Ring…Hello? Here’s why you should hire me!
Congratulations! You’ve secured a phone interview for a job that really interests you. To make the most of that opportunity, it’s important to realize that not all interviews are equal and there are specific things you can do to effectively prepare. For a phone interview, it’s critical to identify unique opportunities and anticipate challenges in the areas of technology, connection, and the environment. read more
Interviewing via Skype? Check out these watch-outs and best practices!
The hiring process is evolving in many ways, especially as technology changes the way we live our lives and conduct business. Many companies and organizations are integrating technology into their hiring practices and featuring Skype interviews as part of the candidate selection process. While in-person and Skype interviewing share many best practices, there are critical differences that you must be aware of as you approach your cyber interview experience. Environment, presentation, and technology are all factors that warrant consideration as you prepare for and execute your Skype interview. read more
What is the hidden job market, and how can you tap into it?
Whether you don’t know about it, or are aware of what it is and choose not to access to it, you are missing out on countless career opportunities if you are not engaged in the hidden job market. The hidden job market is defined as a collection of jobs that are not formally posted or advertised, and career experts estimate that it represents 60% to 80% of all jobs hired for each year. That means that as active job seekers are roaming job sites and applying to online postings, they are competing for just 20% to 40% of all available jobs. Applying to online job postings may feel productive, but where are the results? Many clients claim they are getting nowhere with their job search despite applying to hundreds of postings. In most cases, the answer lies within the hidden job market. read more
3 Resume mistakes that can sabotage your job search!
A resume is an important career tool that should enhance, not harm, your job search efforts and professional brand. While the resume review process is subjective and there are no absolutes when it comes to how a potential employer will judge your qualifications, there are three critical mistakes you should avoid in order to keep your resume out of the “reject” pile. read more
Is your professional brand built upon these important attributes?
The essence of a professional brand involves who you are and what you want to be known for professionally. It is a reputation that you build, evaluate, and cultivate over time. Although it takes hard work and long-term dedication to build a professional brand, it could take just minutes to destroy it. It’s critical to identify key attributes of a professional brand in order to establish and then build upon a strong foundation that will allow your brand to evolve and support your future career success. read more
You need to answer this question in an interview, even if they don’t ask it!
Whether you are in the midst of a job search that involves interviewing for multiple opportunities or suddenly get a call from a recruiter who wants to talk to you about a specific position, there is one question that you should be prepared to answer. Different people may ask it in different ways, but the core of the question is the same. Consider what employers want and need to know, particularly during the interview process. Their collective goal is to determine if you are the candidate that will deliver the most value to the organization if hired for the position. To figure that out, they will in some way, shape, or form, ask you the following question. “Why should we hire you?” read more
This is one of the best questions to ask in an interview, if you do it right!
While it’s important to anticipate and understand the questions a potential employer may ask you in an interview, it’s just as critical to prepare your own for the hiring manger. If you do your research, the following question can be a game changer. Read on to learn about the question, how to ask it most effectively, and how you will benefit from the experience. When asked thoughtfully, you will impress the interviewer and gain valuable information that you can use to enhance your candidacy. read more
Are you connecting the dots for potential employers?
Imagine this scenario. You find a job opportunity with a desirable company that you think will be fulfilling and challenging. The three-page resume you submit is chock full of information that highlights your many qualifications and achievements, after all, you’ve been a successful professional for over 15 years. You feel as if you can conquer any professional challenge that comes your way. In your cover letter, you profess your extreme enthusiasm for the position and present a comprehensive overview of your background. Five days later you hear back from the company, and it’s not good news. It’s a flat-out rejection. You are confused and frustrated. What happened? read more
Do you know where to find valuable information on LinkedIn to make better career decisions?
The benefits of LinkedIn extend way beyond connecting with other professionals and presenting a top-tier profile through which you can market your professional brand. What many people don’t realize is that LinkedIn is a source of game-changing information for your career, that is, if you can find it! Whether you are climbing the corporate ladder or in the midst of some serious career exploration, tapping into content you’ll find within LinkedIn can help you gain knowledge and tools that will support smart career decision making. Where is this information, and how can it help you? To answer those questions you’ll do a little dreaming and then some detective work. read more
Looking for career direction? Then targeted exploration is a must!
Whether you are new to the world of work, a professional thriving in your chosen profession, or at a career crossroads, the choices you have when it comes to your professional life can be overwhelming. Where do you start? Do you stay on the path you have established? What are your options? You may be unhappy, but don’t know where to turn. The first thing you need to know is that there is no magic wand or career genie that will do the work for you. However, the good news is that there are resources you can access and steps you can take that will help you find clarity amongst the chaos. They key is to look at yourself, gather the right information, and connect with other people. That process is called targeted exploration, and here’s how it can work for you! read more