#JobNetworking : 5 Unconventional Networking Tactics That Actually Work. Note: Over 87% Jobs are Found thru Networking. Great Read.

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Building connections can be challenging, especially if you’re just starting your job hunt or trying to expand your professional circle. The numbers tell the story: a 2021 study revealed that personal and professional networks decreased by 16%, which reflects the growing difficulty many experience.

Let’s face it—networking is often easier said than done. Your typical events can feel faked and forced, making it hard to find genuine conversations. Why not shake things up by exploring outside the usual? Here’s a rundown of five inventive strategies for growing your network, especially if conventional methods aren’t your style.

Check Out Niche Social Media Groups

Although social media itself isn’t new, many platforms now feature niche groups that can open doors for networking. You can create genuine connections in smaller, more specialized communities on Reddit, Discord, and Facebook Groups by answering questions, offering to help, and sharing your thoughts. Furthermore, this can help show your value and establish you as a trusted community member.

Adding interactive micro-content to your social media posts, such as polls on Instagram Stories or LinkedIn, is another approach to elevate your networking. These are fantastic for sparking more active and personal conversations. Also, try jumping into Twitter chats or even hosting your own. These live, topic-driven discussions are a great way to demonstrate your expertise and connect with people who share your interests.

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

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

 

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

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

 

Article continued …

Keep Learning

Continuing education offers plenty of opportunities for lasting connections. Whether you’re taking a course, attending a webinar, or participating in a workshop, these learning activities bring together people with a common goal of expanding their knowledge. You can build strong relationships with others while discussing, working on projects, and solving problems.

These connections go beyond the classroom and offer new perspectives, potential collaborations, and mutual support. Aside from networking, continuing education keeps you updated on the latest industry trends and skills, strengthening your position in your professional community.

You can start by figuring out what you’re into or what skills you want to learn. Look for relevant classes, workshops, or conferences through professional groups, community organizations, or platforms such as Coursera, Eventbrite, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. Don’t just observe—get involved! Ask questions, participate in discussions, and connect with new people.

Engage Others Through Your Content

Instead of always looking for connections, try making content that attracts people. Creating short articles or sharing insights on hot topics in your industry can get attention and grow your network. You don’t have to be a professional writer—just somebody who knows their stuff and can articulate it effectively. Putting out valuable content can start many interactions and help people remember you.

Begin by figuring out what issues or trends your audience cares about. Then, create content that provides solutions or fresh insights. Share it on LinkedIn, Medium, or your blog, and promote it on your social channels. Engage with people who comment or share your posts, turning those into meaningful conversations. You can develop an organic network built around your expertise by consistently following these steps.

Explore Other Circles

If events within your industry are starting to feel bland, it may be time to look into similar or altogether unrelated fields. Going beyond your usual circle can help you develop fresh ideas and get those creative juices flowing. You might learn new methods, strategies, or concepts that give you a competitive advantage.

Networking at these events can lead to unique partnerships. You might meet someone with skills that complement your own, opening up opportunities for really cool collaborations that neither of you would have explored on your own.

When you get out there and mingle, you’ll also meet experts with different backgrounds and viewpoints, helping you broaden your horizons. For instance, a marketing strategist might gain new insights by attending an event on data analytics, or a product designer could find inspiration at a conference focused on behavioral psychology.

Volunteer Strategically

Supporting a cause comes with some fantastic benefits. First off, giving back to a community or organization that matters to you is rewarding in and of itself. Plus, many leaders engage in community work through charities, making it a fantastic way to meet other driven individuals aligned with your values and passion.

Some employers also view extensive community involvement positively on resumes. In fact, a study by Deloitte found that 82% of those involved in hiring said that listing volunteer experience in a resume makes it more appealing. Even if you aren’t actively networking, mentioning your volunteer work on your resume or portfolio can help you improve your professional image.

To make the most of volunteering, pick a nonprofit or cause that aligns with your ideals and interests. Consider offering your time or professional expertise to support their mission. For instance, many small organizations could use a hand with event planning, bookkeeping, social media, or IT.

As you become more involved, joining committees and boards is the next step in improving your networking game. Sometimes, you might need an invite, but you’ll get noticed if you put in the work and build relationships.

Networking doesn’t have to be by the traditional playbook. You can foster professional relationships anywhere, and these creative strategies can make it more exciting. By thinking outside the box, you can turn your professional connections into meaningful relationships and find new avenues for growth and fulfillment in your career and personal life.

Forbes.com | August 21, 2024 | Sho Dewan

#JobSearch : How To Do The Impossible And Land A Job Without Contacts. Start Building Your Network Now! A Must REad!

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You’ve probably heard the famous catchphrase, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” Many people think it’s impossible to get a job without contacts. While referrals are generally four times more likely to be hired than other candidates, it is still possible to land a role without any connections. It just takes a bit of additional planning and preparation.

First, remember that it’s never too late to grow your network. You don’t need to be one of those people with an enormous list of contacts. It’s more beneficial to focus on the quality of your network than the number of people in your virtual Rolodex.

To get a job without contacts, approach your search strategically. That means leaning into your skills, qualifications and personality. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these practical approaches will help you get noticed and hired at a top company.

Focus Your Job Search

Your job search needs to be well thought out and intentional. So, the initial step is to have a specific idea of the role you’re looking for. Narrow your selection down to a list of companies and job titles. Because job titles vary across organizations and industries, you may need to broaden your search parameters to include additional roles. At that point, you can set up job alerts to receive ongoing notifications for relevant positions.

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Article continued …

Start Building Your Network

If you just graduated from college or are thinking of changing careers, building your network from scratch might be necessary. To begin, start with who you know, including family and friends. A great way to meet new people is to join your local college alum group. Some additional places to connect with individuals to add to your network include:

  • Trade shows
  • Athletic events
  • Volunteer gatherings
  • Seminars and conventions
  • Professional association meetings

Of course, in-person events are not the only place to expand your network. For online networking, LinkedIn is the ideal platform. Start by optimizing your profile and connecting with people who share mutual interests. Join LinkedIn groups and participate in virtual events. Finally, once you gain traction, create content to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. You will set yourself apart in a crowded professional marketplace by positioning yourself as an expert.

Leverage Professional Services

When you’re struggling to get a job without contacts, it helps to seek professional help. A career coach specializes in helping you on your journey of self-discovery. Many people wait to hire a coach until they are middle managers. But having a coach early on can help accelerate your career. To find someone reputable, coaching associations like the International Coaching Federation or International Association of Coaching are great resources. You also might explore a virtual coaching platform like BetterUp or CoachUp. In the end, take your time to find the right person. Most coaching engagements last several months, and you’ll want to find someone trustworthy to whom you feel comfortable opening up.

Lean On References

A professional reference is someone you trust, like a manager, co-worker, client or vendor, who can attest to your expertise and integrity. Don’t overlook recommendations from people at volunteer organizations you’ve been involved with. Even someone who worked for you might be a good choice. Once you have a list of references, contact them early in your job search to ensure they are willing to recommend you. If they agree, give them specifics about the role and remind them of any achievements you would like to highlight. Be sure to prepare them before being contacted by the employer. Afterward, don’t forget to thank your references and inform them of the outcome.

Use A Storytelling Approach

Unlike a traditional bullet-pointed resume, a storytelling or narrative resume communicates your experience and qualifications more effectively. The format is creative and engaging because it uses paragraphs and descriptive language to make your value to an employer come to life. A key advantage to a narrative resume is that it helps the recruiter better understand your competencies while illustrating why you would make an ideal candidate. Not only is the format more memorable, but it also does a better job of communicating your career history and achievements cohesively.

Don’t let a lack of connections discourage you from applying for a position. While it can be intimidating, it’s not impossible to get a job without contacts. Sometimes, taking the initiative, knowing your worth and using a focused strategy is enough.

 

Forbes.com | August 18, 2024 | Caroline Castrillon

#JobInterview : Didn’t Feel A Connection With The Interviewer?…Here’s What To Do. Great REad!

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You start with small talk pleasantries, but the interviewer is all business. You crack a joke about your upcoming weekend plans, and the interviewer doesn’t laugh. The interview is strictly question-and-answer, more like an interrogation than a conversation. These are some examples of how a job interview might feel impersonal as if you didn’t sufficiently develop a connection with the interviewer.

However, if you don’t feel a rapport with the person on the opposite side of the job interview, it might not matter.

Connecting With The Interviewer Is Just One Factor

Likeability matters, so it’s worthwhile to try and develop a connection with the interviewer. Master the small talk in the beginning of job interviews, networking calls and other business meetings. Smile, make eye contact and nod in agreement as the interviewer is speaking. Have questions to ask the interviewer so you establish a two-way dialogue.

That said, there are other important criteria beyond connection in deciding who moves on to callback interviews and the ultimate job offer. Promote yourself as the best match for the job with specific accomplishments that match what you would be doing on the job. Show your fit to the company with examples of when you worked in similar environments – e.g., companies of a similar size, industry and culture. Prove your genuine interest by having reviewed the job description, company website and recent industry news.

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

Article continued …

Assume The Positive Until You Hear Otherwise

Send a thank you note after the interview. Follow up with the recruiter (or whoever is your main point of contact for the hiring process). Keep in touch with this interviewer — treat them as a new member of your network that you will nurture. Continue to look for additional people within the company to advance your application or open doors to other opportunities.

Do not just write off this job opening because you didn’t hit it off with one interviewer. There are typically multiple decision-makers for the ultimate hiring decision. Even if this interviewer is the most influential, you can’t know for sure that you didn’t connect. Some interviewers don’t show much emotion, are difficult to read, or are distracted which makes them seem disinterested. Second-guessing your interview performance doesn’t impact the outcome and will only drive you crazy.

Don’t Let One Interview Diminish Your Enthusiasm

You don’t only want to keep your application to the company alive, but you also want to keep your own interest level high. Don’t move the company down your priority list just because of one encounter. First of all, you might be reading the interviewer incorrectly – maybe you did make a positive connection. Secondly, there will be others at the company you will work with, even if you and this interviewer aren’t a fit (right now, as this might change!). This interviewer is not the culture-bearer of the entire company. Finally, there are other reasons than this interviewer and any colleagues to want this job – the role might be an ideal next career step, the industry might be your dream field, the compensation could be great, you might really need a job right now.

Prepare For Future Interviews That Might Lack Connection

Ideally, you do everything you can to develop rapport (hence the above tips to master small talk, smile, etc.). But if that doesn’t seem to work, make sure you’re such a qualified candidate that it doesn’t matter. Have tangible results to share that match the role. Be prepared for skills testing, if the company uses skills-based hiring. Prepare for popular interview questions (e.g., are you a team player, tell me about yourself).

Always follow up. The interview is just the first meeting. You might be able to nurture a stronger connection over time.

Forbes.com | August 15, 2024 | Caroline Ceniza-Levine

 

#ResumeWriting : Top 10 Resume Trends In 2024: What You Need To Know To Stand Out. Question: Sent Out a Dozen Resumes with No Response?

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Job hunters wonder about how to improve their resume. Mary, a director at a large company, called for help with resume writing because she was losing her job. She said, “I’m sure my resume doesn’t represent me very well. I want it to be impressive, but I’m stumbling on how to create it. I hear people say they send out dozens of resumes with no response, which makes me very anxious. How must I differentiate myself to get an employer’s attention?”

For most people, resume writing is a daunting task. The stakes are high. Yet, you may be unaware of the current resume trends you need to consider. Here are the ten resume trends to understand to help you showcase your uniqueness and capabilities and stand out to an employer.

Self-Marketing. Self-analysis is essential to do before you start writing. Think of your resume as an advertisement trying to get an employer to buy the product, and that product is you. Outline what you are best at doing. Note your top strengths. What are relevant credentials and experience to emphasize? Identify your best accomplishments.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Article continued …

RESULTS. Employers hire you based on your previous achievements and the belief that you can repeat those if they hire you. Each work description must focus on sharing measurable results and outcomes. Be specific. Employers value concrete accomplishments. Emphasize if you made the company money, saved money, started something, made an innovation, or created a new tool, process, system, or program. Incorporate numbers and percentages into your bullet descriptions. Have your most impressive accomplishments and best experience near the top of the description.

Prioritize. Target what is most important to employers. Determine the key elements they seek and tailor your resume to their needs. To identify the key points to highlight, review several relevant job openings. Focus on the top three to five qualifications and duties they advertise for. Incorporate that information into your resume to demonstrate that you have what a potential employer values.

Highlight. Showcase your success. Under your work history, you should use bullet points to create each statement. The most effective way to develop these is to use the formula: Actions = Results, noting what you did and its impact. For example, “Developed and executed a new email fundraising campaign, and the results increased donations by 21%.” Or state the dollar amount if that is impressive.

Keywords. Research the job description, paying close attention to the required skills and qualifications, and align your relevant skills accordingly. Identify the more critical tasks, such as project management or process improvement, and sprinkle these sparingly throughout the resume, especially in the work descriptions and in the summary section. Include any relevant industry terms, too. Don’t try to “keyword stuff” throughout the resume, as the ATS may reject your resume, and a recruiter may disregard it, viewing it as being too generic or lacking.

Action verbs. Under your work descriptions, start each sentence with an action verb. Use words highlighting the skill or accomplishments, such as Led, Drove, Analyzed, Designed, Originated, Implemented, Established, etc. Avoid repetition, and don’t use that same action verb to start a statement within a particular work description. Write the sentence in the past tense, even for your current position.

ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). ATS is a human resources software that works as an online database or a digital filing cabinet when you submit a job application. It’s not very sophisticated and requires search engine optimization. Avoid any creative resume style. Simple formatting is the key to getting through the system’s filters. Eliminate columns, tables, text boxes, headers, footers, graphics, color ink, or PDFs (unless specifically requested).

Qualifications. Employers hire someone with the skillset necessary to succeed in that advertised job. They want a person who is not underqualified or overqualified. Carefully evaluate the role before you hit “apply.” Assess your skills, education, and experience to ensure the job closely fits your background. Refrain from applying for a job if you don’t have 80% of the qualifications required.

Soft skills. These traits help show how you fit into the job role and match the company’s culture. Include appropriate ones to supplement your hard skills. The top soft skills employers value beyond excellent oral and written communication are collaboration, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

Competencies. Employers find no value when you list a lot of competencies, such as project management, team leadership, results-driven, etc., in one section since you aren’t demonstrating exactly where you used these abilities. Avoid creating this section. Instead, inserting these competencies into the work history and summary of qualifications is much more effective. That way, you illustrate how you have that skill and apply it on the job.

 

Forbes.com | August 14, 2024 | Robin Ryan 

 

#HRManagement : 4 Strategies To Mitigate The Rising Trend Of Job Candidate ‘Catfishing’. “Catfishing” is When Candidates Over Rely on AI or Lie on Their Resumes.

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Applying for a new job can be an arduous task, depending on the company and the process they have in place. An unspoken rule for job applicants is to be honest and not be rude during an interview. Many hiring managers reject job applicants when they over rely on AI or lie on their resumes. But the process works both ways. Job seekers have bad experiences, too during the interview process, and 42% of candidates decline offers as a direct result of a bad interview experience. The trend of “catfishing” is often the cause of rejection from either job hunters or hiring managers.

The Rising Workplace Trend Of ‘Catfishing’

“Catfishing” is pretending to be someone else online, and it has become a widespread and well-known challenge in the dating and cyberspace worlds. Now, in the world of work, job candidate “catfishing” is the latest deception facing businesses and hiring managers when it comes to talent acquisition, according to Kara Ayers, Xplor Technologies’ senior vice president of global talent acquisition, total rewards and inclusion.

“Catfishing” occurs when job hunters give fake or rosy information or outright lie to hiring managers. ResumeLab found that 70% of job seekers confess they have lied on their resumes with 37% admitting they lie frequently; 33% have lied once or twice; 15% have considered lying; 15% have never considered lying. Lying rates increase in cover letters and peak during job interviews. The top lies told on resumes are embellishing job titles and responsibilities in general (52%), exaggerating the number of people managed (45%) and overstating length of employment (37%).

“Catfishing” also occurs when job hunters over rely on AI. According to a EduBirdie survey, one in four Gen Z uses AI to supercharge their careers, with 15% crafting better resumes and cover letters. While AI can be a great resource in crafting a resume, under certain circumstances, there are caveats in terms of how far to go when using it. According to Resume Genius career expert Eva Chan, “AI can start the conversation, but it can’t finish it. ChatGPT is a helpful resource in preparing a resume, but it’s critical to be aware of how you use it.”

Overuse of AI can make a resume appear formulaic and impersonal. It can muffle the job seeker’s unique voice and potential. Experts advise that it’s best to use it to improve spelling and grammar without sanitizing your resume at the same time. When job seekers overuse AI and embellish a job title and responsibilities or exaggerate the number of people they managed, the truth usually comes out, and they are immediately rejected for the position. It also can harm their reputation with other recruiters in the same industry.

“Job seekers are using AI to craft their cover letters and resumes, and now many application materials all look the same,” Ayers told me by email. “Some job seekers have even started to use AI when interviewing over video, which is a challenge for global companies who primarily hire remote talent.” She says at Xplor Technologies, most of the fake candidates they’re seeing on video interviews are for tech jobs.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

Article continued …

“Alongside this, those in charge of hiring have seen a notable rise in the number of applications received,” Ayers explains. “At Xplor Technologies, we have experienced a 75% increase in the volume of job applications. We’re attributing part of this surge to job candidates’ AI usage, as many are using AI to robo-apply to hundreds of jobs. All of this makes it harder for employers to avoid being misled by job applicants and to distinguish the truly qualified candidates from the fakes.”

Steps Employers And Hiring Managers Can Take

Ayers describes four steps her organization has implemented to weed out applicants who are using AI for bulk applying-.

1 – Key words and phrases. She described that at the bottom of their job descriptions, they ask the candidate to enter a certain key word or phrase and to place that word or phrase somewhere specific in their application. “If they have read the job description they know to enter a certain word or phrase when applying,” she notes. “If AI is generating the application, it would not decipher this or add those words correctly. We then filter resumes based on who has followed our instructions.”

2- Use of live video interviews. Ayers suggests that business leaders push human resources and hiring managers to use live video interviews more frequently throughout the screening process for each candidate. “Knowing they could prompt generative AI tools to write answers for questions they anticipate getting, hiring managers need to use live calls to gauge each candidate’s enthusiasm and conviction, in addition to assessing their answers—which they may be reading aloud from AI,” she states. “In the age of AI, a candidate’s genuine interest in a job can be more important than their writing samples, which can be generated easily.”

3- Follow-up questions. While consistency and structure are key to ensure fairness when interviewing, Ayers believes it’s helpful to allow for some natural flow and follow up questions that dive deeper into examples of work experience. “Surface level questions are easy for candidates to respond to leveraging AI, even during video interviews,” she says, pointing out the importance of asking follow-up questions that go into more detail about the candidate’s experience and skills. “Never rush or cut corners with this,” she cautions. “And, with the recent uptick in job candidate fraud, employers shouldn’t pull back on key skills testing, either.”

4- The old-fashioned way. “Employers should remember that they can still find promising job candidates the old-fashioned way: by implementing referral programs and incentivizing their workforce to spread the word about open roles,” Ayers suggests.

 

“We know that AI has its benefits for both candidates and employers. Like many organizations, we are just getting started and exploring how best to keep the hiring process authentic, while creating a fair process where both candidates and employers have a healthy balance of using AI,” Ayers concludes. “We are discussing guidelines for our candidates on where we will accept that they use AI and where it is not acceptable. Once we have made those decisions we will publish guidelines on our external career site to provide a level of transparency to those that want to apply for our jobs and work for us.”

 

A Final Word: Job Seekers Can Have ‘Shift Shock’

Job seekers are not the only ones with a pattern of “catfishing.” Some hiring managers are guilty of the deceptive practice, too, giving false descriptions about an open position. Research shows that 70% of hiring managers have lied to job candidates during the recruitment process due to pressure to meet hiring demands and protect company interests, with 35% admitting they frequently engage in this practice.

Job hunters realize they’ve been “catfished” after a hiring manager lies or sugar-coats a position to hook them. Once in the job, they discover the hiring manager presented a picture of the role that doesn’t fit with the daily job tasks. This realization—known as “shift shock—was one of the top 10 workplace trends of 2023, and it has risen in 2024. Shift shock is the realization that a job seeker’s new job isn’t what it was cracked up to be. A Muse Shift Shock Survey found that 72% say they’ve experienced shift shock, and 80% say it’s acceptable to leave a new job before six months if it doesn’t live up to your expectations.

Forbes.com | August 13, 2024 | Bryan Robinson, Ph.D.

#JobInterview : 10 Common Job Interview Questions For 2024. Must Read Before You Go to Your Next Interview!

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Feeling anxious about an upcoming job interview?  If you’ve been out of the job search game for a while and only now find yourself tip-toeing back in due to a recent layoff, or if you are a fresh graduate and you’re seeking to make your career debut with your first degree-relevant job, it’s only natural for you to feel a little overwhelmed and apprehensive about the job interview.

After all, this is your big moment to shine.  You’ve worked hard to ensure that your application made it through to the hiring manager and created a lasting positive impression—one that would persuade them to get to know the person behind the resume and invite you for an interview.

And you’ve been successful thus far. So you should certainly give yourself a pat on the back for your efforts and success.  But now you want to be certain that all your efforts do not go to waste. The worst thing you can do is turn up unprepared for the interview, simply because you were unaware of how to answer some of the most common, yet challenging interview questions.

Some job interview questions sound simple in theory, but they will actually trip you up if you’re not carefully paying attention. Here are a few that you should be aware of—and some tips for how to answer them:

1. Tell Me About Yourself

For this question, ensure your answer covers three key areas: where you are now (your current or most recent job or educational attainment), where you were (your background and some highlights including relevant skills and experience, briefly), and where you’re going (where you see yourself at the company and your career goal).

Keep your summary concise and focused on the skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate.

 

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Article continued …

2. Why Do You Want To Work Here?

To effectively answer this question, conduct research into the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements. Look at their annual company reports and any LinkedIn updates they may have posted, as well as employee reviews, to give you a well-balanced idea of what would motivate you to work there. Align your response with how your personal and professional goals and values match the company’s culture and objectives.

3. What Are Your Strengths?

Select strengths, skills, and competencies that are relevant to the job—based on keywords you have extracted from the job advert and provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in past roles. Remember to be honest about your strengths and make your examples specific.

4. What Are Your Weaknesses?

For this question, be sure to relate a genuine area of improvement but frame it in a way that demonstrates you are being proactive in addressing the weakness. Highlight the steps you’ve taken to overcome this weakness, and ensure the one you select is not a dealbreaker for the hiring manager.

5. Can You Describe A Challenging Situation And How You Handled It?

For questions that commence with “tell me about a time,” or “can you describe,” the interviewer is looking for you to tell a story—a practical, tangible example of you in action, demonstrating a particular competency.

In these cases, it is best to use the STARR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflect) to structure your answer. Choose a situation relevant to the job, emphasizing your problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and ending with a reflection on what you could have done better or would do better next time.

6. Why Should We Hire You?

Ask yourself first, Why would I hire me if I was the hiring manager?

Then, closely study the job description, and summarize your key skills, relevant career accomplishments to date, and education, and how they align with the job requirements. Use these to effectively highlight your unique value proposition and what sets you apart from other candidates in terms of what you bring to the table to drive their business forward and improve results.

7. Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?

Employers want to be sure that you have a strong vision and that you are committed for the long-haul. You can demonstrate this through showing ambition and a desire for growth, and ideally, align your goals with a potential career path within the company.

8. How Do You Prioritize Your Tasks?

There is a plethora of time management tools, apps and advice available, and you can pull from any of these resources for your answer. However, they must truly reflect what you do in everyday practice.

Discuss your approach to prioritization and time management, such as using task management tools or prioritizing according to deadlines and importance. You should also have an example handy of how you’ve effectively managed multiple priorities.

9. How Do You Handle Constructive Criticism?

Being able to handle constructive criticism is a sign of emotional intelligence, leadership, confidence, and maturity, qualities that employers desire in their new hires—and which many have admitted are lacking in Gen Z graduate workers.

Since this is so essential, think back to when you have viewed constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow, whether in your career or in your studies. Provide an example, using the STARR method, of how you applied this feedback to improve your performance, and what the positive outcome was.

10. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?

When discussing your current or most recent job, be careful to not sound bitter or unprofessional, or appear to cast the blame on your employer. Be honest, but remember to be diplomatic. It could be as simple as “I was laid off,” or it might be more complicated.

If it’s more complicated than a mere layoff, you could say that you are seeking a new professional challenge, growth opportunities, better alignment with your career goals and working preferences, or that you both realized that wasn’t the job for you.

Whatever your answer, keep it positive rather than talking about the negative aspects of your role.

There are many other common interview questions, but these 10 are a good starting point to help you prepare and feel more confident ahead of your upcoming interview. When you answer these questions following the tips provided, you will be sure to impress the hiring team, stand out from the competition, and be more closely aligned to secure the role you’ve been praying for.

 

Forbes.com | August 12, 2024 | Rachel Wells 

 

#JobSearch : 5 Simple Networking Tips For Senior-Level Job Seekers. Securing & Leveraging a Senior-Level Position in Today’s Competitive Job Market. GReat Read for All!

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Securing a senior-level position in today’s competitive job market can be a daunting task, and sometimes simply firing off a few resumes to online job adverts doesn’t bring results.

As a seasoned professional, you’ve probably built a valuable professional network for your career, and leveraging that network is a great way to sidestep the crowded job sites and get yourself directly in front of hiring managers.

Here are five simple networking tips to fast-track you into your next exciting role.

Leverage existing contacts

Your existing network is a goldmine of opportunities and insights. Start by reaching out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Inform them of your job search and the type of role you are seeking.

Personal connections can often provide leads on unadvertised positions and insider information about potential openings.

Consider organizing informal catch-ups, whether it’s a coffee meeting or a virtual chat, to reconnect and discuss your career aspirations. These interactions not only strengthen your relationships but also keep you top of your mind when opportunities arise.

Being specific about what you’re looking for enables your contacts to provide more relevant leads and referrals.

 

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Article continued …

Engage in executive circles or industry events

You should also consider joining associations or clubs relevant to your industry. Membership in these organisations often provides access to exclusive networking events, webinars, and forums where you can interact with other like-minded professionals.

Volunteering to speak at or organize events can also further enhance your visibility and credibility within your field.

When attending these events, prepare an elevator pitch that succinctly describes your expertise and the value you bring to ensure you make a memorable impression on potential employers or collaborators.

Don’t hesitate to engage in conversations, ask insightful questions, and exchange business cards to build meaningful connections.

Build an online presence

In the digital age, a robust online presence is indispensable.

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflective of your achievements and expertise, and make sure to regularly share industry insights, participate in relevant discussions, and connect with peers and leaders in your field.

Publishing articles or thought pieces on platforms like LinkedIn Pulse can also showcase your knowledge and position you as a thought leader.

You can also increase your visibility by engaging with content posted by others in your industry, and this can attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

You could also consider creating a professional website or blog where you can share your insights and showcase your portfolio or join forums and online communities related to your field where you can contribute valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions.

Alongside LinkedIn, active participation on X (formerly Twitter), especially in industry-specific chats, can also help you connect with a broader audience.

This not only builds your reputation but also helps you stay informed about the latest trends and opportunities in your industry.

Collaborate on projects

Collaborative projects are a fantastic way to expand your network and demonstrate your capabilities.

Seek out opportunities to work on initiatives, whether they are within your current organization or in a voluntary capacity. These projects can range from industry research and whitepapers to community service and mentoring programs.

Collaboration not only broadens your network but also provides tangible examples of your skills and achievements. It’s an excellent way to demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and project management abilities to potential employers.

Look for opportunities to partner with other professionals on projects that align with your expertise. For example, co-authoring an industry report or participating in a panel discussion can enhance your visibility and credibility.

These collaborations often lead to lasting professional relationships and open doors to future opportunities.

Follow up

Maintaining and nurturing your network is as important as building it.

Follow up with contacts after meetings or events and express your appreciation for their time and insights. A brief email or a message on LinkedIn can help keep the connection alive.

You should also regularly update your network on your progress and any new developments in your job search. This keeps your contacts informed and can prompt them to share relevant opportunities.

Showing gratitude and maintaining professional relationships can lead to long-term career benefits, with timely follow-ups demonstrating your professionalism and genuine interest. A well-crafted follow-up message can make a lasting impression and keep you top of mind.

Be persistent but polite, and always provide value in your communications, whether it’s sharing an interesting article or offering assistance.

Networking at a senior level is not just about finding a job; it’s about building and nurturing relationships that can provide support and opportunities throughout your career.

By leveraging existing networks, engaging in executive circles, building an online presence, collaborating on projects, and following up diligently, senior-level job seekers can enhance their visibility and secure their next career milestone.

 

Forbes.com | August 7, 2024 | Andrew Fennell

#JobSearch : How To Find A New Job During Difficult Times. Unemployment Rate Highest Since Oct21. Great REad!

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The latest monthly jobs report reveals that job seekers in the United States are encountering significant challenges. Those currently employed may be understandably anxious about job security, especially as major companies like Intel have announced substantial layoffs affecting thousands of workers.

The U.S. jobs report revealed a notable decline in hiring during July, with the economy only adding a disappointing 114,000 jobs last month. There was a sizable drop from the average of 215,000 jobs added monthly over the past year, and the report fell short of economists’ expectations of around 175,000 new positions.

The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, reaching its highest point since October 2021. In response, the stock market plunged, creating a concern over a potential upcoming recession.

The big picture for Americans reflects uncertainty. The unknown surrounding the outcome of the upcoming presidential election can cause consumers to delay spending and businesses to postpone investments and hiring until the political landscape becomes clearer, as well as macro geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine. Additionally, inflation and the high cost of living are anchors on American families.

As the job market continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and acquire new skills has become essential for career success. By embracing networking, upskilling and reskilling, individuals can enhance their employability, navigate uncertainties with confidence and position themselves as valuable assets in an increasingly competitive job market.

Cultivating A Supportive Network

Networking remains one of the best ways to find a new job. The key is to find internal employees at your target companies and have them share your résumé along with a strong recommendation.

When human resources and hiring managers face reviewing hundreds of résumés, it can be overwhelming. However, if the hiring professional is given a résumé by a known and respected employee, it makes their lives infinitely easier. Since they don’t know most of the people applying, it’s rational to first take a look at a candidate who comes highly recommended, especially if several people championed their virtues for the role.

If you haven’t already started, begin to build and nurture professional relationships that will help lead to focused job referrals and insider information about job openings that are not publicly advertised. Attend and actively participate in industry events, and join professional groups. Use and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, X or Threads to connect with industry professionals and potential employers.

 

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Article continued …

Adapt To The Changes

The importance of adaptability in the current job market cannot be overstated. With rapid technological advancements and shifting market demands, the ability to adapt has become an essential quality sought by employers.

Adaptable professionals are better equipped to navigate uncertainties, embrace change and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This quality not only makes individuals valuable assets to their employers but also fosters a culture of resilience within organizations.

Learn New Skills

In a fast-changing workplace, consider reskilling and upskilling to remain relevant. Upskilling involves improving existing skills, while reskilling focuses on acquiring entirely new skills, often to pivot into different career paths.

Upskilling and reskilling programs offer numerous benefits to both employees and employers. For workers, these initiatives provide opportunities for career growth, increased job satisfaction and improved job security. For businesses, investing in employee development helps build an internal talent pipeline, reduces turnover and ensures the workforce remains capable of meeting evolving market demands.

To stay competitive, job seekers should focus on developing in-demand skills. These include technical skills, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, blockchain and cybersecurity. Equally important are soft skills like effective communication, leadership, project management, teamwork and adaptability. Emerging skills in areas like sustainability, user interface and user experience design and digital marketing are also desirable.

Keep An Open Mind

Be flexible and open-minded in your search. This involves considering roles in adjacent industries or positions that might not perfectly match your previous experience, but could serve as stepping stones to your desired career path. Develop in-demand skills that are relevant across various sectors to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.

Target companies that are known to be recession-resistant or those in industries that tend to thrive during economic downturns.

Brand Yourself To Stand Out

Focus on personal branding and maintaining a strong online presence. Personal branding helps workers stand out in a crowded job market. It builds credibility in your field and helps establish trust with your audience. A strong personal brand can also open doors to new opportunities.

Regularly update your LinkedIn profile, engage in industry-related discussions on professional platforms and create content that showcases your expertise in your field.

Stay positive and persistent throughout the process. Job hunting during difficult times can be challenging and discouraging, but maintaining a positive attitude and consistently putting in effort can ultimately lead to success in finding new employment.

 

Forbes.com | August 8. 2024 | Jack Kelly 

#JobSearch : How To Conduct A Productive And Positive Job Interview. Insider Secret of the Hiring Manager. MUst REad!

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Interviewing for a job is a stress-inducing event. Job interviewees nervously anticipate and expect the interview process to be a form of interrogation. There’s an uncomfortable feeling of being scrutinized and evaluated on everything they say and do. Bracing for tough questions, it’s hard for job applicants to maintain their composure. They worry that they’ll inadvertently say something that will knock them out of the running.

Here’s an insider’s secret: the interviewer, who could be the hiring manager, human resources professional or recruiter, may be more worried than the candidate.

A job seeker can always walk away from an interview, whereas the hiring manager is under pressure to hire the right person. If they offer the job to someone who epically flames out, they will be forced to contend with the fallout and subsequent political ramifications. Top executives will question why they hired this disastrous person, and harshly judge any decisions this person makes in the future.

Misconceptions About The Job Interview

One of the main purposes of an interview is to assess a candidate’s fit for the role. Interviewers typically ask about an applicant’s current and prior jobs, responsibilities, experiences and to share some success stories where they have made a positive impact. The interviewer also wants to delve into why a candidate wants this specific job at this specific company. Additionally, there is a bit of probing to discern if they would be a good cultural fit within the organization.

 

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Article continued …

You might be surprised to know that the HR person or hiring manager wants candidates to do well in the interview. When an applicant succeeds in the interview process, it makes the supervisor’s job easier. They won’t have to spend weeks or months sifting through résumés and continually interviewing people, taking precious time away from their main job and responsibilities.

Unfortunately, too many interviewers feel that they need to come across as superior, tough, aggressive and combative. That may work if you’re interrogating someone, but it’s not necessary to bully, pull rank or act and speak in an arrogant, judgemental manner. That approach will usually backfire.

Instead, the hiring professional should come across warm, caring, friendly, easy to talk to and excited to be in the room.

Over the last 25-plus years as an executive recruiter and business owner, I have conducted several thousands of interviews. The majority of the interviews were conducted with high-level Wall Street executives. In light of this cohort, you’d think that the interview would be cold and clinical. It would be reasonable to surmise that the meetings would consist of asking and answering questions as if they were a tennis match.

However, the reality of interviewing is to be gracious and act as if the person is a guest in your home. Rather than grilling the interviewee, which only makes things uncomfortable and contentious, hold an informal, low-key conversation. The goal is to make the job seeker open up and feel more relaxed to talk honestly and freely.

Do Your Homework

Before meeting with a candidate, the interviewer should collect data and intelligence about the person they’re interviewing. This includes checking out the person’s LinkedIn profile and social media posts on X, Instagram, Facebook and more.

This isn’t considered stalking; it’s a convenient way to get a picture of the person. The more information you glean, the better the conversation will flow. From your due diligence, you’ll gain a sense of their personality, know where they attended college, what sports teams they root for and other tidbits. Once you’re in possession of this information, you are ready to start a conversation.

I purposely say “conversation” in the context of the interview because it makes people more comfortable. When someone feels safe, they’re more apt to be honest and transparent. Rather than diving right in, start with an ice breaker such as asking about a sports game from the other night, the weather or some trending topic.

Make The Interviewee Comfortable

To conduct an effective job interview that makes the candidate feel at ease, it’s important to create a welcoming atmosphere and establish rapport from the outset. To create a comfortable mood, an interviewer should start by engaging in small talk to put the applicant at ease. If you create a nurturing environment, the candidate will engage more, which will allow you to learn much more about the person as they become relaxed, comfortable and confident.

On the day of the interview, greet the candidate warmly with a smile and offer a glass of water, coffee or beverage. Small gestures like this can significantly ease nerves and create a bond.

When it comes to asking tough questions, introduce them gradually. Save more challenging questions for the middle or end of the interview, and give the candidate ample time to think and respond. This approach helps to avoid putting undue pressure on the candidate right from the start.

Ask open-ended questions so that the applicant can’t just say “yes” or “no.” You want the person to elaborate on their answers. As they share their responses, provide follow-up questions in a friendly, non-intimidating manner.

Actively listen to what they say. Then, reframe their answers to show that you’re paying attention. Make sure to maintain eye contact. Nod your head when the applicant is saying something so they know you are paying attention. Use their name a number of times, as it will perk them up.

Be confident in your approach, but avoid coming across as arrogant or intimidating. Throughout the interview, maintain a balance between being friendly and professional. The interview is a two-way process. You’re evaluating the candidate, but they’re also assessing whether the company and role are a good fit.

Wrap up the interview by asking if the candidate has any questions or would like to expand upon something they talked about previously. Thank them for their time. Since there are other applicants, it’s hard for the interviewer to definitely give an answer one way or another regarding their candidacy. However, subtly offer some tidbits to help the applicant get a feeling of how they performed and the likelihood of moving forward in the process. Offer your business card so that they can keep in touch with you.

Forbes.com | August 7, 2024 | Jack Kelly

#YourCareer : AI Is Taking Your Job. Here’s What To Do About It. So What’s the Solution? Lead the Charge Yourself. GReat REad!

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According to McKinsey, 15% of the global workforce, or 400 million workers, might lose their job to AI by 2030. Google’s research is more positive, finding that 31% of jobs would be insulated from AI and 61% radically transformed by it.

Employers disagree. Every week there are AI conferences, meetups and webinars designed to help entrepreneurs leverage AI in their company. Founders want to make more impact, more money, with less hassle. And hassle means people.

The writing is on the wall. Employers are excited about AI. They are excited about growing their revenue without increasing headcount, which is now very possible with clever use of technology. Headcount used to be a measure of success for a company owner. A badge of honor. Now, the entrepreneur heroes are those that make more revenue per person than all the others. Growing your company by adding people isn’t aspirational.

In 2020, Covid-19 disrupted the world in a short space of time. The AI revolution is multiples more transformative, but employees are still asleep. If your employer is looking to replace you, become irreplaceable. Here’s how.

Employee-led initiatives for AI adoption: what is happening?

Artificial intelligence is not a new concept by any means, but generative AI leapt to popularity with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. This friendly chat interface sparked the imagination of business owners and their teams. They were apprehensive, some terrified of being fooled (by AI-generated content) and replaced, but since then many have become resourceful and applied the technology in various ways.

Employees have been the driving force behind the transformation of some companies. Here are two examples:

One US-based investment company acquires software companies before rapidly growing them to generate inflated returns for its backers. The M&A team was booked in back-to-back meetings with potential acquisitions. Enter AI. One entrepreneurial team member analyzed the company’s most successful investments to uncover the defining factors of the companies and owners. He created a survey to screen companies and founders against those factors, then used AI to analyze the results of submissions.

The result? Fewer meetings booked, fewer M&A team members needed. Higher quality of meetings with higher chance of investment success. More impact, less time, fewer people. Now, they run ads to the survey itself, to expand their company with this effective method. The employee leading the campaign is a company hero.

Examples like this are becoming more common. One UK-based software company generates website traffic with search engine optimization tactics. Its owner hired a content writer to create articles to rank, with a specific output goal based on articles per week. But this content writer was resourceful beyond her job description. She tested the theory that by learning effective prompting, using Claude, she could multiply her article production by a factor of ten, without compromising quality.

The result? More output, less need to hire more writers. Company grows by search engine traffic alone. This employee made herself irreplaceable. This person is a founder’s dream.

 

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Article continued …

How to lead an AI revolution within your company

If you’re employed in a company, the choice is yours. Wait for AI to take your job, wait for AI to “enhance” your job, or do something about it now. This isn’t about robots; this is about human potential. AI is a tool. See what you’re capable of and see what success you can create from your contracted hours. I promise you, it’s more than you think.

Here’s the PLEASE framework that I created to help structure how you transform your role and company with AI. It stands for: perspective, learn, experiment, ask, share and finally explore. Let’s get ambitious.

Perspective

Start by truly understanding what your company is there to do. On a fundamental level, what problem is it solving, and for which specific group of people? Write out your company’s mission statement at its most basic level in the format “We help [specific person] do [desirable outcome you create].”

Your job is to apply artificial intelligence to make that happen on a bigger scale. Not restricted by current limits. More profitably, more efficiently, in a more powerful way, with you leading the charge. Don’t take your eyes off the reason this matters. AI is your ticket to making more impact, not something to be afraid of.

Learn

The next step is to learn. Learn what’s out there. Learn how to prompt. Understand what AI can and can’t do, and grasp the benefits and limitations of relevant tools. Don’t confuse AI for automation, don’t think you need a complicated solution where a simple spreadsheet would suffice. Learning about AI is free. Newsletters, resources and courses all exist to help you out.

When you’re clued up, write down every process your role involves, from start to finish. Think about the optimal way each task could be done, and label it accordingly. Don’t delegate your superpowers. Your goal here is to identify quick wins for AI-ification, not outsource your genius and then coast.

Experiment

The next step is to conduct experiments, using this list, about which tasks could be eliminated, automated or AI-ified. Identify the bottleneck. Imagine your company had ten times the demand, which steps would soon break? Within the experiment phase, you apply AI to specific tasks and processes to free them from human constraints, including yourself.

This sounds complicated and costly, but it’s actually not. There’s more than one LLM. Most AI tools have free trials. You can book a consultation with an AI or automation expert on Fiverr, for a low relative cost. Track your time when using the tools, assess what they save, scrutinize the output and start to draw conclusions. This is your playground.

Ask

Depending on the structure of your organization, the “ask” can come at a different stage. Are you trusted enough to run experiments, or will your employer want a say from the start?

If you need permission to get started, present your case after doing your research. If you already ran the experiments, ask if you can implement them. If you already tested out the tools, ask if you can continue beyond the trial. Ideally, figure everything out for yourself before you have to get someone else involved. Ask for forgiveness, not permission. Move quickly and of your own accord, before the out-of-touch board gets a chance to slow you down.

Don’t let this stage cost your progress. You have the company’s best interests in mind, you know the priorities and your KPIs. You are simply doing your research on how AI can ensure you hit them. Your duty of care is solid. Self-learning, experimentation, ideation and commonsensical conclusions will help you present your case.

Share

When you have got perspective, learned about AI, experimented with solutions and got the required permission, present your findings and get everyone excited. Explain what you have found, share the details of what specific tools or interventions could achieve, and make recommendations for who does what going forward. Prepare well so you can deliver with confidence.

Focus on output, expansion, and impact, because that’s what your employer really cares about. The more you can be commercially aware and specific about the next steps, the more you will be credited for transforming your organization from the inside-out. Don’t underestimate the importance of this step. Aim to get buy-in from your seniors and colleagues. Aim to get momentum, then decide a future checkpoint for measuring progress. Own every part of this maneuver.

Explore

In the dream scenario, your research pays off and your experiments were worthwhile. You get team-wide buy in and everyone knows what they are here to do. You’ll have demonstrated your resourcefulness, proven yourself one of the most valuable team members, and opened up options for where you go from here.

Not only will you be getting stuck into a new challenge, you’ll be earning the company more revenue or saving costs, and have set a new standard for output that you meet with ease. The power is yours, and here’s where you explore your options.

Could you negotiate a promotion, shares, or a new area of responsibility? Could you take your learnings further than your department, your office or your country, to create bigger change within your industry? Enter the C-suite? Or could your E stand for Exit? Exit the company, become an entrepreneur? Achieve the grandiose outcome of your company with a team of just you.

The best employees are starting AI revolutions: yours begins today

Don’t get replaced by AI. Make yourself irreplaceable with this exact plan. Get inspired by what team members are doing inside their companies, then follow the PLEASE framework to deliver your mission. Understand what your employer is trying to achieve, learn the basics, and experiment with options. When you absolutely need to, ask for support, then share your findings and get your whole team onboard before exploring the options you’ll have opened up.

Most people are sleeping on the AI revolution and they’re going to have a shock. Don’t let that be you. Making yourself the most valuable person in your company starts today, and if you’ve reached the end of this article you know what to do. For no regrets, take action now.

Taking control of your role

The almost two-thirds of British jobs that could be “enhanced” with AI, from Google’s research, is a stat that hides the real truth. It’s not going to happen on its own. Your job will only be enhanced by AI if you make it so. Otherwise, it’s going to be replaced. The people within your organization who are leading the charge on AI processes will make sure of that.

So what’s the solution? Lead the charge yourself. If business owners are looking to make more money and impact with the same number or even fewer people, help them to do it. Entrepreneurs are crying out for employee-led initiatives; someone within their team being resourceful, forward-thinking, and making a plan for how the company can leverage AI. It’s those team members that will be the safest of all.

Forbes.com | August 6, 2024 | Jodie Cook