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#JobSearch : Why Hiring Is Slowing Down —And How To Get Hired Anyway. Key Factors Impacting the Job Market. Great REad!

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America is currently experiencing a significant hiring slowdown. A noticeable change has occurred over the last six months, affecting people at all levels and in many industries.

As a career counselor, I work with job hunters every day. I pay close attention to what they say and what they are experiencing in the job market. I notice what industries are hiring, which job titles more employers are advertising, and how many openings we see are the right fit for a candidate to apply for. I’ve been observing that many areas now offer fewer opportunities

One group I’ve noticed that has had a struggle with landing a job is mature workers. Professionals over 55, especially those who have been hard hit with layoffs, report that there is little to apply for and a lot of competition. Most say their age is a problem hampering them from finding a job. Those over 60 have had a real struggle to find new employment.

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

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Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

The technology industry has been hard hit with limited hiring and plenty of layoffs. New college grads face a tough search because entry-level roles have been harder to find. Some grads have been looking for a year, and they are getting very little employer attention, only rejections. Lacking an internship has been a real deficit for many grads, as employers want that experience

Much to the disappointment of people insisting they want remote work; the tides have changed. Employers are now in the driver’s seat, insisting on hybrid in-office work. Amazon told employees that they are implementing a “5 days a week Return-to-Office” policy.

Aside from the typical summer slowdown, hiring is not picking up now. A notable change in hiring has blanketed the country. Job hunters feel it, employers know it, and career counselors and HR people are acknowledging it. From our view of the world, those of us in the trenches dealing with hiring and job search, we see these key factors interacting together and impacting the job market.

1. The Election. Employers are pausing and waiting to see which way the country will go for the next four years. Democrats will head in a different direction than Republicans. So, many companies want to know the answer before they invest in new employees or promote existing employees.

2. Holidays. From mid-November through early January, hiring will be very slow as employers deal with holiday vacations, reassess their staffing needs, and try to do more with fewer people.

3. AI technology impacts. Most organizations are considering how AI might impact their company and employee productivity and are slowing down to determine their needs. They are questioning how using new AI technology in their office may change who they need to hire and the type of skills that a person needs to have.

4. Layoffs. These will continue. No one is immune. Many different roles have disappeared across the entire work spectrum.

5. Stay-put Employees. Layoffs have scared people into holding onto their positions. They worry about stability and aren’t moving on, which reduces the opportunities for someone else to take over their job.

6. Employers are cherry-picking. They are in no hurry to find—or hire—new staff. Even when a candidate’s background completely matches the job description, some report that they may be interviewing but aren’t getting a job offer.

7. Hybrid work. Nothing has reduced job opportunities as much as this change has. Job seekers must look for positions where they live, and most employers are not paying to relocate them.

8. Fewer recruiters. As the job market changed, recruiters were hard-hit, with heavy layoffs as employers responded to the new job market conditions. This means fewer HR recruiters are scouring LinkedIn looking for talent. People who often got “hit up” on LinkedIn to consider a new job have found that this has happened much less frequently or stopped altogether.

Hannah Morgan, one of the country’s top job search strategists also agrees that job seekers are having more difficulty finding employment. Morgan said, “Some of these factors mentioned above are expected to tweak hiring, such as the election or holidays. Normally, they will have an impact. But with all eight things happening simultaneously, that is what has made job search so challenging.”

But, in any economy, there are always good jobs to be found and landed. Morgan offers some tactical ways to manage your search process now.

  • Change your perspective. It will take more time and effort and won’t be as easy to land a job as it was in the past. You can no longer just throw resumes out there. Networking is essential to success. Find an insider who can serve as an informant to get some insider information on what is happening inside the company and what kind of people they hire. Look for an advocate to help pass your resume on to a hiring manager.
  • Target industries that are doing well. Government positions are very stable. State, local, and federal jobs are more plentiful. They are hiring for a wide range of jobs across the spectrum, such as social services, IT, operations, finance, HR, engineering, science, administration, facilities, legal, medical, communications, etc.
  • Expand your search. It’s a mistake to only use LinkedIn for job openings. Always check a company’s website for the most complete listings. Employers typically advertise on one search engine, so look on Indeed and Glassdoor. Builtin.com will have job listings for the entire tech industry only found on their search engine. Look at your professional association for a list of job openings. Perform a “Google search” for a very targeted way to find job listings. In the search bar, type in your desired job title and location. For example, search: Project Manager jobs in Seattle, click, and some relevant job openings will appear.
  • Consider a temp or gig job. When the search takes longer, your unemployment money may run out, or it isn’t enough to cover your bills. Go out and get a temporary job. Retailers are always hiring. Utilize a staffing agency that places people in temporary contract roles. Think about instant money doing DoorDash, Uber, Instacart, or Amazon delivery.

 

Forbes.com | September 17, 2024 | Robin Ryan

#JobInterview : 3 Psychology Hacks To Nail Your Salary Negotiation And Get A Big Raise. Question: Do You Negotiate OR Know How? GREat REad!

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Your skills are top-notch; you might even be an expert. But are you being paid like one? If your current paycheck isn’t reflecting your worth or covering your expenses, it might be time to ask for a raise or explore new opportunities.

Sure, the idea of negotiating with your boss or a potential employer can feel nerve-wracking. It’s natural to be worried that things won’t work out in your favor. But there’s good news: you can use some psychological techniques to improve your chances of getting a better salary. Ready to level up? Start with these three tips.

Active Listening

When it comes to negotiating your salary, here’s a secret: the less you say, the more you gain. Let them do most of the talking, and you focus on listening. Stay calm, don’t interrupt or argue, and keep distractions like your phone or notes out of sight. Pay attention to their words, tone, and body language. Think about things from their point of view: what concerns they have and what motivates them. By being respectful and engaged, you’ll build trust and prove you’re someone worth investing in.

Asking open-ended questions is one of the best ways to show that you’re actively listening. It helps shift the conversation in your favor without being confrontational.

For example, imagine you’re negotiating salary, and the hiring manager says, “We usually offer $70,000 for this role because it aligns with the industry standard.” Instead of jumping in with a counteroffer right away, you could say: “I see, $70,000. Could you walk me through how you came up with that number and what else is included in the package?”

By letting them talk more, you’re inviting them to reveal more: maybe there’s flexibility in the budget, or they’ll mention additional perks like bonuses or equity. The more they share, the better prepared you are to respond strategically.

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Anchoring

People often make decisions based on the first bit of information they hear; this is called anchoring. You see it all the time: Businesses, like restaurants and online shops, often use anchoring in sales and discounts to get us to spend more money. They throw out a high price first, and suddenly, the “mark down” price doesn’t seem so terrible.

You can also use this trick while negotiating for higher pay. Let’s say the hiring manager asks, “What was your last salary?” or “What are you currently earning?” Ideally, they’ll share the budget first. But if not, here’s where you can use anchoring to your advantage. You could respond with something like, “I’m currently interviewing with three other companies, and the roles we’re discussing are in the $155,000 to $182,000 range.” By setting the bar higher, you’re more likely to get an offer closer to what you actually want.

But be smart about it! If your number’s too high, you risk making the other person lose trust in you or think twice about hiring you—definitely something that you don’t want to happen. And here’s a pro tip: be precise. Studies show that specific numbers work better than round ones at lowering the chance of a counteroffer. So, do your homework, set a reasonable ancho,r and let that first number work in your favor.

Scarcity

One of the most effective negotiation tricks in the book is leveraging scarcity: the idea that the harder something is to get, the more valuable it becomes.

When you talk about your qualifications, highlight what makes you unique. Emphasize your one-of-a-kind skills, certifications, and key accomplishments, just like when you mention you’re interviewing with other companies. That, combined with the higher salary range you dropped earlier, reinforces that you’re in demand. When employers sense that others are interested in you, they’ll start to feel that sense of FOMO, realizing how valuable and hard-to-replace you are. This can give you serious leverage in the negotiation.

You can also create a sense of urgency by referring back to those other opportunities, saying you’re actively considering them or have already received offers. It’s a subtle way to create scarcity and push your employer to act fast with a better offer.

However, take note that scarcity works best when used strategically. Overdo it, and you risk coming off as pushy. Be flexible, open to compromise, and ready to back up your claims with solid proof.

Incorporating these psychology hacks into your salary negotiation can be a game-changer. Getting a better offer isn’t the only goal; you’re also setting yourself up for long-term success. It’s not just about the numbers but about the value you bring and how you communicate it. So, give these tactics a try. Good luck with your next negotiation!

 

Forbes.com | September 11. 2024 | Sho Dewan

 

#LinkedInProfile : 4 Ways To Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile To Get Noticed By Recruiters. MUst REad!

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LinkedIn is known as the social media for professionals. Most people think the platform is just about updating the profile, connecting with industry professionals, and applying for jobs directly. But there’s a lot more you can do to help land your next job if you tap into its full potential.

A study showed that applicants with a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71% higher chance of getting a callback for a job interview. So, take the time to utilize these four features to transform your job search from a routine activity into a proactive, targeted campaign that leads to real opportunities.

Add Skills To Your Profile

Having the right set of skills for the job remains to be an important factor for hiring managers to consider your application. Some of them rely on LinkedIn’s algorithm which uses skills to match candidates with job postings, so having the right ones on your profile can significantly increase your chances of landing the job. Adding skills to your profile, both technical and soft skills, is especially helpful for recruiters who are scanning profiles and sets you apart from other candidates with similar job experience. Simply adding at least 5 skills increases your profile views by 17 times and your chances of getting contacted.

Whenever you add skills to your profile, your connections can also endorse them, serving as social proof of your abilities. You are more likely to be perceived as trustworthy, as these skills are not just self-claimed but recognized by your network. You may ask your colleagues, peers, and managers to endorse your skills, particularly those most relevant to your job search. Aside from this, you can also take LinkedIn’s skill assessments to validate your proficiency and earn badges.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

Get Referrals

LinkedIn has much to do with building a network and connecting with them, so don’t be afraid to reach out to people and send a connection request. After all, these are also the people refer to recruiters and hiring managers.

You can reach out to people who are already in your network and know you already to refer you to a certain company or role, or you can start connecting to connections or extended networks who are currently employed at that company. When you send that request, include a personalized message and mention mutual connections, shared interests, or reasons why you admire their work and their company. As you request a referral, be clear about the position you’re interested in and why you’re a good fit for the role with your skills and experience.

Give it a week or two before following up, if you don’t hear back from them immediately. And whether they provide a referral or not, always thank the person for their time and consideration.

Be Creative

Being professional does not have to mean you have to dull your shine. There are many different ways to showcase your creativity in a professional platform like LinkedIn. Start with a captivating headline. For example, instead of “Marketing Manager”, you can use “Creative Storyteller and Data-Driven Marketing Manager Driving Brand Growth”.

Maximize the About Section as well by making your summary more engaging. Inject your personality by sharing what excites you about your field, career values, or personal anecdotes that highlight your creativity. Don’t be afraid to break your texts into short paragraphs or bullet points to make them easier to read.

Regularly publishing content for your page, such as articles, photos, or short clips, will also demonstrate your expertise in your field and creative thinking. Share insights, opinions, or innovative ideas to establish yourself as a thought leader. Being able to balance creativity with professionalism can help you stand out and attract the right opportunities.

Interact With The Company And Key People

With one billion LinkedIn users worldwide, establishing a network with others is not so hard to do anymore. One click of a button can get you to send a request, or you can even add a personal note to your connection request to make it more genuine and increase the likelihood they will accept it. Interacting strategically with the LinkedIn page of the company you’re applying for and its key people can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed, building relationships, and ultimately landing the job.

Follow the company on LinkedIn, as this also signals your interest in the company to their hiring team, and engage with their content. Like, comment, or share the company’s posts thoughtfully, and add well-thought-of insights or ask questions in their content to get noticed.

When connecting with key people such as the hiring manager, team leader, or HR representative, personalize your connecting request by mentioning something specific like a company achievement, an article you wrote, or a shared interest. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in connecting. By engaging with them, you also learn more about the company culture and team dynamics and gain advice they might have for applying. These connections can serve as advocates for you internally.

Taking advantage of LinkedIn’s underrated features can elevate your job search strategy and help you stand out in a crowded market. By doing these, you position yourself strategically to connect with recruiters, showcase your expertise, and land your dream job. Keep in mind that 7 people get hired every minute on LinkedIn, so don’t miss out on great opportunities and make the most out of the platform!

Forbes.com | September 12, 2024 | Sho Dewan

#JobSearch : With Fewer Jobs Available, Competition Intensifies For White-Collar Workers. Job seekers are Adapting to the Competitive Landscape. Great REad!

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The job market landscape is shifting dramatically in 2024, with applications surging at a rate four times faster than job openings, according to Workday’s latest Global Workforce Report. While job requisitions grew by a modest 7%, applications skyrocketed by 31%, intensifying competition among job seekers.

Recent data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that job openings plummeted to 7.7 million as of the last week of July, the lowest level since January 2021 and a significant drop of 1.1 million compared to the previous year.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

As the number of available positions dwindles, the job market appears to be tightening, giving employers more leverage in hiring decisions. This power imbalance between candidates and companies has emboldened organizations to raise their standards.

 

“The evolving dynamics in the labor market today are allowing employers to be meticulous when it comes to new hires, amid increased hiring standards and a surplus of applicants,” Phil Willburn, vice president of people analytics at Workday, told Forbes. “We’re seeing a rebalancing of power from employees to employers.”

Research from the cloud-based software platform that helps organizations manage their human capital indicated that nearly three-quarters of business leaders report positive outcomes from increasing experience requirements. With the majority expecting this trend to persist, job seekers face a more challenging hiring environment, while employers enjoy a wider pool of talent to choose from.

Although BLS’s jobs report on Friday painted a picture of a labor market that is slowly recovering, with the United States economy adding 142,000 jobs in August, white-collar job growth remains sparse. The sectors that saw the largest employment increases were construction (+34,000) and healthcare (+31,000). Moreover, the total number of jobs added last month still falls below the average monthly gain of 202,000 over the past year.

Employers are recognizing that every new hire is crucial during a period of slower economic growth.

“This means companies are leveraging the increased competition in the job market and taking the time to prioritize high-quality candidates over filling roles quickly,” stated Willburn.

According to Workday, competition is most fierce in the communications, media and technology sectors, averaging 30 applicants for each job offer, which represents a 36% increase from 2023. These areas have been significantly impacted by layoffs in recent years, which has resulted in a substantial number of candidates seeking new employment.

Job seekers are adapting to the competitive landscape by expanding their searches beyond their primary fields. However, the strategy of industry-hopping has yielded mixed results, with many candidates finding it challenging to successfully transition across sectors.

A significant portion of tech workers (65%) have cast their nets wider, applying for positions outside their field, with 40% finding success in their cross-industry job search. Similarly, in the business services sector, a striking 70% of workers sought opportunities in different industries, yet only 40% managed to secure positions. Forty percent of finance workers explored opportunities outside their field, and saw a success rate of 30%, the Global Workforce Report revealed.

Although job seekers face a number of hurdles, the workforce has been no walk in the park for existing employees either, as many workers find themselves in a frustrating state of stagnation.

While employees are actively pursuing growth opportunities, the path to advancement within their current organizations has narrowed. Data from HiredScore, a Workday company, showed that internal hiring rates have remained flat over the past year, as employers are increasingly favoring experienced external candidates to fill positions.

This trend severely limits upward mobility for existing employees, making them feel trapped in their current roles.

“While voluntary attrition remains low across most industries, we’re seeing a noticeable uptick in high-potential employees—the people employers want to keep the most—seeking opportunities elsewhere, driven by the desire for growth and more meaningful work. We think that, because so many workers have felt stuck for so long, those who are most able to are finally making their move as hiring picked up in 2024,” said Willburn.

Forbes.com | September 10, 2024 | Jack Kelly 

#Resume : The Executive’s Guide To Overcoming Resume Gaps. Question: Do You Know How to Explain the Gaps?? Great REad!

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Navigating the complexities of a senior career often means facing challenges, and one of the most common hurdles is the presence of gaps in a resume. These gaps can be due to various reasons, such as career breaks, layoffs, or personal circumstances.

 

For senior professionals, addressing these gaps with confidence and strategic foresight is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge in the job market.  Here’s how to effectively manage and present resume gaps while showcasing your value as a leader.

Understanding the impact of resume gaps

Resume gaps can raise red flags for potential employers, particularly when vying for executive roles. Recruiters may question your commitment, ability to stay relevant in a fast-paced industry, or even your skills.

However, it’s essential to remember that a gap doesn’t define your career trajectory. Instead, it’s about how you frame these periods in your resume. A strategic approach involves being honest yet tactful, highlighting the reasons behind the gaps, and focusing on what was achieved during these periods. Whether it was a time for personal development, further education, or even reflection, presenting these gaps as a period of growth rather than absence can shift the narrative in your favor.

Addressing gaps with integrity

Integrity is key when discussing resume gaps, both on paper and in interviews. Avoid the temptation to cover up or gloss over these periods.

Instead, acknowledge them directly and provide a brief explanation. If the gap was due to personal reasons, such as health or family, a simple statement can suffice. For career breaks due to layoffs or company closures, focusing on the industry-wide context can help.

Emphasize how you remained proactive during these times—whether through consulting, taking on freelance work, or engaging in professional development. By demonstrating resilience and a proactive approach, you can turn what might seem like a liability into an asset.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

Highlighting growth and learning

One of the most effective ways to counterbalance resume gaps is to highlight the growth and learning that occurred during these periods. This could mean showcasing how time away from the workforce was used to gain new certifications, pursue higher education, or even engage in industry-related research.

This not only illustrates a commitment to continuous learning but also positions you as a forward-thinking leader who adapts and evolves. Highlighting these achievements on your resume and LinkedIn profile ensures that potential employers see a period of development rather than a gap in your professional journey.

Leveraging professional development

Professional development is a crucial element in overcoming resume gaps. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or certifications, ongoing learning shows a dedication to your field and a desire to stay ahead of industry trends.

Include any relevant certifications or courses completed during your gap directly on your resume, particularly if they align with the roles you’re targeting. This not only fills the gap but also enhances your qualifications.

Furthermore, mentioning any speaking engagements, published articles, or conference participation during this time can further demonstrate your active involvement in the industry, even during a career pause.

Discussing gaps confidently during interviews

When it comes to interviews, addressing resume gaps confidently is vital. Preparation is key—anticipate questions about your employment history and be ready with clear, concise responses. Frame your answers in a way that highlights the positive outcomes of the gap.

For instance, if you took time off to care for a family member, discuss the skills you honed during this period, such as time management or crisis handling, which are invaluable in executive roles.

Remember, the goal is to steer the conversation toward how these experiences have made you a stronger, more resilient leader. Confidence in your narrative reassures employers that you’re ready to step back into a leadership position with renewed vigour and perspective.

By following these strategies, you can turn potential concerns about resume gaps into opportunities to showcase your growth and adaptability as a senior professional. With the right approach, these periods can be presented as valuable experiences that contribute to your overall leadership capabilities.

 

Forbes.com | September 9, 2024 | Andrew Fennell

 

#YourCareer : The Best Job Search Tool For Changing Careers. Question: Consider Changing Your Job/Career? Great Read!

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In the course of a job search, you will use a wide variety of tools – resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter, but also the networking pitch and references (these can be a deal-breaker!). When you are changing careers, you’re going after something you haven’t done before – a new industry, different role or both. Therefore the tools you use need to emphasize your potential, prove your passion and showcase skills and expertise outside of your professional experience to date. To this end, optimize your job search tools for the new career you’re targeting.

 

When applying for my next position, what platform is the best to cross over into other industries —Resume? Cover letter? LinkedIn? All of the above? Where have you seen the most success when doing this? Coming from doing sales, excelling at account growth and relationship management in a very narrow industry, I have the hard and soft skills which transfer to many industries while staying within that career skillset. – Client Success Manage

Resumes are required for job search, but not always helpful for career change

Employers expect to see your resume, so you need to have a great resume. You wouldn’t show up to a party without a gift or to a tennis game without a racquet, so don’t show up to an interview (even an exploratory one) without a resume. That said, resumes emphasize professional, paid work experience, so they will highlight what career changers don’t have. You can help your case by adding what relevant background you do have in the Executive Summary at the top. You can share relevant skills and volunteer experience in the Additional Information section at the bottom, but a prospective employer skimming your resume will notice that you are new to the field, and there isn’t much you can do about that with how a resume is designed. Therefore, you need to influence the prospective employer before they even see your resume.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

LinkedIn is useful, if you use it

Prospective employers often see your LinkedIn profile before your resume because it’s public and searchable. However, if you set up your LinkedIn profile and then forget about it, it acts just like your resume. It even looks like a traditional resume, with the About summary section on top, followed by Experience and then Education. Instead, proactively manage your profile, updating it for what you’re doing towards your career change. This includes changing your Headline (what appears under your name) so it doesn’t just default to your most recent company and title – these will showcase your old career, not the new one. Edit your About summary section to lead with your career change activity and to list skills and expertise specific to your new career. Regularly comment, curate or create original content related to your new career, so your Activity shows you’re already in the midst of a new career, not a newbie.

Cover letters can tell your new story, if you don’t just rehash your resume

Just like you can edit your LinkedIn to emphasize your new career field, you can create cover letters that tell your story as if you’re in the new career field, not an aspiring wannabe. For this Client Success Manager, this means talking about the transferable skills in account growth and relationship management specifically in the context of the new target area. You’re showcasing past results but presenting them in a way that people in the new career will appreciate. As a career changer, you are the one, not the prospective employer, that needs to explain why your background is relevant. Since cover letters are written in prose, instead of bullet point fragments, they are a great tool for career changers to tell your story exactly the way you want it to unfold.

The best tools for career change allow prospective employers to see you in the new career right now

Cover letters let you tell a story, but some employers don’t read cover letters. LinkedIn is more active than the resume, but some employers aren’t active on LinkedIn. The best way to ensure that prospective employers see you in the new career (v. your years or decades of other experience) is by talking to them firsthand. Your networking pitch – introducing yourself at a conference or other professional setting – can be entirely focused on what you’re doing in the new career. References – someone else saying how great you are – can convince a prospective employer to consider you, even if your resume, LinkedIn or cover letter didn’t get noticed. Bottom-line: The best job search tool for career changers is something that reaches the decision-maker directly, whether it’s your own networking or someone else’s testimonial.

Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work.

Forbes.com | September 4, 2024 | Caroline Ceniza-Levine

#JobInterview : Signs That Your Job Interview May Not Have Gone As Well As You’d Hoped. Also,How To Turn Things Around. Great REad!

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Interviewing for a new job is not easy. It’s especially challenging if the job market is not hospitable to workers. If you are in between roles, you may be worried over how long it will take to find a new job. There are real concerns about your financial security and potentially running through your savings.

For some, there is an unnatural feeling participating in job interviews. You must come across cool and confident while your stomach is churning. The pressure is intense to win over the interviewer. You’ll need to stay strong through endless rounds of interviews, lack of feedback and getting ghosted.

Even with the best of intentions, having prepared for the interview, re-reading the job description numerous times and researching the company and the people you’re meeting with, it is possible to still make mistakes that could potentially harm your chances of moving forward in the process.

Here are signs to look out for that suggest your interview may not have gone as well as you would have liked. Recognizing these red flags can help you manage your expectations and better prepare you for future opportunities.

Signs That Your Interview Went Poorly

During a job interview, it’s not uncommon to feel uncertain about how you are performing. While every interview is a unique experience, certain signs can indicate that you may be failing and flailing.

It is essential to pay attention to the interviewer’s body language. If they seem disinterested, frequently check their watch or avoid eye contact, they are likely not engaged.

Additionally, if the questions become increasingly vague, the conversation feels one-sided and they fail to discuss your qualifications in depth, it shows that the interviewer is not fully invested in your candidacy and has mentally checked out.

Lastly, if they fail to outline the next steps in the hiring process or seem rushed to conclude the meeting, it might be a signal that they are not considering you for the role.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

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Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

How To Turn Things Around

You may not realize it, but you are shooting yourself in the foot. Have you been through a large number of interviews and haven’t received a job offer? You need to reassess what you’ve been doing. Take a hard, honest look at how you come across in the interview process.

Start turning things around by working on your weaknesses. Ask people that interviewed you for feedback and constructive criticism, so you can improve. Seek out a career coach, mentor, recruiter or a trusted friend to help you roleplay interviews.

Avoid making excuses for any mistakes during the interview. Maintain a calm and professional demeanor. Focus on positive interactions. If you realize you misspoke, politely ask the interviewer if you can clarify your response. This shows confidence and a willingness to improve.

Don’t worry about a question or topic you’re unfamiliar with. It’s okay to acknowledge your limited experience, but pivot the conversation to how you would approach learning or solving the issue—demonstrating your problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn.

It’s important to engage with the interviewer. If they seem disinterested, make an effort to connect by asking questions about their role or the company, which can reinvigorate the conversation.

After the interview, reflect on what went wrong and what went right. Use this as a learning experience for future interviews. Sending a thoughtful “thank-you” note can also serve as an opportunity to clarify any answers you feel were inadequate.

Keep your job search moving forward, and don’t dwell on one bad experience. Instead, use it to improve your performance in upcoming interviews. By taking these steps, you can turn a challenging interview into a valuable opportunity for growth.

How To Avoid A Bad Interview In The Future

There are critical mistakes that you can make that diminish your chances of receiving a job offer. This includes arriving late without an explanation or valid excuse. Similarly, coming too early and demanding to start the interview when the hiring manager is unavailable is not a good start. These faux pas create a negative impression, signaling a lack of responsibility and respect for the interviewer’s time.

Inadequate preparation is another significant error. Many job candidates fail to research the company, its values and the specific role they are applying for. Your lack of due diligence will make you come across as disinterested in the job and company.

Other detrimental behaviors include speaking negatively about previous employers, which raises red flags about the candidate’s attitude and professionalism. Interrupting the interviewer or failing to listen carefully can demonstrate poor communication skills.

Moreover, candidates should avoid using excessive filler words, such as “um” or “like,” as they can detract from the clarity of their responses. Acting arrogant, overconfident or self-promotional can alienate interviewers. Also, playing hard to get in an interview or neglecting to ask questions at the end can signal a lack of interest in the position.

It’s understandable to be nervous. For some people, when they are under stress, they tend to talk too much and ramble on almost incoherently. The more they talk, the more they realize that they’re talking themselves out of the job.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, candidates can significantly improve their chances of making a positive impression during job interviews.

 

Forbes.com | September 5, 2024 | Jack Kelly

#LinkedInProfile : 5 Changes To Make To Your LinkedIn Profile Right Now. IF You are Reading, this is a MUst REad!

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Your LinkedIn profile is the arbiter of your personal brand. In our digital-first world, most first impressions are formed online, and your LinkedIn profile will show up at or near the top of Google results on your name. So whether someone who is checking you out chooses Google or goes directly to LinkedIn, it’s your LinkedIn profile that will form their impression of you. Building the most authentic, compelling, and differentiated LinkedIn profile will have a huge impact on how you’re perceived by others.

Despite the fact that we all use LinkedIn to check out potential colleagues, business partners, clients, job candidates, salespeople, and other professionals we’re curious about, many people make three big mistakes when it comes to their own profile:

  1. They don’t take it as seriously as they should.
  2. They only update it when a major career event happens (like a promotion or new job).
  3. They don’t take advantage of new features that could help them wow the people who are checking them out.

Whether you’re regularly making changes to your profile or you haven’t taken a look at it since you got your current job, make these important changes so you can make the most powerful and branded impression on those who are researching you.

1. Fortify Your Headline

Your headline is the most important part of your profile when it comes to showing up high in search results. It’s more important than all the other profile elements. Most people use their current job title and company as their headline. That’s a missed opportunity. The best formula to follow is this:

Job Title + Keywords + Zing

Keywords are all the words you would like to be associated with, and Zing is something that makes you interesting. It could be how you do what you do, why you do what you do, or something intriguing about you. You have 220 characters. Use as many as you need to make your headline impactful.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. Redo Your About

Your LinkedIn About will be the most-read version of your bio, so invest time in making it captivating. The most important part of your About is the start. When people visit your profile, they only see the first couple of lines of your About. If those 20-30 words aren’t compelling, people who want to know about you might not click “see more” to get the full story. Focus on the kick-off, then follow these rules:

  • Write in the first person. It helps you create a connection with the reader.
  • Include about 30% personal information like your passions, life purpose, values, and non-work activities. This makes you likable.
  • Use as many of the 2,600 characters as you need to tell your story while eliminating fluff. Make sure each sentence bolsters your narrative.

3. Prioritize Skills

Your skills now show up at the bottom of your About section, so they will likely influence people’s perception of you. LinkedIn displays your top skills in chronological order based on the number of endorsements you received. That order may not reflect how you want to be known. The great news is that when you’re editing your About, you can re-order your skills using LinkedIn’s drag and drop feature.

4. Focus On Featured

The Featured section is powerful because it:

  • Shows up near the top of your profile (just below your About/Skills)
  • Is a fairly large piece of personal branding real estate
  • Allows you to showcase multimedia content – images and videos that highlight your thought leadership

If you are using Featured already, make sure you keep it up-to-date. You can add more items and re-order them to prioritize how you want to be known.

5. Get Fresh Recommendations

Most of your profile is you talking about you. Recommendations provide an opportunity to amp up your credibility by getting others to share their impression of you. This enhances your credibility. And most profiles I see have at least a few recommendations. The problem is that most of them are really old. Add new ones at least annually.

The quality of your LinkedIn profile will impact your career success. Use it as a meaningful way to deliver a first impression and connect with others. Your profile should sit at the intersection of likability and credibility. Keep it current while at the same time aspirational – pitching you for what’s next.


Forbes.com Author: A pioneer in personal branding and virtual presentation skills, William Arruda helps professionals stand out in the digital world. Join the course and transform your online meetings and presentations into powerful, engaging, branded experiences.

 

Forbes.com | September 2, 2024

 

 

#JobSearch : How To Job Search In 2024—5 Key Strategies. Remember: Industries & Job Market Constantly Evolves. Great REad!

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There are numerous influences at play, such as technology advancements, market trends, skills demand, and shifts in sentiment, that shape the ebb and flow of job demand, expected salaries, and career progression opportunities.

And as these aspects change, so should your strategy to applying for jobs. Whether you’re on the hunt for a remote job, hybrid role, other types of flexible jobs such as part-time or digital nomad work, here are some best practices for how to job search effectively in 2024:

1. Focus On Your Digital Footprint

One of the most essential assets you can have in your career is your digital footprint. By digital footprint, this entails everything from the resume you upload online, to your LinkedIn profile, to your profiles on job boards, and even further than that—to your social media profiles—whether you like it or not. This is all a major component of your personal branding.

Some employers have been known to refuse making a job offer because of content they discovered after running a social media background check. According to a 2023 StandOut CV report, 90% of employers use social media as part of their recruitment process.

Therefore, keep your private information and photos or posts of family and loved ones to a bare minimum, or ensure you check your privacy settings. That rather embarrassing Facebook footage of you hanging out at the bar with your friends? That post expressing strong political ideas? Or your revenge post about how terrible your ex-employer was? Perhaps that would best be reserved for friends only, or think twice before making it public or even posting at all.

You should also consider creating a personal website or portfolio page that showcases your best work—especially if you are in a creative or technical field.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Following on from the subject of your digital footprint, if there ever is any social media profile that you should make it your number one priority to tackle, it should be your LinkedIn profile. Your LinkedIn is perhaps your number one digital asset. Approximately 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find talent, scanning profiles and searching for candidates based on skills and specific work experiences.

Additionally, headhunting, job recommendations, and networking opportunities that lead to new jobs are made via this platform. So it is important to build your profile fully, and establish a strong presence in your industry, on the platform.

Use a professional profile picture, eye-catching banner photo, compelling headline, and a detailed summary, alongside filling in your work background, education, achievements and awards. Research and use the right keywords to maximize your profile’s visibility.

3. Use Niche Job Boards

Everyone uses Indeed.com, ZipRecruiter, Monster, and LinkedIn job boards. But not everyone uses Dice, Behance, or Creatively. They are not swarmed with job seekers because they are more focused on catering to the employment needs of freelancers or creatives.

You will find job opportunities posted there that you will not see anywhere else, and you will often find that employers are more responsive there than on any other platform, so it is best to find job boards that cater specifically to your industry and niche, and include this as part of your job search strategy.

4. Research And Tailor

Research every employer and every job you are applying for or interviewing for, so that you can tailor your job application answers, resume, cover letter if needed, and interview answers accordingly, demonstrating genuine interest in the role and their company. Make use of sites such as Glassdoor and Comparably to understand a company’s culture, values, and employee feedback and satisfaction rates. This forms the foundation of your job search success, and helps you align yourself with an employer that shares your core values.

5. Prepare For The Job

Last but not least, prepare for the position as though you knew it was guaranteed already. Set aside time each week to upskill, so that you have more value to offer employers, and more tangible assets such as certifications that you can add to your LinkedIn profile’s skills and certifications sections, and to your resume.

And if it’s a remote job that you’re after, make preparations for it by setting up your home to allocate a suitable office space that is comfortable, conducive to the work you will be doing, and free from distractions.

And remember, be patient with yourself and with the process. Job searching can be a long, drawn-out process or it can be very short for some people. Regardless of the length of time, use the period you have to keep refining your approach, and to learn from any setbacks so you can improve your strategy.

Forbes.com | August 29, 2024 | Rachel Wells

#ResumeWriting : 8 Tips To Optimize Your Resume For Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Updated your Resume But Haven’t Received any Interviews? MUst REad!

/in /by

Have you been working hard to update your resume but haven’t received any interviews? More employers are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Yours could quickly be sorted away if the right keywords or format are not there.

As International Update Your Resume Month is celebrated in September, it’s time to re-think your resume with AI in mind. As companies are relying on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring processes, these systems scan resumes for keywords and rank them based on relevance to the job description, meaning your resume needs to be optimized to pass through these filters and land in front of a hiring manager.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning algorithms to enhance their functionality. These technologies help ATS analyze and rank resumes more efficiently by:

  1. Keyword Matching: AI helps ATS identify relevant keywords and phrases in resumes that match job descriptions, making it easier to filter out unqualified candidates.
  2. Resume Parsing: AI-powered ATS can parse and structure data from resumes, such as work experience, education, and skills, allowing for more accurate candidate screening.
  3. Ranking and Scoring: AI algorithms can rank and score resumes based on how well they match the job criteria, helping recruiters quickly identify top candidates.
  4. Bias Reduction: Some AI-driven ATS aim to reduce unconscious bias by focusing on skills and qualifications rather than names, gender, or other personal information.
  5. Automated Communication: AI can also automate communication with candidates, such as sending acknowledgment emails or scheduling interviews.

Before starting to update your resume, make sure you define precisely the role or title you want to apply for. Once you are clear on the role you want, optimize your resume for ATS to increase your chances of getting more interviews.

1. Use Relevant Keywords

One of the most important aspects of optimizing your resume for ATS is incorporating the right keywords that match the job description and the skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is looking for. Carefully read the job posting and highlight the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned. These are the keywords you should include in your resume.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

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Article continued …

2. Use a Simple and Clean Format

ATS can have difficulty reading complex resume formats. Use clear section headings like “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.” Avoid creative section titles that might confuse the ATS. Use a standard font, like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid using script or decorative fonts, images or tables.

Use bullet points and quantify your achievements by including numbers demonstrating your impact, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “managed a team of 15.”

3. Do Not Include A Picture On Your Resume

Including a picture on your resume is generally not recommended, especially in the U.S., Canada, and other countries where anti-discrimination laws are strict. Adding a photo can inadvertently introduce bias into the hiring process.

4. Choose the Right File Type

The file type you choose can affect how the ATS reads your resume. Use Word Documents or PDFs. Some ATS may have trouble reading text in headers and footers, so keep important information out of these areas.

5. Taylor your resume for every job application

Customize your resume for each job application to match the specific requirements and keywords of the job posting. according to FlexJobs’ Career Experts, “Resumes have evolved over the years, moving away from a generalized document to a single tailored document for each individual job application.”

This may sound time-consuming, but focus on customizing particularly the title and the summary section or BIO to match every job application.

6. Include a Core Competencies Section

When creating your resume, including a core skills section can improve the chances of your resume being recognized by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). In this section, list your most relevant skills, ideally aligning them with the keywords from the job description. If you aim for a one-page resume, consider dividing it into two halves: use the left half for skills and personal information and the right half for experience, education, and awards.

7. Check Your Resume with ATS Tools

Before submitting your resume, you can use online tools to check how it will perform in an ATS.

8. Focus on Relevancy

Finally, trim unnecessary details or irrelevant past experience. Remove outdated or irrelevant information that doesn’t align with the job you’re applying for. Your resume should highlight your most recent and pertinent experiences.

Optimizing your resume for ATS is a critical step in the job application process. By using relevant keywords, maintaining a clean format, choosing the right file type, and balancing ATS optimization with readability for human eyes, you can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed and landing more interviews.

Start implementing these strategies today to make your resume stand out in a crowded job market.

 

Forbes.com | August 29, 2024 | Luciana Paulise