The first several lines of Ben’s résumé could be putting his job search on hold. If Ben made changes using basic résumé guidelines, he could overcome this problem. Résumé guidelines are not arbitrary. They are based on an understanding how the human brain receives written communication and how recruiters and employers select candidates for an interview. Every style used and every word chosen is either supporting your ca...

One reason so many job seekers hate writing cover letters is because they find it difficult to write something unique. There is a lot of pressure to write that one-in-a-million killer cover letter, especially in a crowded job market. So, how do you write something original and captivating? Write a hook in the opening paragraph. ¡Start your letter with a startling fact or industry trend. ¡Congratulate the company or dep...

Nearly all senior- and executive-level jobs today require a phone interview as a preliminary step in the hiring process. Sometimes there may even be multiple telephone conversations before you ever setfoot in the company¡¯s office. While phone interviews can be a huge time saver for both employers and candidates alike, they also present their share of challenges. Without the benefit of visual communication, there is no way...

I had a friend who was always starting a new exercise program, right after the (fill in the blank) holiday, right after the (fill in the blank) party, or when the weather gets (select: cooler, warmer). Alright, that friend could be me. The point is that if you analyze it, there is always very compelling rationale to delay what we know is best for us. The same applies to your job search. There is often a good reason to del...

What’s your brand? We’re not talking clothes or soda. Your personal brand. If you have not defined your brand, others are doing it for you. How would your associates describe you? Those descriptions are your brand attributes. As best you can, you want to control your brand. If you see yourself as a passionate, motivating sales person and your associates describe you as soft-spoken, cautious, and conscientious. There...

The most recent job numbers just came out and on the surface they look great - but is the reality as good as the first glance shows? A few quick highlights and my thoughts. 1.The overall rate dropped to 8.6%, the lowest since March 2009.2.The decrease from 9% in October is the biggest decrease since January 2011.3.72,000 more jobs were created in September and October than previously reported.4.The overall rate was signifi...

You’ve heard enough career strategists, recruiters, and even your mom warn you about how Facebook content can cost you a job opportunity. Let’s talk about how to use Facebook to find a job and support your career success. First, here’s a quick quiz. What’s the best way to find a job? Networking! According to the 10th Annual CareerXRoads Sources of Hire Report: By the Numbers, 27% of hires are sourced through referrals....

It is easy to dream up excuses around holiday time and tell yourself you will start your new job search after January 1st, but the holidays are actually an excellent time to make preparations for the New Year so you can hit the ground running. During the holiday season, most people have a little more personal time at home, away from the prying eyes of their employers. In order to prepare for a thorough and comprehensive job...

Dear Deb: I am located on the West Coast. I reside in Bellevue, WA but work in CA during the week. Due to family developments, I may need to move to the East Coast. How can I represent on my LinkedIN profile that I am willing to relocate without raising a red flag for employers? What is the best way to conduct an East Coast job search from the West Coast? ~ D. Edwards Dear D: When you are creating your LinkedIn profil...

Dear Deb: Q. I have been doing temporary consulting work since 2000. I returned to school for my Master’s degree and graduated last year with the idea that I would return to full-time permanent employment. I have gotten first interviews, but nothing beyond that. It is very frustrating. I want to be back at work at a full-time permanent position. What am I doing wrong? - Mary, New Jersey A. At first blush, it seems to me th...