Stop Obsessing About Having the Perfect Career Plan  

September 26, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

That was the headline that captured my attention in a Wall Street Journal article from 9/17/23. Basically, the premise is that while people for decades have pursued the mysterious “perfect career”, the reality is false advertising. Multiple global factors, coupled with the speed of technology and change, reinforce this point. The author ended with a great point, “Even though this (a …

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Seasons of Change 

September 19, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 4 minutes

Over the past several weeks I’ve had the opportunity to connect with some former colleagues who were recently let go from their employer, along with a couple of friends who are anticipating leaving their employer in the near future.  The top-of-mind question for all of them was, “What should I do first?” Of course, they’re all experienced adults who can figure …

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How Old Are You?

September 12, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

Just about every time I’ve been in a Q&A situation with job seekers, the question arises about whether age discrimination still exists in the marketplace. And every time, my answer is the same – absolutely!    In fact, here is some data supporting the theory that ageism does still take place:  But isn’t age discrimination against the law? Yes, it is. …

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Be Aware and Flexible, but Stay The Course! 

August 29, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

For any of you who are in a job transition or have been in a job transition, you know the job market is a very fluid phenomenon. Whether it’s specific to you individually (the job you’ve applied for that you think you’re the PERFECT fit for doesn’t come through), or there’s a broad application (unemployment is low, so why do …

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The Road Not Taken 

August 15, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

The famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” by Robert Frost ends with this stanza:  I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.  I think most people who have been through a job transition can easily relate to these …

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Loooooong Job Interviews! 

August 08, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

I recently read an article titled, “Be Prepared for the Worst: Here are 4 Tips for Surviving Long Job Interviews – and How to Ace Them.” It led off with, “While three to five rounds of interviews were once expected for non-managerial positions, the new norm is much more demanding.” Over my career I’ve orchestrated, been an interviewer in, and …

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What Did You Say? Why Does it Matter? 

August 01, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

Have you ever said something, and then either wondered if you said the right thing, or were pretty sure you didn’t say the right thing? Or, maybe you actually nailed it! You knew it as soon as the words started flowing out of your mouth!?!   I am in the process of supporting my son-in-law, Aaron, as he starts a …

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So…Tell Me About Yourself 

July 25, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you’ve ever been interviewed, you’ve probably received the question / statement in the subject line. Many times it’s the first primary question that’s asked, after the introductory chit chat. What’s your reaction to that question? Do some of the questions below immediately spring into your mind and stop you in your tracks?    If yes, then you’re like almost …

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Starting a New Job?

July 19, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

I recently saw an article entitled, “The 80-95% Rule: Why not giving your all in a new job could actually make you more successful.” A viral TikTok video argues: “You teach people how to treat you.” At the time I’m writing this article, the video has captured over 340,000 viewers.  The author states, “If you are pulling extra hours, saying yes …

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What’s Worse Than Being Unemployed?

July 11, 2023
Written by: Dave Sparkman | Reading Time: 3 minutes

If I asked you to describe the emotions you experience or associate with unemployment, what would your response be? If you’re like most people (myself included), words like frustrating, overwhelming, anxious, fearful, angry, exasperated, confused, stressful, tiring, and debilitating may come to mind. Some optimistic folks may include hopeful, optimistic, and even ‘exciting’ (yep, there are those crazy ones among …

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