I wanted to share a great article How To Get Ahead in Advertising: Essential Career Advice From The Game's Top Names written by Rae Ann Fera and published by Fast Company last fall (October 2014), which gives 11 pieces of career advice from some of the advertisting industry's top names. The article and advice are excellent and incredibly relevant.

The main point is that your career is not like climbing a ladder (the visual so often used and accepted as it relates to career growth, aka, "The Corporate Ladder"). Rather, the article suggests that it is more like a rollercoaster ride, with up's and down's, twists and turns. Treat it that way. Instead of focusing on upward mobility and making more money, build a treasure chest of exciting experiences that are broad and diverse. Take risks, move across departments and capabilities. Focus on working with great people whom you admire and can learn from. Always be learning, inside and out of work. Take the time to seek inspiration personally and professionally. Remember to feed your soul.

My best career advice is give yourself permission to fail. Do it fast and learn the lessons that failure can teach you; it can be life's best teacher. That is not to say you should come into work with a bad attitude and tell your boss what you really want to say, etc. It means, take a risk, stretch yourself beyond your current role and constantly try new things. Raise your hand to take on new challenges and projects that you have no idea how to do, then figure out how to get them done. Do not underestimate your ability to do so.

The article is full of fantastic advice, please take some time to read it. You will be glad that you did. Today, it inspired me to be better!

I was recently asked, "What are some of the biggest mistakes job seekers make on a regular basis?" Here are the most common job blunders that I run into a on daily basis (there are many more, but these are off of the top of my head). I also asked a couple of colleagues to weigh in and give their thoughts.

TOP MISTAKES MADE BY JOB SEEKERS

1. LACK OF PREPARATION. This is the biggest mistake a job seeker can make. Don't wing it! A job seeker that has not done any research or does not know about the job that he or she is interviewing for is a huge NO NO. Always be prepared for an interview. The internet is rich with resources to research organizations. Make sure you use it!

"The issue I have seen is job seekers not doing the homework on their end...they often don't read the full job description but apply because of a title keywork match...they also often don't know or understand what the company does before coming to interview in person...how can you convince me that you are excited about this opportunity and that you are a fit for the role without understanding the job and what the company does?" - Joanna Niezgoda, Director HR & Operations, Codifyd

"Not doing research on the companies they are interviewing for and not doing research on the PEOPLE they are meeting/interviewing with" - Amanda Schonfeld, Director Talent Acquisition, BeyondCurious

"When looking to break into an industry – hone in on what you’re looking for before reaching out.... do even baseline research and fall in love with something to begin with. You can always switch gears later. Focus. Get in the door. Learn. Grow. Pivot as your career allows." - Nicole Stanley, SVP Agency Operations & Talent, DigitasLBi

2. FAILURE TO NETWORK. Job seekers should avoid just applying to jobs online. Engage your network and ask for a referral. Employee referrals are highly regarded by most employers and it is easier to get your foot in the door through an introduction. Avoid being lost in a sea of internet resumes in the company's candidate database.

"You need to try and network your way to get in front of the recruiter. It's better than blind application." - Amanda Schonfeld.

3. RESUMES WITH SPELLING AND/OR GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. Your resume is a reflection of your attention to detail and communication skills, make sure you have your resume proofread by someone other than you. Use spellcheck and grammar tools. Know what is on your resume as well. Avoid reading it in the interview at all costs. Remember, it is your personal branding collateral!

4. BAD ATTITUDE. Show interest AND excitement about the job in the interview. Don't go over the top, but avoid playing it too cool. It's okay to say that you are interested in the positon during the course of the interview even if you are a passive job seeker. Also, avoid showing frustration with a company's recruiting process. Keep your feedback constructive if you have it. Remember, you want to put the ball in your court!

"Getting frustrated when you do not receive an immediate reply when you apply to the job. It does not necessarily mean you are not a fit." -Amanda Schonfeld

5. DRESSING SLOPPY. Dress professionally and appropriate for an interview. Depending on the company, stick with a basic blue or black suit or if you dress business casual, a nice pair of slacks with a button down shirt or blouse is best. Make sure your clothes are neat and pressed. Also, avoid too much make up or cologne. Ensure the focus is on you the person.

6.. SPEAKING NEGATIVE ABOUT PAST EMPLOYERS OR JOBS. Don't due it. Regardless of how difficult past experience(s) may have been, avoid "bad mouthing" past employers, jobs or managers. It will reflect poorly on you. We live in a small world, don't say anything about anyone that you don't want to be quoted.