Job Seekers

Future-Proof Your Career: Skills for the Next 5 Years

by Kerry Crockett

Image of confident woman with long dark hair and glassesStaying ahead of the job market means continuously adapting and acquiring new skills. To future-proof your career, focus on developing competencies that will remain relevant and valuable in the coming years. 

Digital literacy stands out as an essential skill. With the ongoing advancement of technology and automation, familiarity with digital tools, software, and platforms is crucial. Proficiency in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity can significantly boost your career resilience.  Read the rest of this entry »


Creating a Professional Online Portfolio

by Kerry Crockett

When it comes to making a lasting impression in today’s job market, a well-crafted resume is just the starting point. If you want to stand out, especially in competitive or creative industries, a professional online portfolio can tip the scales in your favor. It’s not just for designers and developers—marketers, writers, recruiters, analysts, and even project managers are building digital showcases of their work.  Read the rest of this entry »


Navigate Your Promotion Successfully

by Veronica Blatt

Today’s guest bloggers are Bill Benson and Jeff McGraw with WilliamCharles Search Group located in Grand Rapids, MI and Pittsburgh, PA. WilliamCharles is an executive search and professional recruiting firm specialized in finding managerial and executive talent in finance, HR, operations, sales/marketing as well as president/CEO roles. They have a concentration of clients in Michigan, but they also work across the US. Bill and Jeff are both former chairs of the NPAworldwide board of directors. Read the post below for some tips on successfully transition to a role as an executive leader.

Congrats, you have been promoted from a functional leader to a broader, more strategic role with a seat at the executive table! This article explores key areas you can evolve to make the transition as successful as possible. Additionally, we think this is a great roadmap for CEO’s and leaders who are helping an employee navigate this transition. Read the rest of this entry »


Top Behavioral Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

by Kerry Crockett

Behavioral interview questions are designed to reveal how you’ve handled situations in the past to predict your future performance. Employers use them to assess skills like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Being prepared with thoughtful, structured responses can set you apart from other candidates and leave a lasting impression.  Read the rest of this entry »


Building a Strong Professional Network: What It Is and How to Excel

by Veronica Blatt

Expanding a professional network is one of the most valuable things you can do for your career, whether you’re a job seeker, employer, or recruiter. Networking is much more than trading business cards or sending out LinkedIn requests; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and shared knowledge. Read the rest of this entry »


How to Create and Achieve Effective Career Goals

by Kerry Crockett

Career goals give your professional life direction. Without them, it’s easy to drift—jumping from job to job without a clear sense of purpose. But when your goals are clear and actionable, they become a roadmap to fulfillment, growth, and opportunity. The key isn’t just dreaming big—it’s creating goals that are realistic, motivating, and measurable.

Start by looking inward. What do you enjoy most about your work? What kind of impact do you want to have? What lifestyle do you envision for yourself five years from now? Defining what success looks like for you personally helps you build goals that are aligned—not just impressive on paper. Read the rest of this entry »


Strategic Applications Stand Out and Get Noticed by Recruiters

by Liz Carey

Image of a dartboard with a dart in the bullseyeWhen you’re searching for a new role, it’s tempting to apply to as many jobs as possible, hoping one will stick. After all, isn’t it better to cast a wide net? Not necessarily. Recruiters often encounter a flood of applications, many of which come from candidates who simply aren’t a fit for the role. This can create delays in identifying qualified candidates and can even hurt your chances of getting noticed.

If you’re serious about finding a new job—especially in fields like accounting, finance, HR, and C-suite roles—it’s time to approach your applications with intentionality. Here’s how to stand out by working smarter, not harder, with strategic applications. Read the rest of this entry »


Temporary vs Direct-Hire Employment: Weighing the Pros and Cons

by Veronica Blatt

When considering a new job, it’s essential to evaluate whether temporary or direct-hire employment aligns better with your career goals. Both options have unique advantages and drawbacks and understanding them can help you make the best decision for your situation. Read the rest of this entry »


Questions to Ask Before You Accept a New Job

by Kerry Crockett

Landing a job offer is exciting, but before you give an enthusiastic yes, take a step back. It’s a big decision to accept a new job, and the details matter more than the title or paycheck alone. Asking the right questions now can save you from unpleasant surprises later—and help you start with clarity and confidence.  Read the rest of this entry »


Hidden Job Market Secrets: Finding Unadvertised Opportunities

by Kerry Crockett

Not all job openings are posted on job boards. In fact, many of the best opportunities never make it to a public listing—they’re filled through referrals, internal promotions, or direct outreach. This hidden job market can be a goldmine if you know how to tap into it.

The first key is networking—not the awkward, hand-out-your-business-card kind, but the genuine kind. Talk to people in your industry, attend virtual events, reach out on LinkedIn, and reconnect with former colleagues. Let people know you’re open to new opportunities. The more visible and active you are in your professional circles, the more likely someone will think of you when something opens up. Read the rest of this entry »


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