Job seekers are notoriously eager to believe things. They’re not necessarily gullible or naïve, but they often want to think optimistically about every “opportunity” that crosses their path. Sometimes, they’re just so desperate to find a job, that they ignore critical job search red flags—clear...
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How to Hide Your Age on Your Resume
As a career coach and professional resume writer, I work with a lot of “older” job seekers. I use quotes there because age is relative. It always surprises me that the people most concerned with age discrimination are usually women in their mid- to late-forties. I hardly consider...
How Long Should a Job Search Take?
This is a question I get quite frequently in my monthly “Ask the Career Coach” sessions. It's not surprising; people who are in the midst of a job search are always anxious. They want the process to be much faster than it (usually) is. The longer it takes to land that new gig, the more self-doubt...
Can’t Keep a Job? Here’s Why
Every week, I get a ton of emails from blog readers with career questions they want me to answer. Typically, I don’t provide career advice via email—that’s why we have the monthly Q&A (“Ask the Career Coach”) video sessions. Members of the Free Career Resource Library can attend for free and...
LinkedIn Q&A: What’s the Difference Between Endorsements and Recommendations?
By now, most of you probably know that LinkedIn is the gold standard for online professional networking. Regardless of your opinion of social networking in general, LinkedIn is a site you simply can’t afford to overlook. A basic account is free, though in order to really get the most out of it,...
Is Technology Hurting Your Job Search?
What you don't know could hurt you! Perfect example: Many job seekers have no idea that resumes submitted online are typically filtered through a software system before a human being ever sees them. That means if your resume isn't formatted correctly, it could be kicked out before any real person...
4 Social Resume Strategies to Help You Get Seen and Get Hired
If you’ve heard the term “social resume” floating around recently and wondered what it’s all about, you’re in the right place. A social resume is not so much an actual thing; rather it’s a variety of things. Essentially the term refers to the use of online tools to gain visibility, position...
Cover Letters: Why Bother?
A lot of people think cover letters are relics of the past. But truth be told, they're still a crucial part of the job search process. Of course, that doesn't mean you should just throw one together and check the box. You want to use the cover letter as an opportunity to differentiate yourself...
5 Questions to Ask Before Recommending Someone for a Job
Your “stamp of approval” is precious. When you recommend someone for a job—whether a friend, family member, colleague or anyone else—your professional reputation is on the line. Your contacts trust you and you’re essentially asking them to transfer that trust to another person. If that person...
Understanding the New Social Resume
Perhaps you've heard the term "social resume" floating around. Well, I addressed this very topic in my recent interview on Fox 31 Denver's Good Day Colorado. Watch the video below and learn how to use online tools to raise your visibility, expand your network, and establish yourself as a expert in...
How to Stay Focused When Between Jobs
If you're used to going into an office from 9 in the morning until 6 in the evening, and you suddenly find yourself between jobs, you've got a whole new set of distractions to contend with! How do you stay focused on your job search and keep your spirits up? I address this question specifically in...
How to Stop Job Hopping Once and For All
I’ve written in the past about the pros and cons of job hopping. Yes, it’s true; you can spin it any way you want. But let’s be real: job hopping is no fun. Whether it’s a “good thing” or a “bad thing,” for your career might be debatable in theory. But, in reality, it’s a serious pain. When you...