Author Archives: John Wojcio

Using References Effectively in Your Job Search

Checking references for job applicants isn’t what it used to be. Many organizations, fearing litigation, warn their employees not to divulge anything more than dates of employment if they’ve been called as a reference for an employee or former employee. Savvy interviewers may also call people they know in organizations on your resume, looking for information [...]
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What Makes You a Good Job Candidate?

What do you offer that sets you apart from other applicants, as you apply for your next job? Find the right words to explain how you’re unique. Have you successfully led a project that came in on time and under budget? Are you a big picture thinker with the ability to describe the future to others and get [...]
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Know Yourself Before You Take a New Job

Attitude is everything: Do you remember the singing toll collector? Somewhere in metropolitan New York, a man who collected tolls for a living sang to those who came through his tollbooth, and commuters tried to get to his line so they could be entertained on their ride home or to work. On the other hand, [...]
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Expanding Opportunities in the Job You Have

Are you motivated and effective at your current job, but recognizing that it is getting a bit stale? Are you bored with the job you currently have? Have you mastered the tasks such that they are nearly automatic? Are you less motivated to do your best than you once were? Are you handcuffed by the [...]
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Finding a Government Job at Sam’s Club

Tony was out of a job and feeling discouraged, embarrassed, and even a little depressed, although he’d never admit to it. His wife tried to be positive and supportive, but it was hard on them both. Although he was in his, “I can’t go out, I need to be looking for work” mindset, she finally [...]
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Looking for an Industry-Specific Job?

In challenging economic times, it can be particularly difficult to find work in the industry you’re targeting. Some flexibility may be required! Vince was struggling with certain aspects of his new teaching career, and it showed, so he wasn’t surprised when the school principal asked him to leave after two years. He had no idea where [...]
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Age Discrimination, or Not?

When older workers compete or interview for the few jobs available these days, they report hearing lines such as “you’re overqualified for this job”— which may be true in some cases (the job requires a high school education and they have a PhD., for example). Often older workers interpret these words as age discrimination. What to [...]
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What Can a Career Coach Do for You?

Too many people turn to career coaches for easy fixes, magic potions, and/or sure-fire solutions to job or career challenges. That’s not how it works! False assumptions about career counseling/coaching can undermine the effectiveness of the coaching process. A November 17, 2009 NY Times article recounts single visits to each of three career counselors, looking for a [...]
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Retirement: What Will You Miss about Your Job?

Retirement planning is just as important as career planning. Especially the non-financial aspects of retirement. If you’ve done your career planning well, your retirement planning will be lots easier. What is it that you most like about working? That it gets you out of the house? That you’re able to make a difference to your company/organization or to the [...]
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Trouble at Work? Or Not?

Actors, writers, trainers, and speakers are famous for reading reviews of their performances and focusing only on those that are negative. (Realizing this, some go so far as to avoid reading any reviews whatsoever.) Many of us do the same with our performance reviews. Cindy wanted to leave her current job, so she came for help with [...]
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