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Articles by Michelle Riklan

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38 articles by Michelle Riklan · showing 38

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By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Do You Have Any Questions For Me? The Question Every Candidate Should Be Prepared to Answer In An Interview

Job interviews aren’t meant to be an interrogation — they are supposed to be a dialogue. An interview is as much about making sure the company is a fit for you as it is that you are a fit for the company. Preparing for the Interview Before the interview, at a minimum, you should research the company — and the interviewer(s), if you know that information ahead of time.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,790 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

DASHING Cover Letters

Are Cover Letters Important? Yes. While some may argue that a cover letter is an “extra step”, I say it is an expected step when sending out your résumé. Outside of the fact that omitting the cover letter can be perceived as being lazy, we exist in a very competitive job-market, and a well-written cover letter is a tool that can help to position you ahead of the competition.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,247 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Interview Strategies

In the course of my career I have interviewed thousands of individuals seeking employment at all levels from the entry-level college graduate to the Chief Financial Officer. While my experience spans across a wide variety of industries, the interview mistakes that I’ve seen are constant. Once you have procured a meeting with a potential employer, there is a tremendous amount of preparatory work to be done. Here are a few strategies to increase your chances for a successful interview. 1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Research the company, department and position.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,949 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

How Do I Get My Resume to Land on the Top of the Pile?

Job hunt getting you down? Are you frustrated at a lack of response? These 7 tips will supercharge your resume and ensure that it stands out among the rest. Tip #1: Cut and Paste?

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,834 views5/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Does your résumé have enough gravy or is it a dry turkey?

As we prepare for the holiday season, I find myself comparing my work to feast preparations. Is there a difference between a well prepared holiday feast and a microwaveable frozen dinner in a box?

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,975 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Are you LinkedIn?

Before the job is posted and advertised, where does the recruiter/HR professional/hiring manager look for potential candidates? Before they even hit the job boards, they are on LinkedIn. And, if you are not there, then you don’t exist. Let me repeat that – IF YOU ARE NOT LINKEDIN, YOU DO NOT EXIST.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,625 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***Jobseeker’s Guide to Online Reputation Management

When searching for a job, it’s very common for employers nowadays to look at your online profile. This information isn’t just used to “rule out” candidates — finding a broad online presence can also improve your chances of getting the job by increasing your “know, like, and trust” factor. What a company finds about you online should reassure them about your qualifications and suitability as a prospective employee … not raise red flags.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

12,624 views4/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Jobseeker’s Guide to Salary Negotiation

Money is usually the most sensitive issue in the hiring process. Discussing compensation often causes anxiety for both employee and employer.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

7,183 views4/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***Your Summer Job is Much More Important than You Think

Employment rates are better this year, which means fresh graduate are expected to have better opportunities of securing a job. I wonder though, how many will take their inte ship seriously? How many will show up expecting three easy months of coffee-fetching and copy-making work?

Primary topic: Resume Writing

7,073 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Jobseeker’s Guide to Leaving Your Job

Every few months, you’ll see an example in the news media of someone who left their job in dramatic fashion. Examples include the JetBlue flight attendant who famously deployed the emergency chute on the runway, or the Goldman Sachs executive who wrote a “Why I Am Leaving” article in the New York Times.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,532 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***Success Stories of Veterans and Reservists Transitioning to Corporate Work

After years of deployment, rigid schedules and working within the military’s structure, the difference in environment and job description between civilian and military work can be overwhelming. Despite the uncertainty it brings, many veterans look forward to working in the corporate world, because this will allow them to spend more time with their friends and family. Question is, what are you going to do for work? Will you be able to find a new job? Will you be able to adjust?

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,654 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Getting Started with Facebook in Your Job Search

With 845 million monthly active users (as of December 2011), Facebook has the potential to connect you with your next job. In contrast, LinkedIn, which bills itself as “the largest professional network” in the world, has 95 million unique monthly visitors. With 10 times as many members, it’s no wonder then that job seekers are finding Facebook is an increasingly important tool in a well-rounded job search.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,503 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Dress for Success

We hear this phrase all too often, but what does it mean in today’s job market? How are we expected to dress for a networking event? Does it vary from a first interview? A second interview?

Primary topic: Resume Writing

6,760 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

THE BOOMERANG GENERATION – How can we help you?

So what exactly is a “Boomeranger?” In short, it is a term to describe Gen-Xers and Gen-Yers who have moved back home with parents and family, in response to the current recession. While this situation may provide financial relief for the young adult, there are many facets to this arrangement that need exploring.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

6,428 views5/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

4 Things You Must Do On LinkedIn

To get the most out of your LinkedIn profile, make sure you do these four things: 1. Complete Your Profile. Your profile is the “front door” to your LinkedIn account. First impressions matter — so make sure you’ve made your profile as complete as possible. As an added benefit, your LinkedIn profile generally ranks high in Google search results for your name, so make sure your profile is up-to-date, accurate, and complete.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,281 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

SABOTAGING YOUR JOB SEARCH

SABOTAGING YOUR JOB SEARCH By Michelle A. Riklan, CPRW, CEIC Top Five Ways to Sabotage Your Job Search 1. Keeping it quietr For whatever the reason, you are not putting yourself out there. Even if you have been laid off or fired, you need to network. It is the most effective way to find a new position. But, if no-one knows you are looking, no-one will call. 2. Not searching at allr

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,927 views5/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Job Seeker’s Guide to References

“Résumés win interviews, but references win job offers,” says Martin Yate, author of the “Knock ‘Em Dead” series of career books. Reference checks are important for both job seekers and employers. References are a chance for employers to add to the information they learned from your résumé and in the interview — and what they find out from your references will either confirm their desire to hire you, or make the decision not to extend the job offer. A great reference will help the hiring manager feel good about their decision to hire you.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,898 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Jobseeker’s Guide to Preparing for the Job Interview

The goal of the résumé is to get you a job interview. Once you secure an interview, researching and preparing for the interview is important. Like studying for a test, some of the information you can prepare ahead of time — and some of it is important to review just to be better prepared in general. Believe it or not, many job candidates don’t prepare for job interviews. Spending just 30-60 minutes (at a minimum) can improve your chances of securing a job offer.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,444 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

LinkedIn Profile Checklist

Profiles that are considered “complete” by LinkedIn’s standards receive 40 more “opportunities” (contacts from prospective hiring managers and recruiters) than incomplete profiles, according to the social networking site. Filling in your profile improves your chances of being found by people searching for you specifically, or someone with your qualifications, credentials, and background. And that’s true even when using sites like Google and Bing. As LinkedIn’s own materials say, “LinkedIn profiles typically appear among the top search results when people search by name.”

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,466 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***Stay at Home Moms: How to Hide the Glaring Employment Gap in Your Resume

As a stay-at-home mom, updating your resume is perhaps the most overwhelming task you’ll need to do after deciding to rejoin the workforce. I know it’s a bit overwhelming and ironic to some extent, considering you’ve done well raising your kids – updating your resume should be a piece of cake, right? It’s trickier than it seems. Sure, it’s easy to list your education and previous work before the kids came – but what comes next? How do you explain the huge gap from then ’til now? That’s exactly what I’m going to help you do… Don’t Bury Professional Experience Under a Poor Layout

Primary topic: Resume Writing

6,159 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***What To Do Next With Your Résumé

By investing in a professionally written résumé, you’re already positioned yourself ahead of other jobseekers. But don’t let that advantage go to waste. Now that you have your résumé, what should you do with it? This guide will give you strategies for what you can — and should — do with your résumé to maximize your chances of finding and securing your next job. Apply for Positionsr

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,996 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

How to Give — and Get — LinkedIn Recommendations

With LinkedIn becoming increasingly important in the recruiting and hiring process, having Recommendations on your profile is important. Great Recommendations can be the difference in getting the job offer.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

10,414 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***The Job Search - “They can hear you in your pajamas.” (and taking the job search seriously)

We live in a world today that brings a completely new meaning to “multi-tasking”. Potential employers call about our résumé while we’re driving to the soccer field and deals are negotiated in the supermarket produce section. With virtual offices, tele-conferences, e-summits and Skype, we need to be aware of the types of messages that we are sending and their appropriateness.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

8,915 views5/5 (3)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Finding a Job in a difficult job market

Recent data is bad news all around for job seekers. The number of unemployed workers in the United States now totals 12.5 million with New Jersey’s unemployment rate equaling 10.1%, one of the highest in the nation. Today’s workforce holds little opportunity for graduating college seniors, stay at home parents are attempting to return and secure a second or a replacement income and people with seemingly stable careers may face downsizing and need to consider alte ative career paths. Overall, the process is difficult. So how des the job seeker get started?

Primary topic: Resume Writing

6,737 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***Does Your Boss Secretly Hate You?

I was eating at a restaurant when I overheard this woman complaining about her boss to a friend. After ranting, her friend said, “Suck it up, you’re lucky to have a job.” After hearing this conversation, I realized that sometimes, no matter how nice and polite you are; your boss just doesn’t care. After all your effort, he can’t even spare you a smile or even a half-hearted “good job.” It’s disheartening and demoralizing to work for someone like that. So what can you do? Find out if it’s something you did (or are still doing).r

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,070 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Spring Cleaning Your LinkedIn and Online Profiles

The weather is warming up…it’s not too warm and it’s not too cold either. Flowers are starting to bloom and the trees are starting to wake up from their winter slumber. You know what this means, right? It’s time to clean up—the backyard, your closet of last season’s clothes, and your online profiles. Your LinkedIn and social media profiles. Spring is the season of new beginnings, so it’s just right to take advantage of this time to start a new (and better) chapter in your career.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

4,587 views5/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Jobseeker’s Guide to Writing an Effective LinkedIn Profile

Having an online presence on LinkedIn can be important in your job search. Your LinkedIn profile can present your credentials to prospective employers and hiring managers, increasing your chance of securing an interview.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

7,949 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

7 Reasons Why You Should Be on LinkedIn

What? You’re not on LinkedIn yet? What are you waiting for? These seven reasons outline why you should be on the social networking site. 1. Because That’s Where The People Are. LinkedIn is the number one social network for professionals — and, arguably, the most important website for jobseekers — with more than 150 million members worldwide. Not only are people you know already on the site, but so are people you should get to know — recruiters, hiring managers, and your future co-workers.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,276 views3/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Don’t Make These Mistakes On LinkedIn

• Don’t Dismiss LinkedIn as Something Only for People Who Are Looking For a New Job. The best time to build your LinkedIn profile, connect with people, and participate on LinkedIn is now, before you need it. If you find yourself suddenly unemployed and decide that now is the time to start using LinkedIn, you’re going to be playing catch up. Instead, take time to “dig your well before you’re thirsty,” as author Harvey Mackay says.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,220 views3/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***Tips for Your LinkedIn Profile Photo

Your profile photo on LinkedIn is very important. Did you know that profiles with pictures attract 50-70 percent more inquiries than profiles without pictures? Here are some tips for your LinkedIn photo: • Don’t use an old photo. There are few things worse than meeting someone for the first time and not recognizing them because the profile on their LinkedIn profile is from 10 years ago (or longer)! • Use a photo of you in your profile — don’t use a photo of an object.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,616 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

***Getting Started With LinkedIn In Your Job Search

Why Get LinkedIn? LinkedIn is the top social networking website for jobseekers. As Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn, explains it, “Post a full profile and get connected to the people you trust. Because if you’re connected to those people and you posted a profile, then when other people are searching for people, they might find you.”

Primary topic: Resume Writing

7,590 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

A Proactive Job Search

A recent New York Times article states that “a growing share of recent college graduates are having to settle for jobs that do not require a college degree, and they are earning less than their peers as a result.” Statistics show that the employment status of college graduates under age 25 is as follows: 22.4% — Not Working. 22.0% — Working in jobs that do not require a college degree. 55.6% — Working in jobs that require a college degree, with a median annual income of $26,756.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

6,743 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Fighting the Unemployment Blues and Staying Motivated

The national unemployment rate fell to 8.5%, the lowest in nearly 3 years. While we seem to be moving in the right direction, this is not a window of opportunity to “go easy” on your job search. It’s a time to become even more persistent and stay ahead of the competition! While being unemployed can be emotionally challenging and stressful, it is crucial to remain optimistic and motivated. If you let the circumstances way you down, it will affect your ability to procure a new position. So try not to wallow, take action instead! Sample action plan:

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,850 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Get off your "buts".

According to a recent survey by CollegeGrad.com, entry-level jobs have increased by 22 percent from last year. That’s the highest percentage in 3 years. So, if you are a recent college graduate and have given up on finding that entry-level job, it is time to get off your “buts”. • But, there are no jobs. • But, I’ve sent my resume out EVERYWHERE. • But, I can’t afford to live on my own.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,365 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Career Change – Do I stay or do I go?

In difficult economic times and with the national unemployment average holding steady in the 9 percent range, making a career change may be a scary prospect. It is certainly not impossible, but the possibility must be approached strategically and realistically.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,943 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

Career Change – Do I stay or do I go?

In difficult economic times and with the national unemployment average holding steady in the 9 percent range, making a career change may be a scary prospect. It is certainly not impossible, but the possibility must be approached strategically and realistically.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

5,690 views

By Michelle RiklanRecently published1 topic

INTERVIEW PRE-PLANNING AND PLANNING

By Michelle A. Riklan, CPRW, CEIC We can never know for sure who will be sitting across from the desk and interviewing us for that dream job. So, let me reiterate, we cannot assume that we know what will be asked and how the interview will be conducted. Our best line of defense with the many unknowns of the job interview is “BE PREPARED”.

Primary topic: Resume Writing

7,580 views5/5 (1)

By Michelle RiklanAug 21, 20131 topic

Looking for a Job? Don't Post Your Drunk Pictures on Facebook

Summer is almost over. Did you have a good time at the beach, partying with friends ‘til kingdom come? Great! It’s always good to relax and have fun during summer. Now to serious matters, how many of those I-party-like-a-rockstar pictures did you post on Facebook? Those pictures might be a good way to boost your online popularity among friends, but it can also tarnish your reputation amongst potential employers. Career Builder, with the help of Harris Interactive, surveyed

Primary topic: Career Coach and Career Coaching

Career Coach and Career Coaching

1,458 views

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