You’re changing jobs. You know you’ll need references for your next career move. You’ve done a great job so you shouldn’t worry about getting a reference – right?

Wrong.

References can sabotage even the most sophisticated, well-executed job search. Sometimes you can lose an opportunity when your reference thinks he’s helping you out 100%.

Here are 5 ways to make your references work for you, not against you.

(1)Skip the ‘To Whom It May Concern’ letters.

Clients often tell me their well-meaning…

A lot of material has been published both in print and posted online that has caused older job seekers, especially those Baby Boomers in their 50s and 60s, to be afraid that they are no longer marketable. As a career coach and resume writer, I am finding that even some candidates in their early-to-mid 40s are now concerned about their age when conducting a job search.

Do Companies Really Discriminate Based on Age?

The answer, for the most part, is a resounding NO! Most companies do not discriminate against…

With the current state of affairs in this country’s job market, it really is hard to believe that anyone is getting a job, not so much because of the unemployment rate, but because the process has become so arduous and ridiculous.

With all of our progress in technology, we seem to have further alienated prospective employers from prospective job seekers. Job seekers are shunned from calling employers, even their HR departments, which are partly in place to assist with the hiring process. Forget trying to speak with an actual…

Everyday job seekers come to my office confused as to why their strong credentials and well designed ‘all purpose’ resume is not working .  The Internet has made it easy for job seekers to spread countless resumes far and wide. Because of this, hiring companies are now buried in a pool of generic resumes.

In better times, this ‘shot gun’ approach would yield some results. Now hiring managers can only afford to look at the tightest fit for the few positions that are out there.   Still, these job seekers…

A teen job search is very special. However, no matter what your age or experience, a hiring decision about you is made only after a face-to-face meeting.

That means you have to look employable. If you’re in a teen job search and this is your first job, all this can really work to your advantage.

Since you don’t have a work history or at best a thin resume, much more credibility will be placed on how you come across when you meet with a decision-maker. There, it’s up…

Lost your job? . . . Recently laid off? . . . Or about to be down-sized?

These are tough times for the older worker who is still required to generate an income.

While the competition is stronger and the job search process is trickier, there’s some good news. Older workers are increasingly valued in some key industries. The secret to your success is to learn how to promote yourself to the right decision-makers.

Here are five powerful job search tips that can seriously advance your candidacy.

1. Get…

If you’ve been in job search for more than a few weeks you may be experiencing the feelings of defeat and despair, not to mention the urge to give up. It’s been a tough year, and then some, for those who have lost jobs for whatever reason. Interviewing with no second interviews or offers coming in begins to wear thin – very fast.

Here are some tips to keep your spirits up when you’re feeling down during this process.

1. Don’t give up.

You may have heard some of…

You know that you’re talented, bright, and would be an asset to any company that hired you. Your IT skills and abilities are second to none. So why aren’t you landing your dream job? It may be that you just don’t know how to stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips and ideas to help you stand out in your IT job search.

Network. Use your connections with family, friends, and colleagues to help you find job openings that you wouldn’t otherwise hear about.…

With the bleak outlook that the media are giving to the job market in 2009, as a job search coach and resume writer, I am hoping that out of it we can finally put to rest some misconceptions that I believe have really been plaguing professionals for a while and that have a lot to do with the improper outlook many of us have in regard to our careers.

For one, I am hoping that we can finally put to rest the idea that some company will protect you…

Let’s take a look at eight common job search myths…and the reality behind them:

The best qualified individual gets the job.

Actually, it’s the best candidate who gets the job. That person may or may not be the best qualified. Understand the difference.

Job boards are the best source of leads.

Your network is the best source of leads. It’s fine to check online and to peruse the want ads…but don’t spend too much time there. Most jobs are never posted.

It’s nearly impossible to find those hidden jobs.…