The process at the Journal News in Westchester, N.Y., where journalists must reapply to keep their jobs is painful, but it has been used before.

Career networking can occur in several ways — in person and online — even if you feel you are starting from a weak position.

The most difficult career decision you might face can come when you must choose between competing offers. Unfortunately, this is most likely to happen early in a career, when you’re less experienced and have thrown out a lot of lines, trying to catch that internship or first job.

To negotiate the best job offer, do as I say, not as I do. When the Free Press asked me whether I wanted a job, I immediately said, “Yes!” (I think I yelled.) Not very cool, I know.