By Susan Hoffman
Online Career Tips Contributor

Landing the right job is much more complex than merely finding an ad and applying for an open position. Your chances of attracting an employer and getting the job you want may increase if you prove that you are a “purple squirrel” (an outstanding match to the employer’s requirements for that job) and demonstrate enthusiasm for working at the company. You must also develop a memorable personal brand that clearly distinguishes you from other applicants.

By Marcia Powers
Contributor, Career Services

It’s 11:33 p.m. on a Friday evening, and you are zealously typing away at your keyboard. You’re on a time crunch to get your resume updated before your application is due at midnight for a position you’ve recently discovered. Well, you actually found out about it a few days ago, but you didn’t have the time to get everything together until just now. Besides, you’re a champ at turning things in right before the final deadline. From college exam papers to big office projects, you’ve mastered the art of procrastination, and you’re confident that your application will be submitted, as always, in the nick of time.

By Ann Eastham
Contributor, Career Services

Whether you’re considering starting a family, trying to become pregnant, or already pregnant, knowing your rights as well as your employer’s benefits can help you better plan for the future in order to reduce stress and ensure a more joyous event. Two of these rights – the right to keep your job and the right to the same treatment as others with a short-term medical absence – are among the most important to understand.

By Kristen Carter
Contributor, Career Services

“I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs” is not an uncommon statement heard in my role as a career coach. However, this immediately sends up a red flag: you’ve cast out a wide net in hopes of receiving a few bites. The problem with this approach is that you are likely not setting yourself apart from other applicants or customizing your resume for the job, and that leads to the question: are you submitting too many job applications?

By Ann Eastham
Contributor, Career Services

While applying for a corporate position can be stressful after a period of self-employment, it doesn’t have to be. By incorporating these tips into your resume, you will help your skills and experience shine through and overshadow any concerns a hiring manager may have.

By Jaymie Pompeo
Contributor, Career Services

Most career advice nowadays will imply that putting an objective statement on your resume is a cardinal sin. For the longest time, even I jumped the bandwagon and preached the sermon on “thou shalt not use an objective statement.” Let’s be honest – when used, objectives tend to focus on the job seeker’s personal satisfaction versus what really should be promoted: how he or she fits the needs of the current opportunity. It’s no wonder they have such a bad reputation.

By Cathy Francois
Contributor, Career Services

The days of circling ads and faxing your resume is so 2000 ‘n late. I remember a time when I used to pick up the Sunday classifieds to check out the job postings just for fun and to see what was in demand. I even went door-to-door inquiring about job openings. Although these methods have their place, technology has enhanced the way we find information, but has added a greater level of complexity to the job search process. How long has it been since you’ve searched for a job outside your current workplace? Here are some signs that you may be a little rusty.

By Marcia Powers
Contributor, Career Services

During a tough economy, landing a job can be difficult for anyone. However, it can be especially rough for recent graduates with little to no past employment experience. Entry-level positions tend to be competitive and attract a wide variety of candidates, including professionals who already possess many years of working experience, making it difficult for recent graduates to secure those positions.

By Ann Eastham
Contributor, Career Services

Haven’t heard the expression? It’s ok; I hadn’t either, until recently. “Purple squirrel” is a term for a job candidate who has the exact education, experience, and qualifications needed for a particular position. It means that you have the ability to step into a position and immediately perform your job responsibilities. The exact origin of the term is unknown, but it has been widely used by hiring managers and recruiters since at least the late 90’s. Why a purple squirrel? Because the chances of finding someone with the exact qualifications that you are seeking are as rare as a real-life purple squirrel. So, what are you to do?