Why Interviews are just like Texas Hold-em Poker!!!

As a University Career Counselor, I've worked with thousands of students and clients over the past 10 years.

I've been teaching interview skills for a long time,
but I only learned how to play poker.
I was amazed at all the strategic similarities!

Interviews are a game and the best player wins, not necessarily the smartest, or the most deserving. Learn how to win at the interview game with a bit of luck & lots of skill...

Job Loss Roller-Coaster of Emotion: Hold on to your Hat (Kubler Ross Model)

Every day, I see clients in my office for Career Counseling. Sometimes they have left jobs voluntarily, sometimes they have been laid off, other times they have been fired. All are in need of support and Career Guidance.

One example, I recall, occurred, the week before Christmas 2008. Two of our Business students were in at our Career Center, waiting room for Career Advising. Both had their career aspirations intricately linked to the same employer. These students didn't know each, other, but I was soon to find out the relation between them.

Impact of the Economic Stimulus Package on International Job Seekers and H1B applicants

10 years ago, I was an international student from Canada, completing my graduate degree in the USA. I had to adapt to a new country, navigate the exchange rate, which was 38% at the time and conduct a complex, job-search. Understanding the complex employment regulations and Visa criteria, was a job in itself. I know first-hand, how competitive the job market is and the challenges inherent in the immigration and Visa application process.

The American Job Search and Cultural Roadblocks: Don't Get Derailed!

Is there a barrier to your American job search?

Are you familiar with American cultural attitudes, behaviors and work-related expectations?

Job search is complex enough, if you are in your home country and in a familiar context. It is much more challenging if you are an international job seeker, in an new and unfamiliar country. (Format from GSU International Employment site)

How the Hidden Job Market Found Me! Pull Method of Marketing

These days everyone is trying to find job-leads, find sales-leads, find any kind of lead! However, if you use the “pull method” of marketing, employers will come to you. Read the true story below.

Job Requirements: Sense of Humor, Creativity, Ability to Roll with the Punches!!!

Job Requirements: Sense of Humor, Creativity, Ability to Roll with the Punches!!!

 Finding a job, is a job, in and of itself.

You will need humor, creativity and flexilibity to stay motivated and positive throughout your job search...

Are you a Middle child? Generation X and Adlerian Birth Order or "Will the Baby Boomers ever Retire?"

Were you born between 1964 and 1980? If so, you are part of a population cohort known as Generation X?

Disclosure #1– I have a Graduate degree in Psychology from the Alfred Adler Institute of Professional Psychology, Chicago Illinois. http://www.adler.edu/ The counseling paradigm I use is primarily Adlerian in nature, with a dash of Rogerian. Note: only Psychology geeks would get this insider joke.

Disclosure #2 – I am part of the cohort known as Generation X

Career Testing and Psychometrics: The good, the bad and the ugly…

When I was in a Senior in high-school, I had some career tests administered to me. I use the word 'tests' loosely as, I use the term 'administered' loosely. My parents were shocked and dismayed, when the results steered me away from college, despite the fact that I was in the first class honor roll! The results also said my best career path matches were a "Bartender" or "Door to Door Knife Salesperson."

Years, later and I still remember, clear as day, what I felt when I heard these results. So, when I studied Counseling Psychology in Graduate School, I still thought that career testing was mumbo jumbo, hocus pocus. What I really learned is that  the wrong test in the wrong/inexperienced hands is dangerous indeed. Read on...

Resume Fashions: What's hot, what's not! (Is your resume style from 1989?)

How do you know if your resume is fashionable and hot or hopelessly nerdy?

Are you sending out resumes, but never hear back? If your content is good, how is your format and style?

Would you try to cut your own hair? Most people wouldn't. Both resume writing and hair styling require advanced and expert skills. A good hairstylist and a good, Career Counselor, will find a style which will bring out your best features, skills and abilities.
So, let me offer some fashion, resume tips...

College Football & Job Search: a Canadian’s Perspective!

First a disclaimer. I am Canadian, know nothing about Football, and until last Saturday night had never seen live football. Seriously, I have never seen any live football, not even high-school football. At Queen Elizabeth High-school in Vancouver, British Columbia, we didn’t have a football team. When I tell friends in Atlanta, they gasp, in shock and pity. For us, sport was Hockey! Period. Hockey! Then, perhaps basketball and baseball in that order.

I guess there is a Canadian Football league… but I suspect there are many American players. As a recent transplant to the States, there are some popular Canadian Sports, which I never hear about in Atlanta, my new hometown. Rugby, Lacross or Curling, which even Canadians barely understand. Thus, the opinions contained in this article are based on my knowledge, or lack thereof of football and my 10+ years as a Career Counselor. So here goes...