You may have have heard that networking is one of the keys to job search success. Yet some people are hesitant to use their network of contacts for fear, among other reasons, that the connection will be bothered by any request for help. This is where having a strategy that makes it easier for your connections to introduce you to others can bring more success.

The project plan is a way for you to plan out the activities that you need to accomplish to successfully find a job.  At the outset you need to develop general categories of activities like developing a resume, networking, and researching companies.

Yes, I get that you had a horrible boss and the company did not care about its employees.  The reality is work may not be all unicorns and butterflies. Yet, when on a job interview, please refrain from bashing your employer.

I have read quite a few articles that reference the new trend of candidates “ghosting” companies. Even the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), a large HR trade organization, had an article about this. What does “ghosting” mean? The term comes from the practice of ending a relationship by not responding to email, text, etc. from another person. Candidates have frequently complained that they are subject to “ghosting” from companies when they either put in an employment application or go on an interview, only to hear nothing back.

A common mistake that people make with cover letters is to restate what they have already put down on a resume. What a waste of everyone’s time. A resume should be the cake while your cover letter should be the frosting.

I know a lot of job seekers are concerned that their attempt to sell their skills can come across as boastful and may turn off an interviewer. I believe this is a legitimate concern.

The interview question “Tell me about yourself” should be an easy one to answer. Yet, in my experience, many people get this one wrong.

If you have been contacted by an employer, you can be sure that one of the first questions that will be asked will be about your salary needs. You know this is coming, so as a job seeker, you should be prepared for this question. Why would an employer ask about this?

If you are introverted, the thought of going to a networking event may fill you full of dread. As an introvert myself, I can tell you that it can get easier.  As I was helping my introvert child prepare for a networking event, we talked about some strategies to make the evening go better. After coming back from the event, he said that it went much better than he would have thought. He talked to a few people and seemed to enjoy himself. Success! 

Here are some suggestions I have to make a networking event productive and less intimidating: