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Alisa Bondurant

Humanize Your Professional Brand: How Your Personal Story Becomes Your Competitive Edge

In today’s competitive job market, where AI tools can help anyone create a polished résumé, 75% of qualified candidates never make it past the initial screening stage. Why? Because job seekers have been conditioned to present themselves as collections of skills and accomplishments rather than as whole human beings. “In a world of infinite choices, the most valuable commodity is no longer attention, but trust. And trust doesn’t come from credentials—it comes from connection.” Harvard Business Review, “The New Currency of Leadership,” March 2023 While… Read More »Humanize Your Professional Brand: How Your Personal Story Becomes Your Competitive Edge

The Strategic Job Seeker: Why Professional Associations Should Be Your First Stop

The Job Search Paradox When unemployment strikes, your instinct is likely to dive headfirst into job boards, frantically applying to every opening you can find. It seems logical: need job → apply for jobs. But here’s the surprising truth: statistically, applying to job postings is one of the least effective ways to secure employment. Research consistently shows that 70-80% of positions are filled through networking and personal connections rather than applications. This is where professional associations become your most powerful tool. Why Professional Associations Matter… Read More »The Strategic Job Seeker: Why Professional Associations Should Be Your First Stop

Is Your LinkedIn Profile an Unlit Lighthouse? A Guide for Job Seekers Who Want to Get Found

While having a polished profile is essential, LinkedIn’s algorithm heavily favors users who consistently engage with the platform. Being active on the site reinforces your brand and offers your audience proof of what you are communicating in the ‘About’ section. Without posting and engaging in content on LinkedIn, your profile sits unnoticed similar to an unlit lighthouse – unable to guide or attract attention. Just as a lighthouse needs its beacon to fulfill its purpose, your LinkedIn profile needs regular activity to shine and serve… Read More »Is Your LinkedIn Profile an Unlit Lighthouse? A Guide for Job Seekers Who Want to Get Found

For blog post on giving LinkedIn recommendations

Transform Your Profile: The Role of LinkedIn Recommendations

LinkedIn recommendations serve as powerful testimonials that enhance your personal brand by providing authentic, third-party validation of your professional capabilities. Unlike self-promotion, these endorsements from managers, team members and clients create a compelling narrative about your work impact and character through the eyes of those who have directly experienced your expertise. When thoughtfully cultivated, recommendations weave together to form a credible, multi-dimensional portrait of your professional identity, helping you stand out in a competitive landscape while building trust with potential employers, clients, and collaborators who… Read More »Transform Your Profile: The Role of LinkedIn Recommendations

6 Proven Strategies to Overcome Age Bias in Your Job Search

I was struck by an unexpected response from a recent LinkedIn post I made about common barriers in the interview process. Dozens of people commented, expressing frustration and feeling that age—not qualifications—was blocking their interviewing advancement. This overwhelming feedback underscored a critical issue: ageism is very real and continues to challenge experienced professionals in their job search. If you’re over 45 and worried about competing with younger professionals, you’re not alone. Many seasoned candidates are frustrated by misconceptions that they lack adaptability, and energy, or… Read More »6 Proven Strategies to Overcome Age Bias in Your Job Search

How to Reframe Past Negative Employment

When you speak with someone in your job search process, whether it is a networking contact or a potential employer, you want to leave them with a positive impression. That probably sounds obvious, but while being honest about your situation and past employment, you might have done the opposite. Through the desire for connection, you might feel compelled to give your audience the personal details of your difficult current or past work circumstances. This might work well for a friend or romantic partner but not… Read More »How to Reframe Past Negative Employment

How to Increase Followers and Build SEO on LinkedIn This Holiday Season

It is now widely understood how important a strong LinkedIn profile is to your job search efforts. Since its launch in 2003, LinkedIn has grown to include 875 million members and become THE place for professionals to network and be found. Unfortunately, I have found that most of my clients are not leveraging the platform to its capacity and, as such, are missing out on attracting new career opportunities to them. It is important to invest in your LinkedIn footprint so that your profile and… Read More »How to Increase Followers and Build SEO on LinkedIn This Holiday Season

14 Reasons Why Linkedin Recommendations and Endorsements Set You Apart

Whether you are developing a resume or answering a behavior-based question in a job interview, it is now standard practice to share proof of your capabilities. Presenting measurable achievements to employers can demonstrate your skills at work. But even with accomplishment-based statements, your experience lands flat without someone else vouching for you. Acquiring recommendations and endorsements on Linkedin can significantly enhance your credibility and attractiveness to potential employers. These endorsements serve as testimonials from individuals who have worked closely with you, attesting to your skills,… Read More »14 Reasons Why Linkedin Recommendations and Endorsements Set You Apart

How to Overcome The Feeling of Bragging to Showcase Your Achievements

It’s natural to feel a bit uncomfortable when talking about your achievements, as you might worry about coming across as bragging or arrogant. Your upbringing or culture might discourage you from talking about your own merits. However, effectively communicating your accomplishments is crucial during the job search process. It is important that you share how you went beyond the foundational duties of your job to have a positive impact on the company, team, or clients you served. Here are some tips to help you overcome… Read More »How to Overcome The Feeling of Bragging to Showcase Your Achievements