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Employer References: A Deal-breaker Most Job Seekers Overlook

– Posted in: Job Search
Two women in a business meeting sitting across the table from each other

As much as the market changes, good job search practices (like strong employer references!) stay the same. I have written before about how your professional references are critical and should not be an after-thought in your job search. Yet, in two separate searches in the last month, the employer reference stage either sealed or unsealed the deal.

10 Marketing Tools For Job Seekers (Other Than The Resume)

– Posted in: Job Search
set of hands sitting across a table - business meeting

The start of the new year is traditionally a good time for hiring. Yes, this means that job seekers should refine their resume. But a resume is just one of multiple ways job seekers should market themselves. Do not spend all of your efforts just perfecting your resume. Here are 10 marketing tools for job

Four Fun Ways To Make Your New Year Resolutions Stick

– Posted in: Productivity
Woman writing in a planner

The beginning of the year is ripe for resolutions. On the career front, you might resolve to network more, be more active with your online profile, or get more involved in a professional association. You probably also have goals in other areas in your life – saving more, exercising more, spending more time with friends

Surviving The 10-Minute Phone Interview

– Posted in: Interviewing
Man speaking to a women on video on the computer screen

Sometimes a recruiter asks to schedule an exploratory phone call with you. Phone interviews are increasingly more common as a first step in the hiring process because they’re more expedient for both candidate and employer. As a recruiter, I would often ask for a brief call to discuss the resume, and from that short interaction then

When A Recruiter Unexpectedly Calls

– Posted in: Networking
Man talking on the phone and using a tablet device

You’re happily employed, and pick up your phone to find a recruiter on the other end. How do you maximize this call when you’re not actively looking? You absolutely need to take the call (or return the message). As a former recruiter, I’ve had some prospects shoo me off the phone like a telemarketer –

How to Make Sure You Sail Through a Reference Check

– Posted in: Job Search
Womans hands holding cell phone

You’re in the throes of your job search, and things are looking up—with any luck, the recruiter will call soon to ask for your references. References are important, and definitely not a throwaway step to be considered last-minute. In fact, you shouldn’t only be nurturing your network of references when you’re seeking a job. Remember,

What’s In Your 2013 Career Highlight Reel?

– Posted in: Career Advancement
pitcher throwing a baseball

As you inch closer to the end of the year, you might already be focused on plans for 2014. However, don’t forget to celebrate this past year. In fact, borrow a tradition from professional sports and create a highlight reel for your career success specific to the last 12 months. Here are some milestones to

How To Choose And Use Employment References Wisely

– Posted in: Job Search
Two women in a business meeting sitting across the table from each other

Many jobseekers think about their references only when they are in the offer stage.  But the proactive jobseeker uses references as a marketing tool.  The right references can push an average finalist to frontrunner.  Furthermore, even the happily content employee should be proactive and have a list of references ready for three purposes: in this

How To Ace Telephone Job Interviews

– Posted in: Interviewing
optimistic looking man speaking on a cell phone

Preparing for a job interview? You might also be interested in my blog post: Ten Step Process To Help Ace Your Next Job Interview. Telephone interviews are different than live interviews and require different strategies for the jobseeker to be successful.  When I ask new coaching clients to assess their interview technique, they never distinguish

5 Steps to Giving Comprehensive Job Interview Examples

– Posted in: Interviewing
Two women in a business meeting sitting across the table from each other

Preparing for a job interview? You might also be interested in my blog post: Ten Step Process To Help Ace Your Next Job Interview. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to job interviews, one strategy that benefits everyone is to give examples that are specific and complete.  In interviews, you will often be asked for examples