Lessons Jobseekers Can Learn From Those with Controversial Careers
New series of articles by ResumeToReferral.com

When the governor of Alaska burst on to the scene during the 2008 election as Senator John McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin became the darling of the Republican Party, and still commands enthusiastic support among many both in and out of the American political right.

But with that celebrity comes an increased level of scrutiny of her every public statement. As one example, Ms. Palin has expressed a great deal of anger over President Obama’s bailout of Wall Street and the banks, where reckless financial speculation led directly to the current crisis – anger shared by many Americans, who are justifiably outraged over what amounts to a huge “welfare check” to the nation’s wealthiest at a time when working Americans are losing their jobs as well as their homes.

Only one problem: the Wall Street bailout was signed into law by Obama’s predecessor, George W. Bush – weeks before the November election. Palin’s attempt at making a solid point against her political enemies is greatly overshadowed by her casual approach to the facts, again bringing herself to the carpet for additional criticism.

What can jobseekers and career professionals learn from Sarah Palin?

Career-minded Americans, take a lesson – the higher up the ladder you climb, the more attention is paid to your assertions and your positions. CNN is unlikely to scrutinize you, but your department head is going to – and you had better be right when you’ve put your name on an idea or a plan. The lesson here for working people: it’s fine to offer opinions, but do not confuse opinion with fact. And make certain you document your facts; nothing will destroy your credibility faster than “facts” that can be proven to be “fiction.”

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1. Rush Limbaugh: Love Him, Hate Him – You Can’t Ignore Him (Controversial Careers Series)
2. Carrie Prejean: The Double Standard Bearer (Controversial Careers Series)
3. Tiger Woods: The Price of Fame — and a Bleeding Brand (Controversial Careers Series)
4. Facts About Headhunters
5. Tell Me About Yourself, Interview Strategies (Back-to-Basics Series)