Career Risk

Riskiest Career Move? – Not Taking a Risk

Mark was a survivor. Until he was fired in 2012, six months shy of his 50th birthday, he’d done everything right — rising through the ranks of the book publishing industry, from editorial assistant to associate editor to senior editor, then into management as an editor-in-chief. But as e-books and Amazon destabilized the industry, and waves of consolidation contracted available …

Proactive-Reactive

A Proactive Job Search Strategy

There are two kinds of job searches, proactive and reactive. Most people use reactive job search strategies, which means they look for job openings and then apply to ones that interest them. So, when you send your resume to recruiters and respond to job board postings, you are really at the mercy of what comes up.  In a proactive job search, you pick the …

Unemployed

Get Out Of That Unemployment Funk!

Unemployment is not easy… Especially when you’ve been out of a job for more than six months. You don’t know what day it is, you don’t have to wake up early (at least not for work), and you’ve developed a not-so-friendly relationship with your computer. Related: The 3-Step ‘Beat Unemployment’ Plan In the more extreme of cases, your bills may be …

waiting for a recruiter call

Why You Haven’t Heard Back From Recruiters

Samantha was fed up. Her job was frustrating and her boss was uninspiring. Then one day, a recruiter called with the job of her dreams. Ten minutes into the conversation, Samantha could see herself in a bigger office, making double her current salary, and working for the boss of her dreams. “I’m very interested!” she told the recruiter. And she began the process …

Break all the job search ‘rules’

Our client Christopher knew something was wrong. “It just didn’t make sense,” he said. “I job-hunted for six months as a full-time job. I customized my resumes and cover letters. I followed every instruction to the letter. I took over thirty online tests in that time, and I got no interviews. My background is a perfect match for at least …

New Job

New Job – Starting it Right

In a new job, first impressions are so important. This is especially true at a new job where you’re meeting so many people for the first time, and most important of all, your new boss. Because this is such a pivotal moment, and so many recent college graduates are now meeting their new bosses for the first time this summer, the LifeGuides team …

Colorado employment oulook

Colorado Companies to Watch 2014

Emerging Colorado Companies inspire confidence in state’s future. They’re past their infancy, but they’ve still got some growing to do. Consider this year’s 50 Colorado Companies to Watch teenagers along the business spectrum, energetic second-stagers that have come a long way already and have the potential to go the distance. “Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW) recognizes and celebrates the businesses that …

Networking

Networking for Better Connections

Hate networking or love it, a few key tactics can help you make important connections. When it comes to making new connections, introverts get a bad rap, in spite of the fact that introversion and shyness are not the same thing. While extroverts are the life of the party, introverts do better in smaller, more intimate settings, and they tend …

handshake

Turning Temp into Permanent

A contract, temp position is often the best way to get employed When companies need short-term workers, (or if they just want to “try before they buy,”) they’ll hire temporary employees—also known as “temps,” consultants, freelancers or contract workers. There’s no guarantee those positions will parlay into permanent ones, but it is possible if you play your cards right. “If you are …

Decisions

Best Decisions – When To Trust Instinct?

Call it instinct, intuition or just a hunch — all smart business professionals know what it’s like when somethining simply feels right (or wrong). Making a decision based on this sixth sense may not seem wise at the time, but as any successful entrepreneur can tell you, the best business decisions aren’t always based on logical analysis. Paying attention to …

Empolyee Engagement

Employee Engagement – DaVita Style

Nobody washes a rental car. People will go the extra mile only if they feel they have ownership. It’s much the same in the workplace. Employees who take ownership of their work — and who feel that what they are doing matters — are far more likely than others to feel engaged on the job. You can have great talent that is appropriately teamed. …

Company Culture

Company Culture Red Flags

Aside from the unpleasantness, bad company culture is also bad for your career. Successful people tend to work for winners, and a good company culture has been shown to drive long term financial performance. Work for a happy place, and you’ll likely do better in life. However, that brings up a question. How can you know anything about a company’s culture when …

Best Fit Interview Prep

Best Fit Interview Prep

Best fit interview prep is one of the most important aspects of the job search However, the vast majority of job seekers simply wing the interview. They figure they know themselves pretty well, and just go in with the idea they can answer the questions quite easily. However, with this approach, one of two things will happen. You will either …