This week in my column, I address the issue of job seekers' complaints of not being notified when a position for which they've interviewed has been filled. I acknowledge that for human resources professionals who interview perhaps hundreds of candidates, it just may not be possible to call all of the ones who don't get the job. But for small employers, such as a single mom interviewing for a nanny, it's a lack of common courtesy. Personally, I think common courtesy is dying a slow death, and will soon join common sense in the grave. Read this humorous, although unfortunately oh-so-true, obituary for common sense that has been making it's rounds via email.

Happy New Year! I wish Wise Work for all in 2007. According to a recent CareerBuilder.com survey, seeking new employment tops the list of New Year's resolutions for one in five (20 percent) workers. If that's you, read my Tuesday column that offers tips on early-year job hunting. Then come back next Tuesday for advice on how to manage emails for a more productive 2007.

Next Tuesday is election day. There are many important races and initiatives to weigh in on. Make sure to vote. It's your duty as a citizen. And your company must give you the time off to vote if you can't do it during non-work hours. Here's some information on California voter laws. In my column on Tuesday, I'll give advice on what you should, and shouldn't discuss at the workplace when it comes to politics.

In my column today, I point out the pitfalls of dress code policies. While I don't think companies should arbitrarily create strict guidelines, especially if the workers don't see clients or if there are not health or safety concerns, I also think they should be allowed to make policies they deem necessary without fear of being sued.

Most people looking for jobs today turn to online listings at places like Monster.com. But there are precautions job seekers should take-- such as ensuring you're not applying to a position at your current company. This could happen when responding to "blind" ads. CareerJournal.com says that to find out what company is behind a blind ad, cut the employer's description from the ad and paste it into a search engine such as Google or Yahoo!. Recruiters often use the exact wording from the employer's website to write job ads. Odds are good the employer's website will turn up in your search.

Welcome to WorkWise blog.
I've been writing WorkWise for LA's premiere South Bay newspaper, The Daily Breeze, for three years now. In the column, which publishes every Tuesday, I provide job search and workplace relations advice. Topics have included everything from worst interview mistakes to email etiquette. Many columns are based on readers' questions. So I thought it was about time to take the conversation to the next step. Please blog freely here. Tell me your thoughts. Ask me some questions. Forward and share interesting stories. And remember to work wise.