Boost your LinkedIn profile in just five minutes!
LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, is a valuable tool that you should be using as part of your career strategy. Most people familiar with LinkedIn are aware of the need to create a profile and connect with other professionals, as networking is at the core of LinkedIn’s functionality. However, there are other elements that are critical to creating and implementing a successful LinkedIn presence. Investing five minutes right now to make sure you are making the most of LinkedIn will pay dividends in terms of your ability to leverage the platform for your professional gain. To do so, you will need to promote your brand effectively, create an impactful headline, and boost your credibility. read more
A simple thank you can help you stand out!
A secret weapon for job search and professional development isn’t so secret; it’s the thank you note! As fast as life moves these days in the digital age, a simple thing like saying thank you can help you stand out. For your thank you to be received in a positive way, make sure it’s timely, customized, and sincere. read more
Three types of cover letters to avoid!
A cover letter is widely accepted as part of the official application process for a job. The overall purpose of a cover letter is to formally submit your candidacy for a position in writing and highlight your qualifications. Do employers read them? Some do, but some do not. Regardless, if an application requires a cover letter, you must submit one. That said, there are a few types of cover letters that you should avoid. read more
Resolutions for the new year that will help your career!
How do you create and achieve effective new year’s resolutions? That’s the million-dollar question that many people ponder as one year comes to a close and another approaches. It’s natural to look forward with anticipation, but also possibly trepidation. One aspect of life that can come under scrutiny is your career. Whether you are looking for a job for the first time, want a change, or are satisfied in your current role, there are opportunities to create new year’s resolutions that can boost your career. So regardless of your career status, read on to learn how resolutions related to your key career tools, network, and LinkedIn can enhance your career as you look to 2018. read more
How you can stand out (in a positive way) at a career fair?
A career fair brings job seekers and employers together in a forum to connect, although they do so for different reasons. Employers participate to promote their companies/organizations, screen potential employees, and identify viable candidates. Job seekers participate to learn more about companies/organizations, promote themselves as candidates, and make valuable professional connections. Although career fairs feature competition for both employers who are seeking great candidates and candidates who are trying to land jobs, in many cases job seekers feel more pressure when attending these events. It’s important for a candidate to make a good impression, as an employer will use the exchange to make an initial hiring decision. How can you stand out, in a positive way, at a career fair? read more
Make the most of LinkedIn with a comprehensive and engaging All Star profile!
LinkedIn, a professional networking site, is an amazing tool for professionals and students regardless of career field or interest. To make the most of your LinkedIn presence, it’s important to create a comprehensive and engaging profile. A great profile will allow you to showcase your qualifications and career aspirations via your online presence/professional brand, attract more quality connections, and rank higher in LinkedIn searches. Follow these steps to build your LinkedIn profile! read more
A reference will always say something nice about you, right? Wrong!
Each company or organization invests significant resources into new hires, and the act of checking references is one way to gain critical information about a candidate before sending out that offer letter. Although a candidate can look great on paper, in reality that person may not be a fit with a company’s professional needs or culture. By checking professional references, potential employers connect with people that will vouch for a candidate’s qualifications and even character. Selecting and submitting a reference can enhance or damage your candidacy. As a former recruiter, I encountered quite a few references that said negative things about the candidates in question. Their feedback absolutely influenced my hiring decisions, and not in a good way. Here are some tips about how you can ensure that your references will help you get the job! read more
Ways to avoid an online job scam
More people than ever are using the web to search for jobs, network, and identify ways to build their careers. There is so much great information out there that is accessible with just a few clicks of your mouse! While it’s tempting to dive into an online job search, take a minute to consider the risk involved when it comes to sharing your information and connecting with people virtually. To stay safe, make sure you protect your personal information, do your research, and make smart choices given the information you access. read more
How can career assessments add value to your career decisions?
While some people feel that career assessments are invaluable, others find them useless. How can you tell if they are right for you? As a career professional, I believe career assessments are valuable tools that can be used to help you create and execute an effective career strategy. However, there’s a catch. In order to be valid, they must be completed, interpreted, and applied correctly. There are no easy answers or a one-stop shop that will reveal your “perfect” career. The following is an overview of different types of career assessments, how they should be completed, and in what way you should utilize the results to make sound career decisions. read more
Should you negotiate salary? Absolutely!
Based on the time and resources that employers dedicate to the hiring process, if they offer you a job they want you! That’s just one thing to keep in mind as you engage in the exciting (and possibly nerve-wracking) process of salary negotiation. Although you’ve successfully navigated the hiring process thus far, don’t take your foot off the pedal until it’s a done deal. Salary negotiation is an important part of the journey to a new job that will impact both your personal and professional lives. How important is it? Consider this scenario. A company presents job offers to two individuals, with very similar skills and experience, that represent identical roles at a company. Candidate Joe doesn’t negotiate and accepts the initial offer of $35,000/year. Candidate Mary receives the same offer and effectively negotiates to secure a $40,000/year salary to start. If both Joe and Mary receive a 3% annual raise, Mary will have earned $250,000 more than Joe over the course of her lifetime. That’s a lot of money! Best practice is to negotiate in order to establish a salary that takes into consideration the skills, experience, and value you bring to a new employer. Here are three things you need to know when negotiating salary. read more