There’s another tool employers are using to disqualify qualified and promising applicants: pre-employment questionnaires. Although there are several names for these forms, they all serve the same purpose. Asking a few job-related questions to determine your qualifications for a position seems innocent enough, right? Well, they would be if they weren’t applicant tracking systems’ (ATS)…
Author: Ms. Marcie
I am a writer, blogger, trainer and author who loves sharing little known and unknown facts.
What Do You Think of My New Freelance Writing Resource Page?
I am experimenting here. I currently have a resource page that lists a few blog posts I’ve published on writing, freelance writing, blogging, self-publishing and other topics that will help people succeed on their journey. While it’s cool, it’s not comprehensive enough. Right now, I’m blogging my frustrated job seekers series and don’t have all…
My Writing, Blogging & Self-Publishing Mistakes I Want You to Avoid
I was going through my drafts and found several lists of writing, blogging and self-publishing mistakes that I wanted to share with you all so you can avoid my mistakes. This is a list only. General Mistakes Not believing in myself Listening to everybody’s opinions about what I should be doing Asking non-writing professionals about…
Share Literary Successes with Custom Printed Labels
This article was originally posted on Chicago Writers Association Blog on October 28, 2017. Authors, have any of the following things ever happened to you after publishing your book? Your book receives a positive review from a prestigious source. Your book wins a literary award. You, or your book, are featured or mentioned on a…
Job Post Trivia
Here’s a little job post trivia for you. Since applicant tracking systems require keywords, which words would you use on your resume when applying for the positions below? Job post with vague wording Job post with four jobs in one position Honestly, I don’t know. But if I had to give an answer I would…
My Interview with Marki Lemons-Ryhal: Repurposed Content on Steroids
Last year, I interviewed Marki Lemons-Ryhal because I wanted to know how to be prepared and efficient as a speaker. Our interview is an example of repurposed content on steroids because that information has be used in four different ways. First, our interview was published on YouTube. I then pitched an article idea on being…
5 Things You Need to Run a Successful Blogging Business
A lot of people like the idea of running a blogging business. They can write about things they love all the time; share information to help people; and make a mark on the web. Of course, it’s not as easy as it sounds. In addition to creating content, there’s a lot of background work that…
Appropriate and Inappropriate Job Search Attire
I’ve been taking tests for state positions and it’s amazing to see what people wear. I mean, this is still part of the job search process. I’m not the fashion police by any means but here are a few things that made me go “Whaaat??? They wore what?” Inappropriate Job Search Attire Men and women:…
A Little R & R for Writers and Bloggers: Comedy & Yoga
Writer and bloggers need to get away from their desks and homes for a little rest and relaxation. So, here are two events that will allow Chicagoans to do both. Even if you’re not in Chi-town, find places near you for a little R & R. Beginning Yoga with Renita Dixon (my buddy) – October…
Get $50 Off of Let’s Just Write Writers Conference Registration
Do you want to hone your craft and meet people who enjoy writing as much as you do? Well, you can do that and more at Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference, Chicago Writers Association inaugural conference. From now through October 30th, you can get $50 off of conference registration which is $225 (regular…