#JobSearch : The Key To Starting A New Career In The Age Of The Coronovarius. Key Steps to Help you Move Forward.

/in /by

The dislocation to our jobs and overall well-being wrought by the coronavirus pandemic has been unprecedented in our lifetime. The issue has been compounded by a media landscape that has often confused and distressed as much as it has helped. Research from the University of California, Irvine, highlights the mental distress mass consumption of media during the pandemic has caused. The deluge of information, some of which will be wholly misleading, can cause paralysis at a time when we need to be acting.

Being overwhelmed can lead even the most motivated people to give up prematurely or approach things in a haphazard way. 

Facing the uncertainty surrounding our future, now is not the time to get bogged down in confusion. Columbia Law School professor Alexandra Carter believes that the perfect way to break free of this funk is to take the first step, however small it may be, towards our new future. In her latest book Ask for More, she outlines how you can make progress in whatever your goals are, whether finding a new job, earning a pay raise, or changing your career.

She outlines a number of crucial steps to help you move forward:

1. Review your problem or goal – The first step is to identify the key problem you face. With the coronavirus, this could be the loss of your job, a reduction in hours, maybe even a crisis for your industry.

Similarly, you may have identified a key goal you want to achieve for your career going forward. This may be a new job in your existing field, or a pivot towards a new career entirely. Try if you can to look back through your life to identify any moments in your past that led you to where you are today.

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

2. What are your needs? – Carter highlights that these can be tangible, i.e. what you can count, see, or touch, or intangibles, such as your values. Collectively, they are what is important to you, and any steps you take from here on should reflect these values.

For intangibles, it is important to try and understand what that might look like.  For instance, if you strive for fairness, this may be reflected in higher pay for some, whereas it is more reputational for others. Once you have identified your needs, Carter advocates exploring the various actions you could take to fully and completely meet those needs. “Give yourself permission to consider a world in which all of your needs could be met, and then make a list of concrete first steps to get there.”

3. Explore your feelings – Feelings can often appear inconsequential in major decisions and are relegated to secondary status behind our reason and logic. Carter believes this is a significant mistake, and by recognizing our feelings, we can craft better solutions. Now, more than ever, you are likely to be having a whole range of emotions, and it is important not to ignore them if you are to craft the future you want.

4. Consider past successes – Whenever you experience a setback in your life, it can focus your attention excessively on the negative aspects associated with it. This can cause you to doubt yourself and your ability to enjoy success in life again. Getting your career, and your life, back on track is not going to be easy, and you need to have both confidence and momentum for your efforts to succeed.

Carter advocates looking back into your past to recall examples of times you have succeeded. What did you envision when you did so? What were your habits, actions, and mental state? Try and find not only the confidence from your past success but uncover some concrete actions you can employ to help you move forward. If you do not have similar prior successes to call upon, look instead for past successes in unrelated fields. This could be from your academic past or even your personal life.

As Carter explains, the key is not so much what your first step is, but that you make one. “Focusing on the first step can help us build momentum,” she says.  “When steering ourselves toward a big and exciting goal, trying to design the entire solution from the outset can feel more overwhelming than productive.

Being overwhelmed can lead even the most motivated people to give up prematurely or approach things in a haphazard way.  Sometimes, we need that one step to help us build a little momentum.” The present time is nothing if not uncertain, but each day presents a new opportunity, and now is the time to take that first step towards a better future.

 

Forbes.com | June 3, 2020 |  Pavel Krapivin Contributor Careers I write about the intersection of work and happiness.

 

 

#JobSearch : If you Were Recently Laid Off, Here’s How to Revamp your LinkedIn Profile.

/in /by

From March 2019 to March 2020, LinkedIn reported a 55% increase year-over-year in conversations on the platform — including reacting, commenting, resharing, and replying to comments on posts — as people reconnect with their networks and share advice for navigating a new working environment. People are sharing more, too — for the same period, there’s been a 60% increase year-over-year in content creation, with video proving to be fastest-growing type of content on the platform.


But the coronavirus hasn’t changed the way we network, since we’ve been digitally building resumes for years now. It has, however, accelerated the shift “from shine to substance” in terms of what most people view as important, says Karen Leland, author of “The Brand Mapping Strategy: Design, Build, and Accelerate Your Brand.” It’s not just about being flashy anymore, she says; it’s about showing how you did something and provided value rather than simply talking a big game.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your LinkedIn profile rock in 2020, and get hired in a role you love. 

Treat your LinkedIn profile as a resource rather than a resume

Think of your profile first as a resource to your audience — it “should be focused more on your audience than it is on you,” said Viveka von Rosen, LinkedIn speaker and author of “LinkedIn Marketing: An Hour a Day.” It’s a mindset shift that could help you tap into resources you can share that could be valuable to your audience. Focus on communicating who you help with your product, service, or expertise — and how. This could come in the form of client testimonials, references to companies you’ve helped in the past on specific projects, a detailed explanation of your specialties, or free resources and information (an e-book, online course, complimentary first consultation, etc.).

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

In the “Experience” section, many users just give a recitation of their work — a title and one-liner description of each job — but a key strategy for amping up your profile is to show, rather than tell, what you did by offering engaging examples, says Leland. For example, you could say you’re a “marketing director responsible for communications and campaign development,” or you could say you’re a “marketing director who increased sales by 35% year-over-year, with three successful media campaigns resulting in 10,000 unique impressions.”

Rewrite your “about” and “experience” sections to reflect goals you achieved in past positions, rather than just general skills. 

 

Refocus your “about” section

In 2020, an eye-catching “About” section starts with an engaging first sentence. That’s because the content is naturally cut off after two lines, unless others click “see more.” It’s a good idea to start your LinkedIn profile with a “call to read, something that grabs your audience or your buyer’s attention,” said von Rosen, or something that addresses their biggest pain point. Think about the question people ask you the most — for example, a marketing expert may often hear, “What is a personal brand, and do I really need one?” and reference that point in the first part of your “About” section. Anyone interested in the answer to that question will likely opt to “see more,” said Leland.

It’s important to reframe the section as “show-oriented, not tell-oriented,” said Leland. Move away from a generic recitation of where you’ve worked; instead, reach beyond that to describe your years of experience in the field, international experience and specific projects or metrics, as well as degrees, awards, honors, and certificates. If you’ve been interviewed in the media or given public speeches, include that in your LinkedIn profile; if you’ve written content elsewhere online, link to it. “You’d be shocked how many people leave that stuff out of their ‘About,'” said Leland.

 

If you’re currently looking for a job, consider updating your LinkedIn profile to maximize your reach and let people know you’re looking for a new position.

 

Connect with others — genuinely

In the age of COVID-19, everyone’s hungry for human connection, and LinkedIn aficionados like von Rosen are receiving more network requests than ever. She says that customizing a request is vital when it comes to upping your chances of acceptance. Look at the other person’s profile to find a commonality between you — maybe related to the school they went to, their work experience, the authors they follow, their most recent post — and add that into your note. “Sometimes that takes a little sleuthing,” said von Rosen, “but in the long run you’re just going to have a higher acceptance rate and a higher-quality network.”

Now’s the time to expand that network, says Leland, who suggests sending one request per weekday: “Five minutes a day, five days a week.” Pro tip: If you’re requesting to connect with someone via smartphone instead of desktop, the button will send a non-customized request by default. To get around this, click the three dots to the right of the “Connect” button, and you’ll have the option to personalize your request.

When connecting with others, take time to read their profile, find something you have in common, and send a customized note when you message them.

Give your audience a holistic view of what you care about

These days, people look much more closely at what you’re involved in outside your career — think charities you support, nonprofits you’re part of, and volunteer opportunities you’ve had. “What people are looking for right now is a much deeper, 360-degree view” of who you are,  says Leland — “substance, not just flash.” She says she can’t count the number of people who’ve told her they connected with someone after noticing their volunteer work and the like.

Besides philanthropy, another way to share more about your interests and passions on LinkedIn profile is by sharing content, says von Rosen. Try posting a few sentences about a blog post, white paper, presentation, or book you’re interested in or found value in, then aim to start a conversation. Another option: Ask a question you’ve been turning over in your own mind that you’d like people in your network to answer. Anything that gets a conversation going is a chance to start a dialogue with an old connection — or a new one.

 

Businessinsider.com | May 28, 2020 | Hayden Field, HerMoney 

[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

#JobSearch : How to Increase Your Executive Job Search Momentum. But How Do you Keep Positive Momentum Without Experiencing Burnout?

/in /by

If you have been in a job search for a long time, it can be difficult to maintain your momentum. But having positive momentum in anything you do is motivating. The great thing about this is people get motivated in different ways, so there’s no right or wrong way to accomplish it. When it comes to an executive job search, if you aren’t moving in a positive direction every day then you could fall behind and find yourself in a hole. But how do you keep positive momentum without experiencing burnout?

Momentum is important, but you have to also be careful with burnout. Sometimes taking a day off and clearing your mind can help you refocus your efforts and move forward positively.

Various strategies through LinkedIn profile development, networking, c-level personal branding and more can help keep you engaged and moving in the right direction.

Plant Seeds and Continue Moving Forward

One way to keep momentum going is not to spend too much time on any given action. For example, you may research a company you’re interested in, find out who the hiring manager is and send them your resume. Don’t sit around and wait for a response because you may not get one right away, if at all. Instead, consider that one seed being planted and then move on to the next company you’re interested in. Or better yet, focus on improving your online c-level personal branding in the meantime. The more time you spend being idle, the higher the likelihood of you losing valuable momentum in your job search.

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

Set Short-Term Goals Along Your Journey

Many people stay motivated by making short-term checklists of tasks they want to accomplish. You should still have an ultimate end goal to strive for, but the short-term goals are designed to keep you engaged and active on your journey. This could mean visiting an executive resume writing service to boost your resume, attending a networking event, or working on your LinkedIn profile development. The more short-term goals you can check off your list, the more engaged you’ll be throughout the process. 

Never Stop Building Your Brand

Every action you take online or in person is a reflection of your brand. When you’re focused on enhancing your c-level personal branding, you can get creative in the ways you do so. Consider creating original content to post to your blog or LinkedIn profile, engaging with connections, commenting on other original posts, and more. You never know who will come across your name online, so making sure your brand appears how you want it to is essential.

Momentum is important, but you have to also be careful with burnout. Sometimes taking a day off and clearing your mind can help you refocus your efforts and move forward positively.

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

 

                                                                FSC Career Blog |  June 1, 2020

#JobSearch : Four (4) Job-Search Hacks For When The Job Market Opens Up. Must REAd!

/in /by

We’ve just passed Memorial Day weekend. Some states have started reopening, while others are beginning to focus on gradually easing up on restrictions. Before you know it, we’ll be close to some getting back to business.

Just hang in there. You will get through this. It may take time, but you will find that great, new job.

With a ray of hope on the horizon, here are four things you can do right now to plant the seeds for future success.

1. You need to get yourself into the right mindset.

This job market is and will continue to be different than others in the past. The simple act of asking someone to grab a cup of coffee or some lunch, which we’ve always taken for granted, is not even possible in certain cities.

Companies, understandably leery of what’s going to happen next, will naturally err on the side of caution and hold off on hiring or enact hiring freezes, as it’s the path of least resistance. They’ll maintain that it’s more prudent to take a wait-and-see approach before attempting to bring aboard someone new. Management will consider the likelihood of future layoffs and deem it inappropriate and unfair to both the company and job seeker. They wouldn’t want to be put in the position of hiring a person today only to let them go in a few months—if things don’t turn around for the better.

With this in mind, it’s easy to get discouraged. You have to change the way you view your search. Instead of interpreting it as a sprint, think of your job search as a marathon. It may take many months or longer to find a new job. Tune out the well-intentioned advice of friends and family who share their own antiquated, job-search anecdotes that took place pre-Covid-19, as they won’t be relevant to today’s environment.

Think of everything you do now as planting the seeds for the future. Don’t worry if you aren’t receiving feedback. The people at the company you’re applying to have no clue of what’s going on and what direction their company will head into next. The harsh truth is that they are worried about their own jobs and future.

Continue doing everything you need to, such as submitting résumés to jobs that you desire, networking, interacting on LinkedIn, making tailored versions of your résumé specifically for each job and other measures. While doing this, understand that you may not hear anything back. That’s okay, as the goal is to do everything you can to get noticed. So, when things improve, you’ve been in front of a large number of people and then you’ll gain momentum.

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

2. Write down a list of the five or more companies that you’d like to work with.

Then, look on LinkedIn to find out who are the hiring managers and human resources professionals responsible for these desired positions. You can also conduct Google searches too.

Once you find that right person who looks like they are a decision maker, send them a bespoke invitation. Let them know that you’re very interested in working at the company and would appreciate the chance to have a conversation. It might make sense to buy a premium LinkedIn account; you can send Inmails, which affords the opportunity to write a longer, more in-depth message.

Once you’re connected, like and comment on the person’s posts. Start writing original content yourself. By offering smart commentary relative to your field, you will come across as a thought leader and a person who takes their job seriously. You’ll draw positive attention from the people you’re connected with. They’ll remember and think of you when an appropriate job opens up.

3. Start connecting with former co-workers or current colleagues (if you’re still employed), managers, college alumni, business associates and anyone else you can think of who may be able to help with your job search and career development. 

This takes a little chutzpah. Reach out to the people you have connected with and invite them for a virtual cup of coffee via a Zoom video or traditional phone call. Since most people are bored out of their minds from being home over the last two months or so, they’re likely to say “yes,” as they are looking for something to break up the monotony.

This will be a numbers game. If you contact 10 people, maybe two or three will say “yes.” There’s no need to get discouraged about the ones who say, “Thanks, but I can’t.”  People are wrestling with serious issues during the pandemic. They may want to help, but have enough on their plate already. Keep contacting folks, as there will always be people who are happy to help.

On the call, keep it positive and light. Invariably, the conversation will veer toward what you’re up to. Tell them the truth that you’ve lost your job or are worried about your role or whatever the  circumstances may be. Most people will then offer some assistance. They’ll probe as to what you do next and think of some people for you to connect with.

If you do this with a large number of people, it becomes a numbers game. The greater amount of people you contact, the more you increase the odds of positive responses. This tactic will help expand your network.

4. Just sending résumés and applications won’t work by itself.

Continue searching for relevant jobs and submitting résumés. However, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. As 40 million people are out of work, there will be intense competition. You’ll just be another résumé, unfortunately.

The trick is to find two or three people who work at the company. They could be someone you know or are sort of acquainted with. Feel free to find someone who knows someone who knows someone and leverage that contact.

Ask the person to put in a good word for you with the hiring manager. This way you immediately become a known, recommended human being and not just another name on a résumé. If you can find a second or third person, that’s awesome. Imagine how impressed a hiring manager or human resources professional would be when they learn that two or three internal employees highly recommend you for a role.

Bonus tip

It’s easy to find yourself frustrated, anxious and worried. We’re all going through these feelings. The challenge is to push back on the negativity. If you wear your emotions on your sleeve, the interviewers will notice and be turned off to your downcast demeanor. You must find ways to work on your presentation to recalibrate yourself, so that you feel positive, upbeat and motivated. If you can’t do this, then try channeling your inner-actor abilities and play the part of the motivated, excited, successful person that they want to hire.

Just hang in there. You will get through this. It may take time, but you will find that great, new job.

 

Forbes.com | May 29, 2020 | Jack Kelly 

#ResumeWriting : Executive Resume Targeting is More Important Than You Think . Targeting your Resume is Critical Today, and Here’s Why it’s So Important.

/in /by

What’s the first thing you think about when you start preparing or updating your resume? A common misconception today is thinking you have to craft your resume to be more general since you don’t know exactly what an employer wants to see.

The reality is hiring managers are looking specifically for people who understand their needs and have the skills and knowledge to solve their problems. The key to getting recognized is writing an effective resume geared toward acknowledging those specific needs and demonstrating why you have the skills they are looking for.

Targeting your resume is critical today, and here’s why it’s so important.

Targeting Doesn’t Limit Your Job Search

Your first thought when the best executive resume writers tell you to target your resume may be that you’re limiting your job search options. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume. Employers need to see specifically how you can help their current and future situation, so only including relevant information in your resume is critical. When writing an effective resume, your time is much better spent researching a potential employer and targeting the resume accordingly rather than trying to create a general resume to reach a wider audience.

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued … 

What to Do Before Writing Your Resume

The top resume writing services always suggest thinking hard about exactly what you want to do at your next job. Once you have your goals and desires set, you can search for potential employers that can help you achieve those goals. Take a look at what attributes and skills the company needs and identify where you can help them out the most. When writing your resume, be sure to demonstrate your brand clearly so the hiring manager will know exactly who you are, what you stand for and how you can help the company achieve its goals. 

Make Your Resume Stand Out

Hiring managers want to see you’ve done your research on them before sending in a resume. The best executive resume writers can help you with relevant keywords and phrases employers want to see. When you value the idea of working for an employer, the hiring manager will be able to see it and you’ll have a better chance of getting called in for an interview.

It can be difficult to wrap your mind around targeting a resume. While resume targeting has always been important, employers today take it much more seriously in their efforts to narrow down candidates to find the right fit. Take the time to make your resume a stand out by writing a targeted resume to show them you are the candidate of choice.

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

 

FSC Career Blog |  May 28, 2020

#JobSearch : 7 Things You Shouldn’t Say in the Interview. There is an Unspoken set of Rules that Goes On in the Interview.

/in /by

And you are expected to know them.  These rules come from the recruiter or hiring manager. They have things they want to hear and things they don’t want to hear. How do you know what they are and how do you prepare for them?

Candidates practice their interviewing skills vigorously. They read up on what to say and how to answer. Dress appropriately. Smile. Follow body language. Get in front of a mirror and practice. Be on time, but not too early.

They go over their lists of strengths and weaknesses, their accomplishments, their contributions to the last job, and what they offer this new company.

But what about the things they should NOT say? Interviewers are weighing what you DON’T say just as much as what you DO say.

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

Here are 7 key things you shouldn’t say in the interview.

  1. Salary. “How much does this pay?” is one of the worst ways to start a conversation. Don’t talk about it right away. The longer you wait, the more leverage you have when negotiations start. They know you are anxious for clarity, but they are also interested in what their ROI will be before they make an offer. Wait it out.
  2. Company. Come prepared. Know what the company does! Know their mission, product, or service. What do they do? Who do they sell to? Who is their biggest competitor? What were their quarterly and year-end earnings last year? Act as though you are the company ambassador. The more you know about it, the more impressed they will be. Telling the interviewer you are “sort of familiar” with their company will put you in the NO pile.
  3. Your old company. Do not bash your last company, manager, co-workers, or the way they did things. It might have ended badly, but the new company doesn’t need to hear about it. It makes you look bad and will let them know that you will bash them as well. It also makes you look difficult or whiny. Honestly, when I talk to a client and all they do is bash their old company, it does send up some red flags. I also assume that the client will be difficult to work with (past experience tells me they will). Work out your feelings before going to an interview and leave it behind.
  4. I need this job. Don’t let your desperation show. They know you want the job. They know you (most likely) need the money. Keep your focus on what the company needs from you and how you are the right fit for the role. You want to lead with your strengths and experience. They don’t want just anyone for the job. They want the RIGHT person.
  5. I want your job. When they ask you “where do you see yourself in 5 years” don’t tell them you want their job. You might think it sounds ambitious but it could come off as arrogant or that you plan on leaving soon. Plus, you may be talking to a sensitive or worried manager who doesn’t know how stable their job is. Telling them you want their job may automatically make them defensive or turned off. Instead, let them know that you hope to gain experience and knowledge from the role with a promotion following.
  6. This is a stepping stone. If you know this next role is only to benefit your career through additional experience so you can move on to the role after that, don’t tell the interviewer that. They don’t need to know that you only view their company as temporary. They want to hire someone committed to the company and the role.
  7. Questions. Have questions ready! Expectations? Culture? What is a typical day like? How do you measure success in this position? What type of advancement is there? What types of challenges should I expect? Who will I be working with? You’ve read my resume and spoken with me; do you think I am a good fit for the role? Even ask them about their role! Going to an interview without follow up questions will make you look unprepared.

Interview don’ts are just as important as interview dos.  Good luck!

 

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

 

FSC Career Blog |  May 26, 2020

#YourCareer : Career Path isn’t Headed Exactly How you Planned It? Tips to Help you Out.

/in /by

We all have points throughout our career where we stall out, hit a major bump, or things become stale. This happens due to becoming too comfortable in your current position, an economic or global crisis, or simply not knowing what direction you want to go. Using your

LinkedIn profile for networking purposes can help you find some direction and potentially lead to other opportunities. Though it is natural to stall out in your career, it’s also possible, and necessary, to move forward when you’re ready.

If you know you’re ready to advance your executive career, but can’t seem to find a spark to get you going, we’ve got some tips to help you out. 

Let Career Detours Be Inspirational

If your career path isn’t headed exactly how you planned it to, don’t get discouraged. Everyone will have detours in their career. Instead of looking at those detours negatively, view them as inspirational and work harder to get back on track. Revisit your executive resume biography as a reminder of where you are now and where you want to be in the future. When your path changes, look for ways to grow from it and make any adjustments you deem necessary.

 

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

Always Look for Ways to Grow

One of the biggest sparks executives experience in their career is learning a new skill. Being able to add a new skill to your executive resume biography is motivating, so consider taking an advanced course or work on projects of your own in your free time. Now is the perfect time to take an online class or update that certification. The top resume writing services encourage people to step out of their comfort zone occasionally because it will lead to growth no matter what. Learning experiences are valuable for career growth, but you won’t experience any of them if you don’t take the first step forward.

 

Network with Like-Minded Experts

Networking can lead to many different opportunities and can be a big spark for your career. Simply talking with like-minded experts can give you new ideas on how to approach your career or certain projects to help you move forward. Be sure to have your LinkedIn profile updated, though, since you’ll likely want to reconnect with people you’ve met through the platform.

There are many reasons careers get stuck. If yours is, take the time to figure out why it’s stalled and where you want it to be in the future. Then set a plan of action to get there.

 

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

 

                                                               FSC Career Blog |  May 22, 2020

#ResumeWriting : 5 Tips for Updating Your Resume During COVID-19 . Great REad for All!

/in /by

The past few months have been challenging for most employees and workplaces. In fact, the unemployment rate has skyrocketed and many people are on unemployment while they wait to see if and when their jobs will be back to “normal.” This is a time—whether or not you have lost your job or are still working—when it may be a good idea to review your resume.

Here are some tips for update your document TODAY.

Tip #1: Say what happened. If you are on furlough due to COVID-19 or have been laid-off due to this situation, then make a line item on your resume that says you were placed on furlough or the company closed. Because everyone has been affected by the pandemic, it is okay to mention it on your resume.

As you move forward during or after COVID-19, make sure that you are aware of the challenges while still remaining hopeful and positive for the future. There ARE things you can do RIGHT NOW to change your resume FOR THE BETTER!

Tip #2: Now is a great time to change directions. If you have always wanted to make a career transition or try a different industry, then now is the time to rework your resume toward that goal. In fact, all industries will be changing how they operate, so there may be more opportunities in your intended target industry.

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

Tip #3: Focus on transferable skills. Let’s face it: you may have to switch directions or take a job that isn’t in your traditional goals; use what you have done in the past to ensure you are aligning it to future jobs. Discuss your cross-functional teamwork abilities, critical decision making, creative problem solving, and communication skills.

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to state facts. You are NOT bragging when you talk about your accomplishments or achievements. Think of yourself as a reporter who is stating facts and discussing what happened. This is NOT the time to be demure or to worry about being boastful.

Tip #5: Start looking NOW. While many companies are in a hiring freeze, do not wait to look for new opportunities. If everyone looks for new jobs at the same time, there will be a LOT of competition. Keep your eyes open now and make sure that you are always available for new jobs.

As you move forward during or after COVID-19, make sure that you are aware of the challenges while still remaining hopeful and positive for the future. There ARE things you can do RIGHT NOW to change your resume FOR THE BETTER!

FSC Guest Author: Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish has a BBA in management from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, an MBA from Lakeland College, and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management from Capella University. She LOVES helping people position themselves for today’s job market. She can help boost your confidence by creating a resume that helps you land your DREAM JOB. Visit her website @ https://www.feather-communications.com

If you are still unsure how to make your resume stand-out, contact me today for a free resume review!

 

FSC Career Blog | May 21, 2020 | FSC Guest Author, by  

#Leadership :10 Reopening Actions Every Employer Is Being Urged To Take By Safety Experts. Must Read!

/in /by

The recommendations are based on best practices established by the Safe Actions for Employee Returns (SAFER) Task Force, created by the Council in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAFER is a group composed of representatives from over 50 Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, legal experts, public health professionals, medical professionals and government agency representatives.

The members range from Amazon to Dow to the American Red Cross to the National Governors Association.

“Protecting our workers means coalescing around sets of safety principles and ensuring those principles guide our decisions,” says National Safety Council President and CEO Lorraine Martin.

 

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

The 10 measures the Council says each employer needs to take to ensure workers are protected in reopening are:

1. Phasing – Create a phased transition to return to work aligned with risk and exposure levels.

2. Sanitize – Before employees return, disinfect the workplace, and make any physical alterations needed for physical distancing.

3. Screenings – Develop a health status screening process for all employees.

4. Hygiene – Create a plan to handle sick employees, and encourage safe behaviors for good hygiene and infection control.

5. Tracing – Follow proper contact tracing steps if workers get sick to curb the spread of COVID-19.

6. Mental Health – Commit to supporting the mental and emotional health of your workers by sharing support resources and policies. I always have a pill of Viagra in the pocket. This little blue tablet is my only way to get an erection. If I take it on an empty stomach, the effect can appear within 20 minutes if not less. That’s the thing I love about this drug. Besides, generic Viagra comes in several medical forms, which allows experimenting.

7. Training – Train leaders and supervisors not only on the fundamentals of safety such as risk assessment and hazard recognition but also on the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing, as employees, will feel the effects of the pandemic long after it is over.

8. Engagement Plan – Notify employees in advance of the return to work, and consider categorizing workers into different groups based on job roles – bringing groups back one at a time.

9. Communication – Develop a communications plan to be open and transparent with workers on your return to work process.

10. Assessment – Outline the main factors your organization is using as guidance to provide a simplistic structure to the extremely complex return to work decision.

Author:  Ted Knutson- Contributor Personal Finance I cover financial regulatory issue, cybersecurity, fintech & bitcoin.

 

Forbes.com | May 19, 2020

#ResumeWriting : Tips for Writing a Career Change Resume. Great REad!

/in /by

Many are currently needing to pivot to a new career, some through no fault of their own. But to do this, a new resume is necessary. You can no longer rely on your current resume, which focuses on a specific skill set or industry.

Some skills may transfer over to your new career, but many of them won’t. Your main goal should be to discuss in your resume which skills you can use from your previous career, as well as why you are making the career change in the first place.

Employers will have plenty of questions for you, but writing an effective resume can answer a few of them. Here are some tips to consider when writing a career-changing resume.

Discuss Transferable Skills

Every company wants new employees to have a solid mix of technical skills as well as soft skills. Depending on the nature of your career change, some of your technical skills may not transfer well. Instead, executive resume writing services may suggest focusing on soft skills like your personality, work ethic, leadership, communication, and more. Strong soft skills are transferable to almost any profession, so clearly showing your strongest skills backed by examples will make the most significant impact.

 

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:

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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

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

Article continued …

Target the Company

The key to writing an effective resume is targeting the specific company you’re applying for and demonstrating your understanding of their needs. The same is true even if you’re going through a career change. While you may not have the hard skills listed in their job requirements right now, if you have a complete understanding of what the company’s overall needs and goals are, you can shift your resume to target those aspects.

Using examples from past experiences to show how you helped previous companies meet their goals will show your track record of success. And when you show an understanding of the company’s goals, they’ll be more impressed that you’ve done your homework and will then know you’re serious about the career change.

Demonstrate Your Passion for the Career Change

Employers today don’t necessarily like taking chances on candidates. They would rather hire someone with the exact experience they desire in their industry. That’s why executive resume writing services will suggest writing your resume to show a clear passion for what you want to accomplish with your career change.

Demonstrate how thoroughly you thought the career change through and why the position is exactly what you’re looking for. Employers will look for any reason to not hire a person in your position, but when you show your passion on paper, they’ll be more likely to at least give you the opportunity to interview.

There are obvious challenges when it comes to making a change in careers. However, when you put forth the effort to write resumes that get you hired, the result is well worth the time and energy. Your resume always needs to be perfect regardless of the situation, and everything is magnified when you’re changing careers.

Writing a career-changing resume is tricky, so take the time necessary to put your best foot forward and think about what the employers will be looking for.

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

 

FSC Career Blog |  May 18, 2020