Frustrated with your job search and lack of invitations to interview? Wondering how you could make yourself a more attractive candidate? Thinking about a career transition or pondering whether you are in the right field? Then the informational interview might just be your solution! Informational Interviewing versus Job Interviewing As you know, of course, a job interview is when a potential employer invites you to a meeting to discuss a particular position with the objective of evaluating you to fill that position. While one of your objectives is to evaluate the position, your primary objective is to sell yourself in order to procure a job offer. On the other hand, the primary … [Read more...]
Unraveling the Mysteries of Applicant Tracking Systems
When I explain to job seekers that they need to have 2 resumes (one for physical presentation, and one for online applications) I usually get a blank stare or a long pause. When I ask if they have ever heard of, or understand, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), I usually get an almost apologetic “uh, well, no…” as if they think they should have heard of such a creature. The fact is, I would no more expect the average job seeker to know about ATS than my accountant would expect me to know about the latest tax ruling. Especially for those only recently looking for new employment, there would have been no reason for you to have heard about these systems. In short, ATS are software systems … [Read more...]
Some Interesting Trends Relating to Your Career
When I was a full time practicing attorney, I spent hoards of time keeping abreast of the ever changing legal landscape. I have found that keeping up with the evolving career market is every bit as challenging—it has become a very complex and dynamic area, much to the surprise of most people who have not recently had good reason to pay attention. Waiting until you are in serious “job-seeking mode,” which is a full time job in itself, is not the ideal time to either “dust off” your resume or begin the steep learning curve of what you may be up against “out there.” So even if you are not actively seeking new employment, you may find it helpful to know a few things. Along with 250 … [Read more...]
Résumé Makeover for 2012
Unless your résumé has been updated recently by a professional résumé writer, it is likely to be woefully out of date and will greatly reduce your chances of securing a job interview. It is no news that the job market is fiercely competitive right now; if your résumé isn’t better than 80% of the other résumés submitted for the same job, it will probably wind up in the dreaded Reject pile. Make a resolution to update your résumé for 2012! While there is no substitute for professional writing, here are a few tips you can follow to be sure your résumé doesn’t scream “Reject Me!” Contact information Name: Always place at the top of the first page, above any other information; no … [Read more...]
Do you have the latest in Blu-Ray High Def Career Management?
I had 2 enlightening but very different experiences last week that got me thinking about how quickly most things change, and the need to keep up with the future. First, I went shopping for a new DVD player with my husband after our old one bit the dust. Since we hadn’t shopped for electronics for quite some time, we were quickly overwhelmed by the wide selection and new features. Thankfully, we found an informative salesperson who took the time to explain all the modern features, understand our needs, and match us up with a new DVD player that was just right for us. Welcome to the age of Blu-ray HD! Second, I had … [Read more...]
