According to Paul McDonald, Executive Director of Robert Half Management Resources, applicants undermine their job offers. He states that salary negotiations are based upon results-driven incentives, in other words, bonuses are agreed-upon performance objectives. Here are the top mistakes made according to McDonald:

• Not knowing what you want.
• Failing to do your homework.
• Playing hardball.
• Being shortsighted.
• Not calculating the total costs.

  Source: October 30, 2003 - Robert Half Newsletter <http://www.roberthalfmr.com>

The One Thing You Should do in An Interview

Tom Jackson, career author of numerous career books including: Interview Express (Times Books) provides this simple solution to the question: "Why should I hire you?" Your answer should convince the employer that would you do or produce will create more value than what it costs.

Use a Networking Card When Are Talking with Professional Contacts

Author, J. Michael Farr, THE VERY QUICK JOB SEARCH (JIST WORKS) has just the right solution. Farr suggests using a 3x 5 printed card which lists brief personal data (name and phone number), as well as a job objective, and a summary of your skills. Can be a very effective job search tool.