Top 5 Questions to Ask a Career Counselor CareerMetis.com

Top 5 Questions to Ask a Career Counselor â€" CareerMetis.com When seeing a career counselor, you need to have the right questions ready to ask. A career counselor is a great source of career guidance and advice if you’re feeling lost at whatever stage of your career as they will aid in assessing your situation and findings ways to improve your job prospects.Here are 5 of the best questions you should ask your career counselor:1) How can I make the most out of my strengths?evalevalPlenty of graduates, job entrants, and job changers only know what they are functionally good at i.e. being good at coding, filling out balance sheets, writing content, etc. but lack the identification of soft skills that are often overlooked.A career counselor can help you identify your soft skill strengths such as your communication skills, ability to work in a team, negotiation skills, attention to detail, data analysis.Knowing your strengths is not enough though, as you also need to know how to articulate them to employers. There are career assessments that a ca reer counselor may recommend which can be used to identify your strengths, but after that, it would be advisable to get a bit of guidance on how to show these strengths whether at an interview, in a cover letter, at a career fair or an elevator pitch.2) What types of jobs or career options are there for my level of education, experience or skillset?It is vital to understand what opportunities you have for a career or job, especially for those considering a career change whether at 20, 30, 40, 50 and even older! There are always jobs and careers for you to try but it’s a matter of job fit.Your career counselor can make recommendations on what they think is most suitable for you, but they can also recommend to you job profile sites and careers databases that allow you to explore jobs, careers, and industries, learning about what the roles entail job outlook and skill or education requirements.3) How do I network more effectively?evalNetworking is one of the most important social asp ects of a career. It is a very effective tool for job hunting that is often neglected due to the effort that it takes. However, it is very rewarding because the connections you make in your professional network can one day be useful in ways such as an employee at another company giving a recommendation for you or giving you notice to any job opportunities at their company.A 2014â€"15 Survey of Employers’ Recruitment Experiences from the Department of Employment of NSW, Australia, showed that 17% of job vacancies were being filled by word-of-mouth recruitment! Therefore, it is beneficial to learn how to expand your professional network effectively.4) Can I have feedback on my resume or CV?evalYour resume is the key to moving your way into and upwards through your career. Not only does it show your experience and skills, but it also puts your personal brand out on display to recruiters.Your career counselor will know how to tweak your resume to stand out to recruiters and how to mak e the most out of your experiences. If you’ve got no direct work experience, that’s not a problem as they can help you leverage other extracurricular and academic experiences to express your fit to a position.eval5) What should I do next?An important part of seeing a career counselor is to set actionable objectives and find out what further help you can get.A career counselor will know about lots of career planning tools, career quizzes/tests, career assessments and books that will be helpful in evaluating your most suitable career options or what you should study.Though they are merely suggestions, they are often based on research studies and have generalizations that may apply to you. When they’ve given you the basic gist of everything, it is time to begin your job search which may be just as difficult. Your career counselor can guide you through this process.Regardless of what you’ve learned or found out, it is solely up to you to act upon these findings. There will be qu estions where you’ll have to find the answer yourself and you’ll find that you have to weigh your options and see what you value the most and what sacrifices you’ll make.It’s not often a career counselor can give you every answer and tell you exactly what to do for your career â€" it’s the advice and guidance that they provide that will help set you in the right direction based on your own decisions.

I was a HUGE hit in South Africa - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

I was a HUGE hit in South Africa - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Audience at my speech in Cape Town I was in South Africa last week to do 6 speeches for ICAS and some of their clients. They just sent me an email with the participant feedback, and check this out: Thank you ! Thank you ! Thank you for bringing Alex to SA to come and talk to us. What an inspiration ! I?ve been practicing some of the tips he shared with us and it does make a difference. Thank you the talk was Great, we really need more of it, and it would be good if the entire company attends. The talk was awesome and I really took something back to the office with me. I thoroughly enjoyed the session and would like to encourage my team members. Thank you to all involved in organizing the talk and especially to Alexander for availing himself and coming to talk to us!! I really felt inspired and already implemented some of the small changes that can make a huge difference. I wish my whole department was able to attend, because we could sure use some happiness and enthusiasm in the office! We should have more of these sessions here at our company. Maybe have one specifically aimed at managers. I enjoyed it and came back much more in a happy mood. It is chats like these that gets me going again , back on track I appreciated the guidance to change my own world with the tips given in the presentation. Thank you for arranging this I look forward to the next presentation. I really enjoyed the session and I am tapped into more happiness. Perhaps this would be useful as motivation in one of our newsletters. I think this should be compulsory rolled out through the whole of our company. That talk was absolutely needed. It gave me a new outlook towards MY happiness in my workplace. I think Alex is an awesome speaker and does a brilliant job because he is correct in saying happy people produces happier results. Keep it up guys WOOHOO !!! Thank you very much for your email. I am so glad that I attended the presentation of Alexander Kjerulf on Thursday. It was excellent. THANKS ,I have learnt a lot and have change my approach already,my colleuges are in AWE about the New man. It was really very valuable and enjoyable. The session made me realize that it IS possible to be happy at work. I think they liked it :o) Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Career Coaching Experts Thoughts on The Corporate Ladder - Hallie Crawford

Career Coaching Experts Thoughts on The Corporate Ladder Career coaching expert, , was recently interviewed for an article about climbing the corporate ladder. The article, A view of the top analyzed a CareerBuilder survey and found that fewer employees are aiming for top management roles. Crawford was quoted as saying I think there can be a perception that the higher you climb, the less of a life you will have. Sometimes that is accurate, but sometimes it is just a perception because there are companies out there that value and provide life balance. Some people also just dont want a management position. For example, Ive had clients who have had to manage people before and they flat out dont like it so they want to move back down. Others dont value or care about the prestige that comes up with moving up the ladder. Its not in their DNA or part of their value system, so they dont pursue it. To read the rest of the article, click here. Are you interested in climbing the corporate ladder? Or, are you unsure about the direction of your career path. Maybe you need help finding your ideal career? Why not set up a free consultation with to see if career coaching can help you? Schedule a free consult with HallieCrawford.com today

Create a Word Format Resume For Faster Job Searching

Create a Word Format Resume For Faster Job SearchingWhen writing a resume, it is always important to include information that will help potential employers look at the right person for the job. There are different resume formats out there, but sometimes it can be difficult to determine which format should be used.Perhaps the most popular and easiest resume format is the word format. This format is the most common for many reasons. First, it is formatted to make it easy for humans to read and for computers to read it, which will save you time when submitting it to the various companies. Second, it is much easier to read and write this way because it uses letters, numbers, and spaces instead of hyphens.Another benefit of using the word format is that there are a lot of resume tools available on the internet that can help you create a word format resume. You can find many free online tools that can help you create your resume in a variety of ways. Many of these tools are very user frien dly, allowing you to create your resume in minutes, but they also allow you to edit, add or remove sections, and format your resume any way you choose.There are two types of formats you can use when creating a standard resume format. These include ones that have sections for fields that apply to your job that you would like to have on your resume. It is also possible to create an extremely simple version where the only fields you must provide are the name of the company, the position you are applying for, and any other relevant information you would like to include.There are certain advantages to creating a standard resume format that is so basic, but many people are very hesitant to do this. One reason is because they are afraid that others may know what they are doing. With most jobs today, the more specialized the job, the more that people need to know about how to get a specific job.One benefit of using the word format is that you do not have to worry about someone else knowing what you are trying to hide. It is also easy to create a very simple resume because there are no headers, footers, or other forms of information. All you have to do is to put your resume in a word format, add any personal information, or edit the sections to create a resume that is designed for the specific job that you are applying for.There are many advantages to creating a basic resume format for your resume. This is one of the best ways to get a job and is the easiest to create if you know how to use the tool that is available. Many people are choosing to create their own personal resume to make it more professional, and it is becoming increasingly more common as the popularity of resumes continue to grow.

Canada Resume Format Best Tips and Examples (Updated)

Canada Resume Format Best Tips and Examples (Updated) Spread the loveIf you’re looking for a job in Canada, you need to have a resumenot a CVto begin your job search. This is easy for job seekers who already use a USA resume, but will require more adjustments for job seekers with a more comprehensive CV. In this article, we will go over some essential tips for creating a Canadian resume. At the end of the article, we’ve included a sample resume you can use to increase your chances of getting a new job in Canada.Zipjob has a wide network of career experts and hiring managers, so the information on our blog is based on real experience from people who know how to land a job in the US. If you’re looking for more specific information about how to optimize your resume, head over to our post on Best Resume Writing Services in the US and Canada (All Industries).The 3 resume formats you can use in CanadaThere are only three types of formats you should use for a resume in Canada: the traditional reverse chronological, the strategic function al resume, and the middle-ground hybrid resume. All of these formats include the same basic information with a different layout.It is vital to choose the right resume format for the job. Your choice should be determined by the amount of experience you have and the type of job you’re seeking. We’ll go into details about when to choose a different Canadian resume format, but most job seekers use the reverse chronological resume format.Most Canadian employers use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to screen your resume before its ever seen by a human. These ATS reject an average of 75% of resumes submitted. Many times the candidate is qualified, but the resume is not optimized for ATS.ATS Resume TestYou can see how your resume performs in an actual ATS scan with our Free Resume Review:Free Resume ReviewWhen to use a reverse chronological Canada resume formatA reverse chronological resume details your job experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent posit ion. This is the best resume format if you have at least some experience in the workforce. If you are a recent college graduate or have significant work gaps, however, you should consider the hybrid or functional resume formats.When to use a hybrid or functional Canada resume formatThe functional resume is a versatile format that focuses on your skills and qualifications instead of experience. While your employment history is still included, it is usually listed after your skills and education section. That places greater emphasis on those skills, showcasing your suitability for the position. As a result, this option can sometimes be used effectively by newcomers to the workplace and those who are changing careers.A hybrid resume retains the expanded reverse chronological work experience section, but it’s no longer the bulk of the resume. Instead, the skills section is also expanded to include a summary of qualifications in addition to the technical skills or core competencies sec tion.It should be noted, however, that many experts advise job seekers in Canada to stick to a format closer to the reverse chronological. Regardless of the format you chose, here is the basic information a hiring manager is looking for on your resume:Name and contact information (phone, email, city and state, and LinkedIn URL)SkillsExperienceEducationTop 3 things an employer in Canada wants to see on a resumeYou can maximize your odds of landing a job if you understand what Canadian employers want to see. That can help you to shape your Canadain resume format to fit those desires. Here are the questions you need to answer on your Canadian resume:Hard skills. Make sure your Canada resume format emphasizes the technical skills needed to perform the job. These may include data analysis, language skills, computer skills, or similar qualifications relevant to the position.Soft skills. Canadian employers appreciate people skills. These soft skills can include everything from communicatio n and teamwork skills to problem-solving, flexibility, and the ability to learn and adapt. Include these skills throughout your resume with examples, results, and metrics.Professional qualifications. Canadian employers, like most other employers, value relevant professional qualifications. Make sure you are qualified by the right institutions for the job you’re applying for.Canada resume format example:Additional tips for writing a Canadian resumeTo modify your resume to the Canada resume format, it’s important to pay attention to the small details.Include only the relevant informationStarting with your contact information at the very top, include your name, location (city and province), phone, email, and LinkedIn URL. If you have a second page, it should also include your name at the top of the page.Keep your skills, experience, and additional information highly tailored to the job youre applying for. This might mean omitting jobs from 10+ years ago or adding in volunteer work. Dont include any personal details like your date of birth, parent or spouse names, marital status, or identification numbers. Canadian employers don’t want to see this and may reject your resume automatically to avoid discrimination concerns.SummaryThe resumes in Canada are very similar to resumes in the US, but vastly different from CVs in other countries. Stick to resume formats that employers will expect, and play up your strengths. By using these Canada resume format tips, you can increase your chances of securing an interview and landing an eventual job.Good luck with your job search! Canada Resume Format Best Tips and Examples (Updated) Spread the loveIf you’re looking for a job in Canada, you need to have a resumenot a CVto begin your job search. This is easy for job seekers who already use a USA resume, but will require more adjustments for job seekers with a more comprehensive CV. In this article, we will go over some essential tips for creating a Canadian resume. At the end of the article, we’ve included a sample resume you can use to increase your chances of getting a new job in Canada.Zipjob has a wide network of career experts and hiring managers, so the information on our blog is based on real experience from people who know how to land a job in the US. If you’re looking for more specific information about how to optimize your resume, head over to our post on Best Resume Writing Services in the US and Canada (All Industries).The 3 resume formats you can use in CanadaThere are only three types of formats you should use for a resume in Canada: the traditional reverse chronological, the strategic function al resume, and the middle-ground hybrid resume. All of these formats include the same basic information with a different layout.It is vital to choose the right resume format for the job. Your choice should be determined by the amount of experience you have and the type of job you’re seeking. We’ll go into details about when to choose a different Canadian resume format, but most job seekers use the reverse chronological resume format.Most Canadian employers use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to screen your resume before its ever seen by a human. These ATS reject an average of 75% of resumes submitted. Many times the candidate is qualified, but the resume is not optimized for ATS.ATS Resume TestYou can see how your resume performs in an actual ATS scan with our Free Resume Review:Free Resume ReviewWhen to use a reverse chronological Canada resume formatA reverse chronological resume details your job experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent posit ion. This is the best resume format if you have at least some experience in the workforce. If you are a recent college graduate or have significant work gaps, however, you should consider the hybrid or functional resume formats.When to use a hybrid or functional Canada resume formatThe functional resume is a versatile format that focuses on your skills and qualifications instead of experience. While your employment history is still included, it is usually listed after your skills and education section. That places greater emphasis on those skills, showcasing your suitability for the position. As a result, this option can sometimes be used effectively by newcomers to the workplace and those who are changing careers.A hybrid resume retains the expanded reverse chronological work experience section, but it’s no longer the bulk of the resume. Instead, the skills section is also expanded to include a summary of qualifications in addition to the technical skills or core competencies sec tion.It should be noted, however, that many experts advise job seekers in Canada to stick to a format closer to the reverse chronological. Regardless of the format you chose, here is the basic information a hiring manager is looking for on your resume:Name and contact information (phone, email, city and state, and LinkedIn URL)SkillsExperienceEducationTop 3 things an employer in Canada wants to see on a resumeYou can maximize your odds of landing a job if you understand what Canadian employers want to see. That can help you to shape your Canadain resume format to fit those desires. Here are the questions you need to answer on your Canadian resume:Hard skills. Make sure your Canada resume format emphasizes the technical skills needed to perform the job. These may include data analysis, language skills, computer skills, or similar qualifications relevant to the position.Soft skills. Canadian employers appreciate people skills. These soft skills can include everything from communicatio n and teamwork skills to problem-solving, flexibility, and the ability to learn and adapt. Include these skills throughout your resume with examples, results, and metrics.Professional qualifications. Canadian employers, like most other employers, value relevant professional qualifications. Make sure you are qualified by the right institutions for the job you’re applying for.Canada resume format example:Additional tips for writing a Canadian resumeTo modify your resume to the Canada resume format, it’s important to pay attention to the small details.Include only the relevant informationStarting with your contact information at the very top, include your name, location (city and province), phone, email, and LinkedIn URL. If you have a second page, it should also include your name at the top of the page.Keep your skills, experience, and additional information highly tailored to the job youre applying for. This might mean omitting jobs from 10+ years ago or adding in volunteer work. Dont include any personal details like your date of birth, parent or spouse names, marital status, or identification numbers. Canadian employers don’t want to see this and may reject your resume automatically to avoid discrimination concerns.SummaryThe resumes in Canada are very similar to resumes in the US, but vastly different from CVs in other countries. Stick to resume formats that employers will expect, and play up your strengths. By using these Canada resume format tips, you can increase your chances of securing an interview and landing an eventual job.Good luck with your job search! Canada Resume Format Best Tips and Examples (Updated) Spread the loveIf you’re looking for a job in Canada, you need to have a resumenot a CVto begin your job search. This is easy for job seekers who already use a USA resume, but will require more adjustments for job seekers with a more comprehensive CV. In this article, we will go over some essential tips for creating a Canadian resume. At the end of the article, we’ve included a sample resume you can use to increase your chances of getting a new job in Canada.Zipjob has a wide network of career experts and hiring managers, so the information on our blog is based on real experience from people who know how to land a job in the US. If you’re looking for more specific information about how to optimize your resume, head over to our post on Best Resume Writing Services in the US and Canada (All Industries).The 3 resume formats you can use in CanadaThere are only three types of formats you should use for a resume in Canada: the traditional reverse chronological, the strategic function al resume, and the middle-ground hybrid resume. All of these formats include the same basic information with a different layout.It is vital to choose the right resume format for the job. Your choice should be determined by the amount of experience you have and the type of job you’re seeking. We’ll go into details about when to choose a different Canadian resume format, but most job seekers use the reverse chronological resume format.Most Canadian employers use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to screen your resume before its ever seen by a human. These ATS reject an average of 75% of resumes submitted. Many times the candidate is qualified, but the resume is not optimized for ATS.ATS Resume TestYou can see how your resume performs in an actual ATS scan with our Free Resume Review:Free Resume ReviewWhen to use a reverse chronological Canada resume formatA reverse chronological resume details your job experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent posit ion. This is the best resume format if you have at least some experience in the workforce. If you are a recent college graduate or have significant work gaps, however, you should consider the hybrid or functional resume formats.When to use a hybrid or functional Canada resume formatThe functional resume is a versatile format that focuses on your skills and qualifications instead of experience. While your employment history is still included, it is usually listed after your skills and education section. That places greater emphasis on those skills, showcasing your suitability for the position. As a result, this option can sometimes be used effectively by newcomers to the workplace and those who are changing careers.A hybrid resume retains the expanded reverse chronological work experience section, but it’s no longer the bulk of the resume. Instead, the skills section is also expanded to include a summary of qualifications in addition to the technical skills or core competencies sec tion.It should be noted, however, that many experts advise job seekers in Canada to stick to a format closer to the reverse chronological. Regardless of the format you chose, here is the basic information a hiring manager is looking for on your resume:Name and contact information (phone, email, city and state, and LinkedIn URL)SkillsExperienceEducationTop 3 things an employer in Canada wants to see on a resumeYou can maximize your odds of landing a job if you understand what Canadian employers want to see. That can help you to shape your Canadain resume format to fit those desires. Here are the questions you need to answer on your Canadian resume:Hard skills. Make sure your Canada resume format emphasizes the technical skills needed to perform the job. These may include data analysis, language skills, computer skills, or similar qualifications relevant to the position.Soft skills. Canadian employers appreciate people skills. These soft skills can include everything from communicatio n and teamwork skills to problem-solving, flexibility, and the ability to learn and adapt. Include these skills throughout your resume with examples, results, and metrics.Professional qualifications. Canadian employers, like most other employers, value relevant professional qualifications. Make sure you are qualified by the right institutions for the job you’re applying for.Canada resume format example:Additional tips for writing a Canadian resumeTo modify your resume to the Canada resume format, it’s important to pay attention to the small details.Include only the relevant informationStarting with your contact information at the very top, include your name, location (city and province), phone, email, and LinkedIn URL. If you have a second page, it should also include your name at the top of the page.Keep your skills, experience, and additional information highly tailored to the job youre applying for. This might mean omitting jobs from 10+ years ago or adding in volunteer work. Dont include any personal details like your date of birth, parent or spouse names, marital status, or identification numbers. Canadian employers don’t want to see this and may reject your resume automatically to avoid discrimination concerns.SummaryThe resumes in Canada are very similar to resumes in the US, but vastly different from CVs in other countries. Stick to resume formats that employers will expect, and play up your strengths. By using these Canada resume format tips, you can increase your chances of securing an interview and landing an eventual job.Good luck with your job search!

Your Essential LinkedIn Guide Harness The Awesomeness - Work It Daily

Your Essential LinkedIn Guide Harness The Awesomeness - Work It Daily Not long ago, I did a post on why everyone needs a resume. It’s the single most valuable bit of career advice I give to clients, friends, and associates. Bottom line there: A resume is a priceless marketing tool one should have at the ready at all times, whether one is a job seeker, an entrenched employee, a freelancer, or even a business owner. The other top piece of career advice I give to anyone who will listen is to get your LinkedIn ducks in a row. In short, being on LinkedIn and using it in the best way to achieve maximum results. Here's your essential LinkedIn Guide: “What's LinkedIn?” LinkedIn is an online networking site similar in functionality to Facebook, in terms of allowing users to create profiles and interact with others online. LinkedIn is widely accepted by professionals at all levels as the place to maintain a presence and interact with others for business purposes. “But I’m Not Looking For A Job. Why Do I Need To Be On It?” LinkedIn is not just helpful for job seekers. Yes, LinkedIn is a job search tool, but it’s also a reputation-builder, a marketing tool, and the ultimate online business networking tool. I have personally gotten press opportunities, business partnership possibilities, and many clients through people finding me on LinkedIn. I also used LinkedIn to find and contact sources when I was doing research for the “Entertainment Career Kickstart Kit” I released through Your Industry Insider. And I have connected with people all over the world who contacted me through LinkedIn to ask a question or get help with a professional project. You never know where those friendships could lead, but for now I have a broad reputation related to what I do. If I ever need a job, I’m in good shape. “Okay, I Get It. What Do I Do?” There are three elements to maximizing your use of LinkedIn: 1. Your Profile That is your professional identity. It’s your cover letter, resume, business card, elevator pitch, and interview suit all rolled up into one. Your profile MUST have an accurate and descriptive title, a compelling summary, well-written descriptions of your current and previous positions, and an appropriate picture. Accurate and descriptive title: This doesn't necessarily have to be your current job title, though it can be. If you have a prestigious title at a recognizable company or if you are just representing your corporate identity, use that. If you want to promote yourself in a broader way, you can use “Marketing Executive” or “Entertainment Industry Professional” or even “Public Relations Expert.” But only use expert if you are an expert. Billing yourself as a “PR Expert” five years out of college makes you look silly and is just plain annoying to those who are PR experts who might be in a position to hire you or refer you to someone else. (That’s where the “accurate” part comes into play.) A compelling summary: If you have a well-written, targeted resume (like all of my former clients do!), you can probably copy the headline section off of the top of that and paste it into the summary section on LinkedIn. If you don’t have a well-written, targeted resume, your summary should be a few sentences on your core skills and career trajectory, with an eye toward what you want to get out of your LinkedIn profile. For instance, if you are a Marketing Executive starting to look for your next corporate position or a former marketing executive looking for more consulting work, you might put some version of, “Innovative, forward-thinking marketing professional with experience in the hospitality and tourism industry working with top-tier boutique brands, as well as large corporations, such as Marriott and Hilton. Core strengths include branding, special promotions, and strategy.” As you write your summary, think about who might be reading it and what you want from them. Enticing recruiters and hiring executives requires a different tone and different content then if you want to attract consulting clients, press opportunities, or VC funding. Well-written descriptions of your current and previous positions: Again, if you have a well-written, targeted resume, the work has basically already been done and you are largely cutting and pasting, only editing due to length and formatting constraints. If not, think about your overall role in each position and what you did, emphasizing accomplishments over duties and really honing in on where you made money or saved money for yourself (as a business owner) or someone else (as an employee or contractor). An appropriate picture: Focused, close enough to see your eyes, which should be looking at the camera, smiling (or pleasant-looking if smiling isn’t your thing), and professional. No blurry vacation photos with festive hats. No pictures of your cute kids. (Save those for Facebook.) Think about how someone might meet you at a professional networking event. Look like that. 2. Connections A great profile without a decent number of connections (200+ minimum) is as useful as having a great collection of connections and a lame profile. Which is to say, not very useful at all. So, if you are a rookie, you want to let LinkedIn search your Outlook or Yahoo (or whatever e-mail system you use) to help you find people you know who are already on LinkedIn. And then LinkedIn will suggest other people you might know based on the connections of your existing connection (called 2nd and 3rd tier connections on LinkedIn). (Awesome, right?) Also, get out the business cards you've been collecting at actual in-person networking events the last year or so and find and connect with those people. Soon you will be blowing by that 200-connection minimum I set for you on your way to being a LinkedIn pro. I myself go to LinkedIn whenever I meet someone new and look them up. Not only do I usually get a better idea of what they do/have done, LinkedIn will also tell me if we have connections in common. (Awesome, #2!) I almost always send my new contacts an invitation to connect, along with a note about our meeting. It’s a great way to follow up and also to get them into my permanent “Rolodex.” Everyone debates about whether they should only connect with people they have met or know personally or widen the circle to include people in their industry who they have not met â€" or even the professional world at large. Some people are even offended when people they do not know contact them to connect. Personally, I accept connection invitations from people in my field and others who seem interesting and somehow relevant, especially if they personalize the invitation to connect. I pass on people who have no apparent relevance to me and don’t bother to tell me in their invitation note why they want to connect. I also pass on connecting with people who tell me in their invitation message that they want to use me as a job resource. (“Dude, I can’t recommend you for a job if I don’t know you.”) 3. Outreach Now that you have your profile in shape and are fairly-well connected, it’s time to look around LinkedIn, see who else you might know, or want to know. That’s where GROUPS come in handy. The local branch of your college alumni association, your offline professional organization, even just a loose organization of people in your field- all of these could be helpful groups to join. You want groups which contain professionals who might be helpful to you, and who you might be able to help by answering their questions, thus building your reputation and potentially getting relevant opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise know about if you just built your profile and gathered connections and didn’t get out once in a while. I’m going to close (but I could go on quite a bit longer and don’t you forget it!) by giving one more example of why LinkedIn is awesome: LinkedIn automatically sends out weekly updates of what everyone in your 1st tier has been up to. If they’ve updated any part of their profile, joined a group, made a new connection, or updated their status, it’s there. Scanning the update is a great way to find people you might know, too, or discover groups you might want to join. But it’s also a great marketing tool for you. For instance, if you are a freelancer, whenever you add new projects to your profile, the update indicates that you have updated your experience. Potential employers and former employers who are in your first tier get the update and can see what you’ve been up to lately. Maybe they have a similar project. Now here you are, in a completely passive way, and top of mind when they need someone like you. Awesome, right? So, are you ready to jump onto LinkedIn and experience the awesomeness for yourself? Or maybe you are already on LinkedIn and have a great story about getting a job, a freelance gig (or five), or some other great opportunity through LinkedIn. Please share in the comments. Enjoy this article? You've got time for another! Check out these related articles: 3 Critical Elements of Every LinkedIn Invitation LinkedIn Cheat Sheet: 5 Tips For A Professional Profile 10 Powerful Ways To Optimize LinkedIn Groups   Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

8 Cringeworthy Phrases That Are Ruining Your Resume

8 Cringeworthy Phrases That Are Ruining Your Resume Writing a resume is arguably the fruchtwein stress-inducing part of the job application process. You only have one page (or less, if youre using a fancy format) to prove to a hiring manager why they should hire you. As a result, every single word and properly placed comma matters.Unfortunately, especially if youve churned out dozens of resumes in a heated job search, our resume language can get a bit outrageous. These eight cringeworthy phrases are commonly used on job applications even if everyone in HR hates them because theyre just such great fillers. If youve got any on your application, its time to take them out ASAP. Weve even given you what to say instead.1. A proven track record ofThis phrase is cringeworthy because it spells out something that should be exemplified in your application. Instead of spelling out that you have a record of doing awesome things, skip the intro and get right into concrete examples.2. Responsible forJust like the phrase a proven track record of..., responsible for should be cut for language with substance. As great writers say Show, dont tell.3. With a passion forEveryone is passionate about their field of work or they at least pretend to be in their application. Come up for a better reason for what you do than pure passion. Connect your field to your past, your lifes ambitions or your skills rather than sticking to that passion stuff.4. Goal-orientedIf youre a successful professional, you are goal-oriented. Period. Being able to work towards a goal is like being able to work towards a deadline Its the bare minimum. Instead of describing yourself as goal-oriented, find a more descriptive term for your work style.5. Team playerLike being goal-oriented, being a team player is a given. No one is going to write that they are a total jerk on their resume, so you shouldnt write that youre a good team member, either. Your references and past experiences speak for themselves on th is front. Dedicate your resume space to discussing your objective achievements instead.6. Detail-orientedThe same goes for detail-oriented. Rather than describing yourself with this boring phrase, exemplify this characteristic in the work examples you provide. And make sure youre really perceived as detail-oriented by proofreading your resume.7. SynergyBusiness buzzwords like synergy are often misused. And even if they arent, theyre often misinterpreted. Stick to plain terms when describing your accomplishments. A down-to-earth read goes a long way.8. Excellent communication skillsThis phrase is so general that no one could possibly deduce anything about you from it. Instead of describing yourself as an excellent communicator something many, many people would say about themselves list specific skillsets you have around communication. Or, just nail your cover letter and that will say enough.