#BestofFSCBlog : Why 2022 Is the Year You Get Your Dream Job. Savvy Job Seekers can Seize this Moment to Get the Career & Compensation you Want. MUst REad!

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For those truly motivated to land a new role, ascend to the next level, boost their salary—or all three—conditions have rarely been better. Job listings are plentiful, wages are rising and unemployment is low.

While it might be tempting to jump at the next opportunity you see on LinkedIn or make a lateral move for a 10% raise, career coaches and compensation consultants agree that workers need to seize this advantageous moment. They recommend job hunters use their leverage, be hyperspecific about what they are looking for and do their homework about the current environment for their chosen field.

“If I’m somebody who’s felt a little stuck in my career and has thought, ‘I want to make a big change but I don’t know if I’ll actually get hired,’ now is a time where it’s more possible than it’s been in the past,” said Corey Kossack, founder and chief executive of Aspireship, an online learning platform that connects aspiring software sales reps with job opportunities.

Here is how to narrow your search, use your leverage and take the next step in your career.

Zero in on what you hate about your job.

Make a list of the aspects of your job that you hate, said Michele Woodward, a Washington, D.C.-based career coach who guides executives through their job changes. The exercise will help spotlight what’s bothering you. Get specific and remember that hating “everything” isn’t a clarifying answer, she added.

“You really owe it to yourself to think through not only, ‘What do I complain about?’ but, ‘What would remedy that complaint?’ ” Ms. Woodward said, adding to think expansively about pay, boundaries, work-life balance and your boss and co-workers.

Some people might be tempted to take a laissez-faire approach to career planning right now—after all, many skilled workers already have recruiters reaching out to them—but several career coaches warned that kind of laid-back approach may not net them the hybrid-work situation, salary or signing bonus they really want in order to make a big move.

Workers feeling restless should consider what it is, specifically, that is missing from their work life and what they hope to achieve in their next one.

 

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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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Stay focused, but don’t wear yourself out.

Setting parameters to keep your job hunt manageable increases the chance that you’ll find, pursue and land a role that is a truly good fit, according to Nashville, Tenn.-based career coach Nakisha Hicks.

“Job searching should not be a job,” said Ms. Hicks, who recommends those on the hunt set aside an hour each day to focus on their search without letting it consume them. “When it becomes a job, that’s when people give up on it, or they take the first thing that they can because they’re tired of looking.”

Job seekers should make time to do the simplest thing they can manage each day, advises Lindsey Pollak, a career consultant and speaker on the multigenerational workforce and navigating the changing workplace, whose clients have included Goldman Sachs, Aetna and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

People often think, “ ‘I can’t send 20 resumes today, so I’m going to send none.’ If you can’t send 20, can you send one?” she asks.

You have leverage. Figure out how much.

The Great Resignation is real, but conditions vary significantly between industries, regions and occupations. Career coaches advise job hunters to research the hiring climate they will personally be entering.

“People who have worked in a very similar job with a very similar industry serving a similar customer [or] product—if you fit all of those boxes, you have tons of leverage,” Mr. Kossack said.

He recommends candidates wield their advantage not simply to get any new job or salary bump, but to secure a role that will position them for growth and future success. He also warns against overplaying any perceived upper hand: Job seekers should still focus primarily on the skills they bring to the table over tight labor market conditions.

“There’s no walking in and being like, ‘Why should I work here?’ That doesn’t work no matter how much leverage you think you have,” he said. “And if it does, it’s going to work in a place you don’t want to work and people you don’t want to work for.”

Connections count.

Even in a hot hiring market, jobs are still found more frequently through networking than submitting dozens of applications, career coaches, recruiters and human-resources executives said.

“Making one phone call to a former colleague, sending a connection request on LinkedIn to somebody that you admire, going to [an online job fair] and chatting with a recruiter—that is moving your job search forward,” said Ms. Pollak.

The beginning of the year offers the perfect excuse to reach out to people in your network to check in and catch up, said Alisa Cohn, an executive coach who also advises companies on recruitment and other talent matters. Simply mentioning that you are job hunting can be sufficient to move the conversation forward.

“You should step back and be thoughtful about what company you want to work for, think about who you know who loves their job, and why,” she says.

Get a new job without quitting.

If a significant percentage of your co-workers have left, now could be a great time to push for a promotion or a raise, or to find an entirely new job within your current organization—especially if it is performing well financially.

“If you’re happy, there is value in being the one who stays and doubles down,” said Ms. Pollak, who warns workers she talks to not to job hunt simply because it is a trend.

Don’t expect your organization to automatically reward you for staying. You need to be vocal and direct, requesting time for a “stay conversation”—the inverse of an exit interview—to discuss your prospects at the company and highlight your contributions, Ms. Pollak said.

 

WSJ.com | January 3, 2022 |  

#JobSearch : Gaps in Employment? Here’s What to do on your Resume & LinkedIn. An Employment Gap isn’t a Death Sentence. A MUst REad!

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The last couple of years have seen an unprecedented number of individuals unemployed. This has led to a greater amount of grace given to those with gaps in employment on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Whether you have a gap due to the Covid pandemic, or another reason, such as taken time off to raise a family, care for a sick family member, or seek further education, employment gaps are more and more common these days.

If you are now ready to re-enter the workforce and trying to address this glaring gap, don’t fear. Here are some ways to speak to this time and still find the job you desire.

Don’t Ever Lie About Unemployment

It is commonly understood that employers aren’t thrilled when they see an employment gap on a resume, but how you address it can make the matter better or worse. Regardless of the reason for the time difference between jobs, you always have to be honest when asked a question about it. A potential employer will see right through you if you fabricate a story about the gap, and it could cost you the job. The motto, “Honesty is the best policy” is true in this case. Be honest with the employer about the reason for the time off, but focus on what you learned that will benefit THEM! Speak to how this will make you a better employee and performer.

 

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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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

Article continued …

If Possible, Fill the Gaps

If you hire an executive resume writer, they are experienced in ideas to downplay a gap in employment, without exactly hiding it. However, a gap is a gap! If you are faced with unemployment, make use of the time so you can justify it when you do have to seek employment again. Consider taking classes online, obtaining further education, such as certifications or licensing. Find freelance or temporary work—even volunteering is a great way to fill in the gap. Being able to show a potential employer what you did during a gap, other than binge watching the latest season of X, will speak to your initiative to continuing growing and learning.

 

Make Quality Connections And Demonstrate Your Expertise

During a time of unemployment, it’s the perfect time to work on your network and make new, quality connections, as well. Create a schedule to reach out to your current network daily, and make a decision to connect with a certain number of new connections each week. You can also research companies you would like to work for, once you do re-enter the job market. This is also the time to refresh your LinkedIn profile. Take the time to review other’s profiles who have similar positions to ones you are interested in. See what types of skills they have, certifications, etc. This will give you something to work toward so you are ready when it’s time to go back to work.

An employment gap isn’t a death sentence. Be proactive about how to use the time to effectively to prepare you for the time you want to work again.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – January 6, 2022

 

#YourCareer : More People Quit to Take a New Job From an Old Boss. Great & Interesting Read!

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Workers who want better pay and more flexible schedules are finding new jobs in a surprising but familiar place: their old organizations.

An increasing number of people, often dubbed boomerangs, are returning to companies they once worked for. Some left and worked at another firm for a time, while others simply left a company expecting to never come back. Now, many are returning and in some cases even working for their former bosses.

The situation can be mutually beneficial to employees and companies. For workers, many have been able to secure a higher salary and a promotion with elevated responsibilities. Employers have the opportunity to bring back proven workers, quickly. This is particularly beneficial now as many companies struggle to fill jobs.

“Employers should be thinking about, ‘OK, in the last two years who left and who would we want back?’ ” said Cammas Freeman, founder of a recruiting firm in Boise, Idaho.

Ms. Freeman said she is increasingly hearing from candidates who were laid off, or otherwise affected by the pandemic, who are considering a return now that the company they left is thriving again.

Victoria Hallas wasn’t dissatisfied with her employer, engineering and design firm WSP Global Inc., WSP 0.35% when she left in June 2020. But the project manager wanted to work on offshore-wind projects, and WSP didn’t have any of those roles at the time. Another engineering firm did. Her new boss also accommodated Ms. Hallas, 32 years old, when she returned to work in January 2021 after the birth of a child and wanted to work part-time for a while.

 

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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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Still, Ms. Hallas said she felt passed over for leadership opportunities and started job-hunting again over the summer. As she networked, a contact at her old firm asked whether she would be interested in coming back. During negotiations about a new job at WSP, a female executive encouraged her to think carefully about her worth, so she was direct in asking for the offshore-wind role she wanted and was granted a bump in pay and title.

“It felt like a step forward professionally, even though it was going back to an old company,” said Ms. Hallas, who returned to WSP at the end of November.

LinkedIn data shows that boomerang workers have increased across the companies on its platform this year, with tens of thousands more people returning to old employers. Boomerangs accounted for 4.5% of all new hires among companies on the professional networking website in 2021, according to LinkedIn, up from 3.9% over the same period in 2019.

LinkedIn has embraced its own boomerangs this year, with the site doubling the number of new hires who were also former employees compared with 2019. The company has long leveraged its alumni network as a source for hiring and referrals, maintaining an active group for former employees on its platform and extending referral bonuses to alumni. This fall, LinkedIn more deliberately targeted ads for new roles at that group and has actively encouraged alums to return.

‘It felt like a step forward professionally, even though it was going back to an old company.’

                                                                                                                      — Victoria Hallas, a project manager who returned to engineering firm WSP

Enticing workers back says a lot about what an attractive workplace your company is, said Jennifer Shappley, vice president of global talent acquisition at LinkedIn.

“People who know your culture and have been a part of it who might have gone somewhere else but come back is an important message,” she said.

After one of MuteSix Chief Revenue Officer Greg Gillman’s direct reports resigned this fall, his first instinct was to wonder how a top performer who had left the digital marketing agency earlier this year was enjoying her new job.

When the most recent departure occurred, he was concerned about how long it would take to fill the job, so he reached out to his former report to see whether she was up for chatting about returning to the agency. As it turned out, her new job—which offered her the chance to work in a different field—was good, but not great. Mr. Gillman offered her a bigger role, running a department and managing the company’s partnership channel. She rejoined MuteSix with more pay and a promotion in November.

“If you have a role to fill and you really enjoyed working with someone, reach back out,” he said.

James Nicholson started his career at International Business Machines Corp. IBM -0.19% immediately after graduating from college in the 1990s and moved through the company tackling different sales and marketing roles at IBM’s campus near Toronto for nearly a decade, before leaving to explore other roles in technology. One day this fall he heard about an enticing high-level sales role at IBM; the following day he spoke with a recruiter.

“Deep in my heart, there’s always a soft spot for IBM,” said Mr. Nicholson, who started his new IBM job in November after a 17-year absence. His orientation class of about a dozen new hires included three returning IBM employees. Though he started remotely, he will eventually return to the office where he began his first job.

“It’s going to be like a homecoming kind of experience going back to the hallways where I was in my 20s. I have friends that are still there that I’ve just reached out to on Slack,” he said, joking, “I don’t even know—which part of the cafeteria do they hang out in?”

WSJ.com | December 15, 2021 | 

 

#JobSearch : Seven (7) Outdated Pieces of Job Search Advice. Great Quick REad!

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There are times in life when people may give you unsolicited advice, like when you’re searching for a job or early on in your career. It seems that everyone you meet is suddenly a career coach with wisdom to share. And while some of the unsought advice we receive is actually quite useful, some of it can be less useful and even outdated.

While the advice-giver means well, here are some outdated pieces of job search advice to look out for and what you should do instead.

1. Your resume should be only one page long.

Unless you’re fresh out of college or have minimal experience, it’s okay to have a two-page resume. In fact, a two-page resume is often your best bet!

That said, if you don’t have enough work history to fill two pages (or even one full page), don’t fill it with excess fluff. Instead, focus on customizing your resume (and cover letter) with keywords from the job posting to help explain why you’re the perfect person for the job.

2. Include every job you’ve ever had on your resume to present a complete account of your professional history.

While two pages is the preferred resume length, there may be times when you have to go to three pages, and that’s okay. However, the only time you would use a three-page resume is when everything on your resume is relevant to your career. That often doesn’t happen until late in your career.

Even if every single thing on your resume is relevant to your career and the job you’re applying for, you still may be better off with a two-page resume.

Though your early high school jobs may show how you got your start in customer service, is it really still relevant to your work history, or is it just eating up valuable space on your resume? Consider ditching the early jobs in favor of filling that space with more recent and in-depth examples of why you’re perfect for the role.

 

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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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

3. When your interviewer asks about your weaknesses, offer a positive framed as a weakness.

While this sounds like a good idea in theory, in practice, it often isn’t. There’s a chance you’ll come across as arrogant or lacking self-awareness about your true weaknesses.

The key to answering this question is honesty. Acknowledging that you have a weakness and are aware of it goes a long way toward showing the hiring manager you are willing to examine what you’re good and not good at, as well as mature enough to admit it.

As part of your interview prep, ask yourself what your greatest weakness is, then come up with an answer that explains what you’ve done or are doing to overcome it.

4. Write your resume and cover letter using formal language.

Sometimes this is the correct advice and sometimes it’s not.

Part of any job search involves researching the company and its culture before applying for the job and interviewing with the company. As you write your cover letter and resume, use language that matches the tone and voice of the company or industry you’re applying to, which, in turn, helps demonstrate that you’re a great fit for the company.

For example, if you’re applying to a corporate finance job with a traditional bank, you may want to use more formal language. But if you’re applying to a disruptive tech startup, you’ll likely use less formal, more casual but still professional language.

5. Include an objective at the top of your resume. And don’t forget to mention that you have references available upon request. And include a photo.

These three things used to be almost mandatory on a resume. But like almost everything else we’ve listed here, this is now outdated job search advice.

Instead of an objective, include a resume summary or summary of qualifications. These few sentences capture the essential reasons why an employer should hire you.

As for references, employers assume you have them, so there’s no reason to mention them. And no one includes a picture on their resume anymore. In fact, including a picture could land your resume in the trash. Instead, add a photo to your LinkedIn profile.

6. Always wear a suit to an interview.

This advice also falls into the “sometimes right” category.

What you wear to an interview depends on where you’re interviewing. Thanks to your research, you’ll know if the company is all suits and ties or shorts and T-shirts, so dress accordingly.

That said, if the company does appear to be shorts and T-shirts, you’re better off dressing slightly up instead of trying to match the office look. While flip-flops and concert tees may be the company “dress code,” it’s best to wait until after you have the job to start dressing that way. Dressing up for an interview, even if it’s khakis and a collared shirt, shows the company that you’re serious about the interview and the job.

7. Stay at a job for several years and don’t bounce from job to job.

While older generations could count on staying at the same company for decades and often did, this is no longer the case.

Sticking around in a job that makes you miserable does neither you nor the employer any good. So, if it isn’t working out, it may be time for you to restart your job search, even if you haven’t been there for very long.

Likewise, if you’ve been in a job for a few years but are bored by it or no longer believe in the company’s mission, you may want to start looking around for a job too.

Lastly, people that hop from job to job or even career to career are no longer viewed with suspicion, as long as they can explain why they job hop and how said hopping would benefit the employer.

Staying Up to Date

Like most things, job search advice changes with the times. What works today may not work next year, next month, or even next week. That’s where a career coach can help out!

The FlexJobs career coaching team stays up to date on the best in job search and career advice. Members get deeply discounted career coaching rates. Join FlexJobs today and get the latest in job search advice. Take the tour to learn more.

Take the Tour

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FSC Career Blog Author:   Brie Weiler Reynolds, Career Development Manager
FSC Career Blog – December 29, 2021
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#YourCareer : The Value of Personal Branding for Executives. Benefits you May Not have Considered when Thinking about your Own Personal Brand.

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Once someone reaches the level of executive, they may not see the value or importance of focusing on their brand, though there are differing view on this. Some see it as the best way to show who they really are and the value they brand, while others see it as being overly self-promoting. If your views fall into the latter category, then it’s important to understand personal branding for senior level managers is about much more than simply self-promotion.

Here are some benefits you may not have considered when thinking about your own personal brand.

Pinpoint Your Skills for Career Fulfillment

Many executives focus on c-level personal branding because it helps them learn more about themselves. Personal branding is about knowing your skills and what you have to offer to an organization. You may want to be a leader, but if you become increasingly uncomfortable when put into leadership roles, you may soon realize that your personality and skillset isn’t reflective of this trait. On the other hand, you may thrive when unexpectedly thrust into a position of leading others. The point is, when personal branding is at the forefront of your mind, you can learn a lot about yourself and ultimately, experience a more fulfilling and successful career as a result.

 

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 @

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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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

 

Determine Your Company Culture Fit

With employees focusing more on being happy in the workplace, the concept of culture is becoming even more important. If your personal brand involves interacting with co-workers and constantly collaborating as a team, then you probably won’t want to work for a company where the employees sit in their offices all day without coming out. Focusing on c-level personal branding can help you clearly identify which type of culture you belong in. Researching company culture, mission, and values is critical during a job search to ensure you find your fit.

 

Build on Your Strengths And Improve Your Weaknesses

By the time you reach executive-level positions, you likely know what your main strengths and weaknesses. But chances are, you will discover even more as your career progresses and you take on more responsibilities. When you truly prioritize c-level personal branding, you can reflect on how your strengths can bring value to the table. It’s also important to evaluate and understand your weaknesses, improving on them. Neither is possible without understanding your personal brand.

 

Become An Established Leader

Executives need to be go-to people for others within a company and even outside the company. Understanding why people seek you out is crucial in determining your personal branding. It is also important when crafting your LinkedIn profile. When people view your LinkedIn profile, they should be able to clearly see your leadership qualities and see you as a valuable resource. If yours doesn’t show those qualities, then it may be time to work with an executive LinkedIn profile writer to help show your brand.

Professional Resume Services sees c-level personal branding as much more than just self-promotion. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. Sure, you have to tell people why you are valuable in order to promote your brand, but there are many more benefits to personal branding than just making yourself look good. To learn more about the concept of personal branding and some strategies to go with it, feel free to reach out to us at any time.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:   Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – December 28, 2021

 

Happy Holidays to You & Yours ! Team Members of FSC LinkedIn Network. Visit our Most Read (over 20K hits) Career Blogs @ #BestofFSCBlog

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Best One Site for all Articles/Blogs for Today’s Career Search, Resumes, Networking, Social Media Training, Career Direction, etc. 

                                                                                                        Visit us: www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog

 

The Team here at FSC LinkedIn Network would like to wish you/yours a                       Wonderful Christmas & a Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous 2022!

 

Here are some areas to explore & to participate into 2022:

a- Most Read Article (over 60K+ reads):    How to Get a Job. Tons of Articles/Links! A Must REad! One Stop Read with these Job Search Tips and Tricks, you’ll Score a New Job in No Time.   https://www.firstsun.com/2019/05/29/careeradvice-jobsearch-how-to-get-a-job-tons-of-articles-links-a-must-read/

b- FSC Career Module: You have access to our ‘Award Winning’ FSC Career Modules’. This site has over 30 career modules that are short (less than 5 min), interactive, & informative. Take a ‘sneak peek’ :     www.firstsun.com/category/fsc-career-modules

c- FSC Career Network (under my name, Chris G. Laughter): This is a free/open network that gives you access to daily/up to date articles on Jobs, your Career, Resumes, & Job Search. Simply connect @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

d- FSC LinkedIn Groups: It is very important that you connect/network with those in your industry. It is also the space where you will find many recruiters in your industry, network with decision makers in your field & more importantly access to their ‘Job Boards’.  Below are some major Groups: (Join & Participate)

 

– Harvard Business Review: Over 1.6 million members:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3044917/

 

–Premium Career Network: Largest access to recruiters on the internet. Over 1 million:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3926212/

 

– Lean Six Sigma: Largest Manufacturing Community – https://www.linkedin.com/groups/37987/

 

– Execute Suite: Largest executive community – https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1426/

 

As you can see, you have access to the best tools for ‘today’s job search’ above, however this is useless & has no value unless you participate/join. We hope you take the time to explore & please do not hesitate to call upon me or anyone from our FSC Team Members.

 

our best to you,

 

Chris G. Laughter & the First Sun Team,  First Sun Consulting, LLC – Outplacement Services, www.firstsun.com

 

 

 

#JobSearch : The Art of the Cover Letter. Cover Letters Can and Will Separate you from the Crowd into 2022 !

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This isn’t a discussion about whether or not you need a cover letter. Always err on the side of caution and include one if it is an option.

            Question: How do you stand out?

So…with that out of the way! Cover letters can be a powerful tool if used correctly. Writing a targeted cover letter for each company you are applying to could be the difference between getting an interview or not.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when crafting yours.

 

Don’t Rewrite Your Resume

Too often, people think their cover letter should simply be a summary of their resume. It is, in fact, an introduction from yourself to your reader. The hiring manager already has your resume, so it’s a waste of time to simply rewrite it. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the company’s needs and follow it immediately with how you can meet those needs. Your language in your cover letter doesn’t necessarily have to be as formal as the resume, but it shouldn’t be as informal as something like your LinkedIn profile.

 

Don’t Use A Generic One

Hiring managers read hundreds of cover letters every month, and they will be able to spot duplicates. They can also identify a generic letter, that doesn’t have anything to do with the position you are applying for or the company itself. They are looking for your specific skills, as well as how you think they fit into what they need. If you just make general statements about how companies today need what you have to offer, there’s a higher chance of your cover letter and resume getting tossed to the side and never really considered.

 

Choose A Few Skills To Match The Job Requirements

Be selective about your top skills that match the position and focus on those in your cover letter. Connect the dots from your skills to the company’s pain points. You want them to leave remembering your key achievements and skills, so keep it short and sweet. A couple of paragraphs and bullets will do the trick. You can discuss your other skills in the interview.

 

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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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Be Personal

Don’t forget to show some personality and grab their attention in the first sentence, drawing them in. Make sure the letter is addressed to someone specific. We have enough information at our finger tips to find a name, either through a company website or LinkedIn. If all else fails, make a phone call and ask for the name (and spelling) of the hiring manager.

Invite Interaction

Don’t leave out a call-to-action in the last paragraph. Show your genuine interest position. List your contact information, so they can easily reach out. Be sure to include a Link to your LinkedIn profile, since they will be looking for it anyway. Let them know when you will follow up and then DO it!

Professional Resume Services is a cover letter writing service that also focuses extensively on resumes, LinkedIn, and many other aspects of job searches today. Cover letters have never been more important, so crafting the perfect one will give your job hunt a nice boost. We understand it’s not always quick and easy to write a cover letter, so feel free to contact us if you need assistance with yours.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – December 20, 2021

 

#JobSearch : How to Target Your Resume Get Noticed. Your Tactic of Sending Out Hundreds of Resumes to Various Companies Rarely Works!

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If your job search plan includes blindly sending out hundreds of resumes to various companies…don’t waste your time. That tactic rarely works!! Companies can receive hundreds of applicants to any given job posting every single day, so they won’t waste their time reading a generic resume. Hiring managers can spot a generic resume a mile away or one written using an online template 😬.

When writing a professional resume today, targeting the specific company you’re submitting your resume to will help yours stand out. A hiring manager will notice and appreciate the homework you’ve done on the company, and they’ll take a closer look at the value you bring to the table.

Here are other ways your research of companies will pay off in your job search.

Tap Into The Hidden Job Market

When you have a list of a few companies you’d consider working for, do as much research on them as you possibly can before writing a professional resume. Follow them on social media to get to know what they stand for and any future plans they have. The hidden job market simply means jobs aren’t posted online or anywhere else.

Candidates may find out about these jobs at networking events or through other connections. Once you’ve researched the companies of interest, tap into this hidden job market by reaching out to current employees to understand what challenges they face and what value you bring to the table. This is where LinkedIn can be a great resource. Look for connections you may have to people that work there. Ask for your network to make an introduction. This is how it works, folks!!

 

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Identify The Company’s Challenges

One key to writing resumes that get you hired is identifying the company’s specific challenges, so you can offer a solution. After connecting with a decision-maker at the company, find out what unique challenges they have. If you have addressed any of these in your past employment, include this in your resume and/or cover letter. If you have done it in the past, you will be able to repeat it in the future. Be sure to include both hard and soft skills when you create your resume, pointing to how well you would fit into the company culture and handle day-to-day tasks.

 

Differentiate Yourself By Offering Unique Value

Any executive resume writing expert will stress the importance of differentiating yourself. One of the best ways to do so is by talking to other higher-level employees at the specific companies you’re targeting. Take note of what they say works well in their organization, as well as what they are working on to improve. Incorporate a mix of those points when writing a professional resume will help yours stand out among the rest.

Professional Resume Services is here to point you in the right direction when it comes to executive resume writing. We take the time to ensure every word on your resume matters, and will go to great lengths to help your resume stand out. If you’re in need of help getting started with researching companies, writing your resume, preparing for an interview or any other step in the job search process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – December 9, 2021

 

#JobSearch : Curiosity Is The Hot New Skill: 5 Ways To Set Yourself Apart In Your Job Search . Studies show 40% of People are Thinking about Leaving their Current Employer. Interesting REad!

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There are plenty of new career opportunities on the horizon and the employment market is especially hot—so it’s a great time to be looking for a new job, a new company or a new role.

According to some studies, 40% of people are thinking about leaving their current employer. In addition, research by Oracle and Workplace Intelligence showed 85% of people are unsatisfied with their current employer and 83% are ready to make a change. A study from Visier showed that in fact, 32% of people have already left jobs.

All this means that in addition to opportunity, there is also a lot of competition—so you’ll need to distinguish yourself. Highlighting your curiosity may be the way to do it, according to new research.

Curiosity Is Critical Now

If you’re looking for a great new role, managers are looking for you—and they’re struggling to find the right people. According to a recent SAS study of almost 2,000 leaders across five industries and six countries, 62% say it’s tough to find those with technical skills and 60% report they have a hard time finding those with the personal attributes they need (think: curiosity).

 

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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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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

Article continued …

Curiosity is emerging as a critical trait. The impulse to seek new information, explore new experiences and discover novel possibilities is valuable in many ways, and it is gaining significant traction as a go-to capability. LinkedIn data shows posts which mention curiosity are up 71% and when there is a discussion of curiosity, engagement with those posts has increased 158% from 2020 to 2021. In addition, job postings which mention the need for curiosity have increased 90%.

According to the SAS study, managers also believe curiosity is critical with 72% reporting they believe it’s a valuable trait and 51% saying it has become more important over time. Leaders also believe it drives business impact (59%) and better performance (51%).

Curiosity is also a trait that is relevant no matter what kind of role you have. Leaders in the SAS study believe it’s important for c-suite executives (58%), directors and department leaders (56%), mid-level managers (51%) and entry-level employees (53%).

 

How to Set Yourself Apart

But with all the competition for jobs, it won’t be enough to just say you’re curious, you’ll also need to connect your curiosity with your impact and the business outcomes you’ll drive. Here’s how to emphasize your curiosity in ways that matter most to hiring leaders (all the following data is from the SAS study):

  • Highlight your effectiveness. According to the study, 62% of leaders believe curiosity is associated with greater efficiency and productivity. Describe the ways your curiosity drives your desire to get better all the time, improve your methods and deliver results.
  • Highlight your innovation. Leaders also believe curiosity is associated with creative thinking (62%), development of new solutions (62%), the ability to tackle complex problems (55%). In your interview, tell stories about how your curiosity inspires you to think in new ways and find novel solutions to problems. Give examples of where your innovative approaches have affected positive results in your previous work.
  • Highlight your teamwork. There is also a belief among 58% of managers that curiosity is related to effective collaboration and teamwork. And being a team player is always an in-demand attribute. Curiosity is linked with empathy which, in turn, is linked with positive relationships. When you’re truly curious about others, you ask questions, seek to understand their point of view and learn from them. All of these contribute to effective collaboration—you appreciate colleagues, and it contributes to bringing multiple points of view together and working effectively to deliver on shared goals. Make a case for the ways your curiosity affects the constructive relationships you build with colleagues.
  • Highlight your resilience. Leaders (56%) also see a connection between curiosity and adaptability. It makes sense that when you’re faced with new situations and ambiguity—which promise to be on the horizon for years to come—curiosity can help get you through. Wondering, inquiring and discovering new approaches contribute to the ability to reinvent and reimagine when things change. Moving into an uncertain future of work, you’ll want to share examples of how your curiosity has inspired you to make changes, adapt and flex in order to thrive.
  • Highlight your commitment. Leaders (58%) also believe curiosity is related to greater engagement and satisfaction. In addition, the data suggests when people report greater curiosity, they are more likely to be engaged and satisfied with their work compared with less curious counterparts (71% compared with 54%) and they are more likely to feel motivated to go above and beyond (70% compared with 39%). This kind of commitment, effort and engagement will set you apart. In your discussions, talk about how curiosity keeps you interested, involved and invigorated with your work—and how this drives you to demonstrate meaningful results.

In Sum

The opportunity for career growth today is significant and now is the time to find work that is inspiring and meaningful—in your current company or a new organization. The trait of curiosity may be one of the most powerful ways you can rise above other candidates. Tell stories, give examples and articulate all the ways you’re curious, creative, collaborative, effective, flexible and committed. These will drive your success toward a new job, but more importantly, they’ll drive your own happiness, motivation and satisfaction.

 

Forbes.com | December 5, 2021 |  Tracy Brower

#YourCareer : How to Be Productive at Work During the Holidays. Here are Some Ways that you can Stay Motivated during the Holiday Season.

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful….but you’re stuck inside an office building collating papers all day while your boss and their family jets off to sunny beaches for the week. It can be depressing, especially when you look outside and see nothing but gray skies.

During the end of the year rush, a lot of employees will save their vacation time to use during the holiday season, and while people are out of the office on vacation, it becomes very important to try and stay motivated in an empty office building.

Here are some ways that you can stay motivated during the holiday season:

Clean your office

Take some time and go through your office area, closet, filing cabinet, desk tops, email inbox, whatever and make sure what items you need or which can be discarded. Cleaning is a great distraction from everyday boredom, so find some time for your office.

 

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, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Schedule business meetings during slow times

You can invite potential or current clients to your office during the holiday season. The business meeting can be as formal or informal as you like, but make sure you stack the place with plenty of refreshments. You can serve finger foods or have a local restaurant cater the lunch. Whatever you do, do not spike the eggnog.

Planning for next year

A lot of businesses are given a yearly budget to spend before the year is up, and leftover funds cannot be rolled over into next year, so they are lost. If you act quickly, you can build relationships with these companies and then hit them up for business as the end of the year comes, they will have excess cash that will not be around for the New Year, so why not spend it now?

Review your marketing or business expansion plan

Take a look at your goals and see which ones have been accomplished and find dates of completion for your other plans. If you have any unfinished goals, you can add them to the list for next year. The end of the year gets many people worried about next year, but this is your chance to be one step ahead.

Go to every networking or holiday event

When the holidays are in season, you can bet there will be holiday parties. But while others are busy socializing, you can be busy building relationships with people you meet at these events. Keep your eyes open because you never know when you’ll pick up a new client.

Offer close out deals

If you are a small business, discount prices and packages for existing clients, or even new clients, as a great way to form alliances with a strategic business. Deals allow you to reach that one tough client you’ve been trying to get and at this time of the year, a lot of bosses want to look good on the bottom line.

Switch it up and do something different every day

Have coffee from somewhere new or just add two sugars instead of one. No matter what it is, just try something new. Break up the monotony.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – December 4, 2021