Category: after the interview

Mastering Salary Negotiation Series Part 1 – Building Your Powerful Value Proposition

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Welcome to the Mastering Salary Negotiation Series, where we equip you with the essential skills and strategies to succeed in your salary negotiations. In Part 1, we focus on one of the most crucial aspects of any negotiation – crafting a powerful value proposition. A well-structured value proposition not only demonstrates your worth to potential employers but also sets the stage for a successful negotiation that aligns with your career goals. We’ll explore three ways to build an impactful value proposition and empower you to take charge of your salary negotiations.

1. Identifying Your Unique Strengths
First off, it’s crucial to clearly identify and understand what unique strengths you bring to the table. These could be your exceptional skills, experiences, achievements, or qualifications. Make a list of them, highlight them, engrave them in your mind, because these elements will form the bedrock of your value proposition.” If you’re not sure, use the accomplishments you have achieved in previous positions, whether voluntary or paid positions. “Keep in mind that the strengths you identify should be those that are highly relevant and beneficial to your employer or prospective employer you are negotiating with. They need to see the value you’re adding to the team and possibly their overall bottom line.”

Action Steps:
-List down your top skills and achievements that set you apart from others in your field.
-Research salary data for your role and location using reliable sources, such as salary surveys and industry reports.

2. Communicate Your Value Clearly
Once you’ve identified your unique value, it’s essential to communicate it clearly and convincingly to potential employers. During salary negotiations, articulate your value proposition using quantifiable achievements and specific examples. Highlight how your skills and expertise have positively impacted past projects or companies. Emphasize the benefits you bring to the table and how you can contribute to the prospective employer’s success.

Action Steps:
-Create a concise and compelling elevator pitch that showcases your value proposition effectively.
-Practice delivering your pitch with confidence and enthusiasm.
-Use example like this: If you’re applying for a retail sales position and you discussed with the interviewer that your 5-8 years of retail sales experience yielded an increase in sales of 25% over 2-3 quarters for the year you worked at a specific company. You can use this achievement to sell your retail sales experience to bring the similar results to this employer.

3. Quantify Your Value
Numbers speak volumes in negotiations. Did you help increase sales by 20%? Did you reduce operational costs by 30%? These specific figures help make your value tangible and harder to dispute.” Just like the last example, when you communicate your value, include quantifiable numbers, percentages, and other quantifiable data to create the clear picture for the employer. Keep in mind, negotiating your salary is about recognizing your worth and effectively communicating it to your employer. It’s not about being combative; it’s about ensuring a fair exchange of value.

Action Steps:
-Use numerical values, percentages and ranges to demonstrate how valuable your experience, skills and expertise would translate to the employer’s bottom line.
-Be ready to adapt your value proposition based on the specific needs of each employer you engage with.

Are you ready to elevate your salary negotiation game and secure the compensation you deserve? Take the next step by booking a personalized salary negotiation consultation with MentorShelly, our seasoned negotiation expert and career mentor.

During your consultation, MentorShelly will work closely with you to:

-Review and refine your value proposition to make it more impactful.
-Provide tailored strategies for effective negotiation based on your unique circumstances.
-Help you build confidence and assertiveness for the negotiation process.
-Don’t miss this opportunity to take your career to new heights and achieve the salary you’ve been dreaming of.
Click here to schedule your consultation now!

Building a powerful value proposition is the cornerstone of successful salary negotiations. Knowing your unique value, articulating it clearly, and addressing employer needs are essential elements in crafting a persuasive case for higher compensation. As you embark on this journey of mastering salary negotiation, remember that being well-prepared and confident will significantly impact your negotiation outcomes. Take the first step today and book your salary negotiation consultation with MentorShelly. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Mastering Salary Negotiation Series, where we’ll delve into advanced negotiation techniques. Happy negotiating!

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Why Generation Z Finds Thank You Letters After Interviews Overwhelming in the Job Search Process?

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Article Discussed

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it’s essential to understand the perspectives and preferences of different generations. Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, brings a unique set of attitudes and beliefs when it comes to professional interactions, including the customary practice of sending thank you letters after interviews.

In this thought-provoking video, we explore the reasons why many individuals from Generation Z perceive thank you letters as overwhelming or unnecessary in the context of the modern job search. We examine the following key points:

Efficiency and Time Constraints: Growing up in the era of instant communication and rapid information exchange, Generation Z values efficiency. With an array of communication tools at their disposal, they prefer quick and direct methods like email or social media to express gratitude. The idea of sitting down to write and mail a physical letter can seem time-consuming and outdated.

Authenticity and Personal Connection: Generation Z emphasizes genuine interactions and values building relationships based on meaningful connections. While thank you letters have traditionally been seen as a sign of respect and appreciation, some individuals from this generation believe that expressing gratitude face-to-face or through personalized emails provides a more authentic and impactful way to connect with interviewers.

Digital Communication Norms: With the prevalence of email, instant messaging, and social media platforms, Generation Z has adapted to a digital communication landscape where speed and brevity are valued. They are accustomed to concise and concise exchanges, and a handwritten thank you letter may feel like an unnecessary formality in an era of digital correspondence. The issue is that all communication is not suitable for the professional space. There has to be some distinction when it comes to communication, written or verbal.

Evolving Hiring Practices: The hiring landscape has evolved significantly in recent years. Many companies now prioritize efficiency and expedited decision-making processes. As a result, the significance placed on thank you letters may have diminished in the eyes of Generation Z, who may believe that interviewers place more weight on the interview performance itself rather than the follow-up letter. This type of assumption can actually cost you the job opportunity if another candidate is willing to write the “thank you letters” while others think it is old fashioned.

While it’s crucial to acknowledge the diverse perspectives within Generation Z, this video does not aim to dismiss or undermine the value of expressing gratitude or following traditional etiquette. Instead, it seeks to shed light on the changing attitudes towards thank you letters, offering insights into how the job search process is evolving in the digital age. Keep in mind, no matter how “evolved” the job market and professional spaces become, extending professional courtesy can still distinguish you from the rest when you are willing to go the extra mile and write the thank you letters after your interviews.

If you are looking for additional career insights and what makes you stand out from the crowd of other candidates, check out my individualized consultations here.

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Discover How To Create a Resume That’ll Get You Hired in No Time!

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Your resume is often the first impression that potential employers have of you. Therefore, it’s imperative your resume stands out and catches their attention quickly.

Here are some action steps for writing a compelling resume that grabs the attention of employers and their representatives.

These resumes we hear so much about in the job market space represents us in important ways, so it’s vital to keep them working for us, when they’re structured properly. Let dive into ways we can make it compelling to get you the right type of attention.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description
Make sure your resume is tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Review the job description and identify the key skills, knowledge base, and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Then, highlight your own relevant experience and accomplishments that demonstrate those skills and qualifications distinctively.

Keep it Concise
Employers receive many resumes, so it’s important to keep yours concise and easy to read. Stick to one to two pages if possible and use bullet points to highlight your achievements, accomplishments and responsibilities in for each job. Do you best not to be wordy.

Use Strong Action Verbs
Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in each job. For example, instead of saying “responsible for,” use verbs like “managed,” “led,” or “created.” It shows you are a candidate of action, not just words.

Focus on Your Achievements
Don’t just list your job responsibilities, focus on your achievements and how you made a positive impact in each job. Use numbers and percentages to quantify your accomplishments, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “managed a team of 10 employees.” For example, you can communicate that you implemented a strategy that saved the company X number of dollars over the X timeframe.

Include Relevant Keywords
Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so it’s important to include relevant keywords from the job description in your resume. This will help ensure that your resume gets past the ATS and in front of a human reader. It is the main reason you should tailor your resume for each job. The job description factors in heavily on whether your resume gets pass the ATS system, so edit your resume accordingly.

Highlight Relevant Skills to the Job You Are Applying
In addition to your work experience, highlight your skills and qualifications that are relevant to the job. This can include hard skills like proficiency in a particular software or programming language, as well as soft skills like communication and leadership. Any specific knowledge base relevant to the job should also be included.

Proofread and Edit
Before submitting your resume, make sure to proofread it carefully for errors and typos. You may also want to have someone else review it for you. A clean, error-free resume will show employers that you have attention to detail and care about presenting yourself in the best possible light.

A compelling resume is a key component to getting noticed by employers. By tailoring your resume to the job description, using strong action verbs, highlighting your achievements, including relevant keywords, and proofreading carefully, you can create a resume that will make a strong first impression and help you stand out from other candidates.

If you are looking for more extensive help with your resume(s), go to Live Resume Revision Consultation here to schedule your live resume consultation.
If you have general questions about your career path, interviewing, salary negotiation and other job-related topics, you can to go here. You can leave your voicemail or email and you will receive a response from me within 24 hours.

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How to Increase Your Pay Through Effective Salary Negotiations

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Negotiating salary can be a daunting task for many job seekers, but it is an essential part of the job search process. Salary negotiation is an opportunity for you to advocate for your worth and ensure that you are being paid fairly for your skills and experience. In this blog post, I will provide three recommendations to increase your success with salary negotiations after an interview.

I just wanted to also mention that keeping the conversation about salary negotiation, I wanted to provide you with an additional resource from the live show I was honored to be interviewed by Ms. Cheree from “Black Women Making Money” youtube channel, you can find that live show here. I shared some intricately valuable resources to make your salary negotiation easier. You can also check out Ms. Cheree’s “Black Women Making Money” YouTube channel here.

Now let’s dive into today’s blog talking about three (3) recommendations when going into salary negotiations right after your job interview.

Research the Market Rate for Your Role

Before entering into salary negotiations, it’s important to have an understanding of the market rate for your role and location. This information can be found through online resources such as Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary. By researching the market rate, you will be able to determine a realistic salary range that you can use as a basis for your negotiation.

It’s also important to take into consideration your level of experience and education, as well as any additional skills or certifications you bring to the table. By having a clear understanding of your value in the marketplace, you will be better equipped to negotiate a fair salary.

Practice Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is a skill that can be learned and improved upon with practice. One way to improve your negotiation skills is by role-playing with a friend or family member. In this scenario, you can practice your negotiation skills in a safe and supportive environment.

It’s also important to be confident and assertive during the negotiation process. You can demonstrate your confidence by maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and confidently, and providing evidence to support your request for a higher salary. Remember that negotiation is a conversation, not a confrontation. Your goal is to find a mutually beneficial solution that works for both you and the employer.

If you need my help with navigating these and other salary negotiation strategies, you can go here to work with me directly.

Consider Alternative Forms of Compensation

Salary negotiations don’t always have to revolve around base salary. There are often other forms of compensation that can be negotiated, such as bonuses, stock options, or additional vacation days. If the employer is unable to meet your salary request, consider asking for these additional perks instead.

It’s also important to remember that salary negotiations are not just about the money. You can also negotiate for professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, or other benefits that are important to you.

In conclusion, negotiating salary can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s an essential part of the job search process. By researching the market rate for your role, practicing your negotiation skills, and considering alternative forms of compensation, you can increase your chances of a successful salary negotiation. Remember to approach the negotiation process with confidence and professionalism, and you will be well on your way to securing a fair salary for your skills and experience.

Looking for other services such as interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization and career strategy consultations? Go here.

If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.

Have a job interview coming up but need additional help to be successful with it? Check out the Interview Audio Program here that can help you navigate your next job interview with EASE.

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It’s Time to Leave that Job…Now!!

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out in your job, it might be time to resign. It’s not worth sacrificing your mental health for a paycheck – you can find something else that will make you happier. Plus, giving yourself some time away from work can make you even more appealing to future employers. So if the job is stressing you out, don’t be afraid to walk away. You’ll be glad you did.

If your job is giving you ulcers, it might be time to hand in your two weeks notice. Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Your boss is breathing down your neck, deadlines are looming and you’re pretty sure you’re going to get fired if things don’t shape up soon. But before you start packing up your desk, there are a few things you should consider. First, is this job really worth the stress? If it’s not, then it’s probably time to move on. Second, have you tried talking to your boss about the situation? It’s possible that they’re unaware of how stressed out you are. If you’ve tried everything and you’re still not happy, then quitting might be the best option. But whatever you do, don’t make a rash decision – think carefully about what’s best for you before you hand in your notice.

Working in a toxic work environment can be soul-sucking and energy-draining. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s time to resign, unless of course you enjoy being constantly stressed and on the verge of a breakdown. A toxic work environment can take a toll on your mental and physical health, so it’s important to get out as soon as possible. Here are some signs that it’s time to resign:

– You dread going to work every day
– You’re constantly stressed out
– You’re not getting any joy or satisfaction from your job
– Your health is suffering as a result of the stress

If you can relate to any of these points, then it’s time to start looking for a new job. A toxic work environment is not worth sacrificing your wellbeing for. Leave!

If you find yourself constantly second-guessing your decisions, questioning your worth, and generally feeling like you’re never quite good enough, it might be time to consider finding a new job – or at the very least, a new boss. Because chances are, you’re working for a narcissistic boss.

Narcissistic bosses are characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a complete lack of empathy. They’re also incredibly difficult to work for. So if you’re stuck working for someone who ticks all of those boxes, it’s time to start looking for a way out.

That doesn’t mean quitting without notice – although in some cases, that might be the best option. But however you do it, getting away from a narcissistic boss is one of the best things you can do for your career – and your mental health.

If you’re working for a company that’s up to no good, it might be time to hand in your notice. After all, life is too short to spend your days working for a criminal enterprise. Of course, it can be tough to know if your employer is breaking the law. Here are a few things to look out for:

– Are you being asked to do things that make you feel uncomfortable?
– Do you have a sneaking suspicion that something isn’t quite right?
– Are you worried that you could get into trouble if the authorities found out what was going on?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s probably time to start looking for a new job. After all, it’s not worth risking your freedom for a company that doesn’t have your best interests at heart. So, if you think your employer is up to no good, don’t wait around – leave ASAP!

Whether you’re getting stressed out at the thought of going to work, feeling like your work environment is toxic or dealing with illegal activities or dealing with a narcissistic boss…none of those things are worth giving up your sanity. It might be time to resign if the job is stressing you out, dealing with a narcissistic boss or the company conducting illegal activities. If that’s the case, then don’t hesitate to reach out for additional help. I’m here to support you through your career transition and beyond. To get your resume reviewed, revised or redone to get that new job, click here to start the process.

Looking for other services such as interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization and career strategy consultations? Go here.

If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.

Have a job interview coming up but need additional help to be successful with it? Check out the Interview Audio Program here that can help you navigate your next job interview with EASE.

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New to the Job – Stand Out Positively in 3 Ways

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

You’re new to the job, and you want to make a good impression. It’s important to make a positive impression in your new position. Here are three (3) actions to take to stand out positively. First, be sure to show up on time and prepared for your shifts. This means having all the necessary equipment and being ready to work when your shift starts. Second, go above and beyond what’s expected of you. This could mean cleaning up around the workplace or offering to help with a project that’s outside of your normal duties. Finally, be friendly and positive with your co-workers and customers. This will help create a pleasant working environment and make you more likely to be remembered in a positive light. By following these simple tips, you can make a great impression and stand out from the rest.

A) Show Initiative

So you’ve landed a new job. Congrats! Now it’s time to show your boss what you’re made of by being the most proactive employee they’ve ever seen. But where to start? Here are a few ideas:

-Offer to help with tasks that are outside of your normal job description. If you see someone struggling with something, ask if you can lend a hand.

-Don’t be afraid to take initiative on projects. If you have an idea for something, speak up! Your boss will be impressed by your creativity and drive.

So go out there and show them what you’re made of! With a little hard work and determination, you’ll be on your way to success in no time.

B) Ask Key Questions

Now it’s time to ask some key questions to get yourself up to speed. What are the company’s core values? What is the dress code? What are the expectations for overtime? Asking these questions now will help you hit the ground running and avoid any unwelcome surprises down the road. And if you’re ever unsure about something, just ask. It’s better to ask and seem like a rookie than to not ask and look like an idiot. So go ahead and ask away – your new colleagues will be happy to help you out.

C) Come in 30 Minutes Early to Increase Your Learning Curve

One of the best pieces of advice for those who are new to the job is to come in early. This not only shows your boss that you’re dedicated, but it also allows you to learn the ropes faster. You can use this time to familiarize yourself with the company’s systems and procedures, and to get to know your co-workers. Additionally, coming in early gives you a chance to get started on your work before the distractions of the day set in. So if you’re looking to make a good impression and hit the ground running, be sure to arrive at your new job a little bit.

It can be daunting when starting a new job, but remember that you have the opportunity to make a positive impact. We hope these tips will provide some guidance as you begin your journey with your new team. If you need additional help or want to connect with me directly, don’t hesitate to reach out here. I wish you all the best in your new role!

Looking for other services such as interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization and career strategy consultations? Go here.

Have a job interview coming up but need additional help to be successful with it? Check out the Interview Audio Program here that can help you navigate your next job interview with EASE.

If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.

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3 Interview Preparation Activities to Implement Before Your Next Interview

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Landing your next job interview can be daunting, but with a plan in place, you can increase your chances of acing it. Here are four tips to help you prepare. Firstly, do your research and find out as much as you can about the company. Secondly, find the location of the interview, if it in person. If the interview is over the phone or through video, double check your equipment to assure that it is working before the interview actually takes place. Thirdly, create interview questions for the interview beforehand. Finally, arrive on time and be prepared for anything that comes your way! Being on time or early for an interview is a given folks. I’m sure you don’t want anyone wasting your time, you should not waste anyone else’s time either. BE ON TIME…PERIOD!

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career. However, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that you make a good impression and land the job. First, it’s important to do your research. Learn as much as you can about the company, their values, and the role you’re interviewing for. This will help you to ask questions that demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the organization. Second, prepare your equipment or find the location of your interview (if it is in person) beforehand. This will help you to stay calm and not get so stressed out before the interview. Third, practice your responses to common interview questions and create your own questions for the interviewers. Finally, be sure to arrive early and bring copies of your resume and any other relevant materials with you to the interview. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of impressing the interviewer and landing the job.

That’s it for now. If you need some additional help preparing for your next job interview, check out my audio series resource here. In the meantime, start practicing these techniques so that you can walk into your interview feeling confident and prepared. Thanks for watching and reading!

Looking for other services such as interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization and career strategy consultations? Go here.

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3 Job Interview Follow-up Tips that Work

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

You rocked your interview. Now what? Keep the momentum going with these follow-up tips. From sending a ‘thank you’ note to following up on next steps, we’ll show you how to stay top of mind and seal the deal.

The bottom line is that following up after an interview can make or break your chances of getting the job. By sending a thank you email within 24 hours, you show that you’re interested and motivated. And by sending a handwritten note within a week, you seal the deal. If you want to take your follow-up game to the next level, check out my interview coaching session. These tips will help you sound confident and prepared in any post-interview conversation. Thanks for sticking with me until the end – I hope this was helpful!

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The Love-Hate Relationship with Job Interviews

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

We’ve all had that nervous feeling right before your next job interview. It’s nerve racking to say the least. If you’re new to the job search and career space, I completely understand your anxiety around interviews. Half the battle is the level of preparation that takes place before the interview takes place. The other half is keeping your “nerves” under control while you worry about how you will be perceived by the interviewer. In any case, you will still need to be mentally and physically be prepared. Each type of interview requires diverse preparation, which I talk about in this video. If you are looking for interview coaching before your next job interview, go here.

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Career ReVamp 4.2 – The Corporate Employee (Wrap-Up)

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

In the final part of the Career ReVamp Series, the integral parts of making the career transition and all the tools needed to make it easier. We know that changing careers, even if it needs to be done by force, is a process…not a sprint! Each parts of the process must be implemented strategically to increase your chances of a successful transition.

1. Career Tools Needed for the ReVamp

2. Need help with completing the new resume for you? Go here or if you just need the new resume to be reviewed professionally, then go here.

3. Want me to complete the new revamped career portfolio? Go here.

4. Are you getting interviews in your new career and want help getting prepared for it? Go here.

5. Need to schedule a career strategy session to have a clear path to revamp your career? Go here.

In Part 1 titled, Know Where You Are Now gives you a place to start. You have to where you are now.

In Part 2 titled, Putting Your Plan Together, helps you assess and document your skills, knowledge base, qualification and your overall professional persona. You should also document how to showcase what you have to offer will benefit your new career venture.

In Part 3.1, titled Entrepreneurial Track, you can use your knowledge base to start a viable business. This episode of the series reviews some aspects of business start-up activities.

Part 3.2 titled The Career Track goes into more detail about how to approach your career change choices. It provides an overview of the what you need to do when you change your career.

In Part 4.1 titled The Business Owner Path provided detailed steps to functional entrepreneurship and the specific steps you will need establish your next successful business as your new career venture.

If you have general career questions, comment below or connect with me by going here to leave a voice or email message.