By Kristen Carter
Contributor, Career Services

At the end of the day, it is imperative that you know for yourself what you want to do. An oft asked question, designed to evaluate your internal motivation or passion is: If money were not an issue, what would you do for a living? While some may be able to immediately blurt out an answer, others may have to take some time to ponder the matter. Either way, your response typically reveals a true passion.

By Jessica Bigger
Contributor, Career Services

Searching for a job is like having a full time job. You have to put in a tremendous amount of energy while staying focused and positive. For me, I was looking to re-enter the workforce after being a stay at home mom, which presents its own challenges. I used this three-prong approach to secure my current job. It took me less than two months to get an interview.

By Rowe Leathers
Contributor, Career Services

Having a poor credit rating can do more than just keep you from getting a job. Simply knowing that your credit rating is limiting your employment options can reduce your self-confidence, and in turn, can negatively impact your attitude, outlook and overall demeanor. Unfortunately, your demeanor can send a message of doubt and desperation that potential employers can sense, and quite frankly, avoid.

By Cathy Francois
Contributor, Career Services

Solely relying on the opinions of others is a research fail. I recommend getting hardcore numbers and official information regarding your career of interest. Sources such O*Net or the Occupational Outlook Handbook are a great place to find statistics on salary trends, expected demand, required experience, education, and much more.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

Even some of the more stringent dress codes can leave you with wiggle room. Find that room and tailor it to fit your budget and personality. For example, if the company dress code does not permit you to wear a suit, see if a jacket and slacks combination will work. If so, this will expand your wardrobe possibilities and yield more opportunities to mix and match your clothes. The lessons I have learned to date have helped me to dress well during my most financially lean moments, and they may help you too.

By Eileen Shackleford
Contributor, Career Services

Haven’t we all asked that question at some point?If you have ever been in a job search, you know there will be times when you leave an interview thinking, “I nailed that! The job is mine.” Then what? A “thank you for your application” email arrives.If you are like me, you like the unvarnished, plain ole’, unarguable truth.Sometimes in today’s corporate speak, it is hard to drill down to what expressions like ’not a good fit’ mean.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

June 5, 2014 marked the end of my nephew’s 8^th grade school year, an occurrence that was celebrated by a graduation ceremony. In addition to our attendance, both sets of my nephew’s grandparents traveled to the ceremony as well. Since the grandparents had traveled quite some distance, they asked my niece if her grandmother could please sleep in her bed for the night, to which my niece responded, “Yes.” My nieces’ mother instilled in her daughter the value of sharing, though here was a chance to see it in practice.

By Rowe Leathers
Contributor, Career Services

Have you ever considered doing something entirely different from your current job role? Do you have secondary skills that if provided the opportunity could blossom into a new career path? What hobbies do you have that possess the potential to become an income earning activity?

By Rowe Leathers
Contributor, Career Services

Are you climbing the management ladder but still dressing like an intern? Are you a current manager who still dresses like the receptionist? While we dress to impress for the interview, we have a tendency to soften our standards following the probationary period. What begins as motivation to look professional, somewhere along the way, morphs into casual Friday every day of the week. Some organizations allow for a liberal interpretation of the company dress code, so it is important to follow the preference of your management, not your co-workers.