The Fifty50 Group

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in Boston today.

If you really want the job, get these three phrases out of your cover letter. I meet the requirements for the position. I’m a hard worker. Dear sir or madam.

The insight of experience is priceless.

Looking to make business contacts and build those relationships? Take a look.

Getting laid off is a helpless feeling that can affect your psyche as much as your banking account. Here are a few ways to stay positive. Don’t blame yourself. Many talented people are currently unemployed. Don’t sit around all day. Get up early and be active.... Talk to professional confidants about your situation, leaving family and friends for the fun parts of life.

Desiring a job that you are overqualified for is all-too-common in the current economy. Here’s how to pull it off. Admit that you are overqualified during your initial contact, and spin it as a positive. Explain upfront how you are happy in a less senior role.... Make it clear that you don’t look at the role as a stepping stone to something better.

Afraid your company is slowly dying? If you’re seeing any of these signs, get your resume ready. 1. Your company’s product or service has become obsolete and there are no signs of a revival. 2. Your company is making cuts but no new investments. 3. Your company has stopped developing its internal talent.

Struggling to find motivation at work is all-too-common around this time of year, but that doesn’t make it any less detrimental to your career. Here’s how to get the competitive juices flowing. 1. Create a to-do list and work to accomplish at least one specific task each day. 2. Identify metric-based end goals for each task and keep track of the results. 3. Ask managers and colleagues for feedback when they don’t provide it voluntarily.

$ is tight. don't forget your marketing.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

Cover letter failures are all too common. Here's how to avoid them. 1. Avoid regurgitating information in your resume. 2. Add a personal touch.... 3. "To Whom it May Concern" is dead. Dig to find the contact name.