At the executive level, your resume challenges begin to change. You now have an impressive body of work to share, but are tasked to distill all of that data and achievements into 2 to 3 pages. The process can be daunting. A professional resume writer can be a great asset in this endeavor – here are a few of my favorite tips for working with Executive Director, VP, and C-level resumes. Read more
5 LinkedIn Strategies To Utilize Today
LinkedIn is the most powerful networking tool available to jobseekers in today’s market. It is not a Facebook for professional people. It is an incredibly deep networking tool that you can use to connect with potential referral sources, inside contacts, and hiring managers.
Your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your personal brand and just like your resume, should be written in a polished and professional tone. While a LinkedIn profile does offer a little more opportunity to let your personality shine through, it’s not the place to be posting anything too personal or divisive. Be mindful of the power of perception and make sure that you are creating an image for yourself that is impactful, engages readers, and gives you a competitive edge. Read more
4 Tips For How to Prepare the Day of Your Interview
Interview day can be daunting. Nerves are high, your mind is racing to remember facts about the industry, and all you want to do is impress them.
To give yourself the best shot at nailing the interview, follow these simple tips…
Morning
Sleep is key for keeping you feeling fresh and on top of your game during the interview. Plan to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before. If you can, schedule your interview in the afternoon. This will give you time to sleep and not have to rush to get ready in the morning (adding to an already stressful day).
What you eat in the morning will have a big effect on how you feel during the day and during the interview. Be sure to eat a balanced breakfast. That means 50% fruit (for the vitamins) and 50% protein (for the sustained energy). Eggs are one of the best things you can eat in the morning because they have a nutrient in them called choline. Choline has been proven to help improve focus, which can really give you an edge during your interview. If you want an even better edge, some people take supplements to help them focus, called nootropics, that have even more nutrients and vitamins. One of the most popular nootropics on the market is Mind Lab Pro.
Now let’s talk about what you wear. Some people say that you should try to match the company dress code in what you wear. However, I think that you should take it to the next level by dressing as professionally as possible. Why? This shows the interviewer how serious you are about the position. It also shows your attention to detail in how you dress yourself.
Lastly, to get yourself “pumped” and in the right mindset before you head to the interview, you should do some light exercise. I’m not talking about going to the gym or sprinting a few miles, just enough to get your heart rate up a little bit. What this will do help release dopamine, to make you feel happier and calmer during the day.
Before The Interview
When you walk in the building for your interview, introduce yourself to the security or secretary. This not only gives them a good first impression but it also helps you get used to talking to people in the office. After introducing yourself, ask to use the restroom. This will give you time to freshen up, check your clothes, and make sure you look 100%.
While in the restroom, if you are nervous, feel free to do some deep breathing exercises. I’ve also found that positive affirmations, such as “you’re going to do great” and “I’m excited about this new opportunity”, work wonders for helping to get your mind in the right place before the interview.
The last thing you want to do (and possibly the most important) is to turn off your phone. One ring in the middle of an interview could mean that you don’t get the job.
If you have any other interview tips, feel free to leave them in the comments below!
Gaining Perspective When You’re Facing Burnout
In my business, I am constantly working with people who are – for one reason or another – unhappy with their job. In many cases, the reasons are valid, but the #1 mistake they make is letting an unpleasant employment experience cloud their judgement, and impact their future job decisions.
Just because you don’t like the way things are done in your current role doesn’t mean you would not be happy in a parallel function, maybe under a better manager or in a more positive work environment. Read more
Can I Use Tables to Format My Resume?
The dreaded ATS & Table debate. Short answer – I wouldn’t. Caveats – it’s probably ok. The ATS debate really stems a lot from actual fact, but has been bumped up by resume writers and other career professionals looking to add value to their clients. Some if it totally accurate, some if it more fluffy. Read more
