Frequently Asked Questions

what do you provide via resume review?

I used to provide a detailed list of suggestions to help strengthen your resume after analyzing job descriptions. I am now teaching others my process so I can move from 1:1 clients to group work due to limited bandwidth. Plus, utilizing chatgpt!

do you recommend linkedin premium for current job seekers?

Not unless you are an entrepreneur who utilizes LinkedIn to aid your email marketing. There are plenty of tactics you can use with the free version of LinkedIn. 

what industries do you specialize in?

I have experience in marketing, advertising, PR, B2B Sales, Higher Education, Corporate America and Non-Profits. The tips and tricks we teach you are applicable to all industries because it matches your credentials to the job descriptions. 

what if i hate my manager and/or really want to leave my job?

Sadly, the number one reason people leave a company is due to their manager. While we cannot control others, we can control ourselves. I like this from Louise Hay “Morning Meditation to Attract Health, Prosperity, Happiness & Love”. Start your morning with this and it may help shift your energy for the day as you navigate the right career move for you.  

i have intermittent experience. How should i show this on my resume?

Honesty is the best policy. List your experiences in reverse chronological order and the dates you worked there. You can address lapses in employment in a cover letter or email introduction. 

If you have a few gaps, try to include anything during that time where you were being productive by taking classes or volunteering. Here is a great article that gives some more tips: https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/caregiver-resume-tips

What the what is an ATS (Applicant Tracking system)?

An ATS is a database collecting resume submissions (like Taleo, Workday, iCIMS, Jobvite, BambooHR, etc.) It’s technology and it’s not really job-seeker friendly. You can learn more about how to optimize your resume for an ATS from Jobscan here. You can also learn more about ATS-friendly resumes here (which I use ATS-friendly templates with my clients and I promise, we do not use keyword stuffing).

women looking to return to work or make a career pivot?

I have partnered with Prowess Project on this mission but I also recommend checking out my blog on how I did this.

how do i identify my professional network?

I love the Find Alumni Tool on LinkedIn. It’s free and you can find connections you may have at companies, organizations, schools…great blog post here to explain with visuals here.

CAN YOU HELP ME WITH COVER LETTERS?

I’ve yet to meet someone who likes writing cover letters. I recommend checking out templates on Indeed to help you get started and find inspiration. They have all kinds of samples here.

thoughts on thank yous?

I think sending a thank you after an informational interview or formal interview is a no-brainer. I do think email is fine and snail mail is a nice touch (but it does take longer and is not really as expected any more). If you are stuck on what to say, Indeed has a great article “4 Sample Thank-You Emails for After an Interview”. I would recommend taking notes in your meeting so that you can refer to them for specifics in your thank you note. I also recommend individual thank yous to those you interviewed with and not a blanket or template to a group if possible. Here’s also a great video to explain: Next Steps after Interviewing: Thank You Notes, Follow-Up Email Examples & More | Indeed Career Tips

do you have any favorite job search books?

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived Joyful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

The 2-Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton

do you have A job search tracker template?

Yes! This Job tracker sheet (Google Sheet) has worked for me - you will have to make a copy and edit to your liking. You don’t have to fill out each column but it does capture a good amount of data. You can also copy the first tab if want to separate different types of roles that you are searching (Sales, Marketing, Learning Specialist, etc.) or keep it all in one. I have put notes in the columns on what data I was tracking if that helps.

What if i’m feeling lost and don’t know what I want to do next?

We highly recommend the Designing Your Life workbook. It’s the best $13 you’ll spend. Take yourself out, get a nice cup of coffee and get to work. It will help guide your way. Then, reach out to us if you need resume help.

Here’s a free download on a career exploration book that utilizes design-thinking, Picture Your Career.

do you have SUGGESTIONS FOR A CREATIVE RESUME TEMPLATE?

We do! Check out a variety and see what you like on Etsy here. There are many to choose from that you can decide what is right for your style and easy for you to edit.

Erin also has a good ol’ Word Resume template that she is likely to share with you if you work with her. It has gotten her 17 job offers since college so she’s a fan. And it’s nothing fancy FYI.

Resources for teachers transitioning to corporate or tech?

Lots of teachers looking to transition to EdTech. These amazing resources were shared in Austin Digital Jobs in March 2022:

You can follow Jeff Patterson on LinkedIn. He publishes lists of EdTech jobs and generally tries to be helpful about helping teachers transition to EdTech. He's organized some online job fairs. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffhpatterson

Tips for Teacher Transitioners (YouTube Tutorials)

what do you wish i knew about you before i hire you? 

While the About Me may look all neat & tidy, I have had some crazy real-life work experiences. I have questioned what I was doing, I’ve cried in to my wine, I’ve smoked too many cigarettes worrying about what the hell I was doing with my life (don’t tell my Mom). But each time I “failed”, I figured out how to pick myself up and move forward. And that’s what I want to share with you. Hearing your stories is my favorite part and I’d be honored to have the chance to help you get un-stuck. No one likes job searching…so let’s normalize it and embrace it as part of your journey. Also…be wary of the new MLM “GIRL BOSS”. It is not easy to run your own business but if that interests, you, I’m happy to chat about it or recommend you look at resources from HerHQ.