8/13/09: Top Career Posts this Week
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 lots and lots of job boards, managing your online reputation, defining success on your own terms, deciding about using an executive coach, and being happy at work.
From Karen Burns Working Girl: Thousands of Jobs, Hundreds of Job Boards, Who’s Hiring Now!
“WG tends to believe that there’s a lot more to job-hunting than trolling the job boards but this article from Career Alley is nonetheless very interesting.”
Wally’s Comment: There are, quite literally, thousands of “job boards” out there. Only a few will matter to you. This post will help you concentrate your efforts.
From Anita Bruzzese: 5 Ways to Manage Your Online Reputation
“Maybe you put countless hours into carefully crafting a resume and cover letter. Or you sweated buckets over the details regarding your meeting with a key client. Perhaps you had weeks of sleepless nights as you planned your new company. But then it all came crashing down – all with the click of your computer mouse. It all came undone because you didn’t think about the fact that some of the “unprofessional” items you posted online were viewed – and judged – by the very people you wanted to impress.”
Wally’s Comment: Yes, you’ve read about being careful what you put online. Yes, you’ve heard it’s important. So what should you do? Here’s a good, short piece that answers the question.
From Random Acts of Leadership: What does success feel like?
“When you envision your success what do you include? If you are like most people you include things like how much money you will make or have, your dream home, perhaps that amazing car, or the things you want to be able to provide for your family. For those who are philanthropically minded you may include how much you will give or something you will contribute to make a difference in the world. If you are career minded you may include that big promotion, your ideal job, your dream business or perhaps attaining a PhD. I have included many of these things on my list. Some of them are still on that list. All of those things are valid ways to define success. Except perhaps something is missing.”
Wally’s Comment: The problem with lots of career goals is that they’re too specific about the wrong things. Susan Mazza offers some insight on how to structure life goals that will matter to you.
From Forbes: Who Needs an Executive Coach?
“Not everybody. Here are five questions to answer before you hire one.”
Wally’s Comment: “Get a coach!” cry the pundits. But should you? And who?
From Fortune: 6 ways to be happier at work
“This is no time to wallow in negativity. New brain science reveals why staying positive is your best defense against career stagnation.”
Wally’s Comment: Remember that advice to “have a positive attitude” or even “be happy?” Forget that nonsense. Exhortation is not help. But this article is. It contains six practical suggestions about things you can do to be happier at work.
Bonus: Dr. Bret Simmons has an excellent leadership blog. He happens to be doing series of posts that make a great in-depth companion to this Fortune article.
