Blog

It is widely reported that most résumés get 6–10 seconds of reader attention on their first pass. Combine that thought with this one: the average adult reading speed is around 300 words per minute, which means a human reader processes about 5 words per second. A recruiter is not reading your résumé; they are sampling […]

In 1978 – the dark ages – a roller coaster opened at Great America in Gurnee Illinois called “The Tidal Wave”.  It was a big deal.It was one giant loop, 137 feet high that went 55 mph in 5 seconds. Every radio ad and commercial touted the “wild ride” and I used to stand in […]

As interview coaches, we spend weeks arming our clients to win the room. But the moment the “Congratulations” email hits their inbox, the conversation shifts to money. And suddenly, everyone starts to shrink. That’s why I’m bringing in Keri-Lynne Shaw for our next Interview Institute Master Series this month. Keri-Lynne spent 20 years in executive HR roles. […]

While February’s job losses made headlines, the broader context matters. Just one month earlier, employers added 130,000 jobs in January, suggesting that hiring momentum had begun to return after a sluggish second half of 2025. February’s decline reflects a labor market experiencing volatility rather than a single directional trend. Several factors contributed to February’s weaker […]

If you’ve followed this blog for a while (and if you don’t, you should — my mother likes when I’m validated by followers), you know that I often warn people against following the Tyranny of the Urgent in allocating their time. Best practice is to let clear priorities and goals be your north star, with […]

“Admiration must be kept up by the novelty that at first produced it; . . .  there must always be the impression that more remains.”  Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784)   I’ll bet every client you have ever served is different from any other. I will also bet that, in one important sense, every client you […]

By chance…. Did you meet your spouse by coincidence?   Can you recall an unexplained coincidence that had a meaningful effect on your life? Have you experienced a coincidence that significantly shaped a family member’s life? Synchronicity:  “Meaningful” Coincidences There are two types of coincidences: Random Coincidences: Ones that occur routinely that are ordinary and pretty […]

Since the beginning of January 2026, PARWCC and 20 of its Certified Professional Career Coaches (CPCC) have been participating in a pilot career-coaching program with The Labor Club (TLC).  I would like to thank the CPCC volunteers who selflessly and generously gave of their time and resources to work with their clients, offering passion, empathy, […]

  Get your seat now for our next LIVE Master Series! Led by Keri-Lynne Shaw, get all the details and strategies to help your clients win compensation negotiations! PARWCC’s next LIVE cohorts start soon! Certified Digital Career Strategist starts April 6th and Certified Student Career Coach starts April 8th – these intensive credentials will elevate […]

  Career coaches play a critical role in helping job seekers navigate change, build confidence, and achieve their goals. PARWCC’s Elite Circle Coaching Awards recognize those who embody this spirit of excellent. Winners exemplify the highest standards in our profession and demonstrate the profound impact coaching can have. Nominate your favorite career coach here!   […]

Introduction Every year, headlines attempt to simplify the labor market into a single narrative. One month the market is booming; the next month it is collapsing. Job seekers hear contradictory advice from media, recruiters, and well-meaning colleagues. Career services professionals know the reality is far more nuanced. Members of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers […]

  Early Bird rates are now open for Thrive! 2026! Have you saved your virtual seat? Our annual conference aims to cut through the noise and give you what you need most to elevate your passion for career services – tell us what you want to see with this short (and fast) survey.     […]