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What Not to Include in Your Resume

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Michelle Riklan

You can add one page to your resume for every 10 years of your career, according to Google’s Head of HR. Of course, that’s not necessarily in your best interest. Many people with less than 10 years of experience have two-page resumes. However, not all applicants know what’s worth including in their resume, so some end up with a resume longer…

Questions You Shouldn’t Ask at the End of an Interview

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Michelle Riklan

Almost every interviewer will ask if you have any questions towards the end of your job interview. Like it or not, the questions you ask matter just as much as your answers before the tables turned. Each question you ask reflects on your interest in the position you applied for, knowledge of the company, and attitude. The good questions are…

Truth about Resume Myths Revealed

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Michelle Riklan

Writing a resume that gets you an interview is hard enough as it is. The resume myths I keep hearing about make this process harder and confusing especially for clueless job seekers who rarely write a resume. This article reveals some of the resume myths I keep hearing about, so you can stop worrying about them and get on with…

New Year’s Resolutions to Skyrocket Your Career in 2018

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Michelle Riklan

Writing a New Year’s Resolution is easy, especially if you’re not happy at work. Your resolution could be to get a new job, get a raise, or make it through a week without complaining about your boss. You have plenty of ideas about the things you want to improve. Setting a resolution isn’t so easy and straightforward when things are…

How to Create a Career Back-up Plan

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

Your career is okay, then without a warning, the economy goes down or the once-stable company that you work for is facing bankruptcy. Before you realize it, you’re ordered to start packing because it’s your last day of employment. Sudden unemployment will force you to deal with the challenges that come with losing a job. Dozens of questions and worries…

Spend the Long Weekend after Thanksgiving Improving Your Career

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

This year, Thanksgiving will fall on November 23, only two weeks away. In some states though, the day after Thanksgiving is also a celebrated holiday, which leads to a much anticipated long weekend. You’re probably excited to relax and get together with your loved ones. In between family dinners and shopping, why not spend a part of the coming long…

Things to Consider before Relocating for a New Job

Posted on October 10, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

Moving is stressful, even if it’s for a new job. Just imagine, you need to find a new place, get a new driver’s license, find new utility providers, and deal with the hassle and mess of packing and unpacking your stuff. Is all that trouble worth it? If the new paycheck is your only consideration, you might regret the move…

Body Language Tricks to Succeed in a Job Interview

Posted on September 12, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

It’s not what you said, but how you said it. Sounds familiar? This is true for relationships and job interviews. As a job applicant, you need to remember that the way your body moves says a lot about you. Body language is one way people communicate without talking. If you want to get a job offer, you have to be…

How to Prepare for a Successful Video Interview

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

If you haven’t already done this yet, you likely will sometime in the future. More and more employers and hiring managers are using video interviewing at some point in their screening process. This cuts down on travel costs for all parties involved and with the popularity of telecommuting, it is becoming more popular and more accepted. Still, most job seekers…

Three Crushing Experiences Every Job Applicant Experiences

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

You usually feel pretty good about your work experience, education, and your resume. That is until you start looking for the job of your dreams. Suddenly, your alma mater isn’t as impressive as your colleagues’ schools and your previous experiences don’t look as appealing. Your resume just didn’t sparkle the way it seemed to just a short time before. So…

Get Your Children Off the Couch – Radio Interview with Ed Tyll

Posted on June 2, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

What an honor it was to be invited on the Ed Tyll show on Starcom Radio! The topic was How to Get Your Children off the Couch and Into the Workplace. I am pleased to share the audio (please click here) as well as the entire transcript. Ed was a gracious host with thoughtful and insightful questions and it…

How to Conduct a Confidential Executive Job Search While Employed

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Editor

According to the US Department of Labor, about 2 million Americans quit their jobs every year. And while these statistics are typically lower for executive-level employees, more and more senior-level team members are looking for new opportunities outside their current roles. Whether this is because you’re seeking new responsibilities, higher pay, you’re dissatisfied with some aspect of your company, or…

The Common Questions Applicants Ask Their Would-Be Bosses on Interviews

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

Are you a manager or executive interviewing someone for a job? Don’t expect that you’ll be the only one asking questions. Expect good candidates to raise their own questions during the job interview. They want to impress you and make themselves more memorable compared to other candidates. Here are the top four questions you can expect to get from a…

Six Tips for Proofreading Your Resume

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

Your resume is still a vital component to getting you the interview to the job of your dreams. It’s one of the first impressions that a hiring manager will have when you apply to a new job or position, and one of the biggest determinants about whether or not you will get called for an interview. While you can upgrade…

5 Common Mistakes That Could Cost You a Job Offer

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

You’re in an interview for the job of your dreams. It’s going well, but don’t get too excited yet. Remember that the job isn’t yours until you and your employer have both signed on the dotted line. Here are common mistakes that can ruin your chances of landing that great job:

How to Make a Career Change as a 50-Year-Old Executive

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

These days, young people just entering the workforce will have an average of seven to nine careers in their lifetimes. That’s seven to nine different fields, not just employers. That number may seem unreasonable to older workers and baby boomers, whose parents worked their entire lives at one job. But even if you’re in your 50’s, it’s possible to make…

Executive Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

You’re an executive, and you’ve been contacted by a recruiter about an opportunity for a well-known firm in your industry. Congratulations! Although you’re excited about this position, you’re understandably nervous about the upcoming interview. Of course, the interview isn’t the be-all end-all to getting the job – there are also references to follow up with, and portfolios and numbers…

Alert! Don’t Resign Until You’ve Asked Yourself These Questions

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Michelle Riklan

Happy 2017! A new year is a great time to look at your life. Many people take this time to take stock of their health, fitness, eating habits, relationships, homes, and of course, their work. So how is your workplace? Are you happy there? Is your career fulfilling? Does your current position offer you room to grow? Could you –…

The White Lies Employers and Recruiters Tell Unsuspecting Applicants like You

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Editor

When you’re looking for a job, you want to put your best foot forward. You and a hundred other applicants. You may be seeking employment, but the company is also looking for someone fantastic. Because they can’t hire everyone that applies, it makes sense that recruiters sometimes hide behind niceties to protect your feelings, such as… “We’ve decided to go…

Celebrating the Value of a Humanities Degree in National Arts and Humanities Month

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Editor

Whether you’re on the cusp of finishing high school or considering a career change and heading back to a higher education institution, you may be weighing out your options. Everyone has advice to give – “Take science classes,” your parents say. Your friends tell you to major in engineering, and your former teachers tell you that computer science is the…

5 Skills that Look Good on Any Entry-Level Resume

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Editor

If you’re a freshly-minted graduate, you’ve had the summer to take a break and recover from you hard work as a student, and maybe even relax on the beach, by the pool, or do some traveling. Perhaps you took on a job to save some money and gather your thoughts, or simply spent time meandering over what you’d like to…

6 Odd Jobs for the Unemployed Running Out of Inspiration

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Editor

Its summer, which means a fresh new set of college graduates just entered the working world. If you’re one of them, congratulations! You’re about to embark into the career force – that is, if you are lucky. You will likely have more trouble finding a job than your parents did 20 or 30 years ago. Studies show that this is…

3 Crushing Experiences Every Job Applicant Experiences (And How to Get Through Them)

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Editor

You usually feel pretty good about your work experience, education, and resume. That is, until you start looking for the job of your dreams. Suddenly, your alma mater isn’t as impressive as your competition’s and your previous experiences don’t look as interesting. Your resume just didn’t sparkle the way it seemed to just a while ago. So what happened? Everyone…

4 Steps to Spring Clean Your Resume in Less than 90 Minutes

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Editor

You probably have a resume. If you’ve been at the same job for a number of years, it likely lives in your computer somewhere, in some folder that contains important documents that you never really look at. It’s always a good idea to keep your resume fresh in case a golden opportunity pops up. That way, you won’t be wasting…

5 Ways to Calm Your Nerves and Fight Interview Jitters like a Pro

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Editor

You’ve spotted a posting for the job of your dreams. You decide that life is short, you’re ready for new challenges. You send out your resume and a cover letter, and hope for the best. Lo and behold, you get an interview! You’re excited. But getting an interview usually means jitters and anxiety. After all, you really want the job,…

4 Not-so-Techy Tech Jobs and the Skills You Need to Get Them

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Editor

The tech industry is one of the fastest growing fields worldwide. Unfortunately, a lot of students and applicants stay clear of the industry because they feel they’re not “techy” enough. The tech industry isn’t exclusive to programming, engineering, and computer science majors though. Tons of jobs exist for applicants in the field of analysis, humanities, business, customer service, and sales….

How can you be Assertive but Not Aggressive in Job Interviews?

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Editor

This month, I received a rather intriguing question from Jake in New Hampshire, “I just came from an interview and the recruiter told me that I wasn’t assertive enough. I don’t know what he meant, but as far as I know, I emphasized my strong points and other skills.” Great question. Many job applicants fall on the extreme ends of…

“Sell Me this Pen:” 2 Ways to Answer this Popular Job Interview Question

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Editor

Sell me this pen. Sell me this cup. Sell me this bag. This question is a staple among job interviews, especially for sales positions. But it recently rose to fame again after Leonardo DiCaprio appeared as Jordan Belfort, the smooth-talking penny stock broker in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street. In the movie, Belfort’s cohort answers the question by…

10 Great Cover Letter Tips to Give Your Application an Edge

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Editor

Writing a resume is rather straight forward. What you should do with a cover letter is less obvious. However, if you stick to certain principals, you should be able to draft a great cover letter to supplement your resume. Below are 10 great cover letter tips that should help. 1. Start with a Good Opening Like any piece of good…

Stand Out! Ask these Questions on Your Next Job Interview

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Editor

Job interviews, for most people, feel like a one-sided conversation. A question and answer, where you’re expected to behave and put your best foot forward. Yes, definitely do that if you want to be as memorable as every other candidate on the planet. If you want to stand out, you have to do what majority of candidates don’t do… Ask…

Staying Motivated and Avoiding Depression When You’re Unemployed during the Holidays

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Editor

With excerpts from an interview with David Kaplan, Chief Professional Officer of American Counseling Association. If you are interested in hearing the full interview and 31 other career experts, click here: The National Career Summit. You’ve been unemployed for a few months now, perhaps longer. Your savings account is shrinking by the minute, and so is your self-confidence. It’s hard…

4 Top Job Options for Employees 50 and Over

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Editor

The times are changing. The unemployment rate for workers 50 and up is higher than it was in the last Great Recession. While the unemployment rate is going down, albeit slowly, many older workers remain unemployed six months to a year, way longer than young employees with less work experience. It’s as if older workers are past their “sell-by” date….

Thanksgiving and the Networking Opportunities It Presents to Graduating Students

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Editor

Thanksgiving, a time to feast, give thanks and sometimes, endure awkward questions with your family. That’s it, right? Well, not just that. Thanksgiving is also a good time to build your network. With all the parties and dinners to attend, I am sure your professional life isn’t your top priority right now. Thanksgiving and your career aren’t mutually exclusive, this…

Corporate America Doesn’t Care About You: It’s Time to Put Yourself First

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Editor

When was the last time you came home late because you needed to finish an urgent project? Did you take your work home recently? Have you ever missed your kid’s recital because of work? Sacrificing work/life balance to move up in the corporate ladder seems like a fair trade, at least on the surface. Martin Yate, author of New York…

You’re Probably Ignoring this Lucrative Job Market

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Editor

October brings us two holidays, Halloween and United Nations Day. What do those events have to do with careers, you ask? If you graduated last March and haven’t received a decent job offer ’til now, I bet you’re scared to move back with your parents. But okay, let’s say you’re not a fresh graduate. Aren’t you the least bit afraid…

Do You Make These Mistakes During the Phone Interview?

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Editor

It’s International Update Your Resume Month! Have you updated your resume yet? Or maybe you’ve already received a favorable response after updating it? Perhaps you have an upcoming phone interview? Hooray! Good for you. But don’t let your guard down just yet. The phone interview seems innocuous enough, but many applicants don’t realize its importance. Whether it lasts 10 or…

Are You Prepared for the Fall Job Hiring Rush?

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Editor

The lax summer season, when vacations are rampant and most companies take a breather from expansion, makes way for Fall, considered the busiest season for hiring. While there’s no definite rule signaling September as the hiring season, it definitely seems like the busiest season for many industries. If you’re aspiring to switch careers, move to a bigger company or if…

What Happens if You Take the Summer Off After Graduating?

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Editor

If you graduated May this year, is it possible that you missed the boat by taking the summer off from interviewing? I know you’re worn out, what with all the exams, internships and the thesis you had to complete. But it’s so tempting to take a few months or a year off to unwind after graduating from college. You can’t…

Hottest Jobs of 2015 and 2016

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Editor

Time flies fast doesn’t it? Half of the year is gone! Where are you in your career? Happily employed? Just got out of college? Looking for another job? The year 2015 marks the time when the majority of post World War II baby boomers will turn 60, which means many of them will retire or move to other careers. What…

How to Get an Employer to Fall in Love with You Before You Even Meet–No Gifts or Cheesy Gestures Required

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Michelle Riklan

How do you put a love spell on someone you’ve never even met? Even harder, how do you make an employer, who has seen hundreds of resumes and interviewed a dozen candidates, fall in love with you before he sees you? Can you put a magic potion in his drink? Send him his favorite coffee and pastry combo every morning?…

Looking for the Perfect Match

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Michelle Riklan

February is the love month, a time of roses, chocolates, dates and romantic getaways – at least for couples. For many single men and women, however, it’s the time of year when they feel most lonely and in some cases, it’s also the time when they’re most actively seeking for the one. This pursuit for the one is similar to…

New Year, New Career Path?

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Michelle Riklan

New Year’s resolutions are often forgotten after the first week of the year. It doesn’t matter if the resolution is to lose weight, get a better job or save for retirement – many people forget these resolutions once they come back to their regular routines after the holiday. If your New Year’s resolution is to get a better job, or…

It’s Too Early to Give Up!

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Michelle Riklan

Have you given up or are you on track with your New Year’s resolutions? According to a survey published on Scranton University’s Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 45% of Americans usually write resolutions and, out of this population, only 8% achieve what they’ve set out to do. I know the numbers are quite depressing, but there’s no reason you can’t…

What to Expect in a Holiday Job Hunt

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Do you plan on waiting until the holidays are over to continue your job search? That kind of thinking might cost you a job offer. Don’t stop sending job applications just because of the holidays. Businesses don’t come to a grinding halt during holidays, right? Companies don’t stop hiring just because majority of the year’s holidays are bunched up together…

Shopping for a New Job

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Ah, to be a kid again, to feel excited as the holiday season approaches so you can finally open your presents. The holidays might not be as fun for adults because of all the shopping and holiday preparation, but there’s an upside to the increased consumerism this season brings. Shopping for holiday gifts is similar to shopping for your next…

How to Search for a Job Without Alerting Your Boss (or Getting on Your Boss’s Bad Side)

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

It’s normal to want another job while you’re already employed; maybe you’re looking for new challenges, a better compensation package, a promotion, or maybe you just don’t like your current boss. Whatever it is, one thing remains constant–your current employer must not find out that you’re looking for another job. The Consequences Could be Severe Your current employer is almost…

Job Hunting Tips for the Fifty-something Applicants

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

When companies downsize or merge, older employees often get laid off first. Many companies won’t hesitate to get someone younger to take over the position held by a senior professional because of money issues. According to the AARP, workers aged 55 and over have an average length of 54.2 weeks of unemployment. This is higher than the 35.9 unemployed weeks of other…

Now is the Best Time to Prepare for Your Job Search

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

How long does it take to get a new job? A week or two, maybe? This thinking is the reason why so many job applicants don’t start preparing for the job search long before they actually need to. The usual job search – from finding job ads and sending a resume, up to the job offer – can take 90…

The State of Employment: Spring 2013

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Consumer spending is down, the economy growing and employment remains about the same. What does that mean to jobs? Read more in Lorraine Woellert’s latest Bloomberg article, “Employment Probably Grew at Steady Pace: U.S. Eco Preview.”

Why Don’t You Get a New Job?

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Here are the top reasons employees stay in their unhappy jobs, according to US News contributor Alison Green in her article, “5 Lame Excuses Preventing You from Finding a New Job.”

More Job Search DONT’S

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Not all job search strategies are good ones. Here are a few stinkers from Roger Wright of the Huffington Post: “Bad Job Search Tips.”

Job Search Has Always Required Persistence

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

There are hundreds, if not thousands of qualified job seekers vying for that same position. USA Today’s “At Work” author, Andrea Kay, talks about the need to be tenacious in the job market in her article, “At Work: Nothing Magical About Persistence in Job Hunt.”

Looking for a Summer Job?

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Check out these 8 tips on how to land the perfect summer job in VictoriaAdvocate.com author Allison Miles’ article, “Tips for Landing that Perfect Summer Job.”

Why The Job Search Tips You’ve Been Getting Just Aren’t Working

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Getting job search advice from friends, forums and other personal networks can only help your job search right? Find out if you’ve been buying into the “Top 6 Incomplete Job Search Tips” by Huffington Post contributor Roger Wright.

Changing Careers: Durham Bull Media Director’s Successful 5 Point Strategy

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Business 2 Community author AnnMarie McIlwain shares what worked for Matt DeMargel in her article, “A Job Search Homerun.”

10 Great Job Search Tips for the New Grad in 2013

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Graduating this year and feel like you’re not doing enough to secure your job prospects? Check out this helpful list from Alison Green of US News Money: “10 Key Job Search Tips For New Graduates.”

Top Ten College Majors for 2013

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Your major does matter. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for the graduating class of 2013 increased 5.3% from 2012. Find out the top paying majors for 2013 in “And The Highest-Paid College Majors Are…” by Lauren Weber of The Wall Street Journal.

How to Help Friends Who Are Job Hunting

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Michelle Riklan

Feeling helpless when it comes to friends and family members who are looking for a job? Here are some real, tangible ways you can support them in this Huffington Post article by Randy Hain, “Career Transition and ‘Jerry Maguire Moments’.”

Jobseeker’s Guide to Online Reputation Management

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Michelle Riklan

When searching for a job, it’s very common for employers nowadays to look at your online profile. This information isn’t just used to “rule out” candidates — finding a broad online presence can also improve your chances of getting the job by increasing your “know, like, and trust” factor. What a company finds about you online should reassure them about…

Recent Graduates and Today’s Job Search – Part 3

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Michelle Riklan

How to Track and Plan Your Job Search Finding a job is a job. It requires time, dedication, research, homework, and an organized plan. So how do you get started? 1. Prepare your personal inventory. You are more than just your major. What do you have to offer? This may be a good time to meet with a career…

Recent Graduates and Today’s Job Search – Part 2

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Michelle Riklan

How to create a compelling marketing tool (resume) that will attract the attention of a potential employer. So often, recent graduates complain that they have “sent out hundreds of resumes” and have not received a response. While they are quick to blame the job-market, albeit a difficult one, they often do not consider the fact that something may be wrong…

Hide and Seek – The Hidden Job Market

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Michelle Riklan

Do you spend all of your time scouring the job boards for a job and wonder why you can’t find one? Then it’s no wonder why you aren’t out there interviewing. (Companies hide the jobs, yet you continue seeking and not finding any.) The hidden job market is a term used to describe jobs that aren’t posted online or advertised….

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match!

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Michelle Riklan

As Valentine’s Day approaches, images of hearts, flowers, and Cupid come to mind. I have always thought of Cupid as an extraordinary Talent Acquisition Manager. After all, just think of some of the “job requisitions” that come across his desk! Are the position requirements realistic? I am reminded of the lyrics in Fiddler on the Roof’s infamous song, Matchmaker. “For Papa, make him…

Get Off Your “Buts”

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Michelle Riklan

According to a recent survey by CollegeGrad.com, entry-level jobs have increased by 22 percent from last year. That’s the highest percentage in 3 years. So, if you are a recent college graduate and have given up on finding that entry-level job, it is time to get off your “buts.” But, there are no jobs. But, I’ve sent my resume out…

A Proactive Job Search

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Michelle Riklan

A recent New York Times article states that “a growing share of recent college graduates are having to settle for jobs that do not require a college degree, and they are earning less than their peers as a result.” Statistics show that the employment status of college graduates under age 25 is as follows: 22.4% — Not Working. 22.0% —…

THE BOOMERANG GENERATION – How can we help you?

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Michelle Riklan

So what exactly is a “Boomeranger?” In short, it is a term to describe Gen-Xers and Gen-Yers who have moved back home with parents and family, in response to the current recession. While this situation may provide financial relief for the young adult, there are many facets to this arrangement that need exploring. Often after an “unsuccessful” job hunt, a…

Top 5 Ways to Sabotage Your Job Search

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Michelle Riklan

1. Keeping it Quiet For whatever the reason, you are not putting yourself out there. Even if you have been laid off or fired, you need to network. It is the most effective way to find a new position. But, if no-one knows you are looking, no-one will call. 2. Not Searching at All I hear so often that “there…

They Can Hear You in Your Pajamas

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Michelle Riklan

(and taking the job search seriously) We live in a world today that brings a completely new meaning to “multitasking.” Potential employers call about our resume while we’re driving to the soccer field and deals are negotiated in the supermarket produce section. With virtual offices, tele-conferences, e-summits and Skype, we need to be aware of the types of messages that…

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