Laura Hartnell Career Transition Services

Are you struggling to write your résumé? Finding it difficult to zero in on your value proposition? Not to worry, I've got your back! Along with my merry band of career pros! Next Wednesday, May 6th, at 2PM, the Guelph and Tri-City Career Collective will be leading a session on: .... During this Zoom-In event, we'll cover: Tips for developing achievement statements Research fundamentals to help you formulate a value proposition that aligns with your targeted company An understanding of Applicant Tracking Software and how to incorporate the right keywords Simple formatting tricks that make your document easy to read Link for registration in the comments. #resumewriting #resume #jobsearch #careerdevelopment #jobsearchadvice #careers #resumewriter

My challenge to you: ! Don't rely on someone else to tell you you're doing well. Celebrate your achievements for yourself! Keeping a record of your career impacts is a great way to boost your confidence, get familiar with your unique methods of generating results, and prepare yourself for promotions and those golden opportunities.... If you're not feeling the word 'brag', call it a career celebration document!

Are you spiraling down a rabbit hole of online job applications? Are you firing off multiple résumés but not getting any requests for interviews? Are you mystified by the 'hidden' job market?... If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then join me on March 11th at 6:30 PM at Brch Social where I will be sharing job search strategies that get you in front of decision makers! Link to the registration in the comments below

Want to fall in love with work again? Here are 4 small changes you can start with: - Learn something new. Take on new tasks in a different department, or registering for a course. - Become a mentor. Helping someone else navigate their career prompts you to reflect on your own!... - Take some time to appreciate your teammates. Praise for a job well done, or ask for feedback. Get to know your colleagues. - Enlist the help of your manager. If you have a career goal you want to achieve, get their support! Now, let's say you've tried all this and you STILL haven't gotten your mojo back at work, then perhaps it's time to move on. Want to find that special career chemistry you've been longing for? Then contact me for a chat!

' ! Had a blast last night on the #Rogerstv C-Suite set! Danielle Joworski, thank you so much for inviting me to share my résumé writing insights on Episode 12, 'The Application Process' - I can't wait to see the episode when it airs in January. The résumé has evolved so much over the years, and it's about time we had some fun developing our brand and telling our stories. Don't be afraid to be bold and showcase your unique personality alongside your achievements! ... To the fellow guests - Eve Harding, Fernie Black, Libby Pease, Michelle Pacheco and Cheryl Himburg - it was a pleasure to meet you all! For those of you looking to ramp up your career in 2020, check out these amazing women!

! Today I am so proud of myself for winning a TORI (Toast of the Resume Industry) award! When I started my business 2.5 years ago, I was in awe of the creativity and game-changing tactics that were being applied by the industry greats! After studying award-winning resumes, pushing myself to experiment with bolder formatting, and sharpening my writing skills, I've joined the ranks and am truly delighted.... Thank you to all my mentors who have supported me, and thank you to my clients for continuing to inspire me! Check out the award-winning resumes in the link below!

Another quarter has wrapped up! Now it's time to reflect on your career achievements over the last 3 months! Most of the people that reach out to me have done very little to track their career progress and impacts. But this is a hugely important way to catalyze your career growth! So...... Make it a habit at the end of every quarter! Review your metrics and capture feedback from your team members or clients. Record your wins in the form of accomplishment statements (situation - action - result). Evaluate what has gone well over the last quarter and consider what you will do differently moving forward. Compile all of this into a 1-page "Quarterly Impact Summary" and send it to your manager. The bottom line: don't wait around for your annual review to let someone else determine your success. Make it happen for yourself by being proactive and vocal about your achievements!

It's that time of year again! FROSH WEEK! If your kids are heading to college of university for the first time, here are my top 3 tips for career success... Visit your instructors during their office hours! It's never too early to start building relationships, and these are the people closest to your field. If they are impressed by your ambition, they may introduce you to people in the industry or your research area. ... Conduct informational interviews and get as much insider info as possible! Get involved in a professional association. Check out your local chapter's events and volunteer to help out. This looks great on your résumé AND you'll meet tons of people already doing the job. Start building your LinkedIn presence. It takes time to make connections. Ask questions and engage in industry conversations. Professional online visibility is a huge component of today's job search. Got additional advice for new students? Add your comment below!

Having trouble answering the dreaded 'strengths and weaknesses' question at your interviews? Try leveraging an assessment tool to shed some light on things that come naturally to you, and areas you may need to further develop. Personality profiles won't give you all the answers, but they can be a good starting point if you're feeling stuck. When you get your report, pick the strength and the weakness that resonated with you the most. Now, think of a story to support both.... For your strength, pick a situation that yielded a powerful result and quantify if possible. Not all improvements are easily measured, so if you can't support your impact with a number, validate your story with an example of how your trait boosted moral, calmed down an upset customer, encouraged diverse suggestions, etc. For your weakness, go with something that you've actively been working on. Perhaps this trait limited you in some way in the past, but you've recognized and reflected on it, and taken steps to transform it into a value-add. You can contrast an earlier example with a more recent example, to demonstrate the strives you've taken and how you're continuing to evaluate and improve as you move forward. Check out Plum.io and create a free profile! Did you learn anything new about yourself?

When was the last time you popped your résumé in an envelope? Many of my clients have told tales of the ‘good ol’ days’ when you could print out your résumé and physically deliver it to an employer. In a digital world, this method seems old school, and some of you have likely never mailed a hard copy of your résumé. ... But consider how bombarded everyone is with constant email and online messaging. These are super saturated communication channels. Whereas, when was the last time someone mailed you a document or hand-written letter? ‘Snail mail’ aka Canada Post, is an untapped channel to get your application noticed. Do your research, find out who the hiring manager is, and personally address your letter to them. Load your résumé with quantified (or qualified) achievement statements and outline how you can alleviate a pain point and make their life easier in the cover letter. Toss in a hand-written note for that special touch!

Check out this podcast where Tony Morrow and I discuss the strategies you need to take to prepare for an effective job search. Thanks again, Tony for having me as a guest on your show, Getting2Hired! Making a career transition is certainly a nerve-wracking endeavour, especially if you've been with the same bureaucratic organization for a number of years. Ample research and self reflection will enable to hit your 'target' with laser-focused value alignment! ... Although this episode talks directly about military to civilian career changes, these strategies also apply to anyone who's ready to leave a job they've been in for a long time, new to Canada, or looking to switch to a new industry.

Had a great day at ADM yesterday speaking with many of the very talented engineers keeping our manufacturing industry alive and well! As I discussed during my presentation on "How to Create a Value Proposition that Aligns with your Target Position," keep your résumé focused on your skills, experiences, and qualifications that supports the role. Think from the manager's point of you while you're framing your document, and regardless of your typical duties, think about how your actions impact the bottom line. A company's health can be gauged in many ways, so if you can't put a $-value on your actions, think about your ability to collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to solve problems and hit aggressive deadlines, boost employee moral (turnover is expensive!), and ensure quality products that customers love.

In a room full of recruiters! It's been a great day at the Toronto Recruiters Conference! Thanks TorontoJobs.ca for trusting me to be your event MC.... #TRCONF

Break out of the box! The text box that is. I've received a staggering number of résumés recently that have ALL the content in text boxes. Although applicant tracking software (ATS) is getting more sophisticated, many of them still have a hard time deciphering content in text boxes.... Perhaps you've loaded your résumé with all the right keywords to satisfy that finicky ATS gatekeeper...but what good are they if they're trapped in a box? Play it safe and avoid using text boxes. Of course, if you apply a diverse job search strategy, you can find ways to avoid the gatekeeper altogether!

So excited to see my sample included in the 8th edition of Resumes for Dummies! I'm honoured to be featured among so many amazing career professionals. Thank you so much to the author, Laura DeCarlo, for giving me the opportunity to showcase my work! This is truly a great resource for any job seeker or aspiring resume writer!

All set up and ready to review your resume! Come see me at the Toronto Career Fair today! #TOJOBScareerfair

Always a good reminder!

Sometimes a job search leads you to the conclusion that entrepreneurship is your next goal. Want support getting your business idea off the ground? Then check out this BYOB - Build Your Own Business - competition! Registration ends in 1 week! Link to more information in the comments below.

Want some brutally honest feedback about your résumé? Come see me at the Mississauga Career Fair for a free résumé review! I'll give you some practical advice on how to get the job you want. Look for the gal with the yellow sneakers! MISSISSAUGA CAREER FAIR:... DATE: Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 LOCATION: Living Arts Centre TIME: 11:00am - 3:00pm Link to registration in the comments below. P.S. If I see an all-about-me 'Objective' on your document, it's going to get a BIG RED X through it!

Unless you're applying for a chef position at a chili restaurant, I don't advise putting a chili recipe on the back of your résumé! It's also good practice to have more than one!

You're looking at a freshly certified Engineering and Science Résumé Specialist! Recently I submitted a portfolio of engineering and science résumés along with an essay about writing for these fields to Career Directors International's Certification Committee. I'm so thrilled to have received the following feedback: "The certification committee unanimously passed your submissions commenting on the innovation exhibited in the formatting and your solid understanding of the i...ndustry in the way you write and present information." Yay! I'm excited to continue helping STEM professionals land the jobs they deserve with kick-butt personal marketing materials! Continuing education is so important in any field, and I'm so happy to be part of such a great community of career professionals. What's on deck next? IT résumé specialist perhaps...

EIT Networking Night & LinkedIn Headshots - Mark your calendar! The EIT Committee of the Grand River Chapter PEO is hosting this rad event on Wednesday, February 13th at the Charcoal Steakhouse in Kitchener. Aside from some solid face-time with other EITs and PEO members, I'll be giving a 20-minute presentation on how to create and leverage a LinkedIn profile for your job search. It's never too early to contribute to industry conversations and build your professional repu...tation. Dress for success! Following the presentation a professional photographer will be taking headshots of each EIT. Launch your engineering career with confidence! Link to registration in the comments.

1000s of Résumés Meet an Untimely Demise Every Day Due to This 1 Issue! Ok, so I’ve exaggerated a little, but did my headline get your attention? Headlines on your résumé serve an important function. They act as a signal to the reader, who spends an average of 7 seconds scanning your document. Would you read an article without a captivating title that indicated what it was all about? Probably not.... Your résumé headline should let the reader know instantly what you have to offer. For example, Commissioning Manager | Commander of Multi-Million Dollar Capital Projects Or perhaps you’re just starting your career and don’t have an ‘official title’ yet. Something like this might work, Registered EIT positioned for success as a PROCESS ENGINEER Target the position you want in your headline, and then make sure the rest of the content is there to back it up! The goal is to capture and then hold the reader’s attention. Clickbait is frustratingso is a hollow résumé headline. A clear value proposition and strong accomplishment statements will demonstrate how you’re worthy of the title. What will your headline say about you?

You won't get your deepest questions about the universe answered (unless you're interviewing an astrophysicist), but conducting informational interviews can help illuminate your career path!

You know that expression, The grass is always greener on the other side? When it comes to your job, this expression only rings true if you do your research! There’s no point jumping ship if the next gig you pick up is just as bad, OR WORSE, than the last one.... A few simple steps you can follow to avoid a disappointing career change: 1) Reflect on your current position. What do you love about it, and what would you like to leave behind? Write up your ideal job description and use it as a benchmark throughout your job search. 2) What are your core values? Make a list of the companies you’re considering switching to and look up their mission statements, news-worthy projects, and blog posts. Shortlist the companies that align with your values, and then 3) Reach out to people who work at those companies and request informational interviews. What’s the management style like? Work-life balance? Does the work culture match their online persona? Get the answers that matter to you. Doing the legwork pays off. Make sure the next move is one that’s right for you. Your research might make you realize that the move is exactly what you needor you’ll see that grass is plenty good where you are!

Here's a little Tuesday morning multiple choice to get you thinking about your career future! When's the best time to update your résumé or work with a career specialist? A) Long before the perfect job opportunity presents itself, or... B) The day before the job ad closes. If you selected option A, congratulations! Being proactive is the key to success when it comes to your job search. It takes time to dig out the right achievements, build a personal brand, and curate an impressive portfolio. It's been a busy couple of months and my turn-around time is getting longer, so if you're interested in working on a project with me, contact me sooner rather than later!

Still using a Word '98 résumé template? We need to talk ASAP. Come visit me at the Mississauga Career Fair for a free résumé review! If I see this: OBJECTIVE ... You'll see this: If I see this: REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST You'll hear this: "Whirrrshhhhhhhcccchhh crinkle crinkle" (that's the sound of the document going through the shredder) Not to worry... I'll give you tips on how you can make your résumé great again and embrace the modern job search with confidence! When: Wednesday, September 26th from 11 - 3 Where: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga #TOJOBScareerfair - link for registration in the comments below!

Just wrapped up a fun-filled presentation with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario's Waterloo Chapter on career transitions for nurses! Nurses, remember, be proud of the impact you've had on your patients and the community as a whole! You do amazing work, so be sure to celebrate it!

Coming home miserable. Snapping at your loved ones. Counting down the moments until you can crack open a bottle of wine or beer. Feeling overwhelmed and crying over things you normally wouldn't. These are only a few of the ways a job can negatively impact your life. If you feel a sense of dread wash over you when you reach for the alarm clock in the morning, just think, you could have this feeling for another 2,000+ days. That's a bleak thought. I've experienced these feeling...s first-hand, and I've witnessed almost every one of my friends and family members go through this at some point. The good news is, is that you can make a change! You can find a career that you enjoy. Yes, it's still going to be work, but you can restore confidence and start to enjoy other aspects of your life again. Your work plays a big role in your health. That's why I've teamed up with Melissa Macfarlane Heidmiller, Annette Rossel, and Angela Hill Vellicorp for the KW Health Expo this weekend. Stop by our booth, under the banner "The Career Collective" to discuss what a better work situation looks like for you. Sometimes a simple chat can be the recharge you need!

Shady Lane - only $20 per night for camping... but canoe rentals will cost you $12.99 per hour! Clearly 10-year old me didn't have a strong handle on pricing strategy. Aside from having a chuckle at my marketing efforts as a kid, stumbling upon this old brochure reminded me of the many ways job seekers can DEMONSTRATE their interest, enthusiasm, and skill! It's too hollow to say, "I'm passionate about XYZ," or "I've wanted to become since I was a kid." In...stead, provide some context by sharing a childhood story or other examples that bring your passion to life. It's these little details that reveal your personality and make you more memorable at interviews and networking events. What do your childhood antics reveal about your career trajectory?

"I just have to have it!" Many of us have had this response after seeing an enticing advertisement for a product or service. What makes the message resonate so well? It speaks directly to the target audience.... It offers a CLEAR solution to a problem. It has a "unique factor" that the competition is lacking. It elicits a sense of desire, intrigue, or urgency. A strong set of personal marketing materials and a crafty job search campaign can trigger the same emotional responses that a captivating advertisement can. When an employer identifies with your brand, it can elicit that same "I want it" response, even if they don't necessarily need it. Keeping this in mind, don't sit idly by waiting for great opportunities to open up. Make your brand known by cold contacting, networking, and putting your awesomeness out into the world. You don't know what companies are planning. They may have been mulling over a new position for months, and when they see what you have to offer it could solidify their decision to move forward. Be part of creating a position for yourself at your ideal company... We all know the power of consistent, well thought-out advertising.

Do you remember doing career quizzes in school? You'd answer a list of multiple choice questions and it would spit out a list of the most suitable careers for you. My top 3 were: 1) Stand-up Comedian 2) Meteorologist... 3) Teacher I'm still curious as to how the test picked up on my amazing sense of humour! Aside from the entertainment value these tests provided, they weren't very helpful. There wasn't a whole lot of guidance when it came to career exploration, let alone how to market yourself effectively. The best way to find out about potential career paths is to start reaching out to people and asking them questions about what they do. I never interviewed a stand-up comedian or a meteorologist in high-school, but maybe I should have! What were your top career matches?

Sometimes we simply need a reminder. My cardio machine pleasantly prompted me to drink some water while in the midst of a sweat-slinging MMA program. It also told me, "Pace Yourself," "Take 'Em Down," and "You're Bleeding." ...Apparently my imaginary opponent was getting some good shots in! What does this have to do with your job search? Often we know what we need to do to, but we require someone to encourage us or push us to take action. Whether you've been meaning to atte...nd another networking event, line up an informational interview, or post an industry-specific article on LinkedIn, sometimes we need some external motivation to get us going! Just like a personal trainer at the gym, having someone to keep you accountable in your job search can give you the boost you need! Whether it's a friend or a career professional, find someone who will keep you on track.

Trick your brain into thinking you're happy! Stick a pen in your mouth on your way to an interview and enable facial feedback theory to boost your mood!

Who says engineers can't be creative with their personal marketing materials? This recent MET graduate impressed me so much with his gear train mechanism project he aced in school, that it inspired me to create a custom logo for his docs. Talk about presenting a consistent brand image! Nail down what makes you unique as a candidate and then work it across all your documents. Create a networking card that matches the theme of your docs and wow employers at industry events!... P.S. I've fictionalized the name and contact info of this client to respect his privacy. I'm not a recruiter, but I'm happy to make an introduction should you wish to chat with this up-and-coming mechanical designer.

Engineering Tip Part 2: Walk into the interview like you're already working for the company... ...But what if you haven't landed an interview with your dream company? Rather than wait around hoping for a call, try and entice the employer with a glimpse of your capabilities! Social media works if you work it!... Research --> Create --> Document --> Request Land that interview and IMPRESS! I love 'designing' your strategy! PM me and we'll map out what will work best for you! :)

Engineering Career Tip: If you don't have any work experience in the field you're preparing to interview for, then pick a product commonly used in the field and prepare designs as through you're already working for the company. Take the time to read the codes and perform sample design calculations. Show you've got the knowledge to perform the tasks, and the gumption to kick butt on future projects!

What's holding you back from making a change in your career? Fear? Comfort? A sense of loyalty to your current manager? I speak with people every day who say they've been considering a career move for many months or even years, yet haven't found the motivation to do it. It can be scary, and it does take effort.... You don't have to contemplate this big decision alone. Sometimes speaking to someone outside the situation can offer a sense of clarity. You see the situation from your own framework and patterns of thinking, but when someone asks you the right questions it can push you to see new perspectives. This can be a refreshing feeling that can give you a boost in confidence and forward momentum. This is often the feedback I get from my clients when I question them about their skills, experiences, and desires for the future. Compiling this information helps to clarify their career vision and gives me the details I need to create their personal brand. You never know when you'll reach your breaking point or have that "ah-ha" moment, so get prepared with strong personal marketing documents and a focused career goal.

Cutbacks could be on the horizon... The best way to navigate an unexpected job loss is to be prepared with up-dated personal marketing documents and a strong network.

Penny's been working on her solar-tech fan prototype. She wants to remind you to share your cool projects with your network! It might seem mundane to you, but someone else will think it's rad. Don't wait until you're job hunting to increase your online visibility. It takes time to get your brand out there, and posting neat content about what you're working on will help build your professional reputation.... BTW the dollar store has some pretty nifty toys, so you can have some STEM fun on a budget!

I'm totally a fan of question asking... but it's also important to recognize situations when we can figure it out on our own.

Nursing Career Tip: Get involved in politics. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) issued an Action Alert last week. Ontario hospitals are experiencing a deficit of more than 10,000 RNs, leaving Ontario patients vulnerable to medical complications and death. RNs, if you're not already exercising your democratic right, the RNAO has a great toolkit on how to become politically involved. Sure, politics may not be your cup of tea... but your civic participation wi...ll enhance your understanding of healthcare policy development and broaden your professional network. Civic engagement can help you develop new skills such as your ability to form alliances and cooperate with the media. Sharpening these skills can boost your confidence, enhance your job performance, and even open up doors to new job opportunities. #healthcare #politics #nursing https://lnkd.in/dkq4sdc

A message for current students: make the most of the summer! The summer is a great time to investigate career options and develop your career plan! Whether you're in school this term, working full/part-time, or taking a much-needed break, arrange a few informational interviews. The earlier you start researching career options, the more focused you'll be on your future goals. Avoid scrambling when you graduate and start preparing now!

Meet my office assistant, Penny! Penny and I would like to share with you 3 interview tips to help you create an awesome first impression!

How do you determine what your brand is!??? This can be a real head-scratcher for those who want to make an impact with their personal marketing materials. How daring and dramatic should it be? Is it going to come across as clever and sophisticated or too gimmicky? This will depend on your personality, your values, the industry you're in, and the position you're trying to obtain within it.... When I work with my clients I take all of these factors into consideration. I ask a lot of questions which prompts a rich narrative to unfold, and from these responses I see patterns that make up a person's unique selling proposition. Sometimes I draw inspiration from an analogy that a client has used to explain their duties, a quote from someone that influenced them, or a hobby they have that adds a special "oomph" into their work. These "extras" can be used to set the tone. Sprinkle these little details throughout your résumé with careful word choice and visual cues. This will create a polished, long-lasting impression.

"Chief Executive Unicorn" "Happiness Hero" "Hacker-in-Residence" There are some very creative job titles out there! Although these titles are a lot of fun, it makes it difficult for job hunting. If your title alone is going to cause confusion to the person reading it, it's best to clarify.... I caution against making up titles because honesty is the best policy, but there's nothing wrong with adding, "equivalent to..." The same advice goes for those who carry titles that do not adequately capture level of responsibility. Provide the scope of your expertise and don't be afraid to address title discrepancies head-on. Don't let your job title hold you back!

Are you setting aside time for professional development? Many companies offer paid education and training for their staff, so why not take advantage? There's also a variety of free and low-cost courses you can take online, at your local college, or through professional organizations. Explore your options. There's always something new to learn!... A commitment to professional development can enhance your consideration for promotions. If the decision's been narrowed down to 2 similar candidates, the job offer will often go to the person who's invested in their own professional growth. life-long learning!

Recently downsized? It's not something you planned for. You feel shocked. You're confidence is shaken. It's been years since you looked for work. You're nervous about how long it will take you to land your next role, but... Navigating the transition doesn't have to be scary! A career professional can provide you with the tools and strategies required to regain your confidence and secure the employment you want.... What are outplacement services? Many companies provide support services to help former employees re-orient themselves in the job market. It often includes preparation of personal marketing materials, career counselling, job search training, mock interviews, and more. Some companies work with outplacement firms, while others put the onus on the employee to find a service provider. Ask your employer today! Contact me if you have any questions. I can help you!

Having difficulty determining what to include in your résumé? Build a scaffold by pulling keywords and phrases from a relevant job ad. Consider how your skills and experiences align with the qualifications and requirements of the job. Once you've put together a basic framework you can create succinct accomplishment statements that support the position.... Of course, if you're feeling lost, unmotivated, or don't have the time to write your résumé...you can always count on me!

In this article I've listed some career transition options for nurses. I've also included questions to ask yourself and guidance on how to frame your résumé for each role.

A couple quick tips about your LinkedIn profile: 1. Make sure your headline is searchable. 2. Offer a glimpse of your personality in the summary section.... :)

It can be tricky to decide what should and should not be included on your perosnal marketing docs. Here are a few tips to help you make the judgement call.

How do you manage your job search?

A quick tip on how to customize your résumé for each job application. It's not as hard as it sounds.

Make your introduction count! Address what you do, who you do it for, and the benefit that it brings within 1-2 sentences. First impressions matter! Show some pride and enthusiasm when giving your elevator pitch. Create a reciprocal conversation! Don't forget to ask the other people you're chatting with what they do.

Nurses, recognizing delirium can save lives and reduce strain on the public health system.

Hey job seekers, I hope your calendars look like this for next week! A mapped out, comprehensive job search strategy... and of course a free résumé review with me at the Mississauga Career Fair. Stay tuned for a brief webinar that will break down an effective job search schedule!

Science Career Tip: Whether you're in academia or industry, you'll likely have to step into the spotlight to present your research at seminars and meetings. Contrary to the perception that science operates as a meritocracy, you'll need to develop methods of self-promotion to forge relationships with colleagues, funders, and the public. Although you might be shy, it's important to find your motivation, push past the discomfort of public speaking, and share your results with t...he world! Develop a presentation style that works with your personality and feels more natural to you. The more you get in front of an audience to present your findings, the easier it gets.

Signing non disclosure agreements might limit your ability to discuss details, but they shouldn't eliminate your ability to brag about those experiences altogether. You should consider how to discuss your acheivements in broad terms, so you can honour the agreements while still providing rich SAR (Situation, Action, Result) statements.

Don't wait until you're dream job is available to update your personal marketing documents. Your résumé can have high ROI, so put in the time and effort by adding accomplishments as they happen in real time. You never know when that perfect opportunity will present itself, and you can rest easy knowing you are prepared!

Nursing Career Tip: Be sure to include professional development courses you've taken, committees you've sat on, work groups you've participated in, and presentations you've given on your résumé. If you're vying for a promotion, then including these professional pursuits could be the deciding factor to hire you over your competition. When seeking a leadership role, it's important you demonstrate that you're not afraid to get involved with new healthcare initiatives and extend your reach beyond the hospital / clinic you work in. If you have an extensive list of professional "extracurricular" accomplishments, then create a snapshot or cross section to keep it digestible on your résumé. Include the pursuits that relate the most to the position you are seeking.

Check out my latest article on networking!

How to determine whether you should list your education or relevant experience first.

STEM Career Tip: If you're applying to a research institution, then it's not enough to simply say you follow their research and publications. Be more specific. Anyone can say they're interested in an organization's research endeavors, even if they've never read one of their journals. Point out specific details that intrigue you and then share how'd be able to contribute. This comes across as more sincere, as it demonstrates your ability to reflect on existing literature and... add value to the conversation. ***Students: the same advice applies if you are applying for a program. Give your personal statement impact by addressing key research that excites you.