Category: Charting Your Career for Success

The first time someone told me to “be a master at networking,” I didn’t fully get it.
I thought networking meant collecting sports cards or game cards—not business cards.

What I eventually learned was that asking for someone’s card isn’t about the card at all. It’s about signaling interest, building connection, and creating a network long before you need one.

A few years ago at the Food Marketing Institute trade show, the cab line stretched nearly 100 yards. A woman I’d met earlier asked if she could join me and share a ride. I was glad for the company.

During the ride, she told me something that stuck with me.

She had spent more than a decade at Procter & Gamble and believed that building relationships outside the company was disloyal. She avoided people at other manufacturers, former colleagues, and especially corporate recruiters.

By the time we shared that cab, she had left P&G, joined another company, left that one too—and now she was unemployed with almost no network to lean on.

She laughed at the irony of sharing a cab with me, a recruiter she would’ve avoided ten years earlier.

Talking with the few people she still knew at the show, she realized how many opportunities she had unintentionally closed herself off from. She was talented, but she wasn’t a master at networking. She had never built the relationships that sustain a career through change.

Today, networking is easier than ever—trade shows, online groups, LinkedIn, industry communities, even the people sitting a few desks away.

But the principle hasn’t changed:
Your network is an investment you build long before you need it.

The person who first encouraged me to become a master at networking understood something long before the rest of us. What platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook have scaled into massive enterprises is really just this: helping people stay connected.

And staying connected is what keeps careers moving forward.

Wrongful termination is a legal issue. I read questions on Internet forums every day, often concerning how to handle termination situations. When a company fires a person, that individual often goes online to get advice on suing the former employer.

The people responding with advice often state their qualifications, such as having many years of experience in management or human resources.

I am not a lawyer (IANAL). However, pursuing a settlement in the courts for wrongful termination is a legal matter, and it is often a complex one. You should research the costs and commitments of working with an attorney.

Additionally, I do not recommend that you threaten to sue your employer.

No Single Law for Wrongful Termination

There is no single, uniform law governing termination. Federal law does place restrictions on termination. For example, under federal law, a company cannot fire you based on your religion, race, national origin, or age.

In one case, I witnessed a major lawsuit in which one of my clients fired hundreds of employees. Many of these employees were over forty years old. The employees sued the company. I do not know the specific legal basis for the lawsuit; however, the company had to rehire every one of these employees. The company then offered a severance agreement. In the end, the employees had the option to accept the agreement and leave the company or to stay with the company.

A second condition is that employment laws vary from state to state. In some states, companies can require employees to agree not to go to work for a competitor. These non-compete agreements usually limit the restriction for a specific amount of time after leaving a company. Some states, however, do not allow companies to impose that restriction on employees. Before signing that type of agreement, research its legality in terms of the specific contract language and your location.

In conclusion, I do not recommend that you act solely on the advice from an Internet forum. I especially recommend that you take careful and informed steps in cases of wrongful termination. You have rights, and your employer has rights. Act intelligently in protecting your own.

 

Do you ever wonder what sets truly effective people apart? They work hard, of course. However, all employees worth keeping on the payroll work hard. Mastering your work requires specific actions to make your work stand out from the work of the other people around you. Here are ten principles I follow to ensure my work is always on point, delivering value and achieving goals:

1. Define Your Destination

Every successful journey starts with a clear destination. I always begin by understanding the ultimate goal of my work. This clarity acts as my compass, guiding every decision and helping me discern what’s essential and what’s merely a distraction. When you know where you’re going, it’s easy to see what belongs in the final product and what doesn’t.

2. Equip Yourself Right

The right tools are crucial for efficient and quality work. Whether it’s specialized software for a design project or the perfect wrench for a plumbing repair, I ensure I have the precise instruments needed to get the job done correctly.

3. Collaborate with Experts

No one excels in isolation. When a project requires skills beyond my own, I partner with the right professionals. Building a website? I bring in a web developer. Need compelling visuals? A graphic designer is my go-to. Recognizing and leveraging the strengths of others is key to comprehensive success.

4. Empower Your Team

Collaboration thrives on clarity. I believe in empowering those who help me by clearly communicating the project’s goal. When everyone understands the big picture, they can align their contributions perfectly, ensuring each piece fits seamlessly into the larger puzzle.

5. Prioritize for Progress

Not all tasks are created equally. I always establish clear priorities, tackling the most critical steps first. Just as clearing the land is the initial priority when building a house, I identify foundational tasks that must be completed before moving on to less urgent details, like hanging fixtures.

6. Command Your Deadlines

Deadlines aren’t just arbitrary dates; they’re strategic tools. I set realistic deadlines that align with my clients’ needs, ensuring my work is delivered ahead of schedule when possible. This not only makes clients happy but also allows for faster payment. If a project’s scope is still evolving, I wait until I have absolute clarity before committing to a firm delivery date.

7. Understand Your Impact

Why does your work matter? I always seek to understand the purpose of my work and who will benefit from it. Knowing my audience allows me to tailor my efforts to their specific needs, ensuring the final product is not just complete, but truly valuable.

8. Optimize for Efficiency

Distraction is the enemy of productivity. If I’m writing an article, I avoid endless internet meandering. My research is focused and deliberate, limited to essential books and websites. Operating efficiently means maximizing output while minimizing wasted effort.

9. Craft a Dynamic Blueprint

Every significant undertaking requires a plan. For shorter tasks, a simple outline might suffice. For larger projects, I develop a series of evolving plans. My work is a continuous journey of adding value and service to my customers, and my plans reflect this ongoing expansion. I know what I want to achieve, and I adjust my strategies to consistently reach those goals.

10. Serve with Purpose

My work is more than just tasks on a to-do list; it’s a vehicle for helping others succeed. This sense of purpose makes my work deeply meaningful. I want people to genuinely benefit from the ideas and services I offer, seeing them as catalysts for their own achievements.

Working through stacks of resumes, hiring managers and recruiters spend just seconds on deciding whether to save you resume or delete it. Job seekers must know how to write resumes employers will want to read. ~ Jay Wren

List things you have accomplished. Do not waste space on your just giving a job description. List things that showed that you were effective in the positions you held.

Resumes Employers Will Want to Read: Working through stacks of resumes, hiring managers and recruiters spend just seconds deciding whether to save you resume or delete it. Job seekers must know how to write resumes employers will want to read.

I based the following information on feedback I have received from hiring managers, staffing managers, and other recruiters. I have also discussed resumes with hundreds of applicants. These are suggestions only, but the layout is a working format.

A resume is a job application. You list the jobs you have had, where you performed those jobs, and when you had those jobs.

If you replace the information below with your information, you will have written a resume.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Your name
Street address City, State Zip
Phone
Email address

OBJECTIVE AND SUMMARY

Stating an objective or a giving a summary at the beginning of the resume is widespread practice. However, stating an objective or providing a summary is optional.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

There is no sentence structure in a resume. The wording in a resume is simply a series of statements of actions and accomplishments.

For example, this is a sentence: I doubled the company’s sales in 6 months.

This is “resume wording:” Doubled company’s sales in 6 months.

The history in a resume is just a list that includes employment periods, performance, skills, responsibilities, accomplishments, and education.

(Most recent job first)

Company Name, company Location, From -To

Most recent title, location, From – To

Use bullet format.

•        List things you have accomplished. Do not waste space on your just giving a job description. List things that showed that you were effective in the positions you held.
•        Use facts—for example, exceeded assigned sales goal by 30%, reduced costs, promoted people, saved time, increased productivity.
•        Employers and recruiters search their databases for specific words, so list successes with specific industry words or functions. Include the actual name of your product categories, product names, sales accounts, functions (e.g., Profit & Loss, Market Research or Software Names, New Product Development, Market Insights, Innovation).

Next list previous titles at this company and again list successes and accomplishments in bullet format.

Then include Previous Companies going back in time from most recent.

EDUCATION

Normally, education goes at the bottom of the resume. People who have recently received an educational degree or credential that alters their employability might consider putting education at the top of the resume.

Other items that might go at the bottom of the resume are awards, extra skills, volunteer work or relevant college employment.

HOW TO SHORTEN YOUR RESUME FOR READABILITY

Hiring managers only spend seconds looking at each resume. They are going through stacks of resumes, often in documents that have to be opened one at a time.

Avoiding the following items might make the difference as to whether anyone at the hiring company even reads your resume.

• Objective Summary Titles
• Hobbies References
• References available on request
• Compensation
• Long paragraph formats
• Long-winded discussions of core responsibilities
• Too many details on jobs with well-known functions
• Details on jobs that date back in time
• Paragraph formatting
• Third person reference

Photo by Dan Counsell on Unsplash

 

How to Start a Personal Services Company: A Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Starting your own personal services company can be a rewarding experience, offering flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to build a business that aligns with your passions. However, it also comes with unique challenges and considerations. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the journey:

1. Define Your Niche and Services

• Identify your skills and interests: What services are you passionate about and skilled at providing? Personal services can encompass a wide range of offerings, including:
  • Home services: Cleaning, organizing, meal prep, pet sitting, gardening
  • Personal care: Hair styling, makeup, massage therapy, personal training
  • Concierge services: Errand running, appointment scheduling, event planning
• Conduct market research: Analyze your local market to identify potential demand for your services and assess the competition.
• Develop a unique selling proposition (USP): what makes your service better than the competition? Is it your specialized skills, your personalized approach, or your commitment to customer satisfaction?

2. Build a Strong Foundation

• Legal Structure: Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.) that aligns with your needs and risk tolerance. Consult with an attorney or accountant for guidance.
• Insurance: Obtain necessary insurance coverage, such as general liability and professional liability, to protect your business and clients.
• Licensing and Certifications: Ensure you meet any licensing or certification requirements for your specific services.
• Financial Planning: Create a budget, secure funding (if needed), and establish a pricing strategy for your services.

3. Develop Your Business Plan

• Define your target market: Who are your ideal clients? What are their needs and preferences?
• Create a marketing strategy: Develop a plan for reaching your target market through online advertising, social media marketing, local partnerships, and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Build a professional brand: Establish an online presence with a website or social media pages that showcase your services and build credibility.
• Provide excellent customer service: Deliver high-quality service, build strong relationships with clients, and actively solicit feedback to improve your offerings.

4. Manage Your Business Effectively

• Time management: Efficiently schedule appointments and manage your workload to ensure productivity and work-life balance.
• Accounting and invoicing: Keep accurate records of income and expenses and implement a system for invoicing and payment collection.
• Customer relationship management: Use CRM software or other tools to manage client information and communication.
• Continuous improvement: Stay updated on industry trends, seek feedback from clients, and continuously refine your services to meet evolving needs.

5. Legal and Tax Considerations

• Tax obligations: Understand your tax obligations and consult with a tax professional for guidance.
• Contractual agreements: Use clear and legally sound contracts with clients to outline services, payment terms, and other important details.
• Compliance with regulations: Stay informed about and comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including labor laws and consumer protection laws.

Starting a personal services company requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to providing excellent service. By carefully planning, building a strong foundation, and continuously adapting to the needs of your clients, you can increase your chances of success and create a thriving business.

Remember: This is a general overview. The specific steps and considerations will vary depending on the type of personal services you offer and your individual circumstances. It’s always advisable to seek professional advice from legal and financial experts to ensure you are operating your business legally and efficiently.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice.

 

Working through stacks of resumes, hiring managers and recruiters only spend seconds deciding whether to save you resume or delete it.  You need to know how to write resumes employers will want to read.

The best resumes show why you are the most qualified candidate for the job. ~ www.jaywren.com

Thirty Years of Reading Resumes

I based the following information on feedback I have received from hiring managers, staffing managers, and other recruiters.  I have also discussed resumes with hundreds of applicants.  These are suggestions only, but the layout is a working format.

A resume is a job application.  You list the jobs you have had. Additionally, you list where you performed those jobs and when you had those jobs.

If you replace the information below with your information, you will have written a resume.

Sample Resume

CONTACT INFORMATION

Your name
Street address City, State Zip
Phone
Email address

OBJECTIVE AND SUMMARY

Stating an objective or a giving a summary at the beginning of the resume is common practice. However, stating an objective or providing a summary is optional.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

There is no sentence structure in a resume. The wording in a resume is simply a series of statements of actions and accomplishments.

For example, this is a sentence: “I doubled the company’s sales in 6 months.” However, this is resume wording: “Doubled company’s sales in 6 months.”

The history in a resume includes more than employment periods. Additionally, you must show that you have the skills, education, and experience to qualify you as a leading candidate.

(Most recent job first)

Company Name, company Location, From–To

Most recent title, location, From–To

Use bullet format.

•        List things you have accomplished. Do not waste space on your just giving a job description. List things that showed that you made a difference in the positions you held.

•        Use facts—for example, exceeded assigned sales goal by 30%, reduced costs, promoted people, saved time, increased productivity, etc.

•        Employers and recruiters search their databases for specific words, so list successes with specific industry words or functions. Include the actual name of your product categories, product names, sales accounts, functions (e.g., Profit & Loss, Market Research or Software Names, New Product Development, Market Insights, Innovation), etc.

Next list previous titles at this company and again list successes and accomplishments in bullet format.

Then include Previous Companies going back in time from most recent.

EDUCATION

Normally, education goes at the bottom of the resume. However, people who have recently received a degree or a credential might consider putting education at the top of the resume.

Here are other items that might go at the bottom of the resume:

• Awards
• Extra skills
• Volunteer work
• Relevant college employment.

You Must Have Keywords for Resumes

What are career keywords?  Career keywords are names of skills, experience, tools, places, and companies.

To find information on the Internet, search engines look up words or keywords.

Hiring managers use keywords to find matches between the words in job specifications and the words in resumes and online profiles.

Here are some examples of names that might help a hiring manager find you and, therefore, you might want to include in your resume and in your online profile.

1. 1. Names of companies where you have worked, especially names of prestigious companies in your field
   2. Names of schools you have attended
   3. Names of academic achievements: cum laude, dean’s list, first in graduating class
   4. Names of clients or key accounts
   5. Names of brands, products, or services you have developed
   6. Names of fields in which you worked
   7. Names of computer software or online applications you know how to use: Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, LibreOffice, QuickBooks
   8. Names of computer languages that you know: PHP, Java Python, Java, C++, Ruby, SQL
   9. Names of certifications or credentials: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Marriage and Family Counselor, Credentialed Teacher, Project Manager, Licensed Driver of Commercial Vehicles
   10. Names of hard skills: Foreign Languages, Typing Speed, Graphic Design
   11. Names of Soft Skills: Team Builder, Inter-departmental Facilitator, New-hire Mentor

Google.com/trends ranks words based on how often they appear in Internet search. You can test the effectiveness of keywords you are using in your resume and online profile by entering them into Google Trends.

HOW TO SHORTEN YOUR RESUME FOR READABILITY

Hiring managers only spend seconds looking at each resume. They are going through stacks of resumes, often in documents that have to be opened one at a time.

Avoiding the following items might make the difference as to whether your resume even gets read.

• Objective
• Summary
• Hobby References
• References available on request
• Compensation
• Long paragraph formats
• Long-winded discussions of core responsibilities
• Too many details on jobs with well-known functions
• Details on jobs that date back in time
• Paragraph formatting
• Third person reference
• Compensation
• Long paragraph formats
• Long-winded discussions of core responsibilities
• Too many details on jobs with well-known functions
• Details on jobs that date too far back in time
• Paragraph formatting

The tools and systems thousands of people have used to find the best jobs and to build the brightest careers. You don’t have to do everything right to find success, but you do have to do the right things. This book will tell you how.

Hiring in 2025 is being shaped by several key trends, reflecting rapid technological advancements and evolving workplace priorities. Here’s a breakdown of what’s trending:

Focus on Vocational Skills: The emphasis is shifting from traditional qualifications like degrees to what candidates can actually do. Skill-based hiring is becoming a primary focus. Companies are developing competency frameworks to assess essential skills for each role.

AI-Powered Recruitment: Artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize the hiring process. AI tools are being used to automate tasks like resume screening, scheduling interviews, and even improving candidate matching. However, there’s a growing understanding that AI is not a complete solution and requires strategic integration and human oversight to avoid biases and maintain a personal touch.

Employee Advocacy: A company’s reputation is increasingly important to job seekers. Employee advocacy, where current employees promote the company, is becoming a powerful tool for attracting talent. Candidates prioritize brand trust, making it crucial for companies to build a positive reputation.

Click Here.

Key Hiring Trends:

Flexibility is Key: Job seekers highly value flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and remote options. Companies offering such flexibility are better positioned to attract and retain top talent.

Rise of Recruitment Chatbots: Chatbots are being implemented to enhance communication with candidates, answer their queries, and improve the overall candidate experience.

Mobile-First Recruitment: Acknowledging that many job seekers use mobile devices, companies are optimizing their recruitment processes for mobile platforms.

Putting Job Seekers First: There’s a growing emphasis on improving the candidate journey, making the hiring process more transparent, engaging, and positive.

Internal Mobility: Companies are increasingly looking within their own ranks to fill open positions. Strong internal mobility programs are linked to higher employee engagement and retention.

Emphasis on Employee Value Proposition (EVP): Companies are focusing on clearly communicating what makes them a great place to work, going beyond basic perks to highlight values and a supportive work environment.

Quality of Hire: With AI potentially automating some tasks, recruiters are focusing more on strategic roles, including building relationships with candidates and ensuring a high quality of hire.

In-Demand Skills for 2025: Both technical and soft skills are highly sought after.

Technical Skills:

1. Data Science and Analytics: With the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making, skills in data analysis, visualization, extraction, engineering, processing, and mining are crucial.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Proficiency in AI, including prompt engineering and generative AI modeling, is becoming increasingly essential across various roles.
3. Software Development and Programming: Skills in various programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, SQL), web development, and app development remain in high demand.
4. Cybersecurity: With growing concerns about data security, cybersecurity skills are critical. Cloud Computing: Expertise in cloud platforms and technologies is highly valued.
5. Digital Literacy: Basic digital skills are increasingly important for most roles.

Soft Skills – Traits:

1. Analytical Thinking: The ability to critically analyze information and solve problems is consistently ranked as a top in-demand skill.
2. Creativity and Proactivity: Thinking outside the box and generating innovative solutions are highly valued.
3. Problem-Solving: Identifying and resolving complex issues effectively.
4. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one’s own emotions and understanding the emotions of others.
5. Leadership and Management: Guiding and inspiring teams effectively.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility: Adjusting to changing circumstances and new challenges.
7. Communication (Advanced): Both written and verbal communication, including active listening and negotiation.
8. Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility: Bouncing back from setbacks and adapting to new situations quickly.
9. Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: A willingness to learn and stay updated with new developments.
10. Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with others to achieve common goals.

Emerging Job Markets and Roles

Several sectors and roles are experiencing significant growth.

Technology: AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Big Data Specialists,
Fintech Engineers, Software and Application Developers, Cybersecurity Engineers, Data Scientists and Analysts, Cloud Engineers

Green Economy/Sustainability: Sustainability Specialists, Environmental and Renewable Energy Engineers, Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists, Wind Turbine Service Technicians, Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Human Care Economy: Nursing Professionals, Social Work and Counseling Professionals, Personal Care Aides

Education: Tertiary and Secondary Education Teachers

Frontline Roles (in absolute volume): Farmworkers, Delivery Drivers, Construction Workers, Salespersons, Food Processing Workers.

Business and Finance: Business Intelligence Developers, Private Equity Analysts, Financial Analysts

Healthcare: Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Medical and Health Services Managers.

Declining Job Roles (in absolute numbers):

Clerical and Secretarial Workers (including Cashiers and Ticket Clerks, Administrative Assistants, and Executive Secretaries)
Postal Service Clerks
Bank Tellers
Data Entry Clerks
Printing Workers
Accountants and Auditors (due to automation)

In Conclusion

Overall, the hiring landscape in 2025 is dynamic, with a strong emphasis on skills, technology integration, and creating a positive and inclusive experience for candidates and employees alike. Organizations that adapt to these trends will be better positioned to attract and retain the talent they need to succeed.

Job offers: There are many things that you need to know to get a job offer.
For some people, turning down a job offer is unpleasant. Handling the situation with confidence is often difficult.

Learning to say no to other people is critical to creating healthy relationships.
www.jaywren.com

How you turn down a job offer is important to managing your career both short-term and long-term. In the short-term, you can add the contacts you made in your interviews to your career network. If you are willing to accept the offer provided that the hiring company can change the conditions that do not work for you, you can open the doors to an offer negotiation that may get you the job that you want. In the long-term, people often reappear in your career in ways that can help you. How you turn down a job offer affects the relationships you have with the people you have met.

Getting a job offer is only part of interviewing. Interviewing is a learning process. You learn things about yourself. You learn things about the hiring company. You may learn things that help you better understand your current job.

Withdrawing from the interview process or turning down an offer as soon as you have reached your decision is better for you and better for the people who are interviewing you. You save time for everyone involved. You also lower the risk of burning bridges with the people at the hiring company.

When you turn down an offer, call the people you have met. Thank them for their time. Then send each one of them a thank you note or an email. In your letter or email, you can give them your contact information for their future reference. Put the name, contact information, and brief notes about each person in your contact manager. This information becomes part of your database for managing your career.

When you do turn down a job offer, give the people you have met a specific reason for why you turned down their offer. During the interview process, you will learn things about your goals and about the job at the hiring company. Sometimes when you are interviewing your circumstances change. You receive an offer from another company. You receive a pay raise or a promotion at your current company. The reason you started to look for a job no longer exists. Letting the hiring company know immediately once you have made your decision is courteous and fair.  Explain that you had not known these things before you began the interview process.

If you are taking yourself out of the running, you can build goodwill by offering the hiring company suggestions for referrals or new prospects for the job. Before giving a person’s name as a prospect, get that person’s permission. Not everyone wants to have calls about a new job.

Build a Powerhouse Reference List as Part of Building Your Professional Network.

It seems that most people think of creating a reference list when a hiring manager requests to see one.

Another approach is to mention to people with whom you seem to bond that at some point you, should you need a reference, you would appreciate the person helping you. At the same time, let the person know that you are available to assist them whenever needed. Then, when the time comes, you can feel confident in having people who will speak positively about your character and your work. Building a reference list becomes simply an element of building your professional network.

Having a large list of references is important. Likewise, having a varied reference list is important. Different hiring managers have different ideas as to the types of people they want to contact. This experience can make you feel real pressure to tailor your list to a hiring manager’s request. Therefore, extend your contacts and build relationships wherever you go: work, neighborhood, conventions, and across your personal and professional spectrum.

Before submitting the reference’s name, speak with the person. Get up to speed with them. Offer to help them whenever they may have a need in their careers and networks.

Do not send references with your resume. You are burdening potential employers with the stress of managing extra documents they may feel they will never need. Moreover, you are sharing access to your professional when there is no need to do so.

A little planning can help make your job change easier. Build your reference list as you make new connections.