People in Transition 108. Tom Powner - Executive Resume Writer ➜ Recruiter ● LinkedIn Trainer/Strategist
In this episode, we feature a remarkable career transformation story that exemplifies the power of reinvention. After a successful 25-year career in business development, human resources, operations, and sales leadership, Tom Powner took a bold leap and founded Career Thinker Inc. His journey was fueled by years of encountering poorly written resumes, interviewing unprepared candidates, and hiring over 1,500 employees.
With a passion for helping others, Tom now offers career services, coaching, technology insights, and confidence-building strategies to inspire individuals to take charge of their careers. Tom is a recognized leader in the industry, known for educating and mentoring clients and colleagues on best practices, leveraging technology, and enhancing processes for better results. Since 2011, he has conducted over 300 career workshops, seminars, and webinars. As a LinkedIn power user and NCOPE (Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert) instructor, Tom teaches individuals how to harness the power of LinkedIn.
In this episode, we discuss:
· How to stand out in today's employer-driven market.
· The importance of viewing your job search as a 'career marketing campaign' rather than just a search.
· Why you don't need to meet all 39 key skills listed in job descriptions—showing your value is what matters.
· How technology and your unique skills can differentiate you from other candidates.
· Understanding your value proposition as your superpower to potential employers.
· The CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method for resumes, social media, and interviews.
Tom's interview is packed with actionable insights for job seekers. He holds several significant career industry credentials, including:
· Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
· Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP)
· NCOPE Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (Instructor)
· Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC)
For more information, contact Tom on LinkedIn: