Ahh, Celebrity.

Remember Knut, the cute little polar bear born in Germany last year? You know, the one who sparked a media frenzy and became a polar bear celebrity? Knut became the center of a media frenzy dubbed “Knutmania” after becoming the first polar bear to survive past infancy in captivity in more than 30 years. Zookeepers became pseudo-parents after baby Knut was rejected by his mom and the public lovingly adored him.

Last week, two more polar bear celebrities entered the world when twin cubs joined the animal ranks at Nuremberg Zoo, also in Germany. While the little twinsies still have an uphill battle ahead of them- they have a 50% chance of survival- the bundles of joy are sure to be just as large an attraction as their counterpart, Knut.

Celebrity is an interesting phenomenon. It has permeated nearly every facet of our world. We follow the sightings and sound bites of movie stars, singers, athletes, business men and women, and even animals like polar bear Knut!

The workplace doesn’t escape celebrity, either. Whether it’s related to an award or special recognition, a degree from a certain school, or even someone’s outward appearance, there is often a “celebrity” at work. And that’s okay. But don’t let it get you down. Don’t compare yourself to them or beat yourself up for something you can’t change. Maybe they are receiving preferential treatment because they graduated from Columbia and you went to the local community college, but there’s not much you can do to change that.

Keep persevering and you will be recognized, too. Whether you are in the entertainment industry (TVCrossing.com), construction industry (ConstructionCrossing.com), or you work on the admin side of things (AdminCrossing.com), EmploymentCrossing can help you find your place in the spotlight.

Maybe it’s time to switch things up and get workin’ on your job celeb status. Our free trial can get you on your way.

Tags: celebrity, columbia, Job Search, knut, polar bear twins

Down, Set, Hike!

It’s the week of Thanksgiving, and several football-fan worthy events take place during this holiday span: for many college teams, the regular season comes to a head this weekend with schools squaring up against a long-standing rival; the Cowboys and Lions each play their traditional Thanksgiving Day games; and, at least this year anyway, its week 13 and NFL fans everywhere are searching the web for the power rankings.

Officially speaking, NFL teams aren’t ranked, so sports columnists, analysts, commentators, etc. use their sport-savvy noggins to list the teams they consider tops in the world of football. These rankings can vary widely because they are subjective. While it may not be on purpose, it’s inevitable that these rankings and decisions may be influenced by personal opinion, bias’, school of thought, etc.

What does this have to do with your career, you ask? Just as these NFL teams are being ranked weekly, so too are you being ranked in your job. It may not be quite as official as these guys rankings (or at least I hope your boss doesn’t list your names on a tacky wall note like the who’s who of cheerleading try-outs or school play auditions), but who ever is in charge of you is definitely making mental notes about your performance. And just like the big, bad football team rankings, your boss’ judgments will be subjective.

You can’t change your boss. What ever preconceived notions, ideas, bias’, or stereotypes your boss may hold, you gotta try to work around them…or at least ignore them and work to the best of your ability. If it’s to that point though, where you recognize your boss is a total jerk and you find yourself trying to work around their issues, it’s time to say sayonara.

So when you’ve decided to later that place, hop on board EmploymentCrossing. We’ve got you covered in the job department. More than 100 job sites make up EmploymentCrossing and we’re constantly growing. Try it free now. It’ll make you feel better

Tags: cheerleading, football, nfl, on the job performance, thanksgiving

Great Balls of Fire! Targeting your job search, meteor style

The meteor that blazed across the Western Canadian sky last Thursday was, according to some Edmonton, Alberta residents, one of the most surprising, spectacular events they had ever witnessed. A dashboard camera attached to a police car captured what appeared to be a speeding fireball. Immediately afterwards, some people in their cars drove toward the general area where thought the fragments fell, “Twister” style (flying cows, anyone?).

The pieces of this meteor, if found, could yield valuable information about the history of the solar system. Other meteorite hunters hoping to locate these fragments–many of them from nearby University of Regina– aligned search parties to see what they can come up with.  To pinpoint approximate locations of the meteors, these folks will have to gather eye witness accounts and get information from the sky tracking cameras BEFORE they even go looking for anything.

Now here’s where we get all metaphorical–you knew it was coming. When it comes to finding a great job, some folks are like that police officer in little Devon, Alberta. He was just driving down the highway, making the rounds when. . .flash, bang, boom. . .he just happened to catch something on tape. He was just in the right place at the right time. Other people have an idea of the kind of jobs they want and they just sort of veer off into a general direction with no specific plan or guidelines. They might find what they’re looking for, but chances are they’ll be off the mark.

Finally, the job searchers that take time to gather their resources, talk to the right people, and figure out a plan are likely to find something that suits them really well. It may take a little longer, but their extra effort and planning will prove worth it in the long run.

After you’ve gathered your tools (killer resume, great cover letter–both of which you will alter for each new position), signing up for a free trial to EmploymentCrossing will be the first step in your strategic search.  You can browse mucho sites (100+ to be more precise) with so many jobs it’ll make your bowtie spin. Hello, SciencesCrossing! Almost  15,000 science jobs!

Tags: Job Search, meteor, twister, university of regina

Avoiding the “Twilight” Of Workplace Romance

On Monday, we used the new James Bond film to remind you to strive for a “cool” job–at least, a job that’s cool for you. Today’s release of “Twilight” allows us another opportunity to offer you some workplace advice. The much-anticipated teenage vampire flick that chronicles the romance between Edward Cullen, a 150 year-old vampire who will remain 18 forever, and Bella, a quiet new kid in the small town of Forks who’s never been in love. Because it’s in Edward’s vampire nature to feast on humans, being around Bella is difficult, made all the more so by the fact that he loves her and wants to protect her.

So what, do you ask, does teenage vampire romance have to do with the workplace? Two words: Office Romance. No, your burgeoning attraction for Jeff in Accounting is not quite as scintillating as the forbidden vampire/human attraction. But, in many cases, becoming involved with a co-worker can be every bit as foolish, dangerous, and reckless as falling in love with a gorgeous vampire god.

Why? Coupling up with our co-workers can mean distraction on the job and decreased productivity. This may not seem like a big deal, but if the relationship ends (and according to a 2006 MSNBC poll, 53% of office romances are over within a year), the workplace could become very uncomfortable for you, your ex, and your co-workers. Further complications could arise if one member of the relationship is a subordinate of the other one. Although many companies may have a written policy against managers dating their reports, not every organization is clear on their stance.

Of course, many couples do meet on the job, and their relationships and careers both turn out fine. With most professionals spending at least 40 hours a week with other people with similar interests and ages, people getting together is inevitable. If your attraction toward Heather in Purchasing remains undeniable and you both know you were meant to be together, then do your best to maintain professionalism–even if things don’t work out.

And if they don’t, or do and the company kicks both your butts to the curb, there’s EmploymentCrossing waiting to help. Heather can get a new purchasing position at PurchasingCrossing and you can find your new gig, too.

For any teens reading this, don’t worry; I devoured Twilight, too. And if you happen to be in need of a little extra cash, we have TeenagerCrossing for that…and a free trial, too. Yep, we’ve got everyone covered.

Tags: Office Romance, policy, professionalism, Twilight, Vampire

You Gotta Know When to Holder

Maybe you know the popular country tune that brought that title to mind: You gotta know when to hold em’, know   when to fold em’, know when to walk way…okay, maybe not.

Regardless, looks like President-Elect Barack Obama has chosen Eric Holder to be attorney general. Maybe you remember Holder? He was acting deputy attorney general under President Bill Clinton and became infamous for approving a last-minute list of presidential pardons right before Clinton’s last term was up.

But before the offer is formally extended or accepted, Eric Holder must undergo the oft-heard process of this past election season, vetting. You know, everything about his past, present, and future has gotta go through the ringer; they’re just making sure everything checks out to be truthful and harmless.

So this post holds two valuable pieces of information for you in your job search.

Numero Uno: Just like the lyrics of the song, you have to know when to fold em’. In other words, know when to cut your losses. If your job search just isn’t working quite like you imagined, it’s time to fold your hand and get some new cards. And we’re the perfect place to start. Not a public job board, EmploymentCrossing can offer you a lot more than those other job sites and we can offer you a free trial to see the arsenal of jobs we’re packing.

Numero Dos: Vetting. It’s sort of like an extended interview process. Just as Eric Holder has prepared himself for becoming attorney general and taken all the appropriate and necessary steps, so too should you concentrate on doing everything you can to ace your interviews. After all, if you really want the job, it’s imperative that you put your best foot forward and brave the often long and arduous interview process.

It’ll be worth it, though.

Tags: cards, employment crossing, eric holder, interviews, Job Search, vetting

Jobs. Cool Jobs.

When Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond film, hit theaters last Friday, an old complex was revived: for two hours the glamor of international spy games with a chic facade made everything in our own lives seem, well, pretty lame. Women said their first and last names aloud–disappointed by the lack of moxie: Nancy Brown is no Christmas Jones. Guys realized just how difficult it is to think of themselves as smooth while rocking their hoodie/cargo shorts/outdoor sandals ensembles. Bond’s well-cut suits and effortless suave demeanor during even the most dangerous spy missions make us wonder. . .what if OUR jobs were that cool?

It’s not about having a job as cool as Bond. Let’s face it–most of us won’t. But having a job that makes us FEEL cool. . now that’s worthwhile. For an accountant, that may mean that you prevented a major downward financial spiral. For a call center worker–you might have solved a problem for a customer that on one else could.

Although there is not a 007Crossing.com, EmploymentCrossing.com contains over 90 job boards that list the latest and greatest positions in accounting, call centers, and much much more. Many of these positions are unavailable on paid job sites. Jetset here for the free trial.

Remember that scene in Office Space when Peter, Michael and Samir are sauntering in slo-mo away from the badly beaten printer–their confidence is high and for just a moment, they love their jobs. If we’re able to tell people what we do for a living no matter what it is–and feel proud and confident at least one moment (and hopefully many moments) in the day. . .things will be cool.

Moneypenney, my martini.

Tags: accounting jobs, Bond, call center jobs, cool, job, Office Space

Why Steppin’ Out Helps You Step Up

Whether you work in a high-stress environment , have a grueling commute, or are searching for a new job, most of us probably have a tough time breaking out of our after-hours and weekend routines.  Sometimes just the thought of tagging along to Happy Hour with the gang or showing up at the junior executives birthday party on that Saturday you really wanted to spend just re-thinking your personal finance goals makes you want to call it quits as soon as you shut down your computer for the weekend.

And, along the personal finances chain. . .can we talk about how expensive it is to go out? ESPECIALLY if you’re in a big city. Hello? My Roth IRA needs care and feeding, thanks. Going out doesn’t always have to mean spending tons of money or going only to the most exclusive places.

Going out with co-workers, participating in social events, putting yourself out there–whatever you may call it helps you enjoy your job more the closer you become with your after-hours buddies. Just like the old adage that most major deals are made on the golf courses or the smoky back room. . most truly funny inside jokes and work friendships are not formed during budget meetings.

Just like Going.com and CitySearch are great resources for finding unique events and places for you and your co-workers, EmploymentCrossing.com offers unique job sites across 90 industries and allows you find an position that’s right for you.

Now this blog post is done, I think I’ll head home for a nice date with TiVo. What’s that you say? I can hear you chanting that same phrase Mom used to tell me when I tried to bow out of a party game.

Don’t be a fuddy duddy. Ok I hear you. So I’ll repeat it back. I promise not to be a fuddy duddy, but only if you promise, too.

Tags: Career, co-workers, friendship, job, networking

Um…Can I Take those Vacation Days, Now?

You’ve been thinking about it for weeks, months –maybe even years– about finally taking that accrued vacation time and spending it somewhere nice — the Caribbean, Europe, New York City or maybe just with some long lost relatives in Albuquerque. Whether you’ve decided to sip mojitos on the beaches of Turks and Caicos, or  White Zinfandel at the hotel bar in a random Midwestern town, you have to actually tell your boss or superior that you won’t be in the office.

As with everything else in life, there are the right and wrong ways to go about asking for some, or all, of your vacation time. Done the right way, you’re sure to sail swiftly away from any adversity management may have posed. If you muck it up, though, good luck dealing with the disappointment of missing the fabulous Aspen ski-trip with your buddies. Oh yeah, there will be ramifications at work, too.

The way you choose to handle matters such as requesting time off will reflect on your integrity, character, and work ethic. You may deserve those days, even need those days, but you need permission if you want to keep your job.

Several surefire ways to have your vacation request rejected are:

1) Waiting until the last minute — give management the common courtesy to prepare for your absence. They’ll appreciate your advanced request and respect.

2) Lying about why you are taking the time off. Chances are they’ll see through it and not only will your request surely be thrown out the window, but your job may be thrown out with it.

3) Asking for vacation time when you’ve been slacking. If you’ve been noticeably lax on the job lately, don’t think your boss hasn’t made a mental note. If you don’t deserve the time off, or if the company is in a busy time, don’t be so sure you’ll be granted your vacay wish.

It’s true that certain jobs or employers are more poised to accept vacation requests, as some are simply more supportive of personal endeavors and pursuits. Just remember to be respectful with your request and you’ll likely be on the way to your vacation destination regardless of your profession.

Remember, we’re the job experts. EmploymentCrossing is committed to bringing its members the best, most qualified jobs for each industry we currently support. Our free trial will show you the great job options our 100+ job sites have to offer.

Tags: how to request days off, job help, requesting vacation day, work absences

Hidden Talent: Can You Dig it?

Yesterday, archaeologists announced the discovery of a new pyramid in Saqqara, an ancient Egyptian burial site. Antiquities experts believe the monument is over 4,300 years old and once belonged to the queen mother of the founder of the Sixth Dynasty.

Wow. We spend so much time gathering instant information and rushing innovation, it’s a little jarring when we discover such a tangible reminder of our past. Amazing to think that until just recently this grand structure was simply chillin under some sand. Then winds shifted, folks started digging, and here we are.

I remember wanting to be an archaeologist when I was eight (I’m sure that profession was also featured in a “When I Grow Up” segment before Saturday morning cartoons). The thought of finding something valuable beneath a swatch of plain dirt was almost too exciting to bear–I think I even asked for a metal detector for Christmas (but instead I got a Lil’ Scientists Microscope set). I didn’t end up becoming a scientist, but the idea of discovery and surprise stuck with me.

In the midst of our job searches, our career coaching, our professional evaluations, we should strive to find our own ancient pyramids within ourselves– something cool, something rare, something amazing that has been there all along.

Joining a professional organization is one key way you can discover your hidden talent(s). Being around people in your profession or that share your interests allows you a level of comfort and flexibility to branch out and learn something new. If you are a marketing professional, the American Marketing Association allows you such an opportunity.

Also, the book Is Your Genius at Work? by Dick Richards asserts that we all have a unique genius and an exceptional power that comes naturally to us. His offers suggestions for how to apply it in work and in our life.

If you feel the need to change your path once you’ve cleared some of the sand away and looked at your true talents, come to EmploymentCrossing.com and try our free trial where there’s just the right job waiting to be found.

Tags: archaeologist, Egypt, job, marketing jobs, organization, pyramid, scientist jobs, talent, work

What’s in a Nickname?

As a perk for staving off madmen and loony toons from causing harm to the leader of the free world, the Secret Service gets the honor of nicknaming, so to speak, the President, Vice President, and their immediate families.

Obama and Biden were no different, and today the cute little nicknames were leaked. While I do believe the Secret Service will get on this as quick as you can say cheese grits and whip up some new little pet names, for now we have these funny nom-de-plumes to ponder.

The Obama clan was bestowed an “R” theme with Mr. President-Elect himself dubbed Renegade — Michelle, Malia, and Sasha were coined Renaissance, Radiance, and Rosebud, respectively. Whatever image or thought Renegade conjures up for you — could be Lorenzo Lamas or Thin Lizzy– nicknames are often suggestive or emblematic. There are those rare occasions, though, when your friend’s nickname Asparagus really doesn’t mean anything.

Sometimes we have the pleasure (pleasure is open to personal interpretation) of dealing with labels and nicknames for the sort of work we do or job we have, too. If you’re unhappy with your nickname and the work you’re doing, maybe it’s time to seize opportunity when it knocks. Opportunity=EmploymentCrossing and we’re knocking, btw.

So when you’ve had enough lawyering in the biz, are tired of being a suit, talking head, jock, roughneck, pill pusher (that’s pharmaceutical sales, guys), number cruncher, scalpel jockey, or wordsmith, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve got it all and it’s right here waiting for you with our free trial membership.

Tags: Employment, new career, nicknames, President-Elect, secret service nicknames