Advice

DOES THE EMPLOYMENT grass look greener elsewhere? Low unemployment, the need for higher compensation and a seemingly endless amount of career opportunities have led to an increase in employee turnover in new jobs. At the same time, this heightened competition for talent can lead to inflated compensation promises, glorified job descriptions and interview processes that aim to woo potential new hires more than give a realistic picture of the challenges of a specific role. And, sometimes, people just don’t pick a winner of a new job. READ MORE

ROLLING THE DICE ON your career when you could be playing cards instead? It is not that career selection and professional development should be taken as lightly as a game, but many people are at a loss for how to pursue meaningful career growth and satisfaction at work. This lack of clarity leads to “paralysis by analysis” (i.e., you think too much and do very little about it) or just taking whatever comes to you – instead of pursuing defined targets. READ MORE

“CONGRATS, YOU’RE hired!” When you hear these exciting words, you’ll likely also encounter a job offer letter.

An offer letter is typically a good faith effort by an employer to provide clarity regarding the position for which you just spent months interviewing. Yet it is wise to remember that this is a legaldocument, often designed to protect the interests of the employer.

It is very tempting to just get it signed so you can move forward with a new opportunity. However, you have the most power before an offer is signed, so it is imperative that you review and understand this employment agreement. READ MORE

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU remember Shalamar’s ’70s hit “The Second Time Around.” According to the lyrics, when it comes to romantic love, “the second time is so much better, baby.”

The same can be said of job interviews, too.

Modern companies should use multiple rounds of interviews in the hiring process, according to “Power Moves,” a book by psychologist Adam Grant, professor at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Second interviews help hiring managers discern whether job seekers are genuinely qualified instead of simply well rehearsed. Candidates with fake or hyperbolic answers will likely have a difficult time maintaining that façade over the course of several conversations. READ MORE

WORKING HARD, OR HARDLY working? A friend from high school used to love to ask that question whenever she called to say hi during the day. Usually she was out grabbing a snack while I was at my desk, working away – so the answer was clear.

Although there are many employees who work at a snail’s pace, there are others who strive to deliver more. Successful companies often reward excellence in work with programs like an employee of the month award. By incentivizing exemplary performance, these employee rewards raise the overall caliber of work, reinforce a culture of productivity and give well-deserved (and motivating) credit to those workers making a difference. READ MORE

THINK FULFILLING careers require your employer to offer free food, massages and pay better than the market? Think again. You don’t need to work for a unicorn tech company to find happiness at work. Research shows that true professional satisfaction stems at least partially from factors within your individual control.

Read on to learn about three things you can do today to increase your joy in your job. READ MORE