From time to time I get asked about what’s appropriate to wear to a job interview, networking meeting, or other event. The answer varies based on the circumstances and type of position.The key to keep in mind at any time, however, is that first impressions do matter and dressing appropriately and professionally is a prime component of that first impression.The way you dress can tell someone a lot about you:• Do you pay atte...

I began watching “The Shark Tank” on ABC last year and it quickly became one of my favorite TV shows. It’s fascinating, and instructional, to watch people pitch their business ideas to the potential investors in the hopes of gaining venture capital to get their business off the ground or expanding more rapidly.The investors on the panel for the show consider putting up their own money for ideas or business plans they think...

People seem to get passionate about whether a Functional resume is ever appropriate versus a Chronological format to best represent their experience.If you’re not familiar with the terms...a "Functional" resume lays out the functional experience you’ve had related to the field you are pursuing. It may break down the experience by specific areas of responsibility and accomplishments. It may, or may not, indicate the companie...

It’s a huge understatement to say that 2009 was a tough year to be looking for a job. Although it looks like 2010 will be somewhat better, it’s certainly too soon to say for sure. As an individual, there’s not much you can do to change the economy, but you can certainly change your personal outlook. Use the occasion of the New Year to start anew. Take a fresh look at your job search, drop the baggage you may have picked...

Many people are struggling through a tough job search these days and it’s not likely to get dramatically easier very soon. So as the days, weeks, and months drag on without an offer in hand, I’ve got a tough question to ask you...be honest with yourself...Are you doing all you can?I teach an 8-week course in job transition skills. Each week everyone gives updates on what they did that week. However, as much as each of them...

I recently received an email from someone who’s been reading my blog and is looking for advice on his situation. He’s currently been out of work for nearly 3 years. Certainly his predicament isn’t unique, so I thought it would be helpful to discuss it here. His email stated (edited for brevity): "I had a question about something I didn't see addressed on your blog… A (Current) Employment Gap. I've managed to have a...

If you’ve ever been to London you’re probably familiar with “Mind The Gap”.The signs and announcements are everywhere throughout the Underground / Subway system. They, of course, are a warning to be careful of the gap between the trains and the platform when you’re getting into or out of one of the cars.When you’re writing your resume, it’s important to Mind The Gaps there as well.Unexplained gaps between employment on a re...

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 mon...

There was an article in the Wall Street Journal recently, titled: The New Resume: Dumb and Dumber with a subtitle of: "Job Seekers Play Down Their Credentials to Avoid Looking Overqualified"The story was about people that took graduate degrees, years of experience, or titles off their resumes that made them appear ‘overqualified’ for jobs to which they were applying.Does that work? and...Is that a good idea?Two very differe...

There’s an old ‘Seinfeld’ episode where George quit his job in Real Estate and is trying to decide what career he would like to go into next. He and Jerry are sitting around a coffee table while George throws out ideas of what he thinks he could do. They discuss his desires to be a Professor, an Architect, a Major League Baseball Manager, and several other things. He thinks he has applicable skills for any one of them. The...