Betty Corrado
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8.25.2010  |  Are Cover Letters Passé? — Is it still a good idea to write a cover letter, or is that SO 20th century? Work Her Way Expert Betty Corrado discusses Job Search 2.0. read
3.4.2010  |  Interview Preparation: All You Need To Know — Your resume and networking activities worked . . . you got the interview! Read on for a run-down of everything you will need to know to properly prepare and get your head in the game. read
Posted on 6.13.2010 2:05pm  |  Professional consulting (one of the first areas to be cut with a looming recession) is beginning to see signs of recovery. This indicator usually appears after companies have already made decisions to reinstitute hiring. The firm I'm currently working at is a boutique management consulting firm offering sales growth solutions to Fortune companies. This is a client-driven demand industry - and hiring for small to mid-size firms is mainly based on sufficient and increasing project pipelines. Revenue numbers are now inching (albeit slowly) past the "sustaining" level to a healthier flavor (with more work behind it than was previously required of course). Recruiting has now been reactivated for all offices. Even amidst these very promising signs - we are still keenly focused (as are most employers are) of "hiring right" -- taking slightly longer to make decisions and remaining cognizant of the lessons learned from two recessions this past decade.  |  NO REPLIES YET
Posted on 3.6.2010 7:38pm  |  Ah yes . . . The general rule of thumb is offering an answer that states a weakness within a brief story that provides a positive outcome – OR starting your answer off with some strengths. One tactic: Offer a few strengths you possess, followed by a stated weakness and what you’re doing about it. Here’s an example of someone applying for a (non-IT) position in a professional services firm –note how I’ve woven in my understanding of bottom line contribution for the firm and used the word “advanced” – implying that I have basic to moderate skills in the mentioned software already. “Although I bring the following strengths to this position (give a few), I’m currently completing an online course to improve my technical skills in advanced Powerpoint features. This will allow me to deliver increased results in both preparing presentations and communicating efficiently with project teams. I realize in your client-driven environment, top technical skills will help contribute to more billable hours for the firm.” Another tactic is to respond with a weakness – within a brief story – that results in a positive outcome. Be careful the weakness you state however is not aligned with how you well you would perform in the role. Also: Stay away from the “I’m a perfectionist” answer everyone – it’s old and over used. I hope this helps! Betty Corrado careerauthenticity.com  |  NO REPLIES YET
Posted on 3.6.2010 7:35pm  |  Thanks Viviana -- I think I speak for all professionals with recruiting experience (past or current) - we wish all candidates preferred your approach! Betty  |  NO REPLIES YET
Posted on 3.5.2010 5:42pm  |  Well said Lisa! Solid questions are also an important element to distinguishing yourself as a quality candidate. When insightful, these are one of the key indicators to employers that you've prepared for the interview . . . advantageous in today's highly competitive selection process. Betty Corrado  |  NO REPLIES YET