Your resume and job search has to now contend with iPads, iPhones, Android phones, Blackberries and every other type of old and new tech device in between. The job search and the recruitment model is going mobile like the rest of business and every other industry—if they are smart and want to stay ahead of the competition. So how can job seekers be ready for these technological adjustments and what should they expect? (more…)

New Year. New Job. New Opportunities. “But I have been looking for a job, Lisa, so searching for a job is not new for me. I need to recharge my efforts to get results…where do I start?” If this is you, I empathize. For some, this is a new year that brings new perspective. For others, it is just another day in a life that has been focused on looking for a new position. If you need to pump some new mojo and energy into your search to get results that you want and land that next job faster, here are the six things you can do today…or even this week: (more…)

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Is it time to update your resume? If you are not sure, take this short quiz:

1.  Does your resume have an objective statement?

2.  Do you believe a resume must be one page?

3.  Have you used a wide, left-margin format?

4.  Is your resume missing a core competency section?

5.  Are your job descriptions mixed in with your accomplishments?

6.  Does your experience go back more than 10-15 years?

7.  Have you completely bulleted your entire resume?

8.  Did you complete your resume with “References Available Upon Request?”

If you have answered “yes” to any of the following questions, consider the fact that it is time to update your resume on your own with The Do-It-Yourself Branded Resume Kit or utilizing Chameleon Resumes to create the update for you.

Much a buzz about email addresses on resumes. The email provider listed in your email address can have positive, neutral or negative effects on how a hiring manager starts to read your resume. After all, the email address is placed right under your name in the top third of your document—the prime real estate spot on your resume.  How do I know this matters? As a search firm recruiter for 13 years and having the input from a robust network of recruiter friends, I can tell you how this small piece of information can possibly set the stage for your first impression and how your information gets read by recruiters. Here’s how you can make your email address matter: (more…)

Creating a social media profile is a business necessity in today’s job search marketplace. We are not only talking about Linkedin, but also Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and other niche sites. According to the most recent issue of HR Magazine issued by The Society of Human Resources Management, 78% of companies are using LinkedIn for recruiting, 54% are using Facebook, 44% are using Twitter and 18% are using blog searches. There were even some cited as using YouTube and MySpace for recruiting. So why is this important? Bottom line is if you are doing a job search and you are not on most of these mediums, you will be at a serious disadvantage in landing your next role. Here are four reasons why: (more…)

I have a friend, a high level executive, who is uses Facebook only for personal stuff, is barely present on Linkedin and sees no value in Twitter. Now I know having a vibrant presence on social media tools is not a requirement to live fully in this world, except that he is eager to find a job. He is looking diligently and working his network strategically to no avail. As his friend, I explain how it is unfathomable to me in this day and age to conduct a job search without using these social media tools more robustly. He replies, “Well, I want to maintain my privacy.” My reply? “Well, it seems to be working. No one is finding you.” (more…)

It’s hiring season! Are you ready? In addition to the summer being over and kids going back to school, it is the time of year where employers hire talent to create and/or implement strategic plans that will ensure next year exceeds expectations. Good companies are gearing up, hiring the right people and allocating resources to capitalize on the opportunities presented in the current market. Yes, there are opportunities. Are you ready to be snapped up? Here are steps to ensure you are positioned to make your next move: (more…)

I mean no offense to my recruiting brethren with my title heading. (I am a former recruiter for those who do not know.) We are certainly not idiots. Just overwhelmed. Job seekers need to know that corporate and search firm recruiters are overwhelmed with resumes and communications from candidates who are earnestly seeking their next position (sometimes using guidance from job search coaches like me ).

Knowing this fact, I tell my clients that being qualified is not enough!! Those that are qualified will rise to the top of the pile and have her resume read ONLY if their resume is idiot-proof. (more…)

I had a client ask me, “I have a 3+ year gap on my resume where I left a stable, awesome Corporate America job to pursue freelance work and to research starting my own business. I discovered I want to go back to a position at a firm versus be on my own. I recently had a recruiter tell me to find a friend who is a small business owner that will vouch for my gap saying I did my previous profession at their firm, so I have continuity. He said it will be difficult for you to find a job having done your own thing. Should I lie?” (more…)

This is an answer I provided to a question recently posed to me by a client. What? Huh? Yes, I am a Resume Writer and Job Search Coach and I am telling you the traditional resume is dead. He had a beautifully written, task-oriented, result deficient, non-branded, visually uninspiring resume that was completely devoid of technical search terms and vibrant character that would allow him to be found by a hiring manager who would be (more…)