It wasn’t that long ago, when you accepted a job offer, the employer anticipated that you’d stick around for a “while.” Businesses valued loyalty and those workers who stayed around long enough reaped the added benefits of their commitment to their employer. Yet, over the last couple of decades, that “while” has dwindled from a…
For reasons beyond reason, the current administration has decided that Nursing is no longer to be classified as a Profession. And, unfortunately, they are serious! Removing this “professional” designation for nursing is an insane, totally unwarranted and misguided slap in the face to the millions of women and men in the United States who…
When it comes right down to reality, there is very little in this life that we, as individuals, actually own. Think about it: Do you own your own home? Or does a bank or mortgage company own it and you’re paying them for the right to live there? How about your car? Do you own…
For the longest time, it seemed like employers had a preference for Chronological resumes. Certainly, that’s what the career centers, employment counselors and books on the subject suggested. A chronological resume featured the applicants’ work history in reverse historical order, most recent jobs first. Each job listed would state specific actions performed, equipment used, (hopefully)…
There’s been a lot of discussion lately about the proliferation of AI. Certainly, the ongoing development of machines and software that can learn and apply its data, speed up problem-solving, and attempt to mimic human behavior aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon. There’s no denying that AI technology utilization is hitting mass acceptance due in part…
The reality is, particularly when it comes to job search, the seeker is almost always going to contend with more “no,” than “yes.” If only every applicant could find their dream job on the first try! Heck, any job on the first shot! But the numbers just aren’t in our favor. So, it is a…
Regardless of your own personal attitudes toward the use and legalization of cannabis products, the reality is that the pot industry isn’t going anywhere. And while canna-biz might not be growing at the pace many predicted or hoped, its presence in the consumer marketplace is undeniable. Whether for medicinal or recreational use, edibles, tinctures, flower…
Since the late 19th Century, when our forebearers began the transition from animal and human-powered transportation (think oxen or horse-drawn carriages and bicycles) to the earliest cars, the automotive industry has seen a tremendous amount of change. Nearly every aspect of the way cars are designed and manufactured has undergone near continuous transformation. Through all…
We are now entering Graduation Season. A Rite of Spring that conveys completion, accomplishment and change. So let me say: Congratulations on your graduation. May it be the first step on your way to achieving your goals and dreams! But let’s get real. Whatever your circumstances, whatever your goals, getting where you want to go…
While waiting for a friend in a hotel lounge recently, I had the chance to speak with the in-house staffing manager prior to his meeting and interview with a prospective employee. The manager, Randall, had been actively recruiting for a new sales manager to bring in more convention business and to oversee catering and meeting…
While visiting a friend in Hong Kong in 1979, I was invited to tour the refugee camps that were occupied by the Vietnamese “boat people.” After the fall of Saigon in 1975, over 200,000 immigrants barely arrived in Hong Kong from Viet Nam on mostly insanely overcrowded, rickety vessels, having upended their lives and livelihoods…
Since the recent U.S. presidential election, there’s been a fair amount of speculation about what the employment picture will look like under the incoming administration. As of this writing, there are no guarantees about how jobs will be affected. And the speculation will likely continue for the immediate future only because any actions taken by…
With across-the-board worker shortages in the health care field at an all-time high, the strain on existing staff degrades patient care. This is evident in the staffing of hospitals, private medical offices, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. Also of note, since the COVID pandemic, the costs of good childcare have increased substantially while access…
Recently, while in the company of a handful of young adults, of course the topic of job search came up. Four of the five were gainfully employed, while one was “exploring his options.” Believing it would ok to inquire, I asked, “How long has it been since you last worked?” Apparently not interested in discussing…
Frequently in this space you have been encouraged to be brief in your responses to interview questions, on resumes, etc. The encouragement continues! It is important to be clear and concise in your written and verbal communication with potential employers. You want to retain their interest, not whack them over the head with too much…
Looking for a job and doing all the requisite document planning and interviewing is no fun. It’s not supposed to be. In fact, the process of job search is mind-numbing and repetitive. Thankfully, you survive after putting yourself through all the emotional changes and anxieties – even when you don’t succeed at getting the job!…
One of the most important aspects of customer service is the ability to actively listen to customers and their concerns about your business, service or product. This responsibility falls to everyone in every company! However, the inability or refusal to listen and effectively respond to the concerns or complaints of customers can be the death…
If you’re ever driving Highway 1 along the California central coast, a great place to stop, stretch and enjoy the scenery is the Pigeon Point Light Station. It juts out prominently over the water about 50 miles south of San Francisco. People from all over the world stop here to take in the magnificent views…
Many of today’s employees will never know the attachment of working for the same company for 20 + years. That kind of longevity with one firm is not as attractive to the younger generations who have demonstrated a proclivity for job hopping in hopes of improving their stature, salary, benefits, work challenges, and myriad other…
On a commuter bus recently, a father and his teenage son sat in the seats immediately in front of me. Unavoidably able to hear their discussion about college applications and homework, it was easy to determine the father had a loving interest in his son’s scholastic achievements. The father began talking about his son’s grades…
