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Tips for Making the Most of a Job Fair

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Let’s face it: the day-to-day hunt for job openings can be grueling. Even though most of the footwork these days is done online, the process of scouring LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job sites for open positions, then reaching out, customizing your resume, networking, following up, etc. can leave you feeling mentally exhausted.

That’s why a job fair can be such a breath of fresh air.

Job fairs are a goldmine for job seekers. They are events where employers, recruiters, and schools provide information about job openings and career opportunities. In other words, instead of researching companies and trying to find out if they have openings, you have access to a bunch of companies that are actively seeking new talent–all in one place. This is your chance to meet face-to-face with potential employers and make a lasting impression that a resume alone might not achieve.

A well-prepared job seeker can leave these events with valuable industry contacts, a better understanding of the job market, and even a potential job offer. However, making the most of a job fair is about more than just showing up. It requires preparation, finesse, and strategy. If you’re planning to attend a job fair in the upcoming weeks, here some practical and actionable tips to help you navigate the process more effectively.

Prepare in Advance

One of the key phrases in job hunting is “preparation is key,” and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to job fairs. Before heading out the door, make sure you take the following steps:

  • Research Participating Companies. Get a list of participating companies and learn about them. Understand their industry, products or services, and culture. Then make a “short list” of the companies that are most interesting to you or most aligned with your career goals. This will help you save time and energy at the fair because you’ll invest most of your time focused on the companies that matter most to you.
  • Prepare Relevant Questions. Show your interest and knowledge by asking relevant questions. This could range from queries about specific roles to the company culture and values. By engaging recruiters in this way, you not only showcase your curiosity and enthusiasm but also establish a meaningful connection that will help you be remembered after everyone goes home.
  • Be Prepared to Answer Questions. If a company rep is interested in you–or if they’re highly motivated to bring on new talent–they may offer to give you an impromptu interview on the spot. Be prepared for that eventuality. Come to the fair ready to answer at least a few basic questions about your experience, examples of your ability to solve problems and work with a team, etc.
  • Update Your Resume. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and aligns with the jobs you’re interested in. Bring multiple copies to hand out. A bit of a caveat here: most of my followers know I’m a stickler about customizing your resume to each job opening you apply to, but obviously that’s not a practical solution at a job fair. So my advice at job fairs is to have a few resumes handy, but only pass them out to employers who ask for them. Otherwise, just exchange basic contact information and schedule a follow-up so you can send a customized resume later.

Dress Professionally

First impressions matter at a job fair, especially since recruiters will be talking to lots of people. Dress as if you were going to a job interview. This not only demonstrates your seriousness about the job search but also sends a message to potential employers that you are dedicated, confident, and ready to make a positive impact.

Network, Network, Network

Job fairs are networking events. Engage in conversation with recruiters and other job seekers, exchange business cards, connect on social media (on the spot, if possible), and send an email following up afterward. Even if you don’t find your dream job at the fair, you never know who might provide a valuable connection.

Follow Up

You’d be surprised at how many job fair attendees don’t bother to follow up with recruiters, instead just waiting to be contacted by the companies. This presents a key opportunity for you to get an edge over your competition and jump to the head of the line, so to speak. Employers like people who show initiative. So within a couple of days after the fair, follow up with the recruiters you met. Send a personalized email expressing your interest in their company and the positions they have available. If you haven’t already handed them a resume, send them a version of the resume tailored to the company. This keeps the communication line open and increases your chances of landing an interview.

If you’re looking for a bit of additional support in your job search, I am here to help. Personalized career coaching can help you navigate the job search landscape, from crafting the perfect resume to acing interviews. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps. For a free initial conversation with me, just schedule yourself a time on  my calendar here.

(Photo courtesy of the City of Marietta. CC License)

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Congratulations! You’ve Graduated College!…Now What?

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Earning a college degree is no small feat, so if you’re a brand-new college grad…kudos to you! Whether or not you know what’s next for you, you can take pride in knowing you’ve completed an important step for your life and career.

At the same time, graduation day can be both exhilarating and terrifying. And for many, the day AFTER graduation is more terrifying than exhilarating. What now? you wonder.

If you’re like most college students, you’ve probably been holding onto the idea that the job recruiters were going to be waiting for you at the doors to your school with open arms, rolling out the red carpet and handing you some metaphorical golden key to launch your career. While some students indeed find good jobs and internships right out of college, the harsh reality is this doesn’t happen for nearly as many students as it used to. So…if you’ve come through graduation with no job prospects and no sense of direction, don’t beat yourself up. You’re actually in good company.

The good news is that even though the path to a career might not be laid out straight before you, there are practical steps you can take to launch yourself into the job market and land your first “real” job, preferably within your area of study. Let’s talk about some practical tips to get you started.

Refine Your Career Goals

When you chose your major, you might have had a good idea what kind of field you wanted to work in and what you wanted your profession to be. Now that you’ve graduated, it’s time to revisit those goals and make sure they’re aligned with your current desires. It’s not unusual for career goals to evolve as you move through college–in fact, a surprising number of people land lucrative careers that have little or nothing to do with what they studied in college. If you’re still committed to the career path you initially chose, that’s great–you’re ahead of the game. But if you’re not, it’s okay to keep your options open.

Start by defining what you want in your career. What type of job aligns with your degree and aspirations? What industries are you interested in? What other types of work does your degree qualify you for? Refining these career goals will help guide your job search and application process.

Perfect Your Resume

Your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers, and in many cases, it’s the only thing standing between you and a job interview invitation. So make sure it’s a strong one. Highlight relevant coursework, internships, and projects that align with the job you’re applying for. Remember, your resume should be concise, professional, and free of errors. And since resumes are so easy to edit nowadays, I recommend sending customized versions of your resume to every employer–not revamping the whole thing, but tailoring specific details to emphasize what the company may be looking for.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. It’s your chance to tell your story, express your interest in the role, and detail why you’re the best candidate. As with the resume, tailor and personalize each cover letter to the specific job and company, showing that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested.

Master Online Job Search Platforms

Online job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor can be powerful tools in your job search. (My favorite is LinkedIn because it also serves as a networking site.) Create a professional profile, upload your polished resume, and start searching for jobs that match your career goals. Use keywords related to your field to narrow down the search. Look among your LinkedIn connections for people who may already work in those jobs, then reach out to them to see if they can open some doors for you. If you don’t have connections inside the workplaces you’re interested in, try to find employees there, connect with them on LinkedIn, and strike up a conversation. You might be surprised at the opportunities that could open up there.

Build and Work on Your Network

Networking is a key part of the job search process–in fact, in my view, it’s just as important as your resume and interview skills, if not more so. Most jobs are landed through connections, not through job boards. Invest time in connecting with people in your field and create relationships with professionals who may be able to help you get that first break. Reach out to alumni, former professors, coaches, or employers who can provide references. Don’t just network on LinkedIn (although that’s a powerful tool); look for in-person opportunities, as well. Join professional organizations related to your career goals; attend events and meetings where you can meet other like-minded professionals or potential employers.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of an Internship

Many college grads often overlook internships as a viable job prospect, but they can be invaluable for gaining experience and opening up career opportunities. If you’re just starting out in your field, even unpaid (or very low-paid) internships can offer valuable training and experience.

Prepare for Interviews

Once you start landing interviews, it’s crucial to prepare. Research the company, rehearse common interview questions, and think of examples that showcase your skills and experiences. Remember, an interview is a two-way street; come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and company.

Follow Up

After an interview, send a thank-you note expressing your continued interest in the role. This shows professionalism and could set you apart from other candidates.

Stay Positive and Patient

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind as you embark on your job search: stay positive and be patient. Job searches can often take months or even longer, so don’t let discouragement take over. If your financial situation requires you to live at home with your folks for awhile, don’t be discouraged over this–in today’s economy, more than half of young adults either still live with their parents or return home. Be patient with yourself through this process. Be persistent and consistent, and you’ll make progress toward your goals.

As a career coach, one of my favorite things to do is to help college graduates land their first real job. If you are freshly graduated and don’t know what to do next–or if you feel like you’re floundering and need some support–I’m here to help. Just access my calendar here and schedule yourself a free initial consultation.

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Keeping Spirits Bright: Tips for Recharging During the Holiday Season

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The holidays can be a stressful time of year, especially if you’re currently involved in a job search. While not everyone suffers from this, the “holiday blues” are a real thing; it’s well-documented that rates of depression often increase this time of year. And with the added pressure of buying gifts and dealing with family obligations while trying to land a job, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

But here’s some good news; you don’t have to buy into this stress. Even in the midst of difficulties, the natural “down time” of the holiday season presents the opportunity to hit the “reset” button. If you take advantage of this opportunity to recharge, you can set yourself up to come back even stronger after the holidays. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

Make Time for Self-Care 

It might sound trite, but the priniciple works: when things start to feel overwhelming, take some time to focus on yourself. This might mean taking a long bath, going for a walk, or reading a book—whatever helps you relax and recharge your batteries. Set aside some time each day to do something that brings you joy. Doing this won’t necessarily take away the stressors in your life, but it will create some space and perspective so you can deal with the stressors more productively.

Stay Connected 

If you’re feeling down or discouraged, one common impulse is to withdraw from social activities, friends, or family. But actually, this can create loneliness, which can make the problem worse–not to mention spending too much time alone can cause you to develop some unhealthy feedback loops in the mind as you try to “work out” your troubles, causing you to lose perspective. To combat this, try to resist the urge to withdraw and use the holiday season as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family members, both those who are near and those who live far away. Try setting up regular video calls or sending thoughtful texts throughout the season. This will help keep in touch with those you care about, even if you can’t be together in person. Plus, having someone to talk to can help boost your mood when you start to feel down.

Keep the Job Search Going

Seriously. Don’t assume that prospective employers don’t want to talk to you just because it’s the holidays. As we shared in this post from the past, many employers continue to hire right through the end of the year, and since a lot of job seekers DO call off their search during the holidays, there will be less competition for those job openings, so your odds of getting hired actually go up! You can also continue networking online by attending virtual networking events or joining an online job search group on social media where other people may have helpful advice or leads on new openings. 

One important point: if you’re genuinely tired and want to take a break from job searching during the holidays, that’s okay, too. Don’t feel guilty about that; do what’s best for you. But if you have the desire and the energy, there’s no reason why you can’t keep applying for work during the holiday season–and there may even be some advantages in doing so.

Reset the Calendar and Make a Plan

As the end of the year approaches, I like to take some time to reflect on the past year, tie up loose ends, and sort of “close the chapter” on the old year. Then I start thinking about what’s ahead for the new year and start planning fresh strategies. I’d recommend you take a similar approach. (I’m not talking about New Year’s resolutions–I’m talking about setting goals for your job search.) Take an inventory of what you did this past year. Acknowledge what you did that worked for you, and think about how to implement those things in the new year. Also be honest what didn’t work so you know what changes you need to make. Even if you don’t emerge with a hugely detailed strategy, the simple act of saying “goodbye” to the old year and “hello” to the new one helps put you in a healthy mindset so you’ll emerge into the new year with fresh energy and purpose.

Finally, no matter what challenges life throws at you during the holiday season, it is important to remember that it won’t last forever! By taking care of yourself physically and mentally, staying connected with others, and staying engaged, you can remain positive despite any difficulties you may be facing this season. And by taking a little time to make a plan for next year, you can approach the new year ready to take on the world again. So take a deep breath—you’ve got this!

As always, I’m here to help if you need deeper assistance with your career search and landing the job you want. Just click here to access my calendar and set up a free 30-minute consultation.

Happy Holidays!

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Will Fears of a Recession Affect Your Job Search?

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I don’t know about you, but I can only take the news in short bursts these days. We won’t dwell on it here…let’s just say things have been better. (Just for context…things have also been worse. In my lifetime.) However, one bit of news that might be of concern to job seekers is that with spiking gas prices and out-of-control inflation, there’s now talk of a possible recession coming our way. And although those fears have lessened just in the past couple of weeks, the talk still hangs in the air. If you’ve been working on finding a new job or changing careers, what might this mean for you? Could all the talk of recession hurt your chances of getting hired? And if recession does come, how much would it impact your job search?

The short answer is…not as much as you think. But it might mean adapting some of your strategies.

Let’s unpack this a little.

How Recession Affects the Job Market

By definition, a recession means the economy is shrinking (or experiencing “negative growth”). They consider it officially a recession when the economy shrinks over two consecutive quarters. Historically, this has usually meant a rise in unemployment because companies don’t have as much money to pay workers, or there is less demand for their products because consumers aren’t spending. During the forced recession of the pandemic during lockdowns, people were thrown out of work in record numbers. During the Great Recession of 2007-2008, millions lost their jobs there, too. And obviously, if people are getting laid off from jobs, it’s harder to find job openings, as well.

What Is Different This Time

That was then. This is now. In 2022, despite all the talk of inflation and a possible recession, the fact remains that unemployment is very low (3.6 percent at the time of this writing), and in many parts of the country, there are still twice as many job openings as there are people to fill them! So even if we were to go into a recession right now, the number of people getting laid off would be considerably fewer. Instead, what would probably happen is the number of overall job openings would decrease–but since there’s already a massive surplus of job openings that employers can’t fill anyway, many job seekers would barely feel the difference.

Now, that’s not to say that some sectors of the economy wouldn’t feel the pain of layoffs. Recession hits different industries differently, so it would largely depend on where you live and what line of work you’re in. But generally speaking, job seekers are less likely to have a hard time finding work even if the economy “goes negative” for a little while.

Making Your Job Seach “Recession Proof”

All that being said, the state of the economy still tends to affect how employers view prospective job candidates, and it affects how they hire and whom they choose to hire. So wisdom says you shouldn’t take for granted the sheer number of job openings when you’re looking for work. Rather, you should adapt your approach to the mood and attitude of the job market itself. Some tips to optimize your chances of success in the event of a recession:

  • Focus on your skills and how they can benefit the company as a whole. When you apply at a company, you should tailor your resume specifically to the job opening you’re seeking to show how you are qualified to fill that position. However, in your cover letter, don’t be afraid to position yourself as someone with skills the company needs in general and the type of person they want on their team. That way, if the specific job opening you’re seeking happens to evaporate, they may still keep you in mind for other options.
  • Be prepared to negotiate. In a recessionary climate, employers will be looking for ways to save money–and that often means they’ll lowball their initial salary offers. Be prepared ahead of time by researching typical salary ranges for the position you’re seeking, as well as deciding on a salary range that you can live with. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground (politely) during negotiations, and resist the urge to accept a low-ball offer if it won’t properly cover your expenses.
  • Keep your skills sharp. In order to make yourself as attractive as possible to potential employers, it’s important to keep your skills up to date. Take classes, get certifications, and otherwise stay on top of the latest developments in your field so you’re more in-demand than your competitors when job openings appear.
  • Network, network, network. In any economy, your best bet for finding job leads and getting hired is to go through someone you know. Personal recommendations carry a lot of weight in the job market–even more so during an economic downturn.

The Bottom Line

No one knows for sure whether we’re headed for a recession or not. But even if we are, there’s no need to panic–the job market is much different now than it was during the last recession, and as long as you adapt your job search strategies accordingly, you should be able to weather any economic storm. Of course, my job is to keep my finger on the pulse of the job market and help my clients position themselves in the best light—so if you’d like some help with your job search, I’m here as always. Just click here to access my calendar and set up a free 30-minute consultation.

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Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes on Your Resume

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While job search techniques and tactics have changed a lot over the years, one thing is still true: Having a killer resume is key. Your resume is quite often your first point of contact with the employer–your first impression, if you will–and it’s usually competing with hundreds of other resumes. Within a few seconds of looking at your resume, the hiring manager is going to decide whether to call you for an interview or move on to the next candidate. So it’s absolutely crucial to get this document right.

And yet, you’d be surprised how many job seekers create resumes that fail to hit the mark. Quite often, a resume gets put in the trash, not because the person isn’t qualified, but because of an avoidable error that caused the resume to get overlooked. Let’s take a look at six common mistakes that people make on their resumes so you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using the Same Resume for Every Job Application

When creating your resume, your goal is to convince the hiring manager that you are a good candidate for the role. If you use the same boilerplate resume for every job you apply to, you’re inevitably going to include information that is irrelevant to that employer, and that’s not going to help your cause at all. To make matters worse, many employers now use an applicant tracking system for resumes submitted online. These tracking systems look for certain phrases and keywords related to the job description they’ve posted, and if your resume doesn’t contain those keywords…it might be filtered out so it’s not seen by human eyes at all!

The way to avoid this problem—and something I repeatedly tell all my clients—is to customize your resume to fit the job description. You don’t have to rewrite the resume every time—just create a template where you can edit the resume with a few clicks and keystrokes. In this digital age where it’s so easy to edit documents, there’s just no excuse for not customizing your resume to fit what each employer is looking for. Tailor each resume so that it presents you as the ideal candidate that matches what the employer is looking for.

Mistake 2: Overloading Your Resume

Many people mistakenly believe that a long resume tells employers how experienced you are. In reality, it sends a message that you don’t know how to keep things focused on the job description. It’s very easy to get carried away when creating your resume by including one too many details you think would impress the employer.

These days, if the resume is more a page and a half long, it’s going to carry less weight. If it’s more than two pages, chances are it will be overlooked.

One reason people make this mistake is that they don’t know the difference between a resume and a Curriculum Vitae, or CV. A resume summarizes only the most relevant points about your education and work experience. A CV goes into more detail about your academic and professional accomplishments, including education, awards, achievements, places where you’ve been published, etc. CVs are primarily used in academic and medical professions, and they can easily be several pages long—and in many cases, the longer, the better!

Bottom line—if you’re asked for a CV, pack it with as many of your professional accomplishments as you can. If it’s a resume and not a CV, limit it to only the most relevant items.

Mistake 3: Revealing Salary Expectations on Your Resume

Talking about salary can be a delicate matter. Doing it too soon can either price you out of the position or cause you to sell yourself short. You’ll need to talk money at some point in the process, but posting your expected salary on your resume basically takes negotiation off the table. That’s why salary negotiations should come later in the hiring process, once the employer is interested in you.

As an alternative, if you’re asked to provide salary expectations, I recommend giving the employer a salary range—a low number to a high number. The reason is that you might not yet have clarity on the scope and depth of the job, and this gives you more negotiation power when you find out those details. Do some research to learn the market value of the job you’re applying for and recognize the value you bring to the organization. That way, you won’t sell yourself short when discussing salary.

Mistake 4: Listing Job Duties Rather than Accomplishments

I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen resumes over the years where the applicant simply listed their job responsibilities under every job they held. That really does nothing but make the resume longer. The employer isn’t interested in your prior job descriptions–they want to know you can do good work for them. The way to convince them of your viability is to give concrete examples of how your efforts made things better at other companies you’ve worked for. Think in terms of the PAR formula (Problem-Action-Results). So inane details like “Managed filing and paperwork for the entire office” becomes “Addressed paperwork issues by completing a full revamp of the office filing system for greater efficiency.” Remember, try to use examples that are relevant to the job description to help grab the employer’s attention.

Mistake 5: Using Cliches, Buzzwords, and Fluff

In the past, it might have been a good idea to pepper your resume with industry jargon and special buzzwords that were relevant to your field. Not anymore–hiring managers will see right through that! In fact, it’s become so common these days that I’ve seen hiring managers go out of their way to screen for this in applicants. Tired phrases like “out-of-the-box thinking,” “team player,” “results-oriented,” etc. don’t really tell the employer what you can do. Instead, use concrete examples of how you’ve exhibited these qualities at your other jobs. Try to use quantifiable terms. For example, “employs out-of-the-box thinking for improved profitability” becomes “Implemented solutions that resulted in 35 percent increased revenue for the company.”

Mistake 6: General Unprofessionalism

This is really a “catch-all” category describing some of the things applicants do (or fail to do) that make the look and feel of their resume seem less than professional. Common blunders include:

  • Typos and grammatical errors.
  • Using an unprofessional email address. (Something like “janedoe@gmail.com” is good; “partygrrl@yahoo.com,” not so much.)
  • Flashy fonts and colors. (Many automatic tracking software don’t recognize unusual formats and fonts, and they’ll spit out your resume if you use them.)

Here’s the good news: Because these are six of the most common mistakes, if you can avoid making them, you’ve just given yourself a huge advantage over a lot of your competition—namely, everyone else who did it wrong! Sometimes the best way to get your resume to the top of the pile is just by avoiding the pitfalls others fall into.

There are, of course, many other ways you can fine-tune your resume to make it shine. As always, I’m here to help you get in the best position possible to land your dream job. To schedule a free 30-minute consultation, email me at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com, and let’s chat.

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Five Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Interview Success

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So you’ve applied for a slew of jobs, sent out a bunch of resumes, and now a prospective employer has called you for an interview. You may feel a mix of emotions ranging from excitement to panic, all in the same moment. An interview is a perfect opportunity for you and the employer to assess if you are right for each other. On the other hand, there’s a lot riding on those few minutes you spend with the interviewer. The more prepared you are going into the interview, the better your chances of success. Here are five tips to help you nail it.

1. Research the Company and Position

The first thing you need to do is effectively become an expert on the company you’re applying to. Learn about the industry, company history, organizational culture and interview process they use with prospective employees. Read through their website thoroughly and find out all you can about the day-to-day workings of the company. This will give you a sense of what is expected of you, what the company looks for in its employees, and how the interview is likely to be structured.

Next, find out who your potential interviewer is and research them, too, so when you meet them, you’ll know something about their background and expertise. You should also keep an eye on their social media profiles so that you’re aware of any news they happen to post. The more informed you are about the company, position, and interviewer, the more confidently you can approach the interview itself.

2. Prepare Answers to Common Interview Questions

If you’ve done job interviews recently, you probably already know some of the most common questions you could be asked. For example:

“What are your greatest strengths?”

“What is your greatest weakness?”

“What is your ideal work environment?”

“What accomplishments are you most proud of?”

“Tell us about a time when you set a goal and reached it.”

Take some time to think out some clear, detailed answers to these and other common questions. For the best impact, think about the company itself, as well as the position you’re applying for, and align your answers with that company and position. For example, if you’re asked, “How would you respond to this-and-such situation?”, assume they’re talking about their own company and answer the question in that context. When answering questions, provide examples about how your work experience aligns with the company’s needs.

Practice answering these questions in the mirror or with a friend/coach until they come out naturally and don’t sound rehearsed. You should also be prepared for interviewer follow-ups such as “How do you handle frustration?” or “Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for an employer.” The more prepared you are with thoughtful answers, the better chance you’ll have of showing how well you would fit into the company culture. (Click here for a list of some common interview questions.)

3. Be Respectful of Their Time

Given the current job market, chances are you aren’t the only one interviewing for this position–and even if the employer intends to wait until everyone has an interview before hiring someone, they’re still making up their minds as they go. Timeliness is part of your all-important first impression. If you’re having an in-person interview, be on time (meaning at least 10 minutes early). If you’re interviewing remotely by Zoom or Skype, be ready to go at the scheduled interview time. Doing so shows respect for the interviewer’s time and demonstrates self-discipline and thoroughness–all of which are highly desirable qualities in an employee.

4. Frame Yourself as an Asset

Do you know why I had you do all that research on the company in the first tip above? So you could identify the company’s needs, learn about the position they’re filling, and position yourself as the perfect fit for that position based on your prior experience. (That’s also why I said to align your answers to interview questions around the company and the position.) Be modest, but confident. Your skills and expertise are what this company needs, so every time you have the opportunity to speak, try to speak specifically to the company’s needs and how you can help. By doing this, you’re making the conversation about them, not about you or your need for a job. The more they can visualize you in that position, the more likely they are to make an offer. So make sure they see you that way.

5. Prepare Five Points

One last “secret weapon” I like to recommend to my clients when prepping for an interview: identify five points you want to make—points that demonstrate why you are an ideal candidate for the job you’re seeking. Keep these points in mind as you go through the interview and look for opportunities to say them. If the interview questions don’t give you an opportunity, then save them for the end when you’ll get the inevitable question, “Is there anything else you’d like to add?” Sharing these five points ensures that you don’t leave anything unsaid that you feel you “should have said,” and you can walk out of the interview confident that you gave your best effort.

If you want more one-on-one help prepping for that next job, I’m here as always. Shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com and let’s set you up with a free 30-minute consultation.

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Adapting Your Job Search Techniques for the New Normal

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Let’s start with some straight talk. If you look at the economic news and the job numbers as a gauge for whether you can find work right now, you’re likely to be discouraged. Nine months into this pandemic, businesses and families alike are still struggling, and even with the vaccine now being distributed, it will be some time before the economy comes back in full force.

But…and here’s the good news…there are still jobs out there to be had. The economy may be slow, but it hasn’t stopped. Companies still need people to do things for them, and they are still willing to pay for it. The reason it looks bad is that you’re looking through the wrong lens. Let me explain.

There’s no doubt that this pandemic has changed the landscape of the workforce. I’m not talking about unemployment numbers. I’m talking about the available jobs and the way those jobs get filled. We’re used to finding work in a certain way: employers post job openings, we send in our application and resume, we go to an interview, we get hired.

Except things are different now—and not just because of the pandemic. Employers are changing the way they post jobs and hire people. Many jobs get filled without the need ever to post an opening on LinkedIn or Indeed. And that’s not likely to change just because of the vaccine. That doesn’t mean you can’t get those jobs—it just means you’re looking in the wrong places for them. The hiring process is different, so you can’t expect to get hired using the old methods. It’s a “new normal” out there, and the key to getting hired more quickly is to adapt your mindset and your methods to this new normal.

Having said that, let’s look at a few new approaches to think about concerning your job search.

Look for Problems You Can Solve, Not Job Openings.

Here’s where you stop thinking of yourself as an employee trying to get hired and instead think of yourself as a professional with certain skills that employers need. This approach requires you to think a little bit like an entrepreneur. Instead of just scoping out job postings at places you’d like to work, do a bit of investigative work and find out what problems (or “pain points”) that company has that you could provide solutions for. Then look for a way to approach the company, send an email or make a phone call, share what you do, and offer your skills as a solution. If there is no official job listing or open position (and there very well might not be), you can often open a dialogue at the company by calling human resources, or by finding and reaching out to the head of a department where your skills might be relevant. You might also find an inroad to the company through your LinkedIn connections or someone else in your network. With a bit of creativity, you can usually find your way to the right desk even if there is no active hiring going on.

Yes, that company may be hiring fewer people right now, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have work that needs to be done. Chances are they’re contracting out that work to third-party companies or independent contractors, or even using automated services. If you can convince them it makes more sense to hire you than to use those other methods—you’ve just created a position for yourself where none existed before. Even if they hire you as a 1099 contractor or on a temp basis, you’ve now gotten your foot in the door.

Become an Expert

Another way employers are meeting their company’s needs is to look specifically for skilled professionals and experts and actively recruit them to do the work they need to be done. These job openings never get posted because the employer is taking an active role in approaching prospective new hires. The way you get in line for these jobs is to position yourself as one of those experts and let the employers find you. A lot of this stuff happens online nowadays, so whatever your skillset is, start posting content online that shows that you are a subject matter expert or a thought leader in that field. If your expertise is in creative home financing, for example, maybe start a blog about that. Post articles on LinkedIn, create some YouTube videos, share helpful tips on Instagram and Facebook. Develop a body of work that shows you know your stuff when it comes to home financing. When an employer in your network or on LinkedIn needs those kinds of skills, your stuff will eventually start coming up in their online searches. This approach takes a little time and effort, but it can pay off well because the tables are effectively turned. Instead of you being at the employer’s mercy to hire you, the employer comes to you already interested, trying to convince you to take the job. (That usually means a fatter paycheck, as well.)

Develop a Proof of Concept

This technique is about not just saying what you can do, but showing you can do it. Anyone can create a nice resume—that’s why employer’s desks are stacked full of them. To stand out as the solution that employer needs, look for a way to establish proof of concept. Create a portfolio of your work or a “look book” of successful projects you’ve completed at other companies. Save a few blog posts that you’ve written that demonstrate your expertise, and include those in your portfolio.

One method to develop your proof of concept is a common technique used in building a resume: the PAR method. (PAR stands for “Problem, Action, Result.”) Using this method, you:

  • identify a specific problem you encountered in your previous employment or activities;
  • describe what action you took to solve the problem; and
  • share the results of the action you took.

When you put together a few of these examples using the PAR method, you can share them in several places, including your portfolio, your resume, and your LinkedIn profile. The PAR method is quite effective because it helps hiring managers draw a clearer connection between what their company needs and what you can offer.

You still need a good resume, but when you send it, send a link to your portfolio as well. If you do get an interview, bring the portfolio with you or give the employer a link during your Zoom chat. Give them something to see besides just your credentials, and you’ll make a bigger impression than the best resume alone can give you.

Keep Active in Your Network

Nowadays, your professional/social network matters now more than ever when you’re looking for work. Don’t neglect your connections—keep looking for ways to stay in touch and to stay top-of-mind. Posting content as we mentioned above will help, but don’t forget to interact. Lots of job openings and referrals still happen through these channels, so while you’re working on the other things, keep tending your network.

Should you keep looking at job listings and applying for them? Of course you should. Use every possible avenue to find work. Just don’t limit yourself to the traditional methods—be aware of the changes in the work environment and start thinking creatively about how to change your approach to match those changes. I’m not saying your job search won’t still have its challenges, but just remember—the ones who succeed during times of great change are the ones who are willing to adapt, rather than resist.

Want some more specific guidance in your job search? I’m always here to help. Shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com and let’s set you up with a free 30-minute consultation.

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Skills vs. Experience: Which Matters More?

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It’s the classic “catch-22” for anyone trying to land their first job, or anyone trying to change careers. How do you get the job without experience? But how do you get experience unless someone gives you a job??

“Experience required.” “Experience preferred.” For years, this has been the classic barrier to entry for so many job seekers. The one thing the employer wants from you is the one thing the job itself would give you: EXPERIENCE.

Well, here’s the good news: That whole dynamic is starting to change.

A growing number of employers and companies are shifting their focus away from work experience. They’re changing their hiring practices and broadening their pool of potential hires by looking more at skills.

One of the most notable recent examples is IBM, which is changing the way they look to fill job openings across the country. In an op-ed for USA Today, CEO Ginni Rometti explains how the company is targeting a new type of employee she calls “new collar” workers:

“As industries from manufacturing to agriculture are reshaped by data science and cloud computing, jobs are being created that demand new skills,” she says. “The surprising thing is that not all these positions require advanced education. Certainly, some do – such as in quantum computing and artificial intelligence… But in many other cases, new collar jobs may not require a traditional college degree. In fact, at a number of IBM’s locations spread across the United States, as many as one-third of employees don’t have a four-year degree. What matters most is that these employees – with jobs such as cloud computing technicians and services delivery specialists – have relevant skills.”

Why the Shift?

Why are companies less focused on your experience and more interested in your skills? There are a few possible reasons:

  • The digital age is changing the way companies do business. As a result, many employers are creating brand-new positions for which there is no specific degree or education track, and for which few people would have measurable experience. (IBM is a good example of this.)
  • Companies are changing the way they form teams. This is why so many HR departments include psychological evaluations, and why more job interviews consist of personality-type questions. Employers are more interested in whether someone is a good fit for the team than how many years of experience they have.
  • The new generation of business owners has a different set of priorities. Companies run by Millennials, for example, will approach the hiring process much differently than a company that’s been run by the same people for the past 50 years. Younger professionals are more interested in what you can do than how many years you’ve worked.

Time to Re-Think the Resume

Since companies are rethinking how they choose job candidates, it naturally follows that we may need to rethink how we present ourselves as candidates—especially on our resumes. Author Kelly Palmer puts it this way in an article she wrote for Entrepreneur: “The most important part of someone’s resume is no longer education, or even experience. The most important section, by far, is the candidate’s skills.” Ironically, traditional resume formats either downplay the skills section or eliminate it completely—focusing primarily on work experience and education. So how can you adjust your resume to highlight your skills? Here are a few tips to start:

  • Place the skills section in a prominent area of the resume—not at the end.
  • Tailor the skills section toward strengths the employer may be looking for. If you’re applying for a job that needs coding or social media skills—and if you have these skills—be sure to include them. (By the same token, if you’re not applying for culinary position, you can probably skip the fact that you bake a mean lemon meringue pie, as that won’t be relevant.)
  • Rewrite your work experience section to accentuate your skills. For instance, if your programming skills helped solve a significant problem for your previous employer, be sure to include a sentence to that effect when describing what you did at that job. (This can be especially helpful when applying to a job outside your normal wheelhouse because it gives the employer context for how your skills can be useful.)

Just to be clear—I’m not saying work experience doesn’t count at all anymore. It still does, and that’s why you’re still seeing job listings asking for at least minimum amounts of experience. But times are changing, so are employer attitudes—and more and more, we’re finding that employers are more likely to overlook your limited experience if they believe you have the skills they need.

Obviously, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you feel your lack of experience is a barrier to getting hired, I can help you tailor your entire presentation (including your resume) to accentuate your skills, gifts and strengths to help you land the job you want. For a free 30-minute consultation, give me a call at 646-320-1126.

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Step One in Job Search Success: Show Up

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I’ve got some good news for job seekers, but it comes with a twist of irony…

Would you like to know how to boost your chances of beating out your competitors for a job opening by about 50 percent?

Just show up for the interview.

No kidding.

Just. Show. Up.

Apparently, this is a thing now. According to a recent article in US News and World Report, the practice of “ghosting” has now extended beyond the dating scene into the job world. Some businesses are reporting that about 50 percent of their job applicants simply don’t show up for their job interview—or even worse, they don’t show up for work after being offered the job.

While this news seems unbelievable, it also means that just by the act of going on the interview, you will have beaten out half of your competitors for the position you’re looking for.

Why Is This Happening?

Why is job ghosting becoming more common in the work force? Some experts attribute it, ironically, to a strong job market. Low unemployment and plenty of job openings means prospective employees often have more of an ability to cherry-pick from a number of job offers. Dawn Fay, a district president for the Robert Half staffing firm, explains this phenomenon to USA Today: “You’re seeing job candidates with more options. It’s definitely influencing their behavior.”

However, being a bit more “old school” on this matter as a former HR executive, I have a different take on it. While I see it as a negative trend, obviously, I also see it as an opportunity for the more serious job seeker (like my clients) to make a positive impression by moving in the opposite direction. If you act like you actually care about the firm—starting by showing up, and showing up on time—even if you don’t land that particular job, the interviewer is more likely to remember you in the event of another job opening, or sometimes even to refer you someplace else.

Just for the Record…Don’t Ghost. Ever.

Just because job ghosting has become common, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t turn around and bite you if you do it. Employers still consider this behavior to be very disrespectful and rude, and they have a habit of remembering when someone just doesn’t bother. Not only could it prevent you from ever working at that company or firm, it could fare badly for you for future job searches as well. The business world is smaller than you think. You never know when you might face another interview with that very same person at another firm, or whom they might have told. That one act of irresponsibility could have serious repercussions for your professional career. Trust me, it’s not worth it. If you can’t make an interview or you take another job, take a couple of moments to let the other employer know.

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Tips for Quitting Your Current Job Gracefully

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If you’re in the process of transitioning into a new career, but you still happen to be working at your old job, there’s one key aspect of that transition you don’t want to overlook: The rather delicate task of quitting your current job gracefully. We often get so caught up in the excitement of preparing for the new horizons in front of us that we forget that the steps we take now can affect our future—for better or worse.

Time for some straight talk—unless you’ve been laid off, you’re going to make some waves in the company the moment you announce your resignation. They’re going to have to figure out how to replace you, and they’re going to have to figure out how to keep doing business in the meantime. The easier you can make this transition for everyone involved, the better it will reflect on you. Let’s be honest—you may hate your current position, and perhaps you couldn’t care less personally if you burn your bridges or leave with hard feelings. But you never know who knows whom in the professional world, and if you leave on bad terms, it could come back to bite you at some point in the future—even if you don’t see any overlap between your old career in your new one. That said, here are a few tips for staging a peaceful, graceful departure from your current employer

Give the Proper Amount of Notice

Two weeks’ notice is usually the norm for announcing one’s intention to quit. However, if you work in a more executive role, it will be more difficult to replace you, so four weeks or more is often appreciated in these settings. (Sometimes the amount of acceptable notice is even stated in your company policy, so take a look there, as well.) Whatever is expected as far as notice, give them at least that much.

Be Prepared to Leave Sooner

In some positions, your job becomes vulnerable the instant you say you’re leaving. If feathers get ruffled unnecessarily, in rare cases your boss might invite you not to take the two weeks you just gave. At other times, an announcement to leave may cause an undercurrent of tension that may become more turbulent the longer you stay on. If this happens, don’t be surprised if you don’t last the entire length of your notice period.

Try to Quell the Gossip

Let’s face it—people talk. When they do, information (or mis-information) may spread where you don’t want it to. (The last thing you want is for your boss to find out from someone else that you’re leaving.) There’s no way to control gossip completely, but you can at least get ahead of it in a couple of ways:

  1. Let your boss be the first to know you’re leaving.
  2. Whatever your reasons for leaving, keep the story consistent. Don’t give your boss one reason and your co-workers the “real story.”

Express Gratitude

Before your final goodbyes, take some time and write some kind emails. Thank your superiors for the opportunities they’ve afforded you. Let your friends and coworkers know how grateful you are to have been a part of their team. This little added touch can go a long way toward maintaining goodwill even after you leave—and it may even generate some positive references you weren’t expecting.

Of course, sometimes a departure from your old job will be rough no matter what you try to do to avoid it. People are people, and you can’t always control how they will react when you rock the boat. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your best to create as smooth a transition as possible, so far as it depends on you. Quitting your current job on good terms can’t hurt your future prospects—in fact, it can only help you.