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
The resume is evolving, is yours?
While there’s no lack of advice or suggestions available when it comes to crafting an effective resume, it can be challenging to make sense of the mountains of information out there and then apply what you learn to determine what will work best for you. Although advice and guidelines vary to some degree based on personal and professional preferences, there are some important overall concepts that shine through. As a former recruiter and current career advisor, I believe that in order for a resume to be effective in today’s job market, it should be customized for a target position and/or industry, focused on impactful achievements, and formatted in a way that is clear and concise. Read on to discover why these elements are so important. read more
You have a great job and you’re happy, now what?
Congratulations! You’ve landed an amazing job and you are doing the I-have-a-job-that-I-love happy dance. Your hard work has paid off and you deserve some time to soak it all in. Go for it! However, once you are settled, it’s time to think about the future. Here are some important things that you can do to make sure your career keeps moving forward. read more
Is a bad LinkedIn profile better than no LinkedIn profile at all?
I’m going to tell you the truth right up front, and that is, neither option is acceptable. LinkedIn is a powerful tool that allows you to manage your network, share information, and connect with people and content in order to facilitate the development of your professional brand. That is why it is important to invest your time and energy into this valuable professional resource. If you have a weak, or non-existent LinkedIn profile, that will speak volumes to both potential employers and professional contacts. read more
Is your brand consistent, communicated, and creative? If not, what opportunities are you missing?
Your personal brand is so important when it comes to your career development. It stands for what you are all about, and what value you can bring to a potential employer. Since employers will take note of your brand as it relates to your candidacy, shouldn’t you do everything in your power to make sure it is powerful and truly representative of your talents and capabilities? Check out the 3 C’s to ensure that your brand is helping (and not hurting) your career! read more
A personal branding statement and your resume
Take a look at your resume. What do you think? Will it pique enough interest from a recruiter or hiring manager in a 6 second scan to move you into the yes pile, or will it land in the “thanks but no thanks” pile? read more
Do you want to be a brand? Great, because you already are!
Like it or not, you are a brand. Just like your favorite brand of sneaker or car, you communicate your essence to others through your style, image, words, and actions. Does that make sense? Then congratulations! You are on your way to understanding more about personal branding and how it important it is to your career. read more