I received an email from someone trying to figure out how to minimize any negative impressions his resume may make to potential employers because he had worked a number of contract and consulting projects. When he lists his entire job history, it looks like he’s been hopping jobs way too often when in fact it’s the nature of the project work he’s done. Some of his assignments were a matter of days and others for several months, but it makes a… Continue

Ever spend much time thinking about that? What’s your purpose?



What does that have to do with your career? Everything!



Do you find your purpose in your job, or in something outside of your career?

What animates you from day-to-day?



- Advancement in your career?

- More money?

- Ability to have more toys, nicer houses, cars, jewelry, or ‘stuff’?

- Provide better for your family?

- Provide value or serve your customers?

- Be a better… Continue

What makes someone “Professional”?



I’ve read interesting takes on that question lately. Some good points, and some… not so much. What defines professionalism? Based on various pieces I’ve read, it’s certainly subjective. Whatever the definition anyone uses, it’s often THE factor that tips the scale from one candidate to another in the hiring process.



In trying to define it, the dictionary doesn’t seem to be much help. Webster defines professionalism as: “the conduct, aims,… Continue

I’m often asked how important a cover letter is when submitting a resume for a position, or if one is even necessary at all. My answer is: “It depends.”

Who is receiving your resume? If it’s being sent to a recruiter, or you are applying to an online system, you can be virtually guaranteed that a cover letter would not be even looked at, much less read. The volume of resumes that go through a normal recruiting process makes it all but… Continue

Is your job search taking longer than expected? Most are right now. Certainly the difficult job market is making things harder. However, a great number of people could speed up the process by asking themselves five critical questions.



Take time, think them through, be honest, and your job search may improve dramatically!



1. What makes me unique? Companies are seeing dozens or hundreds of resumes for each opening. They interview several people as well. It doesn’t… Continue

Looking for a new job? Be smart online! Your activity on the internet may make or break your chances of getting a job you want. Too often people sabotage their job search by leaving a trail online of careless, controversial, or foolish posts, pictures, or comments. Others use their time online to create an image that screams “Hire me!”



Here are five rules to follow to help insure your success:



1. Maximize your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is a tremendous tool for your… Continue

So often, I have people that are looking for a new job, network with me but they can’t tell me what kind of position they are seeking. Sometimes they only know they don’t want to do the same thing as their previous position, or they don’t want to ‘limit’ their options, or they just don’t know what’s available. They tell me they are “open right now”.



I can’t help you if you can’t tell me what it is you want!



That may sound obvious, but to a great many job seekers it’s the… Continue

If you’ve been reading much on this site or reading virtually any other job search advice, you know that networking is critical to landing a new job. However, most people only begin building a network once they are unemployed. Better late than never. Networking can be far more effective, though, if you have an extensive address book of professional contacts that you’ve been building over time.



Begin building your network as soon as you realize it’s value, but don’t stop once you get… Continue

If you’re not from Minnesota or Michigan or not an avid baseball fan, you may not know that the Minnesota Twins won the division title from the Detroit Tigers last night. As a Minnesotan and a Twins fan, I’m pretty excited. The tie-breaker game the two teams played last night was one of the most exciting baseball games I’ve ever seen and it took 12 innings for the winner to be decided. But what’s incredible is what the Twins did to get there. The… Continue

There’s a saying I’ve heard and used over the last several years…



“Making money as a recruiter can be very volatile. When the economy is good, there’s almost nothing better, and when the economy is bad, there’s almost nothing worse.”



I’ve been a recruiter for the last 23 years and have gone through multiple recessions in that time. I’ve been fortunate to begin my career during a recession. It actually taught me how to operate in a difficult environment. I generally… Continue

It’s a tough job market out there! You’re struggling finding your next job and it dawns on you… “I should use a recruiter!” “They can be my agent, and they’ll find a job for me!” Wrong!



There’s no question, a recruiter can be a wonderful resource. I am one… have been for over 20 years and love the fact that I often get to help people find their dream job. I feel like it’s been a good day when I’ve been of value to someone. However, although I want everyone I have conversations with… Continue

Why use a recruiter when I’m getting piles of resumes from my ads?



In times of economic downturns companies often decide that one way to “save” money is by eliminating fees to recruiters when looking for new employees. Why shouldn’t they? After all, they post an ad online, or in the paper, and there’s a much larger stream of applicants than they’ve had in the past. “Why pay a 20% to 30% fee when I seem to be able to get plenty of people on my own?” Good question.





The… Continue