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Articles from Michelle Riklan | Selfgrowth.com
- ***Your Summer Job is Much More Important than You Think - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2014 from Michelle RiklanEmployment rates are better this year, which means fresh graduate are expected to have better opportunities of securing a job. I wonder though, how many will take their internship seriously? How many will show up expecting three easy months of coffee-fetching and copy-making work? A research ...
Views: 6869 - ***Does Your Boss Secretly Hate You? - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2014 from Michelle RiklanI was eating at a restaurant when I overheard this woman complaining about her boss to a friend. After ranting, her friend said, “Suck it up, you’re lucky to have a job.” After hearing this conversation, I realized that sometimes, no matter how nice and polite you are; your boss just doesn’t ...
Views: 4849 - ***Success Stories of Veterans and Reservists Transitioning to Corporate Work - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2014 from Michelle RiklanAfter years of deployment, rigid schedules and working within the military’s structure, the difference in environment and job description between civilian and military work can be overwhelming. Despite the uncertainty it brings, many veterans look forward to working in the corporate world, ...
Views: 5449 - ***Stay at Home Moms: How to Hide the Glaring Employment Gap in Your Resume - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2014 from Michelle RiklanAs a stay-at-home mom, updating your resume is perhaps the most overwhelming task you’ll need to do after deciding to rejoin the workforce. I know it’s a bit overwhelming and ironic to some extent, considering you’ve done well raising your kids – updating your resume should be a piece of ...
Views: 5958 - Spring Cleaning Your LinkedIn and Online Profiles - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2014 from Michelle RiklanThe weather is warming up…it’s not too warm and it’s not too cold either. Flowers are starting to bloom and the trees are starting to wake up from their winter slumber. You know what this means, right? It’s time to clean up—the backyard, your closet of last season’s clothes, and your online ...
Views: 4381(1 vote) - DASHING Cover Letters - by Submitted on Mar 13, 2013 from Michelle RiklanAre Cover Letters Important? Yes. While some may argue that a cover letter is an “extra step”, I say it is an expected step when sending out your résumé. Outside of the fact that omitting the cover letter can be perceived as being lazy, we exist in a very competitive job-market, and a ...
Views: 5015 - ***What To Do Next With Your Résumé - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanBy investing in a professionally written résumé, you’re already positioned yourself ahead of other jobseekers. But don’t let that advantage go to waste. Now that you have your résumé, what should you do with it? This guide will give you strategies for what you can — and should — do with your ...
Views: 5755 - ***Tips for Your LinkedIn Profile Photo - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanYour profile photo on LinkedIn is very important. Did you know that profiles with pictures attract 50-70 percent more inquiries than profiles without pictures? Here are some tips for your LinkedIn photo: • Don’t use an old photo. There are few things worse than meeting someone for the ...
Views: 5383 - ***Jobseeker’s Guide to Online Reputation Management - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanWhen 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 ...
Views: 12399(1 vote) - ***Getting Started With LinkedIn In Your Job Search - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanWhy Get LinkedIn? LinkedIn is the top social networking website for jobseekers. As Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn, explains it, “Post a full profile and get connected to the people you trust. Because if you’re connected to those people and you posted a profile, then when other people are ...
Views: 7341 - LinkedIn Profile Checklist - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanProfiles that are considered “complete” by LinkedIn’s standards receive 40 more “opportunities” (contacts from prospective hiring managers and recruiters) than incomplete profiles, according to the social networking site. Filling in your profile improves your chances of being found by people ...
Views: 5254 - Jobseeker’s Guide to Salary Negotiation - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanMoney is usually the most sensitive issue in the hiring process. Discussing compensation often causes anxiety for both employee and employer. Money may seem like the biggest factor in accepting a job, but it can often cloud your decision-making process. Don’t accept a job that you’re not ...
Views: 6938(1 vote) - Job Seeker’s Guide to References - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle Riklan“Résumés win interviews, but references win job offers,” says Martin Yate, author of the “Knock ‘Em Dead” series of career books. Reference checks are important for both job seekers and employers. References are a chance for employers to add to the information they learned from your résumé ...
Views: 5660 - Jobseeker’s Guide to Leaving Your Job - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanEvery few months, you’ll see an example in the news media of someone who left their job in dramatic fashion. Examples include the JetBlue flight attendant who famously deployed the emergency chute on the runway, or the Goldman Sachs executive who wrote a “Why I Am Leaving” article in the New ...
Views: 5309 - Jobseeker’s Guide to Writing an Effective LinkedIn Profile - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanHaving an online presence on LinkedIn can be important in your job search. Your LinkedIn profile can present your credentials to prospective employers and hiring managers, increasing your chance of securing an interview. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your résumé, but it shouldn’t ...
Views: 7726 - Jobseeker’s Guide to Preparing for the Job Interview - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanThe goal of the résumé is to get you a job interview. Once you secure an interview, researching and preparing for the interview is important. Like studying for a test, some of the information you can prepare ahead of time — and some of it is important to review just to be better prepared in ...
Views: 5224 - How to Give — and Get — LinkedIn Recommendations - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanWith LinkedIn becoming increasingly important in the recruiting and hiring process, having Recommendations on your profile is important. Great Recommendations can be the difference in getting the job offer. LinkedIn Recommendations are a natural evolution of references and letters of ...
Views: 10152 - Getting Started with Facebook in Your Job Search - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanWith 845 million monthly active users (as of December 2011), Facebook has the potential to connect you with your next job. In contrast, LinkedIn, which bills itself as “the largest professional network” in the world, has 95 million unique monthly visitors. With 10 times as many members, it’s no ...
Views: 5280 - Do You Have Any Questions For Me? The Question Every Candidate Should Be Prepared to Answer In An Interview - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanJob interviews aren’t meant to be an interrogation — they are supposed to be a dialogue. An interview is as much about making sure the company is a fit for you as it is that you are a fit for the company. Preparing for the Interview Before the interview, at a minimum, you should research the ...
Views: 5576 - Don’t Make These Mistakes On LinkedIn - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle Riklan• Don’t Dismiss LinkedIn as Something Only for People Who Are Looking For a New Job. The best time to build your LinkedIn profile, connect with people, and participate on LinkedIn is now, before you need it. If you find yourself suddenly unemployed and decide that now is the time to start using ...
Views: 5004(1 vote) - 7 Reasons Why You Should Be on LinkedIn - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanWhat? You’re not on LinkedIn yet? What are you waiting for? These seven reasons outline why you should be on the social networking site. 1. Because That’s Where The People Are. LinkedIn is the number one social network for professionals — and, arguably, the most important website for ...
Views: 5034(1 vote) - 4 Things You Must Do On LinkedIn - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Michelle RiklanTo get the most out of your LinkedIn profile, make sure you do these four things: 1. Complete Your Profile. Your profile is the “front door” to your LinkedIn account. First impressions matter — so make sure you’ve made your profile as complete as possible. As an added benefit, your LinkedIn ...
Views: 5050 - How Do I Get My Resume to Land on the Top of the Pile? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2012 from Michelle RiklanJob hunt getting you down? Are you frustrated at a lack of response? These 7 tips will supercharge your resume and ensure that it stands out among the rest. Tip #1: Cut and Paste? Can someone else cut and paste what you wrote and put it on their resume? If the answer is yes, then it’s time ...
Views: 5616(1 vote) - A Proactive Job Search - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2012 from Michelle RiklanA 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 ...
Views: 6529 - Fighting the Unemployment Blues and Staying Motivated - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2012 from Michelle RiklanThe national unemployment rate fell to 8.5%, the lowest in nearly 3 years. While we seem to be moving in the right direction, this is not a window of opportunity to “go easy” on your job search. It’s a time to become even more persistent and stay ahead of the competition! While being ...
Views: 5549 - Get off your "buts". - by Submitted on Jan 30, 2012 from Michelle RiklanAccording 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, ...
Views: 5148 - Career Change – Do I stay or do I go? - by Submitted on Nov 18, 2011 from Michelle RiklanIn difficult economic times and with the national unemployment average holding steady in the 9 percent range, making a career change may be a scary prospect. It is certainly not impossible, but the possibility must be approached strategically and realistically. Statistically, people change ...
Views: 5734 - Career Change – Do I stay or do I go? - by Submitted on Nov 18, 2011 from Michelle RiklanIn difficult economic times and with the national unemployment average holding steady in the 9 percent range, making a career change may be a scary prospect. It is certainly not impossible, but the possibility must be approached strategically and realistically. Statistically, people change ...
Views: 5453 - THE BOOMERANG GENERATION – How can we help you? - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2011 from Michelle RiklanSo 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 ...
Views: 6223(1 vote) - SABOTAGING YOUR JOB SEARCH - by Submitted on May 07, 2011 from Michelle RiklanSABOTAGING YOUR JOB SEARCH By Michelle A. Riklan, CPRW, CEIC Top Five Ways to Sabotage Your Job Search 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 ...
Views: 5709(1 vote) - Dress for Success - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Michelle RiklanWe hear this phrase all too often, but what does it mean in today’s job market? How are we expected to dress for a networking event? Does it vary from a first interview? A second interview? How much impact does that first impression have and does it matter what you are wearing? The answer is ...
Views: 6547 - Are you LinkedIn? - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Michelle RiklanBefore the job is posted and advertised, where does the recruiter/HR professional/hiring manager look for potential candidates? Before they even hit the job boards, they are on LinkedIn. And, if you are not there, then you don’t exist. Let me repeat that – IF YOU ARE NOT LINKEDIN, YOU DO NOT ...
Views: 5424 - Does your résumé have enough gravy or is it a dry turkey? - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Michelle RiklanAs we prepare for the holiday season, I find myself comparing my work to feast preparations. Is there a difference between a well prepared holiday feast and a microwaveable frozen dinner in a box? As a Certified Professional Résumé Writer, I often hear from potential clients who need to be ...
Views: 5772 - INTERVIEW PRE-PLANNING AND PLANNING - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Michelle RiklanBy Michelle A. Riklan, CPRW, CEIC We can never know for sure who will be sitting across from the desk and interviewing us for that dream job. So, let me reiterate, we cannot assume that we know what will be asked and how the interview will be conducted. Our best line of defense with the ...
Views: 7365(1 vote) - ***The Job Search - “They can hear you in your pajamas.” (and taking the job search seriously) - by Submitted on Jul 07, 2010 from Michelle RiklanWe live in a world today that brings a completely new meaning to “multi-tasking”. Potential employers call about our résumé 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 ...
Views: 8725(3 votes) - Finding a Job in a difficult job market - by Submitted on Apr 27, 2010 from Michelle RiklanRecent data is bad news all around for job seekers. The number of unemployed workers in the United States now totals 12.5 million with New Jersey’s unemployment rate equaling 10.1%, one of the highest in the nation. Today’s workforce holds little opportunity for graduating college seniors, ...
Views: 6522 - Interview Strategies - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Michelle RiklanIn the course of my career I have interviewed thousands of individuals seeking employment at all levels from the entry-level college graduate to the Chief Financial Officer. While my experience spans across a wide variety of industries, the interview mistakes that I’ve seen are ...
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