The Shimmering Careers Blog

This week LinkedIn published the results of a survey from a company post that asked readers about the “trait you value in a manager.” The winner was “Clear Communication” and coming in second was “Empathy.” However, one key trait was missing from the poll that is an essential quality for any manager – Adaptability. I believe it could be the number one trait that all managers should strive to develop. Adaptability in a manager means being able to swiftly adjust to different si

Creating a Sustainable Career Path As a career coach, I’ve seen a trend. More new grads are coming to me for advice on finding green jobs. It’s not just new grads. Many seasoned professionals are also exploring transitions to greener jobs. I’m delighted to help anyone excited about this transformation, which is about work and about helping the planet. We’re at a point where fighting climate change is not only good but can also be a job. It’s great to see students and recent g

I’ve seen all sorts of creative ways people try to get ahead in their job search. I’ve seen people dive into unusual hobbies like beekeeping, volunteering in their community to meet new people, and even studying a new language to stand out to employers. One of the most heartwarming ways I’ve seen is involving a pet, especially a dog. Meeting others at pet-friendly events can lead to chats about all sorts of things, including job opportunities. Taking care of a dog helps build

Imagine Sir Paul McCartney, the legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, pursuing a role as a Music Director. How can he quickly demonstrate his expertise in his resume? One effective strategy for Sir Paul is to include an impressive Core Competencies section near the top of his resume document. What is a Core Competencies section and how does it add value to a resume? The Core Competencies section is a valuable tool for job seekers looking to make a strong impres

Growing up in a household where my mother, an accomplished scientist, often emphasized the value of curiosity, I remember her sage advice: "Curiosity is a sign of intelligence," she would say. She emphasized that by asking good questions, you not only demonstrate your intelligence but also convey your genuine interest. This lesson resonates in the context of job interviews. Your ability to inquire about the company, its mission, and its culture can set you apart and guide you

Finding Strength in the Music I listen to music constantly - classical, rock, opera, jazz; you name it. When I'm writing, when I'm thinking, when I'm processing difficult emotions. The playlist shifts with my moods and needs, but the music is always there, providing support through every challenge. And when I sit down to play music myself, something almost magical happens. The act of creating those sounds becomes both cathartic and energizing, helping me process whatever the

In today’s competitive job market, hiring managers are seeing something curious: a flood of resumes that, despite coming from different people, all kind of sound the same. It’s not that they’re poorly written. They’re just generic. The Problem with Polished but Impersonal Thanks to resume builders and AI tools like ChatGPT, it’s never been easier to create a clean-looking, keyword-optimized resume. (Whether “artificial intelligence” is even the right term is debatable; tools