By Erin Hovanec

Life happens. So do layoffs, new babies, sick relatives and once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities.

No matter how hardworking and responsible you are, it's possible that you'll find yourself out of work for a significant period of time at some point in your life. The trick is to keep this sabbatical from hurting your long-term career.

Keep Busy During a Career Break

Just because you're not employed doesn't mean you can't stay involved in your profession.

In fact, it's much easier to rejoin the workforce if you keep your skills sharp and your knowledge current. Staying up to date doesn't require...    View Full

You think interviews are scary?

There's one part of getting a job that can be even more intimidating: Negotiating a salary.

But what happens when a prospective employer just won't meet your salary request? Should you tuck your tail between your legs and accept the job anyway? Or should you politely turn down the job, even if you really need it?

Fortunately, you have a third alternative: You can ask for other benefits that can adequately replace an instant salary boost.

For instance: Consider requesting that you can get a performance review six months after you start. This request will show that you're willing to stand behind your work and prove yourself to the...    View Full

Some people think phone interviews are easier than in-person ones. Often, those people are wrong.

In person, it's easy to tell if an interviewer is tuning you out if you notice them staring off into space or sending messages on their BlackBerry. On the phone, you (and the interviewer) are missing out on important visual cues. You can't read the interviewer's body language.

So, how can a job seeker really dial into an interviewer's demeanor to tell if she's bored, distracted or underwhelmed?

Find a Happy Place

In the absence of sight, hearing becomes sharper. And interviewers can easily hear distraction over the phone.

Once you've scheduled...    View Full

One never expects that a job search will last long until the weeks -- and months -- start ticking by. Plus, during an economic downturn, it may take even longer to find work. To better increase your odds of finding a job sooner, here are 12 "don'ts" to avoid.

1. Don't rely on one resume and cover letter. The longer the job search, the more custom resumes and cover letters you will need. Your resume and cover letter should match your skill set to that particular job's qualification requirements.

2. Don't expect a response from every company. Long gone are the days...    View Full