The world wide web and careers

Happy Holidays everyone!  It is Christmas day and I decided to use some of the free time I have before my family gets here to write a little bit.  Today has been nice so far, we opened presents, ate breakfast, scratched lotto tickets (a long standing family tradition), and I went for a run before showering.  It is my mum’s turn to host dinner so we’ve got about 12 people coming over at 4.  I decided to dress extra festive in red tights, grey skirt and a green plaid shirt.  Santa would be proud.  Tomorrow my sister and I are going Boxing Day shopping, which most people think is insane but we love it.  It has turned into a yearly tradition, only I don’t get nearly as annoyed with her as I used to.  The day starts early and we go for as long as we can.  We even have a designated drop spot at Bay and Dundas in case we buy too much before we hit Bloor Street.  I am a very sentimental person (a little too much some would argue), so I hold these traditions very close to my heart.

Since this is a career blog and not one about my personal life, I’m going to switch topics now.  I decided to compile a list of some of the best career related blogs and sites on the web.  I think these provide good insight and advice when it comes to the job market so hopefully you can find something useful for your own search in them.

1. Penelope Trunk’s Brazen Careerist

I’ve already written about this blog before, but I think it deserves mention again.  Trunk writes from the gut and doesn’t hold back.  Her career advice is honest and straightforward and she doesn’t beat around the bush.  You can find great tips on internships, resumes, time management, goal setting, interviewing, and all sorts of other job related items.  What I like most about Trunk’s blog is that it is actually funny and entertaining.  However, she won my heart when she wrote about eating an entire bag of double stuff Oreos.  You go girl.

2. TalentEgg

TalentEgg “is a career site that students and new graduates visit daily to plan their careers”.  The reasons I like this site are pretty obvious, but it is also great because it is Toronto based, and they do an awesome job at posting quality job opportunities and not just junk you find on Craig’s List.

3. Punk Rock HR

Another blog that is right up my ally.  The author, Laurie Ruettiman is described as a “seasoned and cynical HR professional” and if there is anything I love, it’s a good old fashioned cynic.  Even if your career path isn’t heading towards the HR department, the blog still offers great insight into ethics and how HR works within a company.  I also enjoy Ruettiman’s Employee Handbook:

Don’t be an asshole.

Don’t divert attention away from the mission and vision of the organization.

Don’t cause problems that are bigger than the problem we’re trying to solve.
If you don’t like it, leave.

So wise.

4. Harrison Barnes: Compelling Career and Life Advice

I like this site because it has a really positive attitude.  There are posts on Employment Do’s and Don’ts, Advancement, Keeping a Job, and the ever important Life Lessons.  Go read his philosophy and you will instantly feel a little more hopeful about the future.

5.  McMaster Career Services

Alright, I know what you’re thinking.  These are the people that write my paycheck so I must feel obliged to include them on my list.  Not true.  I feel that the Career Services at Mac is an excellent online resource for students to visit because it is packed with helpful information and REAL jobs (go take a look on OSCAR).  I encourage you to visit Career Services online and in Gilmour Hall 110 to see what they can do for you, remember, these people are paid to help you so go and take their free advice before you graduate in May.

Okay kids, that’s all I have time for today.  I can hear my family talking about another time honoured tradition we have.  The dreaded family photo.  Enjoy your day.  Eat lots, drink lots, and then fall asleep by 8 pm.