How do I transition into a new industry? Maybe it's just pure luck.

As I’ve traveled throughout the country, attending our Executives Network Job Search Meetings, I realized that the same conversations were taking place regardless of city.  What they talked about in Chicago – they talked about in Silicon Valley.  The thoughts on people’s minds in Dallas were the same thoughts in Phoenix.  And that’s when I [...]

Landing a job is just like Sales 101. So get to know your customer.

When I was in training at IBM (back when companies used to actually train you!), one of my classes was on Sales Calls.  The instructor gave us the outline of what we’d be graded on.  We needed to go through the five phases of the selling process.  If I recall correctly, it was something like:  [...]

Guess how many people want to hear your job search story? The one where you talk about the fact that you were laid off.

Last week, I was talking to four different people who are out of work.  This is nothing unusual because my business is working with people who are out of work.  Two of them felt some pressing need to tell me in painstaking detail how they came to be in their current situation.  The other two decided to [...]

The Interview: How knowing nothing will get you more job offers than knowing everything.

I was in yoga class the other day, and right behind me was a new student – we’ll call him Chuck.  He set up his mat in the hottest part of the room.  One of the teachers told him that he might want to move – because it gets really hot, and given it was [...]

13 mistakes that will ruin your chances of getting hired by me.

I was recently hiring an assistant.  Overwhelmed with the responses and appalled at some of the errors, I thought I’d share with you some insights based on the responses I received.  If anything, it might make you feel a little bit better about yourself! You called me Sir.  Last time I checked, I was not [...]

"I wouldn't mind working there" and other phrases to never use in the job search.

I was interviewed by Channel 2 in Denver this morning.  One of the questions the reporter asked me was this:  If, when targeting a company or position, is it okay to say “I’d like to do this type of job, but if that’s not available, I’d be willing to do this.”? My answer…emphatically no! Phrases like [...]

Do you know why you were put in this job search?

I just got back from drinks with some friends.  One person, Joe, was telling me that he needs to get his knee replaced.  Seeing that he didn’t quite look like a card-carrying member of AARP, I asked him why.  Running up mountains as fast as he can to get his heart rate close to 200.  [...]

How can you tell when a company is just not that into you?

I was in the Dallas airport the other day and ran into a guy that I dated last year.  Well, to say we dated is probably an extreme.  We went on two dates.  I thought they were pretty good.  The first was at least good enough to get him to ask me out again.  But [...]

Networking Tip: Your Email Address

If you’re using your personal email address for the job search.   STOP!!   You’ll have to admit, there are some really strange email addresses, and every time you send your resume or any email online, your brand is coming across.   Does that brand accurately reflect your level of professionalism?   I recently saw an email address laxbill47@mail.com.   [...]