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Articles by Laura SmithProulx

• 3 Fast-Track Executive Resume Writing Shortcuts
  On the receiving end of an executive recruiter's call? Found a great job online, but it closes soon? Your elation can quickly turn to panic, especially if you haven't updated your resume in some time. You'll want to maximize every minute, of course, while creating a document that makes it look as if you've spent weeks crafting each word.
  Published 19May2012, viewed 26 times

• 3 Keys to a Compelling IT Director Resume
  Pursuing an IT Director role? You already know that your resume must be designed to show both technical and leadership aptitude. What you might not realize is that employers are comparing IT Director candidates based on their ability to show impact at a company level, generate cost savings, and drive business transformation.
  Published 27Apr2012, viewed 21 times

• 3 Reasons Why Your Executive Resume Isn't Getting Results
  Seeking your next executive role - but getting little to no results from your resume? The sheer volume of competition you'll face this year automatically places more demands on your executive resume. If you want to land the right interviews, personal branding that clearly positions you as a leader is a requirement - especially when distinguishing yourself among other executives!
  Published 13Apr2012, viewed 22 times

• Are You Oversharing On LinkedIn?
  LinkedIn allows you to converse with like-minded experts in your field, learn about industry-specific topics and events, post resume information, and send private messages to employers in hopes of securing that perfect job.However, if you're divulging too-personal details, or letting others have uncomfortably close insight into your job search, it can take longer to find a suitable job - or you can be blacklisted entirely by recruiters.
  Published 01Apr2012, viewed 25 times

• 3 Tips for Improving Your Job Search in An Uncertain Economy
  Looking forward to your executive job hunt this year - or dreading it? Spending months in job-search mode, facing a pending layoff, or reading about unemployment statistics can bring you down... just when you need the energy to tackle a challenging market. However, you CAN change your approach, mindset, and techniques, leading to better results and a greater sense of well-being during your search!
  Published 22Feb2012, viewed 63 times

• The Magic of An Executive Biography in Your Job Search
  If you're an executive or rising leader looking for your next choice opportunity, you've probably shined up your resume in anticipation of calls from recruiters, and taken the time to prepare a cover letter that presents your value proposition. But have you considered using a biography as well?
  Published 18Dec2011, viewed 103 times

• The #1 Way to Stand Out On Your Resume
  Worried that your resume won't stand out for that perfect job when compared to hundreds of eager job hunters? One of the BEST ways to distinguish yourself is to measure and document your performance against that of peers (or previous incumbents).
  Published 17Dec2011, viewed 75 times

• 5 Resume Mistakes That Can Knock You Out of The Running
  Your resume has a challenging job to do in order to get you into an interview. Summarizing relevant skills, describing your work style, conveying your brand, and quickly making your point to employers isn't easy for anyone - even a skilled writer or marketer! Therefore, you'll want to read through this list of common resume blunders to see if you recognize your own resume, and make corrections accordingly.
  Published 30Nov2011, viewed 90 times

• 3 Strategies for Writing a Bold, Branded Executive Resume
  Launching a strategic executive job search - and hoping to make a splash? In previous years, listing the size of budgets managed, divisions run, or revenue generated might have been enough resume verbiage for a recruiter to hunt you down, but no more.
  Published 27Nov2011, viewed 87 times

• Does Your Executive Resume Miss Out On the Latest Trends?
  Writing your executive resume for the first time in years - or struggling to get a response with it? Whether you're aware of it or not, resume trends have changed substantially, and the document you send out WILL compete with custom-designed, focused resumes for other executives.
  Published 09Nov2011, viewed 137 times

• Does Your Cover Letter Make These 5 Critical Mistakes?
  You've polished your resume to no end, especially after finding a great job posting that seems tailor-made for your leadership skills. But did your cover letter merit the same attention? If you resorted to "Dear Sir, I'm interested in your open job, here's my resume," you're missing out on a critical chance to persuade employers to take you seriously for an executive or leadership role.
  Published 08Sep2011, viewed 89 times

• 3 Secrets to Leveraging Testimonials in a Leadership Resume
  Many executives and leadership professionals stumble when it comes to writing their own resumes, as it can be challenging to decide how to convey the status you've earned and the reputation that you may have built over many years. If you're at a loss for words, try these 3 strategies to ensure that your executive resume reflects the stature that you've earned.
  Published 25Aug2011, viewed 49 times

• 7 Phrases to Strike From Your LinkedIn Profile
  An interesting practice seems to have cropped up among self-written social media profiles, where the phrases that have been taboo on resumes (like "self-motivated team player") are creeping back into lists of job hunter credentials on LinkedIn. However, with a little ingenuity, you can pull the lackluster phrases out of your Profile and replace them with powerful writing worthy of your career, leadership style, and brand message.
  Published 20Aug2011, viewed 92 times

• Executive Job Hunting? You'll Need More Than a Resume
  If you're an executive planning your next career move, it might intrigue you to learn that your leadership resume is not necessarily the best document to use for every interviewer. Here are 4 must-have documents for an executive career portfolio that captures attention at all the right levels and audiences.
  Published 26Jun2011, viewed 151 times

• Why Writing Your Executive Resume Is Difficult - And What You Can Do About It
  Trying to get your job search off to a strong start - but hampered by the resume writing process? Are you finding it challenging to sum up the reasons you should be considered over others? If so, you have plenty of company, especially if your career is at the executive or senior professional level. Here are 3 reasons why leadership resume writing is difficult, and what you can do about it.
  Published 05May2011, viewed 104 times

• Struggling to Write Your Executive Resume? Try These Branding Tips
  If your idea of writing an executive resume is trying to list all your tasks and group them under each job title, you're in for quite a surprise. The information that actually makes employers want to call you is quite different than just the descriptions of your previous jobs, as it involves creating a personal brand message with a clear, unmistakable promise of leadership value.
  Published 16Feb2011, viewed 292 times

• Is Your Executive Resume Making This Fatal Mistake?
  Sending out an executive or professional resume that you've invested significant time (or money) into, but still failing to get employers' attention? If your value proposition is buried under long, drawn-out sentences, your brand message may be lost—and your audience confused about why they should hire you for a leadership role.
  Published 20Nov2010, viewed 991 times

• How to Create a Powerful Leadership Resume by Quantifying Achievements
  Trying to tell employers the story of a long and successful executive career on your resume? Unfortunately, describing yourself as a seasoned, skilled, or experienced leader won't cut it as much as showing the results of what you've done.
  Published 23Oct2010, viewed 507 times

• Is Your Leadership Resume Ready For a Recruiter?
  It's happened! You received a call out of the blue from an executive recruiter who is searching for a great candidate, and he wants to see your leadership resume quickly. However, you haven't kept it up-to-date, and now panic mode is setting in. What should you do?
  Published 10Oct2010, viewed 514 times

• 3 Ways to Capture Your Leadership Brand in an Executive Resume
  So you've written and re-written your executive resume, but it still doesn't feel right to you? Maybe you've added metrics and detailed your career promotions, all to no avail. If so, it might be time to up your game—especially if you want to generate interviews.
  Published 12Aug2010, viewed 359 times

• Who You Should (and Shouldn't) Turn to For Executive Resume Writing Tips
  Showing your executive resume around to get feedback? Doing so can be a career-killer, especially if you're blindly seeking resume tips from resources that are unfamiliar with resume-writing practices that prove effective in today's market.
  Published 11Jul2010, viewed 162 times

• What Can You Learn About Executive Job Search From BP Oil's CEO?
  Consider these 3 lessons in job search, courtesy of British Petroleum CEO Tony Hayward's recent commentary about the massive oil spill, with takeaways to use in your own executive job search.
  Published 25Jun2010, viewed 154 times

• 5 Must-Know Tips For Becoming a Professional Resume Writer
  You may have decided that, especially with today's tough economic climate, becoming a professional resume writer would be a great occupation. Here's 5 crucial things to know and consider before attempting to launch your own professional resume writing operation.
  Published 17Jun2010, viewed 380 times

• 3 Benefits to Incorporating Storytelling in Your Leadership Resume
  Seeking an executive career transition? You've probably realized (before even starting to write) that it's difficult to sum up your total value proposition in a resume. You may be able to recall some facts and figures of your career, including key budget or revenue numbers. However, you'll quickly realize that a leadership resume limited to this data doesn't generate interviews by itself.
  Published 21May2010, viewed 343 times

• The 5 Pieces of Critical Information Missing From Your Resume
  If executive resume writing is not your forte, you have lots of company. After all, writing a strong resume is not an easy task, and it is certainly compounded by the daunting competition you'll face in today's job market. However, there ARE shortcuts to creating a strong first impression—-starting with taking a closer look at what you may have missed in writing your leadership resume.
  Published 23Apr2010, viewed 444 times

• How to Increase Your Job Search Success by Using Professional Resume Samples
  So, you've realized that your resume isn't up to par, and you're intent on finding some help. What you might not know is that using professional resume samples can greatly increase your chance of success.
  Published 08Feb2010, viewed 396 times

• Job Hunting in 2010? Let Go of Obsolete Techniques From 2000
  With 2010 upon us, professionals everywhere are gearing up for the job hunt, with the usual energy that accompanies a January job search. Yet, many candidates are clinging to outdated job search practices and resume advice that can negatively impact their success.
  Published 14Jan2010, viewed 383 times

• 9 Signs That Your Executive Resume Won't Make the Cut
  If you've been in the same position or industry for years, it can be hard to come up to speed on executive resume writing trends when a job search suddenly looms in your future. You'll find that it pays to ensure that your executive resume writing abilities are cutting-edge. Take a careful look at these 9 common executive resume writing problems--and the fixes behind them that can boost your interview potential.
  Published 08Jan2010, viewed 186 times

• Expedite Your Job Search with a Dollar-Driven Executive Resume
  Readying your resume for an executive job search? You might find that the traditional resume components--career titles, management assignments, projects, and education--aren't enough anymore. Now more than ever, companies have intensified their focus on one area of your performance: money. Employer want leaders who can make, save, and control it, all in order to fight the economic downturn.
  Published 18Dec2009, viewed 344 times

• Could Your Executive Resume Actually Be Too Short?
  Most job hunters remember the days of single-page resumes, when hiring professionals warned them that any resume daring to breach this "rule" would be quickly eliminated from consideration. Fast forward to the rapid-fire job market of today, and you'll find that things have changed considerably.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 174 times

• Are You Using the Correct Title for Your Executive Resume?
  If you're reading this in confusion, wondering just what a resume title is, then you're in the right place. Resume titles (or headlines) have replaced the objective statements of years past by giving employers the exact job type that you're seeking--all up front and with great clarity.
  Published 17Sep2009, viewed 471 times

• 3 Keys to Personal Branding for Fast Resume Results
  You may have followed all the "right" advice on resume writing, and added industry keywords, certifications, toolsets, and the like. However, if you're not being called for interviews, you may want to consider adding the power of soft skills when infusing your resume with your personal brand.
  Published 29Aug2009, viewed 563 times

• How Failing to Leverage a Niche Can Stop Your Job Hunt Cold
  You already know that that job hunt is tough... but many professionals are still winning interviews and landing jobs, even without an intense Internet job search effort. How are they doing it? By discovering a niche and marketing themselves for it.
  Published 13Jul2009, viewed 277 times

• Who is Reading Your Executive Resume, and Why Should You Care?
  For executives trying to outpace each other in an aggressive job market, the hunt can be challenging, stressful, and downright confusing, with plenty of career search advice to remember and strategies to implement. One of the biggest mysteries that emerges for most people is that they can find a great job posting, apply to it, and then... nothing happens. Why isn't the phone ringing?
  Published 20Jun2009, viewed 253 times

• What Does a CAR Have to Do With Your Executive Resume?
  If you're in the midst of a job hunt, you've likely added information to your resume that shows your job responsibilities and the scope of your authority throughout your career. But does your resume actually tell ALL of your success stories? To create a resume that truly represents the full spectrum of what you offer, consider taking a look at the results of your work using the C-A-R (Challenge-Action-Result) strategy.
  Published 30Jul2009, viewed 2946 times

• 5 Tests to Ensure That Your Resume Gets Noticed
  In the rush to get your resume in front of employers, stop for a minute (or a few hours) and consider whether you're giving an accurate picture of your capabilities. If you've unloaded a mixed bag of skills, job duties, and meaningless phrases on employers, you may STILL be job hunting--months later. Instead, map out a strategy by creating your resume, then running it past these critical tests to ensure that it produces RESULTS:
  Published 23May2009, viewed 250 times

• LinkedIn Profiles and Your Executive Resume - What's the Difference?
  There's no doubt about it: LinkedIn is one of the greatest job search tools available today. Not only can you "advertise" your availability and display career endorsements, but being viewable on LinkedIn is a boon to executive recruiters that may need your skills. Here, I've outlined some key differences to be aware of when building both your executive career marketing documents and a profile that can get you noticed--and HIRED:
  Published 09May2009, viewed 380 times

• 5 Steps to an Executive Cover Letter That Opens Doors
  So... you've created a knockout executive resume, and you're ready to wow employers by sending it directly to them. Don't forget to send it under cover--a powerful cover letter, that is. While a great resume can open doors, a compelling cover letter can be an equal (if not MORE) important part of your pitch for employment.
  Published 11Apr2009, viewed 423 times

• 5 Insider Tips You Must Know for Writing Your Executive Resume
  If you're an executive searching for your next opportunity in today's hotly competitive market, you've probably found that the task of marketing yourself is unlike any other. How do you sum up a long, storied career in just a few paragraphs? What is the best way to differentiate yourself on paper--and to get others to focus on this value?
  Published 14Feb2009, viewed 284 times

• What You Don't Know About LinkedIn That Can Hurt Your Job Search
  Many executive job hunters sign onto LinkedIn, look around, find others they know, add a few connections, and then... nothing. When questioned, they admit that they didn't understand the purpose of the site. However, with internal tools and the promise of upgrading your online identity, you'll find that LinkedIn is a fantastic executive job search tool.
  Published 08Feb2009, viewed 506 times

• What Every Executive Should Know About Writing a Powerful Resume
  With all the discussion surrounding today's job market, one key fact seems to be lost: there's never been so many choices available to employers. What this means for executives is that a marketing focus is critical, and that, more than ever, converting your resume into a marketing brochure is an essential step.
  Published 05Mar2009, viewed 264 times

• Why Savvy Job Hunters Keep Going During the Holidays
  "Why job search now? I'm planning to relax over the holidays," is a common refrain. Of course, it's easy to get caught up in holiday fever this time of year, concentrating on family, travel plans, holiday decor, and all the traditional activities. However, savvy job hunters and networkers know there's NOTHING like the magic of the holiday season to invigorate a job search.
  Published 18Dec2008, viewed 254 times

• Have You Bought Into These Resume Myths?
  It seems that "advice" on how to structure your resume is everywhere, with varying opinions from numerous sources. And in today's competitive job market, it makes more sense than ever to ensure that your resume is in top shape. Unfortunately, many resume ideas that should have been cast aside years ago still seem to float around, and taking them as truth can actually impede your success.
  Published 06Nov2008, viewed 307 times

• How to Market Your Skills for a Career Change
  When you're ready for advancement up the career ladder, all usually goes well when you're in the same field. However, changing careers is another matter; marketing your skills for a switch into another industry can be tough. There actually ARE ways to get hiring managers to see the relevance of your skills, believe it or not--and much of it has to do with what you tell them on your resume.
  Published 24Sep2008, viewed 429 times

• Have You Googled Yourself Lately?
  If you're an executive looking for a new role, you know the drill: ready your resume, examine your references, and build that network. However, the job search HAS changed. Now, there's one more item you'll need to focus on--your online identity.
  Published 14Sep2008, viewed 309 times

• Tired of being ignored in your job search? Try these 3 tips
  If you're job hunting, you've probably been caught in the endless search-apply-wait cycle. You send off your resume, then wonder why you're not getting a response--or if anyone even looked at it. Well, have you heard about the "hidden job market," why you need to use it, and how quickly you can land a job with it?
  Published 28Aug2008, viewed 510 times

• 3 Clues That Your Resume is Giving The Wrong Information
  If you're in a job hunt, nothing will negatively impact your success more than filling your resume with duties, focusing on overused phrases, and spelling out a dry list of jobs. The reason? Employers want to hire a person that represents an effective solution to their business needs. Here are 3 main clues that your resume needs an overhaul in order to move an employer's response from "So what?" to "Call for an interview."
  Published 22Aug2008, viewed 291 times

• How Long Will Your Executive Job Search Take?
  That's a great question... and one for which there is no "magic" answer. But if you're in the job hunt at this point, you might swear that the process seems to be taking longer than ever before. Here are some ways to gauge how long your job hunt might take, and some methods to start addressing it-—long BEFORE frustration sets in.
  Published 09Aug2008, viewed 275 times

• Struggling to Find that Perfect Executive Job? Try Building Your OWN Network
  For executive job searching in today's hotly competitive market, nothing tops networking to build your reputation and expand your centers of influence. Studies have shown that finding job leads through others outranks nearly all other methods. Here are some ways to address the question of where to start with your personal network, and ways to build a strong presence (online and offline) that can facilitate a successful job hunt.
  Published 02Aug2008, viewed 304 times

• Get the Most Out of Online Networking During Your Executive Job Search
  By now, you may have heard of—-and even utilized-—online social networking through the various sites available to the technically savvy, including Plaxo, LinkedIn, Naymz, Twitter, FaceBook, Ryze, and a host of others. However, you may not have realized the intensity that using these powerhouses can have on your job search.
  Published 31Jul2008, viewed 305 times

• Want to Find and Contact Recruiters? Try These 5 Techniques
  If you're conducting an active job hunt, you're probably aware that working with a recruiter can be an effective method for your search. However, finding a recruiter that specializes in your field can be a daunting prospect. Finding and effectively collaborating with recruiters is mostly a matter of sharpening your networking skills (which is a good idea during any phase of a job search!).
  Published 07Jul2008, viewed 283 times

• 5 Crucial Points on Working With Recruiters
  Today's job hunter faces an increasingly confusing myriad of choices about how to find that next opportunity. However, there's one mainstay of the job market that can pay off in huge dividends for both employers and job seekers: using a recruiter. Professionals who want to use recruiters as part of their job search strategy should understand a few key points, according to Audrey Spencer of ACBS Resource Management, Inc.
  Published 21Jun2008, viewed 337 times

• Are You Courting Age Bias in Your Job Search?
  Job hunters often have trouble figuring out what is holding them back from landing interviews. In many cases, these professionals are inadvertently highlighting their age on the resume-—all while hoping that employers will focus on something else. If this applies to you, read on for some common scenarios that are easily prevented with a few changes to your resume (even if you're in your 60's!).
  Published 08Jun2008, viewed 303 times

• 5 Tips to Capturing the Job With a Thank You Letter
  Is there any other interviewing technique that will set you apart like a Thank You Letter? Possibly not—some studies show that only 20% of candidates remember to send one, and of that figure, nearly 80% get hired. For this reason, I highly recommend using Thank You Letters as an effective job search strategy.
  Published 05Jun2008, viewed 286 times

• 3 Keys to Finding the Best Online Job Postings
  If you're in the job hunt now, I would bet that your #1 source of activity is searching for jobs online. In fact, many of the people I talk with are limiting their job search entirely to reviewing and responding to Internet job postings! While you'll miss out on many top jobs if you spend 100% of your efforts online, there ARE great positions out there for the browsing.
  Published 15May2008, viewed 365 times

• 7 Tips to Selecting a Professional Resume Service
  Many people question the differences among resume services, and it's no wonder: the Internet is bursting with companies that claim to make you "look good" with a minimum of investment. Considering that you'll spend more waking hours on your career than any other activity (with your salary riding on this decision!), it makes sense to thoroughly check out these services.
  Published 07May2008, viewed 317 times

• 3 Ways to Tell if You Need More Than One Resume
  You've probably heard that employers expect to see an exact match to their skills on your resume, and that you should be tailoring your resume to each job. But, you might think—if I do that, I'll be writing forever! Relax ' there's a point to customizing your resume to meet the needs of employers. However, this doesn't mean that every resume you send must be a completely different version.
  Published 29Apr2008, viewed 335 times

• 3 Powerful Tips to Address Gaps in Work History on Your Resume
  Given the dot-com meltdown, frequent corporate downsizing, family situations, and the never-ending parade of mergers and acquisitions, more leadership professionals than ever are presenting a gap in between jobs to their next employer. If this situation applies to you, it is best to meet the challenge head-on by preparing to address the gaps directly.
  Published 20Apr2008, viewed 287 times

• Are You Making the #1 Mistake on Your Leadership Resume?
  Leadership professionals often spend significant time adding content to their resumes to show career progression and detail their strengths. So why does the average resume get only a minimal response? Most people don't realize that when it comes to touting their own skills at a six-figure level, presentation is EVERYTHING.
  Published 07Apr2008, viewed 322 times

• Lacking a Degree? Top Resume Tips for Aspiring Leaders
  As a senior-level professional or manager, you've probably worked your way up the corporate ranks through demonstrated leadership, dedication, and proficiency. At some point, you may find yourself wanting to transition upward in your career, and this can be where doubt sets in, since you never finished (or even started) college. The good news is that there are powerful resume strategies that can effectively address this very issue.
  Published 21Mar2008, viewed 467 times

• 5 Ways to Quit Underselling Yourself on Your Resume
  If it seems like you are passed over for jobs on a regular basis, consider this: what you see as your real strengths might NOT be conveyed on the resume you send out. Before eliminating your skills from consideration, take a look at these simple strategies for revitalizing the effect of your resume.
  Published 13Mar2008, viewed 384 times

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