Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # HankLondon.com Career Development And Communication Strategies ## Posts - [Blog](https://hanklondon.com/blog/) - [An Encounter](https://hanklondon.com/an-encounter/) - As I’ve mentioned here before, I frequently get around via public transportation. This past weekend was no different. Heading out to see some free, live music, my sojourn required two busses to my destination and two for the return. The ride to my destination is usually the better timed. On this return trip, however, the - [What's Next?](https://hanklondon.com/whats-next/) - You’ve busted your butt for much longer than you ever could have imagined in finding your new job. After multiple interviews that didn’t pan out, rejections, and the silence of non-responses from countless submissions, you finally landed a gig! Whether it’s the job of your dreams, a stopover on the way to something bigger and - [The Path You Choose](https://hanklondon.com/the-path-you-choose/) - If you are fortunate enough to live near or have ever been to any open space, like parks, empty fields, etc., you have probably encountered what is referred to as a “social path.” You’ve undoubtedly seen them: What started out as an area that showed no footprints, over time became worn and devoid of natural - [Religion & Politics](https://hanklondon.com/religion-politics/) - Whether we’re talking about local, state, or national elections, candidates or referendums, there is little in our discourse as polarizing as our political opinions. Discussions about religion can be equally contentious. In our country, we (supposedly) have the right of free speech, to express our views and make our opinions known. Thanks to the growth - [Flip The Script](https://hanklondon.com/flip-the-script/) - Traditionally, it has been suggested that a job candidate should spend the last few minutes of an interview asking questions. This is a practice I highly encourage. It is important for a job seeker to fully understand what they need to know in order to make an educated assessment of the employer and if that - [Active – Passive](https://hanklondon.com/active-passive/) - Are you a music fan? Do you listen to podcasts? When you listen to prerecorded content, do you listen actively or passively? Does what you’re listening to have your complete attention, or are you trying to do a variety of other things while listening? Most of our listening in the course of our day is - [Roots](https://hanklondon.com/roots/) - 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 - [Are They Serious?](https://hanklondon.com/are-they-serious/) - 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 occupy nursing - [Who Are You?](https://hanklondon.com/who-are-you/) - 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 - [This Way Or That Way?](https://hanklondon.com/this-way-or-that-way/) - 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) - [Ready Or Not](https://hanklondon.com/ready-or-not/) - 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 - [Negative Messaging](https://hanklondon.com/negative-messaging/) - 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 - [Up In Smoke](https://hanklondon.com/up-in-smoke/) - 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 - [Constant Evolution](https://hanklondon.com/constant-evolution/) - 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 - [Dear Graduates](https://hanklondon.com/dear-graduates/) - 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 will - [Getting To The Core](https://hanklondon.com/getting-to-the-core/) - 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 - [Resilience Or: Everything Old Is New Again … though not always or necessarily for the better!](https://hanklondon.com/resilience/) - 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 - [Foggy Crystal Ball](https://hanklondon.com/foggy-crystal-ball/) - 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 - [A Match Made in Heaven](https://hanklondon.com/a-match-made-in-heaven/) - 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 - [The Same Old Song and Dance?](https://hanklondon.com/the-same-old-song-and-dance/) - 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 - [When Too Much is TOO MUCH!](https://hanklondon.com/when-too-much-is-too-much/) - 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 - [They Can't Ask That, Can They?](https://hanklondon.com/they-cant-ask-that-can-they/) - 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! - [Denial](https://hanklondon.com/denial/) - 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 - [Survive and Thrive](https://hanklondon.com/survive-and-thrive/) - 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 - [Leave Something Behind](https://hanklondon.com/leave-something-behind/) - 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 - [Living Up To Your Potential](https://hanklondon.com/living-up-to-your-potential/) - 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 - [Phrase That Doesn’t Pay](https://hanklondon.com/phrase-that-doesnt-pay/) - What are two of most common phrases uttered by most people? Before you answer this question, stop and think for a moment. As you formulate your answer to this, or almost any question, if speaking out loud, chances are you will pause for a millisecond before opening your mouth, and then, what’s the first sound - [Not For Everyone](https://hanklondon.com/not-for-everyone/) - There’s an awful lot that can be said about the value of a college education and advanced degrees! But there is also a lot about higher education that doesn’t get said frequently enough: A college education is not for everyone! Indeed, higher learning can be of benefit for attaining a vast array of professional and - [Still Essential!](https://hanklondon.com/still-essential/) - Among the industries most affected since the Covid 19 Pandemic began is healthcare. Not just doctors and nurses, but everyone who support them in a wide variety of related fields. These include: supervisors, administrative personnel, technicians and lab workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, technologists, maintenance and janitorial support and many more. People willing to fill so - [For Life](https://hanklondon.com/for-life/) - Not too long ago at a modest dinner restaurant in a small coastal town, I encountered a waitress named Shelly. Full of energy and a desire to provide quality customer service, Shelly was friendly but completely professional from the first interaction to last. It was apparent that she took her job seriously and was dedicated - [Urban Desire](https://hanklondon.com/urban-desire/) - When we think of larger cities and our most populated urban centers, among the first things we envision are the tall buildings, traffic, population density, congestion and the hopefully thriving businesses that draw us there. To live, to work, to explore, to experience. But lately those visions include urban blight, empty storefronts, over-crowded streets and - [Over Time](https://hanklondon.com/over-time/) - Do you have any idea how much the world of work has changed over the last few generations? It really is a bit mind-boggling when you think about it. It really wasn’t until around the Second World War where the idea of a career started to take hold. Before then, yet well into the first - [What’s On The Menu?](https://hanklondon.com/whats-on-the-menu/) - Among the many business-related side effects of life during the Coronavirus Pandemic have been the attempts by businesses to minimize humans coming into contact with items that others have touched. As effective or ineffective as this approach may have been in reducing the spread of the virus, it has turned into a lingering trend that - [Declaring Your Independence](https://hanklondon.com/declaring-your-independence/) - First of all, I hope you & yours had a safe and healthy 4th of July! The holiday is frequently fraught with a lot of anxiety for many people and animals whose nerves get frayed because of the noise generally associated with the day’s celebrations. It’s one thing to attend a formal fireworks display, where - [Will It Float?](https://hanklondon.com/will-it-float/) - The previous post, Is It Art? was about the creative process and its importance in our lives. Although I wasn’t originally planning to, I decided to carry the discussion a bit further, in part inspired by an article in my favorite business magazine, “Entrepreneur” (link at the end) that I received after that post, and an event I - [Is It Art?](https://hanklondon.com/is-it-art/) - There’s a strong likelihood that among your circle of friends and personal and professional acquaintances you know a few creative people. Certainly, most of us do. One’s ability to create, to make something that didn’t exist before, is a gift. Some, if they are lucky, and/or good marketers, use this gift for monetary gain, while - [Crickets](https://hanklondon.com/crickets/) - How many people do you know who have gotten every job for which they applied? Very few, I would imagine. I’m not sure I know anyone who has received an offer of employment for every application they have submitted. For the most part, job search is a numbers game that necessitates applying for far more - [Hands On](https://hanklondon.com/hands-on/) - In job search circles these days much attention is paid to the tech, administrative, healthcare and bio-tech industries. And why not? These are growth areas with opportunities for advancement. But not everyone is a programmer, tech-head, numbers-person, or test tube gazer, nor should they be! There are many other industries that don’t have the “cache” - [The Great Layoff](https://hanklondon.com/the-great-layoff/) - No matter how you feel about social media and tech companies, particularly Twitter, Facebook’s parent Meta, and other businesses that have cumulatively laid off thousands of talented workers, the reality is that most of these people will land on their feet. Regardless of the reasons why massive layoffs happen, it’s a periodic fact of business. - [Foreign Affairs](https://hanklondon.com/foreign-affairs/) - No matter how you feel about working with people from different cultural backgrounds, it’s important to remember although their customs and communication styles might be different from your own, they have the right to work and be respected, the same as you. Workers who seek employment in the U.S. from other countries should be allowed - [Manage This!](https://hanklondon.com/manage-this/) - Around the country, cities of all sizes have found it necessary to find new ways to house their growing populations. If you live anywhere near a major transportation corridor and are within 50 miles of any major metropolitan area, you’ve been hearing about it and/or witnessing it. Already, about one third of the U.S. population - [Cold Sweat](https://hanklondon.com/cold-sweat/) - Among the concerns I hear about most frequently from job seekers is how to manage their stress and nervousness before and during interviewing. While not quite a universal problem, it certainly isn’t uncommon. If you are interviewing for a new position with someone you have just met and know little to nothing about your inquisitor, - [A Happy Place](https://hanklondon.com/a-happy-place/) - Where’s your happy place? Obviously, this is an open-ended question, and the answer is probably different for everyone. One person may think their happy place is a physical or geographic space, while another may have a place that exists only in their mind. And yet for others, it could be certain actions or activities like - [Where Do You Want to Work?](https://hanklondon.com/where-do-you-want-to-work/) - Conventional wisdom suggests that the best and the brightest will have the opportunity to work wherever they want. Good for them! Unfortunately, not all workers will have those same options. The reality for many workers is that they need to find positions that are within relatively easy commute distances to where they are employed. Even - [Motivation Is The Key](https://hanklondon.com/motivation-is-the-key/) - What gets your juices flowing? What inspires you? What triggers your desire to try something different? When you’re motivated, particularly by inspiration, you will go the extra mile to try new and different things and take your efforts as far as you possibly can. If you are uninspired and bored by your daily routine it can - [Make It So](https://hanklondon.com/make-it-so/) - “Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.” In the 1800’s when Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that quote, things were a lot different. If you created something innovative, it was a special event, rare and worth talking about. Rumors of your accomplishment traveled by word of mouth, eventually getting - [Support Your Local ...](https://hanklondon.com/support-your-local/) - Among the byproducts of the Covid 19 Pandemic has been the decimation of too many small businesses. No matter what we may think of the major retailers from which we make purchases – brick and mortar establishments like major supermarkets, department stores, big-box retailers, restaurant chains and national franchisors, or large - [Tipping The Scales](https://hanklondon.com/tipping-the-scales/) - When the Covid 19 Pandemic took hold two years ago, many workers were forced to look at their lives differently. While some folks were able to keep going to their jobs, others were forced to work from home or other remote location. There were a lot of questions about how to adjust to this new - [Let's Hear It For The Dreamers](https://hanklondon.com/lets-hear-it-for-the-dreamers/) - A lot can be said about the exuberance, enthusiasm and passion of youth, particularly as it pertains to work and creativity. In the early stages of our work lives, we get excited by the prospects of what could be, of where we can go, of what we are hopeful to accomplish, - [It's All Going To Pot](https://hanklondon.com/its-all-going-to-pot/) - From a sociological perspective, watching the transition of cannabis from the illegal “evil weed” to the accepted legal recreational pastime has been fascinating. In the last 20 years or so our country has gone from zero tolerance to legalization in one form or another in more than 36 states. Eighteen states plus the District of - [A New Year; A New You](https://hanklondon.com/a-new-year-a-new-you/) - HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022 Obviously you’ll enter the new year the same person. But perhaps it’s time to update the way others see you professionally. You might not be looking for a job right now, confident that your current gig is safe. However, having and being able to present an updated perspective on your work - [Good Enough](https://hanklondon.com/good-enough/) - One of the eternal questions that all job seekers, and frequently the population in general, ask themselves is: Am I good enough? Questioning the value and quality of one’s skills and life are important because doing so encourages us to think about what we can do to be better people; how we can improve our - [All The Right Moves](https://hanklondon.com/all-the-right-moves/) - Sooner or later, you’re going to have to move, whether it’s your office or home. Cross town, cross country, or maybe just within the same building, you’ll need to pack everything up and relocate. It’s an inevitable fact of business and life. Businesses grow, they need more space; business isn’t great so the company needs - [Your Opinion Matters](https://hanklondon.com/your-opinion-matters/) - Has this ever happened to you? I hope it’s not just me! You reach out to someone you know and respect by text, phone, email, smoke-signal or carrier pigeon for some input, doesn’t matter about what, and you either don’t hear back at all, or, they say, “why don’t you just look it up on - [Teched Out](https://hanklondon.com/teched-out/) - It’s finally happened: I think I’ve O’D” on consumer technology! Me, a devout technology/media nerd, may have hit critical mass when it comes to tech! While never having an extreme urge to be - [No Contract No Service](https://hanklondon.com/no-contract-no-service/) - No Contract, No Service! One of the things that has been bothering me of late is the number of service providers who believe they are too important or too good to speak with prospective customers before a contract is signed. In other words, no contract, no service! “No, I can’t give you an estimate of what - [What Are You Waiting For?](https://hanklondon.com/what-are-you-waiting-for/) - All over the country things are starting to open up. Coronavirus cases have dropped dramatically thanks to those who have gotten vaccinated and followed recommended health protocols. But so many employers – in almost all job categories – are complaining they can’t find qualified applicants, and blame the worker shortage on extended unemployment benefits and - [Opening Up](https://hanklondon.com/opening-up/) - There are a lot of positive signs that we will soon see the light of day and the other side of the pandemic. This is good news no matter who you are and what you do for work or play. And while the future is starting to look like life post Covid will be similar - [Now Featured on the Small Screen - You, Part Two](https://hanklondon.com/now-featured-on-the-small-screen-you-part-two/) - Last time out, we went over the core technical aspects of preparing for an online video interview. Hopefully since then, you’ve gotten more familiar with your chosen video sharing software. Now, let’s take a look at the human, physical side of the equation.It’s important to understand how you are seen on screen during this interaction. - [Now Featured on the Small Screen – You, Part One](https://hanklondon.com/now-featured-on-the-small-screen-you-part-one/) - As discussed in the last post, where your interview takes place presents considerations beyond your ability to succinctly answer questions. This is also true for interviews that take place over video chat or the phone. Though in-person interviewing will eventually return in greater numbers, this past year has clearly demonstrated the need for job - [What A Difference A Space Makes](https://hanklondon.com/what-a-difference-a-space-makes/) - Here’s a topic most job seekers give very little thought to: Where you interview. Would your interview be the same in a private office, as opposed to a conference room, a lunch room or restaurant, or how about a hotel or via telephone or video chat? While the questions you could be asked might be the - [Love ‘em and Lose ‘em!](https://hanklondon.com/love-em-and-lose-em/) - Loss is inevitable! Relationships, family, friends and jobs; we love ‘em and we lose ‘em! Truly, loss is hard, sad, disruptive, and you can’t help but be affected in some way. Each loss is different and individual, but when someone or something means a great deal to you, their absence from your life is palpable. When - [Here, There and Everywhere](https://hanklondon.com/here-there-and-everywhere/) - Recently, I’ve heard from a number of job seekers who shared similar tales of contact with employers who had expressed interest in hiring them right around the time the pandemic took hold and changed everything. In their follow-ups post shut-down, they each conveyed being told: “I’m sorry. We’re not ready to commit to any new - [The Not So Annual Review](https://hanklondon.com/the-not-so-annual-review/) - As discussed in this space a few years back (Coming Round Again: The Annual Review https://hanklondon.com/comin-round-again-the-annual-review/) too frequently management doesn’t have the time or resources to effectively perform annual reviews for all employees. Yet, in spite of all the obstacles, a recent HR trend is for employee reviews to take place throughout the year, and - [What Are The Odds?](https://hanklondon.com/what-are-the-odds/) - Hiring has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, though it is accelerating at a modest pace. But when the pandemic is over and businesses resume onboarding new staff, who stands the better chance of getting hired: the younger worker with less experience and relatively little specialization, or the devoted senior level careerist with a long - [Education Interrupted](https://hanklondon.com/education-interrupted/) - Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the disruption to learning for all levels of education has been extreme. Teachers had a hard enough time attempting to provide a quality education for too many students, in too-small classrooms before the virus. What they are experiencing now is a far cry from an effective solution for learning. Distance - [Where Are They Now?](https://hanklondon.com/where-are-they-now/) - What a crazy time we’re living in. The COVID-19 pandemic hit this country and much of the world, hard! In many areas, shelter at home orders are still being imposed or re-imposed because of increases in infection numbers, and face coverings are still encouraged for those times you leave your home. And if you are - [A New Balancing Act](https://hanklondon.com/a-new-balancing-act/) - A year ago, if you had asked almost any employer if their company had plans for the majority of its staff to work from home, you would have received strange looks and a rather firm “no” to you query. Certainly telecommuting has grown tremendously over the last few years, and the technologies that enable workers - [Decimated](https://hanklondon.com/decimated/) - Among the hardest hit industries during the pandemic have been the restaurant and hospitality workers. In California alone, nearly one million people have lost their restaurant jobs. This includes wait and bussing staff, chefs, line cooks, hostesses and management. Stay at home orders around the country necessitated the closure of all restaurants, with a few - [I Miss Live](https://hanklondon.com/i-miss-live/) - I can’t tell you how much I miss the physical impact of sound waves against my body in a shared environment - from small, intimate nightclubs to massive public events - with like-minded people who sought out the physical and emotional vibrations of live entertainment! At this time of year my family, friends and I - [Absolutely Essential](https://hanklondon.com/absolutely-essential/) - As I’ve prepared over the last few months to resurrect this website & blog, all kinds of thoughts came to mind about what to present as the first new post. Over the coming weeks you’ll get an idea of some of my recent musings on careers and employment, among other things, as they get posted - [Systems](https://hanklondon.com/systems/) - Over the past few days I’ve been trying to find some hardware from a disassembled desk that had been in storage. This hunt necessitated going through some boxes that had been in tucked away for over 5 years, and I thought I knew where the hardware had been packed. When these boxes were being filled - [Stress](https://hanklondon.com/stress/) - Whether you are looking for a job or have a job, you will experience some stress. It will happen! The degree to which one is affected by stress will differ due to individual circumstances; overall emotional state, daily pressures from work or job search, and attitude. Even the healthiest, well paid, mellow, chillaxed individual will - [The Coast Is Clear](https://hanklondon.com/the-coast-is-clear/) - Happy New Year! The phrase “The Coast Is Clear” was frequently used to advise seamen that the fog had lifted and the shore could be seen from out at sea, or that the oceans and shipping lanes were clear for smooth venturing onto open water. Metaphorically, and on dry land, it also implies that it - [Employers Recognizing Abilities](https://hanklondon.com/employers-recognizing-abilities/) - It was with great admiration and respect that I recently witnessed a number of instances of employers recognizing the abilities of their employees with disabilities. In my lengthy experience, I have too frequently seen workers with disabilities placed in positions far away from public view. But on this excursion through the Northeastern US, I witnessed - [So You Want To Be A Host!](https://hanklondon.com/so-you-want-to-be-a-host/) - Among the biggest changes in the hospitality industry is the interest of many people to become hosts. Some want to operate their own bed and breakfast business, and others want to find small hotel or motel properties to manage. And, increasingly, individuals and corporations are turning available private real estate into short-term vacation rentals for - [2015 Budget](https://hanklondon.com/2015-budget/) - The New York Times recently reported that 2014 was a good year for job growth with the nation’s unemployment rate falling to about 5.6%. On average, 52 thousand more jobs were filled each month of 2014 than the previous year. This is a promising sign for anyone looking for work, and this hiring trend is - [In The Middle](https://hanklondon.com/in-the-middle/) - A recent meeting with a sales professional led to a discussion about the supposed disappearance of the “middle man”. (OK, for the politically correct, the term would now be “middle person”.) The “middle man” was the person who facilitated a business transaction, a go-between. Job titles such as manufacturer’s representative, rack jobber, deal-maker, agent, broker - [Hope For Tomorrow](https://hanklondon.com/hope-for-tomorrow/) - Recently I attended a number of events populated mostly with people substantially younger than myself. Among the many things I gleaned from these experiences is that there is hope for tomorrow. The energy, exuberance and enthusiasm of today’s young people is intoxicating and I always find being around them a great learning experience. They are - [Tech Chasm](https://hanklondon.com/tech-chasm/) - One of the topics I think needs more coverage and more solutions, is the shortage of women and minorities in tech jobs. If you look at a graph of people who hold tech jobs, women and minorities are represented in the valleys and white males represent the highest peaks, hence we have a tech chasm. - [Partners In Wellness](https://hanklondon.com/partners-in-wellness/) - Who are your partners in wellness? Surely your doctors, their nurses and support staff. But do you also consider your local pharmacist a partner in your wellness? After all, “Ask your pharmacist about …,” is one of the most oft repeated phrases in advertising because the manufacturers of prescription drugs and over-the-counter health goods know - [Both Sides Now](https://hanklondon.com/both-sides-now/) - Let’s look at both sides of the job seeker – employer equation. When you think about where you want to take your career, one of the first considerations is the kind of work you want to do, and the industry in which you want to grow. But an equally important consideration should be your understanding - [Competition](https://hanklondon.com/competition/) - Competition: It drives innovation. It fosters change. It motivates. It can instigate growth and development. And it can encourage. But it can also bring about fear, trepidation, feelings of inadequacy, incompetence and irrelevance. Yet every day in the world of work, whether on the job or looking for one, we face some form of competition. - [Passing Inspection](https://hanklondon.com/passing-inspection/) - Sheila was well established as an architect long before we met over 20 years ago. She had received numerous accolades for her home and building designs and worked for prestigious companies. Having not heard from her in a long while, I was unaware that she was making a transition into a new, albeit somewhat related - [Go Team!](https://hanklondon.com/go-team/) - You can’t deny the impact that a professional sports organization has on jobs and the local and regional economies. Whether it’s football, baseball, soccer, hockey, basketball or tennis, there’s no question that professional sports are big businesses. Die-hard fan or casual observer of any of these or other sports, we sometimes don’t even realize the - [Fading Film Industry in California](https://hanklondon.com/fading-film-industry-in-california/) - Like almost every other industry around the country, the film industry in California has suffered financially. Sure, box office revenues may be high, but the cost of producing films in the Golden State has become increasingly prohibitive, even for the big studios. And in Northern California, where not that long ago five to ten feature - [Teachers!](https://hanklondon.com/teachers/) - Now that it’s the end of the school year, a lot of people will be experiencing major changes to their lives. Congratulations to the graduating classes of 2014. I wish you much luck and success! Your lives are about to change! Big time! But at the moment, I’m more interested in the opposite side of - [When Do You Start Your Internship?](https://hanklondon.com/when-do-you-start-your-internship/) - Talking with some imminent graduates the other day, I asked, “When do you start your internship?” The quizzical look on their faces spoke volumes. One said, “Once school is over, I will start looking.” Another said she hadn’t given it any thought, believing that her newly minted degree would assure her a position in a - [Celebrating the Administrative Professional](https://hanklondon.com/celebrating-the-administrative-professional/) - Did you know that last week was the annual observance of Administrative Professionals Week? Sorry to say that this observance got past me this year. Usually I’ll hear mention of it on radio or television, or see in in fine print on a calendar, but this year I heard and saw nothing. And it’s shame - [You Think You Have It Rough?](https://hanklondon.com/you-think-you-have-it-rough/) - No matter how frustrating your job search is/was, if you think you have it rough, imagine being an immigrant, landing in the United States, speaking little to no English and trying to find a job. Believing that America is the land of opportunity and the home of the free, thousands of people flock to our - [Going Back; Going Forward](https://hanklondon.com/going-back-going-forward/) - Recently a friend told me she was returning to her former place of employment. “Why would you want to be going back there?” I asked. “I thought you wanted to be going forward in your career?” The idea of her returning to that employer was a bit of a surprise because when she left her - [Making It Personal](https://hanklondon.com/making-it-personal/) - In this age of social networking that reduces much interpersonal communication to the news feeds from various social websites, people tend to forget the value of making it personal through real face-to-face networking. Nothing replaces looking someone in the eye, sharing a handshake and a smile. Have we become too content with mere electronic representations - [Your Butt Could Get Bit](https://hanklondon.com/your-butt-could-get-bit/) - It is no surprise to employers that many applicants have experienced some legal issues in their lives. Formal job applications still ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime, and you typically authorize the employer to perform a background check when you sign that form. But just because you satisfied the courts’ requirements, - [For Your Benefit](https://hanklondon.com/for-your-benefit/) - While talking with a couple of Gen X’ers the other night, they questioned if it was a good idea to find new employment in hopes of bettering their benefits? Certainly a good benefits package is among the reasons people accept particular jobs. But if all you want to do is improve your benefits without trying - [You Gotta Serve Somebody!](https://hanklondon.com/you-gotta-serve-somebody/) - With the largest segment of the population reaching what many thought would be their retirement years, it’s not always clear if the Boomer generation will settle quietly into non-work mode, or continue to seek out new employment opportunities. Certainly for some, retirement is the plan; no work, just trying to find ways to explore their - [Top Ten Things NOT To Do In Your Job Search In 2014](https://hanklondon.com/top-ten-things-not-to-do-in-your-job-search-in-2014/) - It’s hard to believe that the year 2013 is over. It went by quickly and hopefully productively for you. If not, like many, you are still looking for that right employment situation that matches all your needs. Well, hopefully with this list, you’ll remind yourself of a few things not to do, and move forward - [Back On Track](https://hanklondon.com/back-on-track/) - What does it take to get your career pursuits back on track after your plans get derailed due to a major health crisis? How do you come back after years of recuperation? Battling a major illness and recovering from a severe injury are among life’s most difficult challenges. But after all the physical healing is - [Too Far Or Not Far Enough?](https://hanklondon.com/too-far-or-not-far-enough/) - In this age of political correctness, I often wonder whether attempts to maintain sensitivity to all things has taken us too far or not far enough. Have we gone too far in our attempts to be politically correct (pc) about just about everything? It has changed our language, our communication and our own sensitivity to - [Putting Veterans to Work](https://hanklondon.com/putting-veterans-to-work/) - In honor of last week’s observance of Veterans Day, I thought I would dedicate a little space to issues surrounding putting veterans to work. Sadly, unemployment of returning military personnel is too high, hovering around an average of 8%. Certainly there are a variety of factors contributing to this high number, not the least of - [The Path Taken](https://hanklondon.com/the-path-taken/) - It is not uncommon that I talk with folks who are surprised at where they are in their jobs and careers. Not necessarily unhappy with where they are in life, but recognizing that the path taken has turned out differently from what they started out to pursue. Some aren’t sure they are where they are - [Time Management](https://hanklondon.com/time-management/) - When you are working, there is a lot of structure to your day. You generally know how long it will take you to get out of bed and out of the house, the length of your commute, and what you might be doing on your job. But when you are looking for work, constructive time - [Greener Pastures](https://hanklondon.com/greener-pastures/) - Do you ever contemplate relocating to another part of the country, or another part of the world? Do you wonder if greener pastures are on the other side? Are there new, different, more exciting opportunities for you someplace else? It certainly is possible that something different, maybe even better, awaits you in another location. But - [Time To Take Inventory](https://hanklondon.com/time-to-take-inventory/) - In the last installment Watch Your Q’s and A’s, we talked about the differences between skills, qualifications and accomplishments. Now it’s time to take inventory of those skills. Taking stock of what you know how to do and where each skill can best be applied enables you to tell employers you have what they need - [Watch Your Q’s and A’s!](https://hanklondon.com/watch-your-qs-and-as/) - Without minimizing the importance of being able to answer tough interview questions with concise answers, today’s column is about the other Q’s and A’s: Qualifications and Accomplishments. Qualifications and Accomplishments are the resume headings misused most frequently during job search document preparation. This happens primarily because the information revealed by both these and other headings - [Katrina Rides New Waves](https://hanklondon.com/katrina-rides-new-waves/) - Recently, I heard from Katrina, a French-born marketing assistant living in Ohio, who has spent most of her life in the United States. She has lived in many diverse locations around the globe, has traveled extensively, and considers herself industry-wise because of her world-wide exposure to her field. Katrina told me she attended college in - [Longevity](https://hanklondon.com/longevity/) - When Leonard Nimoy as Star Trek’s Mr. Spock first uttered the words “Live long and prosper” in 1967 he was not referring to the length of one’s career. Although by extension, longevity in one’s chosen profession isn’t a bad thing to wish on anyone. And when the original series aired, the supposition was that most - [Contingency](https://hanklondon.com/contingency/) - What happens when the conveyance you depend on for getting to work or looking for work is not functioning? Do you have a contingency plan for such situations? Have you given thought to how you would get around if your personal vehicle or local transit system wasn’t running? Last week in the San Francisco area, - [Analysis](https://hanklondon.com/analysis/) - This week, I wanted to talk a bit about the analysis of your interaction with prospective employers, and their response to you and your efforts to gain employment. There is no hard-and-fast science at work here, though there are some very workable theories for the analysis and understanding of employer responses to your submissions. However, - [Patience Is ...](https://hanklondon.com/patience-is/) - Patience is a virtue, and a necessity! The hardest part of any job search is the waiting. After dutifully contacting numerous employers with openings well suited to your skills and experience, you hear … nothing. Nada. Zip. Bupkis! No calls, no emails, no smoke signals. You have followed every instruction, sent every required document, without - [Hold On To Your Dreams](https://hanklondon.com/hold-on-to-your-dreams/) - Did you hold on to your dreams? Do you recall when you were young and all the adults around you would ask what you wanted to be when you grew up? Did you chase those dreams into a real vocation? Did those dreams change over time? Did youthful exuberance borne of naiveté give way to - [Directory Assistance](https://hanklondon.com/directory-assistance/) - There are lots of good resources for job seekers, but there are few as useful as industry specific directories. For almost any professional endeavor these publications reveal vast amounts of useful information for job seekers and others already working in those fields. Most industry specific directories are published at least annually, and some are updated - [Holding On To Yesterday](https://hanklondon.com/holding-on-to-yesterday/) - It is not uncommon for adults to take pride in their personal histories and the experiences that have shaped them into who they are at this point in their lives. Our accomplishments and the goals we have attained empower us to continue our careers, try things in new and different ways and continue to grow. - [Control Part Two](https://hanklondon.com/control-part-two/) - When you are out of work, control isn’t something you generally feel. But when you’re looking for work, you have more control than you may think! There are many aspects to the job search where you, the job seeker, are in control. And while you may need to exercise caution and respect exerting that control, - [Control!](https://hanklondon.com/control/) - A great concept, right? Frequently, however, it is overrated, or at the very least, an illusion. We attempt to have control over our lives, and just when we assume things are within our control, something happens that necessitates change. Unless you live in an hermetically sealed bubble, on a daily basis we are subject to - [What Are They Really Asking?](https://hanklondon.com/what-are-they-really-asking/) - There are all sorts of interviewers. Some are much better inquisitors than others. There are those who ask pertinent and relevant questions that delve into your knowledge and experience, and who understand the nuances their questions imply; and there others who ask traditional questions. And there are those who ask the “off-the-wall” questions just to - [Closer Than You Think](https://hanklondon.com/closer-than-you-think/) - These days, it’s more important than ever to talk with the people in your network and ask them about openings where they work. In doing so, your next job may be closer than you think because increasingly employers are sourcing appropriate candidates through the networks of their current employees. And more and more employers are - [Resumes: Used And Abused!](https://hanklondon.com/resumes-used-and-abused/) - Ah, the resume. The most used and abused document in one’s job search arsenal. I’ve seen great resumes, and I’ve seen really poor ones. You can have the best skills, and the most extensive work experience, regardless of your industry, but if the written content of your resume is not organized and presented properly it - [Culture Or Capability?](https://hanklondon.com/culture-or-capability/) - Recently, I read an article from Bloomberg Business Week about how many employers believe it to be more important for prospective hires to have a strong cultural match with a company’s existing staff, than it is for applicants to just have strong skills. Really? I guess I didn’t get the memo on this edict. When - [In Pursuit Of Happiness](https://hanklondon.com/in-pursuit-of-happiness/) - One of the things I think some people take for granted is the freedom with which we can make change to our work lives in this country. If you’re not happy on the job, feel you could be making more money, or have more control over the work, you are free to leave your job - [Dig Deeper](https://hanklondon.com/dig-deeper/) - An old friend got in touch recently to ask about some people in my contacts list on one of my social networks. She was digging through other friends lists as well in an effort to find familiar names from our common past. Her interest, as it turns out, was to make a late stage career - [You Don't Say!](https://hanklondon.com/you-dont-say/) - When clients tell me they aren’t sure how they did during an interview, they usually talk about all the things they claim they told their inquisitor. Granted, knowing what to say is important. But frequently, the success of an interview can hinge on what you don’t say. And sometimes, what you don’t tell your interviewer - [Watch For The Signs](https://hanklondon.com/watch-for-the-signs/) - Not everyone who gets laid off from their job sees the layoff coming. Sometimes these things happen with little or no warning. And the warning signs are frequently not obvious to many workers, even management. However, there are some warning signs to watch out for, and steps you can take to make sure you’re prepared - [The Artists Way](https://hanklondon.com/the-artists-way/) - Making a living from an artistic endeavor these days is a tough road, and it takes – among other things - a good deal of fortitude to make it a sustainable endeavor. I’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of art fairs and shows in several different cities over the past few months. Speaking - [Good Sports](https://hanklondon.com/good-sports/) - Recently, I was talking with a new client who asked about careers in sports. He told me he played football; competitively but not professionally, while in college. But I was pretty sure he was asking about jobs behind the scenes in pro sports. As we talked, he revealed himself to be a devoted fan of - [Beware The Cry Babies](https://hanklondon.com/beware-the-cry-babies/) - There are certain kinds of people who suck the life out of your day. On an airplane, a screaming child can ruin a flight for even the most seasoned traveler. Surly passengers and transit operators with negative attitudes won’t help get your day off on the right foot. In the work place, a coworker or - [Politics And Other Touchy Subjects](https://hanklondon.com/politics-and-other-touchy-subjects/) - As I reminded everyone last time out, we have a national election coming up in less than two months. And as a result, we are seeing a lot of personal opinions and arguments expressed about the various referendums, ballot measures and candidates running for office. Many of the views are provided by reliable and knowledgeable - [Labor Day 2012](https://hanklondon.com/labor-day-2012/) - If you are employed, hopefully this Labor Day you are enjoying a day of leisure; a day off from your job. But you’re probably not giving a lot of thought to all those who must work today. Not just those who devote the working part of their lives to retail, emergency services like police and - [Time For A Tune Up](https://hanklondon.com/time-for-a-tune-up/) - Periodically, just about everything needs a little tune-up. You know? Maintenance! Not necessarily a major overhaul, but the kind of routine attention that keeps systems working as optimally as possible. The first thing that requires a tune-up is our bodies so they can serve us for many years to come. Our cars and other transportation - [Urbanity](https://hanklondon.com/urbanity/) - The ebb and flow of populations moving in and out of urban centers has a direct effect on the growth of our economies. It seems that at present, our cities are seeing an influx of people. Some folks move to the cities to find work, others for education, or to find better access to healthcare - [Wanderlust](https://hanklondon.com/wanderlust/) - Every now and again, I get wanderlust. I feel the need to travel and explore new places. But it becomes apparent if you are lucky enough to travel far away from your home that no matter where you go these days, there are a lot of people out of work. Worldwide, the unemployment figures are - [Sacrifice And Compassion](https://hanklondon.com/sacrifice-and-compassion/) - There are times in your life that necessitate that sacrifices are made. The small act may not seem like a big deal at the time, especially if the right sacrifices is made, and is done with our hearts so we can demonstrate our compassion, our understanding and patience. Things like giving up your seat on - [Summertime, And The Living Is … Distracting!](https://hanklondon.com/summertime-and-the-living-is-distracting/) - When you are looking for work, you always face a lot of distracting temptations. But during the summer months, when the temperatures warm up, it becomes harder to concentrate. It seems that everyone else is doing fun stuff and there are so many places you’d rather be than in front of your computer looking for - [Are Job Fairs Still Worth Your Time?](https://hanklondon.com/are-job-fairs-still-worth-your-time/) - If you’re looking for a job, In addition to all the online social and real interpersonal networking, job boards, posting sites and direct applications, are you still attending job fairs? Are these events still worth your job search time? For a great many job seekers, the answer is, “Yes”! Attending job fairs is still a - [Being An ENABLER Can Be A Good Thing](https://hanklondon.com/being-an-enabler-can-be-a-good-thing/) - These days, when we hear the word “enabler” there is a negative connotation implied because too frequently it is used as a psychology term. Unfortunately, Enabler isn’t generally associated with all the positive traits exhibited by those who try to bring out the best in others. Too bad! Because among us are those rare, special - [There Are Policies For That!](https://hanklondon.com/there-are-policies-for-that/) - Marco, a brilliant graphic designer has worked for the same advertising agency for nearly ten years and received a number of awards for his artwork. But recently, there were some issues at work that nearly cost him his job. If Marco had been familiar with his employer’s policies and procedures, he could have saved himself - [Exit Strategy](https://hanklondon.com/exit-strategy/) - Back in the day, workers spent a lot more years with a single employer than they do today. We once thought we’d spend our entire careers with a single employer, but this is no longer the case. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly rare for employees to spend more than 5 years with a single employer. - [No Holiday at the Inn!](https://hanklondon.com/no-holiday-at-the-inn/) - Was recently discussing customer service issues and experiences when the question came up: Would you feel guilty if an employee was fired because of the poor customer service you experienced? Obviously, the answer depends on the circumstances of the employee’s errors; the punishment should fit the crime. Customer service is the lifeblood of so many - [Your Privacy Is At Stake!](https://hanklondon.com/your-privacy-is-at-stake/) - A recent story in the Wall Street Journal (links below) started a firestorm of reactions across the country from both employers and job seekers, as well as from legal corners and privacy rights groups. There is a growing trend by employers to demand that applicants provide their logins and security passwords to their Facebook and - [Like Vs. Respect](https://hanklondon.com/like-vs-respect/) - Let me know if any of this sounds familiar: You’ve been in contact with someone you’ve known for a long time, someone you know well who works in your chosen profession. You feel there is a genuine rapport, and honestly believe you like each other and trust each other. You also believe the other person - [Everyone’s A Comedian. Not!](https://hanklondon.com/everyones-a-comedian-not/) - Bob went for his interview at a major market radio station excited and grateful that he was being considered to fill a rare and much coveted on-air news position. He felt prepared to meet the station’s news director, and had done a lot of research about this station, its lengthy ratings dominance, its audience and - [Shifting Gears](https://hanklondon.com/shifting-gears/) - Among the issues I get to frequently talk to job seekers about is how to transition from one career to another. For many shifting gears and their career focus, there is an almost natural progression that might emanate from the development of new skills or successfully tackling a progression of more difficult responsibilities. For others, - [The More Things Change ...](https://hanklondon.com/the-more-things-change/) - You’ve probably heard the expression, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” Well, when it comes to job search, and the self-promotion required to successfully obtain work, we’ve seen a tremendous evolution in the ways we apply for employment. Newspaper classifieds have given way to the online job boards, industry-specific sites and - [The Right Message In The Right Time](https://hanklondon.com/the-right-message-in-the-right-time/) - Last time out I wrote about the importance of clarity in work communication and its effects on job survival. While at the gigantic Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this month, I was continuously reminded of the importance of clarity in brevity, particularly when it comes to what we often refer to as - [Survival = Clarity](https://hanklondon.com/survival-clarity/) - Regardless of the kind of work you do, or where ever you are located, if you have or want a job, you will interact with other people! (Well "Duh!" That’s obvious!) Bear with me! The basic give-and-take of what is sometimes simple communication, is how we get through our day. Sometimes the information being - [Top 10 Job Seeker Resolutions For 2012](https://hanklondon.com/top-10-job-seeker-resolutions-for-2012/) - Ah yes, the end of the year. Now is the time year when almost anyone with an audience looks back on the past twelve months to reflect on the best of this, and most important of that. Brief perspectives such as the “top ten list” can be very handy in providing a close-up view of - [I Fatigue](https://hanklondon.com/i-fatigue/) - Recently, I was reviewing resumes, cover letters and doing some interview preparation for job seekers at a job fair. Although the age of the participants skewed a bit older than most of these events, the employment hopefuls were as diversified in their skills, experience and positions of interest, as would be expected. But one of - [A Little Goes A Long Way](https://hanklondon.com/a-little-goes-a-long-way/) - Now that you’ve made it through the Thanksgiving Weekend with or without a tryptophan induced hangover, and with or without bruises from the Black Friday melee, maybe you’re at work not quite feeling the gratitude the holiday name suggests. Understandable! Due to our sustained economic doldrums, many employers are cutting down on office celebrations, bonuses, - [Prospecting](https://hanklondon.com/prospecting/) - There was a time not too long ago when job seekers routinely sent out their job search documents to unknown recipients. More times than not job announcements instructed job seekers to send their resumes and cover letters to blind addresses - Post Office boxes or routing numbers in care of the newspaper that ran the - [Deliberately Insecure](https://hanklondon.com/deliberately-insecure/) - In the previous blog entry I tried to illustrate the diversity of unseen and unsung talent required to put on a live production. Many of the people who work in these positions are freelancers and independent contractors, as opposed to regular employees, who know a thing or two about looking for work and self promotion. - [Unsung - Unseen!](https://hanklondon.com/unsung-unseen/) - Like many people, I enjoy going to theater performances, concerts, festivals, and other live-entertainment events, and I’m lucky enough to attend a variety of shows throughout the year. There’s a tremendous amount of work that goes into the production and presentation of every performance, from some very talented behind-the-scenes, unsung and unseen heroes, who rarely - [No Shame and No Justice](https://hanklondon.com/no-shame-and-no-justice/) - Unless you’re devoid of any feelings, one of the toughest things to hear from someone is that they lost their job. This is a hard thing to hear from anyone, particularly if you know the person well, and know that they have committed themselves for a long time to that gig. And even if you - [Get Plugged In](https://hanklondon.com/get-plugged-in/) - Over the last 10-15 years there have been a lot of changes in the way we look for work. Some of these changes have been subtle, while others have been more dramatic. But at the core of a search job seekers must still get their work histories and skills in front of decision makers. And - [A New Look at OJT](https://hanklondon.com/a-new-look-at-ojt/) - Happy Labor Day to all! Here it is September again, the year is ¾’s over and students are returning to their classrooms. While colleges and universities struggle to maintain standards because of their rising costs, curricula continue to evolve. Instruction of business and entrepreneurial coursework is on the rise, and many programs are focusing on - [Prying Eyes](https://hanklondon.com/prying-eyes/) - The guy next to me during a recent flight didn’t seem much like talking so we never introduced ourselves, but we’ll call him Bob. After the in-flight crew made the announcement that it was “ok to use your electronic devices,” Bob pulled out his laptop. Whether he was going to be productive or merely pass - [In Flight Patience](https://hanklondon.com/in-flight-patience/) - “Jack” and “Jill” (I don’t want to know their real names, but we’ll call them J&J!) were sitting across the isle from each other, one row behind me, on a full cross-country flight. It seemed they both wanted aisle seats! They were apparently well acquainted, though their exact relationship isn't important. But what is important - [Work To Play](https://hanklondon.com/work-to-play/) - Do you crave a long-term change of scenery? Do you need to be where work and play are close by? In some places, this concept is taken more seriously than others. For example, I just got back from a brief trip to the town of Whistler, British Columbia, north of Vancouver. Not having been there - [What Do You Need? What Do You Want?](https://hanklondon.com/what-do-you-need-what-do-you-want/) - In my last entry, we talked about Marilyn and how her efforts to find a new job were thwarted when she turned the focus of her interviews to her needs rather than those of the job and the employer. This time out I want to reiterate and expound further that you should not ignore your - [Too Much Too Soon](https://hanklondon.com/too-much-too-soon/) - Did you ever go on a first date with a too chatty gal or guy who told you far too much about themselves? Was he or she too self-absorbed? Too much superfluous information provided too soon can ruin your chances of getting to know another person. In job search, just like in dating, or other - [How Far Will You Go?](https://hanklondon.com/how-far-will-you-go/) - This is a question every job seeker eventually needs to ask her/himself. “How far am I willing to go for my job?” Certainly most folks want to go as far in their careers as they possibly can, but this is more a question of physical and geographic distance than of accomplishment. How far are you - [Location, Location, Location!](https://hanklondon.com/location-location-location/) - “Location, location, location!” usually refers to the three most important things to consider before buying or opening a retail business. But have you given much thought to the location of your interviews? Interviews today won’t always take place in an office. Your next interview might be in a conference room, in a lunchroom, at a - [Submission!](https://hanklondon.com/submission/) - Questions about the best way to submit your resume and application documents are as common today as they have always been. Despite all the ways technology has provided for submitting these necessary documents, is there a single best way to make sure the right person sees and considers your materials? The answer is, “It depends!” - [Attitude Of Gratitude](https://hanklondon.com/attitude-of-gratitude/) - Among the complaints I hear frequently from employees are comments like: “I’ve been busting my butt for this company for years, and not once has anyone actually said, ‘thanks for your efforts’.” And almost as frequently I hear employers say things like: “Why should I say ‘thank you’? It’s their job! What the heck am - [Vouch or Ouch?](https://hanklondon.com/vouch-or-ouch/) - Among the frequent discussions I have with clients is the topic of references and prospective employers’ attempt to confirm what job seekers claim on their resumes, applications and in interviews. You’d be amazed at the number of people who voice serious concerns about what others will say about them. And they should be concerned. But - [Humble Brag](https://hanklondon.com/humbe-brag/) - If you’re looking for work, there’s nothing wrong with tooting your own horn, and telling others about the quality of the work you do. In fact, it’s expected! Being able to tell others what you are good at what, and how it relates to what they do, is as important as where you send your - [Length!](https://hanklondon.com/length/) - An old friend with more than 10 years in nursing needed to create a new resume because she wants to find another job. Having worked at several hospitals, in a number of specialized areas, she has a wealth of experience and accomplishments to convey to the medical professionals who could employ her. Not wanting to - [By Association!](https://hanklondon.com/by-association/) - Are you judged by the company you keep? When it comes to your job search, frequently the answer is Yes! Networking with the right people can mean the difference between success and failure in your hunt for the right job. But for many job seekers, where to meet the right people is the problem. If - [Tick Tock!](https://hanklondon.com/tick-tock/) - My client Lanni called the other day sounding quite frustrated and angry. I encouraged her to take a few calming breaths. After a long pause she finally blurted out, “They wouldn’t let me interview! I sat in their reception area listening to that insipid instrumental background music for over 45 minutes, and the assistant finally - [Long Distance Information](https://hanklondon.com/long-distance-information/) - In simpler times, job seekers would send their resume to a prospective employer, or fill out an application in person. A few days later, if the employer believed the applicant was qualified, they would receive a phone call about scheduling an interview. Dressed appropriately, the applicant would meet with the employer, learn more about the - [Art For Jobs Sake!](https://hanklondon.com/art-for-jobs-sake/) - In the world of job search and career development, we tend to focus mostly on those who are actively looking for full or part time employment, or regular, preferably long term contract or freelance work. Jobs with regular hours, in offices, in the sciences, in technology, in public media, in public and social services, etc. - [Only In It For The Money](https://hanklondon.com/only-in-it-for-the-money/) - One of the prime motivators for switching jobs has always been money. Right or wrong, financial growth has been identified as a primary reason many workers have pursued certain careers. True enough, there are certain careers where high salaries and monetary gains are the attraction, but rarely are those fat paychecks achieved without lots of - [Wasted Networking](https://hanklondon.com/wasted-networking/) - Among the additions to a job seeker’s toolbox has been the addition of electronic social networking. Sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and other tools have proven invaluable to people looking to expand their network and the reach of their searches. Being able to maintain contact with long known associates, the ability to reach out to those - [Rejection - An Opportunity!](https://hanklondon.com/rejection-an-opportunity/) - Job search is sometimes cruel. You go on interviews, tell the prospective employer “all the right things”, and too often they: a) don’t get back to you at all; b) take forever to follow up; c) thank you for your time, and inform you they’ve decided to hire someone else. Few and blessed are the - [Transitions](https://hanklondon.com/transitions/) - Statistics from the US Department of Labor indicate that those entering the workforce now will likely change careers at least five times in the course of their working lives. Not just change jobs, but change careers. Some will discover that they are not cut out for the careers they planned, or they have burned out - [Follow Up and Follow Through!](https://hanklondon.com/follow-up-and-follow-through/) - What do the following scenarios have in common? Making a new contact at a networking event A job interview Sending out your resume A date that went better than expected When you say, “I’ll call you later.” These and so many other circumstances involving your career and your personal life require that you “make a - [The Eyes Have It!](https://hanklondon.com/the-eyes-have-it/) - There’s a biblical quote that says: “the eyes are the window to the soul.” If that is the case, from what I’ve seen lately, too many people have their windows drawn shut, and don’t want to let anyone see what’s inside. While conducting a bunch of practice interview sessions recently I was reminded how many - [Inspiration](https://hanklondon.com/inspiration/) - Searching for a job isn’t easy! Whether you are looking to work for someone else, or trying to generate work for yourself, frequently it can be downright boring! What happens to your motivation, focus and inspiration when you’ve been out of work for a while, feeling a little defeated and even a bit depressed? Your - [Listen And Repeat](https://hanklondon.com/listen-and-repeat/) - Listen and repeat! For many years, high school students had that phrase drilled into their heads when they were learning a foreign language. Regardless of the foreign language being studied, the prerecorded voice of the instructors in the widely used ALM series preceded each expression with “Listen and repeat.” In those days, students learned key - [What You See Is ...](https://hanklondon.com/what-you-see-is/) - There are three old but still relevant axioms I’d like to quote here. The first is: You can’t judge a book by its cover. The second is: What you see is what you get. And the third is: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Now when we think of how - [Tomorrow, Tomorrow](https://hanklondon.com/tomorrow-tomorrow/) - I’ve admitted in this space on multiple occasions that I don’t have a crystal ball and have no idea what the future will really hold. Thinking about the economy, the ongoing high unemployment rate, wars, natural disasters, it is hard to stay optimistic. But over the past few weeks, my outlook on things seemed to - [DO YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR?](https://hanklondon.com/do-you-get-what-you-pay-for/) - Not if you’re getting your education from vocational schools, according to a new study recently released from the US Government Accounting Office. Having received a number of complaints, the Feds investigated a number of private vocational schools, often referred to as “career colleges,” for making false claims and using deceptive recruiting practices. Generally, the claims - [Libraries Branch Out Into Job-hunting Centers](https://hanklondon.com/libraries-branch-out-into-job-hunting-centers/) - For years I've been advocating that Libraries are a great place to do your job search! Here's a great article by Carolyn Said of the San Francisco Chronicle http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/01/BURU1EK0UQ.DTL - [The First Days](https://hanklondon.com/the-first-days/) - Regardless of the type of relationship you are trying to establish, the first days truly are the hardest. This is particularly true when you start a new job. Even if you are a veteran in your field and think you are prepared to do the work that is expected, you are thrust into a multitude - [Time For A Raise?](https://hanklondon.com/time-for-a-raise/) - Recently my client Jessica and I were discussing salaries and raises. Her primary question wasn’t IF she should ask for a raise, but if under her current circumstances was Now a good time? Although Jessica’s situation may be somewhat unique - everyone’s situation is a bit different - I thought there was some good information - [Emphasis on Ability](https://hanklondon.com/emphasis-on-ability/) - If think you’re having a hard time looking for work, imagine what its like for the many people with disabilities. What was the first image you had after reading that sentence? Was it of a person in a wheelchair or on crutches? Was it of someone who is blind or hearing impaired? Did you flash - [No Comparison!](https://hanklondon.com/no-comparison/) - Have you ever read a feature (online or in print) that claimed to offer two views of the same idea, topic or product? There are all kinds of examples of this “two sides of same coin” column in a wide variety of publications. But upon reading them, frequently the questions asked are not the same - [Keeping Up The Good Fight](https://hanklondon.com/keeping-up-the-good-fight/) - There’s no question that job search is a tough job! This is particularly so in a slow economy like the one we’re experiencing now. Regardless of where you are in your career or how much experience you have, with competition for every opening being so rough, it is imperative that job seekers do everything they - [Coming Around Again: The Annual Review](https://hanklondon.com/comin-round-again-the-annual-review/) - One of the least favored exercises of employers is the process of annual reviews. Having a sit-down with the entire staff (thankfully not all at once) to discuss personal advances, achievements, goals met, and future targets, as well as problem areas and shortcomings, is frequently a nerve wracking process for the employer, department managers and - [Going Solo](https://hanklondon.com/going-solo/) - What are you going to do if your job search does not produce the results you want? Motivated by the need to make money to pay bills, maybe you’ll decide to put some effort into finding contract or consulting work. You know you have marketable skills, so why not give freelancing or independent contracting a - [Onward And Upward!](https://hanklondon.com/onward-and-upward/) - Despite the recent slight uptick in job growth, the graduating class of 2010 will face the toughest job search challenge of the past 20 years, maybe longer. Sadly, it will be harder for most new graduates to find work related to their degrees than in recent memory. While so many earlier generations were promised unlimited - [Do You Want Fries With That?](https://hanklondon.com/do-you-want-fries-with-that/) - The concept of up-selling (trying to sell the customer more than just what they asked for), has been around for a long while. Whether it’s the waitress asking, “Do you want fries with that?”, or the appliance vendor asking if you want the matching stand for the plasma TV, offering more to the customer than - [Insane Clowns and Vicious Cycles!](https://hanklondon.com/insane-clowns-and-vicious-cycles/) - There’s an amazing amount of injustice in the employment world these days, so please pardon my impatience and dissatisfaction with the government and employers that are making so many bad decisions, and the lives of so many so difficult! The welfare and well being of our children are at stake when over 23,000 teachers were - [Risk VS Reward](https://hanklondon.com/risk-vs-reward/) - You’ve been on the job for a while, and from your current position you don’t see much promise for the future. You like the company you work for, and the work you do, but aren’t feeling confident about your prospects for the career growth and advancement you thought were possible when you first applied for - [Clear Job Descriptions](https://hanklondon.com/clear-job-descriptions/) - If you’re an employee, the title of this piece may seem like an oxymoron. Jobs rarely turn out as they were described in their recruitment announcements. They often lack complete information and merely elude to on-the-job realities. And then there’s the catch all phrase, “… and other duties as assigned,” that necessitate your ability to - [Accomplishment Clarity](https://hanklondon.com/accomplishment-clarity/) - Recently while providing feedback to job seekers about their resumes at a local job search preparation event, I was surprised by the overall quality of information delivered by many of those in attendance. It seemed that many candidates I spoke with were trying, often successfully, to convey not just what they did on their jobs, - [Quantify! It’s All In The Numbers!](https://hanklondon.com/quantify-its-all-in-the-numbers/) - Like millions of others, I spent some time this past weekend watching the NFL playoffs. Congrats to the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, who will battle it out in the Super Bowl. Although I’m not the world’s biggest sports fan, I do enjoy watching teams try to execute their offensive and defensive strategies - [It's Never Too Late!](https://hanklondon.com/its-never-too-late/) - Visiting with friends during the holidays, and someone asked me if I thought it was too late for him to switch careers. As it was nearing midnight, I cracked wise, “Yes, it is too late, and there’s not much you can do about it tonight!” But it seems he was genuinely concerned about wanting to - [The Long Road](https://hanklondon.com/the-long-road/) - In many communities – urban and suburban – the current economic climate has necessitated cutbacks or elimination of services. In particular, public transportation systems around the country are taking a big hit. Routes are being altered, and in some cases eliminated. So for many, getting to work - or anyplace else for that matter - - [The Smart Season](https://hanklondon.com/the-smart-season/) - With the Winter Holiday Season upon us, occupying our thoughts, hearts and lives, I wanted to take a moment or two to encourage those who are out of work to keep looking and keep trying! “But who the heck is hiring, this time of year,” you ask? Maybe not as many employers are hiring right - [It Takes Teamwork](https://hanklondon.com/it-takes-teamwork/) - It’s a rare thing to be working alone, solo. While you may have myriad responsibilities that are yours and for which you must take ownership, you will be working with others as part of a team. And even if you’re self-employed, you may be working for yourself, but maybe not by yourself. Whether directly or - [Internships](https://hanklondon.com/internships/) - In meeting with a group of recent and soon-to-be college graduates, I fielded a lot of questions about internships. Psych, Poli-Sci, Media & Communications majors, among others, shared equal interest in how to find, and get accepted into programs that would provide them a chance to gain experience and exposure to their chosen fields. Their - [To Tweet, Or Not To Tweet?](https://hanklondon.com/to-tweet-or-not-to-tweet/) - That IS The Question! Whether ‘tis nobler to exhibit discretion when it comes to sharing your thoughts and experiences via Twitter, Facebook or other online social medium, or to just let it roll out your brain and onto the screens of your network of friends, family, admirers, and complete strangers. Because once it goes out, - [Above The Crowd](https://hanklondon.com/above-the-crowd/) - Recently I attended a very large, and very crowded free outdoor 3-day music festival in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Moving between six stages of exceptional talent proved to be an arduous and exhausting experience; that thankfully wouldn’t diminish the inspiration and invigoration fueled by the great music. But I was thinking that it might - [It's In The Proof!](https://hanklondon.com/its-in-the-proof/) - Opinions about what belongs in a good resume are a little like belly buttons – everybody’s got one! Myself included. Career development specialists, employers, human resource professionals, corporate recruiters and head-hunters, hiring managers, department heads, and every successful job seeker, all believe they know the secrets that go into creating resumes that get results. And - [Membership Has Its Privileges](https://hanklondon.com/membership-has-its-privileges/) - Throughout the country, state-provided resources for job seekers are drying up. Staff shortages, mandatory layoffs and furlough days that close facilities all impact the employment offices’ ability to provide comprehensive one-on-one services. It wasn’t that long ago that if you were out of work, you could have gone to your local unemployment office, talked to - [Labor Day](https://hanklondon.com/labor-day/) - Here it is Labor Day! This is the day we honor and celebrate the hard working factory people of yesteryear, who fought and struggled for fair wages and hours. The growth of factory work during the Industrial Revolution paved the way for many of the rights and privileges workers of all stripes receive today. Competitive - [The Road Less Taken – Volunteerism](https://hanklondon.com/the-road-less-taken-volunteerism/) - You’re out of work, spending a lot of time in front of the computer looking for job leads. You go to networking and chamber of commerce events, attend job fairs, and try to be where you meet potential employers. But this has been going on too long and its getting old fast! And though you’ve - [Act Like You Give A Damn!](https://hanklondon.com/act-like-you-give-a-damn/) - I’m a firm believer in quality customer service! I believe that in order for any business to build its brand, retain its existing customers and find new ones, it must be responsive to what the customer says about them and asks of them. This does not mean that a business must take action to every - [You're Welcome!](https://hanklondon.com/youre-welcome/) - One of the questions I frequently get asked is: Do I really need to send a Thank You note after an interview? The Thank You letter has almost disappeared as a message of appreciation in today’s fast paced age of computers, email, and online social networking. But communicating your gratitude is no less important today - [Ya Just Never Know](https://hanklondon.com/ya-just-never-know/) - On a New York commuter train last week the two strangers sitting across from me became engaged in a career discussion. The gentleman, casually dressed, older, appeared close to retirement age; the woman also casually dressed, appeared to be in her early 30’s. It was just simple commuter banter – small talk. The man was - [Urge To Merge – Workplace Dating](https://hanklondon.com/urge-to-merge-workplace-dating/) - Increasingly employers frown on fraternization between coworkers, and include specific references and the consequences to such behavior in their employee manuals. More and more employers just don’t want to deal with the potential sexual harassment issues that can erupt when relationships between coworkers don’t work out. Despite the good intentions of employees, sometimes what starts - [My Card!](https://hanklondon.com/my-card/) - “Have Gun - Will Travel reads the card of man.” So went the lines of the theme song (and title) to the popular western starring Richard Boone as Paladin, a soldier of fortune and gun for hire that ran on CBS from 1957 through 1963. Here was a guy who liberally passed out business cards - [Adventures In Hiring](https://hanklondon.com/adventures-in-hiring/) - The gentleman sitting next to me on a recent cross-country flight was in a talkative mood, so after learning that he was a small business owner, I got him to discuss his hiring practices. He proudly told me that in addition to recent college graduates, and experienced professionals, he regularly hires applicants from disadvantaged and - [Hurdles – Fear Of Rejection and Failure](https://hanklondon.com/hurdles-fear-of-rejection-and-failure/) - There are an awful lot of things that get in the way of our success, whether the objective is looking for and finding work, or any other personally important endeavor. Fear of rejection and failure in the job search are among the most cited concerns voiced by job seekers. “What if I don’t get the - [Saving Your Best Assets](https://hanklondon.com/saving-your-best-assets/) - Attention Employers! Like most business operators today, you are concerned with the maximizing resources, particularly your best assets. You have a staff of wonderful, talented people who have shown you great loyalty and devotion. Without this human capital you could never have achieved your success! But times are hard! Though you don’t want to, you - [Questions YOU Should Ask!](https://hanklondon.com/questions-you-should-ask/) - A client recently called to say she had just returned from an interview with a company where she really wanted to work, and that she felt her interview went very well. I asked why she felt so confident that she had a good interview, and she said, “I had no trouble answering all their questions, - [Resume Customization](https://hanklondon.com/resume-customization/) - One of the questions I get asked most often is: "Do I need to customize my resume for each job that I apply for?" Unless you are applying for only one specific kind of job with little variance to the functions you want to perform (and even then so), the answer is Yes, you do - [Networking Almost Everywhere; It's Almost Never A Bad Time To Network](https://hanklondon.com/networking-almost-everywhere-its-almost-never-a-bad-time-to-network/) - For many people, introducing one’s self to a complete stranger is a very painful experience. Believe me, I know! It’s much easier for me to address a room full of people (strangers or not), than to introduce myself to someone I don’t know!! But to overcome my discomfort talking with strangers took commitment and determination. - [Are You Ready For Your Closeup?](https://hanklondon.com/are-you-ready-for-your-closeup/) - Recently I met with a small business owner and we discussed recruiting for his growing business. When I asked him if he did any of his recruiting online and if he looked at resumes posted on job search sites, he answered with a very enthusiastic “Yes!”. He told me he has been successful in filling - [Go Your Own Way](https://hanklondon.com/go-your-own-way/) - In school, were you the one who always had a better/different way of doing things? When the teacher was explaining that 2 + 2 = 4, were you the one who said the same result could be achieved by adding 3 +1? Or by subtracting 1 from 5? If you’re still looking at things a - [Reach Out](https://hanklondon.com/reach-out/) - Whether you are a new graduate looking for your first major gig, or an experienced professional who has been laid off, open and honest communication with your network of family, friends and industry peers is your best bet for making headway in your job search. It is not uncommon to feel withdrawn when you’re out - [The Object(ive) Of Your Affection](https://hanklondon.com/the-objective-of-your-affection/) - An Objective statement on your resume, and reiterated in your cover letter is a concise way for you to communicate your career goals. Too often Objective statements are written as flowery batches of verbiage that convey little or nothing about the job seeker’s real aspirations. Once upon a time it was OK to use a - [Employers: How Creative Are You?](https://hanklondon.com/employers-how-creative-are-you/) - So you managed to get through 2008 without laying anyone off. You’ve tightened budgets, cut back on spending, held your own against your competition, and even earned a profit. Congratulations! But 2009 looks like it will require additional belt tightening. You recognize the loyalty of your staff, and you’ve tried to reward them, but you’re - [Moving Forward](https://hanklondon.com/moving-forward/) - Look, I know the economy sucks right now. People are getting laid off in record numbers and you begin to wonder whether looking for a job is worth the effort. Your frustrations mount because there are bills to be paid, you’ve got personal and familial responsibilities, and the outlook is less than optimistic. Well, I - [Paralyzed By Choices](https://hanklondon.com/paralyzed-by-choices/) - My conversation with a young cab driver the other day went something like this: Hank: If you weren’t driving this cab, what you rather be doing? Cabbie: I’m not sure. I’ve thought about doing a lot of different things. I only graduated high school last year and needed to find work, and this is what - [Don't Take It Personally!](https://hanklondon.com/dont-take-it-personally/) - With the unemployment rate rising, it is apparent that more people are completing for fewer jobs. And as employers are receiving more resumes than they have positions to fill, they can’t always spend the time coding, classifying and filing all the resumes they receive – electronic or paper - for present or future consideration. Even - [Nice n Soft - Conveying Your Soft Skills](https://hanklondon.com/nice-n-soft-conveying-your-soft-skills/) - There’s no question that one’s skills, experience and qualifications should be the primary consideration by an employer when selecting a candidate for hiring. But one of the most important skill sets any applicant can bring to a job is far less recognizable from interviewing alone. The qualities one brings for being able to deal with - [Clarity In Hiring](https://hanklondon.com/clarity-in-hiring/) - Employers have to be clear about what they are looking for when hiring. It is a difficult thing! The intro to so many job listings these days includes a blurb extolling the virtues of the company filling the position. This is important information, it’s part of a good promotion campaign, it helps applicants to know - [How Will The Election Impact You?](https://hanklondon.com/how-will-the-election-impact-you/) - With about a month to go at the time of this post until the 2008 Presidential Election, let me start by encouraging you vote on Election Day (Tuesday, November 4(! It is so very important for all of voting age to exercise their rights! And there is none more important than participating in the selection - [Where Do We Go From Here?](https://hanklondon.com/where-do-we-go-from-here/) - Where will the jobs of tomorrow be? What industries will be hot, and sustaining 5, 10, 15, 25, 50 years from now? Most people doing a job search right now aren’t overly concerned with what will be the hot gigs of the next 20 to 50 years. And employers are mostly concerned with finding and - [Attitude Is Everything](https://hanklondon.com/attitude-is-everything-be-careful-what-you-show/) - Recently I was asked to review a cover letter from a bookkeeper/accountant who for many years had been an independent contractor (IC), and who is now seeking a full time position. Luckily for her, she has had a number of very long-term clients, who have kept her very busy, and she has not been at - [The First Cut Is The Deepest!](https://hanklondon.com/the-first-cut-is-the-deepest/) - Recently I got a call from a client whose resume I worked on about 4 years ago. In that time her responsibilities grew and became quite varied, particularly compared to what she thought she would be doing. So while her work had progressed, she never received a promotion or a more advanced job title. Now - [Keep Track Of The Past For A Safe Future](https://hanklondon.com/keep-track-of-the-past-for-a-safe-future/) - You can take this title in a variety of ways, and likely you’d be right. But the issue of the moment lies in the details of what you have previously told your current employer. Picture this: You’ve been on the job for a few years, built effective relationships, trust and a good record of productivity - [You Can't Take It With You!](https://hanklondon.com/you-cant-shouldnt-take-it-with-you/) - Well, you can, but it’ll cost you! Possibly big time! That cell phone in your pocket or purse, excellent tool that it is, can cost you a job! Especially if it goes off at an inopportune time like an interview, or even while waiting for that all-important meeting. Do I really need to remind you - [You’re Facing a Layoff: What Are You Waiting For?](https://hanklondon.com/youre-being-laid-off-what-are-you-waiting-for/) - Got a call recently from a former associate who told me he was being laid off at the end of the month. At the time of his call, he had 2 weeks remaining on the job, and he was just starting to reach out to his network. Because he works for a nonprofit organization, I - [On and On and On, NOT!](https://hanklondon.com/on-and-on-and-on-not/) - One of the themes that will get expressed frequently in this space is the importance of being concise and brief. Among the biggest mistakes job seekers make is giving too much information, in resumes, interviews, and networking. Sometimes this comes from nervousness, sometimes from a lack of language skills, but more often, from our pride - [You’ve Graduated – Congratulations!! Now What?](https://hanklondon.com/youve-graduated-congratulations-now-what/) - If you’re one of the lucky few that found an internship in your field of choice, further congratulations are in order. Play your cards right, and that internship could lead to a decent position and your career is on track. But not everyone knows what they want to do after they get their diploma. There - [Perilous Downloading](https://hanklondon.com/perilous-downloading/) - Simply stated: the computer equipment in your office – the machines, network, etc – is the property of your employer. Therefore your employer can strictly enforce control over what you can do and can’t do with that equipment. Many employers tolerate employees checking personal email accounts, but still have formal policies in place against such - [Get out there and have some FUN!](https://hanklondon.com/advocate-for-fun/) - The weather’s getting warmer. Have you noticed all the fun you can have in your community during the warmer months? All across the country, concerts, festivals, street fairs, will be filling the air with music and community. It is important for all of us to get out and enjoy being entertained for the sheer joy - [Hiring in Insecure Times; Generalists Rule!](https://hanklondon.com/hiring-in-insecure-times-generalists-rule/) - The economy is taking a nose dive. Housing prices are dropping and default rates increasing. Employers are getting nervous. Should they hire or fire? Where will it all lead? Recession? Inflation? Damned if I know! I'm no economist, to be sure! But I do know that good things can happen during times of an economic - [Downsizing = Outplacement: What will your company do?](https://hanklondon.com/downsizing-outplacement-what-will-your-company-do/) - You can’t watch/read/listen to the news these days without noticing the large number of layoffs being generated by both large and small employers. As an employee, “You never know when someone will tap you on the shoulder and say, ‘bring your play book’”, according to a VP at a major bank. Layoffs are affecting - [Slowing Economy = Candidate Opportunity](https://hanklondon.com/slowing-economy-candidate-opportunity/) - So the nation's economy is in a slump. Should employers be expanding their workforces or chopping them down? In a recession, unemployment rises. Though we may not be in an official recession yet, the unemployment figures are on the rise. Competition for good jobs will also go up! This makes it all the more imperative - [Seasonal Disorder: It's Spring! So what else is new?](https://hanklondon.com/its-spring-whats-new/) - Sure, the days are getting longer, a bit warmer. But I can tell its spring by how fast my nose reacts to the onslaught of pollen. The nicer the day; the more I sneeze. My allergies certainly aren't the most severe as evidenced by effectiveness of the over the counter solutions, but some days even ## Pages - [Home](https://hanklondon.com/) - GREETINGS AND WELCOME! Look around and explore our content and insights into the world of work & job search. LATEST BLOG POST NEWEST TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WHAT WE DO An EncounterAs I’ve mentioned here before, I frequently get around via public transportation. This past weekend was no different. Heading out to see some - [Tough Interview Questions And Answers](https://hanklondon.com/tough interview questions.html) - Tough Interview QuestionsNo matter how good your resume and cover letter, or how ebullient and bubbly your personality, you still need to be able to answer the tough questions during your interview. Here we show you some examples of tough questions with suggested answers. Each query presupposes that the interviewer is using specific language to - [Contact](https://hanklondon.com/contact us.html) - Want to contact us? We’d love to hear from you! Questions or comments: Hank@HankLondon.com Booking and Scheduling: Booking@hanklondon.com Website issues: Webmaster@hanklondon.com Hank London P.O. Box 382 Pacifica, CA 94044 1 415 658 5399 M-F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT - [Privacy Policy](https://hanklondon.com/privacy-policy.html) - I. Our Commitment to Your Privacy HankLondon.com and Hank London respect the privacy of every individual visiting http://www.HankLondon.com (the "Web Site") and http://www.hanklondon.com/blog (the Blog), and recognizes that protecting the privacy and security of the Nonpublic personal information we collect about you is an important responsibility. You will find a link to this notice at - [Terms of Use](https://hanklondon.com/terms-of-use.html) - The following Terms of Use outline your obligations when using the HankLondon.com website. You can also review our Privacy Policy, which outlines our obligations and practices towards handling any personal information that you may provide to us. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS The web pages available at HankLondon.com, and all linked pages ("Site"), are owned and operated by - [Login-Registration Page](https://hanklondon.com/elementor-955/) - Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Log In Lost your password? - [My Account](https://hanklondon.com/my-account/) - [Registration](https://hanklondon.com/registration/) - [About Us](https://hanklondon.com/about-us.html) - As a Communications Facilitator with over 25 years experience, Hank London has shared his knowledge by providing solutions to businesses, non-profits and individuals. Known for providing thorough in-depth services through his workshops and individual coaching, Mr. London has helped thousands fine-tune their business and personal message. A firm believer that clear, concise communication is the - [Site Map](https://hanklondon.com/site map.html) - Hank London's Home Page About Hank London Services Career Development Coping With Job Loss Cover Letter & Resume Writing Workshop Interview & Personal Presentation Strategies Returning To Work Tough Interview Questions And Answers Video Interviewing Testimonials Blog Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) Links - [Services](https://hanklondon.com/services.html) - Here are just a few of the services we offer and programs that can be delivered to your business or your organization or individuals. Materials and content will be customized to suit your specific needs. When you're ready to discuss your requirements, please email your questions or concerns, and your inquiry will receive a prompt - [Links](https://hanklondon.com/links.html) - Here's a list of Links we hope you find useful. U.S. Dept. of Labor Select your state to find the nearest unemployment office, workers compensation info, departments of rehabilitation, minimum wage, local employment programs and more. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Here you'll find wage and employment stats, employment and unemployment figures nationally and - [FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions](https://hanklondon.com/faqs.html) - For Job Seekers: For Job Seekers: Q: Why should I hire you? A: To get the personalized attention your career goals and advancement deserve. Q: Can I get the same services from my local employment development/unemployment office for free? A: No. While these are often excellent resources, they do not have the time or personnel to - [Testimonials](https://hanklondon.com/testimonials.html) - During my job search I turned to Hank London for not only career advice but also technical reformatting of my cover letter and resume. I could not have achieved the level of success I did in my job search if it were not for his fine tuning of my application documents nor - [Video Interviewing](https://hanklondon.com/video interview.html) - For those needing assistance preparing for job interviews or those about to make a major business presentation. If you haven't interviewed for a job in while, or delivered a public presentation, brushing up on your public speaking skills, and your ability to handle tough questions could mean the difference between getting passed over or getting - [Career Development](https://hanklondon.com/career development.html) - Individualized programs are generated to assist job seekers in choosing or deciding on specific job goals and career paths. Using a variety of interest and skills assessments, and exercises, participants identify potential paths suited to their interests, core strengths, personalities and vocational ideals. Assessments are conducted individually and privately Lengthy interviews help determine appropriate and - [Returning To Work](https://hanklondon.com/returning to work.html) - More and more people are looking for work, including more older workers and others who are returning to work after many years. This program is targeted at audiences who have been out of the work force for many years, those returning to work after raising families, illness, or disability. As the economy improves, the job - [Planning For Layoffs & Outplacement](https://hanklondon.com/outplacement.html) - Targeted to employers, this presentation offers resources and training for the employer and ways for the employer to keep morale within their organization for those staying. Topics include: Importance of employer-arranged referrals, references, job placement and (re)training Job search refresher information for those on the job a long time How to help those facing job - [Interviewing & Personal Presentation Strategies](https://hanklondon.com/ipps.html) - Interviewing and networking processes are broken down to the nuts and bolts information needed by job seekers, contract workers, freelancers, sales, promotion, marketing and management professionals, entrepreneurs and others seeking to improve their interpersonal communication skills and shameless self promotion. Discussions include: Networking ice-breakers and informal networking introductions Formal interviewing introductions, and concise opening statements - [Cover Letter & Resume Writing - Creating Documents That Work](https://hanklondon.com/cover letters and resumes.html) - Cover Letter and Resume Writing programs can be provided individually and in groups. Typically, a minimum of 2 hours are spent on developing an effective resume, and another 2 hours spent generating supporting cover letters. In this program, participants will learn: How to maximize their work histories to clearly convey strengths and experience Effective formatting, - [Coping With Job Loss](https://hanklondon.com/coping with job loss.html) - Strategies are offered for successfully navigating your job search and life after a layoff, or other unexpected job loss. Participants are encouraged to discuss their own experiences and frustrations. Discussion in this group setting will help job seekers recognize they are not alone, and that their experiences may not be unique. 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