Book Review Career Distinction Stand Out by Building Your Brand

Book Review Career Distinction â€" Stand Out by Building Your Brand In October 2006 I was introduced to Kirsten Dixson by Wendy Terwelp (a JibberJobber partner), and we had an hour-long, intense phone call. It was the beginning of a very cool relationship (you know, some people you just click with?). I knew her as a personal branding expert, something of a pioneer in this field, and business partner with the personal branding guru William Arruda. I vaguely remember something about a book they were writing and thought it would be interested to get my hands on it. When I was at a conference in Kentucky a couple of months ago my booth was next to Kirstens and I somehow convinced her to give me her pre-publish proof of Career Distinction. I got home and immediately gave it away to a friend who is a career coach and counselor as he had been asking me for a book on personal branding. He devoured the book and has called me twice since he finished it with enthusiastic impressions/feedback. Just to make sure you know where Im coming from, Ill disclose the following: I love personal branding. I think its possibly more critical to long-term career success than __________. You can fill in the blank, Im currently wondering if it is more critical than a masters degree (I have an MBA and couldnt get a job last year, Im guessing if I had a strong personal brand (and network) I would have had a job in no time). I know William and Kirsten and respect their message and their mission. I think there is still a lot of education about personal branding but think that they have been early pioneers in personal branding and are currently devoting all of their time to move the message forward. Note they are doing this through Reach Communications. I have paid for and participated in their Personal Branding Strategist program, and will soon be a Certified Personal Branding Strategist. A few of the other Strategists are also JibberJobber partners. I didnt realize the caliber of professional that would partner with JibberJobber but it really is quite flattering to have them as my partners! (I list them below) There will be stuff from the Reach program offered through, and mixed in with, JibberJobber. This is a significant partnership for JibberJobber because it will add to your experience using JibberJobber to manage your career. And, heres a confession Ive only read 1/2 of the book (Im reading it slowly and digesting it). I have skimmed everything and am excited to finish the other half but I wanted to do this review today because today is the official launch of their book! So heres my two cents (this has to be my shortest book review, and my longest disclaimer :p): Career Distinction is the bible on personal branding. Kirsten Dixson and William Arruda have done a masterful job putting this book together. The system they have defined, mixed with branding principles, stories, case studies, examples, to-do lists and other supporting documentation makes this a must-have for anyone that isnt retired yet. I really do believe that personal branding might be the kool-aid that you need for career success. And if you believe even half of that, you need to begin to understand personal branding the way its presented in this book. In the book youll find a special link to a workbook that accompanies the book. And, youll get access to 15 days (which is all you need) to a special 360-degree program that they put together to poll your contacts about your personal brand (invaluable). Im going to invite my network to give input on my brand using the 360 program and post the results on the blog (as long as they are not too flowery) if you want to get an invite please e-mail me at jason at JibberJobber dot com. Thats it. There really isnt anything more to say about this book it is the book you need on your bookshelf. Here are the JibberJobber partners that are also Personal Brand Strategists: Kim Batson Career Management Coaching Nancy Branton People Potential Group Deb Dib Executive Power Brand Michelle Dumas Distinctive Documents Cindy Kraft The CFO Coach Ross Macpherson Career Quest Wendy Terwelp Opportunity Knocks Martin Weitzman ResumePro Note that these partners have other specialties, such as career coaching, executive coaching, job search coaching, resume writing, and more. Feel free to follow the links to their sites. If you get the book and need help going to the next level, I strongly encourage you to look up one of these partners (Im sure the others listed in the book are the bomb, but I dont know many of them, where I have had conversations with these listed here). One more thing! Dont buy the book today. Im not sure how all this best seller voodoo works but William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson are asking for orders to come in TOMORROW Tuesday, June 12. So put this in your calendar, and purchase Career Distinction Stand Out by Building Your Brand tomorrow on June 12th! Aside from the book youll get some valuable goodies (see more info on their blog), but you have to do it TOMORROW (June 12th). You wont regret it. Want more on this stuff? I interviewed (or chatted with) William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson last week and theyve posted the audio on their blog. It is a cool discussion, I recommend you check it out (especially if you missed our call last week). Here are other bloggers who have reviewed this book: Maria Elena Duron The Buzz 101 Martin Yate Knockem Dead Neil Bhandar The Blue My Thoughts Over Time Walter Akana Threshold Consulting: Its your life, own it! What do you think? Are you going to get this book? Book Review Career Distinction â€" Stand Out by Building Your Brand In October 2006 I was introduced to Kirsten Dixson by Wendy Terwelp (a JibberJobber partner), and we had an hour-long, intense phone call. It was the beginning of a very cool relationship (you know, some people you just click with?). I knew her as a personal branding expert, something of a pioneer in this field, and business partner with the personal branding guru William Arruda. I vaguely remember something about a book they were writing and thought it would be interested to get my hands on it. When I was at a conference in Kentucky a couple of months ago my booth was next to Kirstens and I somehow convinced her to give me her pre-publish proof of Career Distinction. I got home and immediately gave it away to a friend who is a career coach and counselor as he had been asking me for a book on personal branding. He devoured the book and has called me twice since he finished it with enthusiastic impressions/feedback. Just to make sure you know where Im coming from, Ill disclose the following: I love personal branding. I think its possibly more critical to long-term career success than __________. You can fill in the blank, Im currently wondering if it is more critical than a masters degree (I have an MBA and couldnt get a job last year, Im guessing if I had a strong personal brand (and network) I would have had a job in no time). I know William and Kirsten and respect their message and their mission. I think there is still a lot of education about personal branding but think that they have been early pioneers in personal branding and are currently devoting all of their time to move the message forward. Note they are doing this through Reach Communications. I have paid for and participated in their Personal Branding Strategist program, and will soon be a Certified Personal Branding Strategist. A few of the other Strategists are also JibberJobber partners. I didnt realize the caliber of professional that would partner with JibberJobber but it really is quite flattering to have them as my partners! (I list them below) There will be stuff from the Reach program offered through, and mixed in with, JibberJobber. This is a significant partnership for JibberJobber because it will add to your experience using JibberJobber to manage your career. And, heres a confession Ive only read 1/2 of the book (Im reading it slowly and digesting it). I have skimmed everything and am excited to finish the other half but I wanted to do this review today because today is the official launch of their book! So heres my two cents (this has to be my shortest book review, and my longest disclaimer :p): Career Distinction is the bible on personal branding. Kirsten Dixson and William Arruda have done a masterful job putting this book together. The system they have defined, mixed with branding principles, stories, case studies, examples, to-do lists and other supporting documentation makes this a must-have for anyone that isnt retired yet. I really do believe that personal branding might be the kool-aid that you need for career success. And if you believe even half of that, you need to begin to understand personal branding the way its presented in this book. In the book youll find a special link to a workbook that accompanies the book. And, youll get access to 15 days (which is all you need) to a special 360-degree program that they put together to poll your contacts about your personal brand (invaluable). Im going to invite my network to give input on my brand using the 360 program and post the results on the blog (as long as they are not too flowery) if you want to get an invite please e-mail me at jason at JibberJobber dot com. Thats it. There really isnt anything more to say about this book it is the book you need on your bookshelf. Here are the JibberJobber partners that are also Personal Brand Strategists: Kim Batson Career Management Coaching Nancy Branton People Potential Group Deb Dib Executive Power Brand Michelle Dumas Distinctive Documents Cindy Kraft The CFO Coach Ross Macpherson Career Quest Wendy Terwelp Opportunity Knocks Martin Weitzman ResumePro Note that these partners have other specialties, such as career coaching, executive coaching, job search coaching, resume writing, and more. Feel free to follow the links to their sites. If you get the book and need help going to the next level, I strongly encourage you to look up one of these partners (Im sure the others listed in the book are the bomb, but I dont know many of them, where I have had conversations with these listed here). One more thing! Dont buy the book today. Im not sure how all this best seller voodoo works but William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson are asking for orders to come in TOMORROW Tuesday, June 12. So put this in your calendar, and purchase Career Distinction Stand Out by Building Your Brand tomorrow on June 12th! Aside from the book youll get some valuable goodies (see more info on their blog), but you have to do it TOMORROW (June 12th). You wont regret it. Want more on this stuff? I interviewed (or chatted with) William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson last week and theyve posted the audio on their blog. It is a cool discussion, I recommend you check it out (especially if you missed our call last week). Here are other bloggers who have reviewed this book: Maria Elena Duron The Buzz 101 Martin Yate Knockem Dead Neil Bhandar The Blue My Thoughts Over Time Walter Akana Threshold Consulting: Its your life, own it! What do you think? Are you going to get this book? Book Review Career Distinction â€" Stand Out by Building Your Brand In October 2006 I was introduced to Kirsten Dixson by Wendy Terwelp (a JibberJobber partner), and we had an hour-long, intense phone call. It was the beginning of a very cool relationship (you know, some people you just click with?). I knew her as a personal branding expert, something of a pioneer in this field, and business partner with the personal branding guru William Arruda. I vaguely remember something about a book they were writing and thought it would be interested to get my hands on it. When I was at a conference in Kentucky a couple of months ago my booth was next to Kirstens and I somehow convinced her to give me her pre-publish proof of Career Distinction. I got home and immediately gave it away to a friend who is a career coach and counselor as he had been asking me for a book on personal branding. He devoured the book and has called me twice since he finished it with enthusiastic impressions/feedback. Just to make sure you know where Im coming from, Ill disclose the following: I love personal branding. I think its possibly more critical to long-term career success than __________. You can fill in the blank, Im currently wondering if it is more critical than a masters degree (I have an MBA and couldnt get a job last year, Im guessing if I had a strong personal brand (and network) I would have had a job in no time). I know William and Kirsten and respect their message and their mission. I think there is still a lot of education about personal branding but think that they have been early pioneers in personal branding and are currently devoting all of their time to move the message forward. Note they are doing this through Reach Communications. I have paid for and participated in their Personal Branding Strategist program, and will soon be a Certified Personal Branding Strategist. A few of the other Strategists are also JibberJobber partners. I didnt realize the caliber of professional that would partner with JibberJobber but it really is quite flattering to have them as my partners! (I list them below) There will be stuff from the Reach program offered through, and mixed in with, JibberJobber. This is a significant partnership for JibberJobber because it will add to your experience using JibberJobber to manage your career. And, heres a confession Ive only read 1/2 of the book (Im reading it slowly and digesting it). I have skimmed everything and am excited to finish the other half but I wanted to do this review today because today is the official launch of their book! So heres my two cents (this has to be my shortest book review, and my longest disclaimer :p): Career Distinction is the bible on personal branding. Kirsten Dixson and William Arruda have done a masterful job putting this book together. The system they have defined, mixed with branding principles, stories, case studies, examples, to-do lists and other supporting documentation makes this a must-have for anyone that isnt retired yet. I really do believe that personal branding might be the kool-aid that you need for career success. And if you believe even half of that, you need to begin to understand personal branding the way its presented in this book. In the book youll find a special link to a workbook that accompanies the book. And, youll get access to 15 days (which is all you need) to a special 360-degree program that they put together to poll your contacts about your personal brand (invaluable). Im going to invite my network to give input on my brand using the 360 program and post the results on the blog (as long as they are not too flowery) if you want to get an invite please e-mail me at jason at JibberJobber dot com. Thats it. There really isnt anything more to say about this book it is the book you need on your bookshelf. Here are the JibberJobber partners that are also Personal Brand Strategists: Kim Batson Career Management Coaching Nancy Branton People Potential Group Deb Dib Executive Power Brand Michelle Dumas Distinctive Documents Cindy Kraft The CFO Coach Ross Macpherson Career Quest Wendy Terwelp Opportunity Knocks Martin Weitzman ResumePro Note that these partners have other specialties, such as career coaching, executive coaching, job search coaching, resume writing, and more. Feel free to follow the links to their sites. If you get the book and need help going to the next level, I strongly encourage you to look up one of these partners (Im sure the others listed in the book are the bomb, but I dont know many of them, where I have had conversations with these listed here). One more thing! Dont buy the book today. Im not sure how all this best seller voodoo works but William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson are asking for orders to come in TOMORROW Tuesday, June 12. So put this in your calendar, and purchase Career Distinction Stand Out by Building Your Brand tomorrow on June 12th! Aside from the book youll get some valuable goodies (see more info on their blog), but you have to do it TOMORROW (June 12th). You wont regret it. Want more on this stuff? I interviewed (or chatted with) William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson last week and theyve posted the audio on their blog. It is a cool discussion, I recommend you check it out (especially if you missed our call last week). Here are other bloggers who have reviewed this book: Maria Elena Duron The Buzz 101 Martin Yate Knockem Dead Neil Bhandar The Blue My Thoughts Over Time Walter Akana Threshold Consulting: Its your life, own it! What do you think? Are you going to get this book? Book Review Career Distinction â€" Stand Out by Building Your Brand In October 2006 I was introduced to Kirsten Dixson by Wendy Terwelp (a JibberJobber partner), and we had an hour-long, intense phone call. It was the beginning of a very cool relationship (you know, some people you just click with?). I knew her as a personal branding expert, something of a pioneer in this field, and business partner with the personal branding guru William Arruda. I vaguely remember something about a book they were writing and thought it would be interested to get my hands on it. When I was at a conference in Kentucky a couple of months ago my booth was next to Kirstens and I somehow convinced her to give me her pre-publish proof of Career Distinction. I got home and immediately gave it away to a friend who is a career coach and counselor as he had been asking me for a book on personal branding. He devoured the book and has called me twice since he finished it with enthusiastic impressions/feedback. Just to make sure you know where Im coming from, Ill disclose the following: I love personal branding. I think its possibly more critical to long-term career success than __________. You can fill in the blank, Im currently wondering if it is more critical than a masters degree (I have an MBA and couldnt get a job last year, Im guessing if I had a strong personal brand (and network) I would have had a job in no time). I know William and Kirsten and respect their message and their mission. I think there is still a lot of education about personal branding but think that they have been early pioneers in personal branding and are currently devoting all of their time to move the message forward. Note they are doing this through Reach Communications. I have paid for and participated in their Personal Branding Strategist program, and will soon be a Certified Personal Branding Strategist. A few of the other Strategists are also JibberJobber partners. I didnt realize the caliber of professional that would partner with JibberJobber but it really is quite flattering to have them as my partners! (I list them below) There will be stuff from the Reach program offered through, and mixed in with, JibberJobber. This is a significant partnership for JibberJobber because it will add to your experience using JibberJobber to manage your career. And, heres a confession Ive only read 1/2 of the book (Im reading it slowly and digesting it). I have skimmed everything and am excited to finish the other half but I wanted to do this review today because today is the official launch of their book! So heres my two cents (this has to be my shortest book review, and my longest disclaimer :p): Career Distinction is the bible on personal branding. Kirsten Dixson and William Arruda have done a masterful job putting this book together. The system they have defined, mixed with branding principles, stories, case studies, examples, to-do lists and other supporting documentation makes this a must-have for anyone that isnt retired yet. I really do believe that personal branding might be the kool-aid that you need for career success. And if you believe even half of that, you need to begin to understand personal branding the way its presented in this book. In the book youll find a special link to a workbook that accompanies the book. And, youll get access to 15 days (which is all you need) to a special 360-degree program that they put together to poll your contacts about your personal brand (invaluable). Im going to invite my network to give input on my brand using the 360 program and post the results on the blog (as long as they are not too flowery) if you want to get an invite please e-mail me at jason at JibberJobber dot com. Thats it. There really isnt anything more to say about this book it is the book you need on your bookshelf. Here are the JibberJobber partners that are also Personal Brand Strategists: Kim Batson Career Management Coaching Nancy Branton People Potential Group Deb Dib Executive Power Brand Michelle Dumas Distinctive Documents Cindy Kraft The CFO Coach Ross Macpherson Career Quest Wendy Terwelp Opportunity Knocks Martin Weitzman ResumePro Note that these partners have other specialties, such as career coaching, executive coaching, job search coaching, resume writing, and more. Feel free to follow the links to their sites. If you get the book and need help going to the next level, I strongly encourage you to look up one of these partners (Im sure the others listed in the book are the bomb, but I dont know many of them, where I have had conversations with these listed here). One more thing! Dont buy the book today. Im not sure how all this best seller voodoo works but William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson are asking for orders to come in TOMORROW Tuesday, June 12. So put this in your calendar, and purchase Career Distinction Stand Out by Building Your Brand tomorrow on June 12th! Aside from the book youll get some valuable goodies (see more info on their blog), but you have to do it TOMORROW (June 12th). You wont regret it. Want more on this stuff? I interviewed (or chatted with) William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson last week and theyve posted the audio on their blog. It is a cool discussion, I recommend you check it out (especially if you missed our call last week). Here are other bloggers who have reviewed this book: Maria Elena Duron The Buzz 101 Martin Yate Knockem Dead Neil Bhandar The Blue My Thoughts Over Time Walter Akana Threshold Consulting: Its your life, own it! What do you think? Are you going to get this book?

There is No Free Lunch - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

There is No Free Lunch - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Subtitled: As the water cooler goes … So goes the company. When the water stops being delivered … When the sodas are not stocked … When the Odwallas stop showing up … You know the free lunch is coming to an end. One simple observation is: As the water cooler goes … So goes the company. There is No Free Lunch No matter what they say, No matter what they do… There is no free lunch. Companies do break! Most companies work very hard to ensure customer continuity and care when it comes to sales and services. However, there are times where the company for whatever reason isnt able to keep things going. Isn’t able to do a smooth handoff and transition. It happens. However, it is up to you to keep YOUR career going. In order for you to stand out in your career this is where you can play a role in your own career management. This is where you MUST play a role in your own career management. In the end … this is your career. Choose Wisely! Good Companies Work Hard to Effect a Smooth Transition When companies break. Most will try and give two or more weeks to help ensure a smooth handoff. This is both for themselves and for their customers and partners. However, when thats not possible there are a few things you can do. Which are mentioned below. But, these aren’t only things. Add your comments and thoughts here so we can all learn from your wisdom (and experience). Ultimately, your career is yours to manage. Having a plan for tracking, monitoring, and handing off your tasks to incoming people is a skill. It is a skill that can also help you get promoted within the existing firm. So, the ideas Im going to share below can be used both and your current career â€"whether you are handing things off or moving on to a new role. There are things you can do. For example you can document everything youre working on. So that you can have a one folder handoff. Consider having an OFTP â€" A One Folder Transition Plan. I wrote about how to use one here in The Fastest Way to Get Promoted, It’s a technique I learned from a friend in the military. And, it works for all types of transitions. Work to have an effective and smooth handoff. This is something you should strive for whether you are moving up or moving out. People will remember. They will remember how you handed things off and whether you left any loose ends. As part of your career management you want to strive for clean transitions at all times. Another option to think about are 3 x 3’s. 33’s are a quick an easy way to track what you are doing that you can use as a quick and simple personal log and they can be used for your team and manager. I wrote about them here in What Have You Been Doing While I Was Gone. The intent of the 33’s is simple. They can be posted to a shared site or just stored on your local drive for your eyes only. 33’s are a quick way to track your progress and also as a way to set and achieve goals. A 33 is mainly just a quick way for you (or your team) to state: What youre going to do this week, What you did last week, and What youre gonna do next week. As noted in the title here … There Is Not Free Lunch. This is not intended to instill fear or consternation. It’s also not supposed to be a way to have an excuse to bail on your commitments. Quite the contrary. When you are given the opportunity to move up or sideways in the organization these techniques can help you manage your career more effectively. They also can be used when the organization is making changes that impact you adversely. This is still your time to shine. Effecting and enabling a smooth and effective handoff is part of your legacy. Question: What tools and techniques do you use to manage your career transitions? Don’t Fret. Prepare! So, if you think the end is near. Dont fret, dont worry, be prepared. If you see that the water cooler isnt being replenished or the fridges aren’t being restocked or that the “free whatever” has tapered off. Never fear because this is your time to shine. This is your time to show that you can effectively and smoothly transition from one role to another. Even if that career transition is to another place. This is when you truly can stand out in your career.

The Price of A Good Reputation - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

The Price of A Good Reputation - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career You have to be willing to pay a ransom for your good name because there are people out there skilled at giving good guys a bad name. If you have any notoriety in your community, industry, or company, what you do is carefully watched by people who like you and those who don’t like you. So what? Your behavior and actions have to be “perfect”. But “perfect” behavior is like beauty it’s in the eye of the beholder. I hired a consulting firm in my home town. The agreed-upon fee for their project was $6,000. To my surprise, when the project was finished they billed me $9,000 saying they had done extra work for me. I had no choice but to pay the top dollar. I had to pay ransom for my good name. A reputation of not paying would be an even higher price to pay. The consulting firm would be eager to spread chatter that, “She doesn’t pay her bills….she reneges on deals…don’t do businesses with her.” They wouldn’t spread the word that “we charged her 50% more than agreed upon….we surprised her with a claim of more work…we were not open or square in our dealings with her.” The ill repute doesn’t stay in the neighborhood either. A posting on one business owner’s blog (for the world to see) reads, “Don’t do business with M__ L__ in San Diego. He is dishonest, doesn’t pay his bills, and will, hopefully, soon go out of business.” It doesn’t stop there; more than one disgruntled ex-employee or ex-wife has had his or her rant repeatedly viewed on YouTube. To avoid the situation happening in the future I outline my understanding of our work agreement (even if they have also), and get written confirmation. I allow nothing nebulous or ill-defined to occur without immediate clarification and I document date, times, and content of discussions. These two rules go for work associates, partial friends and full-time friends if I’m doing business with them. Still, with all that effort, misunderstandings will occur. I usually elect to pay some bumped-up fee to keep heads cool. Sometimes the best practice means you pay ransom for your good name.

Speed Dating and Interviewing How to Find The One

Speed Dating and Interviewing How to Find “The One Valentines Day can strike fear into the heart of even the most happily single person. As the hearts and flowers multiply in February, singletons might feel the urge to go looking for romance. But finding “The One” isn’t just hard for hopeless romantics it’s also difficult for those looking to hire top talent. From a bad first date to a bad first interview, finding the right person is certainly no picnic. The infographic below, compiled by Spark Hire, an online video resume and interviewing platform, compares the search for that special someone to the hunt for your perfect hire. New tools like speed dating and video interviewing can help those looking for romance or a great hire find “The One” more quickly. After all, no one wants to waste time on the wrong person, whether it’s in a bad relationship or with a costly bad hire. How can you evaluate candidates faster to find Mr. or Ms. Right? Whether you’re hiring for an important job or looking for your soulmate, this infographic can help you cut down on the process. RELATED:  Recruitment: Its Not  Speed Dating

Is It Hard To Write A Resume?

Is It Hard To Write A Resume?There is a question that is often asked - is it hard to write a resume? The question itself is quite simple - it depends on the kind of person you are. For some people, writing resumes is quite easy; for others, it is a lot harder. It is however, imperative that you keep a few things in mind when you are trying to write a resume.You can tell right away if your writing skills are up to par. If you want to be successful in resume writing, you should be able to communicate your thoughts and ideas clearly to the reader. You need to be convincing and presentable. You should also not forget to be systematic with your resume writing. If you neglect one detail or don't write down all important information, your resume will only make things harder for you.Writing a resume is usually very time consuming. You will need to understand how to organize your thoughts and write down all the necessary information. But if you are determined to succeed, it doesn't mean that you should limit yourself to writing a resume. You can also turn the process into a game. To get a better idea about the things you need to do, try to learn resume writing techniques from a reliable online source.The key to writing a resume is to write it properly. If you have written your resume before, check if everything is in order. If you have created a list of all the basic information, look at it and rearrange them accordingly. Check if you are included on the list and if everything is correct.Try to remember what you wanted to say in the first place. You can still include it in your resume but rewrite it in a more organized way. As a result, it will be easier for you to organize it later on and will surely increase the chances of being hired by the employer.After you finish writing the resume, review it so that you can see if everything is in order and that it is included in the employment agency's requirements. If there are any items that you omitted or that were not listed correctly, you have to mention these in your resume. You can ask for an interview to clarify if everything is correct.Always remember that a resume is an advertisement. It should not be all general information but rather contain specific information specific to the position you are applying for. With that in mind, your resume should always show your abilities and qualities. If you can, add details that prove that you are qualified for the job.This is what will make you stand out from the rest and what employers are looking for when they are browsing through resumes on a particular job. Resume writing is all about being professional and convincing the employer to hire you.

Summary Sunday Skills and Drills For Your Job Search

Summary Sunday Skills and Drills For Your Job Search There reaches a point in time when you are going to need to up your job search skill level if you really want to land a job.  Theres just too much noise and competition.  So this weeks collection of top posts includes tips to help you do just that! Learn how to up your job search by answering  tough interview questions, highlighting the  important skills employers are looking for,  writing a new kind of cover letter and as a bonus, what the earning potential is for different college degrees. I hope this information helps give you the competitive edge you need to succeed! JOB SEARCH 4 Hard Job Search Truths You’re Just Going to Have to Accept by Sara McCord | The Muse INTERVIEWING The 3 Hardest Job Interview Questions for Young Pros by SimplyHired | YouTern 2 Reasons Blogging Is The New Cover Letter by J.T. ODonnell on LinkedIn CAREER Lifetime Earnings of College Degrees | PayScale SKILLS IN DEMAND Employers are looking for evidence of leadership skills from new graduates. Learn why and how you can demonstrate your leadership on your resume. This is the single most important skill new grads need to get hired by Daniel Bortz | Monster Why Do Entry-Level Jobs Require Leadership Skills? by Ronnie Ann | Career Nook This is a great response as to why employers are looking for leadership skills.

Being likable is the key to success

Being likable is the key to success Both securing a job and maintaining a job require that the right people like you. Sure, you have to have the skills and abilities to do the job, but likability is critical. How to improve your likability? Develop a tangible connection (build relationships) Sincerely compliment Find ways to make others look good Agree with peoples ideas first Ask for advice from others Remember important personal details Take on tasks that visibly help Actively listen Dont publicize your agenda Usesomeones namewhen you speak with them Always show respect Create alliances below, with peers and above Know what is important to others and acknowledge Never criticize Admit faults, and apologize when needed Be nice Do the right thing Choose your words carefully Be positive SMILE Have I over simplified? Perhaps, but remember, there is generally more than one way to get something done. Our first instinct may not be the right one. Learn from mistakes and be a better person because of them. Niceness counts.