Tune in for My Career Q&A on CNN Today, 5-6pm Eastern

Tune in to CNN today, Sunday Dec 14th from 5-6pm eastern for my career Q & A with Alina Cho. Here are some of the important career topics we’ll be discussing:

Q: What key steps does it take to rebrand yourself?
A:
Soul Search – focus not only on a paycheck but also on the career opportunities that fit your passions, talents and interests
Research – test out your new career by talking to others already in the job (informational interview) and act "as if" by volunteering or job shadowing in the new role
Job Search – once you’ve validated your choice with some real experience, update your resume and highlight the skills you have that transfer to your new brand.

Q: What are the do’s and don’ts to crafting a great resume?
A:
Don’t think it only has to be one page – if you have 10+ years of experience, it’s natural that your resume will be longer. But make sure the most important information is on the first page where hiring managers tend to focus.
Do keep your resume in chronological order – Hiring managers and recruiters like to see how your career has progressed and if there are any gaps that need to be understood. Don’t hide your career path rather keep to the right timeline and just be prepared to explain why you may have taken time off along the way.
Don’t let your resume speak for itself – use your network to get your resume into the right hands. Contact friends, family, past colleagues and your alumni network to get an internal referral of your resume to the HR department. This way your resume is the back up to all the great things a real person is saying about you.

Q: Are there ways to protect your current job if you’re not ready to make the leap to a new career just yet?
A:
Yes, I often recommend keeping a job while creating a new path. I kept a full-time job while I was building my coaching practice and rebranding myself as a coach.
To keep your current job secure:
–never talk badly of others to protect yourself
–highlight what you’ve accomplished and document it
–regardless of what you do, be a top performer by always giving your best effort.

Tune in to CNN this afternoon for my live interview from 5 to 6pm eastern on important and relevant career advice to support you in rebranding yourself and your resume while also keeping your current job secure in the transition!