Questions to ask:
1. Depending on what state and/or city within that state, how much do you need to make to be able to rent a decent apartment if you have not purchased a home yet?
2. Does your current job(s), independent contracting work or business you run providing enough income to pay for your cost of living?
Economic planning is vitally important if we are going to survive and thrive in this job market. Our hourly wages or salaries may truly determine where we lay our heads and the quality of life we have. If you don’t have a plan but need to work on it, grab my book, From Clueless Teenagor to Consummate Professional here to help you structure your personal economic plan.
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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 The idea of sitting down to write and mail a physical letter can seem time-consuming and outdated.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.
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1. Why would this employer think or even attempt to reach out and ask this employee they just terminated to cover their shifts for them?
This situation shows there’s clearly a lack of leadership and some level of stupidity running rampant in this situation. The leader who reached out to the terminated employee was clearly in a serious bind with holiday schedule and thought requesting a favor from the recently terminated employee would help their situation. WRONG!!!!!
2. What type of circus does this organization have representing them as leadership?
The leadership at this company is not properly trained nor are they making good decisions if they are getting terminated employees involved in their shift shortage. There are several ways those issues could have been resolved without reaching out to an employee they just involuntarily terminated.
3. Do you think this leader needs leadership training or their head examined?
An equal combination of both is needed for this specific leader when he thought it was an excellent idea to reach out to a terminated employee to cover holiday shifts they did not adequately plan to cover. This situation boils down to poor leadership and poor decisions that yielded these type of results.
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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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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.
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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.
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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’ve all been tempted to stretch the truth on our resumes at one point or another. Maybe you exaggerate your responsibilities a bit, or fudge the dates of your last few positions. After all, everyone does it, right? Wrong. Lying on your resume is a huge no-no, and can come back to bite you in more ways than one. Here are four reasons why you should always tell the truth – unless, of course, you’re really good at lying.
1. You Could Get Caught
In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever for employers to verify the information on your resume. A simple Google search can turn up old news articles, LinkedIn profiles, and social media posts that conflict with the information you’ve provided. And if your lies are uncovered, it will reflect poorly on both you and your ability to perform the duties of the position you’re applying for.
2. It Creates an Inaccurate Picture of Your Skills and Experience
Let’s say you land an interview based on a lie you told on your resume – congrats! Now comes the hard part: actually having to do the job. If you don’t have the skills or experience necessary to perform well in the role, chances are you won’t be employed for long. Inaccurately representing yourself on your resume ultimately creates a false sense of expectations – not just for you, but for your employer as well.
3. It ruins your chance for a positive reference later down the line
Asking your previous employers to act as references is common practice during many job searches. But what happens when they tell potential future employers that you lied on your resume? Not only will this damage your reputation, but it will also make it harder to get hired in the future. Once a lie is out there, it can be difficult – if not impossible – to take back.
4. It says a lot about your character
Lying is considered a major character flaw by many hiring managers – and rightfully so. If you can’t be trusted to tell the truth on your resume, what else are you capable of lying about? Your integrity is one of the most important qualities an employer looks for in candidates, so it’s important to protect it at all cost. After all, once it’s gone, it may be gone for good.
So there you have it – four compelling reasons not to lie on your resume (unless you’re really good at it). The next time you’re tempted to fudge the facts a bit, remember that honesty really is the best policy… even if it doesn’t always get you the results you want in the short-term..”
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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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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!
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