Business Credit Cards

By Heather Johnson

As a freelancer, you’re probably used to managing several projects at once. You’ve gotten the hang of prioritizing, scheduling, and making deadlines. While the overall outcome of your work is vital to your business, maintaining strong relationships with your clients is just as important. To help you out, we’ve put together a crash course in arming yourself with the practical tools you’ll need to stay connected.

Tools

1. Freshbooks: Manage your invoices quickly and efficiently with Freshbooks, an online program that helps you notify your clients of new payments and project updates.
2. Highrise: With Highrise, you’ll avoid scrolling through massive e-mail lists to find records of all your communication history. Keep track of your client chats with this handy tool.
3. Salesforce.com: Salesforce.com is a comprehensive toolkit for client relationship management, but it costs much less than traditional CRM packages.
4. Backpack: Keep track of to-do lists, deadlines, and contact information with Backpack. Activate the alerts option to notify of important dates or appointments.
5. Essential PIM: This inclusive program offers a free version, so don’t worry about shelling out extra cash just to stay organized
6. Core FTP: This free download allows you and your clients to take advantage of file sharing, editing, and transfer capabilities.
7. ProjectStat.us: Sign up for a free account, and start updating clients on each project’s progress.
8. Box: Allow your clients to access files so you won’t have to keep from faxing and e-mailing all day long.
9. Jewelboxing: Burn your assignments onto CDs and DVDs with the help of Jewelboxing and send them to your clients. Trust us, they’ll be impressed.
10. 8apps: 8apps takes online social networking to the next level. Make your clients feel loved by checking in on them frequently, updating them with project information and collaborating on assignments with 8apps’ easy-to-use features.
11. Goplan: Use Goplan to chat with clients and vendors, share your calendar and to-do list, and more.
12. eFax: Continue to connect with your clients in a paper-free format. eFax allows you to “fax by e-mail.”
13. Relenta CRM: Forget about all those pricey CRM software tools. Relenta CRM simplifies client management software so that you can afford to connect with your clients.

Resources

14. Free CRM: Gain access to software programs that assist you with managing databases, contact lists, and more.
15. Up Close and Personal: This resource will guide you through the basics of client relationship management with its training, video tour, reference guide, and support section.
16. BoldChat: BoldChat offers a fantastic way to keep in touch with customers. More advanced than a generic instant messaging system, Boldchat also offers a live support solution for your customers.
17. SalesPro CRM: Signing on as a single user will grant you affordable access to SalesPro, one of the best CRM hosting services out there.
18. The CRM Toolkit 3.1: Follow this link to a free download of The CRM Toolkit 3.1.
19. Stay Connected SOC: Send out cards to your clients for all kinds of occasions.
20. Zoho Meeting: Set up Web conferencing solutions with Zoho.
21. Xing: Search for new customers with Xing, an innovative approach to making online connections.
22. MindMeister: Let your customers feel like they’re contributing to the creative process with the help of MindMeister. Add as many users as you want and start brainstorming. The basic subscription is totally free.
23. Biz-Plan: Your customers will appreciate your organization when you use Biz-Plan. Create a separate business plan for each project, or develop an ongoing strategy for your overall freelance career.
24. Comodo: Give your clients peace of mind with Comodo. This secure e-mail service will assure them that all their creative and financial information is safe from hackers.
25. Spongecell Calendar: Spongecell features an attractive way to share your calendar with clients and contacts. Invite your business associates to leave comments, RSVP, and more!
26. Moo: Use Moo to custom-designed postcards, business cards, and other print items for your clients.

Client relationship management can be tough to maintain if you’re juggling several different projects by yourself. Use these tools and resources to help you create solid connections with each of your clients.

By Heather Johnson

Looking for a job today is a frustrating, lonely process, even if you’ve got in-demand skills like Web design or networking capabilities. To make your job search a little less complicated, we’ve compiled this list of the top 100 niche job boards that will direct you to the best Web jobs out there. Online forums, staffing services, and government boards are just some of the resources that follow.

Online Specific Boards

Your dream job could be just a click away! These websites are devoted to helping programmers, networkers, designers, system administrators, and other Web workers land the perfect job.

1. 37signals: Employers such as The New York Times and American Express post Web jobs on this site.
2. Google Directory: Google is now dipping into the job search industry. You can browse through job listings, job fairs, staffing services, or even brush up on your interview skills by reading tips from their team of experts.
3. FreshWebJobs.com: Find full time, part time, or freelance work in Web design, development, or analysis.
4. Read/Write Web Jobs: Search for Web jobs all over the world.
5. Jobpile: Jobpile searches several other job boards for you, and then lists all the announcements that match your search.
6. Authentic Jobs: Find full time or freelance job openings all over the country when you use this site.
7. Krop.com: Krop’s simple layout makes finding a job easy, whether you’re looking in London, New York, or LA.
8. MeFi Jobs: This online community allows members to share tips about new Web job openings, so you always get the inside scoop!
9. Slashdot Jobs: New Web jobs are posted almost daily. Search by category or location to find exactly what you’re looking for.
10. CSS Beauty: This job board is a partner of CSS Monster, which “was created to help bring Web Developers/Designers and employers together.” This easy-to-navigate site features great jobs in North America and Europe.
11. Coroflot: Coroflot posts tons of new jobs each day. Check back often or sign up to receive job alerts that will notify you when the type of job you’re looking for pops up.
12. MinistryCamp Job Board: This job board is designed to help Web workers find job opportunities with churches and othe Christian organizations.
13. Python Job Board: Detailed posts give information about each job description, the company, and contact directions.
14. CrunchBoard: Excellent engineering, networking, and other Web job opportunities are posted daily on this site.
15. GeekUp: Find jobs in “the UK’s Northwest” on this job board.
16. Dice: Known as the “career hub for tech insiders,” Dice lets you search for jobs based on location, skill, and keywords.
17. ComputerJobs.com: Search hundreds of tech jobs all over the United States. This site also features an IT Resource page, where you can find links to special training programs, relocation info, and more.
18. DevBistro: Search through directories that post tons of Web jobs daily.

Brick and Mortar Firms

These firms feature job boards posted on their Web sites but also have actual locations outside of cyberspace.

19. EDI Specialists: This company is based in Massachusetts, but its online job board posts jobs all over the country.
20. Web Analytics Association: This professional organization, headquarted in D.C., is a valuable source for job seekers.
21. Winebego Inc.: Winebego, Inc. is located in New York City and has a large department dedicated to finding jobs and maintaining contacts in the technology industry.
22. Reaction Search International: RSI has locations all over the world. Use their superior services to coordinate an efficient and effective job search.
23. Bristol Associates, Inc. A large firm specializing in many different areas, Bristol Associates features many high profile jobs in the Web industry.
24. Kelly Services: This global staffing agency has multiple offices on each continent.
25. Design Group: Based in Canada, this firm’s website is a great resource for job seekers everywhere. Find engineering and design jobs in permanent or contract positions.
26. Allyis: This company specializes in finding technology personnel and projects. Based in Washington State, they’re a great resource for anyone in the Northwest.
27. AdJob.com Located in Ohio, this firm promises to find your specialty and match you with a great job.
28. Systems Personnel Group, Inc. Multiple offices are located in Western New York, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Use this company to take advantage of their contacts with IT and other computer type businesses.
29. GCS Recruitment: If you’re looking for an IT job in Europe, contact one of the GCS Recruitment offices to ensure a professional search.
30. TekJobs.com Computer Recruiters: This California firm posts a wealth of Web jobs on its website, including employment opportunities for data and system administrators, software engineers, technical analysts, developers, and security specialists.
31. Going Ware, Inc. If you’re looking for a job in Santa Cruz, CA, this is a great site to visit. Its computer industry index features employers and job opportunities in the following fields: programming, technical support, Web design, network administration, and more.
32. SearchFirm.com: This website has its headquarters in New York City, but it connects searchers with jobs and firms all over the world.
33. The Riley Guide: This Maryland-based search firm provides job seekers with a salary guide and a “how to” tutorial on job searching, as well as a comprehensive job board.

Job Boards Found on Blogs

Bloggers can earn extra cash by posting legitimate jobs on their site. Keep an eye on these blogs to get updates on new job announcements.

34. Recruiting.com: This site posts articles and sponsors forums about all things related to the job search. Find Web-specific jobs on their job board.
35. Australian Microsoft Recruitment Web Log: Even if you’re not looking to relocate to Australia, this blog gives readers insight into the recruitment process at Microsoft.
36. Web Based Recruitment: Several online recruitment blogs are available to job seekers, or you can start your own to post your resume, reveal job openings, or connect with potential employers.
37. Info World Blogs: This blog features IT and computer news and gossip, but it also has a section devoted to career information.
38. Tech Crunch: This blog has forums and articles about the computer and technology worlds, but you should visit to check up on their job postings.
39. Blog Job Board: Read about job boards and search employment opportunities in the Web industry.
40. Job Board Link: This site hosts links to other job boards, making it an easy reference for job searching.
41. Online Recruitment - The Bigger Picture: Otherwise known as “Tim’s Blog,” this Web site discusses all aspects of online recruitment. Look for links to potential employers or recruitment agencies for personalized help with your search.
42. Problogger: This blog features one of the most effective job boards on the Web. Browse through listings, which are updated nearly everyday.

Staffing Services and Recruiting Firms

Enlisting a little extra help from the experts is a smart move. Check out this list to see if any of the following staffing services have what you’re looking for.

43. Web Analytics Demystified: This firm offers staffing support for the brightest Web workers, whether you’re just breaking into the industry or are a veteran looking for a change.
44. Aquent:This staffing firm has a huge directory of jobs, including those in the Web industry.
45. CyberCoders: This firm provides great support for Web workers looking for employment.
46. CyberScientific: CyberScientific is affiliated with CyberCoders. Check out their site for even more postings and resources.
47. Computer Management, Inc. The recruiters at Computer Management, Inc. “specialize in recruiting for database administration, network administrator and Web development placement.”
48. Spherion: This company boasts years of experience, making them one of the top go-to agencies for job searchers.
49. Link Staffing Services: Find a job, improve your resume, and more, all on this helpful website.
50. Executives on the Web: This “award winning global executive job board” supports job seekers all over the world. Check out their special IT department, which posts tons of technology jobs.
51. Net-Job: Find Web and Internet jobs in the U.K. when you search the posts on this site.
52. Datascope: This is another recruiting agency based in the United Kingdom. They find jobs in game programming and management, as well as in the internet and new media industries.
53. Jobabode.com: Jobabode.com directs you to all kinds of Internet and IT jobs.
54. Sampoorna Computer People: Search the job board to find some of the best IT jobs in India.
55. Tech-Centric: Computer and other tech jobs are posted nearly every day on this website. Save appealing jobs in your own folder, post your resume, and register for automatic job alerts.
56. Resumegator.com: This online recruiting agency connects job seekers with IT and computer jobs, as well as lets you take personality tests to find out what IT niche is the best fit for you.
57. AllEmploymentAgencies.com: Specify your location and browse through the directory to find a multitude of employment agencies in your area.

Government Resources

Whether you’re looking for a job with the government or just want a little help from an agency you trust, these resources provide valuable information for job seekers.

58. U.S. Dept. of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Learn what you can expect by pursuing a job in the Web industry. This site discusses working conditions, salary information, and the overall job outlook based on the current economy.
59. GovJobs.com: Search for jobs with the government while you take advantage of relocation information, disability programs, and more.
60. Military Connection: Research what it would be like to be a Web programmer for the United States military. Browse job opportunities with the navy, army, air force, coast guard, or marines.
61. Government Job Search: This website posts lots of jobs in the IT field. Search by category or by state.
62. Government Job Listings: This site will connect you to government jobs all over the country.
63. Jobs in Government: Read this article to learn what to expect when you work for the government.
64. The Book of U.S. Government Jobs: Read this book to find job listings and descriptions of Web industry job opportunities with the government.
65. FedWorld.gov: This site is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Find out where to search for jobs with the government, no matter where you are.
66. “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government - 2007:” Read this article from U.S. News and World Report to discover where you might want to consider looking for a Web job.
67. DisabilityInfo.gov: Learn about your rights as an employee with a disability.
68. StudentJobs.gov: If you’re still in or just out of college, consider working as an intern for one of these high profile government agencies.
69. Careers in Government: This site is an excellent resource for those who wish to puruse a career with the United States government.
70. GovernmentJobs.com: Browse government jobs at the state and local level.
71. GovernmentBids.com: Figure out how you, as a freelancer, can bid on government projects.

General Job Boards

These job boards post employment opportunities in many different industries, but their attention to Web-specific jobs is so extensive, we felt that we had to include them somewhere on our list!

72. JobHuntersBible.com: Browse through a multitude of jobs, and get valuable tips on interviewing and resume writing.
73. Creative Hotlist: This comprehensive job search site allows you to browse job postings by location and industry.
74. Career.com: According to the homepage, Career.com is “the world’s first recruitment site.” Apply for hundreds of Web-related jobs each day.
75. Job Databases: This resource provides you with all the tools you need during your job search: job boards, links to employment agencies, and other tips to help you land your dream job.
76. Job Central: Post your resume and wait for employers to contact you, or you can search jobs by U.S. state, metro area, or company name.
77. Yahoo Hot Jobs: This popular site is bursting with technology job postings, resume tips, and other useful information.
78. Monster.com: Organize your job search tools by setting up an account in which you can file away your favorite jobs and custom designed resumes.
79. America’s Job Bank: This site is a great resource for finding websites, staffing agencies, and employers based on location.
80. USA Jobs: Search IT and computer jobs on this website while reading articles about the different aspects of the hiring process.
81. WSJ Career Journal: This “executive career site” is full of tools, tips, and job boards that will help you find the job you’ve been wanting. Take advantage of the salary search and career columnists pages.
82. Craigslist: This famed site is great for finding jobs and housing all over the world.
83. New York Times Job search: Search the extensive directory on the New York Times directory to find IT and other Web-related jobs.
84. Jobs.Internet.com: Find tons of tech jobs that “you won’t find anywhere else.”
85. Business.com Job Directory: Click through the directory at Business.com to find internet jobs.
86. Internet Job Store.com: This site is designed to help you easily and quickly search for jobs in the Web industry.
87. TrueCareers.com: Post your resume, search for jobs by state, or catch up on industry news, all at TrueCareers.com.
88. CareerSite.com: Find the jobs you want when you use this Web site for searching.
89. Internet Career Connection: This site allows visitors to search for jobs and seek general career advice from experts.
90. Top USA Jobs: “Where Top USA Talent Finds Top USA Jobs.”
91. WebReference.com: The job search directory is listed in alphabetical order, allowing you to search different job boards quickly.

Just for Freelancers

If you’d rather be your own boss, check out these job boards which cater exclusively to the freelance crowd.

92. All Freelance: Find everything you need to know to be a successful freelancer. Browse jobs, read articles about tax law, and more.
93. Go Freelance: Learn about freelancing marketing strategy and post your resume online.
94. Elance: Elance is a great site for finding Web-related freelance jobs.
95. Workaholics4Hire.com: Search jobs and read articles on evaluating your freelancing abilities.
96. FreelanceSwitch: This networking community supports freelancers by posting writing, design, and programming jobs.
97. “How to Win Contracts:” Read this article to improve your branding, marketing, and pitching skills.
98. Guru.com: This Web site is great for freelancers looking to land top gigs.
99. CSS Juice: This site provides links to other job boards, allowing you to compare and contrast easily.
100. FreelanceJobSearch.com: Search by state to find loads of Web-related jobs.

This list will put you in contact with all the right resources during your job search. Link up with staffing services, check out recruitment blogs, or browse job postings on any one of these great sites.

Jessica Hupp

Sometimes you come to a point in your career when you realize you’re just not on the right path. It happens to lots of people, and there are plenty of resources out there to help you make a change. These tools offer assistance for finding the best career for you, and how you can get there.

Assessment

First things first, find out whether or not a career change is right for you, and what’s best for you if you decide to start out in a new field.

1. Quiz: Should You Make a Career Change?: Determine if the time is right for a career change with this quiz.
2. A Guide to Going Online for Self-Assessment Tools: Get advice about using online assessment tools from this article.
3. What Color is Your Parachute: Learn what career paths are best for you with this book.
4. The Princeton Review Career Quiz: This 24-question quiz from The Princeton Review should offer some good suggestions.
5. What’s Important to You?: Find out what beliefs and values are important to you, and consider how they affect your career choices.
6. The Career Interests Game: Play this game to get a broad view of your ideal career.
7. The Career Key: With this test, you’ll get a good look at yourself and your career options.
8. O*NET Ability Profiler: Consider your abilities in nine categories to determine careers that are best for what you can do.
9. Transferable Skills Survey: Use this survey to determine what skills you’ll bring to your new career.
10. Finding The Perfect Job: Learn about the latest research devoted to matching your interests with a fulfilling career.
11. The Career Values Test: Check out this test to determine the things that are most important to you in a career.
12. O*NET Interest Profiler: Determine your level of interest in six different categories with this profiler.

Career Exploration

If you’ve found a new career you think you’d like, delve into it further with these resources.

13. Career Briefs: Here you’ll find a listing of occupations, and you can use it to find out what appeals to you.
14. Occupational Outlook Handbook: This resource offers in-depth look at nearly every occupation.
15. Informational Interviewing Tutorial: Follow this tutorial to learn how to conduct an effective informational interview and discover more about potential new career paths.
16. Cool Jobs and Cool Life Options: Take a look at this collection of cool jobs to get some great ideas.
17. How Can I Find a New Career Path?: This Career Doctor offers advice for discovering a new career.
18. VocationVacations: With VocationVacations, you can spend time finding out if you actually like your dream job.
19. JobProfiles: Get advice from real people about their jobs with this site.
20. Finding Your Niche: Read this article to learn how to fit into unconventional career niches.
21. Career Research Checklist: Use this checklist to conduct effective research on potential new careers.
22. Passion Pursit: Baby Steps or Big Plunge?: Read this article to learn how to explore and identify your passions, and take action to find a more passionate career.

Advice

Take a hint from the experts, and read the advice dished out here.

23. Changing Careers in Midstream: This article offers advice on changing careers and has a few ideas for developing skills for your new career while you’re still in your old one.
24. Making a Smoother Career Transition: In this article, you’ll find advice for a smooth career transition.
25. Career Change Tools for the Mid-Life Woman: Although directed at middle aged women, this career change checklist is great for anyone who wants to shake things up.
26. Choosing a New Career Path: This article follows the story of a Jane Doe as she transitions from one career to another.
27. Seven Famous Career Switchers: Get inspired by these celebrities turned their skills into new careers.
28. Thinking of a Career Change? Five Tips: These tips offer advice on how much you should change, how to find the right career, and landing a great new job.
29. Is Changing Fields Right For You?: Read this article to discover 10 action steps you should take before embarking on a career change.
30. Career Transition/Change Strategies: This article considers changes both in job title and industry fields.
31. 10 Career Change Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid these common mistakes to prevent changing careers without planning, or doing so for the wrong reasons.
32. Real People, Successful Career Changes: Take a look at these profiles of career changers for inspirations.
33. Ten Steps to a Successful Career Change: Follow this advice for a step-by-step guide to switching things up.
34. Do You Have What It Takes to Change Careers?: Consider the reasons why even top performers want to make a change sometimes.

Getting (Re)Hired

Use these tools to get a great job in your new career.

35. Transferable Job Skills–a Vital Job Search Technique: Read this article to learn how to highlight the skills you’ve learned from your old career in a way that is attractive to new employers.
36. Experience Works: This program offers paid internships to job seekers 55 and older, as well as training and other services.
37. Temping Your Way to a Career Change: Check out this article to learn about strategies for breaking into a new field through temporary work.
38. The Top 5 Things to Consider When Looking for a New Job: Keep these considerations in mind when searching for your new job.
39. Career Change Letter: This sample letter from Monster will help you explain why you want to change careers and what you can offer your new employer.
40. Emphasising Your Transferable and Marketable Skills in Your Cover Letter: Learn how to put skills from your old career to work in your job search with this article.
41. Career Change Resume: With this article, you’ll learn how to write your resume so that you emphasise your new career goals.
42. Volunteering Can Open Doors to a New Career: Read this article for advice on using volunteering as a way to gain experience and valuable contacts for your new career.
43. Early Career Change Cover Letter: With this sample cover letter, you can explain your reasons for changing careers early on in the game.
44. Self-Employed But Need a Job? Here’s How to Interview: If you’re transitioning from a self-employed career to working for someone else, use this article to learn how to highlight your unique skills in an interview.
45. Work Your Transferable Skills: This article details some of the common skills that are transferable to healthcare positions.

Transitioning

These tools will make the change from one career to the next just a little bit easier.

46. Take Financial Stock Before a Job Change: Read this article to consider financial steps you should take before you change careers.
47. Career Transition Touchstones: Take a look at some of the stages of transitioning from one career to the next with this guide.
48. Prepare for a Job Search: This article runs down a number of things to take care of if you’re about to change jobs.
49. Stream in to Your New Career: Monster offers some advice on what to do once you’ve started your new career.
50. Become Your Own Boss or Work From Home: This article offers valuable advice on health insurance, marketing, and doing work online.
51. Quitting With Class: This article runs down what you should do when leaving your old career, from your strategy to last day.
52. Adding Up a Career Change: Consider the costs and savings of a career move with this article.

By Laura Milligan

As a human resources professional, you know that you’ve got to continually research job market statistics, the demographics of recent college graduates and new online technologies designed to help job seekers and HR departments find their perfect match. To help you make sense of all the paperwork, new studies and overwhelming number of job sites, we’ve put together the HR professional’s holy grail of resources. Packed full of resourceful guides, posts and more, you’ll find tips on everything from recruiting and interviewing to developing your own career.

Development Duties

Help guide your employees and clients along the right career path using these resources and tips. This list also includes articles about training and general HR development.

1. Management Development: Training for Managers and Supervisors: This guide provides helpful tips for new employees in the HR department or for small business owners who want a crash course in training their own employees.
2. Six Tips for Developing Your Employees: From pairing employees with a mentor to encouraging professional development, these tips will help you challenge your employees to perform better.
3. Tips to Help Ensure Employee Success: The U.S. Department of Justice Worklife Program offers readers great tips on how to develop their employees’ careers.
4. 7 Things to Do on an Employee’s First Day: HR World’s list of seven things to do on an employees first day includes tips like “get other employees involved” and “get feedback.” You’ll make the new recruit feel welcome and engaged.
5. The Work Environment and Employee Productivity: Learn which factors influence employee productivity and then use them to motivate your workers to perform their duties more efficiently.
6. Work/Life Balance: Finding Time to Succeed at Both: Let your employees know that they need to spend time developing their personal lives as well as their professional goals. Read this article for tips on how to approach the issue together.
7. Tips for Setting Employee goals: This article demonstrates how to come up with effective strategies for getting your employees to open up and share their professional goals within your company.
8. Teams: A Formula for Success: Read this article for advice on implementing team-building and training exercises into your workplace.
9. Coaching for Improved Performance: This article focuses on the ways in which David Kolb’s Learning Cycle can help HR professionals become better coaches and mentors for their employees.
10. 5 Steps to Effective Training: Tips include providing new employees with overviews of the training session and giving short quizzes after each lesson.

Managing a Human Resources Department

The following articles have everything you need to know about payroll, sexual harassment laws, unions and other issues that affect HR management.

11. Legal Guides and Links: hrVillage.com publishes this list of valuable legal guides and links so that you’re never out of touch with employee rights.
12. The Top 10 Small Business Payroll Solutions: If you don’t have the budget to employ a team of HR experts, check out this article for smart tips on managing payroll.
13. Discrimination and Harassment: Official discrimination and harassment laws and documents are outlined here.
14. Holiday Cheer or Holiday Nightmare?: This article focuses on the dos and dont’s of planning a holiday office party, but HR professionals can use it as a guide for planning any social events for the company.
15. Unions: Business.gov provides resources for HR departments that employ union-protected workers.
16. Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Learn how to define and deal with sexual harassment issues in your office by reading this informative article.
17. Conflict in the Workplace: Entrepreneur.com publishes this article full of analyses and resolutions for dealing with conflict issues at work.
18. Managing an Independent Contractor: If your company prefers to outsource certain jobs, read this article for tips on understanding why managing freelancers and contractors is different than regular, full-time employees.
19. 6 Tips for Managing Workplace Relationships: If you notice a flirtation emerging in your office, learn how to deal with the issue appropriately and discreetly.
20. I Thought PTO Was Supposed to Be Easy!: This article has ideas for making Paid Time Off policies more trackable for you and more appealing for your employees.

Recruiting

How can you be sure that you’re tapping into the right recruiting resources? Read these articles for tips on recruiting qualified candidates who will develop into strong, reliable and loyal employees.

21. Ten Steps to Hiring Your First Employee: Whether you’ve just opened up your own business or are new to the HR world, check out this government-sponsored website, which has links to tax forms, worker’s comp insurance and more.
22. Immigration and Employee Eligibility: If your business attracts illegal immigrants or naturalized citizens, take a look at this guide for official information about hiring foreign workers and getting the right proof of employment status documents.
23. The HR World Recruitment Solutions Buyer’s Guide: Investing in a smart, efficient software program or e-cruitment technology service will undoubtedly help your business in the long run. Use this guide to help you determine which plan is best for your department.
24. Executive Recruiting: Recruiting a qualified CEO is a completely different battle than searching for summer interns. Discover smart ways to develop executive recruiting strategies here.
25. How to Find Great Part-Time Employees: Pitch an attractive part-time opportunity to targeted demographics by using the tips provided in this article.
26. Master Networkers: This article shows how “acquiring clients — and employees — on a limited budget” isn’t impossible. Through networking programs and self-promotion events, small businesses can be successful at attracting top talent.
27. The Key to Hiring Right: Read this article to find out how to “hire people with a passion for your mission.”
28. Avoid Disability Discrimination When Hiring New Employees: This article has information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, so be sure to check it out before you plan your next hiring and recruitment strategy.
29. Top Ten Recruiting Tips: Ten Tips for Successful Employee Recruiting: Tips include be known as a great employer, look first at in-house candidates and use your website for recruiting.
30. Tips for Minority Recruiting: The American Society of Newspaper Editors lists ten great tips for recruiting qualified minority candidates.

Using Online Technology

From utilizing job sites to taking advantage of Web-based tools, find out why online technology can help your career move forward.

31. Attract New Customers and Employees: Be Findable Online: This article explains why it’s important for companies to maintain a strong presence in the online recruiting industry.
32. Reasons to Recruit Online: Monster.com’s Solutions page lists several advantages for using online job sites to find employees, including cost-effectiveness and longevity.
33. Use Online Tools to Figure Pay Raises: This article links to online tools and sites designed to help you calculate pay raises.
34. Top Job Sites: If you think Yahoo! Jobs is the only job board out there, take a look at this list of some of the best places to find quality candidates online.

Outsourcing

More and more companies are turning to freelancers, contractors and even workers overseas to perform day-to-day tasks. What does that mean for the HR professional? Read below to find out.

35. HR Outsourcing Basics: This article helps small businesses decided whether or not they should enlist the services of an HR firm, rather than employ HR professionals in-house.
36. Should You OUtsource Your In-House Recruiting?: HR professionals should be aware of this outsourcing trend that eliminates in-house recruiting.
37. Outsourcing 101: Finding Freelancing Talent: Get tips on finding quality freelancers by checking out this article.
38. Outsourcing: How to Use Freelancers: This article tackles issues like figuring out when you should outsource, calculating speed, cost and quality and more.
39. Talent Management and Outsourcing: Sides of the Same Coin?: Learn about the differences in evaluating in-house talent and outsourced workers with the help of this article.

Interviewing

Don’t waste the time of your department or the potential employee by asking illegal or uninformative interview questions. Check out this list of articles for help determining what you should and shouldn’t bring up during the session.

40. How to Conduct an Effective Employee Interview: AllBusiness.com provides tips like “set the tone” and “prepare a script” to help you get the most out of job candidates during the person-to-person interview.
41. Ask Right to Hire Right: Effective Interview Questions: Use effective interview questions to more adequately assess each job candidate during the interview.
42. 38 Illegal, Sensitive, and Stupid Interview Questions…and How to Respond: This article from the Washington Post focuses on the interviewee, but HR pros can use the list as a guide of what questions not to ask.
43. How to Interview and Hire Top People Each and Every Time: Even HR needs to brush up on their interview skills now and then. Use this article as a guide to help you ask the right questions.
44. The New-Boy Network: This article asks “What do job interviews really tell us?” Find out whether the interview process is an adequate enough assessment of job candidates and if your hiring strategies need a makeover.
45. How to Interview a Potential Employee: This article comes with a list of questions interviewers should avoid asking and ones which are worth asking the job candidate.
46. How to Interview a Prospective Employee and Complete the I-9 Form: This article, from the University of Nebraska, has lots of helpful tips for employers new to the hiring game.
47. Employee Interview Questions That Get Down to Business: The Washington Business Journal offers various ideas for asking questions that will really expose what kind of worker the candidate will turn out to be.
48. How to Interview a Prospective Employee: This article from eHow.com covers all the basic tips and questions you’ll need to know to conduct an informative interview.
49. Employee Interview Questions: Before setting up the interview, make sure you’re prepared to answer this list of questions that the interviewee may have for you.

Retaining Great Employees

After piling large amounts of time and money into finding and training qualified employees, HR departments must continue to invest in their top candidates by providing extra benefits, opportunities and flexibility.

50. 25 Ways to Reward Employees (Without Spending a Dime): Find economical ways to spoil your employees here. From maintaining flexible work hours to sending them to parties and special events, you’ll boost everyone’s mood.
51. Tips to Help Employees Cope With Disaster: In times of great stress or family emergency, employees look to the HR department for understanding and leniency. Use this article as a guide for what to do when a worker is faced with a disaster.
52. Employee Wellness Programs: Consider starting an employee wellness program for your company to ” increase productivity, boost morale and vitality, reduce stress, reduce absenteeism, and control preventable healthcare costs within an organization.”
53. Employee Loyalty: How Accurate is Your Perception?: Just because your top employees show up to the office each day on time and ready to work doesn’t mean they’re not planning on leaving you for one of your competitors. Check out this article for help deciphering your employees’ company loyalty.
54. How to Attract and Retain Great Employees: Simple tips like “treat employees like human beings” and “keep [workers] interested in their jobs” actually go a long way when employees evaluate how happy they are in their jobs.
55. Ten Ways to Attract and Retain Great Employees: Find out what today’s employees are really looking for in a career with the advice given in this article.
56. 10 Reasons Why Organizations Are Not Able to Retain Employees: Management consultant and blogger Gautam Ghosh warns employers and HR pros against making one of these ten mistakes.
57. How to Retain Employees: This AllBusiness.com article maintains that “a high turnover rate is costly in both direct and indirect costs.” To retain your top employees, first understand their reasons for wanting to leave.
58. Manager’s Role in Retention: This post argues that the manager’s role in motivating and retaining employees is vital. Learn how to reinvent your current rewards and review systems to integrate managers.
59. Why Great Employees Quit: What You Can Do To Keep Them: Ph.D. Carl Robinson explores the many reasons why valuable employees quit their jobs and how human resources professionals can get them to stay.

Parting Ways

When you have to fire an employee or when one of your top workers decides to quit, read these articles for tips on managing the situation appropriately.

60. Downsizing and Layoffs: If your business needs to lay off several employees, check out this resource to inform yourself about your rights and the rights of your employees.
61. Firing Employees Who are Hurting Your Business: Don’t be afraid to let employees go if they’re doing more harm than good to your business. This article provides tips on smoothing over the firing process.
62. Counteroffers: Effective Retention Tool, or Display of Desperation?: The HR Daily Advisor breaks down the pros and cons of submitting a counteroffer in the event a prized employee decides to quit.
63. How to Fire an Employee: This article includes great tips that often go overlooked by managers when firing employees. Examples include letting the fired employee say goodbye to coworkers and allowing the worker to clean out his own space.
64. Maternity and Paternity Leave: For ideas on “drawing up a maternity and paternity leave policy,” read this article from PersonnelToday.com.
65. Setting the Proper Tone for a Termination Meeting: Ideas like thanking the employee and letting the employee have a chance to respond are smart tips for dismissing workers with grace.
66. When Should You Fire an Employee?: If you’re having trouble deciding whether or not an employee’s poor performance is worthy of a dismissal, read this article for help making your decision.
67. How to Fire an Employee: Use this checklist to cover your bases before firing an employee.
68. Situations Where You Have to Be Extra Careful When Firing Employees: How do you fire an employee that has previously made sexual harassment or discrimination complaints? What do you do when you want to break an employment contract? This article tackles all kinds of unsavory termination situations.
69. What if Your Best Employee Quits Suddenly?: This article goes over the pros and cons of an exit survey and how you can protect yourself the next time through employee retention systems that include more communication and benefits.

HR Career Path

Your entire career is devoted to helping others feel comfortable in their jobs, but what about you? Read these articles for tips and advice on developing your own career.

70. The Path Taken: Two HR Career Roads — Field and Corporate — Present Their Own Distinct Challenges and Rewards: Deciding which human resources career path to take can be difficult. Use this article as a way to help you determine which industry fits you best.
71. Get Into HR With Three Steps to Success: Monster.com advises those wanting to land a career in HR to work on defining your goals, build a team of resources and mentors and keep your options open.
72. How Do I Break Into Other HR Areas Besides Recruiting?: If you’d love to work in HR but are tired of recruiting ads, check out the advice given here.
73. How to Break Into HR (Legally, That Is): The Evil HR Lady recommends different ways in which professionals can cross over to positions in HR.
74. How to Get Into HR: This article from Personnel Today gives tips on how to break into the human resources industry.

Industry News and Support

HR pros need to stay on top of industry news and competitor’s offerings if they want to recruit the best candidates. Check below for articles and resources that will help you stay current.

75. Internet and Web 2.0 Creates Unfamiliar Battleground for HR Professionals: Now that social networking sites like Facebook are also used for professional means, human resources professionals aren’t sure how to discipline employees for spending too much time online.
76. Noncompetes Moving “Down-Market.” Are They for Your Company Too?: This article chronicles the trend of noncompetes becoming more and more popular requirements for even blue collar and entry-level positions.
77. Here Comes Paid Parental Leave: Feel guilty about not being able to afford paid parental leave for your small business employees? This article discusses the trend.
78. How to Get Your CEO to Lean on You for Advice: Want tips for becoming the boss’s professional confidant? Read these great tips.
79. Payroll Growth Slows Significantly: Check here for quick stats on payroll growth in U.S. employment.
80. Firms Step in to Help Dover Employees’ Relocation Costs: As part of a benefits package, should your company start offering relocation costs to attract valuable employees?
81. Human Resource Executive Online: This website updates news articles regularly so that you’re always informed about industry headlines.
82. hrVillage.com: Browse newsworthy human resource articles at this site.
83. Too Much Colleague Spam Inspires New Sorting Tools: Read about these tools and services which will help your office sort through e-mails more easily and remain productive all day.

For Inspiration and Humor

HR pros often feel under appreciated. Check out these articles and video clips for inspiration to keep on going.

84. What People Want From Work: Employee Motivation and Positive Morale: Understand your employees’ situation better by reading this article. You’ll understand that money and an inclusive, mobile working environment are top factors.
85. Gen Y Myths Debunked: Whether you’re a young member of Generation Y and feel discriminated against at work, or if you’re hesitant to hire the newest crop of young graduates because of negative stereotypes, read this article to find out why Gen Y has a lot more to offer than laziness and false expectations.
86. 4 Things That Rile HR the Most: Get a laugh out of this list of HR professional’s top pet peeves.
87. Why HR Gets No Respect: If you don’t think your HR department or position is getting the attention it deserves, read this article to find out why business execs undervalue their HR teams.
88. What Do You Do All Day?: According to The Evil HR Lady, “one of the jobs of HR is to understand the business. This means we need to understand what people do all day.” Click on the link for a well-deserved dose of humor.
89. Casual Dress Humor: Send around these pretend memos from HR re: casual dress Friday to get a life from your coworkers.
90. Top 10 Short Job Descriptions: Take a break from writing tedious job descriptions and check out this hilarious parody of the grueling HR task.
91. Components of HR That I Sorta Kinda Like: The HR Wench admits that some parts of HR are actually rewarding and fun, like benefits administration, handling crises and generally kicking butt.

Miscellaneous Articles

From popular HR rants to exemplary recruitment campaigns, use this list of general resources to connect with other HR pros.

92. Leadership Styles: The recruiting animal puts forth profiles of different types of leaders: the power-mad dictator, the expert know-it-all, the presidential coach and the professional. Learn how to spot them during your next interview session.
93. Lie on the Job Like Ferris: Is It OK to Use Sick Days for Job Interviews?: The HR Capitalist wonders: “do you look the other way when people use sick days to kick back? Do your feelings depend on what the person is using the sick days for?” Check out this post about giving employees a little slack.
94. “Assist” is the Operative Word: Tired of getting other employee’s chores dumped on your desk? Read this post to find out how to deal.
95. How to Deal with Liars at Work: No one likes a liar. This post has tips on how to deal with one without causing a scene or seeming to accusatory.
96. Top 10 Best Recruiting Websites: KnowHR lists its favorite recruiting websites, not for resources to help you find new talent, but for their great examples of how to attract great candidates.
97. 10 Resolutions for a Healthy Workplace: Forward this post to your entire office for inspiration on how to promote a healthy, happy workplace.
98. Conducting Employee Reviews: This detailed article from Entrepreneur.com provides excellent tips and ideas for evaluating employees.
99. Morale and Motivation Checklist: Keeping managers and lower-level employees motivated and happy can be a challenge. Look to this list for ways to improve company morale.

By Jessica Hupp

Networking can open you up to new opportunities, relationships, and more. But you have to know what you’re doing, or your attempts may quickly become an exercise in futility. Follow these tips to sharpen your skills and make networking work for you.

The Basics

Before you can become a better networker, you’ve got to master these essentials.

1. Always introduce yourself: Don’t get caught up in a conversation and forget to tell someone who you are. Be sure to say your name clearly and offer a business card when appropriate.
2. Shake hands: Create a physical connection and open yourself up with a handshake.
3. Bring lots of business cards: Never network empty-handed. Always have something to give to others for them to remember you by.
4. Outline your goals: Have a clear plan in sight for every event or contact, and you’ll be better prepared to reap success through networking.
5. Be genuine: No one wants to talk to someone who presents themselves awkwardly. Be authentic, and people will trust you.
6. Stay positive: Be an energizing force to those around you, and others will be attracted.
7. Keep a generous mindset: Don’t go to a meeting thinking about what you want. Rather, think about how you can help others, and you’ll earn what you’re looking for.

Your Body Language

When you’re meeting with others, it’s important that you convey yourself in a friendly, but professional manner. Make sure you’re communicating the right message with these body language tips.

8. Maintain good eye contact: This should go without saying, but be sure to look a person in the eye when you’re talking to them.
9. Smile: You should always convey that you’re a positive person, so smile and be happy.
10. Learn forward: You don’t need to get in someone’s face, but leaning slightly foward to get closer will show then you’re interested in what they have to say.
11. Stand confidently: No one wants to network with a person who lacks confidence. Present yourself proudly by throwing your shoulders back and standing up tall.
12. Walk like you know where you’re going: Walking around aimlessly will just make you look silly. Even if it’s just to the bar, make sure you look like you’re going somewhere.

Choosing Groups and Contacts

You can’t, and shouldn’t, attempt to join every group possible to talk to every person you possibly can. Rather, focus on the ones that matter using these tips.

13. Define what you’re looking for: Do you want to attend meetings for pure networking, or would you like to learn and volunteer at the same time?
14. Visit a variety of groups: When you’re just starting out or even if you’re shaking up your networking routine, try out a number of different groups until you find a handful that work for you.
15. Be strategic: Consider the value that each group brings, and only participate in those that offer something useful.
16. Join a news group: Seek out a group that will keep you updated on the latest news and developments in your industry.
17. Get targeted: Look for trade groups and meetings that have a narrow reach so you’ll be more likely to meet the right people.

Conversational Skills

Keep others engaged and interested by developing your conversational skills with these tips.

18. Ask open-ended questions: Don’t ask questions that can be answered with yes or no-keep the conversation going with questions that beg more information.
19. Have a concise description of yourself: Even if you’ve got your hands in a number of different industries and projects, make it easy for others to understand you in a nutshell. This will make it easier for them to refer you to others.
20. Ask lots of questions: By asking questions, you’ll actively engage the person you’re talking to, and you just might learn something new.
21. Be clear: Don’t make people read your mind. Ensure that the person you’re talking to knows exactly what you do and what you want from a relationship with them. Otherwise, they aren’t likely to help you.
22. Start small: Discuss the event’s turnout or current events, and move on to more interesting topics once you’ve broken the ice.

Relationship Building

Once you’ve made inital contact, use these tips to forge strong relationships with your new networking partners.

23. Make good: If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Whether it’s a referral, phone call, or favor, your actions reflect your strength as a networking contact.
24. Always follow up: When you meet someone that can be a valuable networking resource, give them a call and express how much you enjoyed meeting them. This will give you an opportunity to further develop your relationship and discuss ideas that you may not have thought of in your initial meeting.
25. Find common ground: Forge a relationship through something you have in common, whether it’s personal or professional, to stay visible.
26. Offer something: Give people something they want, whether it’s an idea, contact, or other resource, to stay visible and helpful.
27. Share your contacts: Become a networking node by introducing two people who can benefit from each other, and you’ll be able to both reconnect with them and deepen your relationship at the same time.
28. Focus on quality over quantity: Don’t worry about talking to everyone in the room. Rather, seek to build relationships with the people who have something of value to offer.
29. Go slowly: Don’t force your relationship to move too quickly. Get to know your contacts before asking them for huge favors.
30. Offer introductions: Flatter your networking friends by taking the time to introduce them to a group of people.
31. Form an inner circle: Once you’ve found a number of contacts, determine your inner circle and work to cultivate relationships and ask for referrals from these people more than anyone else.
32. Find the right person: Your intial contact isn’t always the right person for what you want. Don’t be shy about asking them to introduce you to someone more appropriate.

Looking Inward

Much of networking takes place with people you don’t know too well, but strong relationships can be built upon with people you already know. Use these tips to help build your network through those that are already close by.

33. Go to company events: You may not be crazy about golfing, but participating in your organization’s annual tournament can give you time to socialize one on one with people you may not have considered networking with.
34. Seek out a mentor: Find an experienced friend within your company to help you build relationships and meet new people.
35. Start a happy hour group: By organizing social events like happy hour outings, you’ll have a chance to connect with others in a relaxed setting.
36. Organize a company picnic: Create an internal networking event with your coworkers and encourage everyone to invite their favorite clients and other contacts.

Shaking Nerves

Networking is a little daunting for introverts, but these tips are designed to make you feel a bit more relaxed at networking events.

37. Be a volunteer: Give yourself an official reason to be at an event as well as something to do by signing up to help out.
38. Dress comfortably: Wear something that makes you feel good about yourself to boost your confidence.
39. Call when your energy is highest: Save conversations for when you’re more upbeat.
40. Show up early: Networking is often intimidating because there are just so many people, but if you get there earlier, you’ll be able to chat with just a few people in a more intimate setting.
41. Remind yourself of your worth: Think of the people who aren’t as capable and talented as you are that are mingling and making connections with t