My interview with Successfully Unemployed’s Alan Sherwood about career transitions.
Recently I had the pleasure of chatting with Alan G. Sherwood, MBA, host of the radio talk show, Successfully Unemployed, on Toginet radio.
In addition to his radio show, Alan owns and operates two small successful businesses: a consulting firm that specializes in capital and endowment campaigns, planned giving programs, executive search and career coaching; and a real estate investing and property management firm. He is the author of the book, “Successfully Unemployed,” that teaches the suddenly unemployed how to turn what appears to be a tragedy into a personal and professional triumph.
During the radio show we covered a wide range of topics, from job goals to career transition to turning your passion into a profitable business. Click on the following link to download the podcast. Below are some of the questions I fielded and links to more information on the topics. Enjoy!
How Do You Figure Out Your Dream Career?
What we desired in our twenties may no longer hold true a decade or more later. As our lives change, so do our career plans. It’s important to do a little soul-searching to reevaluate your career goals at any stage of your life and modify your long-term strategy for success.
3 Easy Ways to Rethink Your Goals
How to Get Your Dream Job Now
“Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.” –Katherine Whitehorn
How Can People Best Leverage Their Skills into a New Career?
Do your research. Join relevant professional organizations and attend trade shows to start building your new professional network. Subscribe to publications and set up Google News Alerts to learn the industry jargon. The more you learn, the easier it will be to identify how your skill set is applicable in your target line of work.
5 Tips on Making a Career Transition
Transitioning Your Way to a New Career
How Do You Turn a Hobby into a Paid Career?
If you want to turn your hobby into a paycheck, you first need to learn the business side of your extracurricular activity. Seek out a mentor in the same industry to show you the ropes and help you fill in any skill gaps. Look for what’s missing in the industry. You’re already a customer – what have you caught yourself wishing for?
Second Acts: Turning Your Passion Into a Paycheck
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” –George Eliot
What Are Some Tips for Older Career Changers?
Consider an encore career. It’s an appealing option for job seekers at retirement age who want to continue working while making a lifestyle change. In fact, a 2011 research study concluded that nearly 9 million Americans between the ages of 44 and 70 are in encore careers.
7 Tips to Start Your Second Career
How to Launch An Encore Career
Is Networking Really That Important?
Yes! Employee referrals are a very valuable tool in the job search, especially when you're looking to transition to a different career. They can help you bypass the gatekeepers and open doors that would otherwise be closed. Network as much as possible with people in your chosen line of work to identify people who will advocate on your behalf.
Networking Anytime, Anywhere
Work Your Next Networking Event
How to Network Without Begging
Career transitions can be very tricky, but they’re not impossible. Sometimes it's necessary to take a step down or sideways to move forward. However, the ultimate rewards are worth it when you're in a career that you truly love!
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
Incorporate networking into your regular routine to boost your career.
Experts agree that networking is an important aspect of every professional’s career advancement, whether they’re looking for that next promotion or wanting to make a transition. In fact, studies show that you are 10 times more likely to land a role when your application is accompanied by an employee referral. But referrals don’t just fall in your lap; you have to get out there and build your network.
Between juggling your responsibilities in the office and at home, and trying to fit in a little “me” time, you may feel like there isn’t any room left to focus on networking. Nothing could be farther from the truth! From your next kickboxing class to your child’s soccer game, there are a number of networking opportunities already penciled into your calendar. Here are four ways to incorporate networking into your already-busy life.
Pitch Your Brand While You Play There’s no better way to form a real connection with someone than over a shared interest. When you’re not working, what do you like to do? Do you volunteer at a local animal shelter on the weekends or are you a regular at fitness boot camp? Use your hobbies as a way to casually approach networking and meet new people. This is a great alternative to a more structured networking event.
Make it a Family Affair
Whether you’re coaching your daughter’s softball team or organizing a bake sale for your church, family activities are networking goldmines. Use these opportunities to get to get to know your family’s friends and colleagues. You’d be amazed at who you could meet at your nephew’s tennis match or your spouse’s work reception.
Network at Work
Who says you can’t grow your network while on the job? Unless you work for a small organization, chances are you aren’t buddies with all of your colleagues. Grab a cup of coffee with a coworker from a different department to learn more about their side of the business. Approach a more senior colleague to be your mentor and schedule a monthly lunch. If you’re sent to a conference for work, make it your goal to meet at least five new people.
Socialize with Your Smartphone
Thanks to advancements in technology, we now have the ability to network on the go. Whether you’re standing in line at the grocery store, taking a quick lunch break, or commuting to the office, you can easily whip out your smartphone or tablet and start making connections. Join relevant professional groups on LinkedIn and connect with fellow members. Shoot off a quick email to the woman you met at your photography class last night and schedule a lunch meeting. This will keep your networking efforts going, no matter where you find yourself.
Whether you love it or loathe it, approach networking with an open mind. There’s no one right way to network, so find the method that works best for your schedule. Don’t discount those you meet through your social activities. While your new connections may not be appropriate for your targeted line of work, who's to say they don't have friends or family members who are? Give these options a try and you’ll be sure to steer your network in the right direction.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
Reap the benefits of professional guidance throughout your entire career.
This Thursday, April 25 marks the twentieth anniversary of Ms. Foundation for Women’s Take Our Daughters And Sons to Work® Day.
This program, which was expanded in 2003 to include boys, aims to empower children to “reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives.” As founding mother Marlo Thomas mentions in her article, Take Our Daughters And Sons to Work® Day is not your traditional career day – it’s a chance for parents and caregivers to mentor their children and show how women and men come together and share the workplace.
This celebration couldn’t have come at a better time.
With Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In topping the best-seller lists these days, the topic of mentorship is hotter than ever among the professional community – and with good reason. The right mentor can be a powerful tool in your career arsenal. In fact, Sheila Wellington, former president of Catalyst Foundation and author of Be Your Own Mentor, believes it’s one of the main reasons why men tend to rise higher than women in the workplace – men are more likely than women to have mentors throughout their careers.
Not only can mentors help shape your professional skills, they can teach you the ins and outs of your industry, help you navigate corporate politics, overcome adversity, and introduce you to the right people and resources to advance your career.
If you don’t currently have a mentor in your life, use this day an excuse to find one. Click on the following link to read about the five types of mentorship: the Sensei, Entrepreneur, Peer, Protégé, and the Unconventional Teacher. Identify what type of mentor is right for you and seek that person out.
Mentors come in all shapes and sizes, each offering different types and levels of support throughout your career. Remember, mentorship isn’t handed to you – you have to ask for what you need. Don’t be afraid to approach someone you meet and ask the questions you really want to know – you’ll be amazed at what may happen!
Click on the following links to learn more about Ms. Foundation for Women and the Take Our Daughters And Sons to Work® Day program.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders, the online job-matching service for career-driven professionals. She is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) who provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and "Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
Help the planet while you hunt for your next job.
Happy Earth Day everyone! All around the globe, events are being held to raise awareness of climate changes and global warming. While the issue may seem overwhelming, little changes can be made each day to help protect the environment and live greener, more sustainable lifestyles. Here are five ways you can help the planet while you hunt for a new job.
Mobilize Your Search
From online applications to virtual to-do lists, there are many ways to conduct a job search without sacrificing a ton of trees. Ditch your filing cabinet and switch to electronic files that can be stored on a computer or USB flash drive. Consider uploading your documents to an online service like Dropbox so you can access them anytime, anywhere. Look into apps for your smart device that can take the place of other, less sustainable job-search methods.
Green Your Workspace
There are a number of ways to make your home office earth-friendly. Set your computer, printer and other devices to energy-saving settings and be sure to power down when you’re done working for the day. Plug all your hardware into a power strip with an on/off switch so you can easily turn everything off at once. Put a few plants near your workspace to absorb indoor air pollution and increase the flow of oxygen near your desk. Also opt for recycled paper and sustainable products to organize your area.
Opt for Eco Business Cards
If you’re currently unemployed or searching on the sly, I highly recommend creating business cards that use your personal contact information. Go green by downloading an app to digitize your business cards or purchase business cards made of recycled paper from online retailers such as Etsy or GreenerPrinter.com.
Search for Sustainable Styles
Before you head to the nearest mall to purchase an interview outfit, visit your local thrift store or high-end consignment shop and hunt for lightly worn blouses, suits, and other accessories that are good for your budget and the earth. Better yet, shop online – studies have shown that online shopping may result in 35% less energy consumption. Additionally, keep an eye out for clothing made of sustainable materials such as bamboo, linen made from flax, organic cotton and organic wool.
Commute with Less Carbon
Reduce carbon emissions by targeting companies that are within walking distance, allow you to use mass transit for your commute, or offer telecommuting options. If you’re interviewing for a position out-of-state, find out if the prospective employer is open to a Skype interview for the first round – this will cut costs and your carbon footprint. Pair up with a local peer mentor and carpool to networking events.
Small changes can make a big difference over time. Try to incorporate these tips into your job-search strategy to help the planet during your hunt. Click on the following link to learn more about the history of Earth Day.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders, the online job-matching service for career-driven professionals. She is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) who provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and "Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
In the job search, timing can mean everything.
Earlier this week, droves of U.S. taxpayers headed to their local H&R Block® office or logged on to TurboTax to file their federal tax returns or request an extension before the April 15th deadline.
As I watched a number of my colleagues scramble to send their returns in on time, I started thinking about timing as it relates to the job search. Wouldn’t it be nice if the job search had such clear deadlines? “Call the recruiter back no later than 3:00 p.m. today,” or “follow up on last week’s application by noon tomorrow.” Everything is easier when there’s a set schedule to follow.
I often receive questions from job seekers about when they should follow up on a job application or an interview, so I think today is a good day to talk about timing. Here are a few guidelines to help you follow up on job leads at the right time.
Application Follow-Up
Whenever possible, follow up approximately one week after the job application deadline (if listed). This gives the employer enough time to review the resumes. If the job posting didn’t list an application deadline, the rule of thumb is to follow up one week after your initial application. Click on the following link for information on how to follow up on an anonymous posting.
Interview Thank-you Note
Send a thoughtful thank-you message to each interviewer within 24 hours of every interview. Make sure to collect business cards or write down the proper spelling of interviewers’ names and email addresses during the interview process to ensure a timely and accurate follow-up.
Interview Follow-Up
Once you’ve sent your initial message, follow up via email or by phone one week later (assuming you didn’t get a response) to determine where the employer is in the hiring process and how you stack up against the other candidates. Always tailor the frequency of your follow-up communication to match the proximity of the employer to the hiring decision. If you’ve been given advance permission to follow up directly with the hiring manager, one call a week is appropriate. Don’t call unless you have something to say to influence your cause.
When you’re excited about a particular opportunity, the last thing you want to do is scare the employer away with the wrong type of follow-up. Remember, there’s a fine line between enthusiastic and intrusive. Hectoring the recruiter or hiring manager could backfire badly. Use the guidelines above to properly time your follow-up communication with employers.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders, the online job-matching service for career-driven professionals. She is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) who provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and "Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
Join me and iVillage to take charge of your career.
Here at TheLadders, we like a good challenge. In the office, we’re always pushing ourselves to work harder so we can find the right person for the right job. Off the job, many of us train and compete together in co-ed sports leagues and triathlon competitions.
Right now, the office is preparing for summer races, including the J.P. Morgan Chases Corporate Challenge® and Aquaphor® New York City Triathlon®. What's more, our CEO and Co-founder Alex Douzet has a number of IRONMAN competitions on his calendar.
Challenges can be good. They help us break down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks so we can take action. They can also motivate us when we’ve lost sight of our goals.
That’s why I’m proud to announce that we’ve teamed up with iVillage for their Take Charge of Your Career Community Challenge®. If your job search has stalled or your current position has lost its luster, now’s the time to spring into action!
Starting Monday, I’ll send you daily emails with loads of information to help you explore your career path, give your professional brand a facelift, build your career network, and negotiate your salary or raise. Whether you’re just starting out, looking for a promotion, or wanting to change jobs, this challenge will give you the tools and skills needed to get ahead in your career.
Sign up for this free Challenge to get your Career Resolutions back on track before Memorial Day. Here are a few tips to get ready for the challenge ahead:
Pencil us in
It's important to dedicate time each week to prepare for a competition. The same can be said about our career challenge. Take out your calendar now and block off time over the next four weeks so you can put my tips into practice.
Join with a friend
I’ve always found it easier to stick to a routine when I’m not alone. Find a friend or loved one who’s reconsidering their career or search for a new job and sign up for the Challenge together. Work on your assignments together to keep on track and make the process more fun.
Celebrate the milestones
It can take a lot of time to reach your goals. I’m going to give you a bunch of small assignments to work on throughout this challenge. Consider every assignment you complete to be a mini-victory towards your ultimate goal, and celebrate it as such.
I look forward to working with you over the next four weeks. Please click on the following links to learn more iVillage’s Take Charge of Your Career Community Challenge®.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
Don’t let the joke be on you – properly prepare for each interview so you don’t look like a fool.
Happy April Fools’ Day everyone! While April 1 is not considered a national holiday, it is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when people play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other.
While it may be fun to be a prankster, you’ll find that many people do not enjoy being the butt of someone else’s jokes – especially in the workplace. This is especially true during the job search. The last thing you want to do is look foolish in front of an important networking contact or potential employer. Avoid these five mistakes that will leave you looking foolish in an interview.
You arrive late to the interview
Don’t send the wrong signals before the interview begins. Consider a dress rehearsal before the big day. Commute to the employer’s office at the same time of day you are scheduled for your interview so you can budget your travel time appropriately. Always pad in extra time, just in case something comes up. Find a nearby coffee shop so you have a place to go if you arrive too early for the actual interview. I recommend showing up fifteen minutes before your scheduled meeting to allow time to fill out paperwork.
You didn’t prepare your elevator pitch
Chances are you will be asked to tell the interviewer a little bit about yourself. I can guarantee the interviewer doesn’t want to know about your love of long walks on the beach (unless that’s part of the job). And you’re not doing yourself any favors by asking the interviewer what they want to know about you. Before the interview, review the job description and think back to your initial phone screen to determine the core must-haves for this role. Use those top requirements to modify your elevator pitch to explain your qualifications for the role.
You didn’t research the company
There’s nothing worse than showing up unprepared for an interview. Employers want to know you took the time to read their website and recent news articles about their organization and industry, so that you have a good understanding of how they work and what’s going on in their world. Prove that you’ve done your homework by asking questions that reflect this research. Whenever possible, find someone you know who works at the company and grab a cup of coffee with them to learn more about the organization and its culture.
You have no questions for the hiring manager
It’s essential to have good questions ready – even if you’re meeting with the nth person at the company where you’re interviewing. Have at least five questions prepared that prove you’ve done your homework on the organization and are truly interested in working there. These questions will also help you gain a better understanding of the role, its requirements, and the company culture so you can determine if it’s a good fit for you.
You forget to follow up after the interview
Think of your thank you message as a tool to influence the interviewer and advance your position. If you skip the thank you, you’re missing out on an opportunity to keep your candidacy top of mind and reinforce your interest in the role. Send a thoughtful thank you note to each interviewer within 24 hours of every interview. Make sure to collect business cards or write down the proper spelling of the interviewers’ names and email addresses during the interview process to ensure follow-up in a timely manner.
Properly prepare for your interview and you’ll be sure to avoid looking foolish. Click on the following link for more information on interview preparation.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
Don't sideline your job search for the love of the game.
I have a confession to make. I am addicted to the television show, The Biggest Loser. I love watching the contestants compete for the title of “Biggest Loser” and accomplish their dreams of healthier, thinner bodies. The “before” and “after” shots are just incredible!
But what I really love about the show is that it doesn’t sugar coat the journey. You watch people break down, fall over and truly battle with themselves along the path to regaining control of their lives. It doesn’t happen overnight. As trainer Dolvett Quince would say, it takes a lot of “hard work and determination.” Each season a new theme is chosen for the show. The themes range from ‘battle of the ages’ to tackling childhood obesity.
I bring this up because as I was looking at some data from TheLadders, I was reminded of Season 13 – the season of no excuses.
In a recent survey we found that 70 percent of those polled said that the job search was their top priority. However, as my colleague Thomas Murphy discussed in his recent article, job seeker activity has taken a serious hit since March Madness NCAA basketball tournaments have descended upon us. In fact, job seeker searches fell almost 30 percent during game-time in comparison to historical usage data.
Not surprisingly, men were 10 percent less active in their job search than women. In addition, we found that those making less than $100K were 5 percent less active than their more seasoned colleagues.
While I may not be a sports fanatic, I’ve grown up in a household of them and (kind of) understand the obsession. However, March Madness is no excuse for letting your job search slide.
The job search is a full-time job and you need to treat it as such. If you’re going to block off time to watch the basketball games – or dedicate time to anything else that’s really important or interesting to you – make sure you also pencil in time to work on your job-search activities.
Don’t underestimate the power of your smartphone or tablet, especially when you’re trying to balance your job search with other priorities. With all the advances in technology, it’s even easier to keep your search going while on the go. Whether you’re emailing with a recruiter, putting in a little FaceTime with a valuable networking contact, or searching for relevant jobs, you can remain a productive job seeker and an avid college basketball fan.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
Carefully prepare your job-search strategy and you’ll be one step closer to success.
A recent survey conducted by TheLadders found that nearly 70% of its members considered their job search to be “top priority” right now. However, after carefully reviewing the survey responses, it became clear that not everyone is as prepared for the search as they need to be in today’s marketplace.
This got me thinking. For the last week or so, our office has seen a flurry of emails going back and forth about March Madness. Folks are standing around the water cooler (literally) discussing their picks for the NCAA basketball tournaments. In fact, I found dozens of articles online that explain different strategies for building a winning March Madness Bracket.
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, I am not incredibly well-versed when it comes to sports. But for years I’ve watched friends, family and co-workers fastidiously assemble their picks for March Madness. The job search requires the same careful planning and attention to detail that many apply when building their brackets. This week I’d like to offer up my strategy for the job search by sharing my breakdown of the job-search process: (1) Prepare, (2) Search and (3) Close.
(1) Prepare
If you want to be successful in the job search, then preparation is key. As a job seeker, you are now in the business of selling a product: you. You need to put on your marketing hat and build a personal branding campaign that advertises your skills and speaks to your target employers’ needs. Begin by taking inventory of your strengths and interests to identify your job goals. Then craft a resume that supports your goals by showcasing your most relevant qualifications. After that, it’s time to review your online presence and make any necessary changes so that it aligns with your professional brand. Lastly, identify good references and develop your elevator pitch to prepare you for the next phase of your job search. While this may seem like a lot of legwork up front, I assure you, it will save you a great deal of time and frustration further down the line.
(2) Search
The second phase of the job search is all about pursuing job leads that align with your goals and match your skill set. I recommend “harnessing the power of three” when searching for opportunities. This means: (1) applying to (and properly following up with) online job listings, (2) networking with your social and professional contacts, and (3) engaging with recruiters. By incorporating all three methods into your search strategy, you will maximize the number of leads – published and unpublished – you can pursue. And when you combine these methods – such as leveraging your network to get an employee referral for your job application – you increase your chances of landing the right job, sooner.
(3) Close
Expect the Close phase of your job search to begin while you’re still pursuing leads. As you nurture different relationships and follow up on job applications, you’ll begin receiving interview requests. Interviewing is a three-step process. How you prepare and what you do afterwards is just as important as what happens when you’re sitting in the interview room pitching your skills. Before you begin negotiations, do your research to know your worth and identify your must-haves in a compensation package. Consider the first 90 days of any new job to be an extension of the interview process.
Everyone’s job-search experience will be different; however, if you approach your job search as a three-step process and set milestones for yourself along the way, it will be that much easier to hold yourself accountable and see your progress.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.
A follow-up on some of the most popular questions asked during Thursday's spreecast on cleaning up your job search.
Thanks to everyone who tuned in to yesterday’s spreecast on Spring Cleaning Your Job Search. Click on the following link to view this Spreecast and check out the hashtag #AmandaLIVE on Twitter for additional tips.
Before I dig into some of the topics we discussed yesterday, I’d like to share a few stats on a job seeker’s online presence. According to a Jobvite social recruiting survey:
As always, you can learn more about the job search and find out about our upcoming spreecasts by following me at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and liking my Facebook page. Now on to the questions!
Question #1
What is online presence?
As a job seeker, you need to develop a marketing campaign that will advertise your skills to employers in a variety of formats. These include how you are represented on paper, in person, and online. Take a look at the following articles to learn how to monitor your online brand, eliminate or push down bad results, and build a strong online presence that aligns with your resume.
Question #2
I'm relocating for work so my wife can attend medical school and trying to make a career switch since I recently got my MBA. How can I stand out to employers when I'm applying from so far away?
If you have an MBA or important certification in your field, add this acronym after your name on resume and profiles so recruiters can’t miss it. If you’re relocating, let recruiters know there’s a good reason for the move. In other words, make it clear you didn’t make this decision on a whim and that you’re not an expensive flight risk. Utilize your professional and alumni networks in your desired location to build your connections in the new area. Also, be prepared for a phone or Skype interview!
Question #3
I owned my own business for the past few years but I want to go back to the corporate world – any suggestions?
Stay away from calling yourself the owner or CEO of your latest venture, since you want to avoid any assumptions or stereotypes recruiters make about entrepreneurs (basically that you won’t play nice with others, etc. in the corporate setting because you’re used to running the show). Take a look at these articles for other pointers.
Question #4
What should I do if my most recent job doesn’t isn’t as relevant to my current job goals as some of my earlier work?
Think of your resume and your online presence as an ad. You only have so much real estate to work with, and you want the most relevant information to go above the fold. Spend less real estate on the jobs that don’t support your job goals so that your more relevant roles will make it to the first page of your resume (or the top half of your profile).
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.