Contact info:  rob@careercraftsman.com 
312-543-8242
(If you are inquiring about an appearance, please use "Scheduling" as the email subject.)

For a list of Rob's upcoming speaking engagements and workshops, click here! 

Workshops & Seminars for Job Hunters, College Students, and Other People in Transition

(Click here for information about Rob's Corporate Speaking & Training.)

Rob Sullivan is a frequent and popular speaker at companies, colleges, universities, high schools, and other groups. He speaks on a variety of topics related to job hunting, career change, networking, interviewing, and making the most of your college years.

• Keynotes & Workshops

• Rob's Speaking Accomplishments

• What Audiences Say about Rob

• Schedule a Presentation

Keynotes & Workshops

Length:  The programs below can be tailored to your particular school or group. Depending on your needs, a program can be as short as 1 hour or as long as 3-5 days.

I.        Commencement speeches:   To date, Rob has delivered commencement speeches at universities in Atlanta, Santa Barbara, and Chicago.

II.   Marketing Yourself for the Future
Do you feel stuck in your current position unclear what it would take to get ahead? Is there something you have always wanted to do career-wise yet never had the courage to make the change? Do you feel your efforts and ideas often go unrewarded? Have your contributions had a financial impact on the company that went well beyond what you received in compensation? Do you worry that the economy or other factors beyond your control (age, race, disability, etc.) negatively impact your ability to get ahead? Are you in between jobs and concerned you may have to take a step back and settle for less than your market value?  

If you answered “Yes” to even one of these questions, this is a presentation you won't want to miss. Too often, we miss opportunities because we fail to realize the value of what we have experienced. Or worse, we mistakenly believe the responsibility of managing our career rests with our employer. Whether your goal is to advance in your current company or move on to a completely different position, Rob will share valuable tools and strategies designed to help you identify and leverage what you have already accomplished. In addition, he will discuss workplace trends, opportunities, and challenges that will impact us all over the next few decades.

III.   Making the Most of Your College Years: Demonstrating Your Leadership, and Initiative BEFORE Graduation
Do you think an internship is the only way to gain experience? Have you ever wondered about other ways you might develop your skills while you are still in school? If you are interested in learning what you can do to build a track record that will impress potential employers, don’t miss this workshop. Rob will share sound, practical strategies to help you demonstrate leadership, resourcefulness, and initiative and, at the same time, make yourself more marketable upon graduation. While any student could benefit, this workshop is particularly helpful for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. This can be given as a general presentation to a diverse group of majors. Or, it can be tailored to specific student groups (fraternities, marketing groups, pre-law, etc.).

IV.  Packaging Your Potential:  Lessons from a Job Hunter Who Learned the Hard Way
Have you ever thought to yourself: "I know I'd be great at that job if only someone would give me a chance", or "I would love that job, but I could never make money doing that"? Do you ever find yourself apologizing for your age, level of experience, or education? Are interviews uncomfortable because you find it difficult to talk about yourself without feeling like you're bragging? Do you wish you had a more effective Career Services office at your school? If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, you won't want to miss this workshop.

V.  Identifying and Pursuing Your Dreams
Many of us have experienced the empty feeling of uncertainty that comes with not knowing what we want to do with the rest of our lives. In this workshop, we’ll look at ways you can uncover your passion and turn it into a fulfilling career. Too many people struggle in their pursuit of the “right” career or worry that their choice of a major (or grad degree) will limit their opportunities. It doesn’t have to be that way. The road to success is rarely straight. This session will energize you as identify your path and navigate the inevitable twists and turns.

VI.  What To Say About Yourself When Other People Are Listening
(aka: Networking Without Schmoozing: Creating a Network of Friends and Advocates to Launch Your Career
Do you struggle with the concept of networking or feel you have fewer valuable contacts than others? Does the prospect of contacting complete strangers make you mildly uncomfortable or, worse yet, send shock waves of terror through your body? Contrary to popular belief, networking isn’t about “working a room” or “schmoozing.” It’s a lot easier than that. Done correctly, networking can be fun—even if you don’t consider yourself a naturally outgoing person. You’ll leave this workshop with ideas you can use immediately to build your network and reach your goals.

VII. Why Most Résumés Are Ineffective (and What You Can Do To Make Your Résumé Stand Out)
According to surveys of hiring managers and human resource professionals, the percentage of résumés that are EFFECTIVE is staggeringly low—between 1% and 5%. Rob Sullivan, author of the book Getting Your Foot in the Door When You Don’t Have a Leg to Stand On will share valuable tips and techniques you can use to get your résumé noticed for its content. At the same time, we’ll explore common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. This is an especially important topic for people who have more potential than actual experience.

VIII.  Résumés Can Get Interviews, But Cover Letters Can Get JOBS!!!
Do you know the single, most important thing a cover letter can do that a résumé cannot? Don’t feel bad. Most people don’t. In this session, you’ll hear about a woman who literally got a job as a booking agent for bands based on her cover letter alone. The hiring managers knew when they read her letter that she was the person they wanted. That’s even more impressive considering the company was looking for 3-5 years of industry experience when she had none. Hear her letter. Find out what she did. And learn to make cover letters work for you!

IX. The Career Workshop (2 days)
This workshop is designed to help job hunters at all levels. Starting with the self-assessment process, this course is designed to help people quantify accomplishments, identify skills, and put together a compelling personal marketing plan. This includes researching companies, creating and tailoring resumes, working with headhunters, and alternative job search strategies.  Networking, interviewing, and negotiating strategies and exercises are also covered in depth.

Job Search Clinics  
From time to time, Rob also offers clinics focusing on specific topics related to the job search process. While the programs above are tailored to specific schools, companies, and groups, the clinics listed below are broader in scope because they are open to the public. 

If there aren't any clinics listed on Rob's Schedule, get a few friends together and set a private clinic. Contact Rob for more information:  rob@careercraftsman.com. 

• Résumé Intensive Clinic 

• Interviewing Effectively    

• Job Search Strategies That Work (The focus here is on finding opportunities, networking, researching companies, and working with headhunters.)