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Articles by Michele Lando
The 13 Most Common Behavioral Interview Questions + How to Answer Them
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk If you’re a person who always has a story to share, you’ll thrive when asked a behavioral interview question! At the end of the day, behavioral interview questions are all about the story. It's about telling a compelling anecdote that highlights your value as a candidate. One of the worst job interview mistakes you can make is arriving unprepared. Some of you are natural-born storytellers, which usually translates to creative answers to behavioral interview questions.
15 Interview Questions for Managers
15 Interview Questions for Managers If you’re preparing for an interview for a manager position, you'll want to prepare for the most common interview questions for managers. Here are some of the questions interviewers ask for leadership roles and how to answer them like a boss. Photo by Vadim Bogulov on Unsplash When looking to interview for a leadership role, are you prepared to answer the most common interview questions for managers?
How to Respond to an Interview Request | Career Contessa
How to Respond to an Interview Request How do you respond to an interview request when you're job searching, not actively searching, or when it's not quite the right time? Here's how to handle interview requests. Photo by Hasan Albari When in the midst of a job search, receiving an interview request can be very exciting. It means that you’ve made it to the next step of the job application process! Go you! You should be very proud of yourself for advancing to the next step.
15+ Trick Interview Questions + How to Answer Them
15+ Trick Interview Questions + How to Answer Them If a trick interview question has ever stumped you, this is a must-read to answer the toughest interview questions. Your interviewer just asked a trick interview question, and you're panicked. We’ve all been there. You get a call back for an interview, and excitement bubbles up that your job search is moving forward. Hooray! But then the stress settles in, and you start getting nervous about your interview. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
How to Write the Goodbye Email to Your Coworkers
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash How do you say goodbye to your coworkers when you leave a job? Depending on your situation at work, you might feel supported to take on a new opportunity that will propel your career forward, or you might feel some tension about the transition. Regardless, you can handle the situation with grace in order to keep the connections you’ve made and maintain good terms with your current employer.
Five Ways To Improve Your LinkedIn Profile in 10 Minutes Or Less
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Secrets of the Background Check: How + Why Employers Run Background Checks
Photo by Martino Pietropoli on Unsplash Have you ever wondered what happens when a potential employer runs a background check? Background checks are used for a few different reasons, but first and foremost, they are used for identity verification. Beyond that, background checks are used to verify information that a candidate lists on their resume or job application.
Goals for Work: 15 Goals for Anyone to Set at Work
Photo by Rhett Wesley on Unsplash How do you set goals for work that are realistic and attainable? We have a lot of content surrounding setting goals, but here we’re discussing work-specific goals you can achieve regardless of your title or industry. According to Gallup, 70 percent of US adults attempt to set goals at the beginning of the year. With this said, many people don’t actually end up achieving these goals. Why? Accountability and unrealistic expectations are likely big factors here.
How To Write A 30 60 90 Day Plan: A Step By Step Guide
Photo by Polina Zimmerman Why should we prepare 30-60-90-day plans at every new job—and maybe even at our existing jobs? It’s really common to feel overwhelmed and sometimes totally lost in a new environment. This spans from social settings to professional settings alike. When starting a new job, settling in and learning the ropes in your new role can take a little while. This is where the 30-60-90-day plan comes in.
How to Write a Functional Resume + a Functional Resume Template
What is a functional resume, and how does it differ from other types of resumes? Most people have not been formally educated on how to write a resume, so it might be a totally new concept to learn that there are several different types of resumes. The most common style of resume is the reverse-chronological resume which focuses on work experience and lists a candidate’s career history in reverse-chronological order.
14 Must-See Resume Trends + How They Affect Your Job Search
Recruiters and hiring managers spend an average of six to seven seconds reviewing each resume. This statistic alone can be stressful, however, knowledge is power. If you know that someone will be skimming your resume, it’s important to build a resume that will work in your favor and highlight all that you have to offer in just a few seconds.
How to Heal From a Toxic Job
How to Heal After Leaving a Toxic Job Just because you quit your toxic job does not mean that it's all over. Here's how to reflect and heal from a toxic work situation. Photo by Martin Martz on Unsplash Leaving a toxic job isn't as easy as it might seem—and once you leave, it isn't really over. Many of us were taught that we could do anything if we put our minds to it. This sounds great until you realize that sometimes, it has nothing to do with you.
How Can I Make Money? 50+ Reliable Ways to Earn Money | Career Contessa
How Can I Make Money? 50+ Reliable Ways to Earn Money There are lots of articles on how to make money fast or how to make easy money. In this piece, we're exploring the reality of making money online and offline. Photo by Mikhail Nilov How can I make money? Okay, but can I really make money doing that? Between inflation, the pandemic, and a multitude of other factors, it seems like financial stress is a more common topic than ever.
Wondering what to remove from your résumé? We have you covered
When I hosted a mentor session for Create & Cultivate Insiders, I got a lot of questions about résumé format and career path, but one question that stood out to me was, “When is it time to take something off of your résumé?” This is a great question because the answer depends on your experience and the goal of your résumé. With that said, there are a few guidelines you should follow to help you see the signs that it’s time to take something off of your résumé.
How being overdressed for an interview can negatively affect your chances of landing the job
Once you schedule an interview, these are just a few of the questions that might be swimming in your head: What if I show up and I’m overdressed? What if I’m underdressed? Will it even make that much of a difference? How bad is it really to be overdressed for an interview? According to data released in the Job Interview Anxiety Survey, 92% of employed Americans get stressed out about job interviews, but it’s not just the actual interview that stresses people out.
Why you should dress up for a phone interview
You may be wondering how clothing affects your ability to communicate. It all starts with that first impression. First impressions mean a lot. Think about how often we judge people almost immediately based on their appearance. Clothing is a tool that can help you take control of how people see you and manipulate their viewpoint. Do you want to appear as a strong, knowledgeable, and confident individual? Your clothing can help with that! In Jennifer J.
3 signs it’s time to take something off of your resume
When I hosted a mentor session for Create & Cultivate Insiders, I got a lot of questions about résumé format and career path, but one question that stood out to me was, “When is it time to take something off of your résumé?” This is a great question because the answer depends on your experience and the goal of your résumé. With that said, there are a few guidelines you should follow to help you see the signs that it’s time to take something off of your résumé.
How to figure out what to wear for a virtual interview
Virtual interviews are the norm now, but that doesn’t make it much easier to determine what you should wear. Even though the interview is virtual and you’re likely taking the interview from home, it’s still important to dress well and show respect. Here’s how to figure out what to wear for a virtual interview. Ask The easiest and often most underutilized tool when you’re trying to determine what to wear for a virtual interview is to ask.
5 strategies to help you find a job during COVID-19
Figuring out your next career move can be difficult regardless of the scenario, but add a global pandemic and high levels of unemployment to that and it can be downright petrifying. Starting out on a new job search can seem daunting, but it becomes much more attainable if you break it up into small tasks that you can accomplish one at a time. Here are five strategies to help you find a job during COVID.
More than half of hiring managers agree that this can help you land an interview
Surveys show that more than half of hiring managers agree that if you adjust your resume and customize it for the position you’re applying to, this can help you land an interview. One of the key factors of a great resume is that it is catered to the job you’re applying for. It sounds like a difficult task, but it’s a fairly simple process if you break it down into a few steps. Here is exactly how to cater your resume to a specific job and why doing this can help you land an interview.
6 statistics that will change the way you apply to jobs
There’s no way to sugar coat this: Amidst a public health pandemic and economic depression, it is a difficult time to be searching for a job. It is very easy to get discouraged, however there are job opportunities out there, so it’s just about being persistent, highlighting your value, and being strategic with your job search. With that in mind, I wanted to share six statistics that will change the way you apply to jobs.
What Am I Doing With My Life? How to Figure It Out
Have you ever sighed and asked yourself, "What am I doing with my life?" Watching people trope around Europe or sipping Aperol spritzes on the beach can make any of us question our life choices. This is the age of social media. Whether scrolling on Instagram or pushing through the daily grind, it’s easy to wake up and question the path that you’re on. Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to have your entire life figured out right now.
How to land the job you're overqualified for
You have all of the qualifications and many more, but you can’t seem to land the job. Sound familiar? It’s harder to land a job that you’re overqualified for than you might think. Why it’s hard to land a job that you’re overqualified for Employers want to hire an employee who will be the right fit in every sense of the matter.
What font should you use on your resume?
Believe it or not, font does matter. A lot. The font of a resume determines the aesthetic of the document, gives off the correct feel, and greatly determines how people view your document. Think of font like clothing. Even if you are showered and have your hair done, it’s your clothing that determines what you look like. You might have great information and formatting on your resume, but if you pick a font that’s hard to read, you’re not going to have a great document.
This application technique might be hurting your chances of landing a job
It’s no secret that finding a job is hard. Some people have an easier time than others depending on scope of work, connections, etc., however many people end up applying to jobs online. When using online application systems, the technique you use to apply can make a big difference. LinkedIn is a fantastic tool to use during your job search, however it might not be the best way to apply to jobs. Why? The answer is simple. LinkedIn doesn’t allow for much customization.
1 common job search tactic that doesn't work
According to a March 2019 study done by the National Federation of Independent Business, 54% of business owners reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill. This suggests that many people apply for jobs they aren’t qualified for, which gives hiring managers the idea that qualified candidates aren’t out there.
What you should know about applying for jobs this holiday season
It’s that time of year when seasons begin to change, and a lot of people start pondering their jobs: “Is my current role a good fit for me?” “Is it time to search for something new?” Regardless of your employment status or what you’re considering for your next career move, here are a few things you should know applying for jobs this holiday season.
Why a flashy resume won't get you the job
A lot of people reach out to me asking for flashy resumes that they’ve seen on Pinterest, however, the truth is that a flashy resume won’t get you the job. Regardless of how pretty your document is, if the content isn’t there, the pretty resume won’t do you any good.
4 quick tips to put together an outfit for the office in a hurry
Life gets hectic and it can feel like there’s not enough time to look put together and professional, but that is simply not the case. I promise that if you put in some prep work, you can absolutely look polished and professional even when you’re rushing out of the house in the morning. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time, and swapping out a few items in your wardrobe will make a huge difference in how you look and feel.
4 items you can leave off your resume
A lot of people think that you need to include everything on your resume, but the truth is that a great resume is simply a snapshot of your career that articulates your value and makes the reader want to learn more about you as a candidate. While there are some items that are critical to include on your resume, there are actually a lot of things you can leave off.
8 Dream Jobs You Should Aim to Get in 2018
New Year, new you, new job. This mantra is true for many people as we head into the New Year, but when it comes to finding the right job to meet your needs, some factors are more important than others. Regardless of how desperate or miserable you are in your current role, taking a job that doesn’t meet your needs could steer you down the wrong path and put you in a tough position when it comes to finding a job that you really love.
3 signs that it's time to take something off of your resume
Back in September, I hosted a mentor session for Create & Cultivate Insiders where they were able to submit questions to be answered. There was a lot about resume format and career path, but one question that stood out to me was, “when is it time to take something off of your resume?” This is a great question to tackle because the answer changes based on your experience and the goal of your resume.
3 things that will make your resume more effective
Finding a job is hard, and applying for jobs can be super intimidating, so it’s important that you submit a resume that highlights your value and makes you feel confident. Metrics and achievements are always important to include, but today I wanted to talk about the things you might not have thought of. Many people end up leaving off valuable information because they simply don’t realize that it’s important.
4 ways to enhance your online footprint as an entrepreneur
To say that it’s important to enhance your online footprint as an entrepreneur is an understatement. Your online footprint is what will help you build brand trust, expand your client base, and raise awareness about your business. This is not to say that you can’t succeed without an online footprint, however in this day and age, expanding your brand into the online space (even if you don’t offer online services) is very beneficial.
Want to Negotiate the Salary You Actually Deserve? Consider This First
Let’s acknowledge the fact that you may have been underpaid before, whether it was in a previous role or current role. Relax! It can happen to the best of us. It might have been because you were so excited about the job that you said yes to the first number they offered, or maybe you were too nervous to ask for what you really needed.
4 reasons to add your side hustle to your resume
When I say “side hustle,” I’m not only talking about a side business, but I’m talking about all of the little things you do on the side of what may be considered your day job or traditional career. This includes any volunteer work, freelance work, hobbies, or part-time work that earns extra income. It might be surprising that all of these side projects impact your ability to land a job, however, a recent government study found that volunteering is associated with 27% higher odds of employment.
3 strategies to help you make the most out of your performance review
Performance reviews can be stressful, to say the least, and anxiety-inducing for most, but if you go into the review with a positive attitude, it can actually be a huge opportunity to learn about your strengths, weaknesses, and an opportunity to gather data for your resume. Here three strategies to help you make the most out of your performance review. Start by doing some research In order to make the most out of your performance review, start by doing a bit of research on yourself.
When is it time to take something off your resume?
A common misconception is that you should include your whole career path on your resume. While this is true for some people, most people should include some adjusted version of their career path on their resume. Today I wanted to discuss the question of when is it time to take something off of your resume.
How to land the job you're overqualified for
You have all of the qualifications and many more, but you can’t seem to land the job. Sound familiar? It’s harder to land a job that you’re overqualified for than you might think. Why it’s hard to land a job that you’re overqualified for Employers want to hire an employee who will be the right fit in every sense of the matter.
3 signs it's time to hire a professional resume writer
I believe that everyone should learn how to write their own resume to effectively highlight their value, however it’s important to realize that many people don’t have the knowledge to do this, the time to do this, or quite frankly the desire to write their own resume. That’s where professionals like me come in. I’m a certified professional resume writer and offer all forms of content writing including resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, web content, and more.
4 strategies to help you stay motivated at work
Part of avoiding burnout at work is taking time for yourself (i.e. the three day weekend coming up for Labor Day) but it can be difficult to stay motivated when you know that a break is right around the corner. Sometimes we all need a little help to stay motivated at work so I’m sharing some tips to help you keep your motivation levels high when you need a little extra push.
5 ways to improve your Linkedin profile in 10 minutes or less
I’ve talked a lot about how important LinkedIn is, and have also discussed how to optimize your LinkedIn profile by doing things like creating an engaging summary, however today I wanted to talk about the little details that make a big impact. Here are five ways to improve your LinkedIn profile in 10 minutes or less. Yes, you heard that right, you can improve your LinkedIn profile in 10 minutes or less! It’s a lot easier than you think.
3 mistakes you're probably making on your resume
Writing a resume is hard. It can be difficult to write about yourself (even for me) and look at your accomplishments objectively. Additionally, writing a resume is not intuitive, and it’s not something that is really taught in school, so many people are forced to make do with what they know and attempt to create a document they think will help them succeed. Whether you’ve created your resume on your own or acquired help, there are three mistakes you’re probably making on your resume.
The top 4 questions I get asked as a professional resume writer
As a professional resume writer, I aim to be a resource for clients and readers, so I answer a lot of questions relating to job search and resume writing. There are a lot of questions that get asked repeatedly, but these four questions are among the most common questions I get. How long should my resume be? This is a hard question to answer because there is no one size fits all for a resume, but there are some guidelines you should follow when you’re figuring out the perfect length for your resume.
5 steps to set yourself up for a successful job search
Figuring out your next career move can be difficult, and starting out on a new job search can seem daunting, but it becomes much more attainable if you break it up into small tasks that you can accomplish one at a time. Here are five steps to set yourself up for a successful job search. Brainstorm If you want to set yourself up for a successful job search, start by brainstorming to figure out what you want to do.
How to figure out your transferable skills
Figuring out your transferable skills is key to transition into a new role or a new area of your career. Most people get extremely intimidated by exploring career opportunities outside of their comfort zone, however, what people often don’t realize is that there are a lot of skills that are transferable between careers. If you want to explore other career options, it’s key to figure out your transferable skills and highlight these on your resume.
Do You Cancel Plans Constantly? This May Be the Answer to Why
In your 20s, you may have loved going out and relishing the fact that you could legally enjoy a drink or have a night out on the town with friends, but now you just want to come home, put on your comfiest clothing, and curl up with a book or your favorite TV show. Whether it’s because you’re exhausted from work or are finally just comfortable spending time by yourself, you might find yourself constantly bailing on your social plans.
4 Things to Add to Your Resume as a Stay at Home Mom
Let’s get this out of the way: being a mom is hard and is a more challenging job than most. However, it often isn’t considered to be traditional employment (i.e. you’re not being employed by a company to be a mom). You may not be going into an office every day, but you’re definitely working hard. Not only did you create and grow a human, but you took the time to heal yourself mentally and physically while nurturing your child or children to thrive, and your resume should reflect that.
How to write a job description that makes an impact
As the number of applicants per corporate job opening rises, it’s important that your resume is effective at articulating your accomplishments and what you can bring to the table. This means creating an accomplishment based resume instead of a responsibility based resume and creating a document that is completely unique to you.
4 Things You Completely Forgot to Include on Your Resume
Writing a resume is hard for a multitude of reasons, but potentially one of the most challenging aspects of it is looking at your qualifications and achievements with an unbiased opinion. I work with a lot of clients across all stages of life, and the most common thing I see is that people tend to undervalue themselves. People often fail to acknowledge how much theyâve actually accomplished in their life, which means that they leave a lot of important information off of their resume.
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