For the longest time, it seemed like employers had a preference for Chronological resumes. Certainly, that’s what the career centers, employment counselors and books on the subject suggested. A chronological resume featured the applicants’ work history in reverse historical order, most recent jobs first. Each job listed would state specific actions performed, equipment used, (hopefully)…
There’s been a lot of discussion lately about the proliferation of AI. Certainly, the ongoing development of machines and software that can learn and apply its data, speed up problem-solving, and attempt to mimic human behavior aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon. There’s no denying that AI technology utilization is hitting mass acceptance due in part…
There’s an awful lot that can be said about the value of a college education and advanced degrees! But there is also a lot about higher education that doesn’t get said frequently enough: A college education is not for everyone! Indeed, higher learning can be of benefit for attaining a vast array of professional and…
What does it take to get your career pursuits back on track after your plans get derailed due to a major health crisis? How do you come back after years of recuperation? Battling a major illness and recovering from a severe injury are among life’s most difficult challenges. But after all the physical healing is…
There are lots of good resources for job seekers, but there are few as useful as industry specific directories. For almost any professional endeavor these publications reveal vast amounts of useful information for job seekers and others already working in those fields. Most industry specific directories are published at least annually, and some are updated…
Among the issues I get to frequently talk to job seekers about is how to transition from one career to another. For many shifting gears and their career focus, there is an almost natural progression that might emanate from the development of new skills or successfully tackling a progression of more difficult responsibilities. For others,…
You’ve probably heard the expression, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” Well, when it comes to job search, and the self-promotion required to successfully obtain work, we’ve seen a tremendous evolution in the ways we apply for employment. Newspaper classifieds have given way to the online job boards, industry-specific sites and…
There was a time not too long ago when job seekers routinely sent out their job search documents to unknown recipients. More times than not job announcements instructed job seekers to send their resumes and cover letters to blind addresses – Post Office boxes or routing numbers in care of the newspaper that ran the…
Over the last 10-15 years there have been a lot of changes in the way we look for work. Some of these changes have been subtle, while others have been more dramatic. But at the core of a search job seekers must still get their work histories and skills in front of decision makers. And…
Are you judged by the company you keep? When it comes to your job search, frequently the answer is Yes! Networking with the right people can mean the difference between success and failure in your hunt for the right job. But for many job seekers, where to meet the right people is the problem. If…
Among the additions to a job seeker’s toolbox has been the addition of electronic social networking. Sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and other tools have proven invaluable to people looking to expand their network and the reach of their searches. Being able to maintain contact with long known associates, the ability to reach out to those…
What are you going to do if your job search does not produce the results you want? Motivated by the need to make money to pay bills, maybe you’ll decide to put some effort into finding contract or consulting work. You know you have marketable skills, so why not give freelancing or independent contracting a…
Despite the recent slight uptick in job growth, the graduating class of 2010 will face the toughest job search challenge of the past 20 years, maybe longer. Sadly, it will be harder for most new graduates to find work related to their degrees than in recent memory. While so many earlier generations were promised unlimited…
Visiting with friends during the holidays, and someone asked me if I thought it was too late for him to switch careers. As it was nearing midnight, I cracked wise, “Yes, it is too late, and there’s not much you can do about it tonight!” But it seems he was genuinely concerned about wanting to…
Throughout the country, state-provided resources for job seekers are drying up. Staff shortages, mandatory layoffs and furlough days that close facilities all impact the employment offices’ ability to provide comprehensive one-on-one services. It wasn’t that long ago that if you were out of work, you could have gone to your local unemployment office, talked to…
