Congratulations, high school graduate! You have finally completed one of the most challenging stages of your life and are now ready to tackle the world that lies ahead. However, with the job market becoming increasingly competitive, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to succeed on your own. This is where I come in, your wise and witty guide, ready to give you the three must-have tips you need to set yourself up for success in the job market after high school. Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun and informative ride.
Build A Solid Resume
Your resume is your first impression, and it needs to be a good one. Start by ensuring that your contact information is current and easily accessible. Next, tailor your resume to fit the job you are applying for. Highlight your experiences and skills that closely match the job description. Don’t forget to include any volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities that could make you stand out. Lastly, proofread, proofread, proofread! Making silly grammatical errors on your resume can be a huge red flag for potential employers.
Network, Network, Network
People often say, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” and that couldn’t be truer in the job market. Networking is the key to unlocking job opportunities and gaining valuable insights into your industry. Attend job fairs, join professional organizations, and even connect with former teachers or alumni who are already working in your field of interest. You never know who could be a valuable connection down the road.
Don’t Be Afraid of Rejection
Let’s face it, rejection is inevitable. You could have the best resume and perfect interview skills and still not get the job you want. Remember, this is not a reflection of your worth as a person. Learn from the experience, ask for feedback, and keep trying. Persistence is key, and eventually, the right opportunity will come your way
Achieving success in the job market after high school graduation may seem daunting, but with these three tips, you are now well on your way to standing out in a competitive market. With a solid resume, an extensive network, and the power of persistence, you are equipped to take on any challenge that comes your way. So go out into the world, young grasshopper, and make your dreams a reality.
If you need help with creating your resume(s), building your network or strategies to find your next job, go here. I’d be more than happy to help you along in your career or job seeking journey.
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Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to pay their employees fairly and on time for the work they do. However, there are some unscrupulous employers who willfully withhold wages, steal tips, or engage in other forms of wage theft. This is not only morally reprehensible but also illegal, and employers who engage in such practices can be prosecuted by the Department of Labor (DOL). In this blog post, we will discuss how employers steal money from their employees and how they are breaking DOL laws.
What is Wage Theft?
Wage theft is a term used to describe any unlawful practice by employers that results in employees being denied the wages they are legally entitled to. This can take many forms, including but not limited to: paying employees less than the minimum wage; failing to pay employees for all hours worked; stealing tips or other forms of gratuity; misclassifying employees as independent contractors; failing to pay overtime or other legally required benefits; deducting wages for uniforms, tools, or other business expenses without authorization.
Wage theft affects millions of workers across the United States and can have devastating consequences for their financial stability and well-being.
How do Employers Steal Money from Employees?
There are many ways in which employers can steal money from their employees. Here are some of the most common methods:
1. Misclassification of Employees: Some employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors to avoid paying minimum wage, overtime, and other benefits required by law.
2. Failure to Pay Minimum Wage: Employers may pay their employees less than the minimum wage required by law.
3. Failure to Pay Overtime: Employers may fail to pay overtime to eligible employees who work more than 40 hours per week.
4. Illegal Deductions: Employers may illegally deduct money from an employee’s paycheck for items such as uniforms, tools, or other business expenses.
5. Stealing Tips: Employers may withhold or steal tips from employees who are entitled to receive them.
In the case of the article, this employer stole the employee’s commission bonuses in the thousands of dollars from each employee to take for themselves.
What are the Department of Labor Laws?
The DOL is responsible for enforcing a variety of laws related to employment, including those related to wage and hour laws. Here are some of the most important DOL laws that employers must follow:
-Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime, and record- keeping requirements for employers. This act provides protection for the employees this employer decided to steal from through their deductions of commissions.
What are the Consequences for Employers who steal money from their Employees?
Employers who steal money from their employees can face a variety of consequences, including fines, lawsuits, and even criminal charges. The DOL can investigate complaints of wage theft and may require employers to pay back wages and other damages to affected employees.
Employers who engage in wage theft not only break the law but also harm their employees and their communities. If you believe that your employer has stolen money from you, you should report the issue to the Department of Labor or speak with an employment lawyer. Remember that you have legal rights as an employee, and employers who violate those rights must be held accountable for their actions.
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If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.
The job market is more competitive than ever before. As a result, job seekers must be strategic when it comes to getting noticed by potential employers. One of the best ways to do this is by building a strong personal brand. Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the world, and if done well, it can help you stand out from the crowd and achieve greater success in your career.
There are several reasons why building your personal brand in the job market is vital to your success. First, it allows you to differentiate yourself from others who may have similar qualifications and experience. In a crowded job market, this can be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked.
Additionally, having a strong personal brand can help build your credibility and reputation in your field. It shows that you have a clear understanding of your strengths and what you have to offer, which can be a valuable asset to potential employers.
Creating a strong personal brand also allows you to communicate your unique value proposition effectively. By clearly articulating your strengths and experiences, you can create a consistent and compelling message that resonates with potential employers.
Some key questions to ask yourself when building your own personal brand:
1. What is personal branding from an employee perspective?
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses, professionally?
3. What type of employers do you want attract on your social media profiles for current and future opportunities?
4. What is your unique brand statement?
5. How does your personal brand statement represent you?
Moreover, your personal brand can also increase your visibility and allow you to develop a network of professional contacts. By creating a strong online presence, you have the opportunity to connect with others in your industry, get noticed by recruiters, and even attract new clients or customers if you’re an entrepreneur.
Now, you might be thinking that building a personal brand is only necessary if you’re looking for a new job or trying to start your own business. But the truth is, your personal brand is something that you should always be mindful of, regardless of your career path. Even if you’re not actively looking for work, having a strong personal brand can help you gain recognition and build credibility within your current role, which can lead to new opportunities for career advancement.
In short, building your personal brand is a vital step in achieving success in the job market. By differentiating yourself from others, establishing your credibility, communicating your value proposition, and increasing your visibility, you can position yourself for career success and achieve your professional goals. If you need additional assistance in developing your own personal brand, go here, so we can work together to establish your power personal brand.
Looking for resume services, interview coaching and career strategy consultations? Go here.
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If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.
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.
Looking for resume services, interview coaching and career strategy consultations? Go here.
Ready to have MentorShelly help you structure your business SOPs? Go Here.
If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.
Being laid off is never an easy experience. It can be difficult to stay positive, especially when you’re struggling to find a new job or facing unexpected financial hardship. But don’t forget that there is a way to turn these lemons into lemonade; layoffs can give you valuable insights into your career and help you make better decisions moving forward.
Take Stock of Your Strengths and Weaknesses
When a layoff happens, it’s natural for us to ask ourselves why it happened. This self-reflection can be uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary for personal growth. Try thinking about what strengths you brought to the table (e.g., hard work ethic, creative problem-solving skills) and what weaknesses you may have had (e.g., the inability to work in teams, too much perfectionism). This will give you a better understanding of where your strengths and weaknesses lie so that you can start building on them going forward. We also have a FREE Resource, our DREAM Career Tool to help you document your professional strengths. Go Here to grab it.
Think Creatively About Future Opportunities
It can be tempting to think that the only job opportunities available are those that are directly related to our current career path—but this isn’t always true! Layoffs offer a chance for us to step outside of our comfort zones and think more creatively about potential future roles. For example, if your background is in marketing, maybe now is the time to look into jobs in sales or customer service instead? Or if your background is in finance, could there be opportunities out there for you in project management? Keeping an open mind about the types of roles that could potentially suit your skill set will help broaden your horizons—and ultimately increase your chances of finding a good job fit! Understand you have skills that are transferable to other career paths, don’t rule anything out.
Learn How To Network Effectively
Networking is essential for career success—and layoffs provide an opportunity for us learn how to do it effectively! The key here is not just connecting with people who are already in positions of power—it’s also about connecting with those who have similar interests or who work in the same field as you do. Take advantage of social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups; attend industry events; reach out to former colleagues; and take every chance you get to make meaningful connections with people who share similar interests or experiences as yours. Growing your network will allow new doors of opportunity open up over time! Do you have the necessary tools to network? Do you have your business or introductory cards to hand out to people when you meet them? It’s always best to be ready, so you won’t have to get ready.
In many ways, layoffs can be seen as an opportunity rather than something negative.
By taking stock of our strengths and weaknesses, thinking creatively about future opportunities, and learning how to network effectively we can use layoffs as a stepping stone towards greater success both professionally and personally! So remember: when life gives you lemons – make lemonade! To take your lemons and make lemonade, action is required. We want to have what you need and the direction necessary to cultivate your own career success after the negative effects of this layoff. If you are ready to take the necessary steps, let us work with you directly by you clicking here, so we can this layoff be the best thing that happen to your career. You can connect with you by leaving a voicemail for me by clicking the gray tab on this page.
We will discuss the real reason some company owners and leadership are forcing people to return to the office when they can do their jobs from anywhere remotely. Here’s the first article that shed some light on this “return to the office” requirement phenomenon
It’s been a little over a year since the Great Resignation first began. For those of you who don’t know, the Great Resignation is when employees across various industries start quitting their jobs en masse in pursuit of other opportunities. The resignation wave started in late 2019 and has continued unabated ever since. So, is the Great Resignation still going on? Let’s take a look.
The answer, quite simply, is yes. If anything, the Great Resignation appears to be picking up steam. In the last quarter of 2020 alone, nearly 4% of workers across all industries resigned from their jobs. That might not sound like much, but it represents a significant increase from previous quarters. And it’s not just low-level employees who are resigning; senior managers and executives are quitting at an increasing rate as well.
1. Toxic Work Environment
So, what’s the deal with this so-called “Great Resignation?” You might be asking yourself. Well, let’s just say that it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re considering quitting your job because of a toxic work environment, here are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, it’s important to have a solid plan in place. What will you do after you resign? What are your financial obligations? What are your long-term career goals? Once you have a good understanding of your situation, you can start to put together a game plan. Secondly, remember that resigning is not a decision to be made lightly. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions. Finally, don’t forget that you’re not alone. There are plenty of people who have gone through the same thing and come out the other side successfully. If you’re feeling lost or uncertain, reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. Whatever you do, don’t let a toxic work environment get the best of you.
Second, businesses have become more flexible in recent years. Thanks to advances in technology, more and more businesses are allowing employees to work remotely or on a flexible schedule. This has made it easier for people to quit their jobs and start their own businesses or pursue other ventures.
2. Employee Found Better Job Opportunities with More Flexibility
It’s official- the Great Resignation is still going strong. Every day, more and more people are deciding that they’ve had enough of the traditional 9-5 grind and are instead opting for jobs that offer more flexibility and a better work-life balance. And who can blame them? With the technological advances of the past few years, there’s no reason why we should all be stuck in a office from 9 to 5. So if you’re thinking about joining the ranks of the Great Resigners, here are a few things you should do first.
First, take some time to assess your skills and experience. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What kind of work do you see yourself doing in the long term? Once you have a good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, it will be easier to identify which jobs would be a good fit for you.
Next, start doing your research. There are lots of different job options out there, so take some time to explore all of your options. What kinds of jobs are available in your field? What kinds of companies are hiring? What kind of salary can you expect to earn? The more you know about your options, the easier it will be to find a job that’s right for you.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seize opportunity when it comes knocking. The Great Resignation is still going strong, but that doesn’t mean it will last forever. So if you find a job that seems like a good fit, don’t hesitate to apply. Who knows? You might just be the next Great Resigner.
3. Employees Don’t Like the Job Anymore
It seems like the Great Resignation is still going strong. Employees everywhere are getting fed up with their jobs and are quitting in droves. If you’re one of those people who are thinking about quitting, there are a few things you should do first. First, make sure you have another job lined up. There’s nothing worse than quitting your job and then being unemployed. Second, give your notice in a professional way. Don’t just leave a nasty note for your boss – that’s just childish. Third, make sure you have all your ducks in a row before you leave. Give your employer plenty of notice so they can find a replacement for you, and make sure you tie up any loose ends before you go. And finally, don’t forget to enjoy your last few days at work. after all, once you quit, you’ll never be able to come back!
4. Employees Don’t Want to Work…Period!
What’s the deal with employees these days? It seems like they just don’t want to work. Every day, more and more people are quitting their jobs and leaving the workforce altogether. Some say it’s because they’re tired of being undervalued and overworked. Others say it’s because they just don’t find meaning in their work anymore. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that the great resignation is still going strong. So what can employers do to combat this trend? For starters, they can try to create a more positive work environment. This means providing fair wages, reasonable hours, and meaningful work. Additionally, employers should focus on building relationships with their employees. After all, people are more likely to stick around if they feel valued and appreciated. Ultimately, it’s up to employers to make the workplace somewhere employees actually want to be. Otherwise, they’ll just keep voting with their feet.
There’s no question about it: the Great Resignation is still going strong. Every day, thousands of people across the country resign from their jobs in pursuit of new opportunities. So if you’re thinking about resigning from your job, you’re certainly not alone!
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In the last few weeks, we have been hearing the term “quiet quitting”. Apparently, employers want to retaliate with “quiet firing”….but what is quiet firing? We will discuss what quiet firing is…what it is not…and how it can affect you in the workplace and your career.
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In a nutshell, “quiet quitting” is about rejecting the notion that work has to take over one’s life and that employees should go above and beyond what their job descriptions entail. According to Metro, this can take many forms – including turning down projects based on interest, refusing to answer work messages outside of working hours or simply feeling less invested in the role. (Article from By Yessi Bello Perez, Editor at LinkedIn News which you can find here)
Quiet Quitting at work can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean putting in the bare minimum effort to get by. For others, it might mean taking a more relaxed approach and not working themselves into the ground. Whatever your definition, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re thinking of coasting at work. First, be aware of the risks. If you’re not putting in your full effort, you may find yourself falling behind or making mistakes. Second, be honest with yourself. Quiet quitting may seem like an easy way to get by, but it’s not always sustainable in the long run. Finally, be mindful of your team. If you’re not pulling your weight, it can have a negative impact on morale and productivity. So what does it really mean to quiet quit at work? It means treading carefully and being aware of the potential risks and rewards.
Quiet Quitting at work is a real thing, and it’s something you should avoid if you want to be successful. It’s tempting to take things easy when you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, but that’s exactly when you need to ramp up your productivity. If you need help getting started, connect with me here and I can give you some tips on how to get back on track.
Looking for resume services, interview coaching 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.
Becoming a business owner is going to be an exciting and rewarding journey. Before we take the leap and quit your day job to start your own company, though, there are a few things that you will need in order to be successful.
First and foremost, you will need to have a solid plan. What products or services will your business offer? What sets them apart from the competition? What skills and resources do you have that can help you meet the needs of your target audience?
Another key consideration is funding. You will likely need capital to cover costs like office space, equipment, marketing materials, and employee salaries. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of networking in today’s competitive business landscape; having connections in the industry can make all the difference when it comes to launching and growing your company. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, then we go for it – TOGETHER!
Congratulations on your new venture! Becoming a business owner is an exciting and challenging step. There are many resources available to help you get started, and I’d be happy to connect with you to share our experiences by going here.
Looking for resume services, interview coaching 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.