Every week I check dozens of “career” blogs and other online publications, looking for things that will help you find a job, get promoted, develop your skills, and keep everything in perspective and balance. Here’s the pick of the lot for this week. I’m pointing you to items about the “out-of-office reply,” extreme job hunting, the most important thing you can do, preparing for the job interview, and five things to avoid.

From Fistful of Talent: Does the “Out of Office” Reply Hurt Your Career?
“I know a lot of people believe work life balance means you have to totally disconnect when on vacation. But people don’t stop looking for answers. Is there more balance in dealing with 500 unread emails and a bunch of dropped balls when you get back to work? For me, the balance is in keeping things rolling so I’m not cringing about what I return to the last 3 days of my vacation”

Wally’s Comment: How do prospective employers and your customers react to an “out-of-office” message? Kris Dunn has some thoughts.

From Forbes: Extreme Job Hunting
“As the economy hits rock bottom, some job hunters go guerrilla.”

Wally’s Comment: Don’t try to smash the rock. Be like water and flow around it.

From US News & World Report: The Most Important Thing You Can Do for Your Career in the New Year
“You’re probably seeing a lot of articles this week with headlines like “Ten Best Career Resolutions for 2009.” “Update your résumé,” they’ll advise. “Acquire a new skill.” “Do more networking.” “Work smarter, not harder.” Good ideas. But here’s a better one: Have a Plan B.”

Wally’s Comment: Karen Burns is spot on as usual. You need plan B. You really do.

From Employment Digest: The Job Interview – Tips For Winning Your Interviewer Over
“Okay, so you got your fabulous resume out there, received a call and “poof” you have an interview. Going to an interview can be a nerve wracking task for many people even highly seasoned professionals. The best way to combat any nerves is to be well-prepared.”

Wally’s Comment: This excellent post keys on preparation, why it’s important, how to do it and what you can expect from it.

From US News & World Report: 5 Small Things That Annoy Interviewers
“Here’s a list of things that will secretly annoy your interviewer–none of these are necessarily deal-breakers, but they’re all things that your interviewer won’t appreciate.”

Wally’s Comment: Alison Green tells you want to do after all that preparation. Here are things that can mess up a perfectly good interview.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 am and is filed under Tools and Strategies for Success. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.