Once you get the job, remember this: getting hired is only the beginning. Landing a good position takes effort. Keeping it—and building a reputation that lasts—takes even more. Many human resources and business communication textbooks devote plenty of discussion to résumés, interviews, and job searches, but far less on what to do after the offer […]

I am going to pretend we are preparing for a face-to-face interview. Generally speaking, you may find that you will have been screened by a bot, a phone, or a web interview before the first face-to-face meeting. Of course, if you get past this first, in-person interview, you’ll need to be prepared to interview with […]

Each Sunday, the Houston Chronicle publishes a jobs section filled with practical, easy-to-read advice. As a reminder, I teach Professional Communications and Human Resource Management. The assignment I emphasize most is the resume, yet no matter how much guidance I offer, about half the class will not follow directions or accept help. If you remember […]

I am finishing this article on April 15, and I was so delighted to pay my taxes this year. The more you make, the more you are taxed, and if you are 65 or older, the more you pay for Medicare. Our younger workers have no idea what will happen when they turn 65 and […]

Assigning numbers to theories is the perfect way to present multiple theories of life and leadership. There are various books written by Gary Chapman, including The Five Love Languages, The Five Languages of Apology, and The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Assigning numbers to theories is the perfect way to present multiple theories […]

I am on my soapbox this month because I have watched several people in various generations either ignore ethical behavior or ignore it until they were reminded of the “right” way to do things. My question is: are there consequences for being unethical in 2025? Remembering the truth will always be easier than remembering the […]

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the number of people aged 65 and older working or seeking work has increased by 144 percent over the past 20 years. The broader labor force expanded by approximately 13 percent during that period. The trend had been building momentum when it ran up against the wall […]

How to avoid legal troubles when interviewing employees There should be great folks left in the Permian who either lost their job or did not want to move to Houston. With this new opportunity, what is the best way to recruit and hire the right employee for your next vacancy? First, post your job via […]