Years ago when I was in high school, I remember my introduction to the world of work through summer employment. I found my jobs through word of mouth and inquiry. The employers did not post “help wanted” signs or place an ad in the newspaper. This was an early lesson in life regarding the “hidden job market” which can be a hard nut to crack.Is the Internet the new, preferred solution? The answer is yes and no. While su...

You created the resume. You composed the cover letter. You bought the suit to dress for success. You applied for various job openings and now you wait. You wait for the phone to ring inviting you to interview. You wait to learn of job leads. Waiting…it’s a hard place to be in a job search. The in-between time in a job search can be a lonely, isolating time. Suddenly, it seems like everyone is working except you. Th...

We see the signs of spring all around us…people exchange the snow blower for the lawn mower. I find myself wiping my dog’s muddy paws after a walk. Spring appears around us, but what does spring look like within us?As spring unfolds, we have that urge to get up, get out and get going. But, on the inside of our life, how does spring show up? Spring can be the time of epiphany. Perhaps we are ready to clean our garage or...

The cover letter is like the icing on a cake. You baked the cake when you prepared your resume, now it’s time to top it off. Just like icing on a cake gives “eye appeal,” the cover letter is the first thing an employer will see before reviewing your resume. The cover letter is one more opportunity for the employer to look at who you are and for you to briefly present yourself. If you don’t prepare a cover letter, you mi...