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Articles from Don Goodman | Selfgrowth.com
- 3 Most Important Things to Do in a Job Interview - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2012 from Don GoodmanA job interview can be a nerve-racking experience, especially when you have been removed from the job market for an extended period of time. It is one thing to sell on paper with the resume and another thing to sell in person at the interview. Regardless of whether you have been out of a job ...
Views: 1509(1 vote) - Cover Letter Tips for IT Professionals - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2012 from Don GoodmanIf all an employer cared about is the IT skills and technical knowledge a candidate has obtained, then there would not be the need for an interview. The fact is, in addition to looking for specific skills and knowledge, employers want candidates who are passionate about the field and who have ...
Views: 1406 - 120 Seconds is All You Have to Ace the Interview - by Submitted on Apr 09, 2012 from Don Goodman120 seconds. That’s how long it takes for an interviewer to decide whether they want to hire you or not. First impressions set the tone for the interview and in the majority of cases, once that impression is set, it is not usually turned around. Here are some important tips you can use to ensure ...
Views: 1506(1 vote) - Writing Your Resume; Use the “So What?” Method - by Submitted on Mar 23, 2012 from Don GoodmanYour resume has to tell potential employers what you can do for them. Yet people still fall into the trap of writing sentences that describe their job duties instead of their skills. A simple way to avoid this is to use the “so what” method of writing a resume. The “so what” method makes you ...
Views: 1213 - Job Search Techniques: Managing Your References - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2012 from Don GoodmanWould you walk into an interview blindsided – not knowing what the employer does or what’s involved in the role you are applying for? For those who want to succeed and be effective in an interview the answer is “No.” You should always go into an interview prepared with key messages in mind to ...
Views: 1112 - 5 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2012 from Don GoodmanJust as important a resume is to helping a job seeker secure opportunities, so is the cover letter. A cover letter helps you hone in on important messages – to create a “conversation” – and gives the employer a sense of your personality that is not always captured through a resume alone. Yes, ...
Views: 1279(2 votes) - Resume Writing: Your Opening - by Submitted on Mar 02, 2012 from Don GoodmanEvery week I see hundreds of resumes sent to me for a free evaluation. Most of them start with an Objective indicating what that individual is seeking. Then they list the various roles and responsibilities they have held in the past. Where this style of resume was successful 5 years ago, it ...
Views: 1317 - Writing a Resume: First Important Step - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2012 from Don GoodmanWriting a resume is more than just articulating your skills and accomplishments. Perhaps the most important part of the resume writing process is to start by defining your brand or positioning statement often called the “elevator pitch”. (An “elevator pitch” is what you would say to Bill Gates ...
Views: 1210 - How to Follow Up after a Poor Interview - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2012 from Don GoodmanNo one ever said finding a job is easy. It can be a lengthy process and include several rounds of interviews before you land an offer that is right for you. The good thing is that if you are receiving positive responses and getting interview opportunities, your resume is doing its job – reeling ...
Views: 1287(1 vote) - Writing a Resume: 4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Write Your Own - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2012 from Don GoodmanWhile the Internet is a great resource to find templates of resumes and to view other individual examples, it does not necessary help you create an effective resume for yourself. Reviewing these examples help you determine what structure and order is best to use with your own resume, but it will ...
Views: 1355 - Resume Writing Tip: 5 Ways to Protect Your Contact Information - by Submitted on Feb 13, 2012 from Don GoodmanAn electronic resume is what most of us rely on today to initiate communication with a potential employer. It may be in the form of a Word document, PDF file, on your website, on job board websites or pasted into the email you send. Once your information is available in electronic form, it is ...
Views: 1027 - Managing Your Career – I Bet You’re Not Doing It - by Submitted on Jan 09, 2012 from Don GoodmanHave you ever noticed that the person who gets promoted is not always the most competent for the job? Or how about the person who did all the work not being recognized as much as the person who talks about it? Or what about the person who is career-stunted because they once said the wrong ...
Views: 1215 - 6 Ways to Declutter Your Resume - by Submitted on Nov 18, 2011 from Don GoodmanWhether you are starting to write a resume on a fresh sheet of paper or building off of one that you already have, make sure the information you present is targeted and concise to attract employers’ interest. It’s not just about how a resume looks, but the information you present that can ...
Views: 1121 - 3 Tips on Resumes to Avoid Appearing Overqualified - by Submitted on Nov 04, 2011 from Don GoodmanEven when you have the education and professional background to qualify for the job, don’t count on it as a sure win that you will be asked to come in for an interview. In fact, your qualifications may hinder your chances. It’s very common in today’s market for employers to dismiss a job ...
Views: 1418(2 votes) - Prepare Yourself for the Offbeat Question - by Submitted on Nov 04, 2011 from Don GoodmanDoing well in a job interview is the result of many things, ranging from the first impressions you make with your physical appearance (body language) to how well you communicate and respond to questions. There are the predictable questions, such as “What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?” ...
Views: 1209 - You Must Remember This: Information You Must Have before the Interview - by Submitted on Oct 27, 2011 from Don GoodmanSo you’ve gotten through the hurdle of securing an employer’s interest with your resume, but now the real challenge begins – the interview. While an interview is no guarantee to a job offer, your chances at it are much improved if you properly prepare for it well ahead of time. Here is ...
Views: 1068(1 vote) - Key Must for Retail Manager Resume - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2011 from Don GoodmanEmployers looking to fill a retail manager position will seek a candidate with experience, skills, and success in areas related to operations, employee management/training, costs control, customer relations, merchandising and marketing. To craft a resume with impact for retail management, you ...
Views: 1711 - 5 Simple and Quick Fixes for Improving Your Resumes - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2011 from Don GoodmanWhether you are putting together your resume from scratch, editing an existing version or seeking the help of a professional resume writer and giving it a final review, there are simple and quick fixes to apply to give your resume an improved quality. Remember that employers will only give a ...
Views: 1105(1 vote) - Key Musts for a Sales Resume - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2011 from Don GoodmanA sales professional’s resume needs to succinctly demonstrate achievements and results that immediately state to employers: “I can beat your goals.” Sales is very measurable and your resume must highlight both your quantifiable accomplishments as well as certain soft skills. There are ...
Views: 1183 - How to Craft a Killer Resume Opening - by Submitted on Oct 18, 2011 from Don GoodmanOnce your resume is in the hands of an employer for review, you only have a few seconds to make an impression that shows you are “the candidate” for the job. In fact, the opening of your resume is the most important real estate on the resume page and describes your brand or value proposition. ...
Views: 1064 - Resume Tips for the IT Professional - by Submitted on Oct 16, 2011 from Don GoodmanAccording to U.S. News & World Report’s article on “The 50 Best Careers of 2011,” many technology positions made it into the top 50 list of careers providing overall satisfaction. They include computer software engineers, computer support specialists, computer systems analysts, and network ...
Views: 1064(1 vote) - Career Changers: How to Write a Skills-Based Resume - by Submitted on Oct 09, 2011 from Don GoodmanMaking a career change is a tough decision for most people, especially if you are already mid-way or more into a career in another field. In some cases, it can feel like having to turn back time, starting at a level alongside interns or entry-level professionals with lower pay than what you ...
Views: 3082 - Optimizing Your Resume with Keywords - by Submitted on Sep 23, 2011 from Don GoodmanLong gone are the days where employers review all resume submissions manually. And even if there are still a few who are doing that, their eyes are quickly scanning over your resume for keywords that align with their view of the position. A majority of today’s employers rely on scanning ...
Views: 1066(1 vote) - Resumes When You Don’t Have a Degree - by Submitted on Sep 18, 2011 from Don GoodmanFortunately, one’s career and life success is not based solely on obtaining a college degree. Just look at the rise of Bill Gates of Microsoft, Michael Dell of Dell, and in more recent days, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook. These high profile and successful businessmen chose to pursue business over ...
Views: 917(1 vote) - 3 Things That Make Your Resume Less Effective - by Submitted on Sep 18, 2011 from Don GoodmanIf you are not receiving a response back from employers about the resume you submitted, there could be a variety of reasons. Perhaps you do not have the particular qualifications the employer is seeking. Or, it may be that you are not properly communicating your strengths, experience and ...
Views: 1041 - What Spell Check Doesn’t Catch Can Hurt Your Resume - by Submitted on Sep 11, 2011 from Don GoodmanMany word processing programs offer the option to check spelling and grammar in your text. This can be a terrific time-saver to help eliminate many common errors in cover letters and resumes. As long as we don’t see the red or green zigzag markings under words, the document is good to go, right? ...
Views: 1024 - 4 Ways to Avoid Looking Like a Job Hopper on Your Resume - by Submitted on Aug 26, 2011 from Don GoodmanWhen an employer scans your resume for 20 seconds, what will they see? If you have had a series of jobs lasting 1-2 years, then you may look like a job hopper and these are big red flags on your resume. Securing a candidate takes time and money for employers, so a candidate that has a record ...
Views: 1331(1 vote) - How Resumes Showing Years of Employment with the Same Employer Can Hurt You (and how to fix it) - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2011 from Don GoodmanWe often hear that employment gaps in a resume can hurt a candidate, but did you know long term employment at the same employer can also be perceived negatively? Having stable employment is certainly not a bad thing. However, if it is with the same employer and your resume doesn’t show you ...
Views: 1126(1 vote) - The New Top 5 Resume Writing Rules - by Submitted on Aug 11, 2011 from Don GoodmanWhat used to work just doesn’t work in this market as the resume writing rules have dramatically changed. Seven years ago, when unemployment was 5% and LinkedIn and other tools weren’t prevalent you could get interviews with an older style resume. Today you must follow these 5 rules. 1. ...
Views: 1131(1 vote) - 4 Ways to Edit Your Resume like a Professional Resume Writer - by Submitted on Aug 08, 2011 from Don GoodmanProfessional resume writers take on the mindset of the employer and recruiter when crafting and editing resumes. To edit your resume like a professional, you have to develop a fresh mindset. If that means taking a break from your resume for a day or two before going back to it, that’s what you ...
Views: 1260(1 vote) - 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Any Interview - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2011 from Don GoodmanYour cover letter and resume has made a positive impression on a potential employer and they’ve called you in for an interview. Now you need to ensure the employer stays impressed with you and your potential in their organization. There’s an old saying that first impressions count – and ...
Views: 1168(1 vote) - The 4 Most Important Questions to Ask at an Interview - by Submitted on Aug 01, 2011 from Don GoodmanSo you’ve completed the process of searching for a job and sent out your cover letter and resume. Now, you’re invited to come in for an interview. An interview is a critical point in the job hunting process. It helps you and the potential employer get a sense of whether you are the right fit ...
Views: 1011 - Find Out How Much You Are Worth to Employers - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2011 from Don GoodmanHow do you know how much you should expect in a job offer? This is especially difficult for candidates to assess when one is entering a new field, making a career change, moving to a new location, or entering the workforce as a recent graduate. It is also a question you should have an answer to ...
Views: 2345(1 vote) - 10 Things to Remove from Your Resume - by Submitted on Jul 28, 2011 from Don Goodman20 seconds. That’s the average amount of time that an employer will spend scanning your resume. The phrase “Less is more” has often been used for design purposes, but it can apply just as well to your resume. The point is to keep only information on your resume that is clear, simple and that ...
Views: 1498 - Taking a Lower-Level Position – 4 Things to Know - by Submitted on Jul 26, 2011 from Don GoodmanIt’s easy to conclude that taking a lower-level position means putting the brakes on the career track or even taking a step back, but in fact, there can be a lot to gain in such a decision. Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to take a step forward in your career. There are a ...
Views: 977 - 4 Reasons for Career Gaps and How to Handle Them on Your Resume - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2011 from Don GoodmanEspecially in this economy, employment gaps are typical. Employers generally view a gap in employment negatively, however, it does not have to be this way. In these cases, it is important to indicate why you took the time off. There are a lot of legitimate reasons for employment gaps and ...
Views: 1124 - Key Tip for Acing the Interview: Mirroring to Build Rapport - by Submitted on Jul 22, 2011 from Don GoodmanImagine stepping into a deep conversation with a friend. You may share the same posture, hand gestures, tone and rate of speech. You can also tell when other people are in deep conversation by similarities in body language. What is happening is mirroring. It is subconsciously helping those in ...
Views: 1280 - Create an Effective Resume Even If You Were Fired - by Submitted on Jul 22, 2011 from Don GoodmanPeople get fired from the job for various reasons. However, to a potential new employer it may leave an unfavorable connotation on the candidate. If you find yourself in such a situation, you may have a number of questions concerning how to address the adverse reactions a potential employer ...
Views: 1074 - 3 Ways to Build Rapport and Ace the Interview - by Submitted on Jul 21, 2011 from Don GoodmanPeople hire people they like. So while your skills and experience are important elements to securing a job offer, just as important is your ability to build rapport that is natural and engaging with your interviewer. The rapport you establish during an interview can greatly impact the impression ...
Views: 1930 - Phone Interviews: How to Put Your Best Voice Forward - by Submitted on Jul 19, 2011 from Don GoodmanMany employers have found a new way to save time screening applicants. Today, more employers are first resorting to a telephone interview before inviting a job candidate to an in-person meeting. With more applicants available for each opening, employers do not have the time to invest in a ...
Views: 1138 - How Are Employers Screening You through Social Media? - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2011 from Don GoodmanJust when you think you’ve aced the interview and have reference contacts lined up with many good things to say about you, take a deeper look. The fact is many employers today are resorting to social media sites to screen candidates. In fact, recent studies indicate that 85% of employers and ...
Views: 1219 - How to Follow Up on Your Submitted Resume - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2011 from Don GoodmanYou sent out the resume – you’re a perfect fit – and yet no one calls. Sound familiar? In fact, a majority of candidates today do not receive a response on a submitted resume. So the big question is, “When is it appropriate to follow up with an employer on my submission and how do I do it?” ...
Views: 1280 - What Your Interview Body Language Reveals about You - by Submitted on Jun 22, 2011 from Don GoodmanPoor body language can derail an interview regardless of how confident and well-spoken you are. Body language is as much a part of your communication style as what you say verbally – it’s really about how you say it. Impressions are made within seconds of reviewing body language. Consider the ...
Views: 1043 - 5 Key Rules for Career Changers - by Submitted on Jun 22, 2011 from Don GoodmanWe see recent graduates testing the water frequently. They graduate with a specific degree and career path in mind – to be a journalist, to be a white-collar crime analyst, to be a genetics researcher, etc. They land an entry-level position and soon realize it’s not the career they ...
Views: 1352 - 5 Ways to Break the Ice at Networking Events - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Don GoodmanNetworking is not about how many resumes or business cards you hand out, but how you establish rapport and build a relationship that can lead to opportunities. Attending a networking event is only the beginning of the networking process. Effective networking takes time and builds lasting ...
Views: 1626(2 votes) - 5 Ways To Instantly Improve Your Job Search - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2011 from Don GoodmanBy now you've learned the traditional ways of job searching don't work anymore. A few years ago you could put your resume up on Monster and Career Builder and wait for the phone to ring. Those days are gone. So here are 5 things you can easily do that will quickly improve your job search ...
Views: 1546(1 vote)