While it occurs to most of us that cursing via work email is inappropriate, several major financial firms on Wall Street are now developing policy to prevent foul language in business discourse. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal cited Goldman Sachs, Citigroup Inc., and J.P.

Yesterday, I was fortunate to have spent some time on the Bethesda campus of the NIH, meeting with focus groups of trainees to discuss the new OITE website. While the trainees shared some ideas for improving the site, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive--so I encourage you to check out the site if you haven't done so already! While there, one of the postdocs I met (a brave soul) volunteered to have his resume CHOPPED today. Below is his resume (minus identifying information) and my comments in red.

"But I have no skills!"

I have heard this refrain more often than any other throughout my 12 years as a career counselor for graduate students and postdoctoral trainees. The truth is that grad students and postdocs build myriad skills throughout their research programs that are attractive to employers in any sector.

Following are a few myths worth debunking:

Getting fit is beneficial on so many levels...but the financial, perhaps. My future brother-in-law lost 43 pounds, so he is now finding his closet full of clothes that no longer fit. Luckily he enjoys shopping, but needs to replace his wardrobe with smaller sizes. Size is an important aspect to consider when evaluating job opportunities and employers, as the size of a company can dramatically affect the culture of a workplace, access to advancement, resources, and more.

About a year and a half ago, Ryan, Inc., a tax services firm based in Dallas, Texas, instituted a dramatic shift in their company's structure. The firm changed their 9-5, office-based work culture to one where employees can work anytime and any place they desire. Along with this significant change came a new sense of accountability, as each employee has deadlines to meet and objectives to reach.

Chevre Strawberry Jam. Golden Beet Saffron. Russian Imperial Stout. Salted Licorice. White Chocolate Lavender. These are just a few of the inventive ice cream flavors offered at Humphry Slocombe in San Francisco. Co-owners Jake Godby and Sean Vahey have managed to infuse their products with an abundance of unusual tastes, from crème fraîche to olive oil.

It has been so hot in CT this week, I have broken a sweat just walking from freezing, air-conditioned buildings, to my car. Yikes!

Wow. I just finished reading an article in the Careers section of the Wall Street Journal and found the actions of some job seekers SHOCKING. Check out these classics from “Big Blunders Job Hunters Make:”
– Asking the interviewer to take YOU out to lunch.
– Asking someone at the company where you are applying to correct your resume for you.
– Bringing your child to an interview – and not making an apology, or even mentioning the fact that your child is with you.
– Answering a call and having a conversation during the interview.

Congratulations! You made it through several interviews successfully and just received a call with an offer. Now what? Do people still negotiate in this tough job market? Should you negotiate with your new employer? And if so, how do you begin the negotiation process? To be sure, people are still negotiating in this market, some quite successfully. Some trainees have expressed to me that they fear negotiating will drive the employer to rescind the offer. I would contend that being made an offer puts you in a position of power, but there are still some missteps you can take if you're not adequately prepared.

As with last week's post, I will continue every Wednesday to invite you to send me your CV, résumé, or cover letter via email to [email protected]. I will choose one document each Wednesday to put up on the chopping block--that is, to review on this blog. I will remove identifying information, and will offer not only critiques, but also praise when warranted. Send me your document soon, and I will post the first I receive--with my comments--on this site.