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It's time to get serious about career, business, and work skills.
 
 

WORK - BUSINESS - CAREERS - JOBS


Here we provide helpful career, work, and business information, advice, and tips, to help you with your own career and work life.

Includes finding employment lessons including information on getting a job, including writing resumes, searching for a job, interviewing skills.  Once you get a job, we have information on business skills including writing business letters, and public speaking.

Along with learning about business and careers, we have included links to those interested in teaching these skills. Also, see our home page for more teaching information.

 

 

 

 

 

WORK, BUSINESS, AND CAREER INFORMATION

     
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS    

 

 

Writing Cover Letters that Land Interviews

The cover letter is where you let your potential employer know who you are in a more personal way.  Here are some tips and advice on writing successful and effective cover letters.

Writing the Perfect Resume

Writing a clear and effective resume is an important part of the job search.  Here are some tips and advice for writing a good, clear, well presented resume.

Writing Resume Tips

Some basic resume writing tips.

 

Posting your Resume Online

Posting your resume online makes your resume more widely available.  Here is some help to place your resume online.

 

Types of Resume Cover Letters

Learn about the different types of resume cover letters that you may write.

 

What you need to Know about Scanning Resumes

How to make your resume scanner friendly.

 

Different Types of Resumes

Learn about the three different types of resumes.

 

JOB SEARCH AND INTERVIEWS    

 

 

Job Searching -- Where to Begin?

Searching for a new job can be intimidating, especially if you have been employed for a long time.  Here is some advice on beginning your job search.

Strategies for a Successful Job Search

Here are some tips and strategies to help make your job search easier.

Pathways to Career Success through Volunteering

If you are looking for a new career, or want to learn more about a potential job, volunteering may be a good way to build job experience, while helping others.

First Impressions Count -- Stand Out Interviews

You are going to need more than a good resume to get the job you want.  Here are some tips for successful interviewing.

Tip the Scales in your Favor with these Interview Tips

Here are some tips for improving your chances for success with your next job interview.

Key Interview Questions to Ask

Interviewing is not a one-way conversation.  An important part of the interview is the questions that you ask.

Going Beyond Classifieds: Informational Interviews

One of the most effective ways to find a new job is by the informational interview.

The Power of Thank-You Notes in Job Searches

The interview is over, but you still have a job to do.  Here is some information on the importance of sending thank-you notes after your job interview is over.

Jobs for Mature Workers

Advice for mature, older workers who may be interested in searching for a new job.

Interview Overview

Learn why we interview, and the different types of interviews you might expect.

Temping your way to Career Success

Information on temp jobs and why they may be right for you.

Interviewing for your Dream Job

Interview preparation information.

Preparing for an Interview as the Hiring Manager

What many people don’t realize is that interviewers often dread the process nearly as much as those being interviewed.

The Different Types of Interviews

An overview of the different types of interviews.

The Four Phases to an Interview

An outline of the four main phases to an interview that you might expect.

Handling a Job Interview over the Telephone

Many companies use phone interviews for screening potential candidates.

Job Interview Tips for Teens

Information and advice for teens interviewing.

 

Creating a Job Interview Folder

Improve your performance at an interview by first preparing a job interview folder.

 

Answering the Unexpected or Unrehearsed Interview Question

Be better prepared to answer unexpected interview questions.

 

Job Networking:  Schmoozing your Way to a Career

Networking is a great way to find a job.

 

Create a Jobseekers Calling Card

Create a job seekers calling card to help you find a job.

 

Preparing and Rehearsing for a Job Interview

Advice for preparing and rehearsing for a job interview.  Practice your interviewing skills.

 

Traditional Style Job Interview Questions

Sample traditional job interview questions that are commonly asked during and interview.

 

Finding People who can Help you Find a Job

Learn how to use networking to find people who can help you find a job.

 

Tap Into Your Skills: Job Hunting for Teens

Job search tips for teens.

 

Job Interviews May Include Tests, Surveys, or Assessments

Besides interview questions, tests, surveys, or assessments are some of the other things to possibly expect.

 

Facing a Job Interview without Fear

Everyone is nervous at a job interview.  Here are some techniques for facing a job interview without fear.

 

Teens: Finding Your First Job

Information for teenagers looking for their first job.

 

How Can a Teenager Find a Job?

To find a job, you need to put some thought and effort into it.

 

Focus for a Successful Teen Job Search:
Land the Job You Want

Perhaps the biggest mistake teens make when searching for a job is in not narrowing down their job search to begin with.

 

Successful Interviews

Most people find the job interview to be one of the most stressful situations they are likely to encounter.

 

CAREER PLANNING AND EXPLORATION    

 

 

Career Planning Introduction

An introduction to career planning.  Learn about yourself, and what types of work may be best for you.

 

Applying Yourself

Learn about applying yourself to your future, work, and career.  Learn to become motivated, and take responsibility.

 

Thinking about the Future

Help to identify possible future careers for yourself by identifying your likes, dislikes, needs, and motivations.

 

So you want to be a Manager

Being a manager means managing people as well as projects and tasks and not everyone is up to the challenge.  Here is some advice to see if you should be a manager.

 

So you want to become a Manager

So now that you decided you would be a good manager, what steps should you do to become one?

 

Career Assessment Tests: Do your Interest, Skills, and Aptitude match your Job Choice?

Learn about career assessment tests.

 

Careers in Business

Explore and learn about the different careers in business and the types of skills and duties involved.

 

Mapping your Life Path

Examine areas of your life, identify strengths and weaknesses, and achieve balance for a happy and fulfilling life.

 

Working your First Job: How to Wow your Employer

Tips for working at your new job.

 

FINDING A CAREER    

 

 

Introduction: Finding a Career Choice that is Perfect for You

We all want to wake up and go to a job we enjoy and leave looking forward to coming back the next day.

 

What is Work and why is it Important?

Why is it that we work? The reason is not just to earn money.

 

The Need for Creative Self Expression

You are here to create what was not here before in some form or fashion.

 

Your Personal Work History

Information on your personal work history and career choice.

 

Your Skills and Talents

Whatever right livelihood is for you it should somehow match your existing skills and talents.

 

Problems into Opportunities

The key to right livelihood is to find a passion.

 

Making a Contribution to Society

Aspire to be a contributor to society.

 

Serving

What is service and why is it important?

 

Exploration Steps

Exploration is not only a key them for finding the right work for you but is also a key them for the purpose of any worthwhile endeavor.

 

Choosing your Environment

An important consideration in choosing your life work is to choose an environment you are most comfortable with.

 

Soulful Work

If there is not an element of play in your work then you need to think more about your approach to it.

 

Integrity: Work is Something you Deeply Care About

In order to find your right livelihood you have to learn how to make the work you are doing now right.

 

Finding a Mentor

The best thing you can do is find a mentor and do your best to emulate what they have done.

 

Choosing the Right Career

The most important factor in choosing the right career is exploration.

 

MAKING EXTRA MONEY AND WORK AT HOME    

 

 

I Want to Start My Own Business... or Do I?

Here are some questions to first ask yourself to see if you are ready to start your own business.

Tips on Starting a Home Business

So you want to start your own home based business?  Here are some tips and advice to help you get started.

Searching for Work from Home Jobs

There are many jobs available that allow you to work from home to earn money  Here is some information on searching for a work at home job.

 

Money Making Ideas that Help You Make Ends Meet

Here are some ideas for helping you make a little extra money.

 

Home Based Business Ideas

With self-motivation and discipline, you can start a home business.  Here are some work ideas for your own home business.

 

Choosing the Home Business that's Best for You

Tips for choosing the home based business that is best for you.

 

Starting a Business Checklist

Here is a checklist to help you with starting your own business.

 

7 Careers Perfect for Home Businesses

Here are seven careers that are perfect for being operated from home.

 

Before Starting a Profitable Business

Important planning tips for starting a profitable business.

8 Tips on Writing a Home Business Plan

It's always a good idea to write a business plan before starting a new business.  Here are some quick tips to help.

Tips on Running a Home Based Business

A home based business can be a great way to earn extra money without the stress and burden of working for a company.  However, there are some rules you should follow to help make your home business a success.

Marketing your Home Business

Marketing your home based business is one of your first priorities as a new home business owner.  Here is some advice on marketing your home business.

Positioning your Home Business

When starting a home business, one of the most important things you need to consider is your positioning in the marketplace.

Home Business Equipment Checklist

A checklist to help you decide upon your home business equipment needs.

Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Promote your Small Business

Ways to inexpensively promote your small business, or home based business.

5 Simple Home Business Relationship Building Strategies

Some simple ways to help build relationships with your customers for your home or small business.

Choosing a Home Business Partner

Advice for choosing a home business partner that is compatible with you.

Advertising your Small Business on a Shoestring

Tips for inexpensive, effective advertising for your small business using direct mail marketing.

How Do I Work With a Consultant to Get the Best Results?

Advice on working with a consultant.

Won’t You Be My Partner? Finding the Best Partner for Your Small Business

Information on finding a partner for your small business.

Making Money with Online Auctions

Making money online, with sites such as EBay, is not only possible, but can also be profitable.

 

Starting Your Home-based Business Advice

Tips to help you get started with your home business.

 

Business Ideas for Teens

Fortunately teens do not have to be stuck in those same old teenage jobs anymore.

 

Make Money from your Scrapbooking Stash

Information on making money with scrapbooking.

 

Organizing the Small Business Office

Your business is growing constantly and the growth or expansion can put you on edge if you are not organized.

Simple Facts about Starting your Own Business

Careful planning and preparation can make the transition from conventional employment to self-employment less stressful and strenuous.

 

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PRESENTATIONS    

 

 

Introduction: The Importance of Public Speaking

No matter who your are or what job you do, there is a good chance you will have to make a speech in public.  Here is an introduction to public speaking.

 

Public Speaking:  Dealing with Fear and Anxiety

Fear, stage fright, no matter what you call it, the fact is people are afraid of speaking in public.  Here is some advice with dealing with fear.

 

Making Effective Presentations: Introduction

Learn the key to effective presentations.

 

Presentations to Persuade

Presentations to persuade.

 

Effective Presentations: Body Language and Dealing with Questions

Learn the importance of body language and how to deal with questions during your presentation.

 

BUSINESS PLANS    

 

 

Business Plan Writing and Information

Information and resources on writing business plans.  Learn about setting business goals, marketing, and strategies.

 

SALES AND MARKETING    

 

 

Sales and Marketing Information

Information and resources on business sales and marketing.  Training info, advice, and selling strategies.

 

BUSINESS WRITING    

 

 

Business Writing Introduction

An introduction to business writing.  Proper business writing sets the stage for a professional relationship.

 

Business Writing - Punctuation and Comma Usage

Learn proper punctuation and comma usage for business writing.

 

Business Writing - Other Punctuation

Tips on additional punctuation marks that are often incorrectly used in business writing.

 

Business Writing - Common Misused Words

Learn to avoid common misused words in business writing.

 

ACCOUNTING    

 

 

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Learn about accounting and bookkeeping.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS    

 

 

Developing Good Listening Skills

Tips for developing better, effective listening skills.

 

Knowing What to Say and How to Say it

Improve your communication skills.

 

Communication Skills Lesson

Learn about the importance of communication skills and what you can do to improve your ability to communicate effectively.

 

Using Email Effectively as a Communication Tool

It is incredibly important to remember some key etiquette rules when sending and receiving email.

 

Speaking with Value

How you communicate and the words you use can have an important impact on the way people perceive you.

 

Communicating Effectively in the Workplace

Information on how to communicate effectively in the workplace.

 

Basic Telephone Skills

Learn basic business telephone skills including scheduling calls, appropriate greetings and endings, listening skills, and etiquette.

 

Solving Problems in Business (and life)

When we have a problem in business or life, we often rush to solve it.  Here is a process for solving problems in business.

 

Conducting Effective Meetings at Work

Information on conducting effective meetings at work.

 

NEGOTIATION - NEGOTIATING SKILLS    

 

 

Negotiating Skills - Purchasing Strategy

Not everyone is good at negotiating.  Here is some ideas to help you negotiate when buying something.

 

Negotiating Skills - Sales Strategy

When you are looking to sell something, it is important to have strong negotiation skills.

 

EMPLOYEE AND HUMAN RESOURCES    

 

 

Coaching the Marginal Employee

Tips and information on employee motivation.

 

Employee Counseling — Do’s and Don’ts

Employee counseling can be one of the most difficult aspects of being a good manager.

 

Train that Staff…Then, Take the Day Off!

Information and advice on staff training.

 

Motivating your People

How to motivate your employees.

 

How to take Disciplinary Action

Information on steps for disciplining under-performing employees.

 

Effective Recruitment Techniques

Information on recruitment and staffing.

 

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT    

 

 

Performance Reviews that Work

How to have effective employee job performance reviews.

 

Performance Management: Setting Performance Expectations

Learn about the importance of performance management and setting performance expectations.

 

Performance Expectations for your New Employee

How to set performance expectations for your new employee.

 

Coaching and Feedback for your Newest Employees

The next step of managing employee performance -- coaching and feedback.

 

Performance Management Strategies for Veteran Employees in New Roles

Managing performance of veteran employees in new roles.

 

Dealing with Problem Employees

How to deal with problem employees.

 

Veteran Employee Problems

How to deal with veteran employee problems.

 

Performance Management When You Are Not In Charge

It actually is possible to manage the performance of others when you are not in charge.

 

Preparing for the Bad News

Handling bad news in the workplace.

 

Performance Management Over a 5-year Horizon

Managers often push back when asked to develop 5-year plans for some employees.

 

Performance Planning based on Attrition Analysis

Several trends make planning for attrition more critical than it has been in the past.

 

Planning for Performance Management: Where to Start?

If a few simple steps are followed, the performance review process can not only be easier, it can actually be a productive process both for you and your employees.

 

JOB SURVIVAL    

 

 

Loving the Job you Hate

You hate your job.  What can you do?

 

Workplace Competencies

Understanding workplace competencies can help support your success at work, whether you are looking for a new job, or hiring someone to work for you.

 

What a Life Coach can do for You

You can seek the guidance of a life coach to help you achieve your personal or professional goals.

 

Managing Up

Learn about how managing up can help your career.

 

My Boss doesn't like Me

What to do if you have trouble with your boss.

 

Adjusting to Change at Work

How to adjust to change in the workplace.

 

Sexual Harassment at Work

Information on dealing with sexual harassment.

 

Planning to be Away From Work

Learn about the Family and Medical Leave Act, and taking leave from work.

 

Our Company is about to be Sold!

More change in the business world means more sales, mergers, and acquisitions.  Here is how to survive if your company is about to be sold.

 

Getting the Raise

Tips on how to successfully get a raise.

 

Work Life Balance

Balancing work and life information and advice.

 

Workaholism is an Illness

The self-image element of workaholism is driven by the way society defines success.

 

Do You Need an Executive Coach?

There are a number of reasons for which to employ the services of an experienced, qualified executive coach.

 

TIME MANAGEMENT    

 

 

Effective Time Management Skills -- Working from Home

Learn time management skills to work more effectively at home.

 

Effective Time Management Skills

Learn effective time management skills.

 

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT - MANAGING PEOPLE    

 

 

Managing a Diverse Workforce

To be successful in today's business environment, you need to know how to manage a diverse workforce.

 

Diversity at Work

Companies are embracing diversity as savvy business strategy.

 

How to be an Effective Mentor

How to be an effective mentor in business, or outside the workplace.

 

Managing Teams

Managing teams is not like managing a group of individuals.  Learn some tips on effectively managing teams.

 

Techniques of Great Business Coaches

Learn about business coaching, techniques, and advice.

 

Handling A Work-Place Crisis

Strategy and advice for handling a work-place crisis.

 

Employing Consultants in your Business

Information on hiring consultants for your business.

 

Pros and Cons to Hiring Associates

Hiring associates to assist you in business is a positive means to higher productivity.

 

Managing a Three-Girl Office

Managing takes patience, understanding, and coping skills. With more three-girls in the office, work is done timely and professionally.

 

The Importance of Network Groups

Network groups are a great way to meet new prospects, build business relationships, and market your products or services.

 

The Fundamental Elements of Good Leadership

No organization can succeed without good leadership.

 

Supervisory Skills for Beginners

The skills required for the supervision of employees, volunteers, or students are all quite similar, and, as they are so essential to the success of any group or organization, they need to be identified and well mastered.

 

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW    

 

 

The Business Environment of Organizations

To lead an organization efficiently we must know where our company is situated, what are the outside influences, and the inside ones.

 

CORPORATE CULTURE - BUSINESS AND WORKPLACE CULTURE    

 

 

What is Work-Place Culture and Why Do I Care?

Learn why it is important to understand workplace culture.

 

BUSINESS ETHICS    

 

 

Business Ethics

One of the biggest issues facing corporations is business ethics.

 

EDUCATION    

 

 

Four Reasons to Consider a Community College Education

Reasons why you may want to consider a community college.

 

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MANAGEMENT    

 

 

Communication Skills for Coping with Conflict

You are in the middle of a communication breakdown.  Here is some advice for coping with conflict.

 

Managing Conflict in the Workplace

With changing expectations, competing priorities, and growing interdependence of workers, opportunities for conflict in the work place abound.  Here is some advice for managing that conflict.

 

Conflict Resolution at Work

Strategies for managing conflict at work.

 

Handling Workplace Complaints

Information on handling and investigating workplace complaints.

 

Handling Conflict at Work

Conflict is everywhere. It is natural to disagree, and conflict often results from the interaction of people and groups with different values, perspectives and beliefs.

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS    

 

 

Creating an Effective Press Release

Here are the basics on creating an effective press release.

 

Media Relations: Working with the Media

Getting information to the media involves remembering basics that will not only help how well you are received, but also keep you organized and help determine how the media responds.

 

Avoiding Overexposure

Presenting too much information can backfire.  Here is how to avoid overexposure.

 

Working with the Media: Cultivating Contacts

Getting your message out involves many factors.

 

Publicity Beyond the Media

There are many ways to get your message out, including advertisements, community events, promotional items, and more.

 

Conducting Successful Press Conferences

Conducting successful press conferences takes more than designating a time and place.

 

Developing and Marketing your Message

Your marketing message may be right on target, yet fall on deaf ears if your delivery is wrong.

 

Managing Crisis

Learn to deal with an unfortunate public relations scenario.

 

Focusing on the Issues

Public relations professionals know they need to stay focused on the issues and the message to be successful.

 

Public Relations Promotion: Having a Presence in the Community

Is your organization publicizing itself so the community likes you?

 

Public Relations: Getting Media Coverage

How to get media coverage for your event.

 

Public R