Category: Interview preparation

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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3 Ways to Explain Employment Gaps in a Job Interview

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Be Honest and Transparent:

It is always best to be truthful and upfront about any gaps in your employment history. Explain the reason for the gap, such as a layoff or downsizing, and emphasize the steps you took to stay active and productive during that time. For example, you could mention that you used the opportunity to update your skills through online courses, attend networking events, or volunteer in a related field to gain new experience. This shows the interviewer that you are proactive and took the time to improve yourself, even during a difficult situation.

Highlight Relevant Skills and Accomplishments:

Make sure to emphasize any relevant skills or accomplishments you gained or developed during your time out of work. This could include certifications, self-study, or volunteer work. Be specific about what you learned and how it will benefit you in the new position. This will show the interviewer that you were not just sitting idle during the gap in employment, but were actively working on improving yourself.

Focus on Your Goals and Aspirations:

Focus the conversation on your future goals and aspirations, and how the current position fits into your overall career plan. Explain why you are passionate about this field and the specific role you are applying for. This helps to shift the focus away from the gap in your unemployment and towards your positive qualities as a candidate. It also shows the interviewer that you have a clear vision for your future and are committed to finding a role that aligns with your long-term career goals.

Sometimes employment gaps can make the positive difference in an interview if you know how to spin it and capitalize on it. If you need additional help with helping you navigate job interview, check out my resource here. It will help you not only navigate employment gaps, this resource will help you prepare for the next job interview like a boss! Grab that resource today.

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

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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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Equifax Affects Overemployment: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Reference article#1 & article #2 for the livestream | Special Guest – The Credit Solutionist Ashley

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

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Ways to Research an Employer Before an Interview

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

There’s no doubt that research is an important part of the job search process. But when it comes to researching potential employers, many people might not know where to start. In this blog post, we’ll outline a few ways to research a company before an interview. So whether you’re just starting your job search or you’ve already landed an interview, read on for some helpful tips!

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. Part of that preparation should include research on the company you’re interviewing with. A great way to do that research is by talking to employees of the company online. You can find employees of most companies on social media, and many of them are happy to answer questions about their experience working for the company. This is a great way to get an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to work for the company, and it can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you. So before your next interview, take some time to chat with employees of the company online. It might just give you the edge you need to land the job.

Another way to research a company before an interview is to check out their ZipRecruiter profile. Here, you’ll find valuable information about the company, including their mission statement, culture, and values. This will help you prepare for the interview and make sure that you’re a good fit for the company. Plus, it shows that you’re seriously interested in the position and that you’re willing to do your homework. So before your next interview, take a few minutes to check out the company’s ZipRecruiter profile. It could make all the difference in landing the job.

Every job seeker knows that preparing for an interview is key to landing the gig. You wouldn’t go into an exam without studying, so why would you go into an interview without researching the company? A great way to get started is by checking for open and closed cases on the department of labor (DOL) website. This will give you a sense of any potential red flags about the company, such as a history of discrimination or harassment claims. Of course, it’s always possible that an open case is simply the result of an disgruntled employee, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. So before you head into your next interview, take a few minutes to do some research on the DOL website- it could end up being the deciding factor in whether or not you land the job.

Looking for resume services, interview coaching and career strategy consultations? Go 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!

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4 Illegal Interview Questions & How to Handle Them…Professionally

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

You’re all dressed up, you’ve made it to the interview round and now there’s just one more hurdle: the questions. While some are perfectly legit, others could get you into trouble. Here are four illegal interview questions and how to respond if they come up. (Hint: It’s all about staying professional.)

Looking for a job is hard enough as it is, without running into potential roadblocks along the way – which is why knowing what illegal interview questions to watch out for is key. With that in mind, here are four of the most common ones to watch out for – along with tips on how to handle them like a pro.

So, what exactly are illegal interview questions? They are any questions that related to protected characteristics, such as race, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Asking these types of questions is not only unethical – it’s also against the law.

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTION #1 – HOW OLD ARE YOU?

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTION #2 – WHAT IS YOUR SALARY HISTORY?

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTION #3 – DO YOU OWN A CAR?

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTION #4 – HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ARRESTED BEFORE?

Illegal interview questions are, unfortunately, more common than you might think. In fact, a study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that nearly 60% of employers have asked at least one illegal question during a job interview. The Fair Labor Standards Act Laws (FLSA) prohibit all types of discrimination based on gender, race and other specified protected classes. To obtain more details, click here.

Fortunately, there are ways to handle illegal interview questions professionally. If you’re ever put in this situation, here’s what you should do:

1. Thank the interviewer for their time and say that you’re not comfortable answering the question because they may be illegal based on FLSA practices.
2. Always start of with the question, “how is this question relevant to the job?“.
3. Respond with a general answer that doesn’t provide any specific information about your protected characteristic. For example, if you’re asked about your religion, you could say that you respect all religions and believe that everyone has the right to practice their own faith.
4. Redirect the conversation back to your qualifications for the job.
5. If the interviewer persists, politely end the interview and contact an attorney or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for consultation.

Although you can never be too prepared for an interview, having a general understanding of what is and isn’t appropriate to ask will help ease your mind. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being asked an illegal questions, don’t panic. Stay calm and collected and remember that it is more important to maintain professionalism than to jeopardize your career. Finally, if you need additional help or have any questions about how to handle a difficult interview situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here. I would be happy to offer my assistance!

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How to Get a Job While You Still Have One – 3 Strategies To Use Discreetly

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

So, you’re thinking about quitting your job. I get it – it’s hard to be passionate about your work when you spend most of your day feeling drained and uninspired. But before you make any rash decisions, there are a few things you should consider. Quitting your job without having another one lined up can be risky, especially in today’s economy. Here are a few tips on how to get a job while still keeping the one you have.

So, you’re thinking about quitting your job. I get it – it’s hard to be passionate about your work when you spend most of your day feeling drained and uninspired. But before you make any rash decisions, there are a few things you should consider. Quitting your job without having another one lined up can be risky, especially in today’s economy. Here are a few tips on how to get a job while still keeping the one you have.So, you’re thinking about quitting your job. I get it – it’s hard to be passionate about your work when you spend most of your day feeling drained and uninspired. But before you make any rash decisions, there are a few things you should consider. Quitting your job without having another one lined up can be risky, especially in today’s economy. Here are a few tips on how to get a job while still keeping the one you have.

So, you’re unhappy with your current job and you’re ready to move on. But finding a new job can be a full-time job in itself, and you can’t exactly quit your old job before you have a new one lined up. So how can you find the time to job hunt while still holding down your current gig?

Here are a few tips:

1. Set aside some time each day to job hunt. Even if it’s just 30 minutes, this will help you make progress without feeling overwhelmed. Don’t let your boss catch you slacking off. If you’re spending too much time on your personal laptop during work hours, your boss is bound to notice. So try to do most of your job hunting during your lunch break or after work.

2. Save 1-3 Paid Time Off (PTO) or Vacation days to use for interviews. You never know how long an interview will last and it may impede on your work day significantly, so it is always best to be prepared with using your requested paid days off for interviews.

3. Keep your job search confidential and private. There’s no need to tell your manager(s), supervisor(s) co-workers that you’re looking for a new job. It could backfire quickly! Only notify your direct leader AFTER YOU HAVE SECURED A VIABLE OFFER THAT PAYS YOU MORE MONEY! Not only is it none of their business until the appropriate time. You must be strategic with how you maneuver this process. Unfortunately, you have some petty leaders (managers, supervisors or directors) who will terminate you just because they find out you are looking for other opportunities before you are ready to let the job go.

The job search process can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that you have options. While it may seem like your only choice is to quit your current job and start fresh, there are other ways to go about things. If you need additional help navigating the job search process or want someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through, connect with me here. I would be happy to offer my support and advice. Good luck in your job search!

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.

Have an interview coming up and need a little help? Check out my resource 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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Best Career Change Action Steps #3

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Making a career change can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Follow these simple action steps and you’ll be on your way to the career of your dreams in no time! We’re on Step #3.

Step #1 | Step #2 | Step #3 | Step #4 | Step #5

That’s all for this week! Be sure to check out the other action steps in the Career Change Action Steps Series. And, as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need help getting started on your career change journey.

Looking for resume services, interview coaching and career strategy consultations? Go here.

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Interview Tips for High School & College Grads

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Listen high school and college students, graduation is around the corner. Before you know it will be June and you will be walking on that stage to get your diploma or college degree. Phew…you’re almost there…just stay focused. After that faithful graduation day in June 2022, is when the real work begins as you start your job search and job interviews. Preparation is key in any situation, and job interviews are no exception. By knowing what to expect and practicing some interview techniques, you can feel confident and ready for your interview. Keep reading for some tips on how to make a great first impression!

1. Do your research on the company and the position for which you’re interviewing.
I can’t emphasize enough how important this tip is. It can make or break your chances of making a good impression on the interviewer and exhibit your interest in the company overall. You have the internet at your fingertips with your phone or your computer, use it to get your research done to prepare for your interviews. Please take notes of your research to help you with talking points for the actual interview.

2. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the role.
It is extremely important for you to understand, you are interviewing the company as much as the company is interviewing you. Ask questions about their company morale, overall working conditions and environment and overall what some of the current employees have to say about the company. You want to make sure that this company’s environment is for you. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions about adaptable is the company to change in their marketplace. Those are just a few things you should ask them.

3. Practice answering common interview questions ahead of time.
Since you may be fairly new to this process, please practice responding to common interview questions, like you would rehearse for your lines in the school play or practicing a speech for your next presentation. You should practice with someone that will be able to ask the common interview questions and will provide honest feedback after the practice interview is completed.

4. Dress professionally and make sure your hair and makeup are done nicely.
This next tip should be common sense but based on my professional experience, adults will surprise you…and not in a good way. I have unfortunately seen and heard people showing up for a job interview with jeans and wrinkled t-shirt with sneakers but expect to be taken seriously in the interview. If you are going to take the time to attend any job interview, even if it is for a fast food restaurant, please dress professionally. No matter how the staff is dressed, please present yourself as a professional.

The most important thing you can do when it comes to your job interview is prepare. Be sure that you know the company and position well, research what they’re looking for in a candidate, and practice answering any questions they may ask. A lot of people think they don’t need to study anymore once their application has been submitted – but this couldn’t be more wrong! Remember, an interview isn’t just about how good you are at answering questions; it also shows them how much preparation went into getting there. If you want some help preparing or if you’re interested in learning more about our Interview Consultation Service, connect with me by click here.

I know the excitement of preparing to start a new chapter can be exhilarating and scary all at the same time but these tips are here to help you on your career journey. If you are still have questions or need help putting your career path together, go ahead and connect with me here.