In today’s competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is like having a golden ticket to an interview for your dream job.

It’s not just a piece of paper—it’s your personal marketing tool that showcases your skills, experiences, and personality to potential employers.

But you gotta do it right! You’re competing with dozens, or even hundreds, of other talented people for the same job opportunity.

So here are 10 things NOT to do when writing and updating your resume. Avoiding these mistakes will help you stand out and create a powerful resume that captures the attention of hiring managers. 

1. DON’T Neglect Customization

Picture this: You are deep in the job search and decide to send out your trusty generic resume to a bunch of companies. The more you send out, the better….right? Surely, at least one of them will like your resume! 

But guess what? Crickets....

In today’s world, building a successful career is about more than just hard work and talent. It’s about networking, establishing connections, and seizing opportunities. 

Gone are the days of mailing resumes and crossing your fingers for a callback. LinkedIn has revolutionized the way professionals connect and showcase their skills. It’s a dynamic platform that brings together a global community of industry experts, recruiters, thought leaders, and potential collaborators—all just a few clicks away. 

But where and how should you even get started? By the end of this article, you can have a complete and compelling LinkedIn profile, ready to introduce you to the professional world. 

Headline: Your First Impression

Your headline may seem like a small section but don’t underestimate its power. It should capture attention, make a lasting impression, and open doors to exciting career opportunities. ...

LinkedIn has become more than just a social media platform.

It's a professional online hub for people like you to connect, network, and showcase their talents. Recruiters and employers are increasingly relying on LinkedIn to find top talent, so having a strong presence can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

1. LinkedIn will help you establish a professional online presence and amplify your personal brand

In today’s interconnected world, potential employers and recruiters will likely look you up online. Having a LinkedIn profile allows you to create a strong first impression by showcasing your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a polished and professional manner. 

Create a strong online presence. Your profile is like a digital portfolio that highlights your accomplishments, professional journey, and expertise. Make sure to craft a compelling summary that captures your unique skills and what you bring...

If you’re asking yourself this question, then you’re at a crossroads. You need to decide whether it’s time for a change—and what kind of change—and how big that change should be. 

If you’re unhappy with your current job, it can be tempting to just want to change industries altogether. But how do you know if it's really the industry that’s the problem, or if all these issues could be resolved by simply changing jobs? 

Today, I’m here to help you unravel the dilemma and empower you to make an informed decision. 

Understanding the Dilemma

So… you’re standing at this crossroads, knowing you need a change, but unsure whether it’s the industry that’s draining your enthusiasm or the job itself. It’s natural to feel a little uncertain, but the important thing is to break it down. 

It’s important to take a step back and analyze the...

As the job market becomes more and more competitive, it’s crucial to differentiate yourself from others. Your personal brand is what makes you stand out from the crowd, highlighting your unique skills, experience, and passions. 

It is the image you present to the world, including your online and offline presence. It’s how people perceive you and what sets you apart from others. 

Personal branding is about being intentional in shaping that image and ensuring that it aligns with your values, goals, and aspirations. 

Importance of Personal Branding When Changing Careers 

In today’s job market, personal branding has become increasingly important. With the rise of social media and the internet, it’s easier than ever for employers and clients to research and evaluate potential candidates based on their online presence. 

Personal branding is the practice of marketing yourself and your career...

You may face a variety of challenges in your professional life, including the possibility of being laid off. A layoff can take a significant toll on your mental health so it’s especially important to take care of yourself during this difficult time. 

What it can feel like to get laid off 

Being laid off can cause a range of emotions, including anxiety, sadness, and anger. These emotions are completely normal and valid. You may feel like your identity and sense of purpose have been taken away from you, which can lead to feelings of depression and low self-esteem. 

It’s important to acknowledge and validate these emotions instead of pushing them aside. 

Neglecting your mental health can lead to long-term consequences such as depression and anxiety, isolation, and even chronic pain. It can also hold you back from your career goals and moving forward professionally.

Coping with a layoff is challenging, but there...

Does this sound familiar?: You’re sitting at your work desk, daydreaming about leaving your job and doing what you really want to do. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business or pursuing a creative career. 

Maybe you’ve had a long-standing dream since your childhood about what you want to accomplish in life. Or maybe, you have no idea what your passion is yet…you just know that your current job…ain’t it. Been there. Done that. Had a glass of wine. .

Quitting your job to pursue your passion can be an amazing, life-changing experience. It can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding to do something you love for a living. In fact, just thinking about your dream job may fill you with excitement and longing. 

Real Talk: The thought of doing something you love for a living can be so alluring, but it’s also something that requires careful planning and preparation. It’s...

Do you feel like you always need to be the “Strong One”? Whether it’s at work or in your personal life, maybe you take on the responsibility of keeping everything together and taking care of everyone around you. 

Maybe you feel like you have to just keep getting back up no matter how many times you’re knocked down. 

Maybe you constantly spread yourself too thin trying to bring support to others but are never able to find that same support for yourself. 

Maybe you don’t even seek that support because you’ve decided to handle whatever it is by yourself.

At its core, being the Strong One means that you have the resilience to keep going no matter what life throws your way. It means you can handle difficult situations and make tough decisions with grace and confidence. It also means that you are often the one who others turn to for support, guidance, and strength. 

But being...

If you’re here, you probably know what I’m talking about—that nagging feeling that you’re not good enough, that you’re a fraud, that you don’t belong in your job or industry. 

Yeah. That feeling. 

Imposter syndrome can be a real buzzkill, especially when it comes to your career. It can hold you back from pursuing new opportunities, taking risks, and reaching your full potential. And it’s not just a personal issue—it can affect every aspect of your career, quality of life, and confidence. 

But why is it so important to discuss imposter syndrome, especially in the context of your career? Well, let me tell you a little story. 

Meet Kathy ‍

Kathy is a smart, ambitious woman, and three years ago, she landed her dream job in a competitive industry. She was thrilled, of course, but soon enough, the imposter feelings started creeping in. 

She began...

Have you ever felt like you’re falling behind in your career compared to your peers? Do you sometimes wonder if you’re a late bloomer in your profession? Well, guess what? You’re not alone! Being a late bloomer in your career is more common than you think, and it’s time to embrace your unique journey. 

Let’s define what I mean by “late bloomer”. If you’re someone who did not take a linear path to your career, started working later in life, or didn’t hit certain milestones at the “expected” time, you’re probably what I mean by “late bloomer”. 

Maybe you took some time off to raise a family, had to switch careers, or simply took longer to figure out what you wanted to do. Whatever the reason, it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away (or still). 

Storytime! 

It took me a looooong time to come to terms with that. I...