Advice for someone just starting their career

 What is your strategy for someone just starting their career?
Your Rant: I’m 21 and graduating from college in the spring. What business advice would you give to someone just starting out?
911 Repair,
Twenty years ago I asked my mentor, Charlie, the same question. He was CEO of a big company and I thought he was the [...]

Lost! How do I find a job?

What’s your strategy for finding a job? 
Your Rant: I’ve got a great resume, I’m really respected in my field and I send out resumes every week, yet I’m having no luck landing a job.
911 Repair:
Your e-mail reminds me of the valedictorian of New Orleans’ Alcee Fortier Senior High School. She recently failed the state’s [...]

Can’t read the unwritten rules at work-AHHHHH!

What’s your strategy for finding the “unwritten” codes of your office?
Your Rant: I know how things are supposed to work in my company. But it’s clear to me that there are also a lot of unwritten rules. How do you learn what gives outside of the personnel manual and operating policies?
911 Repair:
Everything that [...]

How to look past salary when looking at a job

Dear WW: I’m negotiating over a new job. I know what salary I’m pushing for. What other things should I put on the table? TOUGH SLEDDING
Dear TOUGH,
I was once taking the train between New York City and Philadelphia. The train was packed, so I was delighted to find the last open seat. I noticed that [...]

How to get the most out of an internship

Dear WW: I’ve worked very hard to land a great internship. Can you give me some advice on how to get the most out of it? SCHOOLS OUT
Dear OUT,
When volcanologists recently warned Indonesians of the impending eruption of Mount Merapi, nearby farmers focused on rituals and offerings to ward off the eruption. In one region, [...]

How to approach work after college

Dear WW: Okay, I partied all summer. But now it’s time for me to start looking for a job. What are the keys for getting a job as a recent college graduate? ALUMNI BLUES
Dear ALUMNI,
Your email reminded me of my last visit to New York City. It’s always stressful to be on the Today Show, [...]

Surviving an international assignment

 What is your strategy for surviving an international assignment?
Your Rant: I’m about to be asked to take an international assignment by my company. I’ve hardly been out of the United States. Help!
911 Repair:
My iPod has more than 4,000 songs on it. I would ask people to name an artist they’d like to hear because [...]

What do I do…I start a new job soon

What’s your strategy for spending time well before you start a new position?
Your Rant: There are a lot of books that talk about what you should do in your first days on a new job. My job doesn’t start for a month or so. What can I do during this time?
911 Repair:
One of [...]

How to ask for help at work and not lose credibility

 What is your strategy for asking for help at work without losing credibility?
Your Rant: I came to a difficult realization recently: just the thought of asking for help makes my skin crawl. I know there are people out there who ask for help, but I can’t do it. Am I crazy?
911 Repair,
Your email reminded [...]

Lost on the work field with no goals

How do you set goals at work? 
Your Rant: I achieved my first goal-I got the job. Now its time to set some new ones. But I don’t even know where to begin. Can you help me achieve my new goal? NO GOAL
911 Repair,
If you’re like most people today, chances are good that there is a [...]