Email as a form of communication is commonplace in today’s society. Many people have daily access to email at their finger tips. A study by Radicati Group noted that more than 200 billion emails were sent per day in 2008. Because so many emails are sent the tone of this form of communication often becomes conversational in nature. However, it is important to maintain a sense of professionalism when using this medium at...

Each week I get an email from Quoteland that includes a motivational quotation. In my most recent email, I received this quotation: The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit for doing them. -Benjamin Jowett While the sentiment of this quotation is sweet, inclusive and dare I say it – communistic, I strongly disagree with what the quotation offers in Corporate America. Working in a time where there are more...

As I was driving home yesterday, I saw someone celebrating the season with one of those hideous wreaths on the front bumper/grill of their vehicle. I’m all for festivity and celebration, especially this time of year, but must we mobilize our holiday decorations? Anyway, it got me thinking about appropriate attire. In the business world we often have to assimilate. We show up when the boss says so, we follow policies and procedures specific...

In September of 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Department of Labor) reported that the median tenure of an employee with one employer was 4.4 years as of January 2010. The Bureau also reports the average retirement age at 62. A person’s average life span in the United States is nearly 80 years old. So, let’s say a person starts working at 18. That gives the average person about 40-45 working years, and if that person...

In this job market, it is vital to follow up on any job application or submission. Odds are you will set yourself apart from the thick pack of applicants rather than annoy the hiring manager. There’s a thin line between being persistent and being a pest. Be proactive by contacting the hiring manager one time after the initial submission. Ways to contact are outlined below. Email Clearly address the recipient and remind him or her of the...

If you call yourself the boss, then be a good one. Managing positions and jobs is an important responsibility. Many of the people you manage may seek more beyond task oversight. Some may want professional and career development. So, what should you do to help direct an employee’s job into a rewarding career path? Offer constructive criticism. People make mistakes. This is actually the best way to learn; however, correction must be given...

Is the cover letter dead? No, it is actually quite important to have a concise, well-written cover letter accompany a resume to help present a clear picture of the candidate as well as demonstrate the level of one’s communication skills. Securing a job is very similar to closing a sales deal. The cover letter allows the candidate to sell oneself to the hiring audience. Michelle Hopkins of Plano, Texas recently started a writing and editing...