Should you or shouldn’t you send a cover letter with your resume? It depends. If your idea of a cover letter is something that basically says, “Here’s my resume—I hope you like it,” don’t bother! Unless you find a way to engage the attention and interest of the reader (employer), you’re wasting your time and theirs. A cover letter must serve as a strong Read More >
The Myth about Resume “Secrets”
You’ve probably seen at least one article with a title somewhat like this: “5 Resume Secrets You MUST Know for a Successful Job Search.” Those of us in the career services industry who publish articles tend to use titles like that because they make attention-getting headlines. However…. I’ve come to the conclusion these titles present at least a few Read More >
How to Hit Curveball Interview Questions Out of the Park
“If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?” Or how about, “What is your favorite song and can you perform it for me now?” Actual interview questions, you ask? Yep. They’ve been asked in real live interviews. Once I got, “Sell this this brick to me,” as the interviewer shoved a heavy clinker in front of my face. Now, I know you. Read More >
6 Critical Reasons Hiring You Is a Corporate Risk
Over the years in my private executive coaching practice, my clients have come to me time and again for customized job interview coaching. Regardless of whether they have been recruited by an organization or they are pursuing opportunities on their own after a corporate downsizing, the questions and concerns follow a particular theme. Hiring is a risk to Read More >
Your Resume: Career Snapshot, Not Your Life Story
What makes your resume a great resume? To start with, think of it as a career snapshot, not your life story! This might sound harsh to some, but I’ll bet no one in the companies you’re targeting with your resume cares about what you did 35 years ago. No matter how proud you are of those long-ago accomplishments, you need to accept that they’re all but Read More >
How Being Coy Can Be Costly to Your Career
Whether you are entry level or c-level, being the CEO of your career will put you in the driver’s seat letting you navigate your career trajectory, on your own terms. Here is why it’s important to take the reins of your own career today, especially inside your current company. This is the story of Bianca. Bianca was a senior engineering manager for Read More >
Why You Should Stop Worrying About the ATS-Friendliness of Your Resume
If you’ve ever gotten career advice from a professional resume writer, career counselor, or through your own research about optimizing your resume, chances are you have heard about applicant tracking systems (ATS) and how they can derail your job search efforts. You’ve heard that companies screen candidates through these systems, and if your resume is not Read More >
Cultivating Innovation in the Resume & Careers Industry (Video Tip)
Resume writer? Career coach? Career professional? In support of the 2018 Career Innovator Award competition, I've put together a 9 minute video on how you can cultivate innovation as a career industry professional. Innovation is the life blood for our industry and impacts how we improve the success and satisfaction of those we serve. To understand Read More >
Career Planning: It Can’t Do Everything for You but It Helps!
In the past I've commented on the value of having a short- and long-term career management plan. Have you created your plan yet? If not, what's stopping you. Your hesitation could come from one of the following reasons: You don't like planning--find it too restrictive and limiting to your creativity--so you don't do it. You believe in fate versus Read More >
3 Tips to Combat Age Discrimination in a Job Search
Toby Haberkorn, co-author of Best Job Search Tips for Age 60-Plus: A Practical Work Options Resource for Baby Boomers, recognizes that “age discrimination is alive and well in the workplace and society.” Fortunately, there are routes to bypass this job search minefield. As with any job search, it’s the job seeker’s responsibility to demonstrate that her Read More >
