How do most people approach a job search? Well is often goes like this...As human beings we are subject to emotional reactions and our career can often trigger these reactions. At any given time, we may become frustrated, angry, disillusioned, bored, burned out, etc. with either our employer, our role in the organization, or both. In the “heat” of the moment, we jump on the Internet and resolve to find a new job! We dust of...

Remember that old definition of insanity: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Well it’s 2010, and there is no time like the present to push the boundaries of your comfort zone by infusing some creative energy into your daily routine. No need to make lofty New Year’s resolutions just because it seems like the thing to do in January. I’m suggesting that you reflect back upon...

Let me tell you about a very simple, low cost, yet highly effective marketing tool for your job search strategy. I call it the ProCard and it is essential for your job search and professional networking activity. Here’s how it works...After developing a polished resume presenting a solid focus on the career role you are pursuing, you need to add the ProCard to your job search toolbox. I highly recommend that clients add two...

Have you been thinking about taking a few specialized courses or completing an advanced degree to better compete in the job market?School is always an option; it is never too late to pursue more education. But don’t return to school because it seems like a good idea – have a solid plan and goal in mind before you start. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that an MBA, JD, PhD, etc, alone will automatically blast open the door...

Maybe you have recently been downsized from your company - or you're worried about the next round of lay offs - or you're thinking it's time for a change. Now is a great time to invest in something that has the potential to pay dividends for years to come. Look it up, the ticker symbol to use is (InsertYourNameHere)! Make a committment to yourself to do something this month/this week, as a solid investment in your career....

In the current economy, you might be questioning if there is any "wiggle room" to negotiate the salary level with a new job offer?There is no doubt that the present job market is extremely competitive. Many companies are taking their time and being very cautious when selecting candidates to fill key roles. The experts can continue to debate whether we are or are not in a recession. But job seekers are well aware that the cl...

Everyone thinks they have a great resume. In reality most resumes could stand to be refreshed or even overhauled if they’ve been on the shelf for a while. You've become so accustomed to looking at your resume that you've likely convinced yourself of its brilliance. So set your ego aside for a bit and allow some objectivity to flow. And accept the fact that a true refresh of the resume will take time and effort. Make the upd...

There’s no getting around the news—foreclosures, bailouts and breathtaking stock market swings. It’s real. It’s upon us. It can be scary. Though we can’t control the economy, we can control our perception (and reaction) to it. Every crisis creates a positive by-product—opportunity. It’s more important than ever to think creatively and adapt “onthefly” to seize those opportunities. Companies that do so will thrive, even duri...

Job transitions can be stressful — whether they’re due to layoff, a new job or working extra hours because other workers were laid off. If you’re facing one, consider the following:1. Take an honest look at yourself. What are your strengths, weaknesses, skills? How did those influence—positively or negatively—your transition?2. Step up your self-care. Major changes are physically and emotionally taxing. You need self-care n...

Forget the drab; one size fits all cover letters that you may have used in the past. And please ignore the letter samples in publications and on Web sites that go on and on with paragraph after paragraph, essentially providing a condensed version of your resume. These types of cover letters are not effective because the people you want to read them (internal and external recruiters and hiring managers) DO NOT WANT TO READ T...