Navigating office politics

Many promising careers have been badly damaged due to an inability of a good employee to navigate the waters of office politics.

I don't care where you work, there are politics. I'm a huge fan of NBC's "The Office" because I feel that it more than adequately depicts every office personality imaginable in every work place. Every office has The Slacker, The Crazy Overachiever, The Perky One and The Jerk.

Since taking my first job at the tender age of 19, I've learned many things about how to stay successful at work and here are the top 10 things I'd like to share from my various work experiences.

1. As much as you hate to, you will have to choose sides. If you think that you're keeping to yourself and sidelining, you're wrong. Even if you don't join in the office gossip around the water cooler, you're making a choice. The choice? Not joining in the gossip around the water cooler.

You can be noncommittal and at the same time give the impression that you're being empathic when co-workers grumble about the boss. I try to just ask questions. For instance, when your co-worker begins to complain about what an idiot the boss is because he always makes everyone work overtime, while he slips out early to play golf with his cronies, ask, "How long has he been here?" It causes the other person to shift and change direction. Even if you respond to their accusations with "Wow" or "Are you serious?" you're almost fueling the fires because it "sounds" like you're almost agreeing that this person has a right to gripe to you.

2. Watch and observe. There will be people who will take you to the side and give you the low-down. These people are often looking for an excuse to give the lay of the land, because he just can't help himself. Be careful not to add to any of what you learn. Try to focus instead on the individual. Ask them questions about what they do at the company. How long they've been there. How they came to work at the company. Again, this throws them off their game a little bit, but at the same time, people who love to talk about other people love to talk about themselves even more!

3. Be friendly and approachable when it comes to your fellow co-workers. A big mistake that people make when joining a company is to repeatedly turn down offers. Its true that people are often promoted based on their likability. If no one likes you, your boss isn't likely to promote you. Unless you work as a prison guard, seriously think about fraternizing with your co-workers.

Go to lunch with your team every once in awhile.

4. Don't be a whiner. Ever come into the office the next morning and find Betty Sue telling her boss how she stayed until 8 p.m. the night before? Do you feel jealous because you shot out of the door at 4:59 p.m. because you had to catch two buses across town to pick up your kid at daycare? Marcie is actually hurting herself. People who constantly stay late may be viewed as someone who can't properly manage their time. And they'll be regarded as someone who can't handle more responsibility because they obviously haven't mastered their current position. In addition to time management and possible job knowledge, if this person is spending so much time at the office they should be coming up with innovative ideas.

5. Don't believe everything you hear. I have found that people who have been tagged by impossible to work with have turned out to be individuals whom I've had the best relationships with. Give everyone an equal chance.

6. Make wise use of your time. Since most of my jobs have provided me access to the internet, it wasn't unusual for my boss to come into my office and find me online. With the rise of online media sites and technologies, it's not unusual to find workers with IM blocks, their Facebook or Twitter pages up at various times of the day. I think its still a good idea to have the courtesy to hide these when the boss walks by. Sure, you could easily be chatting with Phil in IT about helping you find a file on your desktop through that IM message, but bosses want to know that they're getting a good 8 hours of work out of their employees.

7. Choose what you're going to share with your coworkers, it may come back to haunt you. I'm very apprehensive about sharing facts about my personal life with co-workers. I've seen it used against employees more times than I can count. For instance, on Monday you tell your boss that your daughter has a huge soccer game out of town and you'd like to leave early Friday afternoon. Your boss says she really needs you to be in the office on Friday for a meeting with a client. Thursday afternoon you start to feel sick and by Friday morning you have a fever of 102 and call in sick Friday morning. When your boss makes the announcement that you've called in, don't be too surprised if she just "happens" to mention your early week dilemma with your daughter's soccer game and shares on suspicions about your illness.

Now, this isn't to say that you can't or form a great relationship with your boss. Some boss and their underlings do form bonds. However, revealing too much about your personal life can hurt you.

I'm always amazed about how co-workers have shared information about infidelity, domestic violence and other inappropriate information about themselves or their family members.

8. Take credit and give credit. If your boss recognizes you for an outstanding idea, be gracious. Women reportedly are less likely to take credit for their work than men. But it is important to take credit for your ideas, hard work and successes! How else are you going to get noticed? The flip side of that is to make sure that you spread the love. If you're the marketing director and the boss notices that your team generated outstanding revenues through a successful campaign, you have to give credit to all members of your team as well. If the opportunity arises make sure that your boss knows exactly which part each member of your team played in its phenomenal success.

9. Play by the rules. Though everyone appreciates a person who gets things done, no one appreciates someone who lies, cheats or deceives to make things happen. You will be respected more if you're respectful to other people.

As a customer service manager for Wal-Mart, I had a saying that I always used when assigning tasks to my cashiers. "I may not always remember to say please, but I never forget to say thank you!"

10. Attend office events. Of course you can't go to the birthday celebration every month, but it's important to attend at least one a quarter. Again, just like the hanging out with your office mates rule, you should be viewed as a team player if you want to advance your career.

Years ago, people kept their heads down, worked hard and that got them noticed. But the world is a different place. Companies want individuals who are well-rounded and viewed as someone the masses will respect and follow.

Everyone back in the pool!

Well, the day has finally arrived. After almost seven months of being laid off from work, I'm starting a new job next week.

I can't say that I never thought this day would arrive, but my patience had begun to wear thin.

On Monday morning I will be starting a position as a Marketing Communications Manager for a public relations software management company. Fortunately for me, I'm very
familiar with the company's software platform and am excited about supporting the sales and corporate communications teams.

My new job opportunity could not have come at a better time since I was on my last unemployment check. I had actually started on the "emergency" benefits. As we say in the Baptist church, "He's an ON TIME God, Yes He is!"

Though I'm glad to be returning to work, I know that there are still a great deal of people who are enduring layoffs. A telling moment for me is when I realized that all but one of my pool of five references references is out of work. I feel that statistic is almost in sync with what we're seeing as a nation at the moment.

I wish I could provide the secret to landing a job. But I can only reiterate the importance of a good resume, having an active network of friends and professionals, effective use of the web and practicing a suitable response to "So, tell me a little bit about yourself!" It's also helpful to have a positive attitude and outlook about your situation.

The job market has gotten very competitive these days. It's become so important to separate yourself from the pack. A resume with any misspellings will be tossed out. When an employers calls for an interview, an annoying ring tone will get you a hang up. Showing up late to an interview guarantees two strikes against you, rather than the obligatory one strike of a year ago. In fact, most recruiters are advising clients not to merely be "on time", but to show up early. Make no mistake about it, things are tough out there right now. You have to shine.

Here's what I have found works:

BE INTERACTIVE
Don't just sit there and answer an interviewer's questions. Be interactive and take notes. This shows the employer that you are interested. I took notes during the interview and asked a lot of questions about the company structure. Were they secure in this economic downturn? How long had the folks at the company been there? What were some objectives for this position? What did my boss want this person to do? With each of my questions I tried to think of how my skills and experience could provide a solution and I voiced this to my employer.


DO YOUR RESEARCH
There are very few companies that don't have a web site these days. Visit their press room. If there are pictures of the management, check it out so you can see what your new boss looks like. I'll never forget an embarrassing moment at a previous employer when a gentlemen asked me what I did for the company and I told him. Then I asked what he did. He smiled and say, "What do I do? I'm the CEO!" I could have died. But no one had introduced me to him and I didn't know what he looked like. So I strongly advise getting a look at the CEO's mug, so you don't embarrass yourself.

Also visit the company's social media pages to learn about them as well. More and more companies now have their own Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace pages. Linked.com is another site I LOVE because you can reach out to so many people, particularly the higher ranking individuals like VPs and senior executives.


GO ABOVE AND BEYOND
In securing this last position, I found that it does help to go above and beyond the call of duty and expectations of your potential employer. Anyone can send a thank you e-mail to everyone they interviewed with. But employers still say that handwritten notes is still the best way to impress.

My new employer wanted a writing sample. I gave her three. I wanted to show my versatility and diversity as a writer. The recruiter told me that the three writing samples were a hit with my new boss.

SAY WHAT IT IS YOU'RE GOING TO DO
It's important to be in a position to provide real solutions to your employer. After all, you're not only filling a job position, but they have contacted you because you provide a solution to a problem. Your skills are what they are seeking. They need you as much as you need them.

When they discuss challenges the company is facing. Use that as your opportunity to show how you can help them.

LET YOUR REFERENCES KNOW HOW THEY CAN MAKE YOU SHINE
I called my references up and told them about the job and why I wanted it. I tried not to dwell on how long I had been out of work. I talked to them about how the skills needed for this job were the same ones I had used when I worked with or FOR them. Needless to say, I'm following up with my references with a Starbucks gift card to show my appreciation!

As I dive back into the workforce pool, I'm grateful for this time to reflect and to learn about myself. I'm also excited about beginning this new chapter in my professional career.

This blog will continue as I feel its importance is greater than ever as the number of workers who are losing their jobs expands. Besides, a job can't keep me from my duties as a writer. After all ... IT'S JUST A JOB!

No Means No

I'm often amazed -- and overwhelmed -- by the negative messages that businesses send their customers. "No Eating," "No Drinking," "No Children," "No Cell phones."

It's a known fact that after awhile, customers don't even tend to notice these warnings. We are often flooded with so much information, thanks to modern technology, that messages are often lost.

Is there a way to politely remind customers of common etiquette without sounding condescending or downright rude? You bet.

First of all, I find it just downright tacky to post anything on the wall of a business. If you can't put the document inside a frame and display in on a coffee table, counter or other side table, I wouldn't display it at all.

I realize that there are certain warnings that businesses are required by law to share with customers, such as no smoking in the building, handicapped parking and the like. But signs that warn: "No Talking on Your Cell Phone" though may be welcomed by those of us are easily irritated by those who talk on their cell phone in the doctor's office, there is an easier way to tell our clients we want them to be respectful. Someone could be waiting on an important telephone call -- someone is sick, or a child is supposed to call when they arrive at home.

How about posting, "Thank you in advance for putting your phone or mobile device on vibrate. Please feel free to step outside the waiting area when taking a call." I noticed that one business had posted a sign on the glass partition warning patrons not to talk on their cellphone while at the counter. Is there a better way to say it? I'm sure, but their message was more succinct: don't talk on your cell phone while waiting for assistance. Needless to say, I don't see very many people doing this.

I usually put my phone on vibrate and check my phone to see who is calling. If I'm in a waiting room, I see no reason why I can't go out into the hallway or outside to take a call that is important.

Though it's a given that people shouldn't eat food or bring drinks into an office, it certainly doesn't stop people from bringing their cup of Joe with them and placing it on the coffee table and leaving that nice ring.

Perhaps telling customers: "A receptacle is available to your right for your use to dispose of any food or drinks upon entering our office. Thank you very much for your cooperation!" I don't find that universal sign of a circle with the line drawn through it covering food and drinks too awfully offensive either.

Your customers don't want to be bombarded with messages of "No". Try to use more collaborative language when addressing them.

"Thank you for helping us to keep our office clean by disposing of your trash and recyclables," would be better received than, "Your Mother doesn't work here! Clean up after yourself."

Once your show respect to your patrons and clients, they will return the favor and welcome a collaborative atmosphere.

Managing your money after a layoff

After a layoff, it's certainly natural to lie in a state of denial.

We continue the Thursday evening happy hours with our friends, the spa treatments, dining out, Starbucks trips -- among a host of other frivolities. But soon after the severance pay ends (if you're fortunate enough) and the emergency funds dwindle, the reality of living on a fraction of your prior earnings sinks in. This is followed by flashing red lights and palm-sweating fear.

Here are 7 time-tested ways to stay financially fit after a layoff.

1. Write down and track your expenses. As simple as this may sound, there are a host of people who don't realize how much they spend each month. They either pull out the credit or debit card to pay for purchases and rely on the paychecks to replenish their spending sprees.

2. Think realistically about what you can do without. Do you need 300 cable channels? True, you're going to be home a lot more these days, but changing your cable subscription could save you $300 each year. Look for other subscription services you can switch to a lower plan, including your cell phone, newspaper and movies. Though bundling services may seem like a great way to save money, getting behind on the payments could mean the end of all three!

3. Spend with cash. We all hate to break a $50 bill. "It goes so fast!" We often exclaim. There's something psychological about breaking a large bill. Try carrying around cash and you'll immediately see how hard it is to give up. Using a debit or credit card keeps money in a never-never land. But having cold hard cash in your hands, quickly brings home the reality of your finances, and can make you think twice about parting with your greenbacks.

4. Call up your creditors! Yes, that's right. Don't hide from the bill collectors. Surprisingly, creditors are more likely to work with you after a layoff, particularly in the present economy. They, like you, are reading and hearing about what's going on with the economy. Merely ducking your creditors will make things harder for you if your layoff extends beyond a period that you had envisioned.

5. Look for free services and offers! It's normal to want to continue in the lifestyle that you're accustomed to. But the truth is, few of us will be able to do so. If you're at an executive or senior management level, it's tempting to want to take advantage of that expensive headhunters. I had a headhunter to call me before my layoff and offer to help me find another job for about $1400. I turned her down. I just don't think it's necessary to pay someone to find me a job. There are a host of job and employment agencies. Make appointments to meet with recruiters and pick their brains. Join an online media group like Linkedin.com, Facebook, or Twitter and network with other professionals. This will save you tons of money down the road. If you have a strong network already, logically you will start there in looking for your next opportunity. However, you may find that many of your friends are like you and looking as well.

6. Find ways to cut your utilities. Inspect your home or apartment. Look for ways you might be wasting money. Check your thermostat. Is it set too high? Look in your fridge, I recently gave my fridge a good cleaning and immediately noticed how much colder things were after the clutter was moved away. Now that you might be working from home, you may find that you're using more electricity, heat and eating more food. But you're probably going to spend less at the gas pumps and eating out. Make sure that lights aren't on in rooms that aren't being occupied. Can you rearrange furniture so that heat is better dispersed?

Pick up your laptop and go to a mall, restaurant or the local library. This gives your utilities a rest and gives you some fresh air and a change of scenery.

I saw a special on Oprah recently where a young lady actually unplugged appliances tha weren't being used -- TVs, radios, can openers, coffemakers and saw a huge decrease in her electric bill! Try it!

7. Continue to save. If I've learned anything after a layoff it has been that living on less money is possible. I'm fortunate that I have a spouse. However, there are things we've had to live without.

Though you may not be able to save at the rate that you did before your job loss, keep up the practice of putting away a few dollars here and there. ING offers great savings products online with a better return than most banks.

I've learned to get creative when it comes to cutting costs. I'm convinced that the layoff will only better prepare me for dealing with an even larger salary than the one I had before!

If you're fortunate and are currently working, make sure that you have money for a rainy day. Debt experts recommend having savings for three months. Forgo the expensive lunches and lattes for a few days to make sure that you're stashing money into your rainy day fund!

If you're not there yet, don't fret. It's just a job!

Is this an interview?

I've been on countless interviews. Which is why when I received a "worst interviews ever" e-newsletter in my inbox recently, I thought, "I could write one of those!"

I immediately thought about titling this entry: "Are you Freaking Kidding Me?" but chose to stay above the dramatics and simply chose "Is this an interview?" instead. (Though I did want to add "Or are you just happy to see me?")

Everyone knows when they've nailed it in an interview. Maybe the interviewer lingered just a little bit longer making small talk. Or maybe she'd started using phrases like "your team," "your office," or "when you start next Friday." There's no denying it, when you hear that Rocky theme music in your head after exiting your new boss' office building, you're already imagining what your new business cards are going to look like.

The flip side of that is when the interviewer's handshake is weak and he averts his eyes or worse yet, doesn't even give you the office tour.

Of course, even more puzzling is when you feel that everything clicked and they're still not that into you! There is no exact science to interviews - you can do everything right and still not get the job. But what you certainly don't want to do is tip the scales in favor of another applicant by doing everything wrong.

I'm going to share some experiences that I've had in hopes that you either don't repeat them or help shed some light on why you're not getting that job.

1. Be careful of those "out of the box questions." Many companies are trying to ask questions that may sound like they're trying to find out how creative or daring you are, but can result in you giving up more information than you should. I'll never forget this one company that asked that question that has now become famous: Who, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with and why. Now I SHOULD have chosen folks like: Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, and Nancy Reagan. I say "should have" because of the make up of the panel interviewing me. They were all women probably ages 25-40. Those three people would have been safe choices. I don't know what I was thinking when I said, Jesus -- not a bad choice, then Oprah - again, I'm okay here, because what woman doesn't like her, right? Also, they're not likely to vote against me for liking her. But then I really blew it by choosing, Nicole Brown Simpson, the murdered wife of OJ Simpson. What was I thinking?

I began telling them the "why" of my choices. I said I'd ask Jesus about his family life. What was it like being so perfect? Did your other brothers and sisters resent you? (I use humor to diffuse uncomfortable or difficult situations) Fortunately, for me, the panelists did giggle a bit. I said with Oprah I would just like to ask her to adopt me. Again, they laughed. So you see now I can't really make a joke about Nicole. So I attempted seriousness by adding, "I think I'd ask her who really killed you?" Now everyone woman in American KNOWS who killed Nicole. (Yes, I'll admit it now, I was holding out hope.) At that point in the interview, there was nothing I could do. I was basically telling them that I was siding with a psychotic killer and who really wants to work in an office with someone who doesn't share your innate beliefs?

Lesson learned? No matter how tempting it is to "go there" -- don't. Keep answers on track and try to relate everything to your own skills, qualifications, and abilities.

2. Take a dry run if you're not familiar with the area. I arrived in Silver Spring, Md. in January of 2002. I came from Huntington, W.Va. where the rush hour lasts about 20 minutes. So I've had to get used to the traffic patterns in the Washington, D.C. area. Whenever, I have to drive into D.C., I almost always opt to use the train because I get so nervous about driving. I can't tell you how many times I've been either right on time or about 5 minutes late. In those instances the interviews seem to start particularly slow because the interviewer had already perceived that either I thought I was a prima donna or didn't care much for the job. And you know what? Subconsciously, I probably didn't give a rat's patootie. If I had cared, I would have made every effort to be on time.

3. He's just not that into you. I'll never forget an interviewer walking me to the door after the interview and saying "Well, thanks and good luck to you!" Most people probably would have taken that and ran home and waited for another call. But I heard it all in his farewell greeting: "Keep looking!". If he were going to hire me, he may have said, "We'll be in touch" or "We'll be making our decision soon." But by wishing me luck, he absolutely meant good luck in my job search.

A company that is interested, wouldn't have to wish me luck. I wrote him an e-mail, thanked him for his time, but added that I wouldn't be pursuing the job at his company any further. I told him that I just didn't feel the chemistry was there. It felt good, because I finally got to dump a guy before he dumped me! Which brings me to my next point ...

4. Don't waste your time! If you have 8 years of experience in your current career, don't waste your time applying for jobs that are entry-level or require only 2-4 years of experience. Sure the economy has taken a turn for the worst in some sectors. But that doesn't mean you have to sell your soul to get a good job.

By taking a job that you are over-qualified for, you'll eventually get bored and will probably hit the road after a year anyway -- if you last that long. Most employers who have vacancies at the entry-level are expecting an individual to stay on for at least 2 years or more.

5. Can you use the term "crack whore" in an interview? Apparently you can! I interviewed with a company recently and the interviewer actually used the term "crack whore." I believe we were discussing my spate as a journalist and I was talking about covering trials and she began talking about watching the television show "Cops." She mentioned how she enjoyed watching "Cops" because she enjoyed seeing the "crack whores" get arrested. I just smiled.

But it was so very obvious to me that she was not prepared to interview people. She even asked me if I had kids! Later she told me that she had her Masters in English. Now, personally, I would think that a person with a Master's degree would certainly know what questions to ask in an interview.

A couple of lessons learned here. Sometimes I have this ability to put people at ease. Maybe I get too comfortable. Certainly, I could do a better job of remaining professional throughout the entire interview. And secondly, if a company is breaking all the rules in an interview, it's probably not going to get any better once you're on board. Run like the wind.

Interviews can be easy to pass, and if not don't sweat it. There are tons of opportunities. It's just a job!

Make that Networking Event Work for You!

As a child in school, I was forever getting in trouble for talking in class. All through high school and college, my friends were forever telling me: "You should be a comedian." Even now, I've received e-mail from friends encouraging me to audition as a comedian or take a course in stand-up comedy. I once got an e-mail from a friend who wanted me to audition for a new "Wonder Woman" series. He said I'd be perfect because they were making over the Wonder Woman role. I never sent my information in. However, I may just apply for Oprah Winfrey's gig when she retires.

I'm an extrovert. I'm loud, quite funny, and have a knack for putting others at ease (or some I'm told). However, put me in a situation where I don't know anyone, and I quickly become the quietest most withdrawn person in the room. I don't know what it is that comes over me, but I nearly panic when I have to make small talk. I actually loathe it.

As a highly creative person, I believe I view it as tedium and getting wrapped up in the details. "Hi, I'm Jane Doe and I work for company ABC company. What do you do?" In Washington, D.C. everyone is a networker. Business deals, promotions, knowledge is all tied to networking in this town. Though I was able to land three very good jobs without networking -- knowing someone who knew someone -- I'm convinced that my next job will arrive in the more common form: networking.

Though sending out resumes has certainly helped me land jobs, I've started attending more networking-type events in hopes of making important contacts.

Advantages of networking events

1. A relaxed setting. You get to meet the hiring manager in a more relaxed environment. The feeling of being in front of an interview firing squad all but dissipates as you munch cheese and crackers and sip Merlot.

2. More opportunities. Instead of going to one interview where you have to wow one person or a panel you now get the opportunity to talk to different individuals and learn about more jobs.

3. Seeing your boss and/or new colleagues in a different setting. How many times have you walked through the office of a potential employer, met the staff, accepted their anemic handshake and fake smile, all the while wondering which one would stab you in the back? One thing I've learned from networking events is that competitor companies love to dish the dirt. So while you may think it would be awesome to work for the firm you've been wooing, you might be surprised to learn that your department head is a micro-managing lunatic who drives everyone away after about a year or two.

Disadvantages of networking events (yes, I found a few)

1. Keeping focus. It may be difficult to sell yourself at a networking event, say a bar for instance after your potential boss has slammed back 3 martinis. This is also a good time to remind you to watch your imbibing as well.

2. Having a lasting and memorable effect. During an interview you can at least leave a resume and your portfolio if appropriate. At most networking parties and events the most you can do is slip someone your business card and collect theirs in hopes they will actually contact you later.

There are certainly ways to make networking events work for you. Some people have a certain presence when they walk into a room. I don't think I have it, but I've always been fortunate that people tend to walk up to me. One trick, which just came to me (and it just might work) is making up a false name and then asking someone if they've seen that person. For instance, when you walk into the event, look over the room as if you're looking for someone. Tap someone on the arm and say: "Have you seen John Morris? I'm meeting him here." Just pray it isn't someone there by that name. Then you can strike up a conversation with the person you've tapped on the arm and introduce yourself. Hey, it's worth a try, right?

Take a deep breath the next time you attend that networking party. Everyone in the room is there for the same reason, that next opportunity.

Don't panic, IT'S JUST A JOB!

Something old -- Something new

Recently, while watching Oprah (Yes, I do that in the afternoons now), something guest Will Smith said resonated and stuck with me. The box office star was talking about his new film "Seven Pounds," and described death in a way that I had not ever thought of it before. Though humans fixate on their own deaths, Smith pointed out that we experience death more often than we realize. Currently, many of us who have been laid off are experiencing the death of our jobs. And true to form, we experience the same emotions that a death triggers -- shock, denial, grief, anger, and finally acceptance.

But what Smith pointed out is that after death, there is a rebirth. He wasn't talking necessarily in the metaphysical sense of reincarnation, but how something must end or die for something else to be born or given life.

Here are three easy tips for "renewing" yourself after a layoff.

• Stop trying to do the same thing. It's natural to immediately look for a position as a market researcher once you get laid off from your job as a market researcher. However, after six months of looking, maybe it's time to try your hand at something else. Work with a recruiter or resume writer to find another way to present your skills sets in a different light. Of course, if you've been a chef for 20 years, I wouldn't say it would be in your best interest to apply for a job as a veterinarian. I think you see my point here. If you have skills that could be used in another capacity, explore those opportunities as well.
• Hone your skills. I enjoy hearing stories of how people started careers -- most of the time by accident -- even though they did something else for many years. The one thing a layoff does provide is time to think, time to read, time to meditate and certainly time to reassess who you are. You may find that you probably never really wanted to be the District Sales Manager, but were really meant to open your own consulting business. Maybe a temporary job from long ago or a volunteer stint allowed you to express yourself in a way you haven't thought about in a while. This may be the time to revisit that skill set.
• Don't follow the crowd. Make your own path. As a journalist, I remember reading an article about the man who dug President John F. Kennedy Jr.'s grave. While most reporters were staking out the White House and the family compound, a sole reporter went to the graveyard and was able to get this poignant interview with the gravedigger. Sure there will be those jobseekers on Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, Hotjobs.com -- all of the biggies. But don't be afraid to try some none-traditional sites as well. One way you can learn about different job sites is to check out the drop down menus on the questions tab that asks, "How did you find out about us?" I was able to learn about sites like, "Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com, Jobfox.com and a host of others.

Don't be afraid to try something new. The recent election coverage showed us one very important thing, it's good to switch things up a little bit. Change can be good! True your job has ended. You've mourned it and now must look forward to even better challenges and experiences.

It's just a job!