Company news paints a pretty picture – Issue #62 When you are preparing to interview with a company, you need to research it thoroughly. The easiest place to start is the corporate website. You can learn a great deal on their About, Team, Press, Careers, News pages, etc. However, any information that you find on…

Successful people don’t play by the house rules – Issue #61 I was recently reading about a candidate who had applied to hundreds of companies to secure a handful of interviews and eventually get a few job offers. This sounds like a real-life variation of one of those ridiculous arcade coin-pusher games that my children…

Your cover letter isn’t only about you – Issue #60 I’ve read way too many cover letters that were all about the candidate. I get it; you think that the cover letter is your best chance to tailor your message and pitch yourself in a more personal way. Resumes feel so dry and cold. However,…

Setting up a lifetime of success – Issue #59 Have you heard of the book Your Network is Your Net Worth by Porter Gale? She makes the case that your true “net worth” isn’t measured by the wealth you have amassed. Instead, your most valuable asset is the meaningful connections you have created and actively maintain with other…

When to use third vs. first person – Issue #58 Writing a bio always feels a bit self-centered and awkward. We have a difficult time talking about ourselves and our accomplishments. It feels even stranger to write your bio in the third person. The norm used to be using a third-person voice (e.g., “Larry is…

Even if you already turned them down – Issue #57 I answered a good question today on Quora: “Declined a non-competitive offer but the company is asking to talk? What do you think they want?” This request is a good sign that the company really wants you. They’re probably disappointed that you declined their offer…

The biggest barrier to adopting successful habits – Issue #56 How many times have you shared advice with someone only to have them say, “Pssht, is that all? Everyone knows that. It’s common sense.” However, I’m sure you’ve also noticed that common sense does not translate into common practice. During my decades-long career, I can’t even count the number…

Don’t just put your job title – Issue #55 Your professional headline on LinkedIn is the text that shows up below your name in the introduction card on your profile. It’s displayed in search results and can be completely different from the title of your current position. Most people make the mistake of only having…

Seek it, claim it, and own it – Issue #54 The short vacations we have in the U.S. are pretty pathetic, and most people don’t even take those. You barely have time to decompress, unwind, and relax before it is all over, and you’re back in the office again. Months off are what you need…

Follow the money – Issue #53 This tip is not only useful for those of you in the Tech industry. Many types of businesses raise money to expand operations, which often includes opening new locations and hiring additional employees. “The early bird gets the worm,” so the sooner you can set yourself up to be…