It may sound counter-intuitive in a down job market, but there are instances when it is best to turn down a job offer. This can be a result of many factors, including the job not being a good fit, the responsibilities are not ideal to your career goals and more. Even when you do turn down a job, maintaining a professional demeanor is still important. Let's address the best approaches. Even though you are not accepting t...

Flexibility at work is a necessity for employees and employers, alike. Streamlined workforces, shifts in technology and a changing market are just a few reasons why flexibility is the new norm for many organizations. While your company may not have a formal set of rules for a flexible workplace, there are many advantages to be gained by taking on a flexible attitude – and approach, when it comes to your job. Advant...

Mergers and acquisitions are a way for some companies to improve profits and productivity, while reducing overall expenses. While good for business, in some cases they are not good for employees. With a merger and acquisition come the requisite lay–offs, leaving many employees worried about their positions or the changing culture of the company. Unfortunately, there may be instances where you will have little to no...

To enhance their job search and make it more effective, many people are turning to the encouragement found in Job Clubs-groups for support, networking, and sharing tips on job hunting, resume writing, and interviewing. Many people find job clubs energizing and genuinely helpful in moving their job search forward. I spoke about job clubs with Jolene Varley Handy, the Director of Career Services at Grace Institute. Jolene...

As we move into the 6-month mark recognizing how COVID-19 has changed our lives, the stress is palpable. Many parents and students are struggling with online learning, childcare, and trying to work from home while also supervising virtual education for young children. That challenge intensifies if those parents have returned to a place of work beyond the home. Those who have work are adjusting to the new normal of perpet...

For 15 years, I’ve been coaching mid- to high-level professionals and leaders in achieving their highest and most rewarding goals. This involves helping them embrace new strategies and approaches that allow them to make the positive impact they long for and become the kind of leaders they want to be. Throughout the process, they’ve told me that in overcoming their own power gaps, they’ve expanded their abi...

I will be the first to admit that there wasn’t a pandemic portion of my career coach training way back when. We’re all in new territory, and anyone who says they know exactly what to do right now is a liar. Now that we got that out of the way! What Other People Think As I said in my previous blog post, there is no such thing as job security. That also implies that there are no recession-proof jobs. Nothing...

Job success is a combination of many factors, from your skill set and knowledge, to business acumen and how you interact with colleagues. One area that can also help with your career goals is having a mentor. Many people disregard the role mentoring can play to workplace success. Why align yourself with a mentor? A mentor is someone who has the experience or knowledge you seek, and can help in your current role or assist...

Many years ago when I was in my corporate life, I happened upon the powerful book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and I was very drawn to its simple yet transformative principles and strategies. To me, they just made perfect sense and those rare people whom I found to be great leaders were naturally applying these principles in their lives and work. On the other hand, I saw all around me certain behaviors of colleag...

First impressions are always important, and never more so than on the work-front. The reality is - and will always be - that people make an assumption of you within the first few seconds you meet. This can include everything from the way you dress, to how you speak and your general attitude. At work, the first impression can not only impact short-term perceptions of you - but your long-term reputation and career success. Ou...