FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How will you help me find a job?
As a Career Coach and Job Search Advisor, I will work with you one-on-one, meeting online weekly. Together we’ll discuss your career goals, research what types of office, hybrid, and remote jobs are available, and create a job search strategy. Together we’ll build you a targeted resume based on a job description you select. I’ll show you how recruiters’ source candidates on LinkedIn and how to update your LinkedIn profile. We’ll practice ways to increase your confidence networking online and in person. We’ll get you prepared for interviews, and even discuss tactics for negotiating an offer.
I’m applying for jobs, but not getting interviews
If you are applying to jobs for which you are qualified, and not getting interviews – It’s not you, it’s your resume. A resume must speak directly to the job you are applying for, or it won’t make it past the recruiter or the ATS artificial intelligence scan. Job postings receive hundreds or even thousands of applications. For job posting with 400 applicants, the recruiter will select maybe 5-7 of those applicants for a screening interviews. Most recruiters, including myself, will scan a resume for 5-7 seconds before making a decision to move on or review further, and we don’t read cover letters at this point! With a targeted resume, you can be one of those 5-7 that makes it to the interview.
I’ve just been laid off and am feeling overwhelmed
Getting laid off sucks. There is no way around it. Take some time off to grieve and get in a good state of mind rather than immediately reaching out to your network or applying for whatever jobs happen to be available. This is some good advice from an HBR article, https://hbr.org/2015/07/how-to-bounce-back-after-getting-laid-off
Do
Figure out where you stand financially by assessing your household budget in the context of your severance package and unemployment benefits
Craft a simple, upbeat explanation for your layoff to share with potential employers and contacts
Surround yourself with positive people to help you move forward
Don’t
Approach recruiters when you’re still emotionally raw — if you’re unsure of how you might come across, ask a trusted friend
Rush into the job market — instead, network with an exploratory mindset to uncover your next opportunity
Neglect your wellbeing — make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep
Getting laid off during the course of a career happens. Look at it as a great opportunity to find something better. We’ll get you ready for success in your job search.
I feel stuck in my job and career, how do I get un-stuck?
In her book Switchers https://www.drdawnoncareers.com/switchers-the-book/, Dr. Dawn Graham asks Are you stuck in an unsatisfying job or feel like you’re in the wrong profession? An industry that just isn’t a fit? Don’t just settle but succeed in the right career!
The first step is to recognize that the usual rules and job search tools won’t work for you. Resumes and job boards were designed with traditional applicants in mind. As a career switcher, you have to go beyond the basics, using tactics tailor-made to ensure your candidacy stands out.
Let’s figure out what type of work will make you happy and fulfilled, and create a plan to launch your next career.
Why do I need a targeted resume?
A targeted resume is different from a traditional, “generic” resume in that it speaks directly to the job you are applying for.
Most job postings get hundreds or even thousands of applicants. If a resume doesn’t communicate to the recruiter why you are applying for that specific job, the recruiter simply moves on, without ever reading the cover letter.
Whether your resume is reviewed by a recruiter or screened by a computer applicant tracking system using artificial intelligence, it must demonstrate that you have the specific skills and experience for the job you are applying for. It’s not about just about keywords, it’s about really showcasing your qualifications for that position. A targeted resume will dramatically increase the probability of securing an interview for the job you desire.
Does the format of my resume matter?
The format matters. Fancy fonts, pictures, graphs and multiple columns cannot be read by Applicant Tracking Systems. It might seem old-fashioned, but a basic resume in a common font works best.