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 »
Job Seekers
Building a Strong Professional Network: What It Is and How to Excel
by Veronica BlattHow 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
When 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 »
How to Recognize a Trusted Recruiter: What Every Job Seeker Deserves
by Veronica Blatt
Today’s guest blogger is Jenn Anderson, owner and founder of Prestige Recruiting Firm based in Clearwater, FL. Prestige Recruiting Firm specializes in recruiting executive sales professionals, senior leadership, and company infrastructure employees, in the medical device manufacturing, process automation sales and services, higher education, and commercial construction industries. Jenn is a trusted recruiter and also an NPAworldwide Board Director with responsibility for the Eastern North America region.
Receiving a message from a recruiter can spark curiosity, excitement, or even skepticism. Are they genuinely interested in you, or just trying to fill a position quickly? Knowing how to spot a trusted recruiter can make all the difference between a frustrating experience and a meaningful opportunity. Read the rest of this entry »
Transferable Skills That Are in Demand
by Veronica Blatt
When searching for a new job or contemplating a career change, transferable skills can be your greatest asset. But what exactly are they? These are abilities and expertise that you’ve gained in one role, industry, or life experience that can be applied to a new position or workplace. Whether you’re shifting industries or advancing in your field, having a strong set of transferable skills ensures that you remain competitive and adaptable. Read the rest of this entry »
Skills Gap and Other Key Issues Facing Candidates in Professional Job Markets
by Veronica Blatt
Today’s guest blogger is Tim Lane founder and director of Park Lane Recruitment based near Manchester UK. Park Lane Recruitment is a specialist recruiting firm in the technology space with niche areas of cybersecurity, fintech, space and defense IT, as well as generic IT sales, tech and managerial. Tim is currently serving as secretary/treasurer on the NPAworldwide board of directors and is a 30+ year veteran of the recruiting industry. In his post below, Tim addresses the current skills gap and other issues making it harder for candidates to find new roles.
So, you’ve got the degree, the ambition, and a LinkedIn profile that screams “hire me!” But as a candidate in the UK or USA’s professional sectors in 2025, you’re probably discovering that landing a job is less like a sprint and more like an obstacle course-complete with AI-powered hurdles and ever-shifting finish lines. Read the rest of this entry »
Navigating Salary Negotiations with Confidence
by Kerry Crockett
Talking about money makes a lot of people squirm—but when it comes to your career, avoiding the salary conversation can cost you thousands. The key to confidence in salary negotiations is preparation, strategy, and mindset. It’s not about being aggressive—it’s about knowing your worth and advocating for it. Read the rest of this entry »