PORTFOLIO CREATIVE BLOG

Reinvention

Every so often there is an opportunity for reinvention of yourself, and this down economy is certainly one. We all get very attached to what we do as the definition of who we are. When we no longer do a particular job because of a downsizing, layoff, retirement, selling a business, health concerns or a myriad of other reasons, suddenly the identity that went with it is gone too. When we no longer have that identity we can start to wonder who we really are.

A great quote I

Read More »

Landscape has Changed for Job Seekers

Janice Worthington‘s article from Business First this week really struck me as a great reality check for job seekers. The advice is sound in any market, but especially important in today’s climate. If you’re a Business First subscriber you can read the full article online. Key points below.

What you should know about the changed landscape for job seekers:

  • No one will knock on your door–even if you were always recruited for jobs in the past, expect to be the one looking
Read More »

FISH! Sticks

Recently Eileen wrote about a book she read called “FISH!” Another book in this series by Stephen C. Lundin is called FISH! Sticks. Like the previous book, Lundin continues to weave his teachings in a fictional story about Good Samaritan Hospital in New York; however, this story talks about adapting to changing times and how to keep your work fresh.

With so many stories on the news about companies closing or laying off

Read More »

Job Searching in a Recession

It’s official. Economists have confirmed that the U.S. is in a recession and apparently has been since last December. Thanks guys, most people already knew that. Regardless of that not-so-happy news, if you’re looking for work you need to keep moving forward. Job Searching in a Recession hits key areas to keep in mind and a few tips related to each area.

Key highlights:

Take a closer look at industry data
Focus on areas that are more stable or growing, and therefore may be

Read More »

Thinking Differently

Seth Godin is one of my favorite authors, bloggers and overall genius thinkers. He recently posted information about a program he is setting up, essentially a six-month educational opportunity with him. As valuable as a MBA (he says), and he might be right. At first it sounds crazy…six months unpaid, you have to be in New York, pay your own expenses…who would do it?

But then I started thinking about the whole concept, and it’s brilliant. At minimum it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to do something entirely

Read More »

Holiday Shopping (for a job)

It’s Black Friday, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the U.S. While you’re making that list, scouring stores and online for the best deals, and recovering from your overload of turkey…don’t forget about your job search.

Are you thinking that no one hires during the holiday so you might as well forget it and enjoy yourself until the New Year? Think again. Companies don’t stop working during the holidays, and neither should you. It could even be to your advantage–if most

Read More »

Highly Abused Resume Phrases

From Real Simple magazine.

The six most highly abused phrases on resumes and profiles, according to research by LinkedIn, the professional networking site:

“Proven track record”

“Problem solver”

Fast paced”

“Due diligence”

“Cutting edge”

“Results-oriented”

In addition, while women tend to overuse “attention to detail”, men apparently do quite a lot of “disaster recovery.”

Good to keep in mind while updating your resume, if it’s an overused phrase it’s not doing anything for you. Find a better way to share that information. Okay,

Read More »