Interview Tips Archives

How to Deal with 3 Types of Tough Interviewers

One variable from one job interview to the next is the interviewer – more specifically, the personality, skills, and interviewing style of the person (or persons) who conducts the interview. In a perfect world, interviewers should be able to accurately assess your … [Read more...]

6 Ways to Make a Great Interview First Impression

It’s certainly important to do research on the potential employer interviewing you. It’s equally important to ponder and practice what you’ll ask and say. But if you flub the first few minutes with a poor impression via your appearance or body language, it’s sometimes hard to … [Read more...]

Collaborate in Your Interviews

You’ve connected with your interviewer(s). Rapport has been established. Great! Don’t leave it there. Now, it’s important to get to the whats and hows of the position you’re interviewing for. You want to clarify what needs to be done and then collaborate on how it can be done! … [Read more...]

How to Convert an Informational Interview into an Application Interview

When you have an informational interview, you may well come upon encouraging openings for permanent positions, temporary assignments, consulting contracts, or internships. If you want to apply for one of these opportunities, you should apply for a change in status. In other … [Read more...]

How to Prepare for 3 Types of Interview Questions

The plethora of information out there can sometimes lead folks to think that they have an unlimited ability to tailor their responses to each situation in an interview - and that their success in the interview depends on how well they exploit that ability. This is often not … [Read more...]

Barb Poole has helped me manage my career for over 20 years. Using her advice, coaching, I have been able to be promoted, enjoy increases in salaries and opportunities. Barb has developed resumes that have impressed employers in the private and public sectors. Having Barb Poole work with you is like having a secret tool- that helps you build a solid career. She has the experience, skill and accomplishments that she uses to help her clients meet and surpass their career goals. I trust and appreciate Barb Poole so much – that I refer her to my friends and family when they have career challenges.

Brenda Tantow

M.Ed.

I contacted Barb after I had begun a job search due to a position elimination. My initial round of sending out resumes had elicited zero response and I knew that my resume needed updating. Barb took the time to walk through my entire career history, help me define specific accomplishments that we could show on the resume, and make both my resume and my LinkedIn profile ones that were accomplishment-focused and not skill-focused. The revised resume and LinkedIn profile drove activity immediately. In the first week, out of five companies I contacted, all five called me for phone interviews. Within three weeks of the completion of the resume, I was working for my new company, and in a role that was a level higher than I had been at previously. The revised LinkedIn profile continues to get a higher volume of traffic. I highly recommend Barb’s services for anyone at any stage of their career.

Rick Last

Logistics and Supply Chain Director – LeanCor Supply Chain Group

Barb was instrumental in helping me transition from the public sector to private. I was someone who felt the hiring process was just a matter of playing the HR game, but she gave me insight into the thought process of hiring managers. She also took the time to help me craft a professional narrative, which has served me well on two significant occasions in a short time span. She is approachable and focused, and an asset to any seeking her advice.

Matthew M. Leighton

Financial & Economics Coordinator – Robins Kaplan LLP

Barb is the kind of person you want to work with to achieve RESULTS. She is detail oriented, trustworthy, listens and helps indentify exactly what needs to happen to achieve your desired outcome. She is very professional, providing constant assessment, encouragement and support. She will keep you on task until you get to your desired goal. Her resources and material are extremely helpful, clearly guiding you to identify your unique talents and strengths. Barb is the kind of person who will support you in making informed, well thought out decisions that will empower you to move to the next level of your career.

Shartsi Musherure

Relationship Builder and Administrator – Non-Profit Focus

How did you do it? The answer is Barb!

“After landing a new job in a new city, everyone was asking me “how’d you do it?” The answer is Barb. I can’t recommend her enough. Barb was warm and caring from our very first phone call. She wanted to make sure that I was comfortable with every step of the process. She worked around my schedule and a two hour time zone difference. Barb tailored each session around my goals and helped me to articulate exactly what I wanted to say. My advice, don’t start working with a coach until you’re ready to put the work in. When you’re ready, go to Barb. Her extensive “homework handouts” between sessions really helps you focus on what you want and how to get it. With Barb’s coaching and moral support, I was able to land a great new job in a new city only four months after our first coaching session. There’s no one better to have in your corner when you’re looking to make a professional change.”

Jenna Renée Sliter

Organizational Coordinator & Administrator

Award winning career coach-writer and strategist

“Barb’s profile says she’s an award winning career coach-writer and strategist, in my opinion this could be one of the greatest understatements in the history of man. Barb is off the charts fantastic in every way professionally and personally. If you are in a career transition or considering one, Barb will guide you seamlessly through the process. From resume writing, to job search tools, enhancing your interviewing skills, all while helping you raise your game and teaching/encouraging you along the way. Barb is truly one of a kind, I can recommend her with the absolute highest regard, she is a first class individual every second of every day.”

Jerry Jensen

Partner – Navis Pack & Ship

The complete career search lifecycle

“I recommend Barb’s professional services to anyone searching for a change in career or company in ANY industry! Barb is a professional, results driven, and creative career coach. I connected with her during a time of professional transition. She helped me with the complete career search lifecycle. Specific areas that resonate with me was learning to connect and leverage my professional network, LinkedIn profile changes, resume changes, and negotiation/salary once I reached that phase. I felt so prepared and earned my career goal of professional growth! Her level of integrity, compassion, and expertise shines during each interaction and career session we had. I felt very comfortable asking questions, following her direction, and executing on her suggestions and recommendations. She is AMAZING!”

Rumya Gangadharan

Senior Program Manager – Visa

Helped me land my perfect job!

“Barb is an excellent Career Coach. Her broad knowledge and extensive expertise are invaluable for anyone looking for a career change. She is extremely responsive and commands a vast array of resources that she readily provides to her clients. I recommend Barb enthusiastically and am very grateful to her for helping me land my perfect job!”

Sharon A. Bennett

Senior Communications Associate – Myriad Genetics

Work with Barb sooner than later!

“I have worked with Barb on two separate occasions over the past several years on developing a stand out resume, as well as helping me discover what I am searching for in my next career. At every level of the interview process, I received a compliment on my resume. More importantly, although I did not write my resume, it was as if I had. It was very apparent that Barb spent her time truly listening to what I was saying, so that the end result was uniquely mine.

Barb may be one of the more personable people I have ever worked with, and she creates an environment that allows you to speak easily about your career path and prior achievements. If you are uncertain about your career path or what is important for you in your next role, then I would recommend working with Barb sooner rather than later. Barb’s 30 years of experience in helping people find the RIGHT job for them is very apparent in your first coaching session. Once I discovered what I wanted in my next career, it was easy to approach the job search with confidence.”

Ryan Beduhn

Business & Risk Consultant – Marsh and McLennan Agency

One of the best things I have done personally and professionally!

“When I first started working with Barb I characterized the effort as “guided self-discovery”. I was pretty sure I was going to wind up with a much improved resume and cover letter and on that note Barb delivered in spades. What I didn’t expect was the profound change of perspective I experienced regarding the unique value I bring to the table. My thought process in previous job searches was that potential employers had all the power. Was I good enough? Did I fit the role? Could I adapt to their way of working? Would they pick me? I felt as though I had little to no leverage, no negotiating chips, no currency to wield. Barb changed that for me.

As I grappled with the tough questions she posed, she was busy capturing the conclusions I would reach and pushing for introspection when I was tenuous. She was constantly paying attention to my story, building it out, crafting it in a way that matched my personality, energy level, and current and future goals. When I received the first draft of the resume I was amazed. Amazed at the skill with which she captured me as a professional, but also thrilled to know that I indeed have leverage, currency, and power. I now come to the table with a confident knowledge of my story and how that story, and the skills learned along the way, makes me unique and highly valuable. Working with Barb was, quite frankly, one of the best things I have done for myself both professionally and personally. I highly recommend Barb and plan on utilizing her services in the future.”

Josh Bartunek

Senior Account Manager – HealthAware

Helped me identify my core strengths and choose a new career path!

“Barb has my highest recommendation! Barbs career coaching helped me identify my core strengths and choose a new career path. Her curriculum and one on one coaching is first class. Barb continued to reach out to me even after the initial coaching to see how my career search was progressing. I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed when you hire Barb!”

James Bzoskie

Organizational Leadership

Anyone would be fortunate to work with her as a mentee or job seeker.

“Barb was my first resume writing mentor and she was stellar in the quality of her attention and enthusiasm! She was generous with her knowledge beyond what I ever expected, and I always knew she was on my side. I imagine Barb gives at least that level of service and talent to each one of her clients. Anyone would be fortunate to work with her as a mentee or job seeker.”

Brenda Bernstein

Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writer, Author, Speaker

Barb finds the magic words!

“Barb is one of the Top 10 resume writers in the country and a fabulous career/job search strategist! Because of her expertise, I’ve been pleased to feature her work in two of my books, Job Search Magic and Resume Magic. She always finds ‘the magic words’ and the right insights, resources, tools, and strategies to give you the edge in moving your career forward!”

Susan Whitcomb

The Executive Brain Coach

A class above in strategizing, branding and representing their clients to the highest professional standards.

“Career Directors International is proud to officially endorse Barb Poole as a Certified Master Resume Writer.

Barb has consistently demonstrated superior talents in the art of strategic resume writing and contemporary career marketing through a grueling series of examinations to prove her level of expertise. In the first of these processes to obtain the CARW (Certified Advanced Resume Writer) certification, Barb successfully completed a complex, scenario-based resume and cover letter writing examination and a comprehensive online test.

The next step to the CMRW (Certified Master Resume Writer) has only been completed by a small number of professionals worldwide with the confidence and talents to submit a multifaceted professional portfolio of resumes and cover letters across a range of sectors and situations. We consider these individuals as Career Director International’s “elite” writers. CMRWs distinguish themselves as being a class above in strategizing, branding and representing their clients to the highest professional standards.

As a professional association, Career Directors International advocates the highest levels of integrity and professional scrutiny in evaluating talents. A philosophy designed to elevate the reputation of the entire careers industry. We are proud to endorse Barb Poole as one of our association’s elite.”

Gayle Howard

Director of Certifications – Career Directors International

Daily contacts by recruiters!

“I had hired on Barb to update my resume. She had completed the project ahead of schedule. The results have been amazing. The purpose of a resume is to get past the computer filters designed to screen out applicants. I’ve been getting daily contacts by recruiters since my resume has been completed.

It is too much to ask one single resume to get you the job. What Barb’s updated resume will do for you is get you noticed by a recruiter that knows your industry inside and out. The recruiters can further customize your resume further to present you in the best way possible to their clients.

The price Barb charged was very reasonable. She told me her service is an investment and I’m already seeing the ROI!”

Wow! I would hire me!

“After years of job searching with few responses from the resume I drafted myself, I sought Barb’s help to put together a professional resume that reflected the position I was looking for while clearly detailing my experience. After reviewing Barb’s first draft, my first words were, “Wow, I would hire me!” Not long after I sent out the first copy of my new resume, I received my first request for an interview. I again sought Barb’s help to prepare for the interview. Barb’s personal coaching really helped me feel confident that I was going into the interview fully prepared. From my personal experience with Barb, her services are worth every penny. With Barb’s help, I was able to accomplish a goal I had been working on for a few years in just a month – I was able to start a new career. Barb is responsive, knowledgeable, a wizard with words, and most importantly, she will get you hired!”

I credit Barb for getting me my new career in the toughest economies!

“If you are changing careers or looking for work there are only two words you need to know: Barb Poole. What sets Barb apart is the quality of the work she produces. Barb’s process for getting the information to determine your career path is extra ordinary. Even more amazing is the award winning resume, letters and communications pieces she produces. On top of that she is a gifted mentor and knows the process for getting to the people who make the hiring decisions. I had been looking for work in one of the toughest economies most of us have ever seen. I credit Barb’s work on my behalf in getting me my new career. When my daughters graduate from college, one of my gifts to them will be a Barb Pool resume.”

Barb rises to the top of her profession!

“I have known Barb for, well, I think it’s been over 15 years ! I have seen her rise to the top of her profession as a result of her exceptional skills and abilities; but more importantly, as a result of her caring, dedication, and commitment to her clients and her industry. I am proud of all that Barb has accomplished; and am honored that I can call her a friend.”

A complete branding package

“Working with Barb has been an amazing experience. Barb Poole has helped me identify my skill set and experience most appealing to the job market and which careers best fit my talents. Once we determined a career target, we created a plan of action to get that position. The plan included a complete branding package designed to present my talents to my targeted employers and a strategy for formal and informational interviews. If you are passionate about your next career move and willing to do the work necessary to identify where your skills best fit in today’s challenging job market, I would highly recommend Barb.”

She supports you all the way

“Barb is an awesome Career Coach. She is dependable, trustworthy, understanding, knowledgeable, full of life and creative ideas. She works with you individually to find your career niche then helps you pursue your goals. She supports you all the way, with encouragement, knowledge and excellent advice. Thank you, Barb, for all that you have done for me.”

A true professional that goes above and beyond!

“I found Barb via referral and was not disappointed. Barb has won several awards for her work but she won’t tell you that. You will just experience it in the excellent advice you receive from a true professional that goes above and beyond to make sure she has delivered on her promises.”

Val King

CEO – Whitehat Virtual Technologies

She will help you focus on the things you need to get the results you desire.

“In 2005, Barb helped me retool my technical resume’ into a professional one as my career evolved. Barb did such a great job that even the HR professionals that I spoke to asked me for Barb’s contact information. I was thoroughly impressed by her ability to capture my professional profile and accomplishments and express it in such a dynamic and interesting manner.

Barb also offers career coaching services that I took advantage of during the same period. Like any good coach, she helped me focus on the core value that I have to offer and refine that message into my own personal marketing brand. I highly recommend Barb’s career coaching to anyone experiencing transition in their professional life. She will help you focus on the things you need to get the results you desire.”

Barb has the ability to sift out what matters most.

“When the time comes to sell your talents and capabilities to the market place, having a second pair of eyes can become an invaluable investment. Barb has the uncanny ability to sift out what matters most to a prospective employer and paint a picture that truly exemplifies who you are and what you can bring. Barb possesses fresh ideas and strategies that remove the mystery behind professional networking and conducting a career search. Her value proposition is “guiding you through the career maze” and she delivers on this promise and then some. I chose Barb to help me with my career choices and I plan to rely on her business coaching skills for many years to come. She comes highly recommended!”

A rare gem in this industry

“Barb is a truly precious professional and a rare gem in this industry (resume writing and career services). As a sub-contractor, I have learned to value her expertise, perfection, flexibility, commitment, and creativity. As an industry colleague, I have learned to call her friend and confidante. I have had the pleasure of seeing Barb win coveted International resume awards (CDI Toast of the Resume Industry), which is what drew me to her originally. Her writing skills and ability to translate the most complex career history with its myriad of challenges and achievements into a true and honest representation of an individual is nothing short of a work of art.

I wholeheartedly recommend Barb as someone who will make an amazing difference in the career success of any job professional at any level of their career.”

Her work exceeds expectations!

“I’ve used Barb’s services multiple times myself and also have recommended her to colleagues and received very positive feedback. Her work exceeds expectations, and she is extremely knowledgeable in her field. I would recommend Barb to anyone seeking professional help with Resume Creation / Career Coaching.”

The best resume the recruiters have ever seen!

“Barb did an amazing job of helping me re-tool and re-think my resume. Having a clear and concise resume that stands out from the crowd is important and was worth the investment in Barb’s services. I can’t tell you how many companies and recruiters told me my resume was the best they’d ever seen (Google, AIG, Disney, etc.). Barb can not only help you get in the door, but help you walk through it!”

They have all been pleased!

“Barb has done great work for me on numerous occasions. I have shared her contact info with others in my network and they have all been pleased with the work and service provided by Barb and Hire Imaging.”

Keeps her clients motivated throughout the process, leading to ultimate success.

“Barb reported to me for several years, and I can attest to her genuine concern for each client she serves and the out-of the-box approach she takes to meet each issue or concern presented to her. Barb is an expert resume writer with the ability to present her clients at their best! She is a leader in her community, extending her knowledge and expertise to those in need. She is an enthusiastic consultant who keeps her clients motivated throughout the job search process leading to ultimate success. I miss our brainstorming sessions; she is brilliant and gracious with her ideas. I highly recommend Barb for simple and/or complex career issues; each one will be handled with professionalism and expertise.”

Without the preparation and coaching, I would not have nailed the interviews and received multiple job offers.

“I had the pleasure of working with Barb upon deciding to relocate to a new city to be closer to family after a long military career. While the services offered through a military transition assistance program (TAP) are good, they by no means measure up to those of a true professional career coach and strategist like Barb Poole. Barb not only did an outstanding job on all my documents, but also in coaching and mentoring me through my career search. Being federal government with a security clearance means I had to obtain prepublication review on all of my information before releasing it to Barb; and again after she finalized a document to ensure I was still within the classification guidelines. Barb understood that process and was patient with me while obtaining approvals.

Barb also helped me with preparing for interviews – both in-person and telephone interviews. Without the preparation and coaching, I would not have nailed the interviews and received multiple job offers.”