So far I’ve challenged the idea that you have one perfect job waiting for you out there and that you should be asking yourself “What’s the best thing for me to do?” among other career myths that are holding us back. This time, I want to explore another career myth I hear every so often. And […]
The standard three-paragraph format for writing a LinkedIn summary is (1) describe what you do, (2) share a few attributes, and (3) have a call to action (“I’m looking for a new role…” or “Feel free to connect with me…”). I encourage more personality in LinkedIn profiles. Especially because increasingly hiring managers and recruiters use […]
When I start working with a client, I take a look at their LinkedIn profile. Not only does it help me get a sense of how they might be using LinkedIn, but it’s a sneak peek at how they’re presenting their brand. Do they have a professional headshot? Is their picture formal or more casual? […]
Too serious + too “professional” = a boring LinkedIn profile. It’s true. Your LinkedIn profile can actually be too formal and boring. Just go and read 10 or more LinkedIn profiles in a row and you’ll see what I mean. How can you tell if yours is boring? Try reading the first couple of […]
As a career coach, I get a ringside seat to great brands and so-so brands. But so do you – take your experience as a consumer and think about your favorite brands. What’s their emotional appeal? Are they quirky? Are they innovative? Are they reliable? The brands that come to my mind: Southwest Airlines is Quirky, […]
Jackson was really frustrated with his job search. He knew something was off, but he couldn’t pinpoint it. You might identify with how he assessed his pros and cons related to his job search situation: Pros Great past working relationships. Interesting work history, thread is strategic partnerships and communications. Extensive professional network, but hasn’t been […]
I used to be skeptical about personal brands. They felt contrived and a bit manipulative – and far too self-promotional for my liking. I like to think of myself as discerning – I hate feeling like I’m being sold on anything. I was wrong. Personal branding is just another way of saying that you’re clear […]
One of the best parts of my job is seeing clients be successful. Especially when their success comes as a bit of a surprise to them – unexpected or unintended success. That’s what happened to Rob, one of my Brand You Boot Camp participants. What I love about his story, and why I asked him […]
Shhhh… I hear your brand calling. More specifically, your professional reputation is whispering. If you hear “personal branding” and you immediately think bright, shiny and dazzling, you’re missing the whole point of branding. Branding is basic. Branding isn’t superficial. (Borrowing someone else’s brand, bedazzling it, and then calling it your own is superficial.) A strong […]
I look at a LOT of LinkedIn profiles — to critique and offer suggestions. No matter how much information is contained in a profile, my initial glance lasts an average of 30 seconds. So what am I looking for in those 30 seconds? In essence, it’s whether his/her personal brand is effectively communicated. My litmus […]
