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Articles from Maria Hebda | Selfgrowth.com
- CV vs. Resume: What is the difference? - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaWhen searching for a job online, sometimes you will notice employers requesting a CV as opposed to a resume. What exactly is a CV and how does it differ from a resume? CV is an abbreviation for curriculum vitae, which is a Latin word meaning course of life or career. They are usually longer than ...
Views: 2511 - Objectives in a Resume: Yes or No? - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaArguments abound, even among career professionals, about whether or not you should put an objective on your resume. Here are some PROS and CONS to consider about objectives: 1. You need to know where you want the resume to take you, and you need to make sure it's crystal-clear to the ...
Views: 2343 - Choosing the Wrong Career Path - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaDo you find yourself spending a lot of time ruminating about your past career decisions, wondering if you should have done things differently-if you should have made other choices? Do you worry that you wasted your efforts or made a wrong decision somewhere along your path? Let me reassure you. ...
Views: 1999 - Resume Value Message – It’s “Make or Break” - by Submitted on Aug 19, 2013 from Maria HebdaIf you’re deciding what movie to rent or what to have for lunch, the possible down-side of a poor choice probably doesn’t amount to much. On the other hand, when your job search or career success is at stake, choices become much more critical. In terms of your resume, that means you must ...
Views: 1917 - Informational Interviewing: A Job Seeker’s Secret Weapon – Part I - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaOne of the most powerful but underutilized strategies in finding a job is informational interviewing, the process of conducting highly focused conversations with professionals currently working in your field of interest in order to gather information about a job, company, field or industry. ...
Views: 1832 - CIO & IT Leaders: How to Plan for Career and Resume Success - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaAs I work with senior-level IT leaders, IT operations directors, as well as IT program and project managers, I hear more and more about failed technology implementations. Not that the technology itself failed, although that certainly happens too. What really intrigues me is the level of project ...
Views: 1797 - The Career Pivot - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaChange is constant, prevalent, inevitable. We experience it in the weather as temperatures vary, in the seasons as spring cycles to winter, and within ourselves as we accumulate experiences. For most of us, these changes or transitions are characteristically familiar. Similarly, we embrace ...
Views: 1653 - Is an “old school” resume getting in your way? - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2013 from Maria HebdaCompanies today are moving quickly and looking for talent that can keep up, or better yet, bring cutting-edge ideas to give them a competitive advantage. A hiring manager’s first impression of you is most likely your resume, and if it says, “I’m old school,” you are probably not getting the ...
Views: 1647 - Set S.M.A.R.T. Resume Goals & Get Your Dream Job - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaLocating and securing a job is a job in itself. In fact, many people dread the employment search process because it is often very tedious, grueling, time consuming and unrewarding. We are frequently mistreated, misunderstood and misrepresented. The up side to this dilemma is we can eliminate ...
Views: 1610 - Age-Old Question: Should I Lie About My Age On a Resume? - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria Hebda"Should I Lie About My Age On a Resume?" * I am too old * I've never managed anyone directly * I don't have Microsoft Excel experience * I have a job gap from 2002-2004 You'll never see these above items on a resume because the purpose of the resume is to put your best foot (or ...
Views: 1597 - How to Impress Employers Before They Even See Your Resume - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaAh. After much hard work, your resume is beautiful! You've spent countless hours (and perhaps a chunk of change) perfecting both its content and appearance and now you're ready to send it out to fulfill its primary duty--landing you an interview. Or several. And fast. What you may not ...
Views: 1592 - Get More Interviews: Avoid These Common Resume Pitfalls - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2013 from Maria HebdaImprove your job search results by avoiding these common resume pitfalls: Trying to Be All Things – Choosing a focus can seem limiting! Review effective marketing campaigns (remember, your resume is a marketing tool), and you will consistently find cohesive, compelling messaging. Even at a ...
Views: 1562 - Resume Template = Generic Resume/Generic Candidate - by Submitted on Sep 03, 2015 from Maria HebdaAnyone expecting to see great results from using a generic resume for their job search is setting themselves up for a big disappointment. Employers, recruiters, hiring managers, and HR personnel are not seeking "general" candidates to come in for interviews, they are looking for candidates ...
Views: 1543 - In a Saturated Marketplace? 7 Steps to Great Business Ideas - by Submitted on Apr 24, 2018 from Maria HebdaThe difference in business ideas can be compared to the difference between mediocre and exceptional and between boredom and passion. Whether you're coming up with an effective way to streamline the job search process, writing a best-selling headline to attract new clients, or coming up with a ...
Views: 1488 - Will a Generic Resume Get Results? - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaMany job seekers ask professional resume writers to develop a generic resume that can be used for several targets. Sometimes the client is not even sure what those targets will be but wants a document that will work for any position he or she decides to apply for. This is a huge mistake! It ...
Views: 1483 - Why Should You Keep Your Resume Updated? - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaWhether the economy is crashing or booming, it is crucial to keep your resume updated and ready to be sent out on a moment's notice! There is no such thing as job security in today's world. Many unfortunate people were shocked to learn that when they found themselves jobless in 2008 and 2009. ...
Views: 1482(1 vote) - Creating a Resume for a Mom Returning to the Workforce - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaI am often contacted by people (oftentimes mothers) who took an extended absence from the workforce to raise children. Those children get older and more self-sufficient; the stay at home moms decide they would like to return to the workplace. Oftentimes these women had good careers, working as ...
Views: 1398 - Your Resilient Career: Learn How to Bounce Back More Quickly - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2013 from Maria HebdaHow Resilient Are You? “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” ~Confucius Have you noticed that some people seem to recover from setbacks more quickly than others? Have you wondered what their secret is? Bouncing back is an increasingly important ...
Views: 1384 - 3 Sure Ways to Get Rid of Tire Kickers - by Submitted on Jan 30, 2016 from Maria HebdaWhen people go shopping, whether it’s for a minor purchase or a large ticket item like a new car, price will always be a determining factor. If they feel the cost is worth it, they’ll pay it and if they don’t they won’t. It’s pretty simple when buying tangible items. But when making ...
Views: 1382 - Leveraging a Reentry Client's Volunteer Experience - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaIf you are reentering the job market and have relevant volunteer experience, be sure to include it. It counts! A recent client wanted to reenter the job market after taking time off for children. Her earlier career had been in residential real estate and Xerox equipment sales. Her new job ...
Views: 1370 - Informational Interviewing: A Job Seeker’s Secret Weapon – Part II - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaPreparing for the Interview Next, it’s time to research the field or industry and the contact’s company. This will help you avoid wasting precious interview time asking questions that you would have been able to answer by doing a little investigation, as well as demonstrate that you are ...
Views: 1354 - Death of an Objective, Birth of a Headline - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaJust a short time ago, it was customary for your resume to have a line towards the top that read something like: "OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position in customer service in which I can utilize my skills at an organization that facilitates innovation and growth". Times have changed since then, and ...
Views: 1327 - Is Hiring a Resume Writer Really Worth It? - by Submitted on Apr 24, 2018 from Maria HebdaUnfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who think hiring a resume writer is a big waste of time and money. If you're one of these people, please keep reading. I can assure you that it will be well worth your time. Why hire a professional resume writer? Resume writers who are ...
Views: 1312 - Your Cover Letter's Magic - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaWhat magic is involved in preparing a cover letter? The cover letter - sometimes known as an application letter for employment - literally covers, or is placed first, over your presented or mailed resume. Usually read first, it is intended to encourage a potential employer to read over your ...
Views: 1288 - 5 Things to Know About Market Research - by Submitted on Jan 04, 2016 from Maria HebdaOffering your career services and products based on what you “think” your clients or potential clients may want is cutting back on the amount of business you could be doing. To start off 2016 on a strong note, below are 5 Quick Tips when it comes to market research and attracting ideal ...
Views: 1285 - Online Resume Posting Guide - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaSince launching my resume writing business 14 years ago, I have assisted many clients in posting resumes on-line, to electronic job boards such as monsterjobs.com, careerbuilder.com, and usajobs.gov. When I first began this service, statistics said that only 30 percent of employers were ...
Views: 1282 - 5 Things Your Competitors Know About Email Newsletter - by Submitted on Dec 16, 2015 from Maria HebdaSo what’s the big deal or why bother with publishing an email newsletter (aka ezine)? Because your competitors know and understand the value of staying connected and being top-of-mind! Here are the Top 5 reasons why I suggest that you do: 1. It allows you to stay in touch with your clients ...
Views: 1276 - Cut the Commute: Work From Home - by Submitted on Nov 15, 2012 from Maria Hebda“Five percent of [Americans] surveyed said they would actually be willing to divorce their spouse if that meant they could stop commuting and work from home instead.”¹ While the vast majority of us wouldn’t resort to something quite so drastic, more and more people are seeking ways to spend less ...
Views: 1271 - Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone = Business Success - by Submitted on Dec 12, 2015 from Maria HebdaAs an introvert and shy person, stepping out of my comfort zone is a challenge for me. However, as a business owner I know I have to overcome this challenge if I want to expand my reach and grow my business. Although not easy, I'm doing it. :) Stepping out of your comfort zone allows you to ...
Views: 1269 - How to Brand Yourself with Your Resume - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaIn our world today, inventors and developers pride themselves on developing products that will do several functions - like the cell phone that is also a camera and a GPS device. But a resume is not such a product. It needs to do one thing - make the employer want to interview you - and it needs ...
Views: 1243 - Top Secrets of Expert Resumes - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaIt seems no matter how good we have it, we all want a better job. That means keeping track of job listings, networking, tracking down leads, analyzing potential employers and scheduling interviews. But these depend on other people, word of mouth, and the quality and quantity of job postings ...
Views: 1229 - Big Changes Require Bold Moves - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaDo you ever look at others who have achieved great things and think, "They're different from me. I could never find the courage to take such bold steps?" Don't sell yourself short. Often, it's a matter of determining the right career fit and breaking your goals down into attainable ...
Views: 1212 - Ultimate Cheat Sheet on Your Inner Game - by Submitted on Dec 21, 2015 from Maria HebdaYou’ve been running your business for a few years now and you know you do a great job at meeting the needs of your clients whether it’s career coaching or resume writing, possibly both. Your clients tell you so. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about raising your prices, adding more to your ...
Views: 1201 - Reducing Your Resume Age - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaConsider this scenario; after 20 years of loyalty to his employer, Ken’s position has just been eliminated due to a company merger. He suddenly finds himself unemployed at the age of 58. As he begins to search for his outdated resume typed in 1987, he worries about what the future will hold in a ...
Views: 1194 - Watch Out for That Resume “Black Hole” Trap! - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaIf your resume looks as if it could have come from 20 years ago or it just hasn’t been put together carefully–with good attention to what your targeted employers are probably looking for–it most likely will end up in the resume “black hole” trap. The same goes for submitting it to employers ...
Views: 1191 - Use Your Resume to Create a LinkedIn Profile - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaWhen I’m working with a new client and take a look at his/her LinkedIn profile (if the individual has one), I often see either a bare-bones profile or one that is clearly a verbatim online version of the client’s existing resume. Since he/she is usually coming to me for resume help, that’s a ...
Views: 1189 - Top 3 Mistakes When Starting a Resume Business - by Submitted on Nov 24, 2015 from Maria HebdaMaking the decision to go into business for yourself can be very exciting and scary at the same time (at least this was how it was for me way back when). The dream of becoming my own boss, setting my own hours, and not having anyone tell me what to do is what sold me on the idea. However, ...
Views: 1188 - Writing Resumes for C-level Tech Executives - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaThe department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) just released employment numbers that revealed a monthly net gain of 4,400 IT-related jobs, a sixth straight net jobs gain in IT labor segments. On the surface, this sounds like incredible news - the job outlook for IT is improving ...
Views: 1172 - Don't Waste Employers' Time By Giving Them a Crappy Resume - by Submitted on May 29, 2019 from Maria HebdaSo many people settle and use resume templates (aka cookie-cutter resumes) because all they have to do is plug in their info. The one thing they don’t realize is that employers are looking for more than just basic info. Employers want to know what value you bring to the table, how you ...
Views: 1159 - What Free Stuff Does for Your Business - by Submitted on Dec 31, 2015 from Maria HebdaI haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like free stuff. Offering something for nothing does have its benefits. As a small business owner, are you taking advantage of this opportunity? I’m not saying give away all that you know but rather just a free “taste” of your expertise. How you give it away ...
Views: 1158 - Value-Added vs. Job Description Resumes - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaPut yourself in the place of the busy manager who has to read a stack of job description resumes. Your reaction might range from falling asleep to tearing out your hair-or wanting to! Why is that? Because job description resumes are BORING and do absolutely nothing to distinguish you from the ...
Views: 1153 - 4 Steps To A Perfect Resume - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaLooking for feedback on my work, I sent the exact same resume to 2 trusted recruiters and got the following two gut reactions: * "Great format but the writing could be more salesy." * "Compelling content but the format is bland." The take home message: You can't please everyone. That ...
Views: 1141 - 5 Resume Red Flags - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaProspective employers may spend as little as six seconds looking at your resume to make an assessment of your abilities and to match those abilities to their job opening. In those six seconds they do not read every word on the resume! Instead, employers look at the overall format - is it easy ...
Views: 1141 - Why You Need a Personal Brand - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaWhat do the most successful people over 50 have in common? They know and express who they are. They have honed and communicated their professional identity and made others aware of their personal attributes - their expertise, talents, and deepest commitments. In other words, these people have ...
Views: 1141 - Part III: Resume Makeovers; I Should Hire You? - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaIt's time for Part III of resume make-overs. Hope you enjoyed reading the other two parts and began to redo your resume. That's what this is all about. By this time you should have created two or three short phrases about yourself that carry impact, the best of you, and put them at the top of ...
Views: 1138 - Technical Careers: It's Not Just a Paycheck - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaEven in the toughest of job markets, it's important to keep your values in sight. Certainly money matters, but we all want to work for more than just a paycheck. We need to be able to articulate what matters to us and what gives us satisfaction, whether it's in solving complex problems, ...
Views: 1136 - 5 Sure-Fire Steps to a New Job - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaThe new year is here - budgets are fresh, positions are open and every statistic points to aggressive hiring. Here are 5 sure-fire steps that will get you a competitive edge and land you that job. 1). Get a professional resume done. Don't even think about doing it yourself as the state of the ...
Views: 1135 - Worst Habit That TAKES Away from Your Business - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2016 from Maria HebdaOne of the worst habits to have as a solopreneur is letting your inbox take control. As solopreneurs, it’s very easy to become a work-a-holic, not feeling your work is ever done and giving a great deal of time to your email can only add to your stress level without even realizing ...
Views: 1134 - 3 Reasons Never to Include Your Street Address on Your Resume - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaBelow are the three reasons never to include your street address on your resume: 1. Personal Safety If you post your resume online, you're opening yourself to security risk. Most of us wouldn't include our home address on Facebook posts, personal Web pages, or tweets but we never think ...
Views: 1127 - Job Search Strategies: Reach Beyond the Obvious - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2012 from Maria HebdaThe process of finding a new job can be overwhelming. It takes time, energy and focus-resources that most people don't have in abundance. Job hunting can also be psychologically taxing and usually requires some degree of discipline and organization. In my experience, nothing will undermine a job ...
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