss what his management must-reads are. Also, consult the New York Times Book Hardcover Nonfiction Best Seller list, which is updated every week. Or get in the habit of reading the business section of your local newspaper as a way to stay more informed.

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