Ginger Korljan's Page

I want to feature stories of people who have recently landed new positions. If anyone is interested in having me interview them and include them in upcoming blog posts (anonymously, of course), it may give others hope and suggest new methods for them to try. Did you get your new job through applying to online job postings via Indeed, Careerbuilder, Monster, or Craig's List, applying directly to the company, networking, or a combination of many things? How long did your job search take? What was… Continue

Often people who ask me to write a cover letter for them tell me they want the letter to be "generic" so they can use it to apply for many positions. Why is this not a good idea?

First, many employers don't even bother to read cover letters. They know from experience that most cover letters are glorified form letters that simply state the job seekers qualifications without referring to specific company needs. I wouldn't want to read one of those letters myself.

However, if som… Continue

Last week while shopping with my daughter for a homecoming dress, I began to talk with the sales associate outside the changing room. How did she like her job? How did she get hired? What did she enjoy about working there? My children hate it when I approach perfect strangers like this, but we had a great conversation, and I found out that she was friends with my other daughter's boyfriend. One thing led to another and the next day my daughter met with the manager for an interview.

Another time… Continue

You are nervous. You have seen the news and realize that long-term security with any company is no guarantee. Perhaps your own company is undergoing a belt-tightening or you have heard rumors of “company restructuring.” In any case, you believe that now may be a good time to investigate potential opportunities with another company.

If you are concerned about future job security, don’t procrastinate and hope that things will turn out for the best. Start now! It is better to be prepared for a cha… Continue

In the past, many if not most employers have offered some sort of severance when laying off employees, particularly if companies have gone through restructuring or downsizing. Although not legally required, it has been a general practice of many employers to offer at least one week of pay for every year of service. These days, I am finding that more employers are often handing an employee one last paycheck for days already worked, then escorting them from the premises.

Other generous employers… Continue