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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1. Is this illegal to specify document your preference based on a protected class?
2. What does it mean to candidates that are qualified based on credentials alone vs the preferences listed on this company’s job opening?
3. What are the implications for this company truly implementing these types of “preferences” for their company?
4. If companies like this “mistakenly” place these preferences out there, can we imagine what the company culture is like?
5. Do you think it was truly the company’s intentions to source for their “preferences” or are the back pedaling because they were exposed due to the illegalities of their hiring practices?
6. How should this company be viewed going forward?
Folks, it’s 2023, and we’re still dealing with the same old story – companies placing restrictions on who can apply for a job based on their race, gender or ethnicity. It’s frustrating, it’s infuriating and it’s downright shameful. By the way, it’s also ILLEGAL! And it just goes to show that despite all the progress we’ve made as a society, discrimination is still alive and well in the hiring process. The latest example of this comes from a recent job ad posted by an IT company that specifically requested a “white male” candidate for their opening. Now, I don’t know about you, but something about that just doesn’t seem right to me. In fact, it sounds like someone needs to get a little lesson in basic anti-discrimination laws and policies.
But the question is, was this intentional or accidental? Did the company truly believe that only a white male would be qualified for the role, or was this simply a case of ignorance and misunderstanding? Frankly, I’m not sure which is worse. What I do know, however, is that this kind of blatant discrimination has no place in the modern workforce. It’s been a long time since people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community were limited in their job prospects due to biased hiring practices, and it’s time for companies to catch up and make the necessary changes.
Now, I’m not suggesting that companies should blindly hire anyone and everyone who applies for a position. Rather, they should evaluate each candidate based on their skills, experience, and qualifications, regardless of their race, gender, or ethnicity.
The fact is that diversity is essential for any organization to thrive. People from different backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives, bring unique ideas and innovation to the table. By limiting hiring practices to just one group of people, companies are missing out on the wealth of talent and creativity that exists in our diverse society.
So, to the company responsible for this latest example of discriminatory hiring, I say shame on you. It’s time to wake up and get with the times. It’s time to embrace diversity and make your company a place where everyone is welcome and valued. And if you’re not willing to do that, well, then you deserve all the backlash you’re getting.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
The CEO of Ford Motor Company, Jim Farley, recently warned employees about the possibility of layoffs as the company navigates the challenging automotive industry and strives to remain competitive. This news has left many Ford workers and their families concerned about their future and their financial stability.
It’s important to understand the current state of the automotive industry and the reasons behind Ford’s decision to consider layoffs. The industry is facing numerous challenges, including a shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as increased competition from new entrants like Tesla. To remain competitive, companies must invest heavily in research and development and make significant changes to their operations. This often requires reducing costs and restructuring the workforce.
As a Ford employee, it’s understandable to feel anxious about the possibility of layoffs. However, it’s important to remember that this is a common reality for many workers in industries undergoing transformation. It’s also important to keep in mind that the automotive industry has a long history of resilience and innovation. Companies that have successfully navigated these challenges have emerged stronger and more competitive in the long run.
While it’s natural to worry about the future, there are steps that employees can take to prepare for the possibility of layoffs. First, it’s important to keep up with industry news and understand the reasons behind Ford’s decision. This can help employees make informed decisions about their own career and financial planning. We also have a Layoff Rejuvenation Workshop to help employees going through similar changes coming in March 2023.
Second, employees should take advantage of any resources that the company offers to help them transition to a new job, such as resume writing workshops, interview skills training, and job placement services. If Ford or other companies conducting layoffs do not have those services available, then the Layoff Rejuvenation Workshop covers all those transitional assistance and more! They should also consider reaching out to professional organizations, such as their union, for additional support.
Third, employees should start considering alternative career options and building their professional network. This could involve exploring other industries or considering a change in career direction. It’s also a good idea to reach out to friends, family, and former coworkers to see if they know of any job openings. This networking with people you already becomes a vital part of what we assist with in the Layoff Rejuvenation Workshop as well.
In conclusion, while the news of possible layoffs at Ford is unsettling, it’s important to remember that the automotive industry is undergoing significant change and that companies like Ford are taking necessary steps to remain competitive. By staying informed, taking advantage of resources, and proactively planning for the future, employees can increase their chances of successfully navigating this challenging time.
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.
There are several job market trends that will change the scope of work as we know it. Some of them will eradicate jobs, others will create new opportunities. Only you can determine where you will land with this job market trends.
In this video, we will discuss the 1st of 3 job trends, Technological Automations.
Check out the reference article below for more insight.
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.
Questions
1. Was the employer or the employee in the wrong?
2. What can we learn from this story?
3. My HR perspective on this entire situation and how this could have been avoided.
4. My perspective as a Career Coach how you need to deal with an employer like this.
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.
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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If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.
Are you tired of applying for jobs only to get no response from the employers where you have applied? It has all happened to us at some point in our career journey, so you are not alone. A lot of people don’t get responses when they apply for jobs, and it can be really frustrating. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to improve your job application and increase your chances of getting a response. We’ll also provide some information on what employers are looking for in candidates. Keep reading to learn more!
You’ve been applying to jobs left and right but you’re not hearing back from any of them. You start to wonder if maybe you’re doing something wrong. Don’t worry, you’re probably not the only one. In fact, most job seekers go through this at some point. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a response from employers.
First, make sure your resume is flawless and structured for easy scanning. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people submit resumes with typos or grammar errors. Once your resume is polished and ready to go, take the time to customize each application to the specific job you’re applying for. Generic applications are less likely to catch an employer’s attention. Finally, follow up after you submit your application. A quick email or call can show potential employers that you’re really interested in the position and willing to put in the extra effort. With a little perseverance, you’ll definitely start hearing back from employers in no time.
You might be wondering what you’re doing wrong. The answer is simple: you’re not using the right keywords in your resume. Keywords are the words that hiring managers are looking for when they’re reviewing resumes. By including them in your resume, you can make sure that you stand out from the rest of the applicants. So what are some of the most important keywords to include? Start with your job title. If you’re applying for a specific position, make sure that you include the job title in your resume. You can also include keywords that describe your skills and experience. For example, if you’re a web developer, you might include keywords like “HTML,” “CSS,” and “JavaScript.” By including these keywords, you can make sure that your resume gets noticed by the right people.
What you should do is make sure you have the right experience for the job you want. If you want to be a teacher, having experience working with kids is key. If you want to be a cashier, having experience handling money is a must. And if you want to be president, well… good luck with that one. But seriously, if you don’t have the right experience, employers will likely pass you over for someone who does. So before you start applying for jobs, take a look at your experience and make sure it lines up with what you’re applying for. It could be the difference between getting your dream job and getting no response at all.
It can be discouraging to apply for jobs and not receive any response. Sometimes it feels like our resume just got lost in the shuffle or that we’re not qualified. The truth is, there are many factors at play when it comes to why you might not be getting a response from potential employers. However, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of being noticed. We’ve outlined a few tips below that should help get your resume seen by the right people and improve your chances of landing an interview. If you need additional help, connect with me here. I would be happy to assist you further!
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.