We’ve all heard you should “dress for success” but when it comes to job interviews, it’s tricky to know how to dress. A rule of thumb is to dress just a bit more conservatively than people dress where you are interviewing. For example: Read More
Quick Tips for Bringing New Power to Your Resume
Your resume should be under constant revision as you continually look for ways to improve how you present yourself and your value to potential employers. Here are some quick ideas for bringing new life to your resume: Read More
Networking Conversations Part Three: Keeping the Conversation Going
For many of us, the most challenging parts of the networking conversation are getting it started and steering it through the middle. If you’ve gotten it this far, the end should be easy! But beware; you don’t want to drop the ball at this point, because the end of the conversation is actually the beginning of the networking relationship. It’s important you end strong, and with the promise of ongoing connection. Read More
Variety is the Spice of Networking
We’ve all heard the saying, “variety is the spice of life.” Variety also adds flavor and zest to networking and is a critical ingredient in your job search.
Ned is a market manager looking for work in his field. He has an active network of people he’s worked with in his field. But here is how he explains his problem: Read More
Tweet Your Way to a New Job
Do you tweet? If you are a job seeker, Twitter just might help you find your next job. Recruiters are increasingly using Twitter to post job openings. But job seekers are also finding that posting on Twitter (tweeting) is a smart way to network, establish expertise and help others. Some tips for effective tweeting: Read More
Surefire Ways to Ruin a Networking Conversation
You’ve identified a great networking contact and set up a conversation. Whether at a networking event, a networking meeting, or a chance encounter, this is your big opportunity. Don’t blow it with these networking blunders:
Dull opening. Beginning a conversation with “How is it going?” is hardly compelling. Instead be prepared with a strong opening line that shows you have a clear purpose for the meeting and begins the conversation. Examples of interesting opening lines are, “You have a fascinating background and I would love to hear more about your career path,” or, “I’m very interested in the work you are doing and the skill set required.” At networking events you might try, “What brings you to this event?”
7 Habits of Highly Effective Job Seekers
“7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is a classic and highly recommended book, for anyone looking for an increased sense of purpose, efficiency and effectiveness. The principles in the book apply in the workplace, at home, in school and to job search. Each of the seven habits has very direct applications and relevancy to job search: Read More
Avoiding Pre-Interview Faux Pas
Imagine this: A friend is picking you up for an outing, but shows up 20 minutes early. You’re not ready. Maybe you’re busy with something else. But your friend has arrived and you feel compelled to drop everything and rush to get ready. That’s how an interviewer feels if you show up 20 minutes early for an interview. Showing up way too early is just one of a number of pre-interview “ooops” that are easy to avoid. Read More
Bringing Life to a “Dead End” Internship
“I spent my first week working the hole punch,” said Nadya. “I’ve got you beat,” said Derek. “My first week I simply ‘observed.’ A hole punch would have been fun!” Nadya and Derek are two of the many college students and job seekers starting summer internships this month. And like many, they have already found their internships may not be all they were cracked up to be. Read More
Repairing and Building Your Online Reputation
“The End of Forgetting” is a perfect way to signify today’s new reality of how difficult it is to retract information about and photos of yourself from the web. Many articles have discussed in-depth the issues of reputation and privacy. For job seekers, this topic is extremely relevant as the vast majority of recruiters are now using online tools to research applicants and many report turning down applicants after the discovery of controversial information.
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