You’ve fired off that last resume when…EUREKA! The HR gods have scheduled an impromptu interview.

Here is one of my favorite interview secrets.  Think potential mate (when preparing for a job interview)…like you are preparing for a blind date.

These 7 job interview tips will turn you from potential interview victim to job search victor! Read the rest of this entry »

Oprah’s Employee Confidentiality Agreement Keeps Your Business Secrets Safe

Ever heard one of Oprah’s former disgruntled employees mumble a negative word about the divine Miss O?

Unfortunately the public will never know her deepest personal and business secrets. Follow Ms. Winfrey’s lead and learn how to protect your business trade secrets using employee confidentiality agreements.

Oprah Knows: Loose Lips Sink Ships

Who wouldn’t what to know about her business strategies, the behind the scenes catfights and secret Machiavellian power plays? Unfortunately the public will never know Oprah Winfrey’s deepest personal and business secrets. Her smart attorneys require signed iron clad lifelong confidentiality agreements for contractors and employees.

Many managers and entrepreneurs can relate to the disappointment of employee indiscretion. A lifelong confidentiality agreement may be unrealistic for some business owners. Follow Oprah’s lead and learn how to protect your business trade secrets.

3 Vital Employee Confidentiality Agreement Tips

1)  Have human resources create a confidentiality policy.

Every business needs to shield itself from potential harm with solid employee confidentiality agreements. During orientation, discuss your expectations of discretion with employees.

Have formal documentation of non-disclosure situations. It is never too late to have existing employees and partners sign one. Every six months reward employees who protect your trade secrets with gifts and achievements.

2)  Train managers and executives to enforce your privacy policies.

Human resources and management must work together to protect the business. Without a standard confidentiality agreement business owners cannot protect their trade secrets.

3)  If a new hire hesitates to sign an employee confidentiality agreement; be suspicious.

Few people want to sign a pre-nuptial agreement before marriage. This document screams out loud, “You don’t trust me!” In business and in life, trust is earned.  I’m not advocating prenuptial agreements in every marital situation, but doing business without a confidentiality agreement is foolish.

Employee confidentiality agreements are a must for every business.

A privacy breach is great for your competitors and fiscally lousy for the bottom line. Use this vital document to show others that you take your business seriously. A little careful planning goes a long way; whether you have access to Oprah’s billionaire bankroll or not.

7 Winning Resume Writing Secrets Recruiter’s Don’t Want to Tell You, But You Need to Know

You need a persuasive resume, but you are a little short on cash.

Rather than keep a few precious “how to write a résumé” secrets to myself, I am giving you access to my secret stash of writing tips.

Whether you are a six-figure money earner, a diligent work at home mom, or a money-making blue collar breadwinner, here are my 7 top-secret resume writing tips that recruiters don’t want to tell you, but every job seeker needs to know. Read the rest of this entry »