There is more than meets the eye when it comes to your résumé. The trick is to be sure the most impactful parts of your résumé are viewed and absorbed by the recruiter or hiring manager. Other than mind control, (which is not an option) how can you direct the reader’s eyes to particular places on the résumé? How can you get them to retain key points? The answer is proper construction. I’ll share a few trade secrets u...

Have you lost control of your job search? Are you stuck on a Ferris wheel, going round and round, and not getting anywhere? If you have been searching for months without a job offer, it is time to evaluate your job search strategy and performance. Either you are not doing something that you should be doing, or you are not conveying the information in an appropriate manner. Let’s look at the top three signs that indica...

The resume remains a tool in landing an interview for a potential position, but it's important to find ways to keep it fresh and pop amongst the pile of candidates prospective employers are looking through. Debra Wheatman is the President of Careers Done Write and a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and she utilizes her experience to aid job seekers in revamping their resume. Debra gives Tim Muma some perspective on the...

The permanent record sounds so ominous. I recall that threat being held over our heads throughout the school years. I never thought to ask the details of this record. Just who is the keeper of this inerasable record? Now, as a parent, I have stopped to using the threat of the (ominous music playing) permanent record. However, I have news for you. It turns out there is a permanent record! We never truly delete any m...

Today we explore the case of the prickly profile. What is a prickly profile? It is a profile that detracts readers. Just as the thorns of a prickly cactus prevent animals from taking a bite, a prickly profile can prevent prospective employers from reading the remainder of a résumé. In other words – no interview! Here are ways David can remove the thorns from his profile and entice a hiring employer to take a bite. Appea...

Negotiating is an art, no doubt. Done correctly it will lead to victory. Done poorly it could lead to failure. When it comes to negotiating salary and other benefits in the workplace, nothing makes people more uncomfortable. He who talks money first loses as they say. Why? Well, it’s because the minute you reference your previous salary, the other side has a distinct advantage. If you reference a desired salary, you may put...

So, you want to change verticals; financial services is no longer your cup of tea -- maybe you are thinking of moving to a role in healthcare. Or maybe you spent your whole life working in engineering and think it might be good idea to work for an investment bank. Certainly, it is not uncommon to change jobs or industries multiple times throughout your professional career. But, you better make sure you can talk the talk as...

Career planning is challenging. It can be very difficult to figure out what you want to do. There are so many choices, and a wrong turn can really set you back. Of course, it can also provide for a very valuable learning experience. When considering what you want to pursue conduct a self assessment to understand your skills, interests, and drivers. Speak to friends and family members to get some ideas. Knowledge is power; a...

Why is it that communicating online is such a challenge? The minute we get in front of email, we rattle off messages that are unclear, with typographical and grammatical errors. Why is writing an email different than writing a letter? (a lost art at this point) How many times have you written an email with the aforementioned problems, but other issues as well? Have you ever gone back and read an email and thought to yoursel...

Since I spend a significant amount of time posting information, providing advice that helps those seeking employment, I thought in this post, I would reference some useful tips for hiring managers to help make effective decisions. Just as important as it is for an interviewee to put his or her best foot forward, so too is it critical that a hiring manager representing their firm also make a positive impression. The intervie...