#jobsearch Archives - Page 29 of 45 - First Sun Consulting, LLC | Outplacement Services and Career Transition Firm

#CareerAdvice : #ResumeWriting – 4 Metrics Recruiters Love to See on #Resumes … If you Want to Make Sure your #Resume Catches a #Recruiter’s Eye, There are Few Better Ways to Do So Than by Adding Metrics to It. Why?

July 10, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

For one, “we know that the human eye processes numbers faster than words,” career expert J.T. O’Donnell said in an interview with Glassdoor. But beyond that, they also “help me as a recruiter give context to the size and scope of the work that you did,” O’Donnell explains.

In any given workday, though, there’s no shortage of specific numbers you could call out: the amount of emails you send, the amount of meetings you attend, the amount of projects you work on. So how do you know which metrics to include?

We use the following four-step framework in our Job Seeker’s Toolkit to help you decide which numbers pack the most punch. Once you add the right metrics throughout your resume, don’t be surprised if the interview offers start rolling in!

1. Growth: What did you add to the company?

When deciding which metrics to include, it’s important to think about the key performance indicators, or KPIs, for your role. For example, salespeople are often assessed on how much revenue they drive, how many new clients they bring in, how many of their customers renew, etc. Whatever your role, think about the numbers that matter most for you: perhaps they’re ones that your boss brings up in weekly meetings, that you find in your performance review, or even that you see in the LinkedIn profiles of people with the same job title as you.

Of these different metrics, think about which ones represent ways you added to the company and helped it grow. Depending on your role, this might include:

Website visits
Revenue
Deals closed
Partnerships secured
Candidates hired
New technologies/processes adopted

Examples:

Authored 150 articles over the course of one year, driving 500,000 unique website visits
Vetted and reached out to roughly 30 prospects per day, resulting in 20 closed deals in Q1 and $120,000 in revenue (+22% to quota)
Optimized 15 landing pages during the course of the internship, resulting in 17% lift in organic search traffic

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2. Reduction: What did you help the company save?

In many cases, what you help your company reduce or eliminate can be just as important as what you add to it. In fact, certain roles focus their energy entirely on helping companies save or reduce in order to operate more efficiently. Think about whether you have a concrete way to measure how you’ve helped your company save or reduce the following:

Time
Budget
Client turnover
Employee turnover
Website bounce rate

Examples:

Identified three major bottlenecks in the hiring process and spearheaded taskforce to implement new technologies and strategies to overcome them, resulting in 31% faster time-to-hire
Led website architecture redesign, leading to a two-second faster load time and 16.5% decrease in bounce rate
Conducted internal budget audit and discovered five key areas of redundant spending, saving $23,000 per year

3. Impact: How many people did your work help?

A great way to illustrate how much value you can add to a company is by showing them how many people you’ve previously helped. This doesn’t just have to be people outside of your company like users or clients; it can also include those within your company. Look through the following “people” metrics, and think about which ones might be relevant to your role:

Number of team members you’ve led
Number of users or customers your work impacted
Number of stakeholders involved in a project
Number of clients you managed
Number of employees you supported (for a function like IT or HR)

Examples:

Coached, mentored and led a team of seven direct reports on the factory floor to ensure top-notch quality of products used by millions of consumers
Conceptualized and executed a multi-touch blog, social and email marketing campaign that reached 200,000 unique impressions
Oversaw both day-to-day and strategic HR operations for a company of 75 people

4. Frequency: How often did you complete tasks?

Understanding how frequently you performed certain tasks goes a long way in helping recruiters and hiring managers reading your resume understand how well-versed you are in a given area — often, the only difference between being a novice and being an expert is how much time you spend practicing.

To help you figure out which tasks are the most important to highlight, take a look in the job description to see which key responsibilities and skills are listed. For example, a job seeker applying to a position that lists analytical skills as a requirement might want to describe how they pulled weekly site traffic reports using Google Analytics, while someone applying to a PR position that mentions media relations skills in the job description may want to describe how they pitched reporters on a daily basis.

Samples:

Spent 75% of each day utilizing Python, R and SQL to analyze large volumes of data to influence decision-making processes
Analyzed performance metrics, reviewed creative and brainstormed with internal stakeholders to develop and present 4 strategic social media plans per year
Worked with facilities, IT and communications teams to set up and flawlessly execute company all-hands meetings every 2 weeks

If you’re not used to adding numbers to your resume, it may feel a little bit strange at first. But don’t worry — you’ll get the hang of it in due time. Best of all, there’s a real chance it will improve your odds in a job search.

“Numbers make a huge difference. If you can quantify what you did in any way, you should,” O’Donnell said.

GlassDoor.com | July 10, 2018 | Posted by Emily Moore

#CareerAdvice : Between Jobs? #Freelance to Earn Cash & Gain Experience…Freelance Work Helps you Develop your #Skills , Earn a Living & Gain Valuable Experience, so your Time #BetweenJobs is Anything but Wasted. Here are a Few Best Practices to Get you Started.

July 9, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

So how’s your job search going?”

Well-meaning friends, family members and distant acquaintances never fail to ask this dreaded question. And it stings, whether you’re in week one or month six of sending out resumes and hustling for interviews.

Sometimes the process of finding your dream job takes longer than you’d like. But that doesn’t mean you have to watch your bank balance disappear while you wait for full-time work. You already have what you need to start freelancing in your field right now. Freelance work helps you develop your skills, earn a living and gain valuable experience, so your time between jobs is anything but wasted.

Here are a few best practices to get you started.

See the Possibilities

The freelance labor force has grown steadily in recent years. “Freelancing in America: 2017“, a study from the Freelancers Union and Upwork, reports high growth for freelancing:

In 2017, 57.3 million Americans did freelance work (roughly 36 percent of the US workforce), contributing about $1.4 trillion annually to the economy (up almost 30% since 2016).
For millennials, 47 percent of the generation did freelance work (higher than any other generation).
If this growth rate continues, freelancers will make up the majority of the US workforce by 2027

These numbers show that freelance opportunities exist for you. Focus on the projects you want to do by identifying the types of clients you hope to work with in advance.

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Treat Yourself Like a Business

If you’ve worked only for other people in the past, freelancing is a big transition. You are now responsible for convincing potential clients to hire you, selling them on your work and expertise. To do this, you must first see yourself as a qualified professional.

Be intentional about how you describe your work. Don’t use minimizing language like “I’m just a freelance writer” or “I’m doing some design gigs on the side.” Instead say, “I’m a self-employed writer who specializes in science and technology” or “I run my own design business, creating responsive websites and mobile apps.”

Define Why Someone Should Hire You

Clients typically hire a freelancer because they have a problem. Ask yourself how you can solve this problem? What do you offer that adds value to their business? Why should they hire you instead of someone else?

Make a list of your professional skills and strengths. Collect project examples, case studies and portfolio pieces that demonstrate your best work. Ask former colleagues and employers for testimonials. Use these pieces to develop a list of services you can provide freelance clients.

Create Your Online Presence

No matter what kind of freelance work you do, you need a website. Here you can showcase the work examples, testimonials and service descriptions you started to put together in the previous step. Your portfolio website is an important sales tool and a strong first impression to clients, demonstrating what you can do for them.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a web developer to create an attractive and functional website. You can choose from many different platforms to display your portfolio that require no design or coding expertise.

Keep the content simple at first, but be sure to include information that highlights who you are and what you do: a brief bio, contact details and several strong work examples. If you don’t have many paid projects to include in your portfolio, create them now— even if that means doing some pro bono work:

Write a well-researched article on a topic that interests you
Design a logo for a friend’s company (or a fictional brand)
Offer a free coaching session to a small business owner

Set Up Systems for Success

As the owner of your freelance business, you need to manage all the financial and operational details that come with that title. This role intimidates many new freelancers, but don’t be afraid. If you do your homework and establish structured systems in the beginning, you can run your business with minimal stress. Start with these steps:

Choose a business structure: For freelancers, this structure is usually a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC). Comply with any state requirements, register for an Employee Identification Number (EIN) and set up a schedule for self-employed tax payments
Test out project management systems: Successful freelance work depends on you staying organized and keeping track of what’s due and when
Invest in good bookkeeping tools: Choose an accounting software that makes it as easy as possible to send invoices, track payments, manage cash flow and prepare for taxes

Connect with Others

When you’re ready to take on freelance clients, spread the word. Reach out to your existing connections — friends, classmates, former colleagues — and let them know what kind of services you offer. Share your new website on your social media profiles, and invite your connections to share with others.

Finally, put yourself out there, both online and offline. Follow industry accounts and leaders on Twitter. Join professional associations, and seek out LinkedIn groups. Attend Meetups and networking events. You can even cold call and email businesses to pitch your services. When you snag your first freelance client, start building a pipeline of steady business right away.

Freelancing is an excellent way to pay the bills and move your career forward when you’re between full-time jobs. And who knows? You may decide freelance work is a good fit for you long term.

GlassDoor.com | July 9, 2018 | Posted by Shea Drake

#CareerAdvice : Exactly How to Find (or create) an #Internship that Doesn’t Suck…This Founder Asked her Own Company’s Interns to Share their Wisdom on Finding & Making the Most Out of Internship Experiences. Here’s What they Said.

July 7, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Most students think it’s crucial to find the “right” internship, otherwise they’ll be saddled with the “wrong” experience on their resumes for applying to full-time jobs later on. It’s not that simple, and that’s a good thing.

Since I run my organization’s fellowship program for students, I recently asked our fellows–many of whom have interned at other places, too–to weigh in on the experience: Why intern? What differentiates a good internship from a crappy one? And how do you make the most out of any internship experience, including one that might not be ideal? These are a few of their tips and insights.

DON’T WAIT

Start in high school! Some of your peers will spend four years studying something in college that they decide they don’t want to pursue after earning their degree. One summer internship could save you from taking the “scenic route” toward a career you want (which, however, isn’t the end of the world).

The high-achieving behaviors that tend to work in high school (talk a lot, give teachers what they want, play by the rules, etc.) don’t necessarily work in business. There are no right answers when your intern manager asks you to build the company’s first artificial-intelligence sentiment analyzer–just ask our three high school fellows. One of them, Liam, told me he’s more often judged by what he accomplishes than by how he does it. His AP computer science class was hard, not because of the problems he had to solve, but because the teacher wanted them solved in prescribed ways. Internships will liberate you from an education built around “right” answers, and the sooner you can get started on that, the better.

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN LEARN (ABOUT YOURSELF)

If you’ve been playing the I-want-to-look-impressive game, stop. Internships are for trying career paths on for size. They reveal what you like and don’t like, how you work, and with whom you collaborate well. Internships are ways to learn about yourself–at least as much as they are about picking up skills and knowledge–and to meet the people you could become.

Sahar, our fellow who works on user-interface design, notes that internships take you to depths that college classes can’t. Whereas you and your classmates are trying to balance five courses and get good grades, full-time employees are focused. They’re invested in the mission of the company but also work to raise families, pay mortgages, care for parents, and live comfortably. By getting to know them, you can better envision how you want your life to look in the years after graduating.

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THINK CREATIVELY ABOUT OFFSETTING DRAWBACKS

A few potential risks and downsides can be mitigated. For example, many internships require some degree of grunt work, but you don’t want to take one where that’s the main event. If some of your responsibilities involve crucial yet boring tasks, make sure the majority of the experience will function like an apprenticeship or fellowship. Great internships embed you in the workflow of the company and make you accountable for something more important than administrative duties (at a different company, one of our fellows recalled handling so much paperwork that he developed a coffee habit just to stay awake).

WATCH OUT FOR RED FLAGS

Other red flags are a lot easier to spot. For starters, find out whether you have a designated manager. If not, you’re probably going to be passed around and lost. Second, note how much or how little the internship coordinator scrutinizes you. Bad internship programs just need a warm body in the room to do rote work, so the interview tends to be pretty fluffy. Ask the interviewer about how many people applied, how many were offered interviews, and how many the company will hire.

Third, when you tour the office, scan the culture. Do you see a room of jaded, bitter faces? Can you imagine them taking your input and offering insightful critique? Always ask to speak with former interns during the interview process. If the program is legitimate, there will be references ready and eager to speak. You can check Glassdoor, but nothing compares to a conversation with someone who actually did the job.

Our doctoral fellow Kevin adds that it’s important to look at the moral fabric of the company: What does the organization do and why? If you have ethical qualms about the work, the prestige of the job probably won’t counterbalance them.

SHOW WHAT YOU CAN DO, AND BE UPFRONT ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN’T

On day one, ask your manager about the expectations. You need to establish goals, deadlines, and intended outcomes. If there’s not already a system for check-ins and feedback sessions, ask for one. Likewise, if you’re asked to do something you aren’t prepared to do–like code in Python–be honest. If you have the rudimentary skills, go for it and push your comfort zone, but try to avoid getting in over your head.

And for high schoolers, don’t be afraid to bother adults. Robert, one of our high school engineering interns, stresses that it’s actually crucial to ask questions and bug people. Consider how much more time they’re going to spend fixing your mess if they don’t help you succeed!

Finally, as your internship unfolds, keep asking yourself this question that our fellow Sima recommends: If you did this full-time, what would your life look like? Unless you take an internship that challenges you and demands your full commitment, you won’t be able to answer it. Building your career is an experiment, and internships provide the best data you can collect.

Ximena Hartsock, PhD, is the cofounder and president of Phone2Action.

FastCompany.com | July 7, 2018 | BY XIMENA HARTSOCK 5 MINUTE READ

#CareerAdvice : #JobInterview – 5 Red Flags #HiringManagers Say Will Earn You a Rejection…With Proper Preparation & Self-Awareness, These are the Right Tools & Information You Need to Show Up Well in Making a Lasting First Impression!

July 5, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

While one can never predict the outcome of an interview, there are some surefire ways to shoot yourself in the foot and earn yourself a rejection.

These 5 behaviors will send off red flags to hiring managers and likely prevent you from landing your dream job!

1. Not providing concrete answers to interview questions

Hiring managers and recruiters will often reject candidates because they didn’t get clear responses to their questions. If you want to avoid sounding “wishy-washy”, focus on articulating yourself with answers and examples that elude to your past and potential future success.

Try this: While you can’t predict every question that might come up, you can certainly predict a handful of them. Try preparing for these questions using the S.T.A.R. method, and provide answers that focus on the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This helps you tell a succinct and linear story while giving the hiring manager clear insights and evidence into how you have handled situations in the past.

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2. Not managing emotions

We all have scars that can leave us feeling emotional, whether they be from previous employers, or past life experiences. However, if you can’t keep those feelings under wraps during an interview, you’ll quickly find yourself written off from an opportunity. Keep topics like wrongful termination, horrible bosses, financial struggles, and personal sob stories out of the interview room. You need to articulate how, and why, you are the best-suited candidate for this role, not why the hiring manager should have empathy for you. Remember, never speak poorly about a past employer, no matter how horrible your experience.

Try this: Focus on your success stories rather than your sad stories! If you’re unable to put your emotions aside when meeting with a hiring manager, consider taking a break from interviewing to regroup. Similar to dating, you likely wouldn’t want to jump back into the pool after a bad break up without taking some needed healing time!

3. Can’t articulate why you’re leaving a job

One question you can certainly count on coming up is “Why are you looking to leave your job?”. If you’re unable to provide a reasonable answer, the hiring manager might be suspicious and assume the worst. Additionally, stating that you’re leaving because you want more money, or stating something negative about your team/company will also raise red flags.

Try this: Before heading into an interview, prepare an answer for this question that is both neutral and non-critical. For example, you can say something like this:

You’re looking for new kinds of experiences (if you say this, be ready to talk about what kind of experiences these are, and why you’re not getting them at your current job!)
You’re looking to switch industries ( again, be prepared to say why)
You’re looking to be stretched in new ways
You’ve learned everything you will from the role and you’re looking towards the next steps

4. Can’t explain movements throughout your career

Movement in one’s career is healthy. In fact, “Workers who stay with a company longer than two years are said to get paid 50% less, and job hoppers are believed to have a higher learning curve, be higher performers, and even to be more loyal, because they care about making a good impression in the short amount of time they know they’ll stay with each employer.”, says Vivian Giang. While this may be true, the movements need to make sense. If you’ve made several moves across roles and industries, you need to connect the dots for the hiring manager, otherwise, they will assume you can’t commit or might be flakey.

Try this: Write down all your experiences, and think through the skills you’ve gained. Can you explain how each step and skill has helped you move forward? Tell a cohesive story about your career, and how each experience has inspired and contributed to your long-term goals.

5. Mistaking arrogance for confidence

Displaying arrogance is almost guaranteed to make recruiters perceive you in a negative light. While it is paramount to sell yourself with confidence, you don’t want to come across as cocky, or a “know it all”.

Try this: Actively listen when the hiring manager speaks. Show gratitude for the opportunity, and demonstrate (with humility) how you can add value to the team and organization. Ask questions that express your willingness to learn, be a team player, and contribute without an ego.

One final tip to decreases the likelihood of rejection is to really understand what the company does and show your enthusiasm for their mission statement and company objective. With proper preparation and self-awareness, we can all better equip ourselves with the right tools and information we need to show up well and make a lasting first impression!

The Author: Stacy Pollack is a Learning Specialist with an MA in educational technology. She is passionate about building leadership programs that engage and contribute to the success of her organization. She loves to share her perspective on job hunting, career building, and networking for success. Connect with her onLinkedIn orTwitter.

GlassDoor.com | July 5, 2018

Your #Career : #JobInverview – Be Careful about Answering these 5 #JobInterviewQuestions ….These Questions are Designed to Trip you Up.

July 4, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Most interview questions are innocuous: They’re meant to evaluate whether you’re right for the job, and whether this company could be the next and best place for you. But some of the questions you’re asked, experts tell us, have a slightly more nefarious purpose: They are meant to trip you up by confusing you, catching you in a fib, or showing you’re unprepared.

But you don’t have to be tripped up by these tricky questions. Here are five that you should look out for during your next interview, and the best ways to answer them, according to experts.

1. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?

According to Steve Pritchard, human resources manager at Cuuver, this question may seem innocent, but it’s “asked by many hiring managers to deliberately trip up a candidate.” Of course, there is an element of curiosity involved, as the recruiter or manager may want to see if you have a clear career path in mind–but he or she may also be asking to see if you are “firing off applications for any job you see listed,” Pritchard warns. “If the latter is true, it suggests that this candidate may just be desperate for a job, so it’s best to have a defined answer that is relevant to the role you’ve applied for at that company.” He adds, “Having a dream job that has nothing to do with the available position suggests to the interviewer that you might not stick around very long, and that you will just treat this role as a pit stop.”

2. TELL ME ABOUT A TIME YOU SUCCEEDED AT WORK–AND A TIME YOU FAILED

Yes, the interviewer is genuinely interested in your stories of success and your ability to be honest about any failures. But he or she also wants to find out if you came prepared, says Keith R. Sbiral, a certified professional coach with Apochromatik. In other words, he or she is trying to find out if “you contemplated what might be asked during this interview, and if you have gone through the critical review of your own qualifications, successes, and most importantly, your failures,” he explains. “So often applicants are simply are not prepared, or only answer the positive half of the question, and they really miss an opportunity.” Be sure to “start with a clearly defined time you failed,” Sbiral advises. “Explain what you learned from it. Explain how you addressed the issue. And then flip to your positive success story.”

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3. YOU’VE DESCRIBED YOURSELF AS X IN YOUR APPLICATION. EXPLAIN WHY

“Some interviewers really scrutinize candidates down to the smallest word on their CV or application,” Pritchard warns. “If, for example, you said that you are tenacious, then don’t be surprised if you’re asked to give a real-life example in which you demonstrated this characteristic in your career.” The moral of the story? Don’t exaggerate your skill set or invent traits you don’t possess. An interviewer may be looking to catch you in a lie. “If you say that you are a problem solver, then be sure you have at least one instance in your career history where you were able to solve an actual problem,” Pritchard says. “This will show that you haven’t lied–and also that you can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.”

4. WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB?

You can almost guarantee you’ll be asked this question at any job interview. “Whether you’ve already left your last position or are just putting the feelers out for a new job, this question has been a staple in interviews for years,” says Pritchard. “On the surface, this is a very obvious, common question. However, the question can be very damaging to your credibility if you use this as your trigger to bad mouth your current or former employer.” And that, Pritchard says, “is the subliminal reason behind this question: If you launch into a tirade about former jobs, it puts you in a very negative light. It suggests that you have a bad attitude, are not a team player, and could be disruptive.” So no matter what, when you’re asked this question, “You should omit anything that might sound like you’re slating your last position,” Pritchard says. “There is nothing wrong with saying innocent comments like, ‘There’s no real room for progression,’ or, ‘I’m looking for something more challenging or in line with my career path,’ but steer away from the name bashing and personal problems. This means you can answer the interviewer’s question without airing your dirty laundry.”

5. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WE SHOULD HAVE ASKED YOU BUT WE HAVEN’T?

“This is a question that, in my experience, 75% of people get tripped up on,” warns Sbiral. That may be due, in part, to confusion. “They think the interviewer is asking if you have any questions,” Sbiral says, “but they are not. They are asking you if you have anything else to add.” If you come prepared, this question doesn’t have to trip you up–instead, it can be a chance to shine. “This is a freebie,” says Sbiral, “an opportunity to add something they didn’t cover. I like to hear a well-refined answer as to why I–as a hiring manager–should know that you as the interviewee are the right fit for the position.” In other words, “Worry less about credentials at this point and more about organizational fit,” Sbiral recommends.

This article was originally published on Glassdoor and is reprinted with permission

GlassDoor.com | July 3, 2018 | BY JILLIAN KRAMER—GLASSDOOR 4 MINUTE READ

Your #Career : #CareerAdvice – 5 Ways to Use Your Summer Fridays to Find a New Job…Here, Find Five Key Ways to Ensure your Summer Fridays are Well Spent, Straight from #JobSearch Pros.

July 2, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

If you’re lucky enough to have Friday afternoons off from work during the summer months, it’s probably tempting to head straight home, to the beach, or out with your friends when it’s time to leave the office. But by investing your free time on Friday afternoons into your job search, you can accelerate it in several meaningful ways. Though most employers are unlikely to schedule formal interviews on Friday afternoons during the summer, there are plenty of other ways you can get ahead.

Here, find five key ways to ensure your Summer Fridays are well spent, straight from job search pros.

1. Do your research.

It can be tough to set aside time to really figure out what you’re looking for in a job and potential employer, and Summer Fridays are the perfect time to do it. “Use all your resources to understand what the kind of company you want to work for is like,” suggests Joshua M. Evans, a career coach and owner of an HR consultancy firm.

Research can also help you immensely if you make it to the interview stage. “Checking out articles, looking at their business’s social media accounts, and jumping on LinkedIn to understand who works for them and how you can be introduced can be immensely valuable in giving you a leg up,” Evans says.

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2. Use the time off to network.

Scheduling informational meetings and informal catch-ups can be difficult logistically during the work week, but people often have more flexibility on Summer Fridays if their employer offers them, making it an ideal time to get some networking done. “People often say, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,’ and though not entirely true, because you do need skills for a job, finding a job is a lot easier if you know someone within the industry or at a company themselves,” says Steve Pritchard, HR Manager at Cuuver.com. “Ask friends, family or even former employers if they know of any jobs, or to meet up for a coffee and a catch up to network and see what opportunities may lie on the horizon.”

3. Don’t go home.

If you don’t normally work well at home, it’s best to take your Summer Friday job hunting efforts elsewhere. “It is too tempting to take time off when the weather is nice and you’ve just had a long week at work,” notes Debra Boggs, co-founder of D&S Professional Coaching. “To keep from getting distracted, go directly to a coffee shop or library and set a specific amount of time that you’ll spend looking for and applying to jobs.”

4. Make phone calls.

Yes, really. Though phone calls about job applications have fallen out of fashion, experts say Summer Fridays are a uniquely good time to pick up the phone. “Proactively call people that do the hiring at a company you want to work for,” Evans recommends. “People, especially those in recruiting, are often more friendly on Fridays. If you reach out to them in the morning, they will have more time to chat and can even be in a good enough mood to offer to bring you in for an interview. People associate their good feelings on Friday with a good feeling about you.”

5. Volunteer your time.

“If a career switch is in your future, Summer Fridays are a great time to build your skills and contacts in your new market,” explains Dawn Graham, PhD, a career coach and Career Director for the MBA Program for Executives at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Volunteer for a non-profit practicing your data analytics skills, explore a self-created internship with a company in your target industry, start a side hustle offering services in your target function, and attend conferences where professionals in your dream field will be congregated,”she suggests. “It’s tempting to want to begin the weekend early, but a few months of strategic action could be the foundation for your new career!”

GlassDoor.com | June 29, 2018 | Posted by Amy Elisa Jackson

Your #Career : #CareerAdvice – 5 Email Templates to Use When Asking for a #Reference …It’s No Secret: Asking for References can Be Intimidating. We Reached Out to #CareerExperts for Right Way to Ask Someone to Serve as a Reference Over Email.

June 27, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

It’s no secret: asking for references can be intimidating. Since references often don’t come from the company you’re working at currently — especially if you haven’t yet told them you’re sniffing out new opportunities — you often must reach out to colleagues from across the spectrum of your career.

This means contacting people you may not have spoken to in a while, and asking them to take time out of their schedule to remember your attributes and speak about them with your potential employers. The quality of your references can make or break certain hiring processes, so it’s of the utmost importance to find the right people.

Although sending the same stock email out to each potential reference can save you time, it’s not advised. A reference request should be personalized to the person you’re sending it to, and the type of relationship you had with them.

We reached out to career experts Tiffany Franklin, who is the founder of TFJ Career Coaching and works in career services at an Ivy League School and Emily Kapit, MS, MRW, ACRW, CPRW, career strategist and owner of ReFresh Your Step career consultancy, to learn more about the right way to ask someone to serve as a reference over email.

“You want them to feel like you’re asking them because you truly want them to be a reference, not just because you have to have three,” says Kapit, underscoring the importance of tailoring each request to the person you’re reaching out to.

To get an idea of what personalized email requests for references would look like, these five templates give a full idea of what type of language is appropriate for different relationships.

For A Former Boss

Hi Donna! I hope you have been doing well. It’s hard to believe it has been three years since we worked together. I learned so much while we were working on the XYZ project and have fond memories of working at [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][company name].

Things have been good here. I have enjoyed working at [company name] for the past two years and getting to explore the city of Denver. After much contemplation, I’ve decided it’s time for new challenges, so I’m beginning to search for Marketing Director roles and hope to relocate to San Diego later this year.

Would you be available to serve as a reference and provide a positive recommendation for me? If you are, I would be happy to send you my resume and a sample job description so you have an updated view of my experience and what I’m seeking.

Thank you for considering this. I look forward to connecting with you again and hearing your updates.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

This reference request, written by Franklin, masterfully re-establishes the connection with the former boss and brings them up to speed on your recent professional history. “The wording of your message to re-introduce yourself to a potential reference will depend on the nature of the relationship (former boss vs. coworker), how close you were at the time, whether you saw each other outside of work in social settings and exactly how long has it been since you last connected,” Franklin says. She adds that it’s also important to consider the timing of your request and how far you are in the job search process, which can determine the likelihood that they will be imminently contacted.

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For A Former Collaborator

Dear X,

I hope you’re well. I’ve been following your career via LinkedIn for the last several years and see that you’ve moved up to [new role] — congratulations! In the last few years, I have also moved up and am currently doing [current role]. I’m looking to transition to an even more senior role and am conducting both an internal and an external search regarding future opportunities. In doing so, I was reflecting on who would be a really good reference for me, and felt that you would be one.

I recall our time working on [particular project] and I thought that given what I’m looking for in that next role, you would be a great person to speak to the skills I bring to the table as well as the kind of hard worker that I am, and would really appreciate if you could serve as a reference for me.

Of course, I am more than happy to do the same for you at any point in time. Please do let me know. Additionally, if you would be so kind as to put the recommendation on my LinkedIn profile, I would greatly appreciate that. Again, I would be more than happy to do the same for you.

I wish you continued success in your career and look forward to being in touch. Please do reach out with any questions!

All the best,

[Your name]

This template, written by Kapit, contains a few powerful elements. First of all, it gives the recommender a specific reason why you’re asking them, of all people, to be your reference. Second, you’re following what some call the “golden rule of networking”: offering your help to someone else, so that they may offer their help to you. This particular template offers to recommend or serve as a reference for the other person in return for them doing the same for you — a great strategy for making the “ask” feel much less one-sided.

For A Former Mentor

Hi Mr. Thomas! I hope you’re doing well. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been four years since we worked together at [company name]. How have you been?

I really appreciate all I learned during that time and the guidance you provided. It has been so helpful with my client projects here at [company name]. I have been networking as you suggested and recently became aware of an interesting opportunity to become a Marketing Manager. Given my work on client projects over the past few years, I feel it would be a perfect fit and great next step. Would you be willing to provide a positive recommendation for me? I’ll be happy to provide you with my resume, full details of the job and any other info you would find helpful.

Thank you for considering this. I hope we can catch up properly soon.

Warm regards,

[Your name]

This request, written by Franklin, shows the power of a brief — yet humble, respectful and professional – email. When you have reservations about sending a request to someone, or are worried that the connection might be too tenuous, always defer to a humble, professional tone. In addition, Franklin says, “when making any request in life, it’s helpful to use empathy and think about how you would feel if you received a similar request. If you get a feeling in the pit of your stomach that you’re asking for too much or it sounds like you’re sucking up or something like that, re-think the email.”

For A Former Direct Report

Dear X,

I hope all is well with you. I heard you were promoted to [new position] at [former company]. Nice!

I’m reaching out today because I’m looking to make my next career move, and I’m in need of references for the positions I’m applying for. Given our extensive working history together, I thought that you would be able to speak to my ability as a manager, and I was wondering if you would be willing to serve as a reference. If asked, I think that the example of [X project] we worked on together would be particularly salient.

Of course I would be more than willing to act as a reference for you or provide you with any sort of recommendation. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Kindly,

[Your name]

While it’s less common to ask someone who you formerly managed to be a reference for you, it can be appropriate in cases where you’re looking to show off your management skills to the hiring team. Reaching out to a person who was your subordinate has a slightly different tone than asking someone who you worked under. “You want to mirror the tone of the relationship that you had with them in your prior role,” Franklin advises. “That way, the style of your request is consistent with how you have always interacted with that person and won’t seem outside the balance of what that relationship [is] and always [has] been.” Franklin also provides a number of templates outreach examples in her “Essential Guide to Securing References for a Job Search.”

A Former Client

Dear X,

I just heard news that your company recently [accomplishment]. Congratulations! I’m always heartened and delighted to see what your company is doing in the world.

I’m writing today because I’m looking to transition into a new role doing [new job], and I’m looking for a few people who can serve as references for me and speak to my skills as a [your profession]. I thought that the project we worked on last year was a great example of how I can [list skills]. I would be very grateful if you were able to serve as a reference for me.

Please let me know if you have any questions — and I’m also happy to refresh your memory on the details of the project and the role I played if you want me to send anything over.

All the best,

[Your name]

“Try to be specific regarding why you’re asking that particular person to be a reference for you,” counsels Kapit. In this template, praise is given to the former client in order to remind them of their connection to you. In addition, listing specific skills tied to the project you worked on together can help trigger their memory of why exactly they would be qualified to comment on your professional prowess.

GlassDoor.com | June 27, 2018 | Posted by Lillian Childress

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Your #Career : #CareerAdvice – 5 Myths That Prevent #JobSeekers from Overcoming Failure…So if you’ve Been Hearing Rejection after Rejection Lately — or Worse, No Responses at All — it’s Time to Set Things Straight.

June 15, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

For many people, the job search is a mysterious and frustrating process. Unless you’re a recruiter or hiring manager, you usually don’t have a good idea of what goes on behind the scenes — and because of that, people tend to come up with their own ideas of what happens, and what it takes to be successful.

Often, this works like a game of telephone: You may start out with a grain of truth, but it will get repeated and altered so many times that it ends up being completely misinterpreted. As a result, buying into these “common sense” ideas and pieces of advice can actually end up hurting your chances of scoring your dream job.

So if you’ve been hearing rejection after rejection lately — or worse, no responses at all — it’s time to set things straight. Read up on the most pervasive job search myths out there, what the facts of the matter are and how you can tweak your job search for better results.

Myth #1 You Should Send as Many Resumes as Possible

So many job seekers think their odds of hearing back are directly proportional to how many times they blast their resume out to recruiters. There is some merit to the idea that you’ll need to apply to multiple opportunities, but taking a total spray-and-pray approach is one of the worst things you can do.

“While applying to more jobs does increase potential callbacks, remember not to sacrifice quality for quantity. Recruiters will quickly trash applications that are generic or a poor fit,” says Christopher K. Lee, Career Consultant and founder of Purpose Redeemed.

Instead, you should “focus your job search on jobs you really want, and jobs where you compete against the best applicants in the pool,” adds career concierge and hiring consultant Kim Stiens of Ranavain.

And if you really want to stand out, customize each application you submit, says Cheryl E. Palmer, Executive Career Coach and owner of Call to Career.

“Carefully review the vacancy announcements for different positions and then tailor your cover letter accordingly so that you can convince a hiring manager that you are right for the job,” Palmer recommends.

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Myth #2 You Shouldn’t Apply if You Don’t Meet All the Requirements

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some job seekers are hesitant to apply to any job with a description that doesn’t match their skills and experience 100 percent.

“Many job seekers refrain from applying to positions where they don’t meet all the listed qualifications. This is a shame because some of them would excel in those roles,” says Lee. “Truth is, job requirements are often a wish list. Few applicants will meet all the points.”

A good rule of thumb: if you match at least 75-80 percent of the requirements, it’s worth applying.

“Speak to how strong you are in the other areas, and highlight any areas of experience which demonstrate you’ll be able to pick up the lacking skill quickly,” recommends business coach Dave Labowitz.

Myth #3 If You’re Qualified for the Job, You’ll Get It

While qualifications are important, they’re only part of the equation.

“Too many job seekers believe they should get the job because they have experience. Yes, experience is important, but it doesn’t help you stand out,” says career coach and resume writer Melanie L. Denny. Rather than simply assuming you’ll get the job due to your stellar track record, “focus on the value you have produced for past employers in the form of achievements,” she recommends.

Another reason hiring managers may choose a less qualified candidate is if they prove to be a better culture fit. If you have all of the necessary skills, but don’t seem like you could work well with others at the company, that’s a big red flag.

One way to combat this is by only applying to companies that you know you would be compatible with. But if you’ve already found a good match, you can prove you’re a good culture fit in your application materials — particularly your cover letter. Which leads us to myth number four…

Myth #4 You Don’t Need a Cover Letter

Sure, not every recruiter or hiring manager will read a cover letter — but enough do that it’s still worth taking the time to write one, says Stiens.

“While some hiring managers don’t read them, a lot still do, and for those hiring managers, your cover letter is at least as important as your resume. While a resume is a fairly rote, formulaic document, cover letters are your place to show your personality and show how you operate on the job,” she explains.

Cover letters can especially help demonstrate the oh-so-important aforementioned culture fit.

“With today’s companies caring far more about cultural fit than ever before, a cover letter is your opportunity to show them who you are, not just what you’ve done. This will differentiate you from other applicants and increase the likelihood of an interview,” Labowitz says.

To demonstrate that culture fit, share relevant anecdotes from your career.

“Soft skills are key, and using anecdotes in your cover letter are the most effective way to demonstrate them in an application,” Stiens recommends. And remember — no one-size-fits-all cover letters. “You should submit unique, custom cover letters for each job you apply to (though you can certainly recycle material and anecdotes that are relevant to multiple jobs).”

Myth #5 All You Can Do Is Apply

So you satisfy most of the job requirements and have a great resume and cover letter that share what you could bring to the company that other candidates couldn’t. And yet, you still aren’t hearing back from recruiters. What gives?

“Several of my clients think having a strong resume is enough to get them the job… [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][but] if you don’t get that resume in front of the right person (your potential future boss) and sell yourself in an interview, you won’t be hired,” Denny says. “Make sure you are strategic about marketing yourself and master the art of selling your value to a hiring manager.”

The best way to do that, experts agree, is to network. If you know somebody at a company you want to apply to, ask if they’d be comfortable referring you. If you don’t know anybody at the company, look online to see who you can connect with and send them a friendly email or LinkedIn message requesting an informational interview. If all goes well, you can ask them for a referral.

Don’t get too in your head about who you “should” be connecting with. Some job seekers think “I can’t reach out to people I worked with 10 years ago and haven’t spoken with since then — it would be an imposition,” says Career/Executive Coach Tammy Gooler Loeb. But put yourself in their shoes. “If this person reached out to you after 10 years, would you feel imposed on or flattered that they contacted you? More often the latter, and you’d likely be happy to do anything you can to be helpful to them,” she points out.

And don’t hesitate to connect with somebody just because they’re not directly recruiting or hiring for the role.

“Most people find their next meaningful role through a third-, fourth- or fifth-degree connection and how they reached that point may likely have been through a string of connections that are not necessarily in your industry or doing a role similar to yours,” Gooler Loeb says. “Think of those people you know who seem to ‘know everybody’ and ask them who they know may be good people for you to speak with to learn more about companies that are growing or hiring.”

GlassDoor.com | June 13, 2018 | Posted by Emily Moore

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Your #Career : #CareerAdvice – Follow Up On Your Job Application With This Easy Template…Here, we’ll Take you Through our Best Application Follow-Up Advice, with Added #CareerExpert Insight & a Template to Use for your Next Follow-Up.

June 14, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

That’s right: Glassdoor has written a guide to knowing when to follow up — and a template you can use, word for word if you’d like, to check in on the status of your job application.

Here, we’ll take you through our best application follow-up advice, with added career-expert insight and a template to use for your next follow-up.

Wait — and wait a little more.

You’ve surely heard that patience is a virtue, and that saying holds true when it comes to following up on a job application. So, if the job posting or the application indicated a timeline for the company’s reply, you should try to respect it and wait to follow up until that time has passed. Another reason to wait? Sharlyn Lauby, founder of HR Bartender, says that waiting can actually warm hiring managers and human resources professionals to you. “I know applicants want to set themselves apart early,” she says. “But take a moment to consider the company’s perspective. If the company promotes a job opening and 50 people apply, and then all 50 people decide they’re going to try to find a way to contact the hiring manager . . . well, now multiply that times 10 job openingsand you’ll see how that just delays the entire hiring process — which, of course, no one wants.”

Figure out who to contact.

When enough time has passed that you can follow up, try to find a direct contact. That may be a specific person in the company’s human resources department, or it could be a hiring manager. It may take some research on your part, but try to find a name and email address.

Send your materials again.

When you send a follow-up email, be sure to include your application materials again for easy reference. (After all, you don’t want to make the human resources professional or hiring manager work to find out why you’re right for the job.) As our guide points out, “they may have a pile of applications they haven’t looked at, and you want to make it as easy as possible for them to review yours.” Let them know your documents are attached.

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Stay patient.

Your follow-up may be perfect, and yet, you still may never hear back from a company. We recommend following up no more than two times to the same contact person or company.

Lauby actually encourages you to consider moving on not after a specific number of follow-ups, but after a certain amount of time. “If an individual applies for a job and hasn’t heard from the company after a week, they need to decide if they want to work for a company that treats applicants that way,” she says. “Same with, ‘If I take the time and effort to follow-up with the company, and don’t hear back, do I really want to work for them?’” And that’s not a silly, emotional reaction. “The way applicants are treated during the hiring process can be an indicator of the way they will be treated as an employee,” Lauby points out.

Here’s what to say.

Now, what should you write, you ask? Well, that’s what this simple email template is for:

Dear [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Contact’s Name],

I recently sent in an application for [job title] at [company]. I’m sure you all are very busy reviewing applicants, but I wanted to touch base to make sure it got to you, and see if you had any updates on your decision timeline. I’m still very excited about the position and would love the chance to talk more with your team about how my background in [the most relevant thing about your past experience] would really allow me to help your company [something you would expect to help achieve in the role].

I’ve attached my application materials to make it easy for you to find—please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[Your Name]

No excuses now — go ahead and fearlessly follow up on those applications!

GlassDoor.com | June 14, 2018 | Posted by Jillian Kramer

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Your #Career : #CareerAdvice #ResumeWriting – 6 Ways to Hack Your #Resume and Get a #BetterJob — Without an Advanced Degree….Before jumping Back into School, Check if There are other Ways to Build your Credentials and Hack your Career — without Getting into Debt. Here are Some Alternatives.

June 11, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

One path to build your desired credentials? Returning to college to earn an additional degree. While an advanced degree can open the door to more career opportunities, it comes at a steep cost. The average Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate, for example, owes $42,000 in combined undergrad and grad school debt. A Master of Arts graduate averages more than $58,000 in student loans.

Before jumping back into school, check if there are other ways to build your credentials and hack your career — without getting into debt. Here are some alternatives to beef up your resume more quickly, easily and cheaply.

1. Think Outside the Degree

If you’re thinking of returning to college to earn an additional degree, determine what you hope to gain from that experience.

Some careers are accessible only by earning certain credentials, as is the case for lawyers and doctors. But if you’re eyeing an MBA to start your own business or a master’s degree in creative writing to write a book, consider how you could accomplish these goals without a degree.

If you’re excited about learning from experts in your field of interest, for instance, finding a mentor could be effective — and much cheaper than the cost of college.

Build connections with such professionals through networking events, mutual contacts or social media. If you establish a good acquaintanceship with them, see if they’re willing to provide guidance or share their expertise.

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2. Earn an Accreditation or Certification

Whether you want to change career paths or take your qualifications to the next level, look into certifications that can help you get there.

“You can take certificate programs, learn, and build your resume for the path you’re pursuing to show you’re on your way,” said Vicki Salemi, a career expert for job search website Monster.

Perhaps you’re considering a second bachelor’s degree in computer science to switch to a programming career. You might be able to make that leap with a smaller investment of time and money through a coding boot camp instead.

Some certifications in certain fields can be completed in hours. Others might require months of study or a big exam to get certified. Explore different programs to see what could be an option for you.

3. Develop New Knowledge and Skills

You don’t have to earn college credits to continue your education and improve your professional skills.

Your education can take many forms, from noncredit community classes to online courses. You can take online courses through companies such as Udemy or General Assembly, for example.

Some online courses offer a certification of completion that can boost your resume.

4. Volunteer to Do the Kind of Work You’re Eyeing

Maybe you aren’t yet qualified for the job you want — at least, not enough to get a paid gig. But if you’re willing to work for free or take on extra tasks at your current job, you could accumulate hands-on experience in a new field or develop a new skill.

For example, you can “volunteer in your community and in your company on projects outside of your department,” Salemi suggested. Or you could do freelance work at a steep discount to build your portfolio.

5. Become Involved in Your Professional Community

Networking is a smart move to build your career, but it also can help enhance your resume. Seek out ways to become involved with professional conferences and groups in your current or desired career field.

In the process, you could gain some accolades to add to your resume or cite in job interviews. Here are some ways to do so, according to Salemi:

Submit your work in professional competitions or apply for awards.
Volunteer to work on the boards of local clubs, chapters or organizations for your profession.
Organize a workshop or make a presentation on a subject at a seminar.
Submit proposals to participate in a panel at a professional conference or convention.
Start blogging and posting on social media about topics related to your career.
Engage other experts online and in person to build credibility in your field.

6. Reframe Your Existing Qualifications and Skills

Sometimes you don’t need more skills or experience; instead, you can demonstrate the connection between the work you’ve done and the job requirements of an employer.

Start with your cover letter and resume. “On [your] resume, even if you don’t have a specific skill set an employer is looking for, highlight experiences and your abilities to show that you’ve done something similar,” Salemi suggested.

If you get an interview, make sure you’re prepared to make your case. “When you speak about your skill set during a job interview, clearly articulate how you would be able to still do the job,” Salemi said.

Before you start planning a return to college, consider if you might already be more qualified than you think. Building the credentials you need and filling any gaps in your qualifications often can happen faster and be done more cheaply than earning an advanced degree.

GlassDoor.com | June 11, 2018 | Posted by Elyssa Kirkham, Student Loan Hero

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Posts

1. Growth: What did you add to the company?

2. Reduction: What did you help the company save?

3. Impact: How many people did your work help?

4. Frequency: How often did you complete tasks?

See the Possibilities

Treat Yourself Like a Business

Define Why Someone Should Hire You

Create Your Online Presence

Set Up Systems for Success

Connect with Others

DON’T WAIT

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN LEARN (ABOUT YOURSELF)

THINK CREATIVELY ABOUT OFFSETTING DRAWBACKS

WATCH OUT FOR RED FLAGS

SHOW WHAT YOU CAN DO, AND BE UPFRONT ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN’T

1. Not providing concrete answers to interview questions

2. Not managing emotions

3. Can’t articulate why you’re leaving a job

4. Can’t explain movements throughout your career

5. Mistaking arrogance for confidence

1. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?

2. TELL ME ABOUT A TIME YOU SUCCEEDED AT WORK–AND A TIME YOU FAILED

3. YOU’VE DESCRIBED YOURSELF AS X IN YOUR APPLICATION. EXPLAIN WHY

4. WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB?

5. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WE SHOULD HAVE ASKED YOU BUT WE HAVEN’T?

For A Former Boss

For A Former Collaborator

For A Former Mentor

For A Former Direct Report

A Former Client

Myth #1 You Should Send as Many Resumes as Possible

Myth #2 You Shouldn’t Apply if You Don’t Meet All the Requirements

Myth #3 If You’re Qualified for the Job, You’ll Get It

Myth #4 You Don’t Need a Cover Letter

Myth #5 All You Can Do Is Apply

Wait — and wait a little more.

Figure out who to contact.

Send your materials again.

Stay patient.

Here’s what to say.

1. Think Outside the Degree

2. Earn an Accreditation or Certification

3. Develop New Knowledge and Skills

4. Volunteer to Do the Kind of Work You’re Eyeing

5. Become Involved in Your Professional Community

6. Reframe Your Existing Qualifications and Skills