By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

Discovering the reason you are liked may be an easier feat than you think. When attempting to identify what your colleagues and supervisors like about you, you should listen to the compliments you receive. For example, if people are often saying how nicely you dress or how thoughtful you are consider those compliments part of your likeable profile. Be careful, one or two compliments do not necessarily warrant serious consideration but several compliments in a particular area should catch your attention.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

Employees are evaluated in interviews not just according to their work history and subsequent ability, but also by the Buffalo Airport Test. This test suggests when considering a candidate you imagine yourself being snowed in at the Buffalo airport for 8 hours with them. If you believe it would be a good experience the applicant is hired. It used to be said that it’s not what you know but who you know. This evolved into it’s not who you know but who knows you. I am going to say it’s not just who knows you but who likes you.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

After witnessing the first “No No No’s” rather lethargic chart movement, Destiny’s Child was ecstatic to see the remix sky rocket to number one on the R&B/Soul charts. The decision to remix the song helped jumpstart their career, one that culminated with Destiny’s Child becoming the second highest female selling group to date. A career remix does not necessarily involve changing careers but it does mean taking an honest look at where you are and where you want to be – and creating a plan for progression.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

A company desiring to expand its target audience or even survive the competition must find ways to connect with the Generation Y. They are the newest members of the workforce, possess fresh ideas and represent a large purchasing market. Missing out on tapping into the creativity and buying power of this group could be devastating for many companies.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

As you become more goal oriented and seek upward and lateral movement keep in mind there may come a time when you have to change your personal or professional associations to reach your goals. Making this type of switch doesn’t mean you are belittling anyone else but it acknowledges that mobility typically happens as a result of being part of a network.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey does not believe in luck. A quote from Oprah Winfrey hung from one of the walls at my high school. It said there was no such thing as luck. Luck is where opportunity meets preparation. This has stuck with me ever since I read it and is the reason when it comes to our careers, I believe we should be preparing for luck rather than relying on it.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

I recently had a discussion with some of my colleagues regarding proper interview attire. Some of them thought only suits were appropriate while some believed other professional dress combinations could work too. Our opinions are based on several factors ranging from our professional experiences to our personal preferences. For this reason, job seekers should look to manifold resources when making professional decisions.

Webcast with Shun McGhee
Career Coach, American Public University System

Not sure how to package yourself to employers? Even if you’ve been working for many years your style and approach to networking within your field may be out of date. In this special webcast you’ll hear great guidance from Shun McGhee on how to properly present yourself to employers at career fairs.

The most recent query I received that fits into the unique and memorable category came from a student pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship.