To blog or not to blog? That is the question! You are a busy executive with lots of daily responsibilities. So why on earth would you want to blog in addition to all of your regular duties? I get it, believe me! As a professional in the career industry who is committed to providing my clients with personalized attention and professional results, it is sometimes hard to find the time. I make the time because I know that b...

In an effort to save time and narrow the playing field, more often than not, companies are conducting one or more phone interviews before bringing candidates in for an in-person meeting.During in-person interviews you are sitting in front of someone; you have an opportunity to engage them – let your personality shine through. Your body language, smile, and ability to connect on a personal level can give you the upper hand;...

On the heels of the recent 60 Minutes unemployment piece, I thought it would be apropos to write a blog to help people with some timely career and résumé tips to help you minimize the stigma associated with being unemployed. -Tip #1: If you have been unemployed for an extended period of time, your résumé is going to reveal that gap. In an effort to showcase your strengths and highlight your inner work-a-holic, consider usi...

If you have been fortunate enough to climb the corporate ladder, you know that the trek can be long and arduous; as a C-level professional, you realize the importance (hopefully) of maintaining your image and continuing to brand yourself as a top notch leader.Naturally you want to make the most meaningful impact as you seek new opportunities; who doesn’t? Listed below are some vital elements to consider when tweaking your...

Let’s face it. When it comes to writing résumés there are a lot of different opinions on the best format, style, and method. Even among certified professional résumé writers, there are a variety of approaches that can be taken. If you have gone the route of doing your résumé alone, or even if you have had a writer prepare your résumé, it is important to check twice to avoid these common screw-ups. 1. Are you a Manager or a...

Sending a résumé without a cover letter is like driving at night without your lights on. (You know, you will get a ticket for that!) So what are the dynamics of an effective cover letter? How can you determine the major points and entice recruiters and hiring managers to take a closer look?The Salutation: If you know the hiring manager’s name, use it; this is always preferable than the all too common: “To whom it may concer...

The burning question when it comes to most résumés is how to wow them with the wonders of you all on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. For those readers who have seen my many blogs on résumé writing, you know I have no shortage of information regarding what you should include. Knowing what to leave off of your résumé is a topic that is of equal importance.Here is a list of chart topping résumé no-no’s:-Responsible for: ‘Responsi...

I always feel satisfied when I complete a résumé for a client of mine and they say, “I look so good now – even I would hire me.” While having an outstanding résumé that highlights your true strengths is invaluable, it is equally important to seek opportunities that are realistic.Early in my career when I was in corporate HR, I cannot tell you the number of inappropriate résumés I received. It was so bad sometimes that I wo...

Establishing your brand in a cover letter can be a tricky thing. You want to be creative, yet professional. So if the prose is stifled, the reader can actually feel how the writer struggled with every word, every sentence, and every thought. Here are a few tips to help get the creative juices flowing and extend a brand that conveys confidence and your capabilities:1. Don’t over do it. You don’t have to fill the document wit...

We all know how draining the interview process can be. If you really want to kick butt and take names you better get your game face on. What does this mean? It doesn’t mean you should be a “face painter.”Preparation: A successful interview can only be achieved with preparation; knowing your background and ability to articulate your achievements, goals and interests is critical to a positive interview experience. Your résumé...