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 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 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 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... by Karen Alphonse | Nov 13, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I am completing applications for senior leadership positions in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco I used to live in LA, and I went to graduate school there. But, I currently reside in Seattle. Which address, California or Seattle, Washington, should I... by Karen Alphonse | Nov 6, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: On my job application is the following question: “Have you ever been fired, asked to resign or been laid off by any former employer?” I am stumped. On one former consulting assignment, I was not renewed. Also, I used to be part of a university special... by Karen Alphonse | Oct 30, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I submitted a resume and cover letter for an Executive Director position in July. The organization starts interviews in November. I just redrafted my cover letter based on additional information I have learned in the interim. What should I do? Do I submit a... by Karen Alphonse | Oct 16, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I now have five versions of my resume. A prospective employer has requested yet another version with a different format and emphasis. What should I do? Do I submit my application with the existing version, or do I accommodate the request? A: You always have the... by Karen Alphonse | Oct 9, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: When I recently left my 20-year tenure at a respected entertainment company, I thought my next career move was going to be pursuing a similar position at a similar corporation. However, upon evaluating what professionally interests and inspires me, I realize my... by Karen Alphonse | Oct 2, 2012 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I just eliminated all of the dates from my resume because I fear “age-ism” is playing a role in the low response rate I’m receiving. What is your advice? Should I keep the dates on? A: This topic has definitely evolved in the employment world. It used to...