Category: professional environment

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.

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

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

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2023 Job Market Trends to Watch – Technological Automations

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

 

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.

Go here.

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

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

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New to the Job – Stand Out Positively in 3 Ways

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

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

A) Show Initiative

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

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

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

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

B) Ask Key Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Workplace Storytime – Hypocrites at Work

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Have you ever worked with someone who was two-faced? You know, the kind of person who is all sweetness and light when the boss is around, but a real nightmare when they’re not? Well, these people are called hypocrites, and they can be found in every workplace. From the office gossip to the brown-noser, hypocrites come in all shapes and sizes. So how do you deal with them?

Well, first of all, it’s important to remember that not everyone is going to like you. And that’s okay. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone at work, but you should try to be professional. If someone is being a hypocrite, simply ignore them. Don’t engage in gossip or backstabbing yourself – that will only make you look bad. And if all else fails, talk to your boss about the situation. They may not be aware of what’s going on, and they’ll definitely want to know if there’s someone in the office who isn’t being team player.

There are four (4) things you can learn from the hypocrites at work. They are for you remain professional, use your own brain and not engage in group think, cover yourself with documentation (aka CYA) and how they can negatively impact company morale.

1. Remain Professional
If you’re working with a bunch of hypocrites, it can be tough to stay professional. After all, they’re the ones who are supposed to be setting the example! But no matter how difficult it may be, it’s important to remain polite and respectful. After all, you never know when you might need their help. Just remember: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!

2. Use Your Own Brain – Do Not Engage in Group Think
Hypocrites at work are in cliques. Do your best to avoid them. If you can’t avoid them, do your best to outshine them. Show them up with your work ethic and dedication. Let them know that you’re not going to put up with their crap. They might try to bring you down, but don’t let them. You’re better than that. And eventually, they’ll get bored of trying to bring you down and they’ll move on to someone else. So just keep doing your thing and don’t worry about the hypocrites. They’re not worth your time or energy because they participate in group-think activities. They either share similar opinions on things or share the narrative of the leader of the hypocrite group. Either way, focus your energy on getting your work done with excellence.

3. Cover Yourself with Documentation (aka CYA)
At some point in your career, you’re bound to run into a hypocrite. Maybe they’re the one who is always preaching about being honest but is the first to throw someone under the bus. Or maybe they’re the colleague who is quick to take credit for other people’s work. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to be prepared for these situations. After all, hypocrites can be dangerous to your career.

The best way to deal with a hypocrite at work is to have documentation to back up your claims. If you have emails or memos that prove you did the work, then you can use that as evidence. This way, when the hypocrite tries to sabotage you, you can show everyone what really happened. And if worst comes to worst and you do get caught in the crossfire, at least you know you did everything you could to defend yourself.

4. Hypocrites Negatively Impact Company Morale & Overall Culture
What ever happened to the golden rule? You know, the one that says treat others how you want to be treated? It seems like a lot of people in the workforce today have forgotten that age-old adage. Instead, they practice what I like to call the “do as I say, not as I do” method. These are the same people who are quick to point out when someone else makes a mistake, but turn a blind eye when they’re the ones in the wrong. They’re self-righteous and think they’re always right, even when they’re blatantly wrong. And worst of all, they’re hypocrites.

Unfortunately, hypocrites are everywhere, and they can have a negative impact on company morale and overall culture. Their actions (or lack thereof) can breed mistrust and resentment among employees. And when there’s no trust or respect, it’s hard to get anything done.

It can be tough to deal with hypocrites, especially when they’re in our own workplace. But there are ways to handle them that can minimize the damage they do and even help us learn a thing or two. If you need additional help dealing with hypocrites at work or want to share your workplace story with me, connect with me here. I’d love to hear your story and offer some advice to help you deal with those hypocrites without driving yourself crazy.

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.

Connect with me here
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