Advice

“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

To CV or not to CV? That is the question … well, at least it is for some. If you are pursuing a career in academia, science or possibly a role abroad, knowing the what, when, why and how of a Curriculum Vitae can be essential. Here are some tips to compose an effective CV.

What is a CV? A CV is an overview of a person’s experience and academic background for the use in a job application. The CV captures your professional and educational credentials and history in a chronological order. It is reviewed by a hiring authority as an initial step in the hiring process to determine if someone’s background merits an interview. READ MORE

Thoughtful partnerships between employees and employers is the theme of 2019.