You should never put your salary history or compensation demands on your resume. Many online applications require salary history but that requirement shows signs of fading away. Job applicants often feel on the spot when asked to provide information about their current salary and their salary history. They believe the company is trying to save money by basing the salary not on what the position deserves or on the salary...

Wouldn’t it be great if the employers you’re targeting with your job search/resume submissions would read every word you’ve written and pay close attention to all of them? Never happen! Realistically, that’s about as likely as presidential candidates shaking hands courteously, patting each other on the back, and exchanging friendly smiles–and meaning it! EMPLOYER HIRING PRACTICE SHORTC...

Starting to write your executive resume? Many business people sitting in chairs and looking at papers You might feel overwhelmed by the amount of information needed to produce a standout document – especially if you have decades of experience to cover. I recommend taking a step back to look at your value proposition and contributions from throughout your career, framing your story step by step. Not only will...

How to improve your resume? You’ve heard the advice: Fill your resume with accomplishments instead of job responsibilities! But that is easier said than done, isn’t it? It is often hard to remember accomplishments from past positions. Even if your memory is fresh, identifying your accomplishments requires thinking about your work in a different way. The following 21 accomplishment questions will help. Use...

The new year is an excellent time to revisit the language we use to promote ourselves at work, during interviews and when talking with clients. The words we choose or use unconsciously have a direct impact on the value others place on our contributions. Too often I hear clients use words and phrases that undersell them and demean the good work they do. This generally unconscious habit conveys an underlying lack of confid...

Rumors of the death of the cover letter are premature. Cover letters often do make a difference – especially if they have all 10 of the following advantages. 1: The name of the hiring manager, if at all possible, even if you're sending it to Human Resources. And do send it directly to the hiring manager as well! Finding the name and email address of that person may take a little web research – the compa...

Question: “I’ll be graduating college in January. If I use a professional resume writer, I’m afraid I’ll look self-important and as if I’m exaggerating my skills. Would I be better off writing my own resume?” Answer: As a professional resume writer, I have helped many recent graduates create winning resumes. Many college graduates fluctuate between being over-confident and under-confid...

A recruiter’s success is based on finding the “right talent” to help client companies hire the best person. An ERE survey conducted earlier this year noted that the main concerns companies struggle with most are the quality of candidates and the speed at which they can hire their top candidate. There are a few reasons for working with a third-party recruiter, notes Liz Ryan, a columnist for Forbes.co...

Need a few tips and tricks to make writing your next cover letter a little easier? Here are four of my favorite quick tips for creating a cover letter that will help you to stand out to employers right now: START WITH A QUESTION How are you a fit for what the employer needs? Tell the company about the benefits they’ll get should they choose you by asking them a question about what they need—but by writing...

“I am writing in response to your ad for a Vice President of Finance.” “In response to your recent online ad for a Treasurer, please find my resume.” “I am looking for an opportunity with your company as a Financial Analyst.” “My enclosed resume indicates that my background as a Controller matches your ad requirements.” What do all of the above opening statements on a...