EdWARD Lawrence Career and Life coach

The debate about the LinkedIn "Open to Work" banner continues. Here's my view. Some well-meaning people on LinkedIn who consider themselves career "experts" are advising recently laid off people to announce their status on LinkedIn, to ask for help, and for leads.   Don't do that.   "Wait, Ed!" you exclaim. This isn't the seventies or eighties when people were ashamed to be unemployed. And aren't we supposed to network? Isn't that how most people land a job?   Yes, your obser

I'm currently reading "The AI-Savvy Job Seeker." In 2026 I'm emphasizing to you how AI affects your job search and what you need to do to improve your chances of landing the job you want. Here's a summary of important points from chapter four:    You've got a LinkedIn profile--and so do a few million other people, many of whom are in the same line of work as you. How do you stand out? Having the appropriate keywords is just the starting point. Once you score well in the searc

I'm currently reading "The AI-Savvy Job Seeker." In 2026 I'm going to emphasize how AI affects your job search and what you need to do to improve your chances of landing the job you want. Here's a summary of important points from chapter one:   Employers value: Transferable skills; adaptability; continuous learning.   The New Normal  includes freelancing and part-time contracting.  AI has caused a seachange across multiple industries. Study and learn to use it.  While some in

You've seen the contradictory articles. The first set say, "Companies shut down during the holidays. No one hires." The other set tell you, "Keep applying. Companies hire all year."   Which set is correct? The answer is "Both."   The pace may slow generally; some companies may shut down their offices for a week. But people are still working, and that work includes planning for the next year.   Just as Santa has a list (and checks it twice), the recruiters, HR people, and hiri

By Chris Kelly Job seekers were bombarded with several different conflicting messages in 2025 around what you need to do the job search in 2025.  The tips ranged from ATS resume optimization, tools to blast hundreds of resumes a day on your behalf, tools to use AI to create your resume that make you look like the perfect candidate, and networking approaches where you focus on all your past skills and accomplishments.  However, one thing missing from all these tips is that mo

Reentering the workforce after years at home can feel both exciting and daunting. Between managing family responsibilities, adjusting to new technology, and figuring out how education fits into your life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the truth is, going back to school can be one of the most empowering choices you’ll ever make. Quick Highlights ●      Relearning how to learn is a real skill, and it builds confidence fast. ●      Flexible online programs make school-life

How Non-Degree Programs Can Transform Your Confidence, Communication, and Career Not every success story begins with a framed diploma. Across industries, people are discovering that practical learning paths — like executive coaching, public speaking workshops, and language learning programs — can rival traditional degrees in shaping personal and professional growth. These experiences don’t just add credentials; they build confidence, clarity, and cultural connection — often f

by Micah Norris Every woman’s career journey is a blend of ambition, resilience, and reinvention. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, pivoting industries, or rediscovering your purpose, growth begins the moment you choose to explore new possibilities. In a world that rewards adaptability and lifelong learning, taking ownership of your development is the ultimate advantage. This guide offers actionable ways to strengthen your career, expand your confidence, and open

I am thankful for all the people who have hired or even considered hiring me. By hiring or even considering me, they tell me that I have the skills to assist them. They say that I have a positive reputation.   And just as companies hire people because of likability more than because of skills, people hire me for the same reason: Will we get along? Do they like me? I don't blame people for hiring the person they feel they'll work best with. It's a personal decision.   They don

by Bruce Pressman

by Micah Norris Photo via Pexels Feeling stuck in your career can be frustrating and might even feel as if your momentum simply vanished....

Changing industries is less like changing clothes and more like stepping into a new skin. You’re not just switching tasks—you’re reshaping how others see you, how you see yourself, and how your skills map to new problems.

But you are not a witness at a trial. One of my recent clients was a techie who wanted advice on improving their resume. Upon reviewing...

By Micah Norris Image via Pixels Everyone knows someone who clocks in and out of a job they can’t stand. Maybe that someone is you. If...

Recently, I started playing online chess. In an effort to improve my play, I started reading chess-related articles. One article, titled...

From my July 2024 Newsletter Tweak - Verb: improve (a mechanism or system) by making fine adjustments to it. Example: "engineers tweak...

From my May 2024 Newsletter Last month, I wrote how AI could hurt you more than help you: You won’t stand out. It won’t help you with...

From My April 2024 Newsletter Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently all the rage. People are wondering—Will it replace my job? Can it...