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#JobSearch :How Competitive Job Seekers 50+ Are Upping Their Game. “The Job Search can Leave us Feeling Very Vulnerable, and When you Add Ageism to the Mix, it Can Make Us Feel Like the Cards are Stacked Against Us.

November 19, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

There are hundreds of free online offerings for job seekers 50+, but many of them perpetuate workplace myths. One career coach posted a Youtube video claiming that karma is why workers over age 50 are overlooked in the recruiting process. She explained it was payback for calling Millennials lazy and not hiring them during the 2007 recession. Other career offerings for 50+ suggest age bias isn’t the problem at all; it’s the applicant – even when they are doing everything right.

“The good news is that if you can become aware of your ageist beliefs, then you can control them,” said Branka. “And once you own your power, thoughts, wisdom and experience, you can project your competence with confidence.”

Fortunately, not all complimentary coaching webinars are tainted with misinformation or conflicts of interest. Given the competitiveness of a COVID-19 economy, it’s critical to level the playing field so all qualified job applicants have a fair chance for employment.

Which is why Christy Watz of Christy Watz Coaching, and Laura Leach, founder and president of Meredith Consulting, decided to address the elephant in the room – workplace age bias is real. But instead of victimizing applicants hurt by the oversight, their idea was to ensure experienced talent shines.

“I recently met a group of people laid off from a large corporation in St. Louis – some notified by mail while working remotely,” Watz explained. “They meet weekly to share job leads and provide support in the job search as the economy continues to struggle.”

What Watz realized later was that everyone in the group was over the age of 50. All had been long-term employees, some having spent 30 years with the company.

Then the lightbulb went off; most of her coaching clients were also over the age of 50.

That’s when she knew it was time to step up and help. Watz turned to Leach, who she had met through a business coach and certification program. As a woman in her forties navigating the tech industry, Leach knew firsthand that age bias was real.

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

Article continued …

Together they designed a webinar with career experts to provide the very best job search tips in the face of ageist stereotypes, myths and bias. One of the most important messages to the participants – don’t self-sabotage.

“We want to make sure applicants are not fueling the fire inadvertently,” explained Watz. “It’s easy to unintentionally include or leave out information that sets off a bias flag and removes them from consideration.”

Since it’s impossible to eliminate age bias, the webinar focused on how to lessen the impact of ageism in the job search and stand out in the competition.

LinkedIn
“A picture on your LinkedIn page makes you 36 times more likely to receive a message,” explained Leach. “Frame the photo from the chest up and make sure it represents how you look today,” she stressed, adding that looking directly into the camera and smiling with your eyes makes you look trustworthy and approachable.

Leach also suggests a solid colored background and avoiding direct or fluorescent light, which can make you squint or appear too harsh.

“When describing your experience, use relevant language to describe skills and do not include older technologies which might age you out of the picture. Instead of saying you were responsible, write what you accomplished and what you are most proud of while in previous roles,” she added, suggesting applicants capture how people felt about working with them when referencing employment going back more than ten years.

When it comes to education and certification, Leach advises applicants to remove all dates unless, for example, one is a new MBA graduate.

One of the most underutilized areas on LinkedIn is the use of recommendations, according to Leach. “I’ve seen people with 20 and 30 years of experience, but not a single person to testify for their skills and abilities.”

Not only should you ask for recommendations, but it’s also important to give them. That’s how to show up on other people’s pages.

Resumes
Ron Visconti, the founder of Phase2Careers, a nonprofit organization assisting workers over 40, says the resume must quickly demonstrate relevance in today’s job market. Not only is the content important – what you say and how you say it – but formatting is key.

Because of COVID and the necessity for remote work, Visconti encourages applicants to highlight their capability to work remotely by referencing home office set up and competency with current technology platforms. For a deep dive, read his key tips for how applicants with years of experience can make their resumes work for them instead of against them.

Online Presence
In today’s remote environment, most interviews are conducted by videoconference, adding layers of vulnerability and anxiety to an already stressful situation. Executive presence coach Natalie Venturi talks about five areas critical to enhancing on-camera presence.

“The job search can leave us feeling very vulnerable, and when you add ageism to the mix, it can make us feel like the cards are stacked against us,” she said.

To help overcome feelings of vulnerability and create an empowering presence, Venturi recommends a simple visualization exercise. “Think about a time when you felt on top of the world; when you knew what you were doing and felt unstoppable. Bring that moment forward and feel it in your body. That’s when you become grounded and self-empowered.”

Internalized Ageism
One place where ageism is alive and well is in our minds. Often, without awareness, we are ageist against ourselves through inner dialog. Nancy Branka, the founder of StartUp Decoder, an online community for mid- and late-career workers in tech, knows how disempowering the voice in our heads can be.

“We all have a narrative in our brain, and it impacts the energy in your job search, said Branka, “You can’t control what the person thinks about you, but you can control your thoughts.”

“We all have ageist thoughts. The best advice is to recognize them,” she said.

Do you worry that your teammates will think you are too old? Do you consider employees at the beginning of their careers kids? In both cases, that thinking represents internalized ageism.

Creating a more age-equitable workplace begins with how we think about age. It means deleting the age bias in our minds and reprogramming our thinking to embrace age inclusion and equity.

“The good news is that if you can become aware of your ageist beliefs, then you can control them,” said Branka. “And once you own your power, thoughts, wisdom and experience, you can project your competence with confidence.”

Are you interested in future complimentary webinars geared at the 50+ audience? Check out Leach’s events page to register.

Forbes.com | November 19, 2020 | Sheila Callaham

#JobSearch : Why Is It Important to Keep Executive Recruiters Happy? The Six(6) Don’t.

November 19, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Executive recruiters are a very useful resource for employers in the hiring process. They can have a profound effect on whether or not you get hired. This means you need to keep them happy in order to ensure you get the job.

Here are some very important things to keep in mind that will help you keep recruiters happy.

1- Don’t be dismissive. Even if you’re happy in your current role, or just extremely busy, take a moment to speak to search consultants or to call them back. While you may not be interested in the position they’re seeking to fill, you may know someone who might be a good match. Search professionals appreciate getting references and practicing the law of reciprocity.

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

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2- Don’t surprise them. More importantly, don’t surprise their clients. If you have a blemish on your record, let them hear your version first, before they learn it secondhand.

3- Don’t embellish. Even at the highest levels of executive search, some candidates can’t resist the urge to embellish their resumes. Sometimes they don’t get caught. In nine cases out of 10, however, they do. Avoid the pitfall and be honest.

4- Don’t fail your own history test. It’s surprising how many candidates can’t recite their own professional histories in chronological order. Know exactly what you did and where and when you did it before meeting with a search consultant. And it’s a good tune-up for meeting with a prospective new employer.

5- Don’t neglect your homework. Some candidates will spend the first 10 minutes of an interview asking basic questions about the position and the company at issue, showing that they never bothered to read the search specification. Candidates who do independent research create a favorable impression and show their clear interest in the new opportunity.

6- Don’t forget your manners. When meeting with an executive-search consultant, remember that every word, gesture or inflection will be duly noted.

Keep these in mind and you will be able to keep your recruiter happy and get the job.

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 | November 19, 2020

#JobSearch : Five Steps For Nailing Your Video Interview, No Matter What Your Age. The Whole Key to a Job Search is Mindset, No Matter What your Age.

November 18, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

In today’s remote working reality, an online presence can be a two-edged sword. Done right, and you own the space. Done haphazardly, and your professional persona could be doomed. If you are interviewing for a job in this competitive COVID-19 environment, mastering online presence is critical. If you are an older candidate, it is non-negotiable.

“The job search can leave us feeling especially vulnerable,” said Natalie Venturi, an executive presence coach. “Because most job interviews today are over Zoom, feeling confident and self-assured makes it easier to focus on connecting with the interviewer and leaving no doubt that you can do the job.”

Due to stereotypes about candidates age 50+ not being tech savvy, mastering an online presence is even more important. Showing comfort on camera and easily navigating remote tools helps you own the space.

Venturi outlines five critical areas to help you nail your next video interview.

Intention: Take a few minutes to consider the outcome you want from the interview. How do you want to show up? What one thing do you want to project more than anything else? While your intention might be nailing the interview and getting the job, Venturi recommends that you focus on what you can control. Perhaps you want to convey focus, curiosity, engagement, or authenticity. Whatever the intention, write it down to help you remember. Let that be the last thing you reflect on before starting the interview.

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

Article continued …

Interview Prep: When you research the company, take note of the organization’s values. How can you align your values to theirs with examples of your work? What kind of stories can you tell to emphasize those values in action? Personal examples are powerful, but Venturi cautions brevity – no more than 60 seconds for each response. Once you feel ready, record a mock interview with a friend. Watch it afterward to evaluate where you have room for improvement.

“The whole key to a job search is mindset, no matter what your age,” said Venturi. “Feeling competent with your online presence gives you a professional advantage whether interviewing for your dream job, leading a team through organizational change or delivering a sales presentation.

On-Camera Set Up: Before the interview, take a moment to notice your surroundings. How do you look on screen? Your set up should allow you to look straight into the camera, versus up or down. Lighting and background are crucial, according to Venturi, who suggests you skip the virtual background and opt for a solid backdrop instead. Youtube offers plenty of short tutorials on background, lighting, webcam, sound, and clothing choices – like this one from the Wall Street Journal. Before the interview begins, test your on-camera presence, check sound, and make adjustments as necessary.

Physicality: Physicality is about how you take up space. Show engagement by leaning into the camera instead of sitting further back. Use a chair without arms to allow yourself to move more freely. Physicality is also about your appearance and how you sound. Whiten your teeth, enunciate your words and dress for the part –but don’t wear a suit unless you are in banking or finance.

Energy: Everything is energy, according to Venturi. Engage with energy. Use your intention to project the kind of energy that leaves recruiters and hiring managers feeling comfortable in your presence and reassured with your abilities. Be fully present, maintain eye contact and project your voice. Leverage this energy to drive the conversation, find out what the interviewer needs and then succinctly convey how your skillset will enable you to meet the need – and then some.

“The whole key to a job search is mindset, no matter what your age,” said Venturi. “Feeling competent with your online presence gives you a professional advantage whether interviewing for your dream job, leading a team through organizational change or delivering a sales presentation.”

Forbes.com | November 18, 2020 | Sheila Callaham

#JobSearch : Insider Gives Top Resume Tips For Older (40 & Up) Job Applicants. “Yes, Ageism is Real,”

November 17, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

“Yes, ageism is real,” said Ron Visconti in a recent career guidance webinar geared at applicants aged 50 and older. Visconti, the founder and executive director of Phase2Careers, a nonprofit organization assisting workers over age 40, knows a thing or two about ageism in the workplace. He has worked with small and large organizations, both public and private, on recruitment and career transition issues.

When it comes to the resume, Visconti says job seekers must understand the negative perceptions and bias directed at older workers. When applicants know the barriers they’re up against, they can craft their resumes to defuse those stereotypes and dismiss fears.

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

Article continued …

Visconti offers these guidelines to increase interview opportunities and, if all goes well, a solid offer.

Recruiters are overworked and don’t have time to analyze your resume for possibilities. They want to see evidence that you can do the job. That’s why it is critical to ensure that your career story is a perfect match for the position.
Most resumes go back ten years; however, older candidates typically have valuable experience beyond that. If that experience is relevant to the position you seek, you can add the heading other relevant experience at the end of your career history. Include the name of the company and your title, but do not include the dates of employment.
Don’t oversell yourself. Candidates with 20 or 30 years of experience are inclined to emphasize that experience. If a vacancy requires 8 years of experience and you have many more, write that you have 8+ years of experience. Otherwise, you risk experience discrimination if recruiters and hiring managers consider you overqualified.
Do not submit a resume longer than two pages. If you require two pages, make sure the content is relevant to the job you seek. Use language that is current and relevant to your industry. And, if you are skilled in outdated technologies, don’t include them in your skillset.
Recruiters spend an estimated seven seconds per resume. Make your resume pleasing to the eye with the use of white space. Highlight skills that align directly with the role near the top of the page, emphasizing metrics.
COVID has made remote work the new normal. Show relevancy by including your work-from-home setup and familiarity with critical applications such as Slack and Zoom. If those applications are not familiar to you, find someone to mentor you so you can include them in your skillset.

“Your resume shouldn’t be about responsibilities,” Visconti said. “It should be about your achievements and directly relate to the job you are applying for.”

While there may be stereotypes in the workplace that make it harder for older applicants to get noticed, following these guidelines will increase your visibility to talent scouts.

References to older technologies feed the stereotype that older applicants are not in the game. As an example, Visconti warns applicants never to use a Hotmail or AOL address as a contact.

“Get a Gmail account and don’t feed the myth!”

To join Visconti in a future free job search offering, check out his events page and register.

Forbes.com | November 17, 2020 | Sheila Callaham

#JobSearch : Seven(7) Steps to Renovate and Fire Up Your Job Search. When trying Something Different, You’ll Have to Renovate your Job Search for This as Well.

November 16, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

If you’ve suddenly found yourself unemployed or furloughed for the first time in a long time, don’t despair! You are not alone. Many of my clients are taking this time to reevaluate what they have done and opting to try something different instead. When trying something different, you’ll have to renovate your job search for this as well.

Overhauling your job search can be a daunting experience. You might have the feeling that you’re starting everything over from the beginning, but that’s not the case. You have tons of experience that will be valuable no matter what job you decide to take. Things like knowing how a business works, getting along with coworkers, and knowing proper work habits already put you ahead of new candidates coming in. You have the advantage over workers with no experience.

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

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So, how do you renovate your resume? You have a lot of options, so before you start changing your resume, try out a few other options first. One thing you can do is go back to school or get more training. But you should do a self-assessment and see if this would actually be beneficial to you, work with a career counselor and let them help you to the right path. Look around and see what kind of options you have, don’t panic and just try to examine your situation. Then you can begin to retool your job search.

Start with what you enjoy
Do you have a long-lost passion that you wish you had embarked on? Maybe it was teaching skiing lessons in Colorado, who knows, but just start with what you enjoy. What do you want to continue doing in your next role? Think through the tasks you currently do that you excel at and what to keep doing. Look for roles that focus on those tasks or projects. Perhaps there’s a job related to your hobby that you would enjoy. It could be a completely different field than what you’ve ever worked in, so take a look around and don’t limit yourself. Maybe it’s time to get out there and try your luck.
Create a company list
Find 20 different companies you’d like to work for. Follow them on social media to get to know what they stand for and what their future plans are. There are always options out there, especially if you’re in a large city. You can find a multitude of positions that would fit your job search choice. But, try to reach out a little past your current job and find something that is different or that would excite you. Put this list together because you’re going to need it.

Create a contact list

For every company you have listed, create a list of 10-20 people you can reach out to via LinkedIn. Go through your 1^st and 2^nd connections to help you make contact with a decision-maker. Craft a personal message to these individuals, mentioning your common connection.

Begin renovating your resume
This is definitely key. Start updating your resume to send to these potential employers, but make sure that you emphasize different aspects of your career that would be beneficial to your prospective employer. You should consider getting some help from a professional resume writer, they can take a drab old resume and create the right blend of personality and accomplishments. Make sure your resume is focused on what you want to do NOW.
Network, engage, respond.

Use LinkedIn to network with people in the industry you want to be in. Spend 10-15 minutes on LinkedIn each day commenting, liking, and joining in conversation. Demonstrate your knowledge by posting original content and commenting on other’s posts.

Send resume to potential companies
Starting sending that new resume out! You have to get your name out there, right? So, what are you waiting for? You already have a list of potential employers, so what’s stopping you? It’s time to get the word out about you!
Starting calling people back
After sending out your resume, hit the phones hard. Don’t just sit back and wait for the company to call you. Be assertive, show them that you want this position, and that you are right for it. If you’ve renovated your resume correctly toward your new career path and showed the desire to learn, then you can have the job that you want.

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 | November 16, 2020

#JobSearch : How To Beat Age Bias In Your Job Search – 3 Techniques. Fact: The Unemployment Rate for 45 to 55-and-Older Workers Exceeded the Rate for Mid-Career Workers During the Pandemic.

November 16, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

For the first time in nearly 50 years, the unemployment rate for 45 to 55-and-older workers exceeded the rate for mid-career workers during the pandemic. The relative jump in this rate underscores the age-related challenges that older workers face in getting hired. If you fall into this group, there’s good news: you can usually overcome age-related barriers to being hired relatively easily.

To do so, understand this key insight: you’re usually not facing age-bias per se. Rather, you’re facing underlying issues that employers think about when they compare you to the younger competition. These issues include:

You’re not as motivated to give it your all; you’re coasting until retirement
You won’t fit in; you’ll be uncomfortable reporting to someone much younger than you
A younger employee can be paid less
Your skills are not as cutting-edge as those of someone younger
You’re a short-term hire because you’ll want to retire soon

Here’s how to easily address these potential objections to your candidacy (and by the way, these tips are useful for job-seekers of any age).

Show Your Enthusiasm: You can overcome the first three objections around motivation, fit and pay by proactively showing your enthusiasm for the role, and for the prospective employer, in every communication. For example, here’s what my 61 year old client said when she was interviewed by the much younger person she would work for and he asked her “So why did you leave your last employer?”

“I had a good five year run at the company, they liked me, I liked them, and I really helped them over the years. But others were being let go and I had the opportunity to take a package, so I took it. And I’m glad I did because I’m excited to be talking with you. What you’re looking for is exactly what I want for my next act. I understand you’re seeking to expand into Latin America. With my experience there I could help you to jump-start that expansion. In addition, I’ve picked up on your employees’ enthusiasm for YourCo’s positive, collaborative culture from reading online reviews and talking with my colleague who works here. This is just the kind of environment I’m looking to work in for years to come. And I wanted to ask you more about how I can best help you with your….”

Let’s analyze what my client’s response accomplished. The truth was that she was let go and wasn’t happy about it, and also didn’t get along with her prior boss. But she didn’t mention these aspects of her departure because the negativity would hurt her prospects; she would never have gotten an offer. Instead, she briefly described her reason for leaving while emphasizing the positive in her experience, and then pivoted to the three things her interviewer really cares about: how she can help, her motivation and whether she’ll fit in.

In pivoting to the things her interviewer cares about, she chose her words carefully: “I’m excited to be talking with you…,” “how I can best help you…,” “I could help you…” Her frequent use of “you” and “help you” serves to overcome the interviewer’s concerns that my client would not feel comfortable working for someone 20 years her junior, and underscores that the age difference will not be an issue. So use words like ‘you’ and ‘your’ in your answers, and keep reminding them how you can help them personally.

Also note that she was very specific about the reasons for her motivation to work for the interviewer’s company. Being specific conveys sincerity and credibility. You do not want to give generic responses like “Your company is great” without explaining why.

Finally, by emphasizing her strong motivation to help the interviewer and the organization, she reduces the centrality of compensation concerns in the conversation.

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

Article continued …

Make it clear that you’re looking for something long term: They may be thinking that you’ll retire soon, so you are only a short-term hire. If you think this might be an issue, mention in your conversations or emails that you are looking for a long-term opportunity. In the case of my client, she included in her response “This is just the kind of environment I’m looking to work in for years to come.”

Be perceived as cutting edge: Older job-seekers are too often perceived as not having skills or interests that are attuned to the latest trends or innovations versus younger job-seekers. Take a three-pronged approach to addressing this issue:

Fill any relevant gaps. For example, another 55+ client was an old-school marketing VP, looking for his next role. He really wasn’t well versed in the latest digital marketing approaches, including social media marketing. So he took a class and conducted some additional research. Now he could say he had experience in digital marketing because of the class project he completed and the knowledge he gained.
Look for ways to demonstrate that you’re up-to-date. This same client wrote an article on LinkedIn about social media marketing best practices that received great feedback. He linked to this article in his email correspondence and received at least one interview because of it. So consider creating an example of your cutting-edge knowledge somewhere online (LinkedIn article, blog post, website).
Demonstrate your expertise through your insightful questions. For example, in an interview this client asked “Have you tried using LinkedIn Sales Navigator in sourcing new business development opportunities?”

Lastly, look to turn your age into a strength, by emphasizing how the years of experience you’ve gained gives you an edge in helping them over your younger competition.

What if they ask me how old I am? While not technically illegal, this question is inappropriate as it implies they are making a decision based on your age – which is in fact illegal. Nevertheless you may occasionally get this question. Like any inappropriate or illegal interview question you receive, focus your answer on addressing their underlying issue without feeling you have to give them the literal answer. For example, you could say something like: “Old enough to have the experience that will help you, and young enough to provide the energy and motivation you need for years to come.”

Forbes.com | November 16, 2020

#JobSearch : The 4 Keys To Writing A Résumé That Gets Results. For Many Job Seekers, Procrastination Takes Over Because they’re Afraid of Rejection.

November 15, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

COVID-19 tore through the global economy this spring, leaving extended shutdowns, stay-at-home orders, and mass layoffs in its wake. It might not seem like the best time to find a new job, but waiting for the perfect moment will only increase your risk of a career stall. Whether you’ve been laid off because your industry or company downsized or you just want to start moving your career in a different direction, it’s time to seize the day and start connecting with hiring managers.

For many job seekers, procrastination takes over because they’re afraid of rejection. One way to boost your confidence is to rethink your résumé, turning up the volume on your personal brand while focusing on the inspiring traits of the job you want—not the rigid expectations of the jobs you’ve had. Although personal branding is based in authenticity, there’s an aspirational element to it. Here’s how you can set yourself up for hiring success when you’re venturing into a different field alongside a daunting number of applicants:

1. Practice writing a personal branding statement.

Personal branding statements are like company mission statements, which are short and sweet and state their core message in general terms. For example, Tesla aims “to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.” Notice how this mission doesn’t refer to cars at all. You need to craft a branding statement that tells employers what your core purpose is, no matter which job you land.

In your branding statement, address the value you will bring to organizations. Touch on the problems you solve, the unique ways in which you do so, and who benefits from your solutions. A personal branding statement is a great way to garner attention from hiring managers and recruiters, but it’s also a tool to help you decide what you want out of the next phase of your career. You may want to consider adjusting your statement slightly for each position you apply for.

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

Article continued …

2. Restructure your experiences for the career change.

Your current (or previous) job likely taught you valuable skills, but you’ll want to frame those experiences in a way that suits your desired career. Recruiters will almost certainly rely on applicant tracking systems to sift through all the résumés they receive, and that software is based largely on keywords. Identify the keywords most commonly found in your target job descriptions and incorporate them throughout your résumé where applicable.

You should also think about refreshing the education section of your résumé, especially if you haven’t been in school for some time. If your college degree isn’t relevant for the career you’re hoping to transition into, list any recent classes or courses you’ve taken that might be more applicable. If you haven’t done any self-directed learning, there’s a wealth of free online resources and training courses you could take to help your résumé stand out.

3. Highlight your transferable skills.

What tasks did you need to perform in your last role? When you think about that question, the first skills that come to mind are likely job-specific. Think deeper and pinpoint transferable skills that your potential future employer will value. Were you a manager? Try listing skills like “people development” or “teamwork,” for example. Add skills that apply to any line of work, such as “financial acumen,” “written communication,” or “personal motivation.” More importantly, what’s special about the way you apply those skills? Infuse your personal brand while you’re bringing those skills to life. Which of those skills are the basis for your superpowers?

Here’s a great example from academia. Isaiah Hankel, founder and CEO of Cheeky Scientist, encourages degree-holders to promote what makes them unique. Only about 2% of the U.S. adult population (ages 25 and up) has a Ph.D., according to 2018 Census data. Why is that? ”Because adding to a field is hard,” Hankel explains. “Anyone can learn something and then repackage it. Anyone can regurgitate information. That’s easy. It’s so much harder to create information — to bring knowledge into existence for the very first time. If you have a Ph.D., you are a creator of information. This is one of your most valuable and most transferable skills.”

4. Show, don’t tell, why you’re a good candidate.

Anyone can make lofty claims about their past job performance, but a great applicant knows how to validate those victories. Would you be more likely to hire someone who “led successful marketing campaigns that reached new markets and yielded a tangible return on investment?” Or would you rather hire the person who “spearheaded three successful marketing campaigns that grew the company’s audience by 43% and earned an average ROI of 560%?” The first applicant is telling you they would be a good fit (and hoping you’ll agree), while the second applicant is showing you why they deserve the job.

According to Ryan Corbalis, a business recruiter at Indeed, employers are looking for applicants who can quantify and communicate the abilities they’re looking for. “One of the biggest things I’d stress that candidates need to convey is adaptability — this was true before Covid-19, but I think it’s even more the case now,” he says. “Likewise, I’d say this to anyone looking for a new role, but it’s even more important for those looking to change industries or careers: Show how your abilities adapt to this new field and focus on skills more than just experiences because skills can be applied in so many different ways.”

If you’re thinking about waiting until a more opportune time to switch careers, remember that there’s no telling when the uncertainty will pass. That’s why you should take steps toward the job of your dreams. Tap into your professional networks for real-world advice, and use the myriad free online resources to learn new skills and locate relevant job openings. Your most valuable resource is your own time, so don’t waste it on a job or an industry that no longer excites you.

Author: William Arruda is a founder of CareerBlast and co-creator of BrandBoost – a video-based personal branding talent development experience.

Forbes.com | November 12, 2020

#JobSearch : 5 Reasons Why A Down Market Is The Best Time To Pursue Your Dream Career. You’re More Open to Thinking, “If Not Now, When?”

November 13, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

In the recent months that the pandemic has crippled the job market, you could be tempted to put your aspirations to build a dream career on hold. For example, you decide to stay put even if you’re unhappy at your job, rather than risk looking for a change in a tight market. Or if you do take the step to look for a job, you target opportunities that match your previous experience (and therefore where you’re more competitive), even if that’s not what you’d ideally like to do. Or you consider lower-paying jobs than you’re worth because you think it will be easier to land these, rather than holding out for more.

It’s true that, in a down market, your job search might take longer and be more difficult, with more available workers chasing fewer job openings. However, counterintuitively, a down market could be the best time to pursue your dream career:

1 – You’re more open to thinking, “If not now, when?”

A downturn can take you out of autopilot and prompt you to reflect on what is most important. That self-reflection could propel you into bigger risks and changes. Time is of the essence, and you shift your priority from managing risk to minimizing regret. The down market becomes a catalyst for something positive. Since there is never a perfect time to go after something new, why not now for pursuing your dream career?

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

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2 – If the job search will be difficult anyway, might as well go after something meaningful

In a tight job market, you probably will experience more rejection. When you target something meaningful like finally pursuing that dream career, you have genuine motivation to persevere through the rejection. Being involved in something you enjoy or find fulfilling makes the job search feel less like work and more like an investment, vocation or calling.

3 – The extra grunt work will feel less tedious

When you make a change, like entering a new field or line of work, you have to work harder to prove yourself than someone who has an established track record. The results, examples or other proof you need to demonstrate are additional activity above and beyond what you have to do for your everyday job search. This extra work could include volunteering in your new area, joining a professional association and getting active, or doing exhaustive research on the trends, challenges and potential innovations in your new industry or role. This is hard work, made much more palatable when you’re inspired by what you’re working on.

4 – Desire is a big competitive advantage, and you need an edge

That desire for your dream career is not just inspiring to you, but also to prospective employers. Eagerness, enthusiasm and excitement for an area signals to employers that you’re committed and will work hard. As a recruiter, I have seen candidates who exhibit very strong desire gain an edge over candidates who are more qualified in terms of skills or experience but who come across as not as interested. In a tough market, you want that edge, which could be a deciding factor to selecting you among other candidates.

5 – When you experiment and inevitably fail sometimes, the starts and stops blend in with the chaotic market

In a down market, more job seekers will be flailing about – taking short-term projects, starting side gigs, experimenting and sometimes failing to find what sticks. This makes it a good time for you to experiment since any starts and stops you make will mirror what is happening all around. This puts less pressure on you to have it all figured out right away. In fact, you can try the new industry or role you think you want as a consulting project or volunteer or part-time, and if it isn’t as good a fit as you expected, you can go back to what you did before. The short tenure will seem less disruptive because many other careers have disruptions – layoff, furlough, underemployment – in a down market.

Don’t let a down market be the excuse for postponing your dreams

Sure, a growth market means that jobs are more plentiful and might be easier to get on average, but how long are you going to wait for the market to turn around? Besides, now you know several advantages a down market can bring. No more settling for just any job – pursue a job that moves you towards your dream career instead.

Forbes.com | November 13, 2020 | Caroline Ceniza-Levine

#JobSearch :Think You Can’t Negotiate Salary Right Now? You’re Wrong. A MUst REad!

November 12, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

“Help me land my dream job,” said Ellen, 55, who called for Interview coaching. An IT Project Manager, she said, “A couple of weeks ago, I met with a VP online for a different interview. I blew it. They hired someone else. I must be making some mistakes when I talk to them. This new opportunity is ideal for me. Great company – it really is a dream job. How can I improve?”

That conversation lead us to work together, roleplay, and perfect her answers. She was underselling herself, so we worked on boosting her confidence. Ellen struggled a few times with some of her answers to potential questions. Salary questions, the weakness question and identifying her strengths all need some finessing. After our session, she went to the interview and wrote to say, “I heard back that I did very well in the interview, and I was offered the position. Please help me negotiate to secure a higher salary.”

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

Article continued …

The fact is women are not good at salary negotiations. Most women will never even try. According to PayScale.com’s 2020 Gender Pay Gap report, women make only $0.81 for every dollar a man makes. New to the gender pay gap report for 2020 is an analysis of the impact of lost wages on lifetime earnings. By calculating presumptive raises given over a 40-year career, PayScale reported that women stand to lose $900,000 on average over a lifetime.

There are multiple reasons why women still earn less. One key reason is that men are more inclined to ask employers to pay them more, and women accept the first offer. Even during COVID, I’m seeing clients reject the first offer, which is almost always a low-ball one to see if you will take it. Instead, clients ask to be compensated higher based on the experience and skills they bring to the job.

Ellen’s Real Life Case Study

Ellen followed my advice and never revealed her salary to the recruiter or anyone else on the hiring team. This got her an initial six-figure offer. She then went in and stated that she thought the offer would have been higher. She mentioned the necessary experience and skills she would bring to the job. The employer came back and offered $20,000 more.

The signing bonus was $5,000. I thought that was too low for her field and was confident she could get more. The question was, how much? I advised Ellen to probe the recruiter, who stated they might have room to go up on the signing bonus. I directed Ellen to then talk to the hiring manager. She told the manager she wanted to accept the job if they could work out one thing. When asked what that was, Ellen stated that she thought the signing bonus was too low. The manager said, “let me see what we can do.” The employer came back and increased the signing offer to $20,000. Ellen accepted the job and secured a total of $40,000 more in income by making this career move.

Strategies to use to raise your salary offer

Know What Your Skills are Worth

Do some research to learn what you should expect to be paid for your years of experience, education, certifications, and any specialized training you possess. Try Payscale.com, which offers free salary surveys that provide detailed information to help you get an estimate on what you should be earning.

Focus on the Employer’s Needs

Begin your conversation with the hiring manager by reselling yourself. Reaffirm the reasons they want you, the skills you’ll bring, and how you’ll solve their problems. Mention your key strengths and experience plus stress how quickly you will be productive. In other words, give them reasons to pay you more. After you restate your interest, start the negotiation by saying, “I’m interested in the position. I was a little disappointed that the offer was lower than I expected, especially since I have this experience or these skills (note something specific) and will come up to speed quickly.”

Be Specific When It Counts

The employer may ask you what figure you have in mind. Know what you want and state it. Be willing to wait. The hiring manager may say they need to go back and ask their boss to get the additional dollars. If they want you, they’ll be your advocate and almost always come back with more than they originally offered. Patience here pays off.

Get an Employment Letter in writing

This letter should outline all the terms of your employment, covering salary, signing bonuses, stock options, starting date, benefits, and particularly noting anything different from the organization’s standard policies. Too many promises are made and quickly forgotten once you begin the job. Get the details in writing, so there are no misunderstandings later. People who have failed to do so have suffered when the promised extra week of vacation was “forgotten” once they started. A written agreement protects what you have negotiated for. I always advise my clients that it’s wise – and necessary – to obtain one.

Forbes.com | November 12, 2020 | Robin Ryan

#YourCareer : The Twenty(20) New Career Rules To Follow In 2020 & Beyond. A MUst REad f or All!

November 11, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

The business world is evolving at a rapid pace. Long gone are many of the career “rules” our parents adhered to, like the popular “Stay with the same company until you retire” directive.

But the thing is, many of these guidelines are antiquated. You don’t have to follow them in order to achieve great success—yet many of us still try to.

It’s time to set a new precedent. Here are 20 career rules that are more relevant to the times that will help you be more successful than you ever dreamed of (at least for the next few years, because standards are changing all the time!).

1. You Don’t Have To Go To College In Order To Be Successful

A post-secondary degree used to be the only way you could truly access the business world. But these days, many companies have dropped that requirement. Plus, if you feel the itch to start your own company instead of pursuing higher education, you can. Follow your excitement and desire. College is the right path for some, but not for others.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

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

Article continued …

2. Job Hopping Is Perfectly Okay (And Can Actually Be A Really Great Thing)

Personally, I think people who job hop are superstars—because they know when they’re getting bored and are ready for a new challenge, they don’t fear change (at least not enough to stay stagnant), and they are proactive about moving on and choosing the right next step for them.

3. Self-awareness Is More Important Than Credentials

Traditionally, the more degrees after your name and certifications listed on your resume, the better. Formal education used to be thought of as the key to success, the only way to learn. But now, with information at everyone’s fingertips, it’s more important that you’re always learning and can talk about what you know, why it’s important, and the value you can bring to an organization. Turns out, informal education is just as beneficial (if not more). In other words, your knowledge and skills are what matters—how you get there doesn’t.

4. The Way Your Job Makes You Feel Is More Important Than Your Salary And The Perks

Yes, if you’re struggling financially, you may have to prioritize the amount of money you make and the benefits that come along with it.

But even then, you should try your hardest to find a position and company you enjoy (at least most of the time). Because, at the end of the day, no dollar amount can completely erase your misery. And if your work makes you feel unhappy, dejected, frustrated, or all of the above, your performance will suffer. It’ll be mediocre at best.

5. Only You Can Drive Your Performance—No One Else Can

Performance management has radically changed. The new model requires individuals to manage their own work behavior and achievements, rather than relying on their manager to do so. As a performance expert, I can confidently say this is a great thing! It requires you to be more self-aware, more present, more engaged. And, frankly, that’s the only way you can actually experience true great performance.

But, take note: Doing this means you have to get into the habit of being connected to yourself (this weekly performance tracker I developed can help). The more you know how to be who you are and how to use that as your performance North Star, the more successful you’ll be.

6. Your Manager Isn’t Your Career Coach

They are your ally—there to support you, help remove barriers, and provide feedback. They are not there to give you answers to your career planning or to solve any performance problems you may have. You alone are in charge of those two things.

7. Filter Feedback Through The Lens Of Who You Are

Sometimes, criticism is helpful. Other times, it’s not. You need to be able to see it for what it is: data. If it’s not a true reflection of who you are, discard it. If it is, embrace it, learn from it, and move forward. Often, feedback can help you see your own blind spots—and in those cases, you should welcome it—but don’t take it as gospel if it doesn’t resonate with who you are and where you want to go.

8. Create Opportunities—Don’t Wait To Receive Them

The world is entrepreneurial now more than ever. As you generate ideas, your circumstances will become more favorable and you will become more valuable and essential.

9. Ideas Come From Everyone, Not Just The Executive Team

About 20 years ago, ideas came from the top. Today, that’s simply not the case. (If it is at your company, you may want to consider a change.) Leadership has evolved. These days, good leaders encourage—and inspire—everyone on their team to come up with and suggest new ideas.

10. Your Organization Should Make You Feel Safe Being Exactly Who You Are

Psychological safety is a buzzword now, and for good reason. If a company wants to be comprehensively diverse and inclusive, this is a crucial component. If you can’t be who you are, your ability to perform is thwarted.

11. Increased Diversity Of Thought Is Always Better For Business

Be you, be creative, be willing to be different. That’s the true key to innovation. And make sure you promote and accept others doing the very same.

12. Getting Fired Can Be A Gift

It’s a huge opportunity for growth and learning. Why did it happen? If it was “a long time coming,” why did you not leave on your own terms? Dissect the experience and use it as intel. Being fired is not the end—it’s a new beginning, the chance to start over and build a career even better than you imagined.

13. Failures Are Essential For Great Success

For most successful people, the journey wasn’t seamless—far from it. They likely tackled and overcame multiple failures along the way. And the truth is, those bumps in the road, both big and small, played an integral role in their great achievements. When you fail, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and evolve. Don’t fear failure; that won’t serve you. It’ll prevent you from stretching your comfort zone and reaching your ultimate potential.

14. Careers Can Go In Any Direction—They Don’t Have To Be Linear

No longer do you have to choose one company and climb the never-ending ladder (though you can certainly still do that, if you prefer). Careers are as unique as the individuals who have them. Make the moves that feel right to you, even if it means you’re moving to the left, right, back, front, up, down, in a circle—whatever. You can get off the ladder and choose the jungle gym instead. It’s your life, your career.

15. To Be A Great Leader, You Must Be Self-Aware

The better you know yourself, why you are the way you are, and what blind spots you may have, the more powerful and inspiring of a leader you can be. Because with self-awareness comes vulnerability, confidence, and clarity, and those are the makings of great leadership.

16. You Don’t Have To Listen To Everything Your Mentor Says

Just because someone is successful and has your best interests at heart doesn’t mean that you should do everything they say. After all, what worked for them may not work for you. Resist taking action unless it’s something you feel excited about and motivated by. It must feel right to you. Again, this requires knowing yourself—and your aspirations—very well so that you can be discerning with the advice you receive.

17. If Success Keeps Eluding You, The Job Is The Problem, Not You

When things just don’t seem to be working out, don’t point the finger of blame at yourself. There’s nothing wrong with you. It’s just not a good fit, whether it’s because of the office environment, the dynamics between you and your manager, the job responsibilities, or the mission of the organization. Don’t keep trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Find an opportunity that fits you better.

18. You Need To Block Off Time To Think

In a world where back-to-back Zoom meetings are the norm, you must be proactive with your calendar and book time to process, plan, and brainstorm. It sounds strange, but it’s true. And it’s worth it. I promise.

19. Connecting To Your Purpose Is Essential

You must do this in order to avoid burnout and find fulfillment. When you figure out how to tap into your intrinsic motivation, you’ll find that you have natural, endless energy for the work that you do (as long as you still make time to take care of yourself and get enough sleep). And you can’t do this without identifying your Purpose—operating without it is like running a marathon without any food—you’ll deplete your energy stores quickly and crash far before you reach the finish line.

20. Knowing Your Zone of Genius Is Essential For Productivity, Excitement, Fulfillment, And Energy For Your Work

Your Zone of Genius is the way you think best (your Genius) and the impact you want to make on the world (your Purpose). These two data points will change your career (and life) for the better. Take the Zone of Genius quiz to identify yours today!

Forbes.com | November 11, 2020 | Laura Garnett