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 what to leave off your resume, blogging and your career, job survival tips, getting face time, and thoughts on starting a business.

From US News and World Report: 7 Things to Leave Off Your Resume
“What you omit from your resume can be just as important as what you include. Here are seven things to leave off.”

Wally’s Comment: You might want to follow something of a job seeker’s version of the oath that physicians take: “First, do no harm to yourself.”

From the Evil HR Lady: Blogging and Your Career
“Don’t worry. I have no plans to start posting pictures of my wild parties. However, I started a blog recently. I know that it is common for prospective employers to search the Internet to dig up dirt on job applicants, so I am wary of putting too much personal information, good or bad, on my blog. My concern is that some employers might refuse to hire me because of my political, religious, and ideological views. Is this a valid concern? What suggestions do you have for blogging so that I do not hurt my future career?”

Wally’s Comment: Speaking of things that can do you harm, if you’re a blogger, you should consider how what you say will impress a potential employer. The Evil HR Lady has some good advice.

From the Arizona Republic: Hang on to your job: 10 survival tips
“Here are 10 steps you can take to save your job, your sanity and move ahead.”

Wally’s Comment: It’s not just keeping the job. It’s also staying sane.

From 45 Things: Getting the Attention of the Five-Minute Boss
“While many people think that never seeing the boss might be a good thing, those who have a manager that rivals the Stealth Bomber know differently.”

Wally’s Comment: Remember: it’s easier for the boss to lay off people he or she doesn’t know. Remember: the people most likely to get promoted are the ones the boss remembers positively. Now read this post for how to make sure that you’re on the boss’s radar in a good way.

From the Wall Street Journal: A Toe in the Water
“If you’re anticipating a pink slip and thinking about starting a business, consider this: Many entrepreneurs say they first tested out ideas for new ventures while working full-time jobs, resigning only after becoming confident that their companies were headed toward success.”

Wally’s Comment: When times are tight there are a lot of folks who think, “I’ll just start my own business.” That may be a good idea. But remember that success leaves clues and one thing many entrepreneurs have in common is that they started their business while they still worked for someone else.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 7:12 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.