You get an offer from Amazon (congrats!) but decide not to take it, for whatever reason. It was probably a tough choice.

A few months or years down the line you want to re-apply.

Do you still have a shot at getting in?… Read the rest

We like to think that we have control over our lives. That our actions lead to predictable outcomes and that we can influence others around us.

In an interview setting we believe that if we do our research, practice in front of the mirror, and present ourselves well then we can convince companies to hire us.… Read the rest

How hiding your current salary during an interview hurts you down the line

People tend to get cagey with money. They don’t want to talk about it.

They think somebody is going to reach into their wallets and f*ck them over.… Read the rest

Tell me if this story sounds familiar:

You go to a business conference or networking event, find the first speaker, sit down and jump on your phone or computer immediately to check emails. You avoid talking to people and wait for the ‘right moment’ to approach. … Read the rest

Next time you receive a job description, set that shit on fire.

Figuratively speaking, of course.

Most job descriptions are digital and I wouldn’t encourage printing paper and wasting it just to to fuel your anger against the “system.”

You may ask, “Why such disdain?… Read the rest

A friend of mine was living in England and interested to relocate back to Japan with her family where she was originally from. At that stage of her career she was already quite experienced and looking for a step up.

The problem was that she didn’t have much recent work experience in Japan.… Read the rest

It’s 1943 and a Nazi officer knocks on your door.

“Any Jews in here?” 

“No, it’s just me,” you whimper innocently.

In fact, you are hiding a Jewish family under your floorboards. You hope that they don’t make any sounds.

Their lives depend on it.… Read the rest

You might have heard the phrase “hidden job market” floating around. At a first glance this sounds like some sort of black market for jobs or corporate conspiracy to keep people out of employment. I assure you it is neither of those things.… Read the rest

I once sat down to have a casual coffee chat with a company. I was told that it would be a more informational conversation and not in an interview format, and “just go get to know each other.”

I felt good and less-pressured going to the meeting.… Read the rest

My favorite answer to everything — ‘it depends.’

The situation might come up that you are using a recruiter to get a job. Good. That’s what they are paid to do, and many are pretty good at it.

However, sometimes a recruiter won’t get you where you are trying to go.… Read the rest