Ace Your Next Interview with the Right Handshake

I came across an interesting study recently that links successful interviewing with a firm handshake. Believe it or not the people with the best handshakes, men and women, are more "hireable".

What makes for a firm handshake? According to the researchers, good handshakes involve:
-a firm, complete grip
-eye contact
-vigorous up and down movement.

If you're not sure the quality of your handshake, test it out. Shake a few hands and see if the person gets a more or less favorable impression of you. Find out how to improve your handshake and you may just improve your chances of landing your next job. Read the full handshake article.

"Don't waste your time living someone else's life"

With graduation day upon us, I thought recent college graduates (and in fact all of us) would benefit from some inspiring words of advice from Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder. His commencement address at Stanford University is captured in this brief video that you won't want to miss.

If you don't know his history, Steve Jobs is one of the most successful and innovative entrepreneurs of our time. He's also a college drop-out - a choice he credits with his success today. He doesn't advocate dropping out as a method but rather strongly advocates following your heart. He also points out how quickly time passes and that we don't live forever. His poignant words of advice ring true no matter what your age, "Don't waste your time living someone else's life."

I want to thank my client Kevin for sharing this insightful video with me so I can share it with all of you. Here's to you living your best life everyday!

Would you be better off as a Free Agent?

Just this week, executive recruiting site www.ERE.net reported a rise in free agency . In other words, more employees are opting out of full-time jobs to be independent contract workers. The reasons for the rise included a desire for more control over their time as well as the greater stability offered by several employers rather than just one. With the ups and downs of today's economy, many don't want to put all of their "employment eggs" in one basket.

I also found it interesting that free agents aren't just taking work from anybody. They are boning up on annual reports, earnings information and news reports about their clients and essentially doing "background checks" before agreeing to do any work. I've always coached my clients to stay abreast of what's going on with their employers in this way.

If you've been thinking about being on your own, perhaps now is the time. Being a free agent is freeing and allows you to work on projects you want to be doing. It also allows for greater flexiblity and the chance to work when you want to and not when you don't. If you've been considering free agency, check out my article on the subject. You can also go to websites like FreelancersUnion.org, Guru.com and Elance.com or read, "Get a Freelance Life" by Margit Feury Ragland.

The savviest workers have figured out that they are their own best boss. Perhaps it's time you did too!