SelfGrowth.comThe Self Improvement Guide

Articles

Articles by Maria Hebda

Browse every published article connected to Maria Hebda, with exact attribution and full-archive search.

articles
93
shown per page
50
search signals
Topic + expert

Articles

93 articles by Maria Hebda · showing 50

Browse every published article connected to Maria Hebda, or search within this exact expert archive.

By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Watch Out for That Resume “Black Hole” Trap!

If your resume looks as if it could have come from 20 years ago or it just hasn’t been put together carefully–with good attention to what your targeted employers are probably looking for–it most likely will end up in the resume “black hole” trap. The same goes for submitting it to employers without doing any research beforehand to see if your background makes sense for the company. Yet another black hole mistake is distributing your resume with a generic cover letter that does little, if anything, to give the employers a reason to read it OR the resume.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,282 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

CIO & IT Leaders: How to Plan for Career and Resume Success

As I work with senior-level IT leaders, IT operations directors, as well as IT program and project managers, I hear more and more about failed technology implementations. Not that the technology itself failed, although that certainly happens too. What really intrigues me is the level of project failure from an operational, functional, and process standpoint. IT Project Failure: What Drives It? Where to begin? IT projects fail for so many reasons. Chief among them, however, are reasons that must be considered before any project is initiated. These include:

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,903 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Job Search Strategies: Reach Beyond the Obvious

The process of finding a new job can be overwhelming. It takes time, energy and focus-resources that most people don't have in abundance. Job hunting can also be psychologically taxing and usually requires some degree of discipline and organization. In my experience, nothing will undermine a job search more quickly than a negative attitude. With this in mind, I've developed a list of the top ten strategies for finding a job. 1. Make small career appointments with yourself --

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,216 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

How Thinking small Has BIG Rewards

Thinking small does have its benefits! I was on a coaching call with one of my TCE member clients and the focal point of our conversation was a topic I frequently have with colleagues. And, I want to share my thoughts to ensure that you’re making the most of your marketing efforts and seeing results. Some of you may have heard what I’m about to share while others haven’t. So if what you read sounds familiar, it’s my hope that you’ve taken action when you first learned about it. But if you haven’t taken action yet, let my posting serve as as a reminder of what could be.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,129 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Is a Cover Letter Necessary?

One of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to the job hunt has to be: "Do I need a cover letter?" Yes, you do! "Can't I just send my resume without it?" Only if the employer, recruiter, or software refuses to let you submit the cover letter! Why? Because the resume doesn't create the first impression of you: the cover letter does. Make sure your cover letter is professional, targeted, and polished so that you create a strong first impression. An excellent cover letter almost always leads to the employer reading your resume.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,122 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

The Career Pivot

Change is constant, prevalent, inevitable. We experience it in the weather as temperatures vary, in the seasons as spring cycles to winter, and within ourselves as we accumulate experiences. For most of us, these changes or transitions are characteristically familiar. Similarly, we embrace characteristic changes in our careers, expecting a familiar, linear path of advancement within an organization, within the same industry. This typical paradigm describes the traditional career ladder.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,757 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

No Second First Impression

As the saying goes, "you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression." People tend to form judgments based on what they see and hear during the first few seconds. Extended contact may modify their initial judgment but probably won't change it significantly. In terms of job or career changes, this means you need to consider carefully how you present yourself. Clients typically think of this in relation to interviews, which is certainly important, but waiting until then to focus on it would be a big mistake.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,143 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Online Resume Posting Guide

Since launching my resume writing business 14 years ago, I have assisted many clients in posting resumes on-line, to electronic job boards such as monsterjobs.com, careerbuilder.com, and usajobs.gov. When I first began this service, statistics said that only 30 percent of employers were recruiting on-line. This figure recently has risen to over 80 percent. How They Work

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,388 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

How to Impress Employers Before They Even See Your Resume

Ah. After much hard work, your resume is beautiful! You've spent countless hours (and perhaps a chunk of change) perfecting both its content and appearance and now you're ready to send it out to fulfill its primary duty--landing you an interview. Or several. And fast. What you may not realize, however, is that the first interview is about to begin--the 10-second interview where the recipient of your resume quickly and perhaps even unconsciously begins evaluating your candidacy based solely on *how* you've applied for the job.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,673 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Why You Need Competitors

When it comes to your business, do you worry about competitors? If you do, what’s behind the worry? There are more than enough people in the world to serve so running out of clients or customers shouldn’t be something to spend your time worrying about. Rather than viewing competitors as trying to take away business from you, view them as resources to learn from—check them out!

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,198 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Why the Resume is an Endangered Species

As a professional resume writer, I don't like to admit this, but the resume is going the way of gray suit, the fax machine, and the generous pension plan. No, the resume isn't in danger of immediate extinction. But it is certainly endangered. Resumes are a relic of a traditional employment recruiting process in which employers needed a standard way of comparing numerous prospects for open job positions sight unseen. By reviewing a short summary of qualifications and work history, employers could weed out the unqualified candidates and find the most qualified ones.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,115 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

4 Steps To A Perfect Resume

Looking for feedback on my work, I sent the exact same resume to 2 trusted recruiters and got the following two gut reactions: * "Great format but the writing could be more salesy." * "Compelling content but the format is bland." The take home message: You can't please everyone. That said, you can still win interviews from hiring managers whose resume preferences differ from your own. Just make sure you cover these "bases" within the first third of page one:

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,227 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Bringing Out The Real You In Your Resume

There's a widespread frustration held by business executives that their resumes' cannot adequately describe "the real me." I've challenged this notion with the following comments and suggestions: I'm pleased to read how many executives are put off by the idea that they might be encapsulated on a single piece of paper (or two or three). But couldn't the same argument be made for the interview: that 2 hours sitting alone with someone in a room just isn't enough time to truly get to know a person?

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,154 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Building Your Network of Experts

One of the most important things I did to grow my business was to step out of my comfort zone and begin to expand my professional network. It was a stretch for me to transition from being a certified career coach and resume writer to being a resource for my career expert peers. My ...One of the most important things I did to grow my business was to step out of my comfort zone and begin to expand my professional network.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
827 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Get More Interviews: Avoid These Common Resume Pitfalls

Improve your job search results by avoiding these common resume pitfalls: Trying to Be All Things – Choosing a focus can seem limiting! Review effective marketing campaigns (remember, your resume is a marketing tool), and you will consistently find cohesive, compelling messaging. Even at a career fair, your resume must present a focused picture of your value-add to the organization. Bring multiple versions if necessary.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,665 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Is an “old school” resume getting in your way?

Companies today are moving quickly and looking for talent that can keep up, or better yet, bring cutting-edge ideas to give them a competitive advantage. A hiring manager’s first impression of you is most likely your resume, and if it says, “I’m old school,” you are probably not getting the interviews you would like. In the spirit of Jeff Foxworthy, here are some signs that your resume might be “old” school:

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,755 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Reducing Your Resume Age

Consider this scenario; after 20 years of loyalty to his employer, Ken’s position has just been eliminated due to a company merger. He suddenly finds himself unemployed at the age of 58. As he begins to search for his outdated resume typed in 1987, he worries about what the future will hold in a world that associates youth with ambition. Frequently, he hears that 50 is the new 40 or 40 is the new 30, but knows that age discrimination in the workplace is not a thing of the past.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,296 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Cut the Commute: Work From Home

“Five percent of [Americans] surveyed said they would actually be willing to divorce their spouse if that meant they could stop commuting and work from home instead.”¹ While the vast majority of us wouldn’t resort to something quite so drastic, more and more people are seeking ways to spend less time commuting and to incorporate more flexibility into their work schedules. However, before you request a work-from-home arrangement, there are some important things to consider. Evaluate

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,375 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Top 3 Mistakes When Starting a Resume Business

Making the decision to go into business for yourself can be very exciting and scary at the same time (at least this was how it was for me way back when). The dream of becoming my own boss, setting my own hours, and not having anyone tell me what to do is what sold me on the idea. However, keeping that sweet dream staying sweet is a whole different story! Mistake #1: Letting My Business Run Me Instead of Me Run My Business Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way so if I can help you avoid this huge mistake I made, this article has served its purpose.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,298 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Getting The Most Out of a Job Fair

You spend days preparing for that big career fair, where you'll meet your dream employer who will throw lots of money your way because YOU are the one they've been waiting for. However, the reality is that many people who attend job fairs are left disappointed, frustrated and jobless. Here are some pointers to help you get the most out of your job fair experience. * Don't expect to get a job at a job fair. The descriptio "job fair" is a misnomer. Typically, a recruiter at a job fair will glance over your resume, spend about five or ten minutes talking to you, and then move on.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,139 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

5 Resume Red Flags

Prospective employers may spend as little as six seconds looking at your resume to make an assessment of your abilities and to match those abilities to their job opening. In those six seconds they do not read every word on the resume!

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,229 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Your Cover Letter's Magic

What magic is involved in preparing a cover letter? The cover letter - sometimes known as an application letter for employment - literally covers, or is placed first, over your presented or mailed resume. Usually read first, it is intended to encourage a potential employer to read over your included resume. In addition, it is a personal narrative written communication that could decidedly influence a hirer's opinion of the applicant as a potentially suitable job candidate or one that fails that first step in gaining recognition for an interview.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,369 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

3 Sure Ways to Get Rid of Tire Kickers

When people go shopping, whether it’s for a minor purchase or a large ticket item like a new car, price will always be a determining factor. If they feel the cost is worth it, they’ll pay it and if they don’t they won’t. It’s pretty simple when buying tangible items. But when making non-tangible purchases like career coaching and resume writing services, it’s not as simple. When it comes to career services, the real purchase is your industry expertise and the coach/client or writer/client relationship.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,495 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Will a Generic Resume Get Results?

Many job seekers ask professional resume writers to develop a generic resume that can be used for several targets. Sometimes the client is not even sure what those targets will be but wants a document that will work for any position he or she decides to apply for. This is a huge mistake! It makes no sense to pay for a professional resume unless your job target is clear. Why? Hiring managers and potential employers are not psychic. You cannot expect them to take the time to read through a generic resume and find a fit for you. They have neither the time nor the desire to do this.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,593 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Don't Waste Employers' Time By Giving Them a Crappy Resume

So many people settle and use resume templates (aka cookie-cutter resumes) because all they have to do is plug in their info. The one thing they don’t realize is that employers are looking for more than just basic info. Employers want to know what value you bring to the table, how you contributed to companies you worked for in the past, and what contributions you’ve made for your current employer so far. A resume template doesn’t guide you on how to include this kind of information in your resume. You’re unique, and likewise, your resume should be too.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,297 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

So Why Do I Need A Resume Anyway?

I must say there has been a lot of talk about resumes this year. It's one of the most talked about topic next to social media and networking. But why is there so much talk about 2 pieces of paper? And, why is having a resume so important? I can think of a reason why having a resume is so important.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,090 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Be Honest on Your Resume

Nothing tells a prospective employer that you are not the right person for his or her job more quickly than a resume that does not match the job description or the stated needs of the employer. Your resume should be written in a way that reflects your education and accomplishments. Resist the desire to overstate your abilities, education, or achievements. If you overstate, you may appear over-qualified for the positions you are seeking.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,167 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

3 Things to Make the Most of Your Social Networking

Networking online or social networking isn't all that different from traditional business networking such as your local Business Network International (BNI) Chapter, local Chamber of Commerce, service groups, or professional networking organizations. Just like with traditional face-to-face networking, being a successful social networker means you: Show Up Regularly

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,242 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Thriving in Trying Times

In this difficult economy, it can be far too easy to focus on the economic pain that has undeniably affected everyone. Many people are unemployed. Households are stretched financially. Discouraged job seekers struggle to maintain their self-esteem. Even people who are employed fear for their livelihoods. And yet, not all is doom and gloom. Even with a national unemployment rate just under 10 percent, there's still an enormous amount of economic activity taking place.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
851 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Informational Interviewing: A Job Seeker’s Secret Weapon – Part I

One of the most powerful but underutilized strategies in finding a job is informational interviewing, the process of conducting highly focused conversations with professionals currently working in your field of interest in order to gather information about a job, company, field or industry. Informational interviews provide excellent opportunities to gain knowledge that you may not be able to find elsewhere, clarify your understanding, sharpen your focus, make connections, build relationships with influential professionals and, potentially, land a job.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,940 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Top Secrets of The Expert Job Search

Every day I talk with top professionals and executives looking for a better job. But deep down, they know they want more than a job - they want more fulfillment. They need to see a greater value and satisfaction in the 40-50 hours of brainpower and expertise they put forth every week. They have excellent skills and experience in their industry, but now they're faced with finding a new position, or expanding their career, and have very little background in that department.r

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
874 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Leveraging a Reentry Client's Volunteer Experience

If you are reentering the job market and have relevant volunteer experience, be sure to include it. It counts! A recent client wanted to reenter the job market after taking time off for children. Her earlier career had been in residential real estate and Xerox equipment sales. Her new job target was non-profit development. How did we position her for a development position in the non-profit arena? We focused heavily on her recent, highly relevant volunteer work.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,441 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

So What's Your Story?

Some people are natural storytellers. They describe events and circumstances in a way that captures attention, compels interest, and engages listeners. Storytellers are a direct contrast with those who use language solely for targeted and factual communications. In interviews and professional networking, the storyteller has a distinct advantage - the ability to engage and interest people who can open doors and present opportunities.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,151 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Creating a Resume for a Mom Returning to the Workforce

I am often contacted by people (oftentimes mothers) who took an extended absence from the workforce to raise children. Those children get older and more self-sufficient; the stay at home moms decide they would like to return to the workplace. Oftentimes these women had good careers, working as atto eys, project managers, analysts, and technology professionals, among many other professions.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,485 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

CV vs. Resume: What is the difference?

When searching for a job online, sometimes you will notice employers requesting a CV as opposed to a resume. What exactly is a CV and how does it differ from a resume? CV is an abbreviation for curriculum vitae, which is a Latin word meaning course of life or career. They are usually longer than the traditional one or two page resume and offer a complete history of work experience,significant contributions, and education. CVs are formal and comprehensive while resumes are brief.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
2,621 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Creative Ways to Invest in Your Development Without Spending a Fortune

However long you've been in business, there is always something new to learn. It's essential to keep up with the trends of your industry and not get left behind. You'll not only provide better service to your clients, you'll also find new ways to grow and improve your business. Formal ...However long you've been in business, there is always something new to learn. It's essential to keep up with the trends of your industry and not get left behind. You'll not only provide better service to your clients, you'll also find new ways to grow and improve your business.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
889 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

ASCII Resumes: An Essential Ingredient to Today's Job Search

ASCII (pronounced ask-ee) stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. So what's that mean? Computers can only read numbers. Technically speaking, ASCII is a numerical representation of the letters, digits, punctuation marks, and other symbols used in conversational English. It was created in 1968 to allow data processors to "talk" to each other and, although it's been upgraded, ASCII continues to be the "alphabet" almost all computers use to communicate.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,146 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

How to Price Your Services

Whether you're a new or established career professional, pricing can be a constant puzzle; especially when you start talking to other people in the industry or surfing the web. There are so many pricing models, fees, products and services out there. Don't sell yourself short or get caught up ...Whether you're a new or established career professional, pricing can be a constant puzzle; especially when you start talking to other people in the industry or surfing the web. There are so many pricing models, fees, products and services out there.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
832 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Age-Old Question: Should I Lie About My Age On a Resume?

"Should I Lie About My Age On a Resume?" * I am too old * I've never managed anyone directly * I don't have Microsoft Excel experience * I have a job gap from 2002-2004 You'll never see these above items on a resume because the purpose of the resume is to put your best foot (or feet) forward and to downplay your potential weaknesses. Adding an easy reference to your age is the same thing as saying "I am an older adult." Unfortunately, this can be viewed as a weakness by many hiring managers and recruiters.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,680 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Resume Template = Generic Resume/Generic Candidate

Anyone expecting to see great results from using a generic resume for their job search is setting themselves up for a big disappointment. Employers, recruiters, hiring managers, and HR personnel are not seeking "general" candidates to come in for interviews, they are looking for candidates who know what skills they have to offer and where they can best fit into a company.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,658 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Does Your Resume Need A Facelift?

Many people don't realize is that if you put your resume together without much thought or reason, simply writing down your life's story and distributing it to potential employers, chances are you'll experience less than impressive results. In fact, you'll probably end up in the unenviable position of joining the 80% who are dissatisfied with their jobs and wondering why the good opportunities are eluding you.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,180 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Pricing Services: 7 Facts to Consider When Pricing Career Services

Pricing services is a challenge for many service based business owners because they don’t want to be too high or too low. The goal is to make sure you don’t short-change yourself. When it comes to pricing your career services, whether you’re a new or established career professional, consider ALL that comes into play in your service delivery. When pricing services, DON’T sell yourself short or get caught up in what other people are charging. Instead, step back and look at what you’re really providing clients when they decide to work with you:

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
1,111 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Show Me the Money!

Do you want to negotiate a salary increase this year but are unsure of how you would justify it? Here are some strategies you can implement now to build a strong case for the raise you want in the future. Document Your Accomplishments Throughout the Year

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
814 views
Read article
By Maria HebdaRecently published1 topic

Interviewing Authentically

The goal of the interview is to showcase your accomplishments while developing a relationship with the hiring manager. The quality of the relationship hinges on the job seeker's ability to build credibility for their candidacy and effectively gain the hiring manager's trust.

Primary topic: Career Transition
Career Transition
787 views
Read article
Back to top ↑