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Essig-Bachtler, who has a 12-year-long career in public relations and marketing, said she's seen it all during her tenure working for mid-size agencies, corporate offices, and startups. In many of the roles she's held, she's had to review resumes, interview people, and write bios about company execs.
Which is why, when she started helping friends with their resumes on the side, she soon found a booming business.
"With my marketing background, I've been able to successfully sell a person's skills and abilities to prospective employers," said the Ridgefield Park mom.
"I started creating/editing people's resumes as a hobby to help friends and family, but as people started getting interviews and jobs quickly because of my work, I saw that this little hobby was actually something where I could help people and turn it into a business."
Her Facebook page -- NJ Marketing Chick & Career Coach -- has only been up for less than a year, but so far, it's provided her with a host of success stories. Many have been moms that were able to get back into the work force because of her help and support.
She's also branching out into career coaching -- job interview preparations, mock interviews, as well as public relations/social marketing counsel. To bring more awareness to her business, she promotes herself weekly on the "We Live in Bergen County" and "Ridgefield Park Moms" Facebook pages.
She also participates in career panels at the Ridgefield Park Public Library. The next one, entitled "Are You Ready for a Career Makeover?" is scheduled for August 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Essig-Bachtler works full-time as the Marketing Communications Manager at LiveU in Hackensack. She said her bosses are supportive of her side business and have also shared her information with entrepreneurs who sometimes need a LinkedIn page refresh.
“I love my day job, so it’s rewarding to be able to help people find a job they love too,” noted Essig-Bachtler.
Some of her key tips:
If you're looking for a new job or to get your first job, start with your network. "Think about who you know that can help you get your resume to the top of the pile or at the least, can sit down with you for coffee and tell you about how they got where they are now.
"People like to talk about themselves so they'd be flattered to tell you about their career path. And even if they can't help you get an interview, you may learn what to do next to get your resume in front of the right person," she advised.
Just as important: Practice for an interview. Not only should you research the company and position you're interviewing for, but also make sure you review your own resume and take note of your skills and accomplishments so you can eloquently convey your expertise and value to a prospective employer.
She recommends applicants review those "job interview frequently asked questions" so you have your talk track down. "One of the most memorable interview questions I ever received was 'Why is a manhole round?''
"The interviewer wasn't looking for the right answer; he was looking for me to think on my feet and be creative since it was a creative job I was applying for," said Essig-Bachtler.
"So sometimes it's not 'what you say' but more importantly 'how you say it.' Confidence is key. Be prepared and you will be confident in your interview."
Go to www.facebook.com/NJMarketingChick for more information.
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