by Karen Alphonse | May 7, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: At my prior job, I held two interim roles. One was that of Interim Executive Director for which I eventually interviewed as a permanent position, but I was not offered the job. When I showed my resume to another recruiter, he began to question me about... by Karen Alphonse | Apr 30, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I am preparing a reference list for my job search. So far, I list five male supervisors. What should I be considering when comprising my list? Answer: As a recruiter, I check for 360-degree completeness on a reference list. That is, I want to see on that... by Karen Alphonse | Apr 23, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers, Management
Question: In your opinion, what do non-profit leaders need most today? Answer: No-nonsense economies require no-nonsense leaders. Based on what we are hearing from other recruiters, search committees and those actively leading philanthropic organizations, three... by Karen Alphonse | Apr 16, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I submitted my application to several organizations where I thought my credentials and background for senior leadership would be welcome. The response has been disappointing. What am I doing wrong? Answer: The reasons underlying lack of response frequently... by Karen Alphonse | Mar 26, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
I have read many of your blogs. I use networking as a tool for professional advancement as you repeatedly suggest, but, frankly, it is not working. When I meet people and give them my card, they seem eager to help. When I contact them, few respond and those that do... by Karen Alphonse | Mar 19, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I am interviewing at a distance for a leadership role with an organization based in Abu Dhabi. What should I consider prior to the interview? What should I consider regarding cultural differences? A: Overseas organizations are probably not going to fly you to a... by Karen Alphonse | Mar 12, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: This is my first time working with an executive recruiter. Do you have any tips ? I am young and relatively inexperienced at this whole job search thing, and I am anxious to find a great job. A: Your recruiter is your best ally in the search process. It only... by Karen Alphonse | Mar 5, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I have submitted my materials to various international agencies and organizations for consideration at the senior level. I have applied both in the United States and overseas, yet, I do not hear from the places that seem like perfect destinations for me. What do... by Karen Alphonse | Feb 26, 2013 | Advice, Featured
Q: Recently, I have been conducting numerous Skype interviews. This coming week, I will have one based on a case study. Do you have any tips on how to conduct this meeting? There is a lot hanging in the balance, and I need to get this right. A: This is a case... by Karen Alphonse | Feb 19, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I am in a search process, and I think I have alienated my recruiter. After she contacted me and made suggestions about how to improve my materials, I sent my resume on independently. Now, her client is balking at giving her credit for finding me. I wish I could... by Karen Alphonse | Feb 12, 2013 | Advice, Featured
Q: What do you think distinguishes the not-for-profit sector from the for-profit sector? Is there really a difference? A: The easy answer is that mission distinguishes the sectors. Not-for-profits frequently have a social mission that is clearly articulated in... by Karen Alphonse | Feb 5, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I have lost the energy to pursue leads and continue my career search. I feel defective, dejected and downtrodden. Every time someone suggests a new lead or approach, I feel inadequate and stupid. Can you help? A: Search burnout — that feeling where... by Karen Alphonse | Jan 29, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I keep submitting cover letters for positions suiting my background and experience, but, I keep getting rejections. Do you think something is wrong with the way I draft my letters? I try to list every bit of experience that might be of interest to a prospective... by Karen Alphonse | Jan 22, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I am looking for an Executive Director role at an established regional not-for-profit organization, and I am interested in understanding how to determine my “fit” with an organization’s work culture during the interview process. Please advise. A: Prior to the... by Karen Alphonse | Jan 15, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I have been in the workforce a number of years and want to “de-age” my resume. How do you suggest I go about achieving that? I am proud of my years of service and many accomplishments, so it feels strange to consider eliminating years of good work from my resume.... by Karen Alphonse | Jan 8, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Thanks to you, our readers, for all of your questions and comments throughout the years. We appreciate interacting with you and receiving your input! As I look back, I am amazed at how skillfully many clients navigated ever-changing markets. Last, year we worked... by Karen Alphonse | Dec 18, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Recruiters
Q: Can you describe your “perfect search”? How was it developed, and how did it progress? Why do you think it was so outstanding? A: A perfect search directly and efficiently addresses the client organization’s needs by identifying a superior candidate to perform a... by Karen Alphonse | Dec 11, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Recruiters
Q: Our organization posted an Office Manager role two months ago, and the response was disappointing. We are looking for someone with superior writing and speaking abilities, aspirations of moving ahead in his/her career and a great command of office accounting and... by Karen Alphonse | Dec 4, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I completed a very detailed job application two weeks ago. As part of the process, I had to answer a question detailing how I would go about raising money for this particular organization. In my strategy submission, I included specific names and organizations... by Karen Alphonse | Nov 27, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I just had my resume professionally reviewed and my coach suggested I include a line stating, “Willing to relocate.” Do you agree with this advice? How would you respond to a resume with this information? A: First, I have never seen any resume with such a...