LadyPens » Business – Career

Top 4 Resume Mistakes that Could Cost You the Job

kimberlyben — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:09:37 +0000

You’ve probably heard the saying: “Looking for a job is a full-time job.” That’s pretty accurate. In a rocky job market, it can take quite a bit of effort to find gainful employment. Your first order of business ids making sure that your resume is in order. When preparing your resume avoid the top four mistakes that could get in your way of finding the perfect job. Full Article

How to Use Social Media in Your Job Search

kimberlyben — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:06:59 +0000

People often find jobs through other people in their network. That’s what’s made social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter so popular. The goal of these sites is to build connections with others. You can even successfully leverage these connections to assist with your job search. Full Article

4 Tips for Writing a Winning Cover Letter

kimberlyben — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:05:07 +0000

When going for a specific job opportunity, most employers expect to receive a cover letter along with a resume. It is another important job search tool and should be written to substantiate and highlight the information your resume contains. Full Article

4 Benefits of Using a Chronological Resume

kimberlyben — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:03:36 +0000

When it’s time to create, or update, your resume in preparation of finding a new job, you may find the experience more challenging than you expected. One issue that often stumps job seekers is choosing the right resume format. The two most common formats are the chronological and function resume. The question is: which format is best at positioning you as an ideal candidate? The answer: the format that best presents your qualifications, skills and experience; however, the chronological format is used most often. Full Article

Smart Women Give Their Business a Marketing Makeover

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:09:48 +0000

When you begin your journey as a woman entrepreneur, your most important action step is to get clients and create a “buzz” about your product or service so you can keep the business alive and get on a path to profitability. With effective marketing, your business will grow and over time, word will spread about the results people are getting when they work with you. If becoming a leader in your industry is a goal for you, now will be the time to consider an updated look in your business – a new brand image – both personally and professionally. Full Article

Resume Tips for Creative Professionals

kimberlyben — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Image is everything when you’re a job seeker. In fact, your resume is a prospective employer’s first impression of you. This is especially true of anyone seeking job opportunities in a creative field like graphic design or media production, so it’s important to make that first impression count. Combine powerful content with a professional layout to get their attention and keep your resume from ending up in the slush pile. Full Article

How to Use Keywords in Your Resume to Improve Your Online Job Search

kimberlyben — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:52:04 +0000

Including keywords in your resume is a job search strategy you can’t afford to ignore. Keywords are words or phrases used to help job seekers find jobs and employers find the right candidate to fill available positions. Put them into a search engine the same way you would normally search for information on the Internet. Certain industry buzzwords will often yield better search results. For instance, you’ll find better opportunities searching online for “retail project management” than you will if you use the term “retail” alone. Full Article

6 Strategies that Capture Reader Interest in Your Resume

kimberlyben — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:49:31 +0000

Resumes are an essential tool in the job search process. Whether you’re contemplating a new career, or seeking a promotion, the information in your resume can position you as the best candidate. Before an employer ever considers meeting with you in person, your resume is all there is to go on to determine whether to toss your resume into the “slush pile” or put you on the list to be contacted for an interview. Your resume will need to get the reader’s attention, keep her interested and create a desire based on your qualifications, and then motivate a prospective employer to take action by contacting you about the next step forward in the recruiting process. The following strategies can help improve your resume’s chances of getting you noticed. Full Article

How to Work With a Certified Professional Resume Writer

kimberlyben — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:44:34 +0000

Professional resume writers specialize in creating resumes, cover letters and other career documents for job seekers. They stay current on trends that affect employment and the job search process, as well as strategies and techniques that can position a job seeker as the best candidate for the job they’re seeking. Full Article

Smart Women Have Rituals for Success

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:14:19 +0000

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to multiple women’s conferences and speak to scores of women entrepreneurs about their Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. Questions come up on a range of topics including how to start a business to taking an existing business to the next level of success. One question that seems to have a recurring theme right now is “How do I create a successful business while maintaining work/life balance?” Great question! And one that deserves an answer with some solid tips and solutions. Full Article

Smart Women And The 5 Fundamental Questions for Business Success

Joy Chudacoff — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:02:02 +0000

I’m finding that many women entrepreneurs are reflecting on their year and a question that seems to be on the minds of many is: “What are tools and strategies I need for my business to take a big leap in the New Year?” As I reflect on this question, I realize the answer is two-fold. If you are serious about making 2012 the year that you soar in business and make big leaps in income, you must first ask yourself a few questions (and get honest with yourself about the answers): Full Article

Smart Women And The 4 Entrepreneurial Phases

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:45:32 +0000

When you start a new business or take action on a big idea that you’ve had brewing for a while, it can be a very exciting time. You begin to get a taste of what entrepreneurship can feel like; you’re in control of your own schedule, maybe you worked for someone else and you’ve escaped the rigid 9-5 routine and you’ve become your own boss – life feels good. Full Article

Smart Women Have Their Own “Hermageddon”

Joy Chudacoff — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:57:33 +0000

Did you hear about “Carmageddon?” Several weeks ago, the 405 freeway (noted to be one of the busiest freeways in the nation) that runs through Los Angeles closed for a weekend period of 53 hours for repairs. This created a frenzy here in Los Angeles called “Carmageddon” which forced residents to think creatively about their weekend travel plans. Many people (including yours truly) decided to stay home and avoid any hassles. I made a firm decision that if I couldn’t get to my destination on foot or by bicycle, I’d just stay home. This got me thinking about how Smart Women create their own “Hermageddon” to relax, recharge, renew and repair their own lives. Full Article

Smart Women, Niche Marketing and Yoga Johnny

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:29:16 +0000

In my work with women, a frequent question is, “How important is it for me to finely niche my marketing message?” My answer is always, “Extremely important.” The reason is 3-fold: Full Article

Smart Women Make a Difference

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:51:22 +0000

I struggled a bit this week on what I wanted to share with you. I place a high value on making sure I give you timely information that you can use right away to take your life and your business to the next level of fulfillment, happiness and success. On the one hand, I wanted to write about June being the halfway mark in your business and now is the perfect time to take a mid-year inventory of what’s working and what’s not working so you can make the shifts necessary to meet your goals by the end of the year. Full Article

Smart Women And The Tug of Transition

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:28:52 +0000

Recently, I attended a surprise 50th birthday party for a good friend from college. I had a fantastic time reconnecting with old friends and discovering new ones as well. One of the biggest Aha’s for me during the weekend festivities was the realization that most of my time is spent with entrepreneurs—people who have made the jump to self-employment and choosing to do it their way. Many of the people I spent time with at this weekend event were employed by someone else. The topic of conversation was quite different for me yet it was illuminating to learn and see life from their perspective. Full Article

Smart Women Create

Joy Chudacoff — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:11:17 +0000

Women are the most creative beings on earth. You have inspiring ideas and daring dreams, however it can sometimes be a challenge to get the dreams out of your head and onto paper so you can design a plan to make it happen. Most likely, your “to-do” list is overflowing and your Big Idea hasn’t found a way to make it to the top of the list. Full Article

Smart Women Never Quit

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:42:55 +0000

This article is about why it’s important to never quit as we are on the road to accomplishing our Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. Although fear and doubt can creep in when we are working toward success, it’s key to stay the course and keep going. There are several things you can do to help you when fear and failure strikes.

Smart Women in a Wild, Wacky World

Joy Chudacoff — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:48:43 +0000

With everything that’s going on in the world right now, I hesitated to write this article. However, I felt called to share my reflections with you. There has been so much despair and devastation in the world lately that when something happens to us personally, we can try to shrug it off because “compared to what’s going on in the world, this is minor.” (This has been my “mantra” over the past week.) Although I believe this to be true, when something happens to you personally, it feels real and challenging. It can paralyze you and keep you from moving forward. It’s essential that you acknowledge what’s happening and find solutions to manage the madness of life. Full Article

So You Want To Create A Marketing Plan: Six Tips To Make It Happen

Jill Hart — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:12:18 +0000

A marketing plan outlines the basics for how you want to market your business. Your marketing plan helps you establish, direct and coordinate your marketing efforts. It’s your roadmap for success. Your marketing plan allows you to understand your customer base, better determine exactly how products or services will benefit those clients, and create a plan to market to those clients. Below are tips to get you started creating a marketing plan that will help you grow your business effectively: Full Article

Smart Women Make a Great First Impression

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:47:39 +0000

A few days ago, our family made a trip to the local bank here in our community so that our children could open their first savings account. The piggy banks were overflowing with money due to various visits from the tooth fairy, as well as rewards for all of their good deeds around the house. What happened when we entered the bank made a big impression on me and got me thinking about how Smart Women entrepreneurs always make a good first impression. Full Article

Smart Women and the 4 Basic Marketing Solutions

Joy Chudacoff — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:33:02 +0000

My 10 year-old son is studying health and nutrition at school and he’s very excited about it. He came home yesterday and asked me to sit down with him so he could explain everything he’s learning. He shared the 4 basic food groups that our family should be eating (vegetables, fruit, meat and grains) as well as some suggestions on what I might prepare for dinner so that our family becomes “balanced.” Last night after he went to bed, I was reflecting on our conversation and thinking about how Smart Women need 4 basic marketing solutions in order to realize their entrepreneurial goals. Full Article

Smart Women Dream Big

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:18:48 +0000

A few days ago, I was visiting my daughter’s second grade class and the teacher started a discussion about Martin Luther King and the importance of having dreams. The children’s ideas about dreams were interesting, “Being able to make your own decisions,” “Peace in the world, no war,” “Stop cutting down trees to save the environment.” Then the teacher went a step further and gave them a piece of paper to help them create their own “Dream Story Organizer.” I thought I’d share that with you today. Full Article

Smart Women Step Into Their Gift

Joy Chudacoff — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:50:39 +0000

Today, I wanted to give you something special, yet practical that you could use right away to create momentum and positive energy in your life as you step into 2011. Full Article

Smart Women Plan Ahead

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 22:07:07 +0000

Recently, I made a trip to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) here in Los Angeles to renew my driver’s license. I made a smart choice by scheduling an appointment for my renewal rather than “winging it” as a “walk in.” As I approached the DMV in my car, I saw scores of people forming a line that wrapped around the outside of the building. As you can imagine, my heart began to race at the prospect of standing in a line that long. I began a mental scan of my “to do” list in my head with a bit of anxiety about how lengthy this process might be. Full Article

Smart Women and The Way Things Are

Joy Chudacoff — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:49:54 +0000

Recently, I traveled to the East coast to see my Dad who’s experiencing some health challenges. I spent a considerable amount of time in medical facilities and meetings with physicians. One morning when I was feeling tired and in need of some self-care, I decided to visit the local salon for a wash and blow dry. When I arrived, there was no wait and I was immediately taken back to the area where they wash your hair. As I took my seat in the chair, I asked my signature question. It’s the same question I ask everyone I come in contact with when I’m out and about: “How is everything going?” This one question typically has three answers: Full Article

Smart Women Know Success Leaves Clues

Joy Chudacoff — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:51:06 +0000

Have you ever wondered what the real secret to success is? Do you ever read articles about women entrepreneurs who’ve accomplished their dreams and think, “Now how did she do that?” I know I have. I’m always in search of better, more effective ways to achieve my goals both personally and professionally and I look to women who’ve walked the path of entrepreneurship before me. The good news is success leaves clues and if you’re open to hearing what other successful women entrepreneurs share about their journey, you can save yourself a lot of time (& money). Full Article

Smart Women Get Off the Sidelines

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:00:28 +0000

Soccer season has arrived and my kids are avid players. In the fall, we live the AYSO mantra, “All Your Saturdays Occupied.” Fortunately, I enjoy watching my kids play sports so it’s a lot of fun. One of the AYSO rules is staying off the field if you’re not officially involved in the game. If you’re not a player, coach or referee, you do not cross the line onto the playing field. This got me thinking about how Smart Women need to get off the sidelines and become a player in their Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals if they really have a desire to make them happen. Full Article

6 Questions That Uncover Your Brilliance

Ruth Hegarty — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:04:28 +0000

I talk to my clients and students all the time about their unique brilliance. At first people can find the idea of being uniquely brilliant intimidating. We are often taught that it’s not OK to claim our greatness. Quite frankly, that just isn’t true. It’s a myth perpetuated by those who are so afraid to claim their own greatness they don’t want anyone else to do it either. That’s not what I want for you and the world. Full Article

Smart Women Get Out of the Office

Joy Chudacoff — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:16:30 +0000

With summer behind us and kids back in school, women entrepreneurs are flocking to conferences and events to connect with other entrepreneurs and discover new ways to grow their business. Whether you’re in a startup phase or you’ve been in business a few years, getting out from behind your desk and showing up at events is one of the most effective “offline” marketing tools you can use. Full Article

How to Maintain Marketing Momentum

Ruth Hegarty — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:35:11 +0000

Now that you’ve implemented some of the marketing strategies I shared in the article “Marketing Strategies You Can Implement Today”, you want to leverage your efforts by ensuring that you keep the momentum going so that you maximize your results. Full Article

Smart Women Have a Clear Message

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:11:04 +0000

A few weeks ago, while vacationing with my family in Park City, I injured my low back ice-skating with my daughter Jenna. It was quite painful and required me to lay low for a couple of days. I watched a few movies, did some reading and caught up on emails. Some of the email promotions really “pulled me in” and got my full attention, while I found others far less interesting, causing me to leave the promotion quickly. What was the difference? What caused me to “linger” or “leave”? This got me thinking about how Smart Women have a clear marketing message. Full Article

Smart Women Rest, Recharge & Renew

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Recently, I was speaking with a client who is approaching a milestone birthday. She shared with me that what she really wanted as a gift was to retreat for a few days alone without family or friends. She expressed her feelings of “guilt” because she wanted to be alone, and felt anxious about going on a retreat as she’s never really been alone for an extended period of time. This got me thinking about how Smart Women understand that it’s essential to rest, recharge and renew—alone. Full Article

4 Ways to Raise Your Bottom Line by Being Adventurous in Your Business

Ruth Hegarty — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:54:05 +0000

I received a card this week from a friend that contained this quotation from Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” It got me thinking about the ways that I am adventurous in my business and noticing that when I’m adventurous, that is when I am the most successful. Full Article

Smart Women Use Speaking to Grow Their Business

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:03:26 +0000

A few weeks ago, I took some time to evaluate where most of my clients come from and the two areas where I consistently receive highly qualified clients are referrals from happy clients and public speaking. It’s essential that you spend your valuable time doing the things that consistently bring you the clients that you love to work with. This week, I’m going to focus on public speaking as I get many questions from Smart Women on this topic. Full Article

Smart Women Practice Quality Not Quantity

Joy Chudacoff — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:02:45 +0000

This article is about realizing that quality time is much better than the quantity of time we spend in all areas of our lives. Give yourself permission to schedule quality time and really “be” with your family and in your business rather than being there physically but not present. In this case, more is not always better. I find scheduling this “special” time with my family and in my business makes a big difference in the quality of my relationships.

Smart Women, American Girl® and Building Your Brand

Joy Chudacoff — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:03 +0000

A few weeks ago, I took a vacation with my family to New York City. While there, we visited the American Girl® store. My daughter Jenna loves this store, and it’s easy to understand why so many girls are attracted to this brand. When you enter the store, the “experience” begins. This got me thinking about how Smart Women could learn from American Girl® how to build a business image or brand that lasts. Full Article

Smart Women, LeBron James and the Need to Be You

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:29:04 +0000

By now, everyone knows that LeBron James, one of the world’s greatest basketball players, has left the Cleveland Cavaliers after 7 years. He’s finally made a decision to make the Miami Heat his new home where he will continue to exercise his passion, energy and talent for the game. LeBron took a lot of “heat” for his decision to leave his home state. You may be asking yourself, “Why should I care?” As I watched the reaction to his decision, it got me thinking about how Smart Women have similar situations in their life as well. Huh? Full Article

Smart Women Make It Happen

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:25:59 +0000

A few days ago, I happened to get caught in the typical bumper to bumper LA traffic near the location of my last “job” before I began my journey as a woman entrepreneur. I had some time to reflect on where I was back then and where I am today. As the images of my life passed through my mind much like the scenes in a movie, I asked myself, “How did I go from where I was back then to where I am today?” The answer popped into my mind almost immediately: I took action. Smart Women make their Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals happen. Full Article

Smart Women Have an “Online” Presence

Joy Chudacoff — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:15:32 +0000

I just listened to a teleclass with social media expert, Amber Mac where she shared a few tips to help your business become more visible online. In order to achieve ultimate success, you need both an online and offline presence. In my article last week, I offered some tips and solutions on the value of an offline presence. Today, I’m sharing some key online presence tips. Full Article

Smart Women Understand “Life is an Occasion”

Joy Chudacoff — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:05:50 +0000

A few nights ago, we watched “Mr. Magorium’s Magical Emporium” with Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. It’s a fun and light family movie with a wonderful message. I won’t give away the plot or ending, however at one point in the movie, Dustin Hoffman (Mr. Magorium) smiled and said to Natalie (who at the time was going through a big life transition) “Your life is an occasion; rise to it.” This got me thinking about how Smart Women know this well. Full Article

Smart Women Keep Showing Up

Joy Chudacoff — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:02:37 +0000

My 7 year old daughter Jenna loves to play baseball. In fact, she loves it so much she’s willing to play in a league where over 90% of the players are boys. We are nearing the end of the season and playoffs begin in a few days. She’s struggled to keep up with the team, playing mostly in the outfield and typically last in the batting order. Last Saturday, she had her best game of the whole season. It’s clear that she has gone to another skill level. This got me thinking about how Smart Women know the value of “showing up” when they have a strong desire to accomplish something. Full Article

Is Your Attitude Helping or Hurting Your Success?

Ruth Hegarty — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:22:31 +0000

I’ve found myself talking often this past week about attitude and how your attitude is both completely under your control and the #1 predictor of your success. Because, as William James so eloquently stated, “The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.” Since I have noticed a rash of negativity swirling around the universe this week and I wish to nip it in the bud as they say, I’m sharing some of my absolute most inspiring quotations on the power of attitude as my article this week. Pick your top few favorites that really resonate with who you are and use them as mantras this week. Post them around your office where you’ll see them often or take a minute to read them out loud in the morning and evening. Consistency with this will help you rewrite any negative attitudes you may be harboring and allow you to experience the levels of joy and success you want and deserve. Oh, and DON’T judge yourself around any of this. Focus on how you want to feel and how you want to experience the world moving forward no matter what you have felt or thought in the past. Nothing matters in this moment other than your right to be happy and fulfilled. Full Article

8 Must Haves to Make Every Conversation Authentically Compelling

Ruth Hegarty — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:06:24 +0000

Throughout your life you will enjoy many experiences that cause you to “rethink” your priorities and lifestyle. (OK, sometimes you don’t actually enjoy them but that’s not the point right now.) Sometimes they are major life altering experiences like a serious illness, the birth of a child, world events that touch you deeply, etc. Other times they are seemingly minor events, like something you read in a book, that give you an “Aha” moment. There are amazing blessings in these opportunities to re-evaluate and re-create your life, even the opportunities that feel extremely painful in the beginning. Full Article

Fall In Love With Yourself

Ruth Hegarty — Fri, 28 May 2010 18:35:53 +0000

Let me remind you of just how delightful you are. It’s very hard to attract what you want if you do not feel irresistibly attractive to yourself – your whole, deep, authentic and wonderful self. The definition of the Law of Attraction is that like attracts like. If you judge yourself, berate your shortcomings, feel unconfident about your talents, choices and desires or feel remotely unworthy of love and the other things you want, guess what you will attract? More stuff like those feelings and the disappointments that go with them. No matter what you want, what you look like or where you are at this moment in time you are truly and entirely entitled to love yourself (even your weaknesses which will be the subject of week 17). I could go on and on about this because I am so passionate about helping others to recognize and embrace their greatness and unashamedly (remember principle 7 last week) put yourselves out in the world as the delightful creatures that you are. Don’t worry if you are not fully at this place yet. The principle is about the process of falling in love with yourself. Look for things to love, ask others what they love about you and accept what they say as truth. Even if you can only find one tiny lovable thing about yourself it is enough to start the ball rolling. You will benefit tremendously from embracing this principle as will all who come in contact with you. Full Article

How You Walk Your Talk Directly Affects The Money You Make

Ruth Hegarty — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:55:17 +0000

This week’s brand new article carries on the theme of last week. I received many questions around the idea of how we are constantly communicating (even when we think we aren’t) and how to have some control over your professional communication image. So this week I’m sharing more tips and strategies for you to help you walk your talk in an authentic and profitable manner. Full Article

Smart Women Have a Winning Offense

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:57:37 +0000

Recently my children’s little league baseball team was defeated—badly. At one point, I looked at another mom and said, “Please let the bloodshed end!” After the game, the coach brought the team into the dugout to review what worked and what didn’t work. He began with a review of the other team’s performance. One boy piped in, “They sure hit well when they were at bat.” Another boy said, “And they were good at stealing bases!” This got me thinking about how Smart Women need a good offense to win this game we call entrepreneurship. Full Article

Don’t Be a Trash Talker

Ruth Hegarty — Fri, 14 May 2010 23:44:50 +0000

I was recently reading a study that found that close to 95% of people are unskilled, unpracticed or amateurs in the art of interpersonal communication. That shocked me. In essence, this study is saying that 95% of people “talk trash.” Full Article

Smart Women and the Game of Entrepreneurship

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 14 May 2010 22:23:03 +0000

A few days ago, my 7 year old daughter came home with what I thought was a challenging school project—designing and creating her own game from scratch. Jenna was stumped at first. She came up with a few ideas but then quickly gave up as she found some “glitches” in her plan. This got me thinking about Smart Women and the game of entrepreneurship. Full Article

Survey Results and Special Offer For an Opportunity to Dramatically Increase Your Profits

Ruth Hegarty — Sat, 08 May 2010 22:24:38 +0000

Last month I ran a survey that asked What is your single biggest challenge when it comes to presenting your business message (what you do/what you can do for people) to an audience (big or small) to promote and grow your business? Full Article

Smart Women Know Who to Ask

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:11:31 +0000

Have you ever had a Big Idea that you were over the moon about only to have your hopes dashed because you shared it with someone who you trusted and they told you (typically in a very flat tone) “that will never work.” I’ve had this unfortunate experience happen to me on more than one occasion over the last two decades as an entrepreneur. It’s painful isn’t it? You get all excited about the possibility of living your passionate life and someone pops the air in your dream balloon! Full Article

It is What it Is – And Why That’s OK

Ruth Hegarty — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:40:44 +0000

“It is what it is.” This is something my mother used to say often to forestall complaints about a situation not being as we wished it to be. It’s a mantra that I find very powerful. Accepting that everything and everyone in your life is, simply, exactly what it is, is a powerful perspective that allows you to escape the trap of “coulda, woulda, shoulda.” You don’t have to accept in the sense that you don’t make changes; simply accept that, in this moment, this is the situation. When you do this, you don’t have to waste time wishing things were different, complaining about how things are or wondering how you might have stopped it. All you have to do, is see (accept) what is, decide how you want things to be moving forward, and get on with your life. Simple. Full Article

How to Check In On What You’re Attracting

Ruth Hegarty — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:36:32 +0000

A recent question from a listener of my Art of Joyful Living radio show prompted this article. The question is: how do I stay on track throughout my day in terms of focusing on how I feel and what I truly want to manifest in my life? I love this question and it comes up often with my one on one clients, too. The key to changing a lifetime habit of default thinking is to become mindful (take notice of) what you are thinking on an ongoing basis. The more you do this, the more attuned you become to what you typically think so that you can choose to stick with those thoughts (if they’re working for you) or consciously choose to change them (if they’re not). As with learning any new habit, repetition is your secret to success. I use a variety of reminder techniques with my clients to help them “break into” their thoughts throughout their day so they can check in on what they are thinking and, consequently, what they are attracting. You can use these same simple techniques to revolutionize how you think. Full Article

Telecommuting Resume Tips

Nell Taliercio — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:47:20 +0000

You might be familiar with the layouts of resumes for job positions that are done in brick and mortar buildings. Telecommuting job resume layouts are much the same as the others, but there are some things that should be done differently. The focus should take on a slightly different path. Full Article

The New Rules of the Executive Job Search

Heather Eagar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:00:19 +0000

If you’ve been working at the executive level for some time, you may have been disarmed over the past few years by the changes that have occurred in technology. But if you’ve recently left your job and have been looking for work, you’ll notice that there are entirely new rules in the world of job seeking. Full Article

How Numbers Can Enhance Your Resume

Heather Eagar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:21:47 +0000

Did you know that numbers can make a huge difference in your ability to create a quality resume? It’s true. The more numbers you add to your resume, the more you are enhancing it and increasing your chances of getting called in for an interview. Full Article

What Your Body Language Says In Your Interviews

Heather Eagar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:01 +0000

Did you know that the way you sit, smile and shake hands can speak volumes during a job interview? It’s true. There is no manual to read to determine how you should manage your body language; however, if you make certain gestures, you’re definitely sending a certain message. Full Article

How Volunteering Can Enhance Your Executive-Level Job Search

Heather Eagar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:41:50 +0000

If you’re in the middle of an executive-level job search, you’re probably hoping that you can get back in the workforce sooner than later. There’s nothing like getting the level of responsibility, and financial rewards, you’re accustomed to. However, if the job search is moving slowly, you may be trying to think of ways to enhance your search – one way is by volunteering. Full Article

Executive Interviewing: How to Persuade the Right Way

Heather Eagar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:18:59 +0000

When you’re interviewing for a job at the executive level – especially if you’ve been out of work for a while – you may want to try just about any tactic possible to get the job. Because you’re used to being aggressive to get your way, you may want to try to persuade the interviewer to give you the job. But there are lines that should be drawn when using this tactic. Full Article

Cover Letter No-No’s

Heather Eagar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:16:39 +0000

Writing a cover letter can sometimes be a bit confusing. You simply don’t know what information to add, what to exclude and how exactly to tell your story. For many, this leads to some cover letter mistakes.
If you’re guilty of writing cover letters that just didn’t accomplish what they were supposed to – getting you the job – then you may need to revamp your style. Oh, it would also be good if you took time to read through these cover letter no-no’s. This way, you can avoid making similar – or even new – mistakes in the future. Full Article

Telecommuting Job: Workaholics4hire

Nell Taliercio — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:13:50 +0000

Who are they? What do they do? Full Article

Telecommuting Job: Virtual Assistant

Nell Taliercio — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:09:28 +0000

A Virtual Assistant is essentially someone in the administration field who performs their duties from their own computers. Online business owners often hire virtual assistants to help them with their daily business tasks. As owning their own company, their time is precious, so they look outside to other resources to get help. Full Article

Work-at-Home – West at Home

Nell Taliercio — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:08:15 +0000

Who are they? What do they do? Full Article

Work-at-Home – Teletech

Nell Taliercio — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:07:17 +0000

Who are they? What do they do? Full Article

Telecommuting Job – Social Media Manager

Nell Taliercio — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:06:07 +0000

A Social Media Manager is one that utilizes socialization in many different media forms to help raise awareness of a company and keep their credibility going strong. Social Media is a powerful tool to use in marketing these days. Full Article

Are Cover Letters Really Necessary?

Nell Taliercio — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:44:42 +0000

Cover letters are great ways to grab the attention of a hiring manager of the company you are applying for. They tell that hiring manager why you are the one that should be considered for the job they’re offering. Full Article

What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive

Heather Eagar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:39:28 +0000

The job market is definitely suffering nowadays. With the recession forging ahead and thousands still losing their jobs, it’s a wonder that anyone can get hired. However, as some executives are finding out, there is work available. However, it may not be at the level they’d like to work.
If you’re an executive who has found that you need to seek a lower-level job to get back on your feet, you’re not alone. In your search, however, you may have found the employers are reluctant to give you work because they know you’re overqualified. Full Article

How to Avoid Exaggerating In Your Resume

Heather Eagar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:43:42 +0000

When you’re drafting a resume, it is tempting to stretch the truth some so that you appear to be more impressive than maybe your skills might indicate. However, while there is such a thing as packaging your resume in a smart way, choosing words that tell the truth, yet sound sensational, for example, you want to avoid flat-out exaggerating. Full Article

Avoiding Resume Quick Sand

Heather Eagar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:44:35 +0000

There’s probably nothing more frustrating than getting your resume all “prettied up” to send to a company via an online source, only to realize that when you hit the send button, you don’t know where in the world it’s going. This can be compared to sending your resume in quick sand. It’s being sucked into an unseen, unknown world and you don’t know if it will ever return some type of response for you. Full Article

Going for the Green Job at the Executive Level

Heather Eagar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:29:49 +0000

Everyone knows that “going green” is all the rage nowadays – and it should be. Sparing our environment of all of the pollution and toxic chemicals we’ve thrown its way over the past years should be a definite goal. This is why green jobs are now becoming popular. Full Article

Self-Care

Ruth Hegarty — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:24:07 +0000

When you are creating effortless success, it’s important that you learn to take extremely good care of yourself – physically, mentally and spiritually – and to always put your best interests first. There is a good reason why airlines instruct passengers who travel with small children to put their own oxygen mask on in an emergency and only then put a mask on the child. It may seem counter-instinctual since we are all conditioned by evolution and culture to risk our own life to save the life of a small child. This is a good and natural instinct as it helps to ensure the continuation of our species. That is the bigger picture. In the smaller, more immediate picture, it is in both your best interest and that of the child for you to put your own oxygen mask on first. Why? Imagine that you followed your natural instinct and put the oxygen mask on your two-year old son first before attempting to fasten your own. Before you can attend to your mask, the lack of oxygen overcomes you and you pass out. Now, you have no mask and your child has no one to comfort and continue to look after him. Imagine instead, that you first put on your mask, and then put an oxygen mask on your son. If he has passed out the oxygen will revive him and now you are both conscious and your child has you to continue to comfort and protect him during the emergency. Full Article

Smart Women Celebrate Their Independence

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:50:28 +0000

A few days each week I exercise with a few Smart Women in a park near my home that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It’s a beautiful setting that lends itself to taking your mind off the muscle pain and exhaustion from the workout! We are surrounded by magnificent sycamore and oak trees that stand strong and tall. The trees were planted and spaced apart in a very methodical way; however over time, they grew into their own independent and unique natural form with branches and limbs flowing in many different directions. This got me thinking about how Smart Women have the opportunity to stand tall and strong. You are independently unique from every other living thing on the planet; but are you making decisions and choices that reflect the independent you? Full Article

Identifying and Making the Most of Your Transferable Skills

Heather Eagar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:26:20 +0000

Many times, when we’re applying for jobs, we think about how our skills relate specifically to the position we desire. There’s no doubt that it’s important to show that you already have experience and qualify for the position you want. However, if you’re trying to switch careers, you may not have this luxury. Full Article

Common Executive Resume Mistakes

Heather Eagar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:00:59 +0000

When you reach the executive level in your career, there is no room for error. You must exude perfection with everything you do. This is especially true with your resume, which is why the last thing you want to do is submit a resume with glaring errors. Full Article

Thinking about Sending a Cold Cover Letter? Read This First …

Heather Eagar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:36:52 +0000

Have you ever thought about sending out a cold cover letter to company in search of a job that you’re not sure even exists? The thought of a cold cover letter just may give you cold feet. But it’s good to know that there are plenty of success stories that come out of sending out these types of letters. So before you start biting your nails too hard at the prospect of taking on this form of application, consider just what you can gain from doing so. You could be surprised by the number of opportunities you could gain from doing so.

Strengthening Your Executive Resume with the Right Keywords

Heather Eagar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:08:48 +0000

You’ve probably heard about the various ways to improve your resume so that it can be moved to the top of the talent pool instead of the top of a trash pile. The use of keywords is particularly important, especially with advancements in technology that can capture and categorize resumes based on the keywords used. This is a practice not only common with entry-level and managerial resumes, it also works extraordinarily well with executive resumes. Let’s look at how to do this.

Preparing for Executive Interviews

Heather Eagar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:24:05 +0000

As an executive, you’ve probably been on plenty of interviews in your lifetime – from that entry-level position to the management positions you’ve held. But nothing quite compares to the executive-level interview; if you’ve been on even one you know this is a true statement. So how do you properly prepare for executive-level interviews? There are a number of steps involved to get you on the right track and keep you there. Let’s take a look at what they are …

How to Write Resumes for Education Careers

Heather Eagar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:26:57 +0000

The education field is one of few out there that is still managing relatively well in the midst of the recession. However, this doesn’t mean that snagging a great job will be a piece of cake. It may still require some work, especially in terms of creating a great resume. So if you have already acquired your education degree, are certified to teach, and are looking for your first education job – or are thinking of leaving your current position and want something new – it’s a good idea to learn how to get your education resume in order. The good news is that it’s easier than you think. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Smart Women Take the Right Action

Joy Chudacoff — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:13:48 +0000

A few days ago, in one of my Women’s Success Circles, a great question came up: “What’s the one action step that I should take to grow my business faster?” Wow! That’s a great question. The challenge is–there’s not just one simple answer. I wish there was a “magic bullet” that would take your business to the next level, however to grow your business effectively and for the long run, you need to use several different marketing methods. Full Article

What are Targeted Cover Letters?

Heather Eagar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:51:19 +0000

If you are currently out of work, or are thinking about leaving your job then there’s a chance that you’ve written at least one cover letter in your lifetime. But the question is what type of cover letter did you write? Many people utilize templates or carbon copy-styled cover letters that allow you to fill in the blanks where needed, but don’t really delve into the position you’re applying for and why you personally want the job. This is where a targeted cover letter steps in. The targeted cover letter can help can help a candidate’s application easily stand out among others. Let’s look at some ways that you can manage yours …

Finding an Executive Job Through a Temp Agency

Heather Eagar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:49:03 +0000

As an executive, it’s customary to feel that the only way to find employment is through networking. While this is a vital aspect in job seeking at such a high level, it’s not the only way. In fact, a trend has been set in recent years for executives to find their employment opportunities through temp agencies. This may sound unorthodox and possibly ineffective. While it may be a bit unorthodox, ineffective it is not. In fact, many executives have found great opportunities taking this route. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of executives venturing into the temp pool.

Tips for Fabulous Tech Job Resume

Heather Eagar — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:35:41 +0000

The technology industry is booming more than ever. Even with many hard workers losing their jobs left and right, the IT field is doing just find thanks to the Internet. If you have experience in a tech field - or want to scoot over to this industry - and are looking for work, you're going to need a pretty good resume to compete with all the other pros out there. So before you get started on yours, let's look at a few tips to consider to make yours fabulous.

What You Should Know about Writing an Executive Resume

Heather Eagar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:33 +0000

If you have worked your way up the corporate ladder from an entry-level position to that of a professional – and now executive – you know how different the world can look at each stage in the game. As an executive, a lot more is expected of you, and probably no one is a harsher critic of you than yourself. Full Article

Tips for Executives: Searching for Jobs the Right Way

Heather Eagar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:24:37 +0000

Possibly one of the largest mistakes that an executive could make when searching for a job is conducting the job search as if he were a manager. Once you reach the level of an executive, you have entered a new world and have to treat your job search as such. This means taking different avenues and utilizing more cutting-edge techniques. If you're just stepping into this new world as an executive and want to know how to search for a job the right way, don't just sit there filled with uncertainty. Instead, you can take advantage of these tips to search for jobs the right way.

Switching from a Suffering Industry to a Safe One

Heather Eagar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:37:30 +0000

If you’ve been laid off from your job because the industry is drying up – or think you’re in jeopardy of this happening – and want to find a solution to your problem, you’re not alone. There are a lot of people who started out in the industry of their choice only to realize that it is dying out pretty fast. Being in this predicament doesn’t mean that you’re traveling down a dead-end road, however. In fact, it could mean the beginning of a fantastic new direction to your career, especially if you’re open to considering a safer industry to explore.

Smart Women Understand “WIIFM?”

Joy Chudacoff — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:57:33 +0000

Do you know what WIIFM stands for? Sure you do! You ask yourself this question every time you think about making an investment or purchase—“What’s In It For Me?” Am I right? We purchase everything based on the “benefits” that we will receive when we use the service or product. Full Article

Keeping Your Spirits Up in a Tough Job Search Environment

Heather Eagar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:46:31 +0000

No matter how you’ve become unemployed over the past year or more – whether through choice or force – if you’re looking to regain employment, this is a tough time to make your dream a reality. With millions of jobs lost in the past few months, acquiring a new gig is not a simple task. In fact, the process can be downright discouraging, which is why it’s good to keep with you a few ways that you can keep your spirits up during your job search. Let’s look at what they are …

Getting the Job You Desire: Preparing for Various Interview Types

Heather Eagar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:04:24 +0000

If you’ve been on multiple job interviews then you know that you might encounter a different environment depending on the company you interview with. This is pretty common because every company has its own culture. And more importantly, each company – and even department – instills its own interviewing strategy. Full Article

What is the Right Home Business for You?

Leslie Truex — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:35:45 +0000

Early in my work-at-home career, I started several home businesses, most of which could have been successful, but they weren't because they were the wrong home business for me. In my years of helping others find success in working at home, I've had people tell me they've had the same experience. Some businesses just weren't for them. While there can be some benefits to trial and error in staring a home business, it also wastes time. It's much easier to do a little research and evaluation to make sure you're picking the right home business for you.

Reinvent Your Career by Knowing “You”

Heather Eagar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:41:18 +0000

If you’ve been thinking about starting a new career, you may be feeling confused as to where to start. You know you don’t want to continue on your current path, but you don’t exactly know what new path to take. Full Article

Amazon book and product reviews: 6 steps for positive online exposure

Phyllis Zimbler Miller — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:19:28 +0000

Reprinted from a blog post of Phyllis Zimbler Miller as a National Internet Business Examiner. Full Article

“Pimp Your Resume”: 5 Cool Resume Tips

Heather Eagar — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:31:13 +0000

You’ve probably heard of the show “Pimp My Ride,” where a lucky person has a chance to turn an otherwise crappy vehicle into the beautiful car of their dreams. Well, as beautiful as a 1978 Ford Pinto can get, that is. Full Article

New Job, New Tricks: Social Networking and the Job Search for Baby Boomers

Heather Eagar — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:12:27 +0000

In the new world of technology, it’s very common for job seekers to work via the Internet to find their employment. This is mainly because many employers have moved their application processes to the Internet – as well as their headhunters. In other words, if you want to find employment, your best bet is to do it online. Full Article

Understanding a Defiant Teenager

Aurelia Williams — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:19:54 +0000

Raising any teenager can be tough, but raising a defiant teenager is especially difficult. It’s like a slap in the face to see the sweet child you raised morph into an angry, defiant teenager before your very eyes. Who is this person – this teenager screaming at you across the dinner table? What did you do to deserve such aggression and hostility? And, most importantly, what should you do? Should you ignore the behavior? Yell and scream yourself? Run away and hide until they are 30 and the phase has passed? While there’s no one right answer, I’m hoping that the suggestions in this article will help to make dealing with your defiant teenager just a little bit easier. Full Article

Snagging a Great Internship: 3 Resume-Writing Tips

Heather Eagar — Tue, 12 May 2009 06:23:46 +0000

It’s not uncommon for an intern-hopeful to feel shocked after realizing that they need to create a resume in order to apply for a position. Because many on-campus jobs are obtainable without a resume, some students never assume they will need it to apply for an internship. They’re wrong. Full Article

Turning a “Loser” Cover Letter into a Winning One

Heather Eagar — Fri, 08 May 2009 06:17:42 +0000

When applying for a job, it’s not uncommon to send in a cover letter with the resume. In fact, many experts suggest that even if one is not requested, it be sent anyway to show professionalism and enthusiasm for the job. Full Article

Top-Notch Interviewing: How to Avoid Appearing Too Desperate

Heather Eagar — Thu, 07 May 2009 05:18:53 +0000

The process of applying for jobs can be so taxing that at the end of a long day of searching, it’s pretty common to just collapse from exhaustion. With so much work involved in the process, it’s no wonder that some candidates can get a little desperate. Full Article

Ways to Transition from a Large to a Smaller Company

Heather Eagar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:09:32 +0000

It’s not always easy to work for a big company – especially when that big company lays you off and leaves you unwanted by smaller companies. Unfortunately, this scenario is true for too many veterans who have been let go from business giants only to be shot down by smaller companies that are intimidated by them. Full Article

Making Electronic Resumes Work for You

Heather Eagar — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:39:12 +0000

We’re living in an electronic world, which means it’s pretty important that when it comes to resumes you learn to be an electronic girl – or boy. There are a high percentage of companies that prefer that job candidates submit applications and resumes online. So if you don’t know how to do so, you may find yourself left behind your technologically advanced competition. Full Article

Tips for Grads Looking for Employment During the Recession

Heather Eagar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:43:24 +0000

Being a college grad in the middle of a recession is one of the toughest times to try to find a job. Unfortunately, there are thousands of students who have recently graduated – or are about to cross the stage – who will be looking for employment with 4 million others who have recently been laid off. So how can someone with very little experience compete against candidates who have years of know-how and education under their belts? There are a few tips to consider that can help to make the job search a little simpler. Let’s take a look at what they are … Full Article