The title of this column is a reference to the big elephant in the room. It’s that thing that everybody knows, but nobody is talking about. I’d like to talk about it a little today: illegal job interview questions.

2. The Illegal Question in the Room - Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Career Corner

The Illegal Question in the Room

ANGELA COPELAND

Special to The Daily News

The title of this column is a reference to the big elephant in the room. It’s that thing that everybody knows, but nobody is talking about. I’d like to talk about it a little today: illegal job interview questions.

3. Sitting in Judgment - Wednesday, September 5, 2018

If you’re looking for a new job and actively interviewing, I want to encourage you to hang in there. It’s going to work out. I’m sure of it. Job searching is like dating. It’s really tough until you find “the one.” And it just takes one. You only need one good job to change your current situation.

4. The Risky Business of Job Searching - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

I recently heard a stand-up comedian make a joke about dating. They compared the experiences that men have versus women when they go on a Tinder date. They joked that when a man gets ready for a blind date, his biggest worry is that it will be boring. He will have wasted an hour of his life and perhaps some money.

5. The Time to Find a New Job is Now - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

For years, the job market has been tight. I’ve spoken to many job seekers who are suffering through work each day. They aren’t sure what their alternatives are, and they’re not prepared to be unemployed for any length of time. If you can relate, there’s good news for you.

6. Why Company Reviews Matter - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Every once in a while, I’m talking to a job seeker when something happens that I’m not expecting. It’s especially surprising with the job seeker doesn’t currently have a job and is unemployed.

I’ll say, “What about this company? They’re hiring! This looks like a great job opportunity.” Without missing a beat, the unemployed job seeker will say, “You know, their company reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed are terrible! I’m going to pass on that company. I would rather be unemployed.”

7. Archived Article - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Every once in a while, I’m talking to a job seeker when something happens that I’m not expecting. It’s especially surprising with the job seeker doesn’t currently have a job and is unemployed.

I’ll say, “What about this company? They’re hiring! This looks like a great job opportunity.” Without missing a beat, the unemployed job seeker will say, “You know, their company reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed are terrible! I’m going to pass on that company. I would rather be unemployed.”

8. Archived Article - Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Every once in a while, I’m talking to a job seeker when something happens that I’m not expecting. It’s especially surprising with the job seeker doesn’t currently have a job and is unemployed.

I’ll say, “What about this company? They’re hiring! This looks like a great job opportunity.” Without missing a beat, the unemployed job seeker will say, “You know, their company reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed are terrible! I’m going to pass on that company. I would rather be unemployed.”

9. Ghosting: Dating Phenomenon Hitting the Job Search World - Wednesday, August 8, 2018

The number of companies reporting job search candidates are ghosting them is on the rise. Ghosting is a term typically used in dating. It happens when you’ve been dating and one of the people stops responding to all communication with no reasons as to why. They may suddenly stop returning calls, texts or emails. It’s as if they disappear.

10. When Are We Going To Close Down Open Office? - Wednesday, August 1, 2018

I hear from job seekers every day. They’ve been searching for a new job for ages. When they finally land it, they have a concern that’s not about money. It’s their office setup.

For years, open-style offices have been all the rage. Whether it’s shared cubicles or a big open room, companies are still hanging on to this concept. Many managers say the environment will foster collaboration and connection. The problem is, collaboration and connection don’t seem to be an issue with those who have offices.

11. It’s Summer! How will You Vacation? - Wednesday, July 25, 2018

A good vacation can be one of the most relaxing things you can do for yourself. Whether you prefer the beach, camping, or grilling out in your backyard, down time is something we all need. Unfortunately, we’re not all getting this much needed time to relax. Can you relate?

12. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There - Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Do you ever feel like you’re struggling to take your career to the next level? If so, you’re not alone. Many of the job seekers I speak to each day are struggling with similar feelings. They have not received the achievements they expected to get by now. Perhaps they’re coming up on an important birthday, such as 30 or 40 or 50. They haven’t received the awards they would have hoped, or the plum promotion they were counting on. They’re making less money than they had planned for.

13. Glassdoor Announces 2018 Top CEOs - Wednesday, July 11, 2018

It’s often said that employees don’t quit jobs. They quit bosses. Can you relate? If you’ve ever left a job, there’s a good chance you might agree with this idea.

If you’re looking for a new job, one of the first things to consider is the management you’ll be working for. I often believe that finding the right environment is just as important (if not more so) than finding the perfect title.

14. Creating Career Independence - Wednesday, July 4, 2018

I hope you have a wonderful holiday week! I know I’m looking forward to spending time with friends, grilling out and watching fireworks to celebrate this Independence Day. This holiday is also a great time to reflect on your career.

15. How Much Do You Make? - Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Have you ever been asked, “How much do you make?” in a job interview? This question usually shows up during the first phone call.

You’ve applied online. The HR manager calls you. The conversation seems normal at first. They ask, “Why did you apply for this job?” and “Tell me about yourself.” Then all of the sudden, bam! “How much do you make?” Or, they may try, “How much have you made in the past?”

16. Avoiding Early Career Pitfalls - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

The summer is an exciting time for young job seekers. A new group of graduates has just been minted and are searching for their first full-time job. But, there are many pitfalls you may encounter along the way. Here are a few suggestions to help you in your search.

17. The Secret To Networking - Wednesday, June 13, 2018

The story I’m about to share is very common. A job seeker recently came to me with a problem. They’d been looking everywhere for the right job. Finally, they found it. It was just what they were looking for, and their skills were a perfect match. Even better, a close friend should be able to be their advocate. It seemed to be a slam dunk opportunity, but then, something went wrong. The close friend didn’t follow through. They really let the job seeker down. It was terribly confusing and disheartening.

18. Indeed Unveils New Products For 2018 - Wednesday, June 6, 2018

I recently had the opportunity to attend Indeed Interactive in Austin, Texas. Indeed.com is the world’s largest job website. It’s like the Google of job searches. Indeed Interactive is the annual conference where thousands of human resources professionals come together to learn about the latest updates to the website and to job seeking this year.

19. The Social Media Tattoo - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Have you ever considered getting a tattoo? Or had a child ask you about getting one? If you have, you know it can be a tough decision.

Getting a tattoo is very personal. Tattoos are permanent. They have a personal meaning that often ties back to your beliefs or your experiences. If you decide to get a tattoo, you’ll consider where the tattoo will be located. You’ll decide if you want people to see it all the time or just some of the time, depending on which clothing will cover it.

20. Be Kind To Each Other - Wednesday, May 23, 2018

We all have bad days. Whether you woke up on the wrong side of the bed or someone cut you off on the way to work, it can make getting through the day difficult. What can make it even more difficult is when we look at each moment as a competition to the top.

21. Signs It’s Time For a Midlife Career Change - Wednesday, May 16, 2018

If you’re like most people, you think you’re the only one. Everything was fine for the first 20 years of your career. You were focused. You were happy. You were going up the ladder. Then you hit an age. Maybe it was 30 or 40 or 50. But suddenly, everything changed.

22. Don’t Let Your Vacation Stop You From Switching Jobs - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

One of the No. 1 reasons people are hesitant to switch jobs is because of their vacation time. They start with one or two weeks of vacation each year at their company. Then, as they stay at their job for a few years, more days are added on. After a while, they may find that they have earned four or five weeks of vacation per year. This much vacation can truly be life changing. And, all that vacation time took years to earn. It makes you not want to leave. Can you relate?

23. Continuous Interviewing - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

One of the hardest things about looking for a new job is this: Most people wait to start looking until they need a job. In other words, they’ve been fired, or they hate their work situation so much that they’re ready to quit. Does this sound familiar? The problem is, if you wait until you need a job, you’ve probably waited too long. The chances you’ll find a job on just the day you need it is low.

24. Talk To Strangers - Wednesday, April 25, 2018

If you’re like me, the adults in your life taught you early on, “Don’t talk to strangers.” You may have even heard the phrase, “stranger danger.” The idea is that strangers can harm you in some way. Staying away from strangers kept you safe from kidnapping or something else bad.

25. Running Away Money - Wednesday, April 18, 2018

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Margaret Heffernan. Margaret is incredibly impressive, with a career that includes running five companies in the United States and the United Kingdom, being a college professor, authoring five books, and giving multiple TED Talks. Originally from Texas, Margaret has lived all over, including in the U.K.

26. Last Word: Play Ball, Porch & Parlor and A New Bus System - Wednesday, April 11, 2018

If you go to enough political gatherings you start to see parallels. Sometimes you see things that aren’t there but that’s another story. Many political gatherings begin with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer as well. Sometimes the pledge isn’t enough and there is someone there to sing the National Anthem.

27. SXSW 2018: My First-Year Experience - Wednesday, April 11, 2018

I recently had the opportunity to attend South by Southwest (sxsw.com) in Austin, Texas, for the first time. If you’ve never been, SXSW is a giant festival in downtown Austin that draws in thousands of people. Founded in 1987, SXSW has boasted an economic impact to Austin of over $300 million in past years.

28. Transparency Helps Build A Diverse Workforce - Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Diversity is one of the most important issues companies are focused on today. LinkedIn recently found that more than half of companies say they are very or extremely focused on diversity. This is good news, especially when you consider the World Economic Forum recently estimated it will take 217 years for women to reach complete equality in pay and employment opportunities.

29. When to Ask Your Boss For More Money - Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Who wouldn’t like to make more money? If you’ve read my column before, you probably know that I’m an advocate of changing companies every three to five years (for many industries). On top of gaining extra experience, switching has the potential to bump up your pay considerably. But often there are times when you need a raise at your current employer.

30. Starting a Digital Marketing Career - Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Digital marketing is a hot field. It has been hot for more than 10 years. I rarely share much about how to move into the field of digital marketing. However, I get many questions about it because a large part of my career was spent as a digital marketer.

31. Secrets Recruiters Won’t Tell You - Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Applying for a job seems like a fair process. You apply online, and if you’re a good fit for the job, the company will give you a call. You’ll go in person for an interview and show your expertise. Then, the company will carefully decide who the most qualified person is.

32. The New World Of Social Media - Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Social media used to be so fun. We could all stay connected with friends and family, for long periods of time and around the world. It felt like social media was expanding our friend circles. For example, I have reconnected with friends that date back to kindergarten. Before the internet, this would have been much more difficult.

33. Treating Employees With Dignity - Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Part of my job is to work with professionals who have recently become unemployed. It’s incredible how many people are impacted by layoffs each day. Often, the person was let go due to something outside of their control. Their company reorganized and laid off an entire department. The employee had a great track record of loyal service.

34. The Value Of College - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

College is expensive. Private college is even more. My undergraduate school is now charging approximately $50,000 per year, just for tuition. Assuming you’re paying out of pocket, that’s $200,000 for a four-year degree, not including room and board.

35. Love Your Job - Wednesday, February 14, 2018

The month of love is upon us again. Happy Valentine’s Week! It always happens just after we create our latest New Year’s resolutions. We’re often still thinking about career goals, and future plans. All these goals bring up an important question. Do you love your job?

36. Diversity In Today’s Workplace - Wednesday, February 7, 2018

LinkedIn released its report on 2018 Global Recruiting Trends. They surveyed 9,000 recruiters and hiring managers from around the world on the state of hiring. Their research found that the biggest game changer in the hiring space is diversity.

37. People Hire People - Wednesday, January 31, 2018

If you’re looking for a job, there’s a good chance you’re applying online. And chances are good that applying online is your go-to option. It makes sense.

The last time you reached out to a HR person at a job fair or on LinkedIn (or anywhere else), they said, “Apply online. If you’re a good fit, we’ll call you!” They may even have said, “Don’t reach out to us. We review every application carefully.”

38. The Myth Of The Perfect Resume - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

I love resumes. They’re a very important part of your job search. They allow you to brand yourself. You can feature your past work experience. A resume allows you to highlight accomplishments, such as awards and education. It allows you to share who are you and who you want to be in a future career.

39. The Downside Of the C-Suite - Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Have you ever wished you were the top executive in your department? For many, becoming a C-level executive can be a lifelong goal. Whether it’s chief executive officer, chief marketing officer or chief financial officer – the C-suite has real perks.

40. Job Seeking: The One Last Taboo? - Wednesday, January 10, 2018

In the age of oversharing online, it seems that searching for a job is one of the last topics anyone wants to share. The world’s largest job site, Indeed.com, recently commissioned a study by Censuswide, surveying 10,000 job seekers around the world – in the U.S., Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

41. Creating A New You In 2018 - Wednesday, January 3, 2018

If 2017 left you feeling disappointed at work, today is the perfect day to start turning things around in 2018.

How many times did you think the following to yourself? “If only I work a little harder, my boss will recognize my value. Next year, I really will get a decent raise and a promotion. I’m really not happy, but I have no other choice.”

42. If Interviewing Were Dating - Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Interviewing for a job is a nerve-wracking process. When else do we want others to judge us? We spend so much time preparing – finding the perfect clothes, organizing our resume and sneaking out of our job. We ask for recommendations from our old bosses.

43. Laid Off Just In Time For The Holidays - Wednesday, December 20, 2017

I hate to admit this. I have seen more people let go this holiday season than in years past. It’s a sad and stressful situation. As employers approach the end of the year, they re-evaluated their priorities and made business decisions to reorganize. The shift in structure left many people without a job.

44. Best Places To Work in 2018 - Wednesday, December 13, 2017

For the 10th year, Glassdoor.com has released its Employees’ Choice Awards. For 2018, they’ve expanded the list of best companies from 50 to 100.

45. Making The Most Of Holiday Parties - Wednesday, December 6, 2017

We’ve all been there. There’s a company holiday party you’d rather not attend – or maybe your next-door neighbors are throwing an event you just can’t avoid. Whatever the occasion, these parties can be draining during the holidays. This is especially true for those of us who are introverts or have other commitments such as children or a demanding job. It can feel like there’s just no room for another to-do on the list.

46. The Importance Of Saying ‘Thank You’ - Wednesday, November 29, 2017

The holidays are here again. Along with the turkey, stuffing and loved ones, there’s more to consider. This season is a time of giving thanks.

One of the topics I’m often asked to speak about is personal branding. And part of your personal brand comes across in the way you thank others.

47. What is Your Biggest Weakness? - Wednesday, November 22, 2017

One of the favorite interview questions of hiring managers continues to be, “What is your biggest weakness?” This is a tough question all the way around. If you are too honest, you may eliminate yourself from consideration and not get the job at all. But if you’re not honest enough, you may come across as evasive.

48. Don’t Overlook Company Reviews - Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Being happy at work is an essential part of career fulfillment. Sometimes, it seems we spend more time researching where to eat the best hamburger than where to work. Much like skipping restaurant reviews, failing to research a company can come back to burn you later. The good news is you no longer have to know someone personally to get the scoop on a company.

49. Increasing Your Executive Presence - Wednesday, November 8, 2017

I recently had the honor of speaking on the topic of executive presence, not just once – but twice. I participated in panels where we discussed the importance of executive presence to your career and how to increase yours.

50. Using Social Media in Your Job Search - Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Social media isn’t part of a job search. In order to find a job, you only need a resume, business cards and a nice suit. Right? This was true – if you were looking for a job in 2001.

In today’s wired world, many more options are available to you. Why not try them? After all, submitting your resume blindly just isn’t working. If you want to try something new, social media is a great place to start.

51. Will My Job Be Replaced By a Robot? - Wednesday, October 25, 2017

In the age of computers, the way we do business is changing at a record pace. Some change is good. But, inevitably, some is also quite painful. One concern many professionals have is whether or not their job may be replaced by a robot.

52. The Power Of Punctuation - Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Your words are an incredibly powerful business tool that you use each and every day. This is especially true during your job search. Not surprisingly, the punctuation around those words can be just as important as the words themselves.

53. LinkedIn’s Latest HR Tool: Talent Insights - Wednesday, October 11, 2017

The hiring landscape is continuously being reshaped by the internet and the increasing data available to employers. On Oct. 4 in Nashville, LinkedIn.com unveiled its latest human resources product offering: LinkedIn Talent Insights. It will most likely impact how you, the job seeker, experiences the hiring process.

54. Freedom At Work - Wednesday, October 4, 2017

One of the worst feelings you can feel at work is trapped with no way out. I meet professionals every day who feel chained to their job. They are very often in unhealthy situations that make them miserable each and every day. Some have an abusive boss. Others work for a company they no longer believe in. But because they rely on the income, they’re stuck. It feels like a dead-end road with no way out. It can be stressful and emotional.

55. Always Take The First Interview - Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Have you ever received a call from a headhunter or recruiter out of the blue? Sometimes, they’ll call your work phone and leave a voicemail you weren’t expecting. They’re recruiting for a new position. It’s one you haven’t heard about, but they want to speak to you. You don’t know how they got your name or phone number. The recruiter says, “I have a new position I’m trying to fill. I wanted to reach out to see if you know anyone who might be interested.”

56. Should Your Resume Include A Photograph? - Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Recently, I started receiving a question I haven’t heard much before: “Should I put my photo on my resume?”

It’s a great question! If you’ve wondered the same thing, you’re not alone. Resume templates are beginning to pop up on the internet with photos embedded. In all honesty, these templates are often beautifully designed. They look like a work of art. At first glance, they’re very enticing – and they make you question what you thought were the rules of the road with resumes. It makes you wonder if things have changed since the last time you looked.

57. 3 Tips For Moving To Another City - Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Have you ever thought of moving to another city? For many job seekers who are searching in a difficult market, I often recommend looking in other places. But, searching in one city while you live in another can be a challenge.

58. Pay Attention To Signs It’s Time to Go - Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Often as job seekers, we struggle with the idea of when to leave. We may feel that it makes no sense to leave one good job for another. This can make sense in certain situations. However, when the writing is on the wall, it’s best to pay attention.

59. Helping a Hopeless Job Seeker - Wednesday, August 30, 2017

If you have a job seeker in your life, there’s a decent chance you’re concerned about them. This is especially true if they are currently unemployed. They’re upset. You feel upset. You may secretly wonder what they’re doing wrong, and what you can do to help.

60. 3 Job Search Tips for The Introvert - Wednesday, August 23, 2017

I have to confess: I’m an introvert. People I’ve met in person are often surprised by this little-known fact. They assume that public speaking and networking skills equate to extroversion. And, this makes sense on the surface. But, introverts can excel too. If you struggle, here are three tips to help you excel in your job search.

61. How Long Should This Job Search Really Take? - Wednesday, August 16, 2017

One of the number one questions I hear from job seekers is, “How long should my job search really take?” It’s a good question. Knowing what’s “normal” can help you to know whether you’re winning or losing at this game we call the job search.

62. Job-Seeking Anxiety Is Universal - Wednesday, August 9, 2017

By now, we can all agree: The job search process can be a grueling one. If you’re actively looking for a job, you know what I’m talking about. You apply online and never hear back. Or, maybe you go through rounds of interviews that lead nowhere.

63. Advice to My Younger Self - Wednesday, August 2, 2017

In the past week, two interesting things have happened. First, I was asked the question, “What advice would you give your younger self?” Then, I attended my high school reunion. Walking through the old halls of my high school brought back memories of where it all started. Needless to say, both moments made me think about the past and what advice I would give a young person today.

64. Are ‘Snaplications’ The Next Trend In Recruiting? - Wednesday, July 26, 2017

When most job seekers think of using social media to apply for a new job, they think of networking website LinkedIn. But McDonald’s pushed the boundaries of recruiting by partnering with Snapchat to hire new employees this summer. Previously rolled out in Australia earlier this year, they’re calling the recruiting effort “Snaplications.”

65. After-School Job Not For Everyone - Wednesday, July 19, 2017

A reader recently wrote to me with an interesting question. He was seeking advice on how his teenage daughter might find an after-school job for her high school years. His logic makes sense. He wants her to learn discipline and to gain a work ethic. These are great qualities for a young student to develop. Although I respect this method of getting there, I also suggested an alternative path.

66. Bullying 2.0: The Mean Co-Worker - Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Growing up, it seemed like one of the perks of being an adult was a lack of bullies. After all, bullying stops after high school graduation, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. A few bullies sneak through life without giving up their bullying ways. Often, these meanies resurface at work, making your eight hours there much less rewarding.

67. When You Thought It Wasn’t Personal - Tuesday, July 4, 2017

A reader recently wrote to me with a unique situation. They landed an impressive contract position. Everything was going along great for 11 months until one day, they were let go. The company laid off a large number of people all at the same time. After soliciting feedback, the reader was given a good review and sent on their way.

68. Breaking The Rules And Finding Your Perfect Job - Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Sometimes in your career, things don’t always work out the way you plan them. For me, the first time I learned this lesson, I was in college. I went to one of those fancy, private schools to study computer engineering in the late ’90s. I knew that an investment in such a great degree would guarantee me a job when I graduated. Not only that, it would guarantee me a great paying job.

69. 3 Tips for A Successful Interview - Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Interviewing is hard work. If you're currently looking for something new, you know that finding a job is a job. From preparing your favorite suit to revising your resume to networking and rounds of interviews – there are times it feels like it will never end. It can be tough to keep your head above water with your existing role while you're balancing your life and your job search. To ensure you're making the most out of every interview, do these three things.

70. Key To Winning Job Candidate’s Heart? Flexibility - Wednesday, June 14, 2017

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas, to meet a number of folks who work at the job website Indeed.com. If you’ve looked for a job in the last 10 years, there’s a good chance you’ve visited Indeed.

71. Get Inside The Head of The Job Seeker - Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Typically, this column is targeted toward the job seeker. Today, I’m going to take a slightly different approach. I’ve received the same question from multiple different employers in the past week: “How can I hire better candidates?” 

72. It’s OK To Say No - Wednesday, May 31, 2017

OK, this is going to sound strange, but bear with me. After coaching hundreds of folks on their job searches, I’ve noticed a pattern. And it’s not one I would have expected.

What’s one of our No. 1 fears when it comes to job searching? It’s actually that we will get the job! That’s right. We are afraid of being offered a job.

73. Please, Let Your Child Grow Up - Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Today’s young people are more thoughtful and kinder than many of the older job seekers they’re competing against. They care about making a difference more than their own personal finances or another self-serving endeavor.

74. Questioning Your Hiring Manager - Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Sometimes, getting a job is dependent more on what you ask than what you answer. We spend so much time preparing for how we will answer the hiring manager’s questions but very little time thinking about what we want to know.

75. Don’t Forget To Say Thank You - Wednesday, May 10, 2017

How many times have you heard, “Don’t forget to say thank you”? When we were children, adults reiterated it over and over again. Yet, somehow, as adults, we are forgetting this simple lesson.

76. Finding Your First Job - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

You’ve made it through four years of college. Now what? Getting your first job after graduation can feel like a daunting task. We have such high hopes of finding the perfect career quickly and easily – until we hit a wall. Based on a recent Wall Street Journal piece, many college graduates can relate.

77. You Weren’t Picked – Now What? - Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Being overlooked for a job is the worst. It’s especially bad after you’ve had a series of interviews. You took off work (multiple times), bought a new suit and updated your resume. How could they reject you after all of that hard work?

78. The Limits Of Loyalty - Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Loyalty is an important quality. It’s what helps bind friendships and loved ones. It’s what holds teams together. But, dare I say it – there are limits to loyalty.

Many of us were taught to be loyal to our companies. To some degree, this makes a lot of sense. We should all be truthful. We should keep trade secrets private. And, we should put in an honest day’s work when we’re there. We have a duty to be great employees each and every day.

79. Career Interference - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The job market often offers twists and turns you’d never expect. My first twist happened during college.

I grew up in the ’90s, along with the internet. Companies like AOL were just starting. With a “fast” dial-up modem, you could connect through your phone line. It was just the sort of thing a teenager dying to go to college out of state needed. It was an exciting time. Everything and everyone suddenly seemed magically intertwined in a new way.

80. Respect For Athletes And Actors - Wednesday, April 5, 2017

In the business world, things move fast. You write a business proposal, seek approval and move on to your next project. Efficiency is key in business. Move fast. Waste little time. Produce as much output as possible.

81. Is College Worth The Investment? - Wednesday, March 29, 2017

I’ve met a number of people lately who have said something that’s surprised me. They’ve told me that they aren’t sure if college is really worth it. They believe it would be a waste of money to pay for something they might never use, especially if they change their mind on their career path later.

82. Prioritizing Your Search - Wednesday, March 22, 2017

When you’re truly unhappy in your current job, a new one can’t get here fast enough. Having to drag yourself to the office each day can be the worst.

When you’re caught up in the emotion of it all, you begin to wonder why you don’t have a new job yet. Is it a problem with your resume, your cover letter or your LinkedIn? Panic and frustration begins to set in as each day goes by.

83. Waiting for Permission Isn’t Working - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Today’s job market is tough. If you’re trying to find a new job or get a promotion at your current job, you can probably relate. One of the most frustrating things, if not the most frustrating, is when your current boss is overlooking you. 

84. Where Are You Getting Stuck? - Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Whenever I meet with a new job seeker, I always ask the same question: “Where are you getting stuck in your search?” It sounds like a simple question, but it can shed quite a bit of light into what’s going on. 

85. Email and The Golden Rule - Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Have you ever gotten an email you just want to ignore? Perhaps it’s from a vendor you work with that wants to tell you about a new product they’re selling. The email provides no immediate value for you. There’s nothing you can do about it right now, and frankly, you’re busy. You’re so far up to your eyeballs in reports that you can barely breathe.

86. Unreasonable Interview Expectations - Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Sometimes, interviews can be the worst. I mean, truly. Doesn’t the hiring manager realize that you have a job, life, spouse, children and existing commitments? 

You spend months trying to get your foot in the door for a job interview. You spend all your time filling out applications and updating your resume. You call your references and update your LinkedIn and Facebook accounts. 

87. Opposing Views at Work - Wednesday, February 15, 2017

2017 has certainly started off on an interesting foot. I don’t know about you, but social media used to be a relaxing activity where I learned about engagements, saw baby photos and watched cat videos. Lately, it’s filled with opposing views and tension – on all sides of every issue. It’s exhausting. 

88. Happiness At Work Hinges On People - Wednesday, February 8, 2017

If you’re looking for a new job, I bet one of your top two priorities is finding a job you truly love. Somehow, you’ve found yourself at a job you don’t care for, and you’re ready to make a change. And you hope to not wake up in another situation where you don’t like your job. 

89. Finances Can Impact Your Career Path - Wednesday, February 1, 2017

As you grow in your career, finding a new job can become harder and harder. One of the big reasons for this has to do with salary. If you think about it, when you first started working, you were open to just about any job and would happily take a tiny paycheck. But as you’ve progressed in your career, your requirements have evolved.

90. Overcoming Legal Issues In Your Past - Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Questions around past legal trouble has come up multiple times recently, so it’s worth addressing. A reader writes, “I’m a job seeker with a felony record and a college degree. I can’t expunge the record, and I’m not sure what to do. Where should I begin?”

91. The Real Reason A Company Doesn’t Call Back - Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Interviewing for a job is an incredibly personal process – at least for the job seeker. If you’re looking for a new job, you know the frustration when a company doesn’t call you back. It stings like rejection. It can leave you reeling – wondering what’s wrong with you.

92. Events - Thursday, January 12, 2017

“Breaking the Rules & Getting the Job” author Angela Copeland will hold a discussion and book signing Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at South Main Book Juggler, 548 S. Main St. Visit copelandcoaching.com.

93. Making Friends As An Adult - Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The title of this column sounds a little strange at first glance. But if you’ve ever tried to make friends as an adult, you know this is a big deal. And it’s not just because it’s important to have friends. The friends you have as an adult can have a major impact on your career.

94. Events - Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in NovaCopy’s conference room, 7251 Appling Farms Parkway. Eric Eurich of FocalPoint Business Coaching will present “Achieving Success in 2017.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.com.

95. Events - Tuesday, January 10, 2017

PizzaRev will hold job fairs Tuesday, Jan. 10, and Thursday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its future location near International Paper at 6450 Poplar Ave., suite 119. The fast-casual eatery is looking to hire 50 crew members. Interested applicants can apply in person or visit pleaseapplyonline.com/tennrev to begin the process online.

96. Events - Saturday, January 7, 2017

The 2017 Memphis Bike Swap will be held Saturday, Jan. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Minglewood Hall, 1555 Madison Ave. Bikers will be able to buy, sell or swap parts with other cyclists around the city. Admission is free for buyers; food and beer will be available for purchase. A portion of proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association. Visit peddlerbikeshop.com/events for details.

97. Events - Monday, January 9, 2017

The Yard will recycle Christmas trees free of charge through Jan. 29 at its recycling and composting facility, 1735 Thomas Road. Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you mention Memphis Botanic Garden when dropping off a tree, The Yard will donate $5 to MBG. Call 901-833-9273 for details.

98. Listen to Yourself - Wednesday, January 4, 2017

You may wonder, “What’s the worst thing that could possibly happen during my job search?” Is it making a fool of yourself in an interview? Is it saying the wrong thing? Is it wearing the wrong outfit?

99. Reinvent Your Career In 2017 - Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Have you ever wondered if you might have picked the wrong career path? If so, you’re not alone. Ask a friend, “How did you end up in your career?” There’s a good chance they’ll say that they just happened to fall into whatever it is that they do.
Perhaps they happened to get a particular internship during college that happened to lead to a job. Or maybe their parents were connected to a certain company. Or they had a friend who contacted them about a job.

100. New Year, New You - Wednesday, December 21, 2016

No matter what your personal religious, political or social views are, it seems fair to say we can all agree on one thing: 2016 has been a tough year for everyone. Friends and families were pulled apart by different political leanings. Workers went through difficult corporate layoffs and restructurings. Violence and death were reported daily in the news. It’s been rough – very rough.