Comments for Your Best Impression.com http://yourbestimpression.com/blog Insights and expert advice on telling your career story and managing your career Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:13:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 Comment on Truth (and Congruence) in Advertising by Louise http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/truth-and-congruence-in-advertising#comment-497 Louise Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:54:34 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/truth-and-congruence-in-advertising#comment-497 Kynslie, very interesting. My daughter just told me about a trivia game she played where they learned people who smoke can't work for the World Health Organization! I think it's OK to be controversial if you are, as you say, walking your talk. Kynslie, very interesting. My daughter just told me about a trivia game she played where they learned people who smoke can’t work for the World Health Organization! I think it’s OK to be controversial if you are, as you say, walking your talk.

]]> Comment on Truth (and Congruence) in Advertising by Kynslie http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/truth-and-congruence-in-advertising#comment-493 Kynslie Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:44:07 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/truth-and-congruence-in-advertising#comment-493 Speaking of Whole Foods, did you hear about their store in NYC where they were offering a great in-store discount to employees who had a lower BMI? Pretty controversial, but definitely a "walk the talk" kind of incentive policy. I wonder if it's had any impact on <a href="http://www.glassdoor.com/Job/Whole-Foods-Jobs-E422.htm" rel="nofollow">Whole Foods jobs</a> seekers in that location... Speaking of Whole Foods, did you hear about their store in NYC where they were offering a great in-store discount to employees who had a lower BMI? Pretty controversial, but definitely a “walk the talk” kind of incentive policy. I wonder if it’s had any impact on Whole Foods jobs seekers in that location…

]]> Comment on Job Search Tips to Start Your New Year by Louise http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/job-search-tips-to-start-your-new-year#comment-473 Louise Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:48:36 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/job-search-tips-to-start-your-new-year#comment-473 Dawn, thanks for the note. When you click the link, look in the right-hand panel for the job search tips document. It is a download, not a web page. Dawn, thanks for the note. When you click the link, look in the right-hand panel for the job search tips document. It is a download, not a web page.

]]> Comment on Job Search Tips to Start Your New Year by Dawn http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/job-search-tips-to-start-your-new-year#comment-472 Dawn Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:40:12 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/job-search-tips-to-start-your-new-year#comment-472 Hi, I would love to read this article but the link brings you to a search page. Could you relink? Thanks Hi, I would love to read this article but the link brings you to a search page. Could you relink? Thanks

]]> Comment on Truth (and Congruence) in Advertising by Louise http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/truth-and-congruence-in-advertising#comment-399 Louise Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:18:25 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/truth-and-congruence-in-advertising#comment-399 Reya, thanks for sharing. It's quite a transformation for "job seekers" - who really, really want a job! - to think of themselves as "business consultants," as you client has done. Yet the outcomes will be so much more positive for all. I predict your client will find the right-fit opportunity before long, partly because he is crystal-clear about who he is/his value and is "putting it out there" in a consistent and credible way. Kudos to you for a great resume and expert coaching! Reya, thanks for sharing. It’s quite a transformation for “job seekers” - who really, really want a job! - to think of themselves as “business consultants,” as you client has done. Yet the outcomes will be so much more positive for all.

I predict your client will find the right-fit opportunity before long, partly because he is crystal-clear about who he is/his value and is “putting it out there” in a consistent and credible way. Kudos to you for a great resume and expert coaching!

]]> Comment on Truth (and Congruence) in Advertising by Reya Stevens http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/truth-and-congruence-in-advertising#comment-398 Reya Stevens Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:52:22 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/interviewing/truth-and-congruence-in-advertising#comment-398 Louise: I couldn't agree more! In August, I had relevant experiences both with a hairdresser and with a job-seeking client. With the hairdresser, I was seeking to upgrade my "doo," and I was willing to pay more for it, too. But the staff photo on the website of the upscale salon I was considering, revealed a dozen hairstylists with boring haircuts. Needless to say, I took my business elsewhere. My client, on the other hand, had a well-branded, clearly targeted resume, which reflected exactly who he was, what he did, and testified to his success. He got a lot of interviews. Interestingly, though, he has yet to get a job. No, he is not "bad" at interviewing. Rather, he turned the interviews into open, honest discussions about exactly what the companies needed from someone in this position. (They had been ambiguous about their needs in all other documents and contacts.) Together, they realized that they were not good fits for each other. For my client, these were excellent outcomes! Why? First, because my client already had a job that wasn't exactly what he wanted. Second, because he developed a great rapport with each interviewer. In one case, they even asked him to submit a proposal for the development of a new position--a position that would benefit the company while allowing my client to fulfill his career goals. In another interview, my client's good interview rapport led to a number of new, significant networking connections. Clearly, this interview approach won't be right for the job-seeker who needs a job quickly, and who, for various reasons, isn't looking for her dream job right now. But for my client, and for any client who is seeking true fulfillment in their work, truth in representing himself has borne great fruit. Thanks for the interesting article and encouragement in the right direction. Best, Reya Stevens Owner, StandOut Resumes reya@standoutresumes.com "Position Yourself. Reach Your Professional Goals." Louise: I couldn’t agree more! In August, I had relevant experiences both with a hairdresser and with a job-seeking client.

With the hairdresser, I was seeking to upgrade my “doo,” and I was willing to pay more for it, too. But the staff photo on the website of the upscale salon I was considering, revealed a dozen hairstylists with boring haircuts. Needless to say, I took my business elsewhere.

My client, on the other hand, had a well-branded, clearly targeted resume, which reflected exactly who he was, what he did, and testified to his success. He got a lot of interviews. Interestingly, though, he has yet to get a job.

No, he is not “bad” at interviewing. Rather, he turned the interviews into open, honest discussions about exactly what the companies needed from someone in this position. (They had been ambiguous about their needs in all other documents and contacts.) Together, they realized that they were not good fits for each other. For my client, these were excellent outcomes!

Why? First, because my client already had a job that wasn’t exactly what he wanted. Second, because he developed a great rapport with each interviewer. In one case, they even asked him to submit a proposal for the development of a new position–a position that would benefit the company while allowing my client to fulfill his career goals. In another interview, my client’s good interview rapport led to a number of new, significant networking connections.

Clearly, this interview approach won’t be right for the job-seeker who needs a job quickly, and who, for various reasons, isn’t looking for her dream job right now. But for my client, and for any client who is seeking true fulfillment in their work, truth in representing himself has borne great fruit.

Thanks for the interesting article and encouragement in the right direction.

Best,
Reya Stevens
Owner, StandOut Resumes
reya@standoutresumes.com
“Position Yourself. Reach Your Professional Goals.”

]]> Comment on Beefing Up Your Resume with Volunteer Work by Louise http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/resumes-and-cvs/beefing-up-your-resume-with-volunteer-work#comment-364 Louise Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:14:30 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/resumes-and-cvs/beefing-up-your-resume-with-volunteer-work#comment-364 Laurie, great point about doing this whether you're employed or unemployed. I guess it came to the forefront (became "newsworthy") as a result of current high unemployment. Laurie, great point about doing this whether you’re employed or unemployed. I guess it came to the forefront (became “newsworthy”) as a result of current high unemployment.

]]> Comment on Beefing Up Your Resume with Volunteer Work by Laurie Berenson http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/resumes-and-cvs/beefing-up-your-resume-with-volunteer-work#comment-363 Laurie Berenson Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:30:43 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/resumes-and-cvs/beefing-up-your-resume-with-volunteer-work#comment-363 Excellent points, Louise! It's very smart to consider volunteer opportunities not just to remain consistent through periods of unemployment, but to also "test the waters" for a possible career change - and that strategy would work equally well for an individual who's employed or unemployed. Excellent points, Louise! It’s very smart to consider volunteer opportunities not just to remain consistent through periods of unemployment, but to also “test the waters” for a possible career change - and that strategy would work equally well for an individual who’s employed or unemployed.

]]> Comment on Is the Executive Resume Becoming Obsolete? by Executive Careers Blogger http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/resumes-and-cvs/is-the-executive-resume-becoming-obsolete#comment-351 Executive Careers Blogger Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:36:04 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/resumes-and-cvs/is-the-executive-resume-becoming-obsolete#comment-351 It is very important to understand each tool and figure out which works best for you. I would recommend starting by creating a LinkedIn account, which is THE professional hot spot for staying connected to colleagues, former colleagues and industry peers. However, don't limit yourself to just one network. Take time to explore other networks, and ask your friends what they use. One word of caution - if you do plan on using your account for your personal life and friends, I would suggest making an account only dedicated to your professional pursuits. This will keep your private and professional life separate. It is very important to understand each tool and figure out which works best for you. I would recommend starting by creating a LinkedIn account, which is THE professional hot spot for staying connected to colleagues, former colleagues and industry peers. However, don’t limit yourself to just one network. Take time to explore other networks, and ask your friends what they use. One word of caution - if you do plan on using your account for your personal life and friends, I would suggest making an account only dedicated to your professional pursuits. This will keep your private and professional life separate.

]]> Comment on How to Hit a Home Run by Louise Kursmark http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/career-management/how-to-hit-a-home-run#comment-296 Louise Kursmark Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:16:35 +0000 http://yourbestimpression.com/blog/career-management/how-to-hit-a-home-run#comment-296 Hannah, thanks for your comment. What I liked about the article, too, is that it had a positive spin to it that is so helpful amid the constant bad news. Good luck "sherpa-ing"! Hannah, thanks for your comment. What I liked about the article, too, is that it had a positive spin to it that is so helpful amid the constant bad news.

Good luck “sherpa-ing”!

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