I chat with recruiters frequently and I often ask them this question: "If you could tell job seekers one thing, what would it be?" Here are their top responses. Be transparent. If there is a gap on your resume, explain it on the document itself. If you don't explain the reason for the gap, we will...
#Job Search Tweet-140 Job Search Nuggets
I'm excited to announce that my second book, #JobSearchTweet will be released shortly. The book delivers 140 tweet-like tips on just about every aspect of job search. It's a book that you can read quickly but continue to reference for the duration of your career. Resumes, cover letters, thank you le...
Job Search and the Art of Defying Gravity
My daughter is addicted to the musical comedy Glee and I've started to become a fan myself. Last week, two students on the show competed in the school's first "Diva-off" and the competition required that they sing the song Defying Gravity from the Broadway show Wicked. Since watching the show, I can...
Ask the Recruiter Part Three
For this week's Ask the Recruiter series I interviewed Laura Lashbrook of Clarity, a boutique staffing firm in New York City specializing in temporary and permanent administrative, support, and entry-level positions. What are the three most important interview questions you ask candidates? "...
Ask the Recruiter Part Two
For this week's Ask the Recruiter series, I interviewed Lorri Zelman, Managing Director, Human Resources Practice for Solomon-Page Group, a permanent recruitment and temporary staffing firm in New York City. What are the three most important interview questions you ask candidates and why? Tell...
More on Cover Letters
I wrote a post yesterday about how cover letters are perceived by recruiters, HR, and hiring authorities. Steve Levy, Talent Scout, OD Consultant, and blogger extraordinaire, sent me some thoughtful comments regarding cover letters that I think are worth repeating. "I wonder how many recruiters...
The Great Cover Letter Debate
I recently sat in on a panel of staffing professionals representing such prestigious companies as Microsoft, Starbucks, and PacSun. One of the questions that came up in the audience was "Do you read cover letters?" All three representatives of these companies said they do not. But is this representa...
Rubbing Elbows with Human Resources
On October 2, 2008, the Human Resources Association of New York (HRNY) is celebrating their 60th anniversary with a wine tasting event at Club 101 in New York City. If you are an HR professional, this is a great way to meet other professionals in your field and if you are a job seeker, this is a g...
Executive Rules for Job Search
I just finished reading Thad Greer's book, Executive Rules. The book is an excellent resource that can help job seekers effectively navigate their searches and negotiate potential land mines. Here are a few of Thad's key takeaways: Have a professional resume writer craft your document. As an ex...
Career Advice from my Dad
While my dad was never a career strategist and never even had to face a career transition (he was with one company for 30 years), he did give me some sage advice about my career along the way. Here are a few of my favorite nuggets: A lot of bosses are idiots. Everyone I've ever met has an interest...