Tag: career advice

How to Conquer the Job Market After High School

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

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.

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.

Have an interview coming up and need a little help? Check out my resource here.

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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.

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.

Have an interview coming up and need a little help? Check out my resource here.
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How to Increase Your Pay Through Effective Salary Negotiations

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

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.

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What is Quiet Firing? Ways to Figure it All Out…

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

In the last few weeks, we have been hearing the term “quiet quitting”. Apparently, employers want to retaliate with “quiet firing”….but what is quiet firing? We will discuss what quiet firing is…what it is not…and how it can affect you in the workplace and your career.

Reference for quiet firing:
1. Article from TheRoot.com

2. The Fox News Chicago Video

3. The FindLaw.com Constructive Dismissal = Quiet Firing

4. Bloomberg.com take on Quiet Quitting and how it relates to Quiet Firing

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.

Connect with me here
Follow me here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Join my Facebook group

Applying for Jobs but Getting No Responses?

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

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.

Have an interview coming up and need a little help? Check out my resource here.

Connect with me here
Follow me here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Join the Facebook Group |

Career ReVamp – 3.2 The Career Track

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

In a series we’ve explored what you want to do with your career and if you’re willing to change then ways you can start going about changing of the a career of your choice. In part 1 & 2, I talked about how to figure out your next career if you’re looking for a change. Part 3.1 talks about going the entrepreneurial route. Now, I’m talking about your possible career track in part 3.2.

The series talks about how you will use all of the information that you’ve written down in part 1 and 2 took yet your career tools such as your resume, cover letters, letter of recommendation and other pieces in your professional portfolio. If you are not sure what I’m talking about, then you can check out the resource for getting a portfolio completed by going here.

Want to get all the career tips this series has to offer? Check out Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3.1.

Need some more personalized help with hour career revamp? Check out this here.

Have additional questions? Leave a voice mail or email me here.

Career Revamp Series – 1. Know Where You Are Now

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

I understand that some of you are dealing with some difficult circumstances with your finances right now. I want you to know something…you are in control of your own career and your income. If so, it may be time to revamp your career. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to do this, and you don’t necessarily have to go back to school or start from scratch. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Find a new job in the same field. If you’re unhappy with your current position, look for another job in the same field. This can be a great way to get a fresh start without having to learn entirely new skills or switch fields entirely. Sometimes, the best way to revamp your career is to switch fields entirely. If you’re not happy with your current industry, look into other options. You may be surprised at what you find.

3. Consider entrepreneurship. Are you the type of person who likes to be in control? If so, entrepreneurship may be the perfect way to revamp your career. This option allows you to be your own boss and set your own hours, giving you the freedom to work on something you’re passionate about.

4. Go back to school. If you want to make a complete career.

In the series, we will explore several phases of the career revamp. We will start off assessing where you are now.

1. What are your current skills?
2. What is your knowledge base?
3. Do you have experience with one or several industries?

This Career Revamp starts with assessing where you are right now during these difficult times. If you need your resume updated or redone or other career strategy services, go to go here.

You can find other ways to Work with me HERE.

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
Follow me here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Join my Facebook group

Career Revamp Intro

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

I want to make sure that you guys understand that I’m with you in the fight to getting your economic life intact. I will be starting either later on this week or next week a career revamp series to help you get back on track if you’ve lost your job, or you just need a new career path.

There will be a lot of helpful tips and really just guidance to get you guys back to where to where you want to be.

This pandemic has changed the scope of our economics so quickly that this career revamp is going to be created to help you recover victoriously, if you do the work.

Check out the link below for some of the resources I have available for you to get started on your personal career revamp.

Need to get a complete resume overhaul? Go here

Just need your resume reviewed for top performance? Check out this resource

Other ways to work with me.

Connect with me here.

How to Setup Your ZipRecruiter Profile – Job Search

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

In these days of layoffs, career changes and overall economic landscape, use job boards to help your job search. This video is to help you get your #ZipRecruiter profile setup to obtain immediate access to job and career opportunities.

If you still need to have your resume reviewed to help it market you better in the marketplace, check out my resource here.

Need to have your resume done to put on ZipRecruiter? Go here.

If you want to schedule a career strategy coaching session with me, go here.

Join my Facebook Group for additional career advise and help, go here.

Have a career related questions, leave a comment or go here where you can leave a voicemail message or email me directly.

Why your career success is YOUR responsibility

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

https://anchor.fm/mentor-shelly/episodes/Episode-130-Why-your-career-success-is-YOUR-responsibility-ea7j21 (Listen on the podcast)

You didn’t expect your parents to make you successful as an adult did you? Your parents have done their job of raising you to be a responsible adult….now it’s time to show them what and how you can use all the great principles of adulthood to good use.

As I’m writing this, I also realize that not everyone had the same upbringing or even had parents to teach them about being responsible adults. You have had to learn quite a bit about life on your own, so I understand.

I want all of you to know…no matter your background, past or circumstances, the success or failure you achieve in life is completely and totally, your responsibility and within your control. Once you reach the ripe old age of eighteen (18), you are officially an adult. If your parents or anyone else helps you financially, economically or in any way, it’s a bonus. Be grateful! They are not obligated to help you, so if they do…please do not take it for granted and show some gratitude.

The heights of your #career and #business ventures are completely in your arsenal of control. I want you to take charge of your destiny, but I want you to know something extremely vital. You must have FOCUS and you must HAVE A PLAN to keep your overall career and business development focus in check.

If you do not have a plan or still trying to figure your next career move, then I can certainly help you with that…I have a guide that help you get focused and create a plan for your career venture or business development. You can access the DREAM CAREER GUIDE by going here.

If you’re looking for for a more direct and concrete plan for your business or career development, then schedule a “CAREER STRATEGY” session with me by going here.

Have questions or suggestions for the next topics? Go here.