Career Marketplace Blog

In this article for About.com, Alison Doyle suggests How to Avoid the Resume Black Hole.

Tips from this article include:

• Resume Keywords
• Apply Directly to Companies
• Find Your Connections

Read Full Article

In her article for the Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger reports, Making LinkedIn Work for You.

Read an excerpt from Shellenbarger’s article. Read Full Article

Some Juggle commenters have asked for a post on the professional networking website LinkedIn. The site passed 100 million users in March and continues to grow by about one million members a week. Its public offering this week is drawing even more attention.

Non-users of LinkedIn may wonder, why bother? Posting a profile, keeping it updated, building and maintaining your network of connections, and responding to messages takes time.

Of course, LinkedIn can help you find a job and research prospective employers by contacting current and former employees. Recruiters use it heavily to find what they call “passive candidates” who are open to new opportunities but not actively looking.

But even if you aren’t looking for a job, LinkedIn is a tool for displaying your work and credentials to colleagues and potential clients, gathering intelligence about trends and competitors from others in your industry or profession, and keeping in touch with alumni and other groups that matter to you. Also, if you lose your job unexpectedly, having your LinkedIn network up-and-running is a big asset.

Read On

In this article for the Wall Street Journal, Sarah E. Needleman explains, Why You Need an Elevator Pitch.

Read an excerpt from Needleman’s article. Read Full Article

A few weeks ago, I found myself in an elevator with a senior executive at my company. Since I work for a large organization, I didn’t expect such a big cheese to know who I am, so I introduced myself as the Journal’s small-business assistant editor. I could feel my nerves kick in but I made it through the ride without embarrassing myself (I think) and I perhaps benefited by gaining some high-level recognition.

The other day, though, I once again found myself in the elevator with Mr. Big Cheese – this time, with less impressive results.  I was at a loss for anything clever or interesting to say. He tried to initiate conversation with a benign statement about the elevator. I tried to make a witty reply, but it didn’t come across very well.

Read On

In her article for Forbes.com, Want the Job? Get a Sponser, Colette Martin explains what a sponsor is and how they can impact your job search.

Below is an excerpt of Martin’s article. Read Full Article

For the past two decades we’ve heard a lot about mentoring. Having a mentor – someone to guide you in your career and provide critical advice – is one of the keys to career success.

And we’ve heard a lot about networking. We have been taught that most jobs are found through networking. While estimates vary from 60% to 80%, it is a compelling data point that has made us think differently about working relationships.

Now there’s a new player everyone is talking about – the sponsor.

If you want to get ahead – and specifically if you want to get the job, your chances are dramatically increased if you have a sponsor.

What is a sponsor? And how is a sponsor different from a mentor?

Read On

In his article for U.S. News and World Report, Tim Tyrell-Smith lists 10 Signs of a Healthy Job Search.

Some of those signs are:

• You enjoy networking
• People seem to remember you
• You are not relying on your resume

Read full article and view complete list

In his article for Forbes Magazine, Ron Ashkenas asks, What’s Your Personal Brand?

Below is an excerpt of Ashkenas’ article

Do you have a personal brand?  When people hear your name, do they immediately think of certain qualities that you have?  Do colleagues, friends and family know what they can count on from you?  Does your reputation extend beyond those who know you personally – and if so, what do they think about you?

Without doubt, these are tough question, but probably ones that everyone should periodically address. We are all the chief branding officers of our own personal brands. We have the power to determine and control our own reputation, whether through our actions at the workplace or through what we decide to Tweet. We are able to create our own sense of distinctiveness, trust and confidence. In every environment, from the workplace to the Web, people make choices that affect their personal brand — whether it is who to work with (and who to avoid), who to follow, who to “friend”, or what special message to share in 140 characters.

How you manage your personal brand in any of these mediums will determine how others view you — and ultimately shape your career and your life.

Read on to learn how you can create your personal brand

In his article for U.S. News and World Report, Curt Rosengren shows readers how to Expand Your Career Potential.

Below is an excerpt of Rosengren’s article:

I remember the feeling when I first left home to go to college and realized I didn’t need permission for the way I lived my life. It was exhilarating and liberating. I imagine most people have a similar experience as they transition from dependence to independence.

Part of being an adult is having that independence and control of our own lives. And yet many of us are still limited by an absence of permission. Only this time it’s not our parents who won’t let us do what we want. And it’s not our teachers, or our bosses, or any other authority figure. It’s our own selves.

There are certain things we won’t let ourselves do, or feel, or experience. The reasons why are legion. We don’t give ourselves permission because of what someone else might say or think. We refuse permission because something is too scary, or because “that’s not the way it’s done.” We withhold permission because we think someone else wouldn’t approve. And on and on it goes.

Read more of Rosengren’s article to find helpful advice about when to say no, allowing yourself to experiment, and its okay to be yourself.

In her article for Psychology Today, Katharine Brooks, Ed.D. gives readers advice to help determine if they should hire a career coach.

Below is an excerpt from Brooks’ article, Do You Need a Career Coach? Read Full Article

According to the International Coach Federation, this week is International Coaching Week designated as a time for coaches to educate the general public about the value of professional coaching services.

Career coaching services can be invaluable to someone navigating today’s job market, particularly those who are in transition from one career field to another or who have just acquired a new career-related certificate or college degree.

Read on to learn how you can determine if you need a career coach and what to look for.

About.com Guide, Dawn Rosenberg McKay explains how your ability to listen can benefit your job search. In her article, Now Pay Attention. Here’s Why You Need Good Listening Skills, McKay explains the difference between listening and hearing and explains why you need good listening skills.

Below is an excerpt of McKay’s article. Read Full Article

Wall Street Journal Career Stategies article, Most Promotions Take Place in January, Study Finds, Joe Light references a study conducted by LinkedIn Corp showing when “the greatest percentage of in-house promotions” occur. In this study, the professional networking site found that, “16% of promotions since 2000 occurred in January”.

January is not always the hot month for promotions. Depending on the industry, the study finds June, July, and September are also popular months for job advancement.

Read more of Light’s article to learn how you can secure a promotion in the coming year.