Applying for a job? Try to get in within 24 hours

MomstoWork’s career coach Aunt Jobby got this question:

Dear Aunt Jobby
How quickly should I apply for jobs? It often takes me a week or so to redraft my resume, cover letter and get the supporting documents together. Is that too slow? Gimme a break, I am a working mom with too many kids …
Sleepless (and [...]

4 ways to create a stand-out cover letter

You have a stellar resume; you are qualified for the job; and the time is right for a change. You know if you could just get your foot in the door, you might have a chance at beating out your competition. The big word here is “if”, especially in this tough job market.

Part 2: Can I outsource my job search?

“Is it ethical to oursource a job hunt?” asks busy working mom, Marika of Tenley Town, DC.
She asked Aunt Jobby if it was legitimate to outsource her job hunt to a friend, a former HR manager.
She planned to pay her a finder’s fee … “Is this unethical?” Marika asked.
Yesterday’s expert Jeff Anderson of TheCareerGiant told [...]

Freelancing without the headaches: 43 Days Since Layoff

Many moms with a fear of paperwork and billing are reluctant to try independent contracting and freelancing.
But now there’s a way to enjoy the fruits of freelancing without the pain of doing your own taxes, invoicing, etc.
Here’s what I’ve discovered … read on slacker moms.
There’s a lot of freelance and contract work out there these [...]

Returning to work after a long break? Tips for moms

Great question and answer on the vexed question for working moms : How do you explain gaps in a resume when you return to work after time out looking after family or kids?
This is a short excerpt from a very long Q and A on  The Sacramento Bee Web site about these issues. Well worth [...]

Ask for performance reviews before crying if laid off

Laid off? Know someone who has been? Give them this good advice, via a good post on Philly.com about what to ask your employer after you’ve been laid off (and before you storm home in a tearful rage.)
One I’d never have thought to ask for:
Request copies of your performance reviews. Positive evaluations boost your self-esteem [...]