Recently I attended a very large, and very crowded free outdoor 3-day music festival in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Moving between six stages of exceptional talent proved to be an arduous and exhausting experience; that thankfully wouldn’t diminish the inspiration and invigoration fueled by the great music. But I was thinking that it might…
I’m a firm believer in quality customer service! I believe that in order for any business to build its brand, retain its existing customers and find new ones, it must be responsive to what the customer says about them and asks of them. This does not mean that a business must take action to every…
One of the questions I frequently get asked is: Do I really need to send a Thank You note after an interview? The Thank You letter has almost disappeared as a message of appreciation in today’s fast paced age of computers, email, and online social networking. But communicating your gratitude is no less important today…
On a New York commuter train last week the two strangers sitting across from me became engaged in a career discussion. The gentleman, casually dressed, older, appeared close to retirement age; the woman also casually dressed, appeared to be in her early 30’s. It was just simple commuter banter – small talk. The man was…
“Have Gun – Will Travel reads the card of man.” So went the lines of the theme song (and title) to the popular western starring Richard Boone as Paladin, a soldier of fortune and gun for hire that ran on CBS from 1957 through 1963. Here was a guy who liberally passed out business cards…
Attention Employers! Like most business operators today, you are concerned with the maximizing resources, particularly your best assets. You have a staff of wonderful, talented people who have shown you great loyalty and devotion. Without this human capital you could never have achieved your success! But times are hard! Though you don’t want to, you…
One of the questions I get asked most often is: “Do I need to customize my resume for each job that I apply for?” Unless you are applying for only one specific kind of job with little variance to the functions you want to perform (and even then so), the answer is Yes, you do…
For many people, introducing one’s self to a complete stranger is a very painful experience. Believe me, I know! It’s much easier for me to address a room full of people (strangers or not), than to introduce myself to someone I don’t know!! But to overcome my discomfort talking with strangers took commitment and determination. …
Recently I met with a small business owner and we discussed recruiting for his growing business. When I asked him if he did any of his recruiting online and if he looked at resumes posted on job search sites, he answered with a very enthusiastic “Yes!”. He told me he has been successful in filling…
In school, were you the one who always had a better/different way of doing things? When the teacher was explaining that 2 + 2 = 4, were you the one who said the same result could be achieved by adding 3 +1? Or by subtracting 1 from 5? If you’re still looking at things a…
Whether you are a new graduate looking for your first major gig, or an experienced professional who has been laid off, open and honest communication with your network of family, friends and industry peers is your best bet for making headway in your job search. It is not uncommon to feel withdrawn when you’re out…
So you managed to get through 2008 without laying anyone off. You’ve tightened budgets, cut back on spending, held your own against your competition, and even earned a profit. Congratulations! But 2009 looks like it will require additional belt tightening. You recognize the loyalty of your staff, and you’ve tried to reward them, but you’re…
Look, I know the economy sucks right now. People are getting laid off in record numbers and you begin to wonder whether looking for a job is worth the effort. Your frustrations mount because there are bills to be paid, you’ve got personal and familial responsibilities, and the outlook is less than optimistic. Well, I…
With the unemployment rate rising, it is apparent that more people are completing for fewer jobs. And as employers are receiving more resumes than they have positions to fill, they can’t always spend the time coding, classifying and filing all the resumes they receive – electronic or paper – for present or future consideration. Even…
There’s no question that one’s skills, experience and qualifications should be the primary consideration by an employer when selecting a candidate for hiring. But one of the most important skill sets any applicant can bring to a job is far less recognizable from interviewing alone. The qualities one brings for being able to deal with…
Employers have to be clear about what they are looking for when hiring. It is a difficult thing! The intro to so many job listings these days includes a blurb extolling the virtues of the company filling the position. This is important information, it’s part of a good promotion campaign, it helps applicants to know…
Recently I was asked to review a cover letter from a bookkeeper/accountant who for many years had been an independent contractor (IC), and who is now seeking a full time position. Luckily for her, she has had a number of very long-term clients, who have kept her very busy, and she has not been at…
Recently I got a call from a client whose resume I worked on about 4 years ago. In that time her responsibilities grew and became quite varied, particularly compared to what she thought she would be doing. So while her work had progressed, she never received a promotion or a more advanced job title. Now…
You can take this title in a variety of ways, and likely you’d be right. But the issue of the moment lies in the details of what you have previously told your current employer. Picture this: You’ve been on the job for a few years, built effective relationships, trust and a good record of productivity…
Well, you can, but it’ll cost you! Possibly big time! That cell phone in your pocket or purse, excellent tool that it is, can cost you a job! Especially if it goes off at an inopportune time like an interview, or even while waiting for that all-important meeting. Do I really need to remind you…
