Career Counselor and Life Coach
You've decided it's time to move on, for many reasons or one big one. Or you've been downsized or fired. There's so much advice floating around from your friends, colleagues, and relatives. How can you prepare best for your coming interviews?
I get the same question often: Shouldn’t I have a one page resume?” or “My Dad told me I’ve got to boil this down to one page”. Or my retired HR Aunt Linda says “never” to two or three pages.
On resume length, one size doesn’t fit all. In most instances, go for TWO pages (or more: most Federal resumes and CVs benefit from 2+ pages of detail.) [Read more…]
If you loved tests in school, you’ll love this: More computer testing for job applicants.
In-basket exercises and basic testing have been used to some extent since World War II). It’s gotten way more sophisticated now, with skills assessments, “cognitive aptitude” tests, and artificial intelligence programs analyzing facial expressions, language patterns and body English. [Read more…]
Were you hoping I had a contrarian view on the prevailing pro-keyword consensus? If so, I’m sorry to disappoint, but the short answer is: VERY IMPORTANT! So important, in fact, I’ve taken to calling it the Tyranny of Keywords.
Simply put, if the resume you submit doesn’t contain enough keywords that reflect the skills and knowledge areas in the job ad, you probably won’t make even the first cut. All that trouble for nothing. [Read more…]
You’ve been told four or five times: “I’m sorry, you’re overqualified.” Is this the real reason you’re not getting hired? Even if it is, what can you do about it? [Read more…]
You’re excited. Your adrenaline is up and you’re tempted. But you like your current boss and most of your coworkers, and are making a contribution. You’re comfortable the way things are.
You know some of the risks of change: The new boss could be a micromanager. The work might be different than described. You might not learn (or like) the new tasks. You might not fit in.
You don’t have to take the job — you can keep looking. (I hear a groan).
How to decide? Consult your head — and your heart. Here’s a decision-making technique that has helped many of my clients: [Read more…]