Recruiters typically look for specific elements on a resume to quickly determine if you’re a good fit for a role. Here’s what they generally want to see:

1. Clear and Professional Formatting

• Readability: Use a clean, professional format with clear headings, bullet points, and consistent fonts.

• Length: Keep it concise, ideally one to two pages, depending on your experience level.

2. Contact Information

• Essential Details: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile URL.

• Location: Optionally, you can include your city and state, especially if you’re applying for local positions.

3. Professional Summary or Objective

• Summary: A brief, impactful statement summarizing your key skills, experiences, and career goals. Tailor this to the job you’re applying for.

• Objective (if applicable): A short statement of your career aspirations and how they align with the company’s needs.

4. Key Skills

• Relevant Skills: List key skills that are relevant to the job. This can include both technical skills and soft skills.

• Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords and phrases that match the job description to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).

5. Work Experience

• Job Titles: Clearly list your job titles, companies, and dates of employment.

• Responsibilities and Achievements: Focus on accomplishments and responsibilities rather than just duties. Use quantifiable metrics to highlight your impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).

• Relevance: Prioritize experiences that are most relevant to the role you’re applying for.

6. Education

• Degrees: List your degrees, institutions, and graduation dates.

• Certifications: Include relevant certifications or licenses that are pertinent to the role.

7. Achievements and Awards

• Notable Accomplishments: Highlight any awards, recognitions, or notable achievements related to your career.

8. Professional Development

• Training and Courses: Include any relevant training, workshops, or courses that demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

9. Projects or Portfolio (if applicable)

• Project Highlights: If relevant, showcase significant projects you’ve worked on, including your role and the outcomes.

• Portfolio: Provide links to a portfolio or samples of your work if applicable.

10. Keywords and Tailoring

• Job-Specific Keywords: Tailor your resume to the specific job description by including relevant keywords and phrases.

• Customization: Adjust your resume for each application to match the job requirements and highlight the most pertinent skills and experiences.

11. Professional Affiliations (if applicable)

• Memberships: List any memberships in professional organizations or associations related to your field.

12. Language and Tone

• Active Language: Use action verbs and dynamic language to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities.

• Consistency: Ensure consistency in tense, formatting, and style throughout the resume.

By including these elements and tailoring your resume to the specific role and company, you can effectively capture a recruiter’s attention and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Updating your LinkedIn profile effectively can significantly enhance your visibility and attractiveness to potential employers or network connections. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you refresh and optimize your LinkedIn profile:

1. Update Your Profile Picture and Banner Image

• Profile Picture: Use a professional, high-quality photo where you are dressed appropriately for your industry. Smile and maintain a friendly, approachable demeanor.

• Banner Image: Choose a banner image that reflects your industry, skills, or personal brand. It can be a simple design or something related to your field.

2. Revise Your Headline

• Be Specific: Use a headline that clearly conveys your current role, expertise, and value proposition. For example, instead of “Marketing Professional,” use “Digital Marketing Specialist | Expert in SEO & Content Strategy | Helping Brands Grow Online.”

3. Craft a Compelling Summary

• Tell Your Story: Write a summary that highlights your career achievements, skills, and what you’re passionate about. Include key accomplishments and any unique aspects of your professional journey.

• Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases related to your industry to improve searchability.

4. Update Your Experience Section

• Detail Achievements: For each role, focus on your accomplishments rather than just listing duties. Use metrics and specific examples to demonstrate your impact.

• Add Recent Roles: Ensure your most recent positions and experiences are included, even if they are from your career break, framing them in a positive light.

5. Showcase Skills and Endorsements

• Highlight Key Skills: Update your skills list to reflect those most relevant to your current career goals. Prioritize skills that are in demand in your industry.

• Seek Endorsements: Request endorsements from colleagues or clients who can vouch for your skills and expertise.

6. Update Your Education and Certifications

• Add New Qualifications: Include any new degrees, certifications, or professional development courses you’ve completed.

• Highlight Relevant Training: If you’ve taken courses or earned certifications relevant to your field, make sure they are listed.

7. Gather Recommendations

• Request Recommendations: Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, or clients to request recommendations that speak to your skills and accomplishments.

• Provide Recommendations: Offer recommendations to others, as this can encourage them to reciprocate.

8. Join Relevant Groups and Follow Industry Leaders

• Engage with Groups: Join LinkedIn groups related to your field to stay informed and connect with industry peers.

• Follow Influencers: Follow thought leaders and companies in your industry to stay updated on trends and opportunities.

9. Customize Your LinkedIn URL

• Create a Custom URL: Personalize your LinkedIn URL to make it easier to share and remember. This can be done through the “Edit public profile & URL” section.

10. Regularly Share Content and Engage

• Post Updates: Share relevant articles, insights, or updates related to your field to showcase your expertise and stay active on the platform.

• Engage with Others: Like, comment, and share posts from your network to increase your visibility and foster connections.

11. Review and Optimize Privacy Settings

• Check Visibility: Ensure your profile visibility settings align with your networking and job search goals. You might want to make your profile visible to recruiters or potential employers.

12. Consider Adding a Portfolio or Projects

• Showcase Work: If applicable, add a section for projects or portfolio work to highlight specific achievements or examples of your work.

By following these steps, you can ensure your LinkedIn profile accurately reflects your professional brand and makes a strong impression on potential employers and connections.

Preparing for interviews involves a combination of research, practice, and strategic planning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare effectively:

1. Research the Company and Role

• Company Background: Understand the company’s mission, values, products or services, and recent news or achievements.

• Role Requirements: Study the job description to understand the key responsibilities and required skills. Identify how your experience aligns with these requirements.

• Culture and Environment: Learn about the company culture and work environment. Check the company’s website, social media, and employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor.

2. Prepare Your Answers

• Common Questions: Practice responses to common interview questions such as:

  • Tell me about yourself.

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

  • Why do you want to work here?

  • Describe a challenging situation and how you handled it.

• Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers to behavioral questions.

• Role-Specific Questions: Prepare for questions specific to the role or industry. Be ready to discuss relevant skills and experiences in detail.

3. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

• Show Interest: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, such as:

  • What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?

  • How do you measure success in this position?

  • What are the biggest challenges currently facing the team?

  • Can you describe the team I’ll be working with?

• Company Culture: Ask about the company culture and opportunities for professional development.

4. Practice Your Responses

• Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with a friend, family member, or career coach to practice your responses and get feedback.

• Record Yourself: Record and review your answers to assess your tone, body language, and clarity.

5. Prepare Your Documents

• Resume and Cover Letter: Bring several copies of your updated resume and any other relevant documents.

• Portfolio: If applicable, prepare a portfolio of your work or other materials to showcase your skills and accomplishments.

6. Plan Your Attire

• Dress Appropriately: Choose professional attire that is appropriate for the company and role. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

7. Know the Interview Logistics

• Location and Time: Confirm the interview time, location, or virtual meeting link. Plan to arrive early or log in a few minutes before the scheduled time.

• Contact Information: Have the interviewer’s contact information handy in case you need to reach out for any reason.

8. Prepare for Different Types of Interviews

• Phone/Video Interviews: Test your technology in advance to ensure it works properly. Find a quiet, professional-looking space for the interview.

• In-Person Interviews: Familiarize yourself with the location and plan your route to ensure punctuality.

9. Understand the Assessment Methods

• Technical Tests: If applicable, review any technical skills or tests that might be part of the interview process.

• Case Studies or Presentations: Prepare for any case studies or presentations by practicing how you would approach them and organizing your thoughts clearly.

10. Manage Your Nerves

• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to stay calm and focused.

• Positive Mindset: Maintain a positive mindset and remind yourself of your qualifications and preparation.

11. Follow Up

• Thank-You Note: Send a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your interview and able to present yourself as a confident and qualified candidate.

1. Align Your Finances with Your Values: Identify what truly matters to you in life and ensure your financial decisions reflect those values. This might involve spending money on experiences, relationships, or causes that bring you joy and fulfillment.

2. Set Intentional Goals: Define clear, meaningful financial goals that align with your life aspirations. These goals should be motivating and provide a sense of purpose in your financial planning.

3. Develop a Positive Money Mindset: Cultivate a mindset that views money as a tool for achieving your goals and creating positive impacts in your life and the lives of others. Challenge any negative beliefs or fears you may have about money.

4. Create a Balanced Budget: Establish a budget that not only tracks your income and expenses but also allows room for enjoyment and self-care. Balance financial responsibility with enjoying life in the present moment.

5. Build Financial Resilience: Prepare for unexpected events by building an emergency fund and having adequate insurance coverage. Financial resilience provides peace of mind and reduces stress during challenging times.

6. Invest in Your Future: Begin investing early and consistently, focusing on long-term growth and wealth-building strategies. Diversify your investments to minimize risk and maximize returns over time.

7. Practice Mindful Spending: Be conscious of how you spend your money and ensure your purchases align with your values and goals. Avoid impulse purchases and consider the long-term impact of your financial decisions.

8. Prioritize Debt Management: Develop a strategy to pay off high-interest debts while managing lower-interest debts responsibly. Aim to become debt-free to achieve greater financial freedom and flexibility.

9. Seek Continuous Learning: Stay informed about personal finance trends, investment opportunities, and strategies for wealth accumulation. Continuously educate yourself to make informed financial decisions.

10. Celebrate Financial Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones in your financial journey, whether it's reaching a savings goal, paying off debt, or achieving investment returns. Celebrating successes reinforces positive financial behaviors.

11. Embrace Accountability: Consider working with a financial advisor or career coach who can provide guidance, support, and accountability in achieving your financial goals. Accountability helps you stay on track and maintain momentum.

12. Integrate Financial Well-being with Overall Well-being: Recognize that financial health is interconnected with your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Strive for balance across all areas of your life to achieve holistic fulfillment.

By integrating the above principles into your financial management approach, guided by a career coach's perspective, you can cultivate a healthy relationship with money that supports our overall well-being aligned with our values and life goals.

Transitioning back to work after a break, especially one taken to raise children, can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some strategies to help you ease back into the workforce:

1. Update Your Skills and Knowledge:

   • Training: Consider taking relevant courses or certifications to refresh or update your skills.

   • Industry Trends: Stay informed about the latest developments in your field through online resources, webinars, or industry news.

2. Revise Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile:

   • Highlight Skills: Emphasize skills and experiences gained during your break, such as project management, multitasking, or problem-solving.

   • Explain the Break: Briefly address the career break in your resume or cover letter, focusing on how it contributed to your growth.

3. Network:

   • Reconnect: Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts to let them know you’re re-entering the job market.

   • Networking Events: Attend industry events, seminars, or meetups to expand your network and learn about new opportunities.

4. Consider Flexible or Part-Time Options:

   • Start Small: Look for part-time, freelance, or contract work as a way to ease back into the workforce.

   • Flexible Roles: Explore roles that offer flexible hours or remote work, which can help balance work and family responsibilities.

5. Prepare for Interviews:

   • Practice: Rehearse common interview questions and develop a narrative that explains your career break positively.

   • Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight how your skills and experiences from your break can benefit the employer.

6. Seek Professional Guidance:

   • Career Coaching: Work with a career coach to develop a personalized transition plan and gain confidence.

   • Resume Writing Services: Consider professional help to craft a compelling resume and cover letter.

7. Set Realistic Goals:

   • Gradual Transition: Be realistic about the time it may take to adjust to a new work routine and manage expectations.

   • Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries to ensure you can maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.

8. Leverage Support Systems:

   • Family and Friends: Lean on your support network for encouragement and assistance as you transition.

   • Childcare Solutions: Arrange reliable childcare to ensure you can focus on work responsibilities.

9. Stay Positive and Persistent:

   • Confidence: Believe in your abilities and be prepared for a possible learning curve.

   • Persistence: Job searching can take time, so stay motivated and persistent in your efforts.

By approaching your return to work with a well-thought-out plan and a positive attitude, you can successfully navigate this transition and find a role that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.

Handling work-life balance effectively involves managing your professional and personal responsibilities in a way that promotes well-being and productivity. Here are some strategies to help you achieve a better work-life balance:

1. Set Clear Boundaries

• Define Work Hours: Establish and stick to specific work hours. Avoid checking work emails or taking calls outside of these hours.

• Create a Dedicated Workspace: If working from home, set up a separate workspace to physically and mentally separate work from personal life.

2. Prioritize and Organize

• Use a Planner: Utilize a planner or digital calendar to manage tasks, appointments, and deadlines.

• Set Priorities: Identify your top priorities for both work and personal life, and focus on them to ensure important tasks are completed.

3. Learn to Say No

• Manage Requests: Politely decline additional work or commitments that could overwhelm you or disrupt your balance.

• Set Limits: Know your limits and communicate them clearly to colleagues and family members.

4. Practice Time Management

• Block Time: Use time-blocking techniques to allocate specific time periods for focused work and personal activities.

• Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and reduce stress.

5. Take Breaks and Rest

• Scheduled Breaks: Incorporate regular breaks throughout your workday to rest and recharge.

• Vacations and Time Off: Use your vacation days and personal time off to fully disconnect from work.

6. Delegate and Collaborate

• Delegate Tasks: Share responsibilities at work and home where possible to reduce your workload.

• Collaborate: Work together with your team or family members to manage tasks and responsibilities more effectively.

7. Practice Self-Care

• Health and Wellness: Prioritize physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.

• Mental Well-being: Engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

8. Set Realistic Goals

• Work Goals: Set achievable work goals and avoid overloading yourself with tasks.

• Personal Goals: Balance personal goals with professional ones to ensure all aspects of your life are fulfilled.

9. Communicate Effectively

• At Work: Communicate openly with your employer or team about your availability and any flexibility you might need.

• At Home: Discuss your work schedule and commitments with family members to align expectations and support each other.

10. Utilize Technology Wisely

• Productivity Tools: Use technology tools and apps to help manage tasks and streamline your workflow.

• Avoid Overuse: Be mindful of technology use, especially outside of work hours, to prevent it from intruding on personal time.

11. Evaluate and Adjust

• Regular Check-ins: Periodically assess your work-life balance and make adjustments as needed.

• Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues, family, or a mentor to gain perspective on how well you’re managing balance.

12. Seek Support if Needed

• Professional Help: If you’re struggling with work-life balance, consider speaking with a counselor or coach for guidance and strategies.

• Support Systems: Lean on support systems, such as family, friends, or support groups, to help manage your responsibilities.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more harmonious balance between your work and personal life, leading to improved satisfaction and well-being in both areas.