Top-notch job advice can help you make smart decisions, advance your career and keep your spirits high when work gets tough. We have some seasoned career experts, including college career counselors, authors and CEOs, for the best career advice THEY ever received.
Debra Lybyer, director of career and advising services, Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho
Treat everyone you meet as a potential employer, every task you complete as part of your interview and keep every door open.
Jude Miller Burke, author of "The Millionaire Mystique: How Working Women Become Wealthy – And How You Can, Too!"
Do not let detours or failures derail your career. Failures are seen as a part of success and detours are seen as opportunities to push your career further ahead.
Rob VanDorin, associate director of career services and employer relations, Central Michigan University
Do your research. You should know the ins and outs of every company that you apply to before you even submit an application or resume. If you don't know them, then you don't know how to make yourself fit.
Bob LaBombard, CEO of GradStaff
Don't let your college major, previous jobs or money define your career choices. Focus on the skills you possess, the business ideas you are most passionate about and your ability to make positive things happen.
Keri Burns, director of career services, University of West Georgia
Always leave a position or department better than you found it. I always want my involvement in any position I have held to have made a difference. (That good reputation can follow you around.)
Walter L. Tarver, III, director of the career center, Stockton University in New Jersey
Take advantage of every single opportunity that an employer presents to you. Though you may be hired into one position with a specific set of responsibilities, do not be afraid to move outside of those areas of responsibility.
Jan Jones, author of "The CEO's Secret Weapon: How Great Leaders and Their Assistants Maximize Productivity and Effectiveness"
Don't worry about what people say about you. When you're on top, they're talking about you, when you're down, they're talking about you, so just go ahead and live your life. I keep my own counsel and honor my values without feeling intimidated, regardless of their position.
Beth Ricca, director of the Cahill Career Development Center, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Show, don't tell. At your job, on your resume or even in your personal life, don't waste time telling others what you can offer. Instead, do your job very well to show your skills. Let your actual work speak for itself.
Caren Merrick, founder and CEO of Pocket Mentor
Invest in your communication skills. I have continued to invest in improving my communication skills – including workshops, online courses and books. Poor communication breeds problems, and good communication solves them.
Leah Goldson, coordinator of alumni career services, University of Central Florida
Find a mentor. I've had a few in my life, and they've been instrumental in my career growth and have assisted me with gaining employment and providing valuable advice to keep me motivated in tough times.