#JobSearch : How To Answer The 7 Most Important Job Interview Questions. A MUst Read Prior to your Next Interview!

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You’ve finally landed an interview for your dream job. It’s Thursday at 9PM, and in 12 hours, you’ll be talking to the hiring manager.  But right now, you’re stuck nervously refreshing the “Mission” page on the company website.  How can you prepare yourself?

Well, to start with, give yourself a major “congratulations.“  You’ve already done better than 80% of candidates by landing an interview.  Remind yourself that you were chosen because you stood out from the rest and you are qualified.

Think hard on all the things that make you qualified for the position, and the skill you would bring to the role. And most importantly, keep your mindset positive by remembering to really believe in what you’re capable of. You don’t always need experience in an exact arena to be skillful in the work you do. In fact, there is a scientific basis to the strength of positive affirmations, a tool you can use to get yourself inspired.  What’s more is that confidence is integral to nailing an interview, given that 40% of hiring professionals say that overall confidence influences a candidate’s chances of getting hired.

 

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

Article continued …

So now that you’ve talked yourself up to yourself, how do you get ready to do the same in front of an interviewer? You never know when you’ll be thrown an interrogative curveball, but there are some likely questions you can definitely expect and be prepared for.

1) “Tell me a little about yourself”

What might seem like an innocuous question is actually a very important one. Interviewers often see this as a “warm up” question, and what’s more, it’s often an opening for more in-depth conversation.

In my experience as a career coach, I’ve developed a 4-part formula for acing this question.  Here goes:

  1. Your story:  How you tell your story will show the interviewer that you’re not just applying to jobs at random and counting your blessings that you got an interview.  This is your chance to show them that they are dealing with someone with drive and direction.  In telling your story, you should focus on the why that put you in that interview room, and give a compelling narrative trajectory to your career history.  Focus on a story from childhood or a meaningful moment of clarity that helped stir in you the drive to follow your particular career path.
  2. The “cuff:”  I call this one the cuff, because you want it to come across as “off the cuff.”  That is, you want it to be short and sweet.  This is your chance to address anything you might feel less than confident about on your resumé or application.  Maybe you have a gap in your work history, or you left a job shortly after starting it. Recruiters usually pick up on these things, however, they may not give you another chance to address it in the interview. In speaking directly to a potential flaw or shortcoming that may otherwise be unaddressed, you come across as self-aware and proactive.  Make sure to weave this in in a way that fits in with the overall narrative of your career.
  3. Your “golden skill:”  Employers aren’t swayed by a candidate who over-emphasizes skills across the board.  Instead, focus on a skill that relates closely to the job to which you are applying, and present it in a testimonial fashion. Remember, a “humble brag” plays better here than cockiness. In a study of HR professionals, 72% rated “over-confidence” as “the biggest personality turnoff.” An anecdote about how feedback from someone else helped you realize your strength in a certain area and how this impacted your career goals should do the trick.
  4. Your goal:  This is how you tie a bow around a great story of your personal career trajectory. Think about what you are passionate about within your field and where you would like to see this passion take your career.  Bring this goal around to the mission of the company to which you are applying. Hiring managers want candidates who they are confident will commit long term. By framing your career goals as aligned with the company’s mission, you’ll instill confidence in the interviewer that you’ll be a good hire who sticks around.

This may seem like a lot, but think of it as your “elevator pitch,” a concise and confident sales pitch of yourself as a strong candidate. Write a script out, and practice it until it feels natural.

2) What is your biggest weakness?

This is an opportunity to be truthful and candid, and show that you are self-reflective about your personality and your work performance. Self-awareness is one of the most crucial soft skills in the workplace, and also one that’s in short supply: while 95% of people think that they’re self aware, research indicates only 10–15% actually are. Use this question as an opportunity to show that you’re one of the rare one in ten.

Before we get into what you should say, here’s what not to say:

  • “I’m a perfectionist”—they’ve heard that one before.
  • “I’m a workaholic”—they know this is a way for you to dodge the question.
  • “I take work home with me” — this shows that you struggle with time management.
  • “I’m a people pleaser”—this is your way of telling them you’ll always say “yes,” and it’s not enough of a weakness to make them feel like you’re being vulnerable.

Answering this question well is a balancing act: you want to emphasize something that isn’t a major character flaw or weakness. You also don’t want your answer to read as if you are avoiding the question or that you are unwilling to admit that you have room for growth and improvement.

Prepare for this question by considering the most important qualities of the job to which you are applying and what “flaws” might actually be assets in the role. Are they seeking a collaborator or a self-starter? A leader? Or someone who is good at following direction?

Seems like a tightrope walk? Not all of these ideas will land for every role, but try some on for size and see if you can fit any into your narrative.

  • I lead with emotion, and prefer to trust instincts.
  • I work best on my own, and I’m stronger at hitting goals without excessive guidance.
  • I work better in a team/group environment, and need the collaboration of others to execute a vision.
  • I tend to be better at thinking big picture, and prefer to delegate details to others.
  • I’m best at focusing on small details, and rely on the help of collaborators to see the big picture.

If you’re clear on what your weakness is and you need help explaining it, here’s a five step formula I tell my clients to use for this question, all the time:

  1. Pick a weakness you’ve been working on.  You want to be able to show progress in this narrative of your weaknesses.
  2. Acknowledge how it has been a challenge in the past.  Showing the interviewer that you are aware of how this limitation has affected you in the past will show self-reflection and self-awareness.
  3. Show steps you are taking toward working on.  Give concrete examples of how you are taking on your limitations or weakness head on.
  4. Show how you are making progress. Explain how you have noticed progress in yourself in overcoming your weakness.
  5. Emphasize that you’ve been acknowledged for your progress.  Round out your explanation of this weakness with an anecdote about how colleagues or bosses have noticed the progress you have made.

3) Why Are You The Best Person For This Job?

The truth is, you don’t know if you are. But you have to believe you are. Remember all that stuff about positive affirmations and confidence?

One way I love to start answering this question is by saying, “here’s what you won’t find about me on my resume…” and from there, share about a soft skill that is important to the job. Here are a few statements/skills to consider:

  • “I execute and don’t require much follow up.”
  • “I am good at anticipating issues and getting ahead of them.”
  • “My superpower is handling an upset customer with ease.”

Once you make a statement like this, back it up with a quick 30 second story that shows them, and doesn’t just tell them, you have an ability. An anecdote like this will give them insight into who you are and how you show up at work. A story like this goes well beyond a warm conversation and a short gander at your resume to paint a picture of who you are. That is everything.

Additionally, this question is really an opportunity to show that you’ve done your homework when it comes to the company. Think back to the cover letter you sent when you applied. Answering this question is a lot like writing a great cover letter: you have to tie your skills and experience directly to the role that you’re interviewing for. Before you walk into the interview, take a look at your resume and write down, for each job, what your biggest accomplishment was and how the skills you used for it in the past relate to the job you want. Knowing this before you walk through the door can help you add a lot of value in this conversation.

Learn as much as you can about the position, as well as the company as a whole and the work culture there. If you can use your network to connect with someone at the company who can give you an insider look at the things, all the better.

Beyond showing that you have the necessary experience and skills to fulfill the responsibilities of the role, your answer to this question gives you a chance to show that you are a good “culture fit.” Finding candidates who fit into the “work culture” is more important than ever.

According to a study by Millennial Branding, 43% of HR pros say that being a good culture fit is the most important quality a candidate can demonstrate.  Company culture isn’t just about the good water cooler banter: 90% of North American CEO and CFOs believe the the quality of a company culture is closely tied to its financial success and its reputation and perception by the public.

Most people will be trying to show that they can perform the specific responsibilities of the job. Indicating that you are factoring in work culture will give you a leg up.

4) How do you deal with conflict in the workplace?

This question is a great way to emphasize that you have strong emotional intelligence , which hiring managers view emotional intelligence as a crucial soft skill. In fact, 71% of hiring managers say they’d prefer a candidate with strong emotional intelligence over a high IQ, and 59% said that they would even pass on a candidate with a high IQ but low emotional intelligence.

By demonstrating your capacity for empathy, and your understanding of dealing with different personality types, you will show that you’re highly emotionally intelligent.

Remember, the last thing you want to do in an interview is express any negativity.  So it’s important when answering the question to tread lightly in how you portray conflict you may have had with co-workers in the past.  You don’t want to make a point about how difficult or obstructive a certain colleague may have been.  Instead, say you noticed that there were certain dynamics that were holding back the team from progress, and you took steps to address them with proactive communication and dialogue.

The interviewer may ask the questions in a way that solicits a more situational answer, such as “tell me about a time you dealt with a conflict at work.” Here’s a formula that I have found successful for answering this questions in a way that paints you in the best possible light.

“I was working with a certain individual, and I noticed that they would often (insert a problem behavior, such as ‘resist taking on more work’) when x situation would arise.  I felt that this was holding back the team from meeting our goals.  I took the opportunity to address this in a careful, one-on-one conversation with my colleague directly, and found that having a frank conversation in private was effective in conveying my concerns.  I learned from this conversation (insert insight about conflict strategies,) so I’m grateful to have had it. After we talked, I found that we were all more on track to meet the team’s goals.”

Emphasizing the companies mission and team’s goal rather than focusing on the shortcoming of past co-workers will show that you results-oriented, and you can see beyond interpersonal dynamics and focus on the greater good of the work.

If you’re someone who is conflict averse, or you’re not confident you have good conflict-resolution skills, here’s a crash course on some communication strategies. These practices will make you confident that you’ll be able to follow through on your promise to be an A+ communicator:

  • Lead with compassion and empathy. Show that you try to understand where someone else is coming from, or why something may make them feel a certain way.
  • “I statements” rather than “you statements.” This helps you focus on your own subjective experience, rather than pointing out flaws in others.
  • Replace “but” with “and.” This seems basic, but it’s an easy fix that can quickly deescalate a conversation from an argument to a discussion.
  • Ask yourself, “Am I listening, or just waiting to talk?” We learned how to take turns in kindergarten, but that doesn’t mean we always remember to apply the principle in conversation

5) Where do you see yourself in five years?

Please, please, don’t say “in your job.”

Like the “a little about yourself” question, this is an opening to show that you have confidence and drive in your career trajectory.  You want to show that you are consistent in your goals and that you’re committed to the hard work and follow-through required for the job. This is also a chance to show that you are confident that you will perform at a level that will allow you to continue to ascend.

Here are three things companies want to hear in your answer to this question:

  • A desire to grow with the company.
  • A desire to be challenged within the company
  • An alignment with your wants and the companies needs

A great answer would emphasize that the opportunity to grow within the company would be aligned with your long term goals for your career, and that you would also be grateful for the opportunity to help others grow and contribute to the common goals of the company.

6) What can we expect from you in your first 90 days?

This is one more chance to show that you’ve done your research. The best way to answer this is to start with some specifics.  Make it clear that you not only understand the responsibilities of the position, but also that you’re thinking ahead to what the short-term and long-term goals for that role might look like.

Here are some specific ideas of how you might spend your first three months that will show that you’ve considered how you would integrate into the company:

  • Meet with managers to discuss the specifics of short-term and long-term goals, and what goals would be extraordinary if you met them.
  • Map out and prioritizing goals that will “move the needle,” and contribute most meaningfully to the company.
  • Make time to be an observer, and learning as much as you can about the company culture and different facets of the business.
  • Connect one-on-one with new co-workers.

Another strong answer for this question could start with researching what’s working for the company’s competitors, and offering some creative solutions that you’d love to take initiative on if they hired you. By sharing with them your vision for what’s possible with you on their team, you’re making the job offer a no brainer!

7) Do you have any questions for me?

The answer to this one is simple: “yes.”

That is to say, you want to make sure that you are prepared with just a few questions of your own— not too many, but a few. This will likely be the last question, and therefore the last opportunity you have to show them that you are prepared and enthusiastic, and that you’ve considered your place in the company culture, not just your tasks in the specific position. It also might be the last chance you have to gather info that may be crucial if you are given an offer.

Here are a few directions you might take it:

  • What would success ideally look like from me, if I was in this role?
  • If I did an extraordinary job in this role, what goals would I reach in 6–12 months?
  • What’s a typical day possibly look like in this role?
  • When are you looking for someone to start?
  • I was very excited to read about X Initiative, could you tell me more about that?
  • I noticed a lot of emphasis placed on company work culture, could you tell me about your experience of the culture here?
  • What’s your favorite part about working at X Corp?
  • Do you have a certain story or memory that speaks to your experience of working here?

Every interview will be different, and you may hear all or none of these questions.  But it’s likely that an interviewer will touch on some of these subjects, and preparing to address the ideas that arise from these common questions will help you put your best foot forward in an interview.

Try to remember that, at its most basic, an interview is just a conversation. Stay confident and don’t forget that it’s a two-way street. They want you as badly as you want them!

Forbes.com – December 10, 2020 – Ashley Stahl

#JobSearch : What to Do if You Are Furloughed, Fired or Laid Off. Career Experts say it is Important to be Prepared and to Understand your Position.

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Innovation and reinvention are common themes in the modern workplace. This can often result in shifting resource allocation and employee headcount. The coronavirus pandemic has also resulted in many workers losing their jobs, temporarily or longer term. Regardless of economic conditions, employers cut staff for various reasons. It is unlikely that you will work for the same employer from college graduation to retirement the way some in previous generations did. You could face a sudden change in your employment status at any point in your life.

In brief
  • Understand the terminology and context.
  • Assess your skill set and plan your next move.
  • Try to keep your mind-set positive.

Human resources and career experts say it is important to be prepared and to understand your position.

1. Understand the differences.

“We have to let you go.” This phrase no employee wants to hear can also be accompanied by some confusion. There are some important differences between being furloughed, laid off or permanently terminated, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. Not all employers make accurate and consistent use of the terminology, so it is also important to understand the context of the separation. If you find yourself having this conversation with your employer, be sure to ask questions to figure out what it means for you.

 

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

Article continued …

Terms you should know:

  • Furlough: A temporary reduction in hours where an employee remains on the payroll but isn’t actively working or is on a reduced schedule. In some cases, an employee may be furloughed without work for weeks or months. Alternatively, an employee may work fewer days a week and take home a smaller paycheck. Furloughed employees may have an easier transition back to work because they remain on the payroll and usually maintain benefits like health insurance.
  • Layoff: A layoff is usually a temporary dismissal, during which the employer intends to rehire the worker. Layoffs often convert into a permanent separation if the employer doesn’t rehire the employee. Layoffs often don’t have predetermined time periods, and could last for weeks to months. They occur when work is no longer available at no fault of the employee. Usually, a layoff means an employee is removed from the payroll and stops receiving benefits such as health insurance.
  • Permanent separation: A termination without intention of calling the employee back. Depending on the context, this type of termination could include a so-called “reduction in force” or a firing. Employers can offer reasons such as elimination of a particular position, budgetary constraints, misconduct, violation of company policies or an employee not being the right “fit” for a role.

“If you are changing careers by choice or because somebody made that choice for you, the No. 1 thing is to stop thinking of it as something shameful,”

It is important to understand the distinctions. A clear understanding of whether you are being furloughed, laid off or permanently terminated could mean the difference between having health-care coverage or not.

If you are laid off or fired for reasons unrelated to conduct, you will typically lose your health-care coverage, though you may be able to continue your existing plan under Cobra, or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, a federal law that allows employees to continue their employer-provided health insurance. However, you will probably have to foot the bill for 100% of the cost of the plan.

Under furlough, on the other hand, employees usually keep their health-care benefits, but not in every case, says Amber Clayton, HR Knowledge Center Director at Society for Human Resource Management. She says that some employers’ health-care plans only cover employees who work a certain number of hours a week, which could mean furloughed staff lose eligibility.

Employers and workers should both keep a close eye on the language in their insurance policies in the event of a furlough.

2. Think about what is next.

Loss of income is a big financial burden for most people. A 2019 study by the Federal Reserve found roughly four in 10 Americans wouldn’t be able to come up with $400 in a financial emergency. It is important to come up with a plan to support yourself during your period of unemployment, whether that means taking out a loan, filing for unemployment benefits or taking on a different type of work than you are used to.

The next-step checklist:

  • Communicate with your employer. If you have been furloughed, check in regularly with your manager to get updates on the timeline for when you can return to work. If you were laid off or your position was permanently terminated, don’t be afraid to ask HR if there are other opportunities or open positions at the company that you can explore.
  • Get your finances in order. Even if your separation is a temporary layoff or furlough, you can and should look for other work. This is also a way to ensure that you get at least partial unemployment benefits, which you can apply for at your state’s unemployment insurance office. Some states require applicants to prove they have been actively looking for work. You have every right to work another job while you are furloughed.
  • Look for different types of work. If you are having trouble finding open positions similar to your last one, start thinking outside the box. “Think in terms of a portfolio rather than thinking in terms of a singular skill, singular professional, or singular career,” says Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, founder of Reinvention Academy, a consulting firm focused on helping clients embrace change.

After you are laid off, furloughed or terminated, think about how you can use the time to diversify your skill set. Consider taking on a new kind of job that you might not have considered before. “Think of it as an opportunity to develop a skill and get paid for it,” says Dr. Zhexembayeva. She compares our career paths to journeys. “We all have a kind of bigger project, like a highway, but we also have country roads in the form of little side hustles.”

3. Shift your mind-set.

It is normal to feel anxious or upset about the loss of a job, especially when it contributes to financial stress. Try to channel your negative energy into positive action as much as you can. Remember that change is normal.

On average, U.S. employees had spent a little over four years in a job in January 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For workers ages 25 to 34, that average was just 2.8 years.

“If you are changing careers by choice or because somebody made that choice for you, the No. 1 thing is to stop thinking of it as something shameful,” says Dr. Zhexembayeva. “You are living in the world, and you will be facing a lot of disruptions. It’s not the fact that you avoid the disruptions that make you [a] success, it’s the fact that you stand up and keep going that makes you successful.”

Try these tips for positive thinking:

  • Write down your strengths. Make a list of your professional wins over the past year and use that to structure an action plan on how you will do more of it.
  • Practice mindfulness exercises. This doesn’t just have to come in the form of meditation.Any repetitive activity that you don’t find stressful will do, from running to cooking.
  • Get creative. Think about the skills you have that you could monetize. Do some research on how other people have made money with the same expertise.
Resources
  • Your local unemployment office. Not only can you file for unemployment benefits there, but these offices often offer resources to job seekers such as résumé-writing courses and interview practice.
  • Try a “Fear to Action” exercise. These free exercises can help you figure out the next steps you can take by drawing connections between your fears and their potential impact.
  • LinkedIn and Glassdoor. Set job alerts for your industry.
What to do next

 

WSJ.com – November 7, 2020 – Alex Janin

#JobSearch : Know Your Worth – Salary Negotiations. With so many people currently seeking employment, the question is, “What salary are you willing to accept?”

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With so many people currently seeking employment, trying to determine what your skills are worth can be challenging. The question is, “What salary are you willing to accept?” If you have been presented with a job offer, you may feel like you MUST accept what is offered or walk away from the position.

 

However, this is not the case. With careful c-level personal branding and these tips, you can negotiate a better salary and gain the compensation you deserve. 

Research, Research, Research

If you have a friend at the company, ask them how pay works there, and if they know anything about the position that you’re trying for.  Especially look at new employee salary, if available.  Keep in mind that their idea of proficiency may not be yours, just saying that you’re proficient in French doesn’t make it so in their eyes.

Call HR and get the name and full list of responsibilities for the position that you’re interviewing for.  You can use this information to find a benchmark position online — essentially, the commonly used title for what you’ll be doing.  This will allow you to do accurate salary research.

Through various sources online, you should be able to find salary ranges for different positions.  If women’s and men’s pay information is available, use the men’s, even if you’re a woman!  Unfortunately, it’s likely to be higher; in this way you can ensure that your negotiations are as fair as you can make them.

 

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

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

Article continued …

Take into account that location is a big factor in pay rate. What’s the cost of living at the job location?  If possible, get average pay rates there and figure out what the salary range for your position is in that area, if you can’t find the specific numbers on that.

Salary Range
Often, employers like to ask about your salary requirements in advance.  They can use this factor to weed out expensive employees or to offer you less, if you were previously underpaid.  Instead of giving them this leverage, whenever possible, avoid giving any information.  State that it’s negotiable, based upon job responsibilities.

If it’s impossible to avoid completely, give the range that you’ve come up with from your research.  And when in negotiations, start at the top of that range, because you know the company is likely to want to start at the bottom. If the salary you’re offered is far below the range that you expected, verify that the list of responsibilities you used is correct.  Verify the position title.

Research has shown that women are less likely to negotiate for a higher salary than men are. It is believed that this is a factor that leads to lower pay for women.  Women, take this into consideration: you are expected to negotiate.

Think Creatively

Compensation isn’t limited to what you bring home in your paycheck. There are other ways you can be compensated for your time and can help you boost your salary negotiations. If your prospective employer won’t increase your starting salary, consider asking for a performance review in six months to give you time to prove your worth. You may also inquire about:

  • Signing bonuses
  • Stocks
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid time off
  • Flexibility in your work schedule or location

These terms can bring value without increasing the salary your employer will pay. If the job offer involves a move, find out how much the relocation package is worth and if there will be any expenses on your part.  If there are going to be some, ask for additional compensation or a way to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.  Remember, if your house doesn’t sell right away, it’s possible that you could be carrying 2 mortgages for some time. 

Company Culture is a Factor

Consider the culture of the company.  Salary and benefits aren’t everything. Don’t get me wrong, you need to earn what it takes for you to live at a certain standard, but your happiness in a job and the culture of the company is more important than any pay check that you’ll ever receive. If the company is the right fit and has what you’re looking for, then you should consider all personal and professional benefits related to working in a positive work environment.  You don’t want to be looking for a new job in two years, and the company certainly doesn’t want to be conducting another recruitment in two years.

Practice

Like all other areas of life, practice makes perfect. There is value in practicing your negotiating skills with family members or a friend before you head to the negotiating table. Make sure your loved one offers some resistance so you can practice what you will say when the time comes. Negotiating your salary can be one of the most difficult aspects of interviewing for a new job, especially for women. While you focus on your c-level personal branding when writing a professional resume, you must understand what your real worth is so you can fight for every cent you deserve.

Know Your Bottom-Line

Do ensure that you go in knowing exactly what you’re willing to accept.  Otherwise, you may feel pressured into accepting an offer that you’re not really willing to live with. You need to understand your worth and be prepared to walk away if an employer doesn’t realize that value. If you are the ideal candidate for the position, there is a chance they will offer you more once you let them know you are no longer interested. However, you need to be prepared to follow through if they don’t change their offer.

No matter what decision you make or what happens as part of the negotiation, be enthusiastic, appear gracious, and remain professional.  The company has done you a favor and has already possibly spent thousands of dollars recruiting you. Remember, everyone is a contact in the business world, and the last thing you want to do is burn a bridge.

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

 

FSC Career Blog – December 7, 2020

#YourCareer : Scientists Discover The Link Between Your Personality & Degree Of Career Success. Can Personality Change Boost Career Success? A MUst REad!

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You might have noticed that some people seem to scale the career ladder quicker, while others often get stuck at lower rungs along the way. The differences in career trajectories are often a function of personality type. A body of research has shown, for example, that optimists have lower stress levels than pessimists and scoot up the success ladder faster and farther than pessimists. New sales personnel with an optimistic outlook sell 37% more life insurance in their first two years than pessimists. In two new studies, scientists reveal the personality traits that predict career success.

Five Personality Types And Career Success

The first study examined the “Big Five” personality dimensions: neuroticism, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and openness to understand their relationship to career outcomes. The results will be published in the February 2021 issue of the Journal of Vocational Behavior.

Researchers at Cleveland State University surveyed 496 employees (318 men and 178 women) in a diverse set of occupations and organizations on the five personality dimensions. Results of a statistical analysis showed that extroverted employees had greater satisfaction with salaries, promotions and overall career satisfaction; whereas workers who scored high on neuroticism (for example, moodiness, anxiety, worry, fear or frustration) were less likely to be satisfied with their careers.

Those who were high in agreeableness had less career satisfaction, and high openness scores were negatively related to salary level. The research team detected a significant negative relationship between agreeableness and salary among those in people-oriented occupations but no relationship for those in occupations not involving a strong “people” component.

Can Personality Change Boost Career Success?

A second study published in the December 2020 issue of Psychological Science found that if you make a personality change, it can lead to higher levels of job success. Dr. Kevin Hoff at the University of Houston and his research team tracked two representative samples of youth for approximately 12 years from late adolescence (about 17 years old) to young adulthood (about 29 years old). Growth in emotional stability, conscientiousness and extroversion were the personality traits that most predicted career satisfaction and success. Specifically, conscientiousness changes were linked to career satisfaction; emotional stability changes were tied closely to income and career satisfaction; and extroversion changes were linked to career and job satisfaction.

Youth who developed higher levels of conscientiousness and emotional stability during the transition to employment were more successful in aspects of their early careers. This is the first study to assess the predictive power of personality changes for a broad range of career outcomes across more than a decade of young adulthood. Overall, the findings show that personality has important effects on early career outcomes—both through stable trait levels and how people change over time. According to Hoff, “The study showed you’re not just stuck with your personality traits, and if you change over time in positive ways, that can have a big impact on your career.”

 

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

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Optimism And Career Success

Extroversion has a leg up on the career ladder for success in both studies. Emotional stability and conscientiousness are not far behind. But neuroticism stands out as the biggest personality obstacle to career success which matches previous findings that pessimism holds workers at the lowest rungs. While extroversion is not necessarily a prerequisite to achieve career success, emotional stability, conscientiousness and a degree of optimism are. Your mental health and mindset towards your career carry more weight than how outgoing you are. If you’re an introvert, you might find it hard to change, but you can get mental health support if you need it, and you can learn to be more optimistic.

Optimists are not smiley-face romantics looking through rose-colored glasses, nor do they possess some magical joy juice. Their ability to look on the positive side of a negative situation enables them to overcome career obstacles. When you enlarge your perspective and see gains in your losses, the upside of a downside situation, how far you’ve come in addition to how far you have to go and beginnings in endings, your positive outlook arms you with the potential for career success at the highest rung.

A second study published in the December 2020 issue of Psychological Science found that if you make a personality change, it can lead to higher levels of job success. Dr. Kevin Hoff at the University of Houston and his research team tracked two representative samples of youth for approximately 12 years from late adolescence (about 17 years old) to young adulthood (about 29 years old). Growth in emotional stability, conscientiousness and extroversion were the personality traits that most predicted career satisfaction and success. Specifically, conscientiousness changes were linked to career satisfaction; emotional stability changes were tied closely to income and career satisfaction; and extroversion changes were linked to career and job satisfaction.

Youth who developed higher levels of conscientiousness and emotional stability during the transition to employment were more successful in aspects of their early careers. This is the first study to assess the predictive power of personality changes for a broad range of career outcomes across more than a decade of young adulthood. Overall, the findings show that personality has important effects on early career outcomes—both through stable trait levels and how people change over time. According to Hoff, “The study showed you’re not just stuck with your personality traits, and if you change over time in positive ways, that can have a big impact on your career.”

Optimism And Career Success

Extroversion has a leg up on the career ladder for success in both studies. Emotional stability and conscientiousness are not far behind. But neuroticism stands out as the biggest personality obstacle to career success which matches previous findings that pessimism holds workers at the lowest rungs. While extroversion is not necessarily a prerequisite to achieve career success, emotional stability, conscientiousness and a degree of optimism are. Your mental health and mindset towards your career carry more weight than how outgoing you are. If you’re an introvert, you might find it hard to change, but you can get mental health support if you need it, and you can learn to be more optimistic.

Optimists are not smiley-face romantics looking through rose-colored glasses, nor do they possess some magical joy juice. Their ability to look on the positive side of a negative situation enables them to overcome career obstacles. When you enlarge your perspective and see gains in your losses, the upside of a downside situation, how far you’ve come in addition to how far you have to go and beginnings in endings, your positive outlook arms you with the potential for career success at the highest rung.

 

Author: Bryan Robinson, Ph.D.

…

 

Forbes.com – December 5, 2020

#BestofFSCBlog : #JobSearch : How to Deal With Job Loss Without Damage to Your Self-Esteem. A MUst REad!

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Our careers fulfill a number of different functions in our lives, says David Blustein, a professor of counseling psychology at Boston College and author of “The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty: The Eroding Work Experience in America.” Work helps us satisfy our needs to achieve, earn an income, connect with others and feel like the authors of our own stories, he says. In Western cultures in particular, Dr. Blustein says, our jobs are often so integrated into our identities that it is common to feel as though we have lost some sense of self if we lose them. This can take a toll on your mental health. Unemployed Americans polled by Gallup in 2013 were more than twice as likely as those with full-time jobs to say they had been treated, or were being treated, for depression.

In brief
  • Stay connected to people who will support you.
  • Find ways to maintain routine in your life.
  • Look after your mental health by considering options such as therapy, meditation and support networks.
  • Don’t tie your self worth to work.

Millions of Americans have experienced unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic. If you have lost your job, there are some steps you can take to regain your sense of self.

Take time to grieve.

Being laid off is like any other loss, and you need to give yourself time to go through the grieving process, says Ebony Joyce, a career coach and founder of Next Level Career Services. “We have to start the healing process so you don’t go into interviews angry and upset, which can reflect outward,” she says.

Reach out to loved ones. 

Although you might be dealing with a range of emotions, it is important not to isolate yourself, says Dr. Blustein. Social support is crucial in times of struggle, he says. “Isolation and loneliness are also really important compounding factors that need to be dealt with, so reaching out to other people is really critical,” he says.

 

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

Article continued …

Create a routine.

Jobs often provide our days and weeks with a sense of structure. When you lose a job, you often lose your schedule, says Robert Chope, professor emeritus at San Francisco State University, where he founded the career-counseling program. Dr. Chope says that when he and his wife first retired, every night felt like Friday night and every day felt like Saturday. Being unemployed is often the same, he says. “We have had to create routine in our life to allow us to individuate days and allow us to have some sense of succeeding,” Dr. Chope says. “When you lose the routine, you lose a lot of the orderliness of your life.”

Dr. Chope suggests incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine, as well as activities that help give you a sense of productivity, whether that means sending out a certain number of job applications a day or working on a new hobby. Setting yourself up for small wins can help you regain a sense of control over your life.

Be nice to yourself.

Now isn’t the time for negative self-talk, says Dr. Chope. Surround yourself with people who will make you feel good about yourself. If your situation has forced you to move back in with family members who are making you feel bad, you should try to remove yourself from the situation, Dr. Chope says. “You want to be around people who can help you see the opportunities around you with the skill sets you have so that you can move into something that is going to be new and different,” he says.

It can be challenging to do this during a pandemic, but there are some strategies you can try. For example, if you are pursuing a career in the arts, and live with parents who aren’t supportive of this choice, try reaching out to others in the field to see how they can help. “It is incredibly difficult now but there are many who are having the same experiences and may offer living arrangement ideas that are more conducive [to achieving your goals],” he says.

Tips

  • Reach out to your network—whether it is friends, friends of friends or people who work in your industry—to find an alternative living arrangement.
  • If you can’t leave home, try to create some space and physical distance for yourself.
  • Make time to connect, whether over the phone or video chat, with people who are supportive of you and your goals.
Consider seeing a mental-health professional or getting low-cost therapy. 

It isn’t uncommon to have feelings of depression and alienation after losing a job, says Dr. Blustein. At the same time, many people struggle to get by and provide for their families without a regular income, and some fear losing their homes. These issues can have a compounding effect. A study published in September 2019 by the Association for Psychological Science found that people who experienced financial, housing-related or job-related hardship during the 2007-09 recession were more likely to show increased symptoms of depression, anxiety or substance abuse and had higher odds of a number of adverse mental health outcomes three years after the recession.

Mental-health professionals can help you develop coping mechanisms to navigate uncertain times. “Of course, the problem is, when people lose their jobs, they lose their health insurance, which reduces their access to health services,” Dr. Blustein says. If you are able, you should seek out low-cost therapy options to help you cope sooner rather than later. Dr. Blustein suggests contacting your primary-care doctor, if you have one, and asking him or her to help you get access to low-cost mental-health services in your area. You could also check out virtual therapy websites and apps like BetterHelp, which has offered some discounted therapy sessions during the coronavirus pandemic. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has also compiled a list of low-cost treatment options.

Try meditation.

Mindfulness and meditation can help to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology in 2019. The meditation apps Calm and Headspace offer some free meditations and exercises. “Apps like that are really helpful because they offer both meditation, and good psycho-educational content,” says Dr. Blustein.

Seek out support groups.

You could join a virtual support group to find community. There are groups on social-media platforms such as Facebook and Reddit where users share tips and support. The unemployment-insurance-focused community on Reddit, for example, has more than 55,000 members.

Do something that is new, and unrelated to job searching. 

“It is important that people structure their days and fill their days with activities that won’t be as massively frustrating and humiliating as looking for a job,” says Dr. Blustein, who has worked with people who are long-term unemployed in his capacity as a psychologist.

Both he and Dr. Chope recommend volunteering. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Career Assessment, which looked at unemployed people between the ages of 21 and 29, found that those who volunteered for even an hour a week had a higher likelihood of becoming re-employed.

Volunteering can help give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It could also help you network with people in your community, some of whom may be able to help connect you with job opportunities. Engaging in activities that are important to you and help others can also foster a sense of confidence, says Dr. Chope.

Consider your financial well-being.

If you have been laid off, you should consider applying for unemployment insurance. You could also take steps to cut your expenses as you look for work.

When you are ready, seek support in your job search. 
Take a comprehensive view.

Many workers tend to blame themselves when they become unemployed, Dr. Blustein says. But there are often factors at play that the employee has no influence over. The coronavirus pandemic has hit many business sectors, including the live events, air travel and restaurant industries, which have slashed their spending. This has often led to furloughs or layoffs for workers. Tourism-dependent economies, such as Hawaii and Las Vegas, have also suffered amid travel bans and worries about air travel.

Layoffs can happen at any time, regardless of the economic conditions, due to a range of factors affecting particular employers or industries, as part of cost-cutting exercises or strategic shifts. These often aren’t a reflection on the work of the employees.

Dr. Blustein’s research has shown that job seekers can benefit from taking a more comprehensive look at the reasons why it can be particularly difficult to find a job. For example, Black workers have much higher unemployment rates than white workers, no matter their education level, in part because of apparent discrimination, according to economists. If people can understand the ways they have been marginalized, Dr. Blustein says, they can stop blaming themselves for being unemployed. Instead they can focus on developing problem-solving skills and seeking out like-minded people for support. This can give people a sense of agency and direction when making changes in their lives and environments. “If we can help unemployed individuals take a more systemic, critical view of the causes of unemployment, not only is it more accurate, it will also allow people to organize together and have a beneficial impact on mental health,” Dr. Blustein says.

Don’t tie your self-worth to your work.

Job loss can sometimes bring about feelings of shame but you should try to keep in mind that your self-worth isn’t determined by your job title or the company you work for, says career coach Ms. Joyce. “Job loss isn’t a personal attack, and we can’t let it impact our self-confidence and our ability too much or tie our work to our worth,” she says. “Your work isn’t who you are, it is just what you do.”

Resources

WSJ.com | December 4, 2020 |  

#JobSearch : What to Do if You Can’t Find a Job. Don’t Focus on Job Boards. Use this Time to Network and Try to Gather Information from Others.

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The pandemic-related economic shutdown led to Americans at all career stages facing unemployment. Many who lost jobs are still seeking work and struggling with deep financial hardship. Exploring your financial aid options and taking a strategic approach can make this period of job searching feel less overwhelming, according to career experts and financial planners.

In brief :
  • Don’t focus entirely on job boards. Use this time to network and try to gather information from others.
  • Be strategic about the positions you apply for.
  • Consider applying for a temporary job to make sure your basic needs are met.
  • Don’t focus entirely on job boards. Use this time to network and try to gather information from others.
  • Don’t spend your time applying for hundreds of jobs.

If you are throwing spaghetti at the wall, you are unlikely to get a job, says Dorie Clark, author of “Entrepreneurial You: Monetize Your Expertise, Create Multiple Income Streams, and Thrive,” and a professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Ms. Clark says she sometimes receives emails from people who say they have applied for hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs and haven’t heard back. “You can’t just put your résumé out everywhere and assume by the law of numbers someone is going to hire you,” she says. “You want to craft something that really takes time, effort and knowledge, and shows you’ve taken the time to familiarize yourself with the potential company.”

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

Article continued …

Move beyond the job board.

If you are a young professional, you are likely relying primarily on job boards. These can be helpful to get an idea of who is hiring, but you should also be making time to network, says Christy Noel, a career coach and author of “Your Career Survival Guide: How to Get and Keep a Job in Times of Crisis.” She says: “If a young professional is focusing solely on job boards, they need to take that down and network, ask for help, and uncover opportunities for themselves.”

Find people as well as postings.

Not every job opening is posted, says Ashley Watkins, a career coach and résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC.  Ms. Watkins, who previously worked as a recruiter, says many companies use headhunters to source candidates, including for internal job postings that haven’t been made public. They also use recruiters for roles with high turnover, such as sales jobs, because it can be useful for them to have a pool of potential candidates for openings that may come up in the near future. “Just because a position isn’t posted doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist,” Ms. Watkins says.

While it might seem obvious to try to connect with people who work in HR or recruiting, Ms. Watkins says that you should expand your networking efforts. For example, receptionists and office managers know all about what needs have arisen at a company and could be useful contacts, she says.

“You can’t just put your résumé out everywhere and assume by the law of numbers someone is going to hire you.”

— Dorie Clark, author and professor

Expand your search.

If you have been focusing on jobs based in your city or town, you could consider opportunities with employers that may be based elsewhere, but will consider remote candidates. If you worked in an industry that has been hit hard by the coronavirus, you could look for a position that is either adjacent to your field or could help you build valuable skills.  For example, if you are an entry-level worker who wants to go into event management, but there are no job openings in the sector because large events aren’t happening for the foreseeable future,  consider a job in customer service, which could equip you with strong problem-solving skills, says Sarina Virk Torrendell, founder of career coaching company withSarina. “Even if it isn’t the most glamorous job, it is all about acquiring skills that can be transitioned into something else later,” she says.

Don’t talk yourself out of roles before you apply.

If you have a few years of experience, you may have been told by recruiters that you are either overqualified or underqualified for the jobs you are applying for. If you are struggling to find a job and you are concerned you will be turned down for being overqualified for a job you want, make a business case for yourself in your cover letter, says Jenny Logullo, a career coach and founder of Workplace Worth Academy. “Sometimes there’s room for you to challenge what they believe they need in a candidate, or they may even refer you to a more appropriate role within their growing organization,” she says. “Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease and boldness is a memorable trait in the job market.”

In roles that you might be perceived as underqualified for, it is important to draw connections between where you are now and where you want to be, Ms. Logullo says. Communicate how you would be successful in the role, she says. In your application, you should express interest, enthusiasm and self-awareness about your abilities. Demonstrate how you will fill specific requirements for the employer. If you move on to the interview stage, Ms. Logullo says you could attempt to address a hiring manager’s potential concerns head on by asking questions such as, “Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?” or “What would you say is the  No. 1 skill or ability that’s a must for this position?”

“At the end of the day, you’ll find recruiters and other decision-makers are looking for coachable, dedicated and self-aware candidates,” Ms. Logullo says.

Review best practices for your résumé and cover letter.

Whether you are a more experienced worker who was in the same field for many years, or a recent graduate just entering the workforce, you should freshen up your résumé and cover letter. Tailor each to the roles you are applying for. Here are some tips on writing a résumé and how to write a cover letter.

Gather information from others.

Informational interviews with people who work in an industry you are job hunting in can be helpful when you are exploring a new career path or searching for work. The goal isn’t to pitch yourself, but rather to learn as much as you can about the person and his or her work history.  Networking is important whether or not you are employed and there is more tolerance for these types of conversations if the initial outreach is done well, because more people are working remotely nowadays, says Ms. Virk Torrendell. At the end of a conversation with a new contact, take action, she says. “Maybe you ask them to pass along your résumé, or say, ‘Hey it was so wonderful to chat with you, I learned a lot from your experience, is there someone else in your own network who you think could help me?’” Ms. Virk Torrendell says.

Try applying for a company you like, even if it isn’t your dream role.

Sometimes a job is just that. “It is really important to stay flexible and get your foot in the door somewhere,” says Ms. Virk Torrendell. Zero in on who is hiring. You could apply to a company that is growing and thriving, where you can make a good impression and then pivot once you have worked there for a while, she says.

Work on developing your skills.

Expand your knowledge about a field that interests you by taking classes on platforms such as Coursera, which offers a number of free classes, or LinkedIn, which offers some free classes for job seekers.

If you have the bandwidth, taking on a side hustle that allows you to explore your passion could help you hone your craft and build your brand in the industry you are targeting, says Ms. Clark. For example, if you want to work in the restaurant industry, but are struggling to find work, you could start a web series interviewing chefs in your town, which will both allow you to pursue your passion and create connections, Ms. Clark says. “Let’s not forget, Justin Bieber was discovered because of a YouTube video and the women from Broad City started out with a web series they created that then got picked up on television,” she says. “You can be creating your own projects and endeavors.”

“[Temp] work might expose you to a new ability, a new gift, a new career that may be sustaining if you are coming out of an industry that may not be coming back.”

— Tyrone Ross Jr., Onramp Invest

Consider taking on a temp job.

Short-term jobs can help you to meet your basic needs. Tyrone Ross Jr., a financial adviser and chief executive of digital investment platform Onramp Invest, says he grew up in a home where money was scarce. Because of this, his default advice to jobseekers is, if you are able, make sure your needs are met and there is a roof over your head.

One way to do this would be to contact a temp agency, try gig work or take on short-term employment to keep up with your bills and expenses. If you have the privilege of being selective about what type of temp job you take, you could try to find a position that will likely lead to longer-term employment, Mr. Ross Jr. says. “That work might expose you to a new ability, a new gift, a new career that may be sustaining if you are coming out of an industry that may not be coming back,” he says.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Career Assessment, which looked at unemployed people between the ages of 21 and 29, found that those who volunteered for even an hour a week had a higher likelihood of becoming re-employed. Not only can volunteering help give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, it might also help you network with people in your community who can help connect you with job opportunities. “It can give you this sense of confidence and helpfulness that you’re engaging in activities that are important to you and to other people,” says Robert Chope, professor emeritus at San Francisco State University, where he founded the Career Counseling program.

Consider your personal financial health.

If you are struggling to find work after you have been laid off, you should look into applying for unemployment insurance. You should also think about cutting your expenses, says Luis Rosa, a certified financial planner and founder of Build A Better Financial Future LLC. He suggests calling each of your creditors to let them know about your financial situation and ask what options are available. You can also cancel some subscriptions and take a look at your spending to see where you can make adjustments. Mr. Ross Jr. suggests looking at three months of spending and identifying what you can cut back.

You may also look up your eligibility for government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps low-income families and individuals pay for groceries. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is another program to consider. It might help you and your family pay for expenses if you are unemployed or underemployed and meet certain criteria.

Take care of your mental health.

The longer Americans are unemployed, the more likely they are to report poor mental health, according to a Gallup poll conducted in 2013. If you are struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, you could consider seeing a low-cost therapist, trying meditation or joining a support group for people who have lost their jobs.

Remember that you aren’t alone.

Tens of millions of people lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, published in September, found that half of adults who say they lost a job due to the coronavirus outbreak are still unemployed. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated when you are struggling to find work, but it is important to remember that you aren’t alone, says Ms. Virk Torrendell. “Try to be grounded in what you have accomplished thus far, and remember that you’re not the only person going through this,” she says.

Resources

 

WSJ.com | November 2, 2020 | Allison Pohle

#JobSearch : How To Tap Into The Hidden Job Market. A MUst REad!

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A decade ago, along with most career counselors, I was pushing job hunters to tap into the hidden job market because, at that time, 80% of all jobs weren’t advertised. Enter the electronic age where we now have massive job board listings, and so many believe these are all the jobs out there, which is not accurate. Hannah Morgan, Job Search Strategist who writes a terrific blog each week, said, “Historically, the hidden job market was about unadvertised jobs. Fast forward to 2020, and you’ll find that the process is still about getting to hiring managers and recruiters early in the process, ideally, before the job is posted or engaging with that employer as soon as a listing goes up.

Morgan says the secret today is about getting to the job opening early in the process so you can get looked at. “Getting a jump start in communicating with employers before the crowd arrives is critical.” More than 250 people typically apply for a listing – many more if it’s a prominent or popular company. “The earlier you get your resume in, the more likely you are to be looked at. Applying ASAP is a key strategy and a better way to get looked at and secure an interview. People typically are good at looking for jobs on the search boards but not through relationships. When you are actively networking and being strategic, you will be more successful,” says Morgan.

What is this hidden job market?

Morgan used an analogy to explain. She asked you to imagine an iceberg. “On the surface, you see only the ice berg’s top. Equate that to the job market, and you only see a small portion of the jobs advertised. The massive amount of ice under the water is the entire word of mouth process companies and hiring managers go through to fill an opening. The manager knows about this opportunity long before the job gets listed, and the HR recruiter posts it. The hiring manager is telling everyone they know about the job and passing the word before it’s publicly announced. Many people are found early in this stage, often on LinkedIn. The recruiter is actively sourcing out good candidates based on your profile and its keywords,” says Morgan.

 

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

Article continued …

Tapping into connections in a new way

Focus energy on building relationships to help gain access to inside information about job opportunities that may not have been posted publicly yet. You can start with people you already know — even if you have lost contact with them over the years. Reach out to a former classmate by merely saying you’d like to catch up. Send them a family picture, that often starts conversations more easily.

To be found, you must start with a complete and highly effective LinkedIn profile. (For direction, follow this self-directed LinkedIn Profile Creation Guide published by Forbes.

Job hunters almost always overlook one strategy Morgan loves. “Job hunters use LinkedIn but overlook Facebook. Yet, the reality is that people are glued to Facebook daily.” Facebook added over 100 million users during the Spring of 2020. Our Facebook page is usually filled with family, friends, relatives – people you know rather well. “Network on Facebook to look for work – it’s a smart move,” said Morgan. “You have your personal network that is eager to help you if you ask. Ask, but be strategic about it. The worst question to ask is, Do you know about any jobs?  Better to inquiry about how they are doing now handling Covid. Personal connections need to be made first before you ask for job search help. Then utilize the following steps to get networking assistance.”

Create a list of companies you want to work at, targeting 20-25. Go to your Facebook page, and at the top, search for a “company name.” Select the “People” tab. Then turn on the Facebook button that says “friends of friends.” This allows you to see your 2nd connections and who is connected to who. Plus, no one ever knows you looked at their profile. To privately network, you can use Facebook Messenger to ask for help.

“December is a great time to connect with others,” suggests Morgan. “People spend more time on Facebook during the holidays. Build relationships inside your targeted companies. Look for anyone you might have something in common with. Any employee inside can pass on your resume no matter what job they hold. They may also be able to introduce you to the HR or the hiring manager. Since they likely work in another department, ask Why do they like working there? What is the culture like? How has COVID changed things? That person, if they like you, can send on your resume or introduce you.”

Morgan stresses that there is no such thing as a BAD networking contact. As long as they are employed inside a target company, they are a valuable asset to you. And if you get an interview, that contact can help you by providing useful insider information.

How to get there first?

POST MORE STUFF! Make yourself known on LinkedIn. Share at least 2-3 times a week. Morgan recommends you be very proactive in your job search by building online content for LinkedIn, blogs, and video posts to keep you visible. How? “Write some posts, share articles you’ve read, ask a question of your network, and comment on connection’s LinkedIn posts. As you get active, you are building a professional reputation to attract attention,” she noted.

Interact and comment on connections’ Linkedin and Facebook posts. Seeing your name frequently brings you to the top of their mind. Likely, all your contacts don’t know you are looking for a job. Be clear about the job title you seek, the type of company or industry too. Always be specific when you make any request.

Morgan says that your weekly job search time should be about 30 hrs/wk. Spend 10 hours do an online search for job listings. Use the other 20 hours of networking, building, and posting helpful content reaching out to connections. If it is taking your 4-5 hours to apply for one job – get better at it. One-hour max and move on. Get a referral — that has the most impact on your success.

What is stopping you?

Many people hate to network. Are you embarrassed? When people are unemployed, they feel like they are less, which is just not true. Many people have lost jobs because of the pandemic. They have more empathy for your situation than ever before. Think about this. A friend tells you they were job hunting. Wouldn’t you want to help your friend? Of course, you would. And your connections feel the same way about aiding you. Other people want to do something now, and if they can help you in your search, it makes them feel better about themselves.

Maybe you are an introvert and find networking a very challenging task. My client, Saiyid, said to me this morning, “I am used to people connecting to me, but I’ve always been reserved and lack networking skills myself. Being introverted makes this a hard task. Necessary, I know, but still hard.” Morgan confessed that she is an introvert herself. Her advice was this gem. “Find a couple of extroverted friends who are out and about as extroverts love to be. Plant your job search message with these extroverted friends, and they will help you spread the word for you.” Also, right now, people WANT to help others in difficult times so ASK. Be specific. Ask about the company’s culture, the impact of Covid on your company. How are things going for you? This approach comes across as I have empathy. I care about you as a person. It’s a perfect lead-in, said Morgan.

The holidays are a great time to reconnect with family, friends, acquaintances, and network! Text, FaceTime, email, or call and wish them a happy holiday. A short, personalized message works. Try: Hope you are safe, healthy, and enjoy HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Update me on how are you doing?

Forbes.com | December 3. 2020 | Robin Ryan

#JobSearch : 6 Tactics For Succeeding In A Pandemic-Era Job Search. Studies Found 42% of the Work Force was Working Remotely, 26% were Working On-Premises, and the Remaining 33% Unemployed.

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Covid-19’s impact on career paths has been massive. For some people, the pandemic has halted current plans or caused a slight change of course. In other cases, the pandemic has shifted entire teams, offices and companies from daily in-person interactions to remote setup, potentially permanent.

Just look at the numbers pulled by Stanford University economist Nicholas Bloom last June. At that point, Bloom found that 42% of the American labor force was working remotely, 26% were working on-premises (mostly essential service workers), and the remaining 33% were not working.

What could possibly be the upside to that? A job market wildly in flux that is simultaneously ripe with possibilities. Remote jobs are available, new career paths are available, and the opportunity to turn hobbies into profitable ventures is out there for the taking.

To make the most of these new employment possibilities, embrace these six strategies:

1. Resist the urge to adopt tunnel vision. We all have best-laid occupational plans or visions for what we should be doing. But as 2020 has shown us all, getting your heart set on any set plans could be a recipe for disappointment. The best course of action in the current climate is approaching everything with an open mind.

According to Christine Alemany, CEO of branding and marketing firm TBGA, no career opportunities should be out of reach, and no marketable skill should be above exploring or exploiting.

“When browsing open positions, keep an open mind about how you can apply your experience and abilities to address the company’s current needs,” Alemany said. “When you submit your application, include a note where you clearly state which of your skills could transfer to the current role.”

See your employment search as a blank canvas, with your skills and background serving as your paints. Don’t get too tied down to anything, and make an effort to be open to all options present at this uncertain time.

 

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

Article continued …

2. Turn the job search into your job. While the unemployment rate is declining after a record 14.7% spike in April, that doesn’t mean job seekers should ease up on their searches. Not in the least.

If anything, the unemployed need to pour all of their time and mental resources into securing that next gig. Apply the same urgent, proactive nature you would use while executing a project for your boss.

Check job boards daily, reach out to recruitment coordinators and contacts after submitting your application materials, and make time each day to exhaust all avenues. You can even dip into your network to see whether any former employers or colleagues know about open positions or promising companies that’d be a good fit. Be diligent about your search to unearth the results you want.

3. Keep your digital presence current. A résumé is no longer the be-all and end-all of the job search process. Your personal brand has moved online and you need to manage it and ensure that your bits and bytes brand is congruent with your real-world brand. Social media gives applicants the opportunity to build a wealth of digital samples and examples to present potential employers well before the interview.

A CareerBuilder study supports the push many employers are making toward factoring digital presence into an applicant’s job prospects. The research found that 70% of employers look at social profiles when researching candidates. Dive deeper into those numbers, and you’ll see that 37% of employers found information in those profiles that corroborated a candidate’s professional claims, while 33% came away from those social searches impressed with a candidate’s level of professionalism. Your personal brand has moved online. Manage it so you can impressive those who are making decisions about you.

Social media connects friends and families, and it can also connect you to the job and company of your dreams. You just have to keep it updated, focused, and relevant to whatever path your search is on.

4. Lean on and expand your professional network. One study found that 85% of available jobs are filled by leveraging professional connections. Think of a job search the same way you might think about looking for a new product or restaurant to try — check with the people you know and respect in order to discover potential opportunities.

If you see that a former co-worker is now at a company you’re applying to, pick that person’s brain for insights. Even if there’s an indirect connection with the company, use that bridge to get in on the ground floor of a potential job opportunity.

5. Practice the tough questions before the interview. Most employers have a file with all of their go-to interview questions. Some are the standard strength/weakness queries, while others are designed to draw deep insights out of applicants but sometimes trip candidates up. Glassdoor reviews sometimes include interview questions that companies are known to ask.

Get in front of those tough questions by setting up time to practice your answers. And practice delivering them via video. Your job interviews will be done online so master the medium so you can bolster your brand during Zoom interviews.

Research frequently asked “tough interview” questions with friends and family members and focus on how you’d answer them in front of your computer camera. Find the experiences that present you in the best light, and figure out where those experiences fit into the scope of those tough questions. The more prepared you are, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter — and the more you’ll stand out from other candidates.

6. Settle in for the waiting game. For reasons of legal compliance and circumstance, most jobs don’t get filled instantaneously. According to a Society for Human Resource Management study, it takes about 42 days on average to fill a position.

With that in mind, understand that nothing will happen immediately. Do your check-ins, keep applying for open jobs, and understand that your next opportunity won’t fall into your lap immediately. Account for that time in your search while remaining positive that your outlook will improve as long as you keep taking action.

The job market is constantly shifting, but it’s also brimming with opportunities — they just aren’t presenting themselves in the most traditional manner during this less-than-traditional time. When approaching the job market, be open-minded, steadfast, current, connected, prepared and patient. Infused with those traits, you can leverage the possibilities in your favor.

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

 

Forbes.com | December 3, 2020

#JobSearch : 5 Interview Mistakes That Are Costing You A Chance At Your Dream Job. Great Checklist Before for Today’s Job Interview.

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Interviewing can undoubtedly be a nerve-wracking experience for many. The unfortunate reality is that a great deal of job seekers were never taught how to prepare for an interview. As such, they unknowingly make common mistakes that prevent them from getting their dream job.

Aside from looking polished and professional, arriving on time and doing your research, you should use this time to let your personality shine. Employers want to know you’re qualified for the position, but they also want to know that you’d be a good cultural addition. The way they assess this is through your personality and how you interact with them throughout the interview.

Here are five common mistakes you could be making that are costing you a chance at your dream job.

Avoiding The Salary Question

Unless you’re certain of the exact salary you’re worth, make sure to always give a salary range. This lets employers know the lowest salary you’re open to receiving. Paw Vej, recruitment manager and team leader at Financer, a leading financial comparison website, said, “if you have no idea what your realistic salary is, you have no starting point for a negotiation. Start by figuring out what the average salaries are for the position in which you’re interviewing.” You can utilize sites such as LinkedIn Salary, Glassdoor and Salary.com, to name a few, to get a range of what the typical salary is in your industry and location.

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

Article continued …

While many people recommend not giving a salary and avoiding the question altogether, ultimately everyone has a minimum salary in mind. Furthermore, company’s typically have an inflexible budget if yours exceeds what they can afford. In order to not waste your time or the company’s, it’s important to be transparent upfront.

Likewise, not having taken the time to prepare an answer to this question isn’t always favorable. Larry Pendleton, president and CEO of Government Services Exchange, asserted, “I always know the average pay for a person seeking a specific position, so overshooting and even undershooting the salary question will leave me wondering about the candidate’s confidence.” He added, “a simple Google search will reveal the average salary for any position globally. Know your experience, and be ready with an honest number.”

For rare and unique positions that aren’t easy to benchmark, Sarah Johnston, job search strategist and founder of The Briefcase Coach, recommended candidates to instead respond with, “I’m still learning about this position and what it entails and I’m still not clear on the total compensation. Based on what I know, I feel comfortable sharing that I would need to make between X and X. Does my range match yours for the role?”

Blaming Your Last Company

One of the biggest red flags for an interviewer is when a candidate speaks badly about a current or past employer. Aaron Simmons, founder of Test Prep Genie, explained, “though it’s true that there’s no perfect company, it’s still inappropriate and unprofessional to directly put the blame on them for unfavorable job experiences.” He added, “it gives the interviewer the impression that should you be hired and leave after some years, you would also stab them at the back.”

Conversely, with more awareness being brought to workplace bullying, if you left due to mistreatment, it’s okay to share that the company was not a fit for you while leaving the details for a later time. As an HR professional who was also the victim of workplace bullying, I understand how common it is. While I can empathize with candidates who have also been bullied and mistreated, there’s a fine line between sharing an experience and using an interview to air your grievances and bash a company.

Not Doing Your Homework

Regardless of industry or location, there are standard interview questions in which every company asks. As a job seeker, it’s important that you do your homework and are prepared to answer these questions. An example of a common question is “what makes you interested in working for your company?” Hiring managers typically ask this to better understand your motivation for applying for the job. Not doing your homework and failing to research into the company is a sure way to be disqualified early on.

Before your interview, take the time to visit the company’s website and learn about their core values, the clients or customers they serve, the products or services they deliver, how they give back to the community, the LinkedIn page of the person interviewing you as well as recent events or company milestones. Not only will these provide great talking points and potentially find common ground with the interviewer, but they’ll help you to form insightful questions to ask during the interview.

Failing To Ask Insightful Questions

Interviewing is a two way process. This is the time for you to interview a prospective employer to see if they’re a right fit for you just as they’re wanting to see if you’re a good fit for them.

When you ask questions during an interview, it shows the interviewer you’re engaged, you’ve done your research and you care about more than just a salary. Asking questions only about the salary and benefits tells interviewers you only care about what’s in it for you. Vej shared, “as an interviewer, I need to see that you’re actually interested in the work, otherwise, you’re not going to perform very well, in my experience.”

Failing to ask questions could put you into a toxic workplace situation. For this reason, make sure you ask questions that will give you insight into what you would be entering into should you be made an offer and accept.

Here are some questions to get you started:

  • Why did the last person in this position leave?
  • What would the onboarding look like for someone joining the company?
  • How do you invest in your employees development?
  • What makes you proud to work at (company name)?
  • When and how is feedback given?
  • What would you say would be my biggest challenge if I would join the company?
  • What are some ways you celebrate individuals or company milestones?

Leading With An Ego

You can have an impressive resume with superior qualifications, but if you let your ego lead the interview, interviewers will see you as problematic and opt for someone more humble. There’s a difference between selling yourself versus focusing only on yourself. Vej explained, “if you only focus on yourself, it becomes very difficult for me to see how you can provide value for our company.” The key is being able to connect your accomplishments with how they’ve helped your current or previous employer.

Additionally, when it comes to answering the “what’s your greatest weakness” question, the worst thing you can say is that you have no weaknesses. This shows the interviewer that you lack self awareness. The reason behind asking this question is not only to see how self aware you are, but how you’re working to address and improve those weaknesses.

Candidate’s who lead with their ego feel like the interview is a waste of time and their skills are far superior to any other applicants. Moreover, they use the interview to boast about how great they are. While an interviewer may carry out the rest of the interview, mentally they’ve already written the candidate off.

Forbes.com – November 30, 2020 – Heidi Lynne Kurter

#JobSearch : How To Land A New Job In Tough Times. What Is the Ideal Strategy to Land a New Job? A MUst Read!

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Yesterday a Baby Boomer called me with a question that many of you might be tossing around. Sandy asked, “I really dislike my current boss, and I want to leave this job, but should I just be grateful I have a job and not try for a new one? The pandemic has caused so much bad news about company closings, reduced hiring, and my brother just lost his job. It has got me down, so should I stop complaining, suck it up, and hang on for another year or two until times are better?”

Sandy’s fear is understandable. She thinks that few employers are hiring, which is not valid. I never advocate for anyone to remain in a miserable work situation. Understanding she needs a paycheck, I suggested that she test the hiring waters to see if her skills are in demand. I reassured her that I’ve just had four clients get hired for great paying jobs. Two were Baby Boomer professionals making over six-figures. Another was a 2020 grad getting an excellent opportunity to launch his career in a field he wanted. Lastly, the mid-level client who got the remote job he wanted.

There are new opportunities available. So, don’t assume all the bad news means you can’t land a better job – YOU CAN! It will take more time than before. You must use some job search savvy and know what is effective and what doesn’t work. You need to take the calculated risk and see what develops. I think you’ll be surprised by the positive results if you implement the right job-hunting strategies.

 

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

Article continued …

What is the ideal strategy to land a new job? The answer is being referred to the company and the hiring manager by an employee or colleague they know.  Jobvite, a talent acquisition system reported that employee referrals only make up about 7% of potential candidates, but the number of those referred candidates hired is 44%. 44%! That makes this well worth the effort to try and locate a connection to someone inside the company. LinkedIn is the ideal place to search for contacts and obtain a referral.

In today’s challenging economy, people who learn and use networking techniques will be those that succeed. But for some people, the task of networking is hard to do. Ken was a Program Manager for a tech company who had lost his job because of the Covid pandemic. He became a client and told me he had no network to speak of. Ken had no LinkedIn profile and did not belong to professional or civic organizations. An introvert, Ken disliked the idea of networking, but he did email a few colleagues and his old boss, but no one had any job openings, so he stopped. We started our career counseling sessions by educating Ken on what today’s job search involved.

First, I wrote him a powerful resume, and then we developed a complete LinkedIn Profile. I gave him the mission to make connections with a target of obtaining at least 300. Next, we worked on having him learn some effective networking strategies. He was surprised by the fact that according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Yale University report, 70% of all jobs are found through networking. Learning more effective techniques, he began again. The changes he made worked. Recruiters contacted him, and an old colleague he found on LinkedIn passed on his resume for a great job opportunity at her company. The employer called, and after several interviews, he was selected and hired for a terrific new job.

Today’s job market requires you to approach the job hunt differently than before. Here are a few tips to get started.

Increase your contacts. LinkedIn has become the place to collect contacts. An excellent way to farm for connections is to think about all the people you have worked with. Note former bosses, coworkers, colleagues, vendors, anyone you interacted with at your last job, and other positions you have held.  Many people add their company’s Executive leadership team too. Next, invite your friends, neighbors, family, and college alum friends. Then branch into your professional associations and connect with those folks, especially the group’s leadership team, and board members. When it comes to networking, the more connections you have, the better.

Do not waste a contact. Do not approach people until you are ready. A common mistake is to frantically call EVERYONE you’ve ever met and say, “I’m looking for a job – do you know of one?” Huge error! You must clearly articulate the specific job title, company, and kind of company you want to work for. Instead, you can reach out to connections individually. Calls are great, emails work, and if you don’t have those, use LinkedIn to send them a message. Tell the contact you are job hunting. Be specific on the job title you seek. Ask them what is happening in their company. Don’t expect them to know of a job, but some will and usually share that information as they want to help you. Another thing to ask is if a job comes up at their company, would they pass on your resume. Most times, the answer is yes.

Have Your Resume Ready. The goal of your resume is to secure interviews. Is your resume updated and downright the best it can be? Will it get through the employer’s Applicant Tracking System? Is it full of accomplishments and the results you achieved on the job? Will it stand out in a crowd? Find out before you network. A useful Forbes article to read to ensure your resume is topnotch and will impress employers is: Employers Ignoring Your Resume? 5 Mistakes To Avoid.

Dig deep so you can use a Referral. When you hear of an opening or find the opportunity online, go to LinkedIn and search “the employer’s name” and use the “people” drop-down tab. This will bring up anyone in your online network who works there. You can also see 2nd connections and who you know that may know someone at that company. Reach out to the person and tell them about the opening you plan to apply for, and would they be willing to pass on your resume to HR or the recruiter. Some companies pay their employees for any referred person they hire, so this might help your contact too. Forward on your resume. Just to cover all bases, do apply online for the job opening also. You want to be found in the employer’s system if the connection doesn’t come through. (Most do, in my experience).

Know What to Say. Be able to offer a concise intro about your skills and experience when talking to connections, recruiters, and eventually hiring managers. A technique I call the 60 Second Sell (outlined in this Forbes article Best Way To Open An Interview To Secure A Job Offer) gives you the easy formula to create your persuasive elevator speech and verbal business card. You want to quickly outline experience, your top strengths, and some key outcomes you’ve achieved on the job as you only have about one minute to impress them.

It’s a whole new job market, so you’ll move ahead of the competition if you use these strategies.

 

Forbes.com | December 1, 2020 | Robin Ryan