Media/Speaker Queries: You're invited to click on each Career Thought Leader's name above for full contact info and to inquire about availability for interviews and speaking engagements.
Charlotte Weeks, CCMC, NCRW, CPRW
Weeks Career Services, Inc.
Thought Leadership: Career Strategies for Association Executives
Website: www.weekscareerservices.com
Email:
Phone: 312.662.1410
Charlotte Weeks, Certified Career Management Coach, Nationally Certified Resume Writer, and Certified Professional Resume Writer helps mission-driven executives find their passion and land at the top! Her association background includes working in human resources at the American Medical Association and leading The National Resume Writers’ Association as president. Charlotte provides comprehensive career coaching and resume services for association executives and is currently developing an information product line to further help them in their careers. She has been featured in the media multiple times, including in CEO Update, WGN-TV, Yahoo! HotJobs, and Men’s Health Magazine. Charlotte’s book contributions include The Twitter Job Search Guide, Designing the Perfect Resume, and Step-by-Step Cover Letters: Build a Cover Letter in 10 Easy Steps Using Personal Branding.
Maybe it’s the shared “fighting for a cause” environment, but employees that move on from associations tend to feel like alumni. This isn’t unique to the association world, but I have noticed it seems to be more common than in other industries. In general, these professionals tend to stay strong supporters of the organizations with which they’ve worked.This is a good thing. Using the university analogy again, staying involved with past association employers can be a bit like participating in an alumni network. You have an automatic bond with a group of people in your industry, which of course, can only help you throughout your career. And, though this may be the last thing on your mind right now, I’ve also known of many who ended up back at a previous employer. Whatever your reasons, it can only be in your best interest to maintain connections with past colleagues. A few simple ways to do this include:1) Joining a LinkedIn group for alumni of your association: If there isn’t one already, consider creating the group yourself. It’s one of the easiest ways to connect or re-connect with alumni.2) Having lunch with former co-workers: Or coffee. It doesn’t really matter. What’s important is staying in touch with people you already had a rapport with when working together. This one is especially easy – basically, you’ll be visiting with people you already know and like!3) Speaking positively about your past employer: A loyal attitude will reflect well on you, and the people you worked with will be more likely to lend their support.... Read more
Edited article originally written by Laura Raines
http://www.ajc.com/business/12-job-search-tips-1291030.html
As we ring in the new year, executive job seekers will find new opportunities in the 2012′s job market as well. According to the December Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, employers anticipate a 9% increase in hiring during the first quarter of the new year, the most promising hiring Outlook survey since 2008.
Here are a few networking tips from career coaches, recruiters and other experts to help you make the most of your job search in 2012. ... Read more
In today’s job market, it would be easy to assume that you don’t need to list computer skills on your resume. Doesn’t everyone know how to use Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint? The surprising answer is ‘no’. Many job applicants don’t know how to use these basic applications, or may not be proficient in them. In addition, many programs that employers use to automatically scan resumes will check for keywords related to software. Most especially, if a job listing has a software requirement, make sure you know the software and list it on your resume. So what software should you focus on?
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“Thinking about sending the boss a holiday card?” asks Allison & Taylor, a reference checking firm in Rochester, Michigan in their article Deciding Whether to Send the Boss a Holiday Card.
You probably have a good idea: a 2008 survey quoted 50% of holiday card recipients as indicating they were more likely to do future business with a company (or individual) that sends holiday greeting cards.
And with your co-workers vying with you for the boss’s favor, your holiday card might prove to be ... Read more
Recently, I went on my first vacation since 2003. Though I’ve been fortunate to have travelled quite a bit since then, it had been a full eight years since my last vacation.You might be confused – aren’t travel and vacation the same? Not necessarily. These two trips had one important thing in common – NO work. None. Not an email, voice mail, or social media check in. It was actually a little difficult for me to unplug, but the results were astounding. Not only did I have a wonderful, relaxing time, I’ve seen a difference in how I’ve felt about my work. I’ve been more creative and excited about projects. Taking time off might be even more important for those who love their jobs and are in a cause-focused industry (clearly, this could apply to many association professionals). It’s easy to burn out without even noticing. You may get tired more easily, feel less passionate about your work, and generally just go through the motions of performing your duties. Ironically, NOT working can make you better at it! So, take your vacation time and unplug! If possible, get out of town for a change of scenery – it doesn’t need to be far or expensive. You’ll come back revitalized and excited about jumping back in to work (well, after the first morning back!)... Read more
If you’re in the association industry and you’re not on Twitter, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. Association professionals seem to be among the most active posters in the Twitterverse, and much of the content I’ve seen is highly valuable. Whether the Tweeters are individuals or associations, you can connect
... Read more
It’s no secret that finding that a job in today’s economy is tough, even for seasoned executives. While there are still great opportunities available, the competition can be brutal.
These strategies can go a long way toward helping you stand out.
1. Establish relationships with recruiters
Companies are more likely to use recruiters for senior -level positions ... Read more
Recently, a study came out that said volunteering could increase longevity – if you were doing it to truly benefit others and not for self-serving reasons. This made me wonder about two things. First of all, is it even possible to do something to help others WITHOUT it coming back to you in some way? There was actually a “Friends” episode where Joey bet Phoebe that she couldn’t help someone without feeling altruistic. To prove otherwise, she donated to a telethon for Sesame Street, which she hated. Ultimately, she ended up happy that her money is what helped Joey reach his goal for donations – and she lost the bet.... Read more
This past week, I attended The National Resume Writers’ Association’s conference, this year held in Portland, Maine. Though it’s nice to be able to interact with members virtually, I get more in the 3.5 days each year than I do in 12 months!Ironically, where I learn the most at these events is outside of the conference room. With no set agenda, topics come up naturally – I end up learning things I didn’t know I even needed to know! Still, I’d guess that some of my biggest takeaways at conferences come from conversations I’ve had with colleagues at dinner, while exploring the town, or in-between sessions.... Read more
Even in the best of times, job hunting can feel like tossing your resume into the open sea. Now, with record numbers of applicants, you may not receive a response at all. Career experts agree that if resounding silence is all you get in response to your resume, you may want to know some of the most common reasons why. ... Read more
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