#YourCareer : How To Set Yourself Up For A Productive 2023. This Could be a New Job, a Promotion, etc.

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The new year brings with it a chance to start afresh, take on new challenges and set yourself up for the year ahead. For many, this will mean getting ready to take the next step in their career. This could be a new job, a promotion, or taking on new responsibilities within their existing role.

For others, this could simply mean going into the new year with a positive attitude and ready to be the best they can be at work. Whatever the case may be for you, it’s important to start the year off on the right foot.  But how do you set yourself up for a productive 2023?

Complete your pre-holiday tasks

First and foremost, you don’t want to go into the new year with a to-do list the length of your arm, trying to catch up on last year’s work. You want to enjoy your holiday without overdue projects playing on your mind.

Therefore, it’s important to make sure you complete your pre-holiday tasks to the best of your abilities, without rushing or overdoing it, of course.

Depending on your career plans, these activities will differ, but the best way to kick off the new year is going to be organized with a clean slate.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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Article continued …

Take a proper break

Your career is a big part of your life and one which can consume a lot of your time and energy. However, resting and recharging are crucial if you want to continue to be good at your job and love what you do.

The festive season is the perfect time to unwind and spend some time with friends and family. So you need to do just that.

No matter what industry you work in, it’s important that you take a proper break wherever you can and allow yourself to go into the new year feeling refreshed and ready.

This might mean taking a few days off, switching on your’ out of office’ response to your emails, and shutting down your work computer or phone for a few days.

Although it can be tempting to dip back in or quickly reply to one or two emails, remember balance is important, and you deserve a rest.

Set tangible goals

Going into 2023, it’s a good idea to set yourself some goals that will point you in the right direction and help you to get off to a productive start.

Your goals should be as specific and relevant as possible; they must also be measurable and achievable. Give yourself a date by which you would like to achieve your goals, as this will allow you to measure your progress.

For example, if you’re looking for a new job, you might wish to set a target for how many jobs you want to apply for each week.

Alternatively, you might want to learn new skills or put the wheels in motion for securing that promotion.

Everyone’s goals will be different; just ensure these are attainable and you’re not setting yourself up for failure. You could even break larger goals down into smaller objectives so that you can tackle these one step at a time. This also makes it easier to monitor your progress.

Bridge your skills gaps with courses

It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at in your career; you are never too senior to stop learning. In fact, it is important that you are always building on your knowledge and developing your skills.

So, as well as staying up to date on the latest industry trends, it is a good idea to bridge your own personal skills gap by taking relevant online courses.

The great news is there are loads of courses and providers to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the type of study that best suits your lifestyle.

Taking online courses can be particularly important if you’re planning on changing jobs or advancing in your current position in the new year. It means you can continuously update your resume and your offering.

Monitor your progress and adapt

Once you’ve set yourself goals and begun taking the necessary steps towards achieving these, you need to make sure you stay on track.

The best way to do this is to keep checking in on yourself and revising your targets where needed.

Ask yourself, are you on track, or have you fallen behind? Is there more you can do to reach your goals? If so, what steps do you need to take?

You should also take this as an opportunity to consider any feedback you’ve received in the new year, be that from your boss, recruiters, or your colleagues.

By taking stock of what you want from your career in this way, you can take proactive steps to set targets and start working towards your larger career goals in the new year.

Give yourself a chance to relax over the festive period and go into January with a positive attitude; this will set you up for a productive 2023.

 

Forbes.com | December 17, 2022 | Andrew Fennell

 

#JobSearch : Five Social Media Secrets To Get Yourself Hired. People Fail to Realize Social Media Can Be the Very Reason Why/How you Got that Job. A MUst REAd for All!

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With 2023 right around the corner, most people already know employers will scroll through their social media profiles before offering them a job at their company. But in case no one has told you, let me be the first to say you should probably take photos of yourself partying in the college on your Facebook page.

It only takes 15 seconds and an impulsive tweet about quiet quitting to go from a company’s top candidate to another resume tossed in the recycling bin. Fortunately, most social media mishaps can be avoided by relying on common sense and using a little extra caution before you post something.

What people fail to realize, though, is that social media can also be the very reason why you do get a job position. Sending a cold email to an employer? Submitting your resume to a company after coming across a job description? You’re not paranoid if you think the next thing they’ll do is look at your social media profiles.

A survey from the Harris Poll found that 71% of U.S. hiring managers think looking at candidate’s social media profiles is an effective way to screen applicants. Sixty-seven percent of hiring managers actually do use social media as a way to research candidates, more than half of whom say they have come across content that has caused them to reject a candidate.

Recruiters are less likely to look at an applicant’s resume now more than ever. A study from Capterra found that 75% of recruiters use applicant tracking systems to weed out candidates before their resume is seen by a real recruiter. In other words, submit a resume that doesn’t match enough key words in the job description and you’re out of the race before a recruiter even knows you applied for the position – and that’s how it works for most jobs you’ll apply for.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

If a recruiter does like your resume, they’ll assess a second source of information: the narrative that emerges from a collection of your LinkedIn comments, Facebook updates and Twitter thoughts. For recruiters, social media is SparkNotes about a candidate’s job history, life accomplishments, networking history, personal woes, and life philosophy.

Modest candidates may feel inclined to avoid the trend of commemorating their achievements with posts on LinkedIn. But this is the wrong approach, especially during a time when employers are less likely to reach out and communicate to get information that could just as easily be posted online. In other words, if your social media doesn’t portray you as an active student or standout employee, recruiters will likely assume that’s because you aren’t one.

But enough with the negativity — social media also offers job candidates several advantages, namely curating the image of themselves that employers see.

So, how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd when recruiters are looking at dozens, if not hundreds, of social media profiles? It all comes down to having the right strategy.

1. Choose your network wisely. At their core, social media profiles are essentially digital networks visible to the public. This concept, however, gets lost in the addiction that keeps us coming back – scrolling. LinkedIn, particularly, gives employers a pretty good idea of what your professional network looks like and the connections you’ve made in your respective industry. Be mindful of the people who you add to your circle. Influencers, business owners, teachers, or scholars — following these people not only exposes you to their insight, but also gives employers information about the kind of person you are and what you value.

2. Plow into the discomfort. If the rules for communicating were the same on social media as they are in real life, we’d be professing our latest achievements to strangers before having enough courtesy to introduce ourselves . Which is to say, catching the eye of an employer on social media means throwing some of the etiquette you’ve been taught out the window. Get comfortable posting about your accomplishments, even if doing so may feel out of character in the beginning. Employers check social media platforms because they want to see what you can bring to the table. Playing it modest by not highlighting these skills and accomplishments won’t get you rewarded.

3. Practice active liking: What you like, retweet, share, and comment can say just as much about you as what you post. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter will show your followers what you’ve liked or commented on, so it’s important to be intentional. Engage with posts that show the latest happenings and updates in your industry, but also think about the message you’re sending others through the posts you like. Endorsing ideas that are negative, political, or unprofessional is not only off putting to a future employer, but also overshadows the posts you do want them to see.

4. Reach out; stay consistent. One of the biggest benefits of job hunting in the age of social media is that distance doesn’t poses fewer obstacles. Networking with an employer through social media takes the same amount of time and energy regardless of whether they live across the country or down the street.

You don’t need to direct message an employer on LinkedIn to get a lot out of the platform – and that actually poses a problem. It is easy to tell yourself that scrolling through social media and commenting on people’s posts is a version of networking, but there’s really much more to it than that. Launching yourself into a career that fascinates and energizes you is quite the challenge – especially without any help. Professionals who can shine some light on the industry – and maybe even be a future mentor – are what helps people get their foot in the door. But none of them are going to reach out to you first. It’s your job to take the first leap that gets the conversation going. While cold messaging someone can be intimidating the first few times you do it, setting a goal for yourself, like initiating one networking conversation every week, is a good way to hold yourself accountable when nerves begin to hit.

5. Reverse engineer an employer’s ideal candidate. Employers scouting candidates through social media are looking to fill a company need. The job may only require a qualified and competent candidate, but ideally a recruiter would prefer to hire someone who also checks a bunch of other boxes, like being collaborative, enthusiastic, motivated and insightful. Take some time to think about the job you’re applying for and ideal qualities a recruiter is likely looking for. What would you want to see in a candidate if you were trying to fill the position? Then, look through your social media profile and assess whether these qualities would shine through to someone who hasn’t met you in person. If the answer is no, tweak your content, bio, likes, or comments to reflect the qualities and skills think recruiters will be looking for.

 

Forbes.com | December 15, 2022 | Ashley Stahl

#JobSearch : 4 Reasons Your Job Application Isn’t Noticed — And What To Try Instead. Applications are Often Filtered by Specific Keywords. Great REad!

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What can I do to make my applications more noticeable? Is it simply that I need more classes or qualifications or am I not doing cover letters correctly? – Pinchas

It would be great for job seekers if there was a surefire way to guarantee their application leads to a new job. Pinchas is correct in brainstorming on what is keeping his applications from moving forward, so he can adjust what he’s doing. The thing is, there are multiple reasons why your job application goes unnoticed, so you’ll have to correct them all.

People hire people, and people are distinct and unpredictable. What hiring managers and recruiters prioritize can differ even for the same job. In addition, technology impacts the process, such as when a filter is applied to search for a specific keyword or phrase. People use different technology, and people apply technology differently – more variability.

The variability in the hiring process means that you can’t know for sure why your application is selected or not, but here are some reasons to consider and troubleshoot:

1 – You don’t meet the qualifications

An edtech company was hiring for a senior HR generalist, and it so happened that this company was migrating to a new HRIS platform. This made the decision team prioritize HR professionals with systems migration experience and particularly experience with the package the company had already selected. Not all HR generalists need systems migration experience, but for this particular role, it was a deal-breaker.

If you had your heart set on landing at this particular edtech, yes, more HRIS experience or even a certification, would have helped. But you might feel like you’re playing whack-a-mole if you try to fill in every gap in your background when compared to all the job postings you see. Desired qualifications vary company by company. If you see multiple roles that you want asking for the same skill or certification you are lacking, then by all means fill that gap. Just recognize that this may not be the only issue.

 

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

 

Article continued …

2 – Your cover letter doesn’t entice the reader to look further

Not every employer asks for a cover letter. Not every cover letter gets read. However, cover letters can be particularly helpful at explaining gaps in employment, career changes or other nontraditional detours in your background. In this way, they play a different, complementary role to your resume.

Given this important role and that cover letters in general are an additional opportunity for you to tell your story, it pays to know how to write a persuasive cover letter. The best cover letters are tailored to the specific company and specific role, so they take time to craft. This means there’s a trade-off between how quickly you can submit your application versus how much tailoring you can do to your cover letter. Invest the time and effort for your dream companies and roles, and use a standard template for the rest. You want to maintain a good balance in the quality and quantity of your applications.

3 – Your resume didn’t entice the reader to invite you for an interview

Companies can receive dozens, hundreds, even thousands of resumes for a single opening. Realistically, the resume screener will spend a few seconds just skimming before making a decision to dig in further or pass. Is your resume easy to skim with dates, companies and titles easy to pick out? Is the format inviting for the eyes or so cluttered that the reader is discouraged to continue? Do you have brand name employers and education that will be familiar to the reader?

Applications are often filtered by specific keywords. Does your resume include the keywords and phrases that decision-makers use when hiring for the roles you want? Do you know what those important search terms are, and do you include them in your descriptions? If you’re coming for a different industry or role, have you translated your experience such that your new target will see your background is relevant?

4 — Unsolicited applications aren’t reviewed

Even if you have a crystal-clear resume, a compelling cover letter and qualifications that meet the requirements for the role, you still might not get noticed if your application goes unread. (This is why applying to job postings is not enough to land your dream job!) A company can hire in multiple ways –an employee referral, a candidate networking their way in, an existing employee applying internally. If the company finds what they need without going through dozens, hundreds or thousands of applications submitted to a job posting, then they may do that to save time and effort.

Many recruiters kick off a search, not by perusing the existing candidate database, but by searching on LinkedIn. Will they find you there? Is your LinkedIn profile optimized – i.e., clear, compelling and relevant to the roles you want?

A thorough job search needs quality and quantity

Since you can’t guarantee that even a strong application gets seen, you need to put as many applications in play as possible. Yes, focus on quality because you want to present yourself at your best. But also focus on quantity, so that you have enough opportunities in your pipeline that your job search maintains momentum forward, even if any one application falls through the cracks.

 

Forbes.com | December 13, 2022 | Caroline Ceniza-Levine

#BestofFSCBlog : 5 Resume Hacks To Pass ATS. Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software Scans Resumes to Weed Out Applicants. A MUST REad!

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Applicant tracking system (ATS) software scans resumes and cover letters to weed out applicants based on factors set by the employer. This can include keywords, design and layout, length, and salary requirements. If your resume doesn’t make the cut, you won’t be asked for an interview.

Other companies direct applicants to apply online using one-word or drop-down responses and auto-fill resume features. One wrong response and, presto, you’re out!

This process can be incredibly frustrating to job seekers. Especially for those that are qualified for the position. With 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to vet credentials, it isn’t going anywhere soon. But there are some things you can do to increase your odds of passing ATS.

1. Focus on keywords. Read the job description thoroughly and circle keywords. Present keywords and phrases throughout your resume — but be honest! Here are tips on how to use ATS keywords on your resume.

  • Always include the company’s name and the exact position title on your resume.
  • Include a few role-specific keywords in the education and hard skills portion of your resume. Copy and paste keywords, not sentences from the job description. Include action verbs and specific skills from the job posting.
  • Do an internet search for relevant industry keywords to include. Compare the job posting to similar job announcements to pull keywords.
  • Don’t stuff your resume with keywords. Remember, at some point a real human being is going to read your resume.
  • Never lie about your abilities. If you cannot back it up, don’t write it down.

2. Stay away from PDFs. Often ATS misses pdfs, so use a Word document instead.

3. Ditch your headshot. Unless the posting specifically asks for a headshot, it is not necessary. Instead make sure your LinkedIn and social sites include a professional photograph. (And clean up anything on your social sites you wouldn’t want your employer to see … 67% of employers screen candidates using social.)

4. Avoid overused jargon or buzzwords. Never use clichés or overused phrases such as “self-starter” or “attention to detail.” Use a show, don’t tell approach on your resume and cover letter. Instead of “I am a self-starter,” write “I initiated a company-wide volunteer program that resulted in 1500 prepared lunches for school age children in impoverished areas.”

5. Avoid fancy graphic designs. Be basic. Use bullets to get your points across. Be succinct. Make sure that the information on your resume is easy to find and easy to read. In positions where design matters, you’ll be asked to present a portfolio where you can showcase your style.

Eventually, your resume will be read by a person. So, you want to be sure that it is easy to navigate, readable, professional, and includes information pertinent to human eyes … not just ATS. Here are some tips:

1. Highlight relevant experience. Make it easy for recruiters to pick out relevant experience over longevity of experience.

2. Use bullet points and short sentences. Hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of six seconds reading your resume.

3. Include a link to your LinkedIn profile. While you’re at it, update your LinkedIn profile especially concerning dates! (Pro tip: update your LinkedIn profile URL so that it is your name: example https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourname/).

4. Include a link to your portfolio, personal website, or social media sites. Make sure to include or include links to relevant and requested information. Not every position will require a portfolio, but if yours does, you better include a link.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Just as there are things to include, there are aspects of a resume to ditch. Here are some tips to tighten up your resume:

1. Omit your GPA. Unless you recently graduated magna cum laude, there is no need to include your GPA. Work experience is more relevant.

2. Don’t include every job you’ve ever had. Part-time jobs, non-relevant jobs, and side hustles should not be included unless they specifically demonstrate why you’re qualified for the position.

3. Avoid discriminating against yourself. Unfortunately, age discrimination is real and it is really easy to slip information about your age onto your resume. Here are some tips to age-proof your resume:

  • Avoid using AOL and Hotmail email domains. Register for a new email on Gmail that is succinct such as your first and last name.
  • Remove graduation dates from your education section. De-emphasize irrelevant degrees. Instead, highlight relevant training and experience.
  • Avoid including jobs that are older than 15 years.

Job hunting is a laborious process, but you can increase your odds of an interview by following a few common sense tips. Also, be sure to use spell and grammar checks. Independently check for types (pro tip: read your resume backward so your eye catches typos more easily).  You can’t trick an ATS, but you can increase your odds of getting your resume in front of HR or a recruiter.

 

Forbes.com | December 12, 2022 | Ashley Stahl

#JobSearch : Four Things You Can Do Now To Prepare For A Job Search In 2023. Rule #1: When to Start? How about Now! MUst REad!

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As we quickly approach the end of another year, it’s time to start getting ready for the next one. There’s no better time than now to slow down, take a breath and reflect on the accomplishments and shortcomings of the past year. The last month of the year is also the perfect opportunity to begin thinking about goals and aspirations for 2023 and beyond.

For talent in transition, whether by their own choice or their employer’s, this period of self-examination has suddenly become more urgent. Wherever you are in your career, here is some practical year-end advice to help make the most of a job search:

Is it flexibility? Stability? Or salary? Is it remote work or a job that requires you to be in the office? Is it a challenging position that will push you to learn new skills? Clarifying what’s important is a critical first step.

If you’re still in a job, journal every day and note these two things: What gave you energy? And what left you feeling exhausted?

Over the course of the next several weeks, you’ll see patterns emerge that will help define the elements you should seek in a new opportunity. Once you find those patterns, find ways to engage with the topics or priorities of interest by searching for YouTube channels, podcast series, TikTok users, books, or articles that dive deeper. Reputable influencers with credible experience could be worth following or engaging with going forward.

Reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

The holidays are a great excuse to reach out and schedule time with people you know and those you’d like to get to know. Ask them what they have been up to, what they enjoy about their current role and any career advice they might have.

For finding and making new connections, there are plenty of options now to cultivate new networks, such as Discord communities, Slack communities, or mentorship services. If you find someone in a position or company you are interested in, there is no loss in reaching out and asking for a virtual coffee or monthly mentorship chat going into the new year.

Be ready to share your own reflections and ask for their perspective on how you might navigate your new interests or your next move.

 

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Learn new skills.

If you find yourself out of a job at the moment, dive back into learning. New knowledge and abilities can complement your current skill set and help you open new doors.

There are plenty of free and affordable online courses and programs that teach job skills. Some even award badges and certificates for completing them. Spreading the holiday spirit through volunteering can also be a way to develop a wide range of business skills.

Whether you take classes in-person or online or volunteer your time, you might meet folks who can help you broaden your network.

Pay attention to the local and national job markets.

It might be time to be flexible and consider the industries that are hiring and the roles that are available.

The tech, media and financial services industries have grown a lot more competitive for job seekers in the latter part of 2022. But several other fields — architecture, real estate, government, construction and the food and beverage industries, to name several — have seen strong growth in job postings in recent months. Stay flexible: it could be that the role you want exists in an industry you’ve never considered (for instance, lots of non-tech fields hire tech roles!).

Ask yourself how you might apply your skills or strengths to these potential new roles. Where would your learning curve be? How might you start to address that now?

Do it again next year.

A year from now, whether you’re about to launch a job search or are content in your current role, it’s still a good idea to take time to reflect, review and recharge for the next year.

Ask yourself these questions annually: What’s important to you in your work? Are there people you want to meet or reconnect with? Are there skills you’d like to learn? What are the job markets looking like? An honest assessment of your interests and priorities will help you recommit to your current career or begin the process of finding something new.

 

Forbes.com | December 9, 2022 | Christine Y. Cruzvergara

 

#JobSearch : 5 Hacks For Holiday Networking, Especially For Those Who Hate It. The Holidays Are the Best Time for Networking. Great REad!

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Yes, the holidays are a time of joy, peace and well wishes, but they can also bring stress particularly in and around the workplace. In addition to completing performance reviews and other year end activities, there are tons of social events and holiday celebrations as well. While this avalanche of quasi-coerced socialization along with pressing year-end requests can feel stressful, CEO and Founder of the executive networking and professional development group Athena Alliance, Coco Brown reminds us that this time truly offers a unique and valuable opportunity to take steps to position ourselves for stronger relationships and enhanced success in the new year.

“The holidays are the best time for networking since people are in a relaxed and festive mood, feeling more generous and sociable than normal,” explains Coco Brown. “Learning how to leverage personal connections, especially with people you don’t know that well, can help job seekers bring their careers to the next level.”

Break out of your bubble

While it may feel safer and easier to rely on your own inner circle, Brown warns against making that classic mistake. Instead, she suggests taking advantage of opportunities to spend time with people you wouldn’t normally connect with. “Often we lean into our closest friends or colleagues when we’re trying to network into a new job opportunity, but research suggests that doing the opposite can actually be hugely beneficial,” she explains. “The term for this is ‘the strength of weak ties,’ and taking advantage of our weaker social connections can be hugely advantageous when we’re looking to find our next job opportunity.”

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

Article continued …

Share your gratitude – and your goal

As the year winds down, most professionals naturally begin reflecting on their goals. It’s a great time to take stock of where you are compared to where you want to be—to ask yourself if you’re really on the right track or just spinning your wheels. Brown suggests using this time to actively connect with professionals who are now where you strive to be.

“They’ve been in your shoes, are often willing to help, and have the network in place that made it happen for them,” she says. “Ask questions to learn from their journey, then clearly articulate your goal and make the ask. Do they have any tips or insights they learned on their journey? Do they have any connections who may move the needle for you? Do they know of any open opportunities that may be a fit?” Don’t be afraid to seize the opportunity to gain critical insight from those who have successfully blazed the path you’re seeking.

Know your value and lead with it

Brown reminds us to approach the holidays with a mindset shift, focusing on our unique value and leaning into that during networking interactions. “This isn’t arrogance, it’s knowing what you bring to the table and having confidence in your ability to execute it,” she explains. “Think of your value proposition like an elevator pitch… you should be able to convey it in 60 to 90 seconds: it should sound practiced yet natural, like something you can easily slip into a conversation between sips of egg nog. Be prepared with stories that speak to your leadership and how you’ve shaped the companies you’ve worked at.” It’s nice towards the end of the year to not just reflect on what you’ve accomplished but also who you’ve become and how you’ve grown. Take this time to become more comfortable amplifying the unique talents and abilities that you bring to any opportunity.

Think about what you can do for others

While it can be tempting to approach networking situations with a focus on what you can gain, it’s often more effective long term to also consider what you can give. The most reliable relationships tend to be reciprocal ones so spend some time thinking about how you might be able to be a resource or support system for others. “I guarantee that by focusing on how you can help those around you advance their careers or find their next job opportunities, you will be repaid tenfold,” she insists. “Plant the seeds of generosity in those around you and then sit back and watch them grow.”

Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile

Thankfully, December usually brings some downtime as well. Things tend to be quieter since so many colleagues are on vacation, and there tend to be fewer meetings and deliverables so it can be a great time to focus on some of those “important, but not urgent” tasks that tend to get pushed aside during more hectic times. Brown suggests using this time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. “Take a fresh look at your resume and your LinkedIn profile with your future goals in mind,” she suggests. “Spend some time connecting with new people on LinkedIn who work in industries that you’re interested in, even if they’re not industries you have firsthand experience in. Think creatively about how the experience you do have can lend itself well to the experiences you want and weave that into your resume.”

While the holidays can be stressful, the last few weeks of the year can offer a healthy opportunity to reflect, recharge and reconnect. Networking is so much more than showing up at an event. Use these tips to broaden and deepen your professional network and hit the ground running in 2023.

 

Forbes.com | December 9, 2022 | Dana Brownlee

 

#JobSearch : 3 Things Job Recruiters Wish You Knew. The Job Market is Still in your Favor for at Least the Next Few Months. A MUst REad for All!

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If you feel like the job market is shifting again, you may be right. Though job seekers have had the “upper hand” for a couple of years, the power is slowly reversing as the labor market stabilizes. In other words, now may be the time to leap—but not without a plan.

As a job candidate, you need to develop a strategy that allows you to quickly pull in offers. The last thing you want is for your search to become so scattershot that you have little leverage. Negotiating with potential employers is far easier if you have a bevy of choices on the table, and a solid job search plan will help you get there.

Where should you start when it comes to a modern job-searching strategy? Check out what professional recruiters are saying in industry publications, trusted news sources, and LinkedIn blogs. They know what it takes to succeed in today’s job market. After all, they’re involved in the hiring process every day. Here are three fundamental recommendations from recruiters to guide you as you look for your next position:

1. It’s your job to identify your career goals.

It can be tempting to jump straight into job hunting, especially if you’re burned out in your current position. However, this could add tons more stress to your life if you don’t set goals first. Think of your next career move as a destination. If you don’t know where you want to go, you’ll end up aimlessly traveling around.

Set aside some downtime to write out professional goals that are a natural extension of your authentic personal brand, even if you plan to work with a recruiter rather than go through your search solo.

“Recruiters can only know your goals if you know them, so take some time to think about what your professional and career goals are,” says Marti Willett, president of Digital Marketing Recruiters, a leading digital staffing agency that aims to find high-quality candidates who will enhance a marketing agency’s culture and grow with them. “In other words, what is your dream job? What industry or niche is it in? What kind of company do you want to work for?Answering these kinds of questions will help you find the right recruiter that will be most beneficial to you.”

After taking this step, you should feel more invigorated and invested in your job hunt. You’ll also have a better idea of which jobs to apply for. Nothing’s more frustrating than discovering that you’ve been applying for positions that don’t align with your goals or abilities. Knowing what you want allows you to quickly identify which openings are meant for you.

2. Don’t be shy about connecting with recruiters and hiring professionals on LinkedIn.

It’s no shock that LinkedIn is the social site you can’t afford to ignore. According to the platform’s own statistics, 77% of recruiters use LinkedIn. Is it any wonder that eight people are hired off LinkedIn every minute? These mind-blowing facts indicate just how important it is for you to update and adjust your LinkedIn profile.

Is your profile really going to be viewed? According to a MyComputerCareer blog post, the answer is yes. “Every time a recruiter contacts you, you can be sure that they’ve looked at your profile,” the post explains. “Your LinkedIn profile will act as a validator in that you are a real person, and not someone whose cover letter or resume is too good to be true.”

To begin, polish your whole profile from top to bottom. Give it the spring cleaning it needs. When it’s brimming with the traits and achievements that distinguish you from the rest of the herd (see point #3 below), start following recruiters who work in the industry, market or position you’re targeting. Don’t feel bad if you connect and hear nothing in return. Recruiters may not reach out unless they have an opportunity ready to go. Remain active on the platform and have confidence that you’re on their radar. (And don’t forget to use this chance to update your other public social pages, too. Consistency is a key to effective personal branding.)

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

 

3. Self-awareness leads to self-fulfillment.

Do you know what the number-one leadership skill is? Self-awareness. When you are self-aware, you aren’t likely to start wavering. You know who you are, what your goals are, and how you plan to achieve them. When it comes to job searching, you know exactly what you bring to the table and how it can benefit employers.

Often, candidates fall into the trap of saying only what they think recruiters want to hear. They either don’t know or fail to bring up their individual attributes and abilities. Making this mistake can set you back. “Employers want to hire the crème-de-la-crème of the job market just like employees want to be the icing on the employer’s recruitment cake,” says Sophie Heatley, content writer for Perkbox.

So, think about what makes you unique, and ask for input from those who know you best. For instance, maybe you’re passionate about environmental issues and you started a podcast devoted to sustainability tips for families. Highlighting this would be great during an interview because it reveals your distinct passions and drive. Remember: It’s important to stand out, but not in disguise. You’ll undermine your path to success if you’re faking the traits that are getting you noticed.

The job market is still in your favor and will be for at least the next few months. If you’ve been hemming and hawing about testing the waters, put these three tips into practice to ensure smooth sailing.

Forbes.com Author:    William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and co-creator of the Personal Brand Power Audit – a complimentary quiz that helps you measure the strength of personal brand.

Forbes.com | December 6, 2022

#JobSearch : How To Manage Your Career Transition With Patience And Purpose. Be More Deliberate & Intentional. A GReat REad!

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Your career will inevitably go through transitions, some voluntary and others involuntary. Voluntary transitions could be triggered by a calendar year’s end, your desire for more flexible work, or the realization that the time has come for you to finally listen to what your inner voice has been telling you. Involuntary transitions may result from restructuring within your organization, getting laid off, or being afflicted with a sudden health issue.

Regardless of the cause, transitions often open up a mix of personal and practical challenges that range from clarifying exactly what’s next to rewriting your cover letter and resume. Successfully managing any professional transition involves first reflecting on where things stand in your career, then taking concrete action to make your professional ambitions a reality.

First, Assess Your Current Situation

Before you embark on any career change journey, take a moment to take stock of where things currently stand and what changes you want to make by asking yourself three questions.

1. How Satisfied Am I With My Career?

When you consider your current professional situation, rate your level of satisfaction across the various aspects of your job you consider most important. You could consider high-level job characteristics like location, industry, organization, function, role, and salary. You could also consider other factors that affect your daily satisfaction like pathways for growth, work-life balance, your manager’s supportiveness, engagement with your work, or opportunities to leverage your skills, interests, and strengths.

2. What Do I Want More Of?

After doing a situation assessment and identifying any outages, especially in areas most important to you, reflect on exactly what you want more of in both your life and career. Start with your life and consider domains like your relationships, physical health, emotional well-being, personal growth, family, or recreation.

Then, think about your career itself. What would you like to have more of in your day-to-day professional life? Consider both the practical and emotional aspects of your job. For example, on the practical front, do you want more people-management responsibilities? More opportunities to lead certain projects? Or more money? On the emotional front, do you want to feel more energized by your work? More alignment with your organization’s culture? Or just more interest in the product, service, or brand you’re managing?

3. What Matters Most To Me Right Now?

Well, it’s complicated. Often, when considering what you want for your life and career, competing interests can arise. Having more organizational responsibility may mean you’ll work longer hours, which could compromise your work-life balance. Doing work that aligns more closely with you values may mean walking away from your stable job in an established industry to work in a less predictable, but more energizing environment.

Having it all is nearly impossible. You have to decide which priorities you want to serve during this specific chapter in your life and career and which trade-offs you’re then willing to make. The reality is, you often need to let go of one thing to make room for something else more important to you.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Then, Act With Intention

After reflecting on where you are and what you want, you must eventually take action to open new opportunities for yourself. Start by taking these three actions.

1. Brainstorm And Identify Lead Options

When making a major move in your career, casting the net wide, at least initially, can often open your eyes to promising opportunities you could otherwise overlook. First, brainstorm all the possible paths you could take in your career without judgment. Consider your natural interests or something you’ve always thought about pursuing. Reflect on those activities you once enjoyed as a child before societal judgement and life pressures set in. Browse articles that highlight hot jobs, growing industries, or companies proactively hiring.

While no path may immediately jump out to you, focus on those that could broadly take your career in a more promising direction. If you struggle to narrow your options, try filtering your list by evaluating whether you can leverage any of your current skills, where you could add unique value, which organizations have people you admire, and of course, what path is financially viable. If the list is still too long, target those opportunities that could provide you with more of what matters most to you right now.

2. Update Job Materials

Creating precise job materials with a clear positioning is much easier once you know exactly which role or opportunity you’re targeting. However, even if you only have a rough idea of which opportunities may be interesting, you can reduce the friction of pursuing them by updating a few key job search materials.

First, create a cover letter template. While eventually customizing your cover letter is important, start by having a broad structure written out so you can more easily fill in the blanks later. Your cover letter template should include at least three parts: why you’re interested, what makes you a strong candidate, and administrative next steps.

Second, update your social profiles. You should assume hiring managers and recruiters will be Googling you online. On LinkedIn, update your professional headline, summary statement, featured content area, work history, and ideally, your recommendations section. On Twitter, update your summary description and ensure your publicly visible tweets align with your desired personal brand. On Facebook and Instagram, ensure your happy with how your bio, About section, and publicly visible content appear. Take a couple minutes to do a Facebook Privacy Checkup. Across all social platforms, ensure you have an up-to-date profile photo and header image featured at the top.

Third, update your resume. Your full work history should include your job responsibilities and key accomplishments, especially those that align well with your target opportunities.

3. Explore Potential Paths Proactively

In my ten years of working with clients and audiences navigating career transitions, the vast majority did not necessarily know exactly where to take their careers next. However, they embraced experimentation and exploration to illuminate potential paths forward. Engaging in the following three activities can help you understand where to take your career next.

First, reconnect with existing contacts in your network, which not only allows you to know you’re on the hunt but also enables you to be in the right place at the right time. Focus on rekindling existing relationships with key contacts including former managers, colleagues, recruiters, industry contacts, mentors, school alumni, and really anyone with whom you enjoy connecting.

Second, build new relationships. Conduct informational interviews to learn about a new sector, role, location, or company. Tap into online resources like EventbriteEB -4.9%, Lunchclub, Fishbowl, Hive Index, and TheOrg to uncover opportunities to virtually engage with new professionals and communities. Try to surround yourself with people you admire living the life you desire for yourself.

Finally, dip your toe into new professional paths you’re considering in a low-risk fashion. Upskilling through an online course or certification program can help you expand your skillset, bolster your credentials, and test how much you enjoy this new path. Attend an industry conference or talk. Volunteer your time.

Make Your Move Once You Feel Ready . . . Enough

At some point, the only way to really know whether a new career path can work for you is to go for it. To change industries, pivot into that other role, or move to a different organization. To take a sabbatical, shift to a different work arrangement, or focus more on your family or personal interests for a while. Or to start that business, launch that initiative, or finally follow up with that person who’s been trying to convince you to go for a certain opportunity.

Navigating any professional transition will always feel uncharted, unsettling, and uncertain. Making this effort to patiently assess what you truly want and then proactively take small steps to start the next chapter in your career will help you be more deliberate and intentional when you decide to make your leap.

 

Forbes.com | December 2, 2022  | Joseph Liu

 

#YourCareer : How To ‘Career Cushion’ Your Job During Challenging Times. Creating an Action Plan to Prepare for IF/When Things Take a Terrible Turn with your Current Position.

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“Career cushioning” is the newest job-related term added to the growing lexicon of the Great Resignation, acting your wage and quiet quitting.  According to LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher, career cushioning is creating an action plan to prepare for if things take a terrible turn with your current position. The onslaught of layoffs, hiring freezes and job offers rescinded calls for action, instead of waiting for the ax to fall.

“Think of it like an insurance policy to set yourself up for success,” Fisher wrote in her recent LinkedIn newsletter.

Like ghosting moved from the dating world to job interviewing, cushioning is derived from keeping an eye open for other options and suitors in case your relationship sours.

What You Need To Do Right Now

Start taking action. Hoping that things will improve is not a strategy. If you feel that your job is in jeopardy, immediately update your résumé and LinkedIn profile. Seek out recruiters who specialize in your field. Ask colleagues and former co-workers what headhunters they had success with and would recommend their services. Let the search professional know what type of company you want to work for, ask about compensation levels and the work style you prefer.

Start networking by reaching out to old friends, college alums, neighbors, co-workers, former colleagues and managers, members of your church, temple and other organizations and online connections. Be open and honest. Inform them that you are engaged in a stealth search and could benefit from their relationships. You need to be a little pushy and ask if they could make an introduction to human resources or hiring managers. To ensure that you don’t make a hasty decision in the job switch, boldly ask tough questions during the interview to understand what you are getting into.

You may love working remotely, but go into the office five days a week. The proximity bias is real, and it favors people who are visible. It’s not just putting in facetime. You must be productive, exceed expectations and make yourself indispensable to your boss. These actions will increase your chances of being saved from layoffs.

Get A Vibe Check From Your Boss

Before you do anything rash, request a meeting with your boss to find out what the firm plans to do in this new uncertain environment. It may be uncomfortable, but ask your supervisor about your job’s status and whether there are plans to make job cuts. Be proactive and inquire about goals and objectives that you need to hit and how you can achieve them. If you walk away from the conversation feeling that your manager couldn’t provide any comfort or safety, it’s time to either start searching for a new job or try to move internally to a division that is doing well.

 

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

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Develop A Job-Search Strategy

The goal is to find a new job. You need to put a game plan into place to achieve your mission. Think of what you want to do next. Make a list of target companies that you want to work with. Dedicate a certain amount of time every day to focus on your job search.

You can break it down to searching for jobs online, getting in touch with people in your network, reaching out to human resources and managers at the companies you desire, tailoring your résumé for specific roles, practicing your elevator pitch and roleplaying interviewing. Stay in touch with your recruiters and consider investing in hiring a career coach and résumé writer.

The landscape has changed. The high-flying, sexy tech and startup companies are not doing as well as they fared in the past. There have been nearly 140,000 layoffs in those sectors. Therefore, conducting due diligence is important before you interview at a company.

Read articles about your target company to ascertain if there are any red flags. Look to see if the organization has been laying off workers or plans to downsize. Check out the company’s stock performance, its financial health, the management team and if its products and services are needed in this current environment.

See if you know anyone who currently or used to work at the company you’re interested in. Ask for their honest opinion about joining the firm, and if it’s safe to work there. Investigate LinkedIn profiles of people in your space to see if you have a similar background. Sleuth around to see if there is a pattern of people leaving and the roles are not being refilled.

How To Find Hidden Jobs

Companies don’t publicly post jobs when they are discreetly trying to replace a manager, attempting to first hire from within, waiting to receive employee referrals or not wanting to share salary ranges that may upset their employees when they find out the newcomer will earn more than they make.

In these situations, businesses rely upon recruiters to conduct secret searches, as discretion is required in sensitive situations, such as looking for an outsider to run a department instead of picking an internal employee.

The recruiter will clandestinely contact on-target people with the right background for the role. They’ll tell the candidate that the job is confidential and the applicant needs to keep the information to themselves. If the executive recruiter has a solid reputation, the person will understand and comply. Some people will feel uncomfortable and politely bow out of contention.

You want to stand out on the social media platforms that cater to your job and career. LinkedIn is the right platform for you if you are a white-collar professional. Send LinkedIn “InMail” messages or invitations to people who look like they’re involved with hiring roles in your area of expertise to get on their radar screen. Create posts, interact with other people in your space, upload videos and write articles. This will position you as an expert in your field. Recruiters, hiring managers and corporate talent scouts will start reaching out to you.

Hiring managers covet referrals from employees. They feel that if an internal worker strongly recommends someone, they must be good. Some companies offer incentives, such as a financial bonus, if the referral joins the company. If there isn’t a current employee with the right experience for the job and you are able to find this out, you could send an unsolicited résumé. Since no one from the outside knows about the opening, you’ll stand out.

Smile And Bide Your Time

Most people are obvious about their unhappiness and disengagement from work. They’ll practice quiet quitting, act their wage and coast through the day, doing the bare minimum. This is not a winning strategy. You want to come across as positive, motivated and enthusiastic. Act as if everything is fine. Your contrarian demeanor will separate you from the herd and earn everyone’s respect.

Instead of making a rash decision to quit without another job secured, take a smarter approach. In tough job markets, you need to cultivate a coping mechanism to make it through the day. Adopt the mantras “one day, I’ll leave and be in a better place” and “until that time, I’ll make the best out of a bad situation.”

Go about your daily routine as if everything is fine. Be respectful to your boss and everyone around you. Ignore the gossipers and rumormongers. Since you know that you’ll eventually find a better opportunity elsewhere, it’s not worth it to allow certain things to impact your mental health and emotional well-being.

People will notice that you stand out by staying cool under pressure. Your boss will be impressed by your motivation and positive attitude, while everyone else is complaining. Ironically, your new “it is what it is” mindset may lead to a promotion, raise or higher bonus.

Forbes.com | November 30, 2022 | Jack Kelly 

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 14K Reads: 5 Reasons To Job Search Over The Holidays. Wait until Jan? Very Bad Idea. MUst REad!

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Many people assume that the holidays are the worst time of year for a job search. Actually, the opposite is true. The holidays may be the best time to look for a new role if you approach it the right way. Why? Because while hiring may slow down over the holiday season, it doesn’t stop. That means you shouldn’t either.

Here are five reasons why it makes sense to look for a job over the holidays.

Less competition

Because there is a misconception that end of the year is a bad time to job search, there tends to be less competition. That’s a good thing if you’re a job seeker. When companies have fewer resumes to sift through, there’s a greater chance that yours will stand out.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Great time to network

The end of the year is a great time to meet as many people as possible in a social setting. Prepare an elevator pitch so you can present yourself in a compelling way. You never know when you might meet someone who can introduce you to a recruiter or hiring manager. It’s also a good time to send a holiday card or online message to valued contacts so you can stay top of mind.

Use your downtime wisely

You will inevitably have a few breaks during the holidays when you can focus on your job search. That’s the perfect opportunity to work on things like your personal brand. For example, look at your LinkedIn profile to see how you can improve it. This is also an excellent time to list your key accomplishments for the year, update your resume and schedule calls with friends and acquaintances you haven’t been in touch with for a while.

Keep the momentum going

If you’ve already jumpstarted your job search, it makes sense to maintain the momentum. Even if you slow down a bit, you can still take small steps to stay on track. If you stop your job search altogether, it will be that much more difficult to get motivated in January. Plus, securing a new job before the start of the year can give you peace of mind.

Companies are still hiring

While some companies slow down on hiring during this time, they don’t stop. In fact, some organizations must complete the hiring process by the end of the year because of budget constraints. Other companies may need to find a new employee who will be in place and ready to begin work in January. This is also a time when many employers hire temporary employees. The good news is that if you make a positive impression, they may keep you on permanently. In addition, the additional income will come in handy during the gift-giving season.

Looking for a new role might not be the first thing on your holiday list, but prioritizing it is a good idea. Even if you only focus on the job search for an hour or two a week, that’s time well spent. If nothing else, you’ll start the new year well-organized with a top-notch personal brand and a resume that positions you for that next incredible opportunity.

Forbes.com | November 27, 2022 | Caroline Castrillon