The Employment Expert blog

What sets a successful employee apart from an average one? Here’s a hint: It has nothing to do with what’s on your resume. No matter what industry you work in, a healthy set of work habits can make you an outstanding employee. Set yourself up for success by incorporating these habits into your workday.

When you think about communication in the workplace, what comes to mind? You may think about weekly meetings, emails, or speaking with your coworkers. While these are correct, there’s more to communication than our words.

The fact is, career breaks happen. Whether you’re a new parent, traveling the world, caring for a family member, or struggling to find employment, there are times when a long absence from work is unavoidable. Remember, taking a long break is not an unusual occurrence and each person’s career ladder is unique. If you are nervous about jumping back into the workforce after taking some time off, keep these tips in mind so you can get into the right mindset to find your next opportunity.

Right now, job hunting is more complicated than ever before. COVID-19 risks, social distancing measures, a challenging job market, and a recession have made finding a job more of a challenge than in recent years. As you keep pursuing your next opportunity, keep these tips in mind to stand out.

It's well known that there is a skills shortage among job candidates in the United States. According to SHRM's 2019 State of the Workforce report, 83% of respondents have had trouble recruiting qualified candidates in the last year. If you're looking for a job, this might sound like a discouraging implication that you aren't skilled enough. However, a look at the specific skills employers are missing will show how you can tailor your career path and prioritize growth to better your chances of finding a position.

In 2012, I hired someone for the first time. It was strange to be sitting "on the other side of the table" and asking questions instead of answering them. Since then, I've had more practice and also benefited from discussing hiring practices with my peers. What I can tell you is this: every interviewer is different. That said, there are some universal tips that will make you a job interview superstar.

Do you ever wonder why certain people seem to get any job they apply for? What is it that they have that others don't? It's not (usually) that they are extra lucky! The answer could be that they have better soft skills. Companies that want the best people are realizing that they need to look for strong soft skills in their candidates. But what are soft skills? Why are they important in the workplace? And how can job seekers demonstrate them?