Dr. Bamster's Blog

There seems to be a correlation between our getting older and the workforce getting younger.  Of course, this is NO surprise because we know organizations of all sizes and shapes bring in young employees because they are eager, talented and willing to work in ways we have rejected.  

Sound familiar?  Many of you tell me that something happens to us when we hit our late forties and fifties, and the quality of our lives begins to matter more than it ever did!  Long working days for companies who no longer demonstrate any loyalty to their workers has turned most of us off.  But some organizations are trying to hold a higher standard...do you work for one of those companies?

But now for those of us looking for work - I encourage you to be openminded about the young hiring manager you WILL meet.  Remember when you were in their shoes...think of how you can find common ground, how you can bring value to their team and how you can reassure them that you do not want their job!  You may find you enjoy the interview and you will have increased your chances of getting a job offer...what do you think?

Let me hear from you - and hats off to the talented, younger employees - we need more of them in these times.

Have a great day!

I just learned that the new edition of Guide to Internet Job Searching 2008-2009 Edition by Margaret Riley Dikel and Frances E. Roehm is available on Amazon.com - so check it out because it is the most thorough source for anything and everything pertaining to job search and career information resources on the internet.   And, I am proud to say that Margaret Riley Dikel is someone I have known for many years as a former colleague from our outplacement days together.  She is the recognized "internet expert" for all information and resources pertaining to careers.

Let me hear from you once you get a chance to check this out and don't forget to go to her website that is listed on our Career Links page. 

Have a great day!

I need to vent about the lack of civility these days - especially for some of us in the "service" business.  Now, specifically, I am appalled that many people simply do not express any "thank you's" to people who do nice and unexpected acts for them.

Let me be specific.  In the career advice business, people ask for specific advice or suggestions about many things related to their job, boss, company, etc.  Usually, if they are clients, there is an established relationship that defines fees, meetings, etc.  But, when people ask for some "free time"  they should always remember some basic rules:  be mindful of how much time to expect from the professional and always show appreciation by saying the simple "thank you".

I think for many of us who do pro bono work and are very glad to do so...the "thank you" represents a recognition for the help we are giving.  So, the next time someone says they are going to ask a professional to "just meet them for coffee to pick their brain"  -  suggest that they remember some basic rules we all learned in kindergarten....thank you!

So, thank you for letting me vent...how about you all?  Do you have some stories to tell?  Let's hear from you.  Have a great day!

The topic of networking is endless and for many of us frustrating and challenging.  Even the best talkers, socializers and successful communicators admit  that when you have to network for a new job opportunity you are on totally new turf!  Now, many of you tell me that this is due to our basic embarrassment around asking for help...does this sound familiar?

Sometimes, the simple solution is to admit that this is not just talking...this is talking with a purpose or goal in mind.   Job seekers tell me that they have become more adept at this process by spending some time organizing their thoughts and approach.  Knowing how to help your colleagues and friends around what you are looking for can be the best way to start.  If you don't know what you want, they sure cannot help you!

So here are some things to consider even if you are the most networked person in town:

1.  Know why you are going to talk with someone.

2.  Be clear on what types of job opportunities will make your heart sing.

3.  Remember that most people got their jobs through knowing someone...so move on and let go!

4.  Do some company research - ask colleagues and friends if they know people in specific companies.

5.  Use the internet - research companies, google people, etc.  Information is accessible - find it and use it.

6.  Try blogging for information and help...it works.

Good luck and share your ideas...I like hearing all the wonderful, creative ways you folks find to get where you want to go!

Given the financial times, there is no question that many of us must work...and keep working long into what we thought might be our retirement years.  Yes, I did say "retirement years"!  Retirement is turning out to be a concept many of us may not experience in the traditional sense. 

But with the worry over our retirement funds and companies laying off employees to cut costs, there are a sizable number of us who truly want to work.  What does this mean?  It simply means for many of us well over 40 types enjoy finding meaning in contributing to a project or program and getting paid for it!  We wonder how the current climate will respond to those of us over 50 - will the competition for jobs help us or harm us?

What do you think?  Let me hear from you and no matter have a great day!