If you've done any reading on salary negotiations you've probably come across the advice that the first person to mention salary is the one that loses the negotiation. That isn't necessarily the right tactic if you ask me.

The typical advice is to check in with your network to find opportunities.

One of the advantages of being an independent IT consultant is that you can deduct expenses. This doesn't make purchases free, it just means you don't have to pay income tax on the amount of income equivalent to the expenses. In effect, this means that everything that you buy that is a valid expense is essentially purchased at a 30% (approx.) discount.

I'm a fan of Nick Corcodilos' Ask the Headhunter newsletter and have been for a few years now. I even picked up his book a while ago to get a deeper understanding of his recommended approach to job hunting. And so I was pleased once again to see Nick take on the video resume movement and completely deflate the balloon of hype.

Just because a recruiter asks for a reference, doesn't mean you should give them out.

Don't be confused about your relationship with a recruiter.

There is value to be had from job boards, just not necessarily in the way you'd expect.

Not all recruiters are good, here are some things to look for.