Online Career Tips

While the waves of the trepidation beneath which America’s workforce was submerged following the economic downturn in 2008, and the financial tumult and market volatility that followed, have long receded, for many job seekers displaced by the downturn and who are still saddled with doubt about their career, the downturn is hardly a distant memory, but rather, an immediate reality. And while, admittedly, markets have since calmed, economic storm clouds continue to loom, and many job leads, rather than oases, are mirages—ever distant illusions, dotting the horizon. However, for the persistent or even doubtful job seeker, positions are available, and in a greater volume than the doom-and-gloom of the preceding few sentences would seem to suggest. Continue Reading

By Shun McGhee, Guest Contributor

We have all read and heard about the stories of families struggling during this current economic downturn. With companies still downsizing and regional employment becoming increasingly turbulent it can be difficult to depend on traditional fixed sources of income as the sole method for earning money. In November, 2012 The New York Times reported the rate of unemployment as 7.9%, which translates to roughly 12 million people. To provide a bit of perspective, the US 2010 Census states the Asian community makes up 5.6% of the population or about 17 million people. Thus the amount of unemployed workers is equivalent to more than half of the amount of Asian Americans counted by the US Census. Upon realizing the gravity of these statistics, I began wondering about the best way to foster personal economic growth in today’s economy and my thoughts led me to entrepreneurship. Continue Reading

By Cathy Francois, Guest Contributor

For some, the New Year may mean seeking new employment opportunities. But, when comparing job offers be careful not to just focus on the salary in determining the financial benefits or disadvantages. The following are factors to consider that may make your paycheck bigger or smaller.

Distance. For many this may be an obvious factor, especially in terms of fuel cost and commute time. However, be careful not to dismiss an opportunity solely on the basis of distance. Explore other factors such as the location’s access to public transportation, employer’s transportation benefits, and opportunities to carpool and telecommute, all of which can significantly decrease the cost. Continue Reading

By Kristen Carter, Guest Contributor

Do you fear your resume will fall into the pile for applicants judged to be overqualified, or even worse, placed directly in the trash? Being overqualified should be seen as a positive attribute rather than a deficiency, yet in today’s job market this label can carry with it a negative connotation. Why? The concern employers feel about hiring an overqualified candidate is driven by anxiety that such a candidate will be bored in the position or the candidate will bolt as soon as a better opportunity comes along.

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