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Skills vs. Degrees: What Are Companies Hiring For?
QUESTION: Are companies hiring based on what you know and can prove (skills), or are they still looking for certain diplomas and university names?It depends on your career stage and industry. Early-career roles often lean more on credentials, while mid-/senior-level...
The Best Action Verbs for Your Resume
QUESTION: What are the best action verbs to use in my resume?Use strong, achievement-oriented action verbs such as led, developed, implemented, optimized, spearheaded, designed, streamlined, generated, coordinated, and achieved. Avoid passive phrases like "responsible...
Staying Visible on LinkedIn
QUESTION: How much “activity” on LinkedIn is required to stay visible?LinkedIn's algorithm weighs dwell time over likes. Commenting on others' posts with real insight often boosts your visibility more than publishing your own content. When you do post, engagement in...
Freelance, Gig, and Project-Based Work on Your Resume
QUESTION: When developing my resume, should I include freelance, gig, or project-based work, and what’s the best way to present this experience so it appears credible and valuable to employers?Yes, if it demonstrates a specialized skill relevant to the role you are...
Four-Year Degree or Faster Path?
QUESTION: Is it still worth investing time and money in a four-year degree, or do faster, more focused programs carry equal (or even more) weight?Many employers are prioritizing skills over pedigree, especially in tech and AI-driven roles. Focused programs and...
Rejected for the Role, Not by the Company: What to Do Next
QUESTION: After interviewing for a role at ABC company and not being chosen, how can I build on that experience to position myself for other opportunities within the company that match my skills?Ask yourself, “Where did my background align, and where did I need more?”...
Emojis on LinkedIn: Professional or Problem?
QUESTION: How do I know if an AI is screening my resume—and what can I do to pass?Emojis and creative formatting can improve flow, highlight key points, and convey personality. However, they may be more appropriate in some contexts than others. Consider your industry,...
Beating the AI Resume Screen
QUESTION: How do I know if an AI is screening my resume—and what can I do to pass?In today’s tech-forward job market, it’s best to assume AI is involved. When crafting your resume, focus specifically on the requirements of the target role. Tailor your document by...
Changing Your LinkedIn Headline
QUESTION: Does changing my LinkedIn headline alert my current employer that I’m job hunting?Changing your LinkedIn headline does not send any notification to your network. When positioned thoughtfully, it can be framed internally as an effort to represent better your...
Overqualified but Under-Interviewed
QUESTION: I feel overqualified for many postings but don’t get interviews for more senior roles. What should I do?Candidates may under-represent their qualification via weak verb choice. Senior-level roles respond best to action verbs that convey ownership,...
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