Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Job Search

Do you need to start a job search or get yours back on track? For most people, job searching is never easy, whether it’s your first or fifteenth time looking for a new job. If you feel overwhelmed or don’t know where to start—don’t worry. Job searching is both an art and a science, one that requires time, planning, preparation, and some brain power.

The truth is, job searching can be an exhausting and daunting experience. However, if you approach it systematically, the process will be significantly more manageable, and you will have much more success in getting the offer you deserve.

Follow these steps for a crash course on how to find a job.

Strategize Your Transition

When it comes to finding a job, everyone starts somewhere, whether you’ve just finished school, you’re planning to resign for a better opportunity or career change, you’ve been fired, or you’ve been laid off. Regardless of your circumstances, plan your approach and take care to address any potential obstacles earlier rather than later.

 When You Are Resigning

If you’re resigning from your current job, unless you have the financial means to do so or the circumstances are so difficult that you can’t stay, don’t resign until you have secured a new position (and prepared an appropriate explanation for your resignation, as you will likely be asked during interviews). In addition, you’ll want to make sure to coordinate the timing of your resignation and the start date of a new job.

For example, in most cases, you should plan on giving your old job two weeks’ notice before you move on and make sure you do not commit to starting a new job until those two weeks are up. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining a good relationship with the company you are leaving by giving adequate notice and starting your new job on the right foot by adhering to the start date you agree to.

 When You’ve Been Fired or Laid Off

If you have been fired or laid off, avoid connecting the company that terminated you with potential employers, if you can, unless you’re sure your manager will provide a glowing reference (this would likely only apply if you have been laid off due to budget cuts or company restructuring).

Even in this early stage, start crafting your answer to one of the most challenging interview questions: Why were you fired?

 No matter where you’re coming from, get your story straight now and learn it by heart. Narrate your background in a way that’s compelling and convincing so you are ready to explain, concisely and succinctly, your reasons for finding a new job, how it relates to your professional goals, and why you are the best fit for any given position.

Determine Which Jobs You Qualify For

Before you start looking for a job, you have to figure out what position you want. Have a specific title in mind, and then do some research to determine the keywords you’ll use when you start looking for jobs. (For example, a digital project manager might also search for “web” or “technology” project management roles, as well as searching for “project manager” or “project coordinator” positions.) 

Keep in mind that when you start job searching, the job description, responsibilities, and requirements will tell you more than the title alone, as titles and roles tend to vary between companies. It can also be a helpful exercise to write a sample job description outlining your ideal position.

Tip: If you need some ideas for what to do next in your career, these free online career quizzes can help.

Although it’s acceptable to apply to several “reach” positions, don’t waste your time searching for or applying to jobs that you are clearly unqualified for. Figure out in advance how you’re going to decide which jobs to apply to, then actively keep these parameters in mind when you’re job hunting.

Define Your Personal and Professional Priorities

Define your priorities before you begin your job search. First, make a list of the “must-haves,” such as the location of the company and your commute time, a desired salary range and employee benefits, and any other factors that are “non-negotiable” to you.

Then, make a list of the “nice-to-haves.” For example, are you looking for a specific type of company culture? Would you prefer to work at an established corporation or at a start-up or small business? Do you want to work on a small or large team?

Asking yourself these types of questions (and writing down your answers) before you start to look for a job will help you make a clear and confident decision once you have a job offer.

Clean Up Your Online Presence

Even though they shouldn’t, some employers Google candidates before their interviews, so it’s more important than ever to brush up on your social media do’s and don’ts when it comes to job searching.

You should assume that your potential employer will be Googling your name and looking you up on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. 

 It is generally advisable to keep all social media profiles as private as possible while you are job searching. Even if your profiles are totally family-friendly, remember that human resources professionals are indeed human, and thus have biases they may not even be aware of.

Something as seemingly benign as sharing a political news article, or even sharing an article from a particular news source, could get you knocked off a candidate list, even if it theoretically shouldn’t. Play it safe and keep social profiles totally private. The one exception, however, is LinkedIn.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Update LinkedIn so it reflects your most recent work experience, qualifications, and achievements:

• Your LinkedIn profile should include a professional headshot and should be up-to-date with your most recent experience and qualifications.
• Take the time to write an engaging summary that will catch the attention of hiring managers.
• If you’re unemployed, you can write an open to work post letting your connections and prospective employers know you’re available.
• Avoid these easy to make LinkedIn mistakes to be sure you’re making the best impression.

 

Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter

You should have a “master” version of your resume finalized, formatted, and proofread before you start job searching. We say “master” because it’s likely you may tweak it as you job search to highlight and emphasize different experiences or qualifications based on the specifics of the different positions you are applying for.

Although a cover letter is harder to prepare, as it should be personalized for each and every job you apply to, review what to include in a cover letter and figure out what you can write in advance, and what you will need to customize once you start applying to jobs.

Get Your References Ready

Most jobs you apply to will require you to provide three to four professional references who can testify to your qualifications. You don’t want to have to scramble to reach these people, or worse, have an interviewer catch them by surprise. Instead, contact them in advance and let them know that you are starting to look for jobs and that you would like to use them as a reference.

Be sure to get their most recent contact information (cell phone and email address), as you will need to provide these to employers who ask for references.

Explore (and Expand) Your Network

Networking can be a truly powerful way to land a job if done correctly. In fact, studies have shown that you are more likely to get a job offer if you have a connection to the company you’re applying to. Your “network” can be anyone from former colleagues, managers or clients, alumni from your alma mater, friends, or friends of friends, family members, neighbors, or anyone from a “community” you belong to, whether that’s a church or religious group, a yoga studio, and so on.

 If you feel like you’ve exhausted your network, spend some time expanding it. Again, because you are significantly more likely to be hired if you have a connection within the company you’re applying to, dedicating an hour or two to expanding it can be much more valuable than using that time to apply to random jobs.

You can expand your network both online (for example, by joining and contributing to professional groups on LinkedIn or Facebook) and offline (by attending industry events such as conferences or trade shows, or going to networking events specifically designed for that purpose).

Set Goals and Get Organized

Job searching is a tiring process, and it’s easy to burn out. Set reasonable, achievable goals for yourself; for example, you might aim to apply to ten jobs per week. Then, be sure to set aside time to complete these goals. You might have to make some sacrifices, such as getting up an extra hour early, or using your lunch break to look for jobs.

 Although you can likely get away with scrolling job listings on the fly (like when you’re watching TV, or while on the train or riding in the car), don’t underestimate the importance of setting aside dedicated, quiet time to submit your applications, so as to avoid mistakes or typos.

Organize your job search progress and note which jobs you applied to, and when, so you can follow up accordingly.

Start Searching and Applying for Jobs

So you’ve outlined the position you want, and the key search words you’ll use to find it. You scrubbed your online presence, and your references are on board and expecting to hear from employers. Your resume is ready, and you’ve written some material to integrate into the cover letter you’ll customize once you find some potential job options. Now, it’s time to find and apply for those jobs.

There are many places to search for jobs. Sites like Monster, Indeed, Dice, and CareerBuilder.com are among the best and most utilized job sites. You’ll find thousands of listings on them, but be sure to target your search, so you’re getting the most relevant job postings.

 LinkedIn can also be a great place to search for jobs and will also show you if you have any connections at companies that are hiring.

Finally, if you know you want to work for a certain company, look for job openings directly on their website. You may have to do some digging, but most companies list jobs on a “Careers” or “Opportunities” page that you can find on the footer of the website.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of job applications these days are online applications, so you will need to submit a digital version of your cover letter and resume. Be sure to use a working (and professional) email address for all correspondence related to your job search.

Get Ready to Interview

The next step in landing a job is acing your interview. You may have several rounds of interviews, usually starting with a phone interview, then followed by in-person interviews. You should never risk an interview by “just winging it.” Take your interview preparation seriously, and be sure to:

• Carefully read the job description, focusing on the responsibilities and requirements. Be prepared to explain, with tangible examples, how you fit the requirements and how you can fulfill the responsibilities.
• Research the company, including its mission statement and any recent or notable achievements or changes in strategy or positioning.
• Practice answering interview questions specific to your position/industry.

 

Prepare for a Remote Interview

When you’re interviewing remotely, it’s important to make sure all your technology is in working order. Take the time to check in advance to be sure you’re set for the interview, and that you’re comfortable with the process.

 Prepare for a Phone Interview

For a phone interview, set aside at least 45 minutes of quiet, uninterrupted time. Have your resume and cover letter printed or open on your computer for reference. Be sure to take the call somewhere with excellent cell service. If you have one, a landline is preferable for optimal audio quality.

Prepare for an In-Person Interview

For an in-person interview, arrive 10 minutes early with a printed cover letter and resume. Be sure to dress to impress, and express polite and professional enthusiasm about the position and the company.

Tip: These free online interview practice tools will help you feel comfortable with the interview process and confident in your response.

Take the Time to Say Thank You

Be sure to take the time to follow up after the interview with a thank you note or email message reiterating your interest in the job and the company.

Evaluating Job Offers

With one, or several, job offers in hand, it’s now time to evaluate your option(s). Look back to your original “must-have” and “nice-to-have” lists and see where the offers fit. Be sure to consider practical factors, such as the salary, benefits, vacation time, corporate culture, your commute, and the attitude and personalities of the people you would be working with.

If you’re stuck, make a list of pros and cons—and be sure to listen to your gut in order to choose the best job for you. Your gut is usually right, so think twice if it’s telling you that you really don’t want the job.

 

 

The post Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Job Search appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/ImiybJ0

Read More

How To Find Career Options for Teens

What’s the best way to learn about career options when you’re a teen considering ideas for what you want to do? There are many resources you can use to explore careers and learn about occupations that could be a good fit for your interests.

If you’re a student, one of the best places to start is your high school guidance office. The staff can help you with counseling and resources for exploring careers and participating in learning experiences. You may be able to attend career day programs, take college classes while you’re in high school, line up an internship, shadow professionals in occupations of interest, or volunteer with organizations that mesh with your interests.

Many free online resources are available for career exploration, including career aptitude tests, informational videos, and virtual internships that allow you to get a feel for different types of jobs.

Here’s how to find career options for teens.

Explore Career Options 

Online Career Quizzes

One of the best ways for teens to start exploring options for a future career is to take a career quiz. You’ll be able to get some ideas about jobs that match your interests, and you’ll be able to narrow down your options for the next stage of researching careers.

Here are free online career quizzes for teens that are quick and easy to do.

Learn About Careers Online

Teens can learn about careers by watching videos that show what workers do on the job, the training you need, and what the workplace is like. 

Next, research careers to learn as much as possible about them. You may be able to do a short virtual work experience or an internship with a company to find out more about jobs and employers.

Career Videos

CareerOneStop Videos: CareerOneStop has videos on hundreds of different careers. Start watching by selecting a category to view a list of videos related to a career cluster. Each video includes career details such as tasks, work settings, and education needed.

Explore Careers: To use Explore Careers, select an industry from the dropdown menu, then click Search to learn about jobs and employers.

Jobs Made Real: Jobs Made Real features interviews with professionals in fields such as tech, health care, trades, entrepreneurship, and more. You can also get suggestions for jobs to look at by answering a few questions about your personality and goals.

A – Z Career Lab: Use PBS Learning Media’s A – Z Career Lab to explore career options from A to Z with the Lab Squad kids as they meet and interview career professionals in a variety of fields.

Online Career Exploration

Videos can give a good overview of a career, but it’s important to dig deeper and learn as much as you can about jobs, companies, and careers. What seems like a good job when you first think about it might not sound so good when you find out what the job actually entails, the education you need to get hired, or how much it pays. All that information is available online. 

As you learn more about the occupations that interest you, you can start a list of jobs that sound interesting—and those that don’t.

Here are free online resources for exploring careers:

• CareerOneStop: Learn about occupations that are in high demand, pay good wages, and relate to your skills.
• Forage: Forage offers 5 – 6 hour virtual learning experiences with top employers.
• MyFuture: Explore industries, jobs, and careers, including positions that don’t require a degree.
• My Next Move: Search by keyword, browse careers by industry, or answer a few questions to get suggestions.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook provides in-depth information on hundreds of occupations, including required education, job responsibilities, work environment, salary, and more.

In-Person Career Exploration 

It’s hard to know what a job will really be like without hands-on experience. Opportunities for in-person career exploration are plentiful, and getting started is easy.

If you’re a student, check with your guidance office to learn about programs and events focused on careers. Check with your local American Job Center if you’re not in school. American Job Centers have career counselors who work with job seekers to identify their interests, assess their skills and abilities, and advise them on training and job opportunities.

Here are some of the programs you can participate in to learn about careers:

• Apprenticeships
• Career Days
• College Classes
• Family and Friends
• Informational Interviews
• Internships
• Job Corps
• Job Shadowing
• School to Career Programs
• Summer Jobs
• Vocational Training Programs
• Volunteering

 

Tip: As you explore careers, remember that most people change jobs many times over their working life, so don’t feel like you’re locked into what you decide on as your first career. You’ll be able to shift as you learn what you like (and don’t like) and gain experience and skills.

The post How To Find Career Options for Teens appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/yKdBrFm

Read More

How To Deal With a Bad Boss

There’s a common saying in the career advice world: people don’t leave jobs or companies—they leave managers. In many surveys, bad bosses are the No. 1 reason why workers leave their jobs.

Regardless of your job title, industry, or geographic location, at some point in your career, you’re likely to run into a not-so-great manager. The question is: what to do about it? The answer depends on the precise type of bad boss you’re dealing with, as well as the circumstances involved.

7 Steps for Dealing With a Bad Boss

Whether you’re suffering from uninspiring leadership or coping with an outright bully, these steps will help you keep your career on track:

1. Identify the problem.

Not all bad bosses are created equally, and understanding the precise nature of the problem is essential to developing your strategy. Are you dealing with an underminer, a bully, or someone who’s been promoted without receiving management training? Your next steps will depend on knowing exactly what you’re dealing with.

Bullies, underminers, and bosses who take credit for your work all require focusing on good boundaries … and not giving them ammunition to use against you. (In other words, don’t use company computers or messaging systems to complain about your boss – it will get back to them.) Ultimately, these toxic bosses are best dealt with by removing yourself from the situation. Anything else you do is a stop-gap while you arrange for a transfer or find a new job.

Managers who are disorganized, weak, inexperienced, or under-supported by their own managers are a bit easier to deal with. In these cases, you have to manage up by being proactive about communication.

It’s even a good idea to ask outright about their preferences in this regard. Do they prefer to talk via email or phone, weekly one-on-ones or monthly meetings? Don’t assume that they’ll tell you what they want without prompting. Be careful though, there are some things you should never say to your boss.

More: How To Get the Boss on Your Side

3. Do some soul-searching.

Ask any marriage counselor and they’ll tell you: when relationships break down, it’s rarely 100% the fault of one partner or the other. It might sound strange to think yourself as being in a relationship with your boss, but in a professional sense, you are.

That doesn’t mean that you’re responsible for your abusive boss’s attacks or your scatterbrained boss’s forgetfulness. But it does mean evaluating your own behavior for anything you might be doing to contribute to the communication breakdown. For instance, if you’ve had trouble connecting on issues, it’s normal to feel resistant to any idea coming from a boss you don’t like – but it’s not productive to dig in your heels without hearing them out.

3. Document everything.

As a general rule, you shouldn’t involve HR in these situations until you’re prepared to have them solve your problem … even if you don’t love the solution. HR is best for dealing with extreme problems with legal consequences, such as harassment or discrimination. Beyond that, you’re probably better off involving them only when you’re looking to transfer to another department (or when you need information about your benefits, etc., during the normal course of work).

That said, it’s a good idea to document everything, just in case the situation escalates. Get in the habit of making a note of problematic interactions, and date each incident. Hopefully, you’ll never have to show your notes to anyone. But if you do, you’ll be prepared.

4. Vent cautiously.

Having friends at work is the greatest—it makes work more fun and boost productivity into the bargain. But work friends are still, well, work friends. Don’t tell your colleagues anything you wouldn’t print out and hang over your desk or wear on a t-shirt to the company picnic.

More: 5 Things Never to Say About Your Boss

5. Look for lateral moves.

If you’re stuck in a truly horrible boss situation, you might think that your options are either to put up with things or move on to another company. But if you’re working at a company with more than one department or team, you might have another option: transfer and work under a new boss.

Get in the habit of checking internal job postings on a regular basis, and start networking internally, to make sure you’ll hear about jobs as they become available – and possibly even before! It’s easy to fall into the trap of only socializing with your direct coworkers. Extend yourself a little, and you can network your way out this problem without even rolling over your 401(k).

6. Think about moving on.

If nothing else works, and there’s nowhere else for you to go, it’s time to look for a new job. The sad fact of the matter is that this is often the best solution for a bad boss situation. No matter how good a communicator you are, and how diligently you work to improve the relationship, you probably don’t have the pull necessary to make your boss behave. That’s not a failure on your part. It’s just reality.

7. Learn from the experience.

The best bosses are the ones who’ve dealt with the worst bosses in their career, and made a mental note not to repeat those mistakes when they become managers themselves. In this day and age, few companies devote resources to training managers to be effective. If you want to shine as a leader, you’ll have to commit to leveling up on your own.

The post How To Deal With a Bad Boss appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/7IQkDAd

Read More

Where To Get Help When Unemployment Runs Out

What can you do if you’ve run out of unemployment benefits or are about to lose them? It can be scary when you don’t have any income, but you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you through this difficult time.

Before you panic, check with your state unemployment office to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. The duration of unemployment benefits varies by state and ranges from a maximum of 12 weeks (Florida) to 26 weeks. Here’s a chart of weeks of unemployment listed by state from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

You’ve probably already tried many of the financial strategies you can use when you’re out of work, but if you haven’t, it’s worth speaking to your creditors to see if they can waive payments and fees. Talk to your mortgage holder or landlord, cell phone provider, internet and utility providers, credit card companies, car loan company, and other creditors. Some may offer grace periods or payment or finance plans to enable you to continue business as usual, at least for a while. A personal loan may be an option as well.

It’s also important to tap federal, state, local, and community resources available to help unemployed workers. Here are some options for assistance:

Contact Your Local CareerOneStop Center

One of the best ways to find assistance is to use the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website. In addition to a wealth of job search and career resources, you can get help at an American Job Center (AJC). Search by zip code to find local assistance. American Job Centers have information on local support resources, such as funding for utility bills, food costs, childcare, emergency funds, and other necessary expenses. Career OneStop also has a directory of job listings and offers job and skill training assistance.

Check Federal and State Assistance Programs

The following federal and state programs are available for low-income workers:

• Benefits.gov has a directory of benefits and assistance programs. Fill out a brief questionnaire to learn about and apply for the benefits you may be eligible to receive.
• The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program can help with food and financial assistance, training, as well as job searching.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families and individuals buy groceries.
• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental food and nutritional assistance to low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5.

 

Check With Nonprofit Agencies

Nonprofit and community agencies can help you locate food, housing, clothing, and emergency resources.  Here’s how to connect with nonprofit organizations near you:

• 2-1-1 Call Center. Call 211 to get local help with training, employment, food, housing, and support groups.
• Churches and Community Organizations. Check with local churches and community organizations. Many offer a variety of resources for those in need, including food, clothes, household supplies, and other necessities.
• Food Banks. If you need food assistance, here’s a directory of food banks from Feed America. Also search Google for “food pantry” or “food bank” to get a list of providers near you.
• Homeless Shelters. Here’s a list of homeless shelters throughout the United States from the National Coalition for the Homeless. If you’re about to be homeless, here’s a list of what you should do. 
• Phone Service. Reduced-cost phone service is through the Lifeline program for qualifying low-income people.
• Pets. Contact your local animal shelter and veterinarian to see whether they can help you or refer you to resources for pet food and care.

 

Check on Free Services

It can be really hard to focus on job searching when you’re unemployed and stressed about losing your home, your vehicle, your phone, and the rest of your life as it used to be. But there are no-cost and low-cost ways to keep moving forward.

Use the Library

One of the best free resources you can use is your local public library. You’ll be able to access free Wi-Fi, computers, printers, workshops, and training classes.

Some libraries lend Chromebooks and internet hot spots, and you may be able to get free access to LinkedIn Learning to upgrade your skills. 

Here’s an overview of what’s available at the library and how you can tap the resources.

Use Google

You can use free Google tools for every component of your job search: write resumes and cover letters, save documents and files, send professional email messages, find job listings, apply for jobs, track your applications, and get ready to interview. 

If you don’t have access to a computer, you can use Google Drive to store your job search materials and access via the library’s or a family member’s or friend’s computer.

Get Free Rides

If you don’t have access to transportation, Lyft’s free rides program offers transportation to job interviews, training, or work. 

Supplement Your Earnings

If you need to make money fast, there are apps you can use to find gigs where you can apply, get hired, and get paid quickly. Here free apps you can use to find shopping, delivery, driving, caregiving, building, repairing, and professional gigs. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask for Help

It’s always embarrassing to ask for help, but your family, friends, and others won’t know you need assistance unless you ask. Whether it’s asking for a loan, groceries, childcare while you interview, a ride or gas money, or anything else you need, it’s always worth making the request.

The post Where To Get Help When Unemployment Runs Out appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/IeTx5VZ

Read More

10 LinkedIn Mistakes You Might Be Making

Are you making mistakes on LinkedIn? LinkedIn can help you find a new job, stay on top of trends in your industry, connect with future employers, even learn new skills. But like all social media, its potential comes with a few downsides. Use this tool the wrong way and you could do serious damage to your professional reputation. 

Here’s what to watch out for:

Forgetting To Update Your Profile

You don’t have to update your LinkedIn profile every time you start a new job (or leave an old one). In fact, sometimes it’s a good idea to let the dust settle before you make a change. That way, you won’t have to delete a short-lived role from your profile or announce that you’re on the job market if a new employer snaps you up quickly.

However, it’s important to remember to update your profile whenever you gain new skills, qualifications, or experience. You might hold off on new job titles for a few weeks to make sure they’re a good fit, but add new certifications, job skills, or projects as soon as possible. You’ll attract more attention from recruiters and hiring managers and build your professional brand for the long term.

Choosing the Wrong Picture

A good LinkedIn photo follows a formula. It should show a recent image of you, dressed as if you were at work or a job interview, looking at the camera, and smiling. There should be no one and nothing else in the photo—no children, pets, co-workers, clients, props, or other distractions.

Not everyone has a professional headshot and that’s OK. You can get the same effect at home with your smartphone and a well-lit room. Choose a neutral background where you’ll get enough light and wear an outfit that would be appropriate for work. Pose so that your head and shoulders are visible. Make sure that your final image isn’t blurry or strangely cropped.

Not Including Keywords

Recruiters use keywords to find candidates. Using them in your headline, About section, and other parts of your profile can help you be more visible to them when they’re looking for potential hires.

Knowing this can help you weed out fluffy descriptors and corporate buzzwords and express your experience in ways that a recruiter will understand. You might justifiably think of yourself as a “WordPress Ninja” but if you use that phrase in your headline, a recruiter who’s searching for a “WordPress Developer” will miss out on your profile.

Treating Your LinkedIn Profile Like a Resume

Hate talking about yourself in the third person? Good news—you definitely do not need to do that in your LinkedIn profile. The more authentic and engaging you can be in your writing, the better. That means using the first person (“I” instead of your name) and action words like achieved, created, made, optimized, supported, helped, boosted, succeeded, etc.

Not Recommending Contacts

LinkedIn recommendations and endorsements are a way for your connections to attest to your skills. Not only will these features boost your profile with recruiters, but they’ll also help you stand out from similarly skilled candidates who don’t have visible support from their colleagues.

The best way to get more recommendations and endorsements is to give them. People are much more likely to help those who help them. Plus, you’ll be reminding your connections of your interactions with them, which will help them to write recommendations that make a difference.

Skipping the Skills & Endorsements Section

Whether you’re actively job searching or just staying prepared for unexpected opportunities, listing your skills on LinkedIn will help you get the right kind of attention.

Not sure which skills to include? Look at job listings in your field, especially those that would appeal to you if you were job searching. You’ll be able to see which skills are most valuable in that role and add those that you’ve neglected to mention. You can also seek skills endorsements or take LinkedIn Skills Assessments to bolster your claims.

Note: Only add skills that you really possess. Just as you wouldn’t lie about your job titles or education, you should never stretch the truth about your skill set. If you identify desirable skills that you don’t have yet, you can prioritize picking up a certification, attending a class, or taking on a stretch project in that area.

Not Quantifying Your Achievements

Which is more persuasive: “increased sales” or “increased sales by 25%”? Quantifying your achievements grounds them in reality and translates them into terms that employers and contacts can understand.

Going Negative

When you post something on your LinkedIn profile, you’re inviting people to associate you with the content and tone of that post. So, if you go negative—talk smack about a former boss or blame a previous employer for a layoff—you’ll wind up looking like the problem. This can feel extremely unfair, especially when you have a legitimate issue with a company or colleague. But that’s the way it is.

Instead, stay upbeat. For example, if you’re posting an Open to Work update, talk about what you can do for a prospective employer or what you’re looking for in a role. Leave the venting for your friends and family and keep it offline.

Falling for Scams

Job scammers are getting smarter. They know that they’ll need more than a Nigerian prince or a fake invoice to lure experienced professionals. Some LinkedIn job scams look very much like the real deal, complete with references to real companies and legitimate-looking recruiter profiles.

To identify scam listings from real ones, do your due diligence. Dig into recruiters’ profiles to see previous jobs and activity updates over several years. Beware of requests for money, financial information, or other personal data. And never click links in messages or personal emails without checking your LinkedIn messages first.   

Not Customizing Your URL

LinkedIn allows you to customize your URL to include your name (or a variation of it that hasn’t been claimed by another user). It’s a useful personal branding opportunity that allows you to add an easy-to-remember URL to your business cards, resumes, or website. It may also help you appear higher in Google search results or internal LinkedIn searches.

The post 10 LinkedIn Mistakes You Might Be Making appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/1AX5Mhn

Read More

Best Apps for Earning Extra Cash

Do you want to earn more money? Did you need to earn extra cash quickly? Whether you’re looking for a quick, easy way to make a few extra dollars or you’d like to market your skills to boost your income, you can use an app to find gigs and jobs, apply online, and get hired. 

Many workers have built entire careers on gigging apps. Others use them as sporadic side hustles. Whatever you’re looking for, most gigging apps feature flexible hours and on-demand work.

Some apps require specific skill sets. For others, you simply need to have the time available to complete the task. With many of them, you can start work right away, and you’ll often be paid as soon as you complete the job.

Shopping and delivery services

One of the easiest ways to make extra money is to provide delivery services via apps. With some apps, like Shipt, the app worker will do the shopping and delivery. For others, like Uber Eats, you’ll pick up and deliver orders. Some services will pay right away. For example, Uber drivers can sign up for Instant Pay and get paid up to five times a day. 

• Amazon Flex
• Caviar
• CitizenShipper
• DoorDash
• Deliv
• Drizly
• FreshDirect
• Grubhub
• Instacart 
• LaserShip
• Minibar
• PostMates
• Rinse
• Roadie
• Saucey
• Shipt
• Uber Eats

 

Ride-share driver gigs

If you own a reliable car and appropriate insurance, ride-share driving is a great way to make extra money in your spare time. Driving jobs have an online application process that includes a background check, so be prepared to wait for approval to get started.

• Lyft
• Hitch
• Uber
• Wingz

 

Caregiving gigs

If you’re interested in caregiving, for either humans or pets, you can sign up to provide care services when you’re available.

• Bambino Sitters
• Care.com
• HouseCarers
• Kango
• Pawshake (in limited countries)
• PetBacker
• Rover
• SeekingSitters
• Sitter
• SitterCity
• SittingAround
• UrbanSitter
• Wag!

 

Building, repairing, and moving gigs

If you have a talent for repairing things, assembling furniture, or moving large boxes, you can use an app to find jobs at your convenience. Once you are approved, you’ll be able to select tasks that fit your schedule.

• Bellhop
• Billy
• Dolly
• Handy (also for domestic house workers)
• HomeAdvisor
• Houzz
• Thumbtack
• Unpakt

 

Event gigs

Trusted Herd: Trusted Herd is the largest live event gig site across the US and Canada. Represent any brand or service at any place: sporting events, concerts, festivals, conferences, grocery stores, retailers, bars, and more. Some gigs might be a few hours, one day, a couple of days, or go for weeks. 

Quick gigs that pay fast

You probably won’t get rich using these apps, but you can make money quickly. How much you’ll earn depends on the job, and you’ll be paid quickly after you complete the task.

BlueCrew: BlueCrew provides flexible W-2 employment for hourly workers in a broad range of industries, such as warehousing, logistics, e-commerce, events, delivery, and hospitality.

Gigwalk: Gigwalk posts jobs that take as little as a few minutes or as long as several hours. Gigs include checking product displays or product availability in retail stores. The app has a GPS feature to find, complete, and report on jobs. Payment is remitted via PayPal upon completion of the gig.

TaskRabbit: Taskers do small jobs like cleaning, delivery, shopping, organizing, and running errands. After the job is done, you’ll submit an invoice to get paid via direct deposit. Note: there is a $25 registration fee. 

Wonolo: Wonoloers work on immediate local, hourly, or daily jobs. Receive notifications of new jobs, then  click to accept. Payments are processed by Stripe, and typically take three to five days from when the job was approved. 

More gig apps for blue-collar work

Check out our list of the best blue-collar on-demand job apps available.

Top gig apps for professional services

Skilled freelancers can use apps to find jobs and market their professional services. If you’ve got the right skill set, you can take on side gigs or make freelancing your full-time job.

As with most app-based gigs, the work schedule is typically flexible. Some sites, like Upwork, offer general opportunities for gig workers, while others focus on specific niches.

• Angi allows clients to find professionals for any household task, from contracting to electrical engineering to remodeling.
• Appen is a service that provides crowdsourced jobs in artificial intelligence and data management. Their app includes one-off gigs as well as long-term projects.
• editorr is an on-demand service that hires online editors with an academic or professional background in English, journalism, copywriting, creative writing, or a similar field.
• Fiverr is a platform where freelancers can market their creative services in over 200 categories. Freelancers post the services they provide and set a price for the gigs, which begin at $5.
• Havenly is an app where professional interior designers can connect with clients online. Designers can be paid on commission, through incentives, and per project. 
• Jijatjo provides flexible options for hospitality workers, matching you with opportunities that work for your schedule. Jijatjo offers competitive hourly rates, and pay is almost immediate (within a few hours) after you finish a shift.
• Thumbtack, like Angie’s List, offers professionals a way to find jobs doing almost anything. Pros post their business, and customers reach out.
• Tutor.com is an internet-based tutoring service. Professors, teachers, and professionals with industry expertise provide online tutoring services.
• Upwork is a platform for a wide array of freelancers to find jobs and projects, connect with clients, and get hired quickly.
• VIPKid is an English tutoring platform for experienced teachers only. Teachers earn between $14 and $22 per hour.
• Wyzant provides one-on-one tutoring services for school and university students. There are over 12,000 subject areas and a stringent vetting process for applicants.

 

What You’ll Need to Get Started

You’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer to start your app gig journey. Most apps have both iOS and Android versions. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. 

The post Best Apps for Earning Extra Cash appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/NxS0jKk

Read More

10 Tips To Instantly Boost Your Resume

Have you been on the job hunt for a while now? And, perhaps, despite submitting application after application, you’ve still not had any luck. Do you need to get your resume noticed by hiring managers?

We know the process can begin to feel disheartening, but don’t give up just yet. By making a few simple tweaks to your resume, you can seriously increase your chances of landing your dream role. 

How To Boost Your Resume

Here are 10 tips you can use to instantly boost your resume and boost your chances of success: 

1. Cut It Down 

Your resume should never be longer than two pages, but if you can cut it down to just one page, that’s even better! 

Recruiters don’t have much time to read through each individual application, so you should aim to get your key selling points across as concisely as possible. Just cut out any unnecessary information or fluff and aim for a short, sweet, and punchy document. 

2. Ditch the Clichés 

Recruiters read hundreds of resumes and are faced with the same cliché phrases time and time again. 

 The likes of “Always gives 110%” and “Determined go-getter with an amazing work ethic” might sound impressive, but they prove absolutely nothing to recruiters.

 So, ditch these overused buzzwords and focus your resume on hard facts, achievements, and skills instead.

3. Add Facts and Figures 

Showcasing your achievements on your resume is a great way to prove your value, and the best way to do this is by adding facts and figures. Quantifying your achievements shows how you can add real impact to an employer.

 For example, rather than merely stating that you’ve got digital marketing skills, you could say, “My SEO strategy increased traffic to the company website by 34% in six months.”

Review these tips for using numbers to quantify your achievements on your resume.

4. Remove the Jargon 

While you might be clued up on all the industry-specific terminology, acronyms, and jargon, you should avoid using these too frequently in your resume. 

Remember, the recruiter or HR personnel reading your resume might not understand what these mean and, therefore, won’t understand how they add value. 

5. Utilize Bullet Points 

Bullet points can be helpful for breaking up big chunks of text and aiding the readability of your resume.

Use them to list your key skills and responsibilities in your employment history section, as well as anywhere else you feel it’s appropriate. 

 This will make it far easier for the recruiter to navigate through the document and digest the information. 

6. Simplify your Design 

You might think that choosing a quirky or bold design will help you stand out, but overdoing it can be quite distracting and take the focus away from the all-important written content.

Therefore, it’s best to simplify your design, so it’s easier for the recruiter to scan through and find all the information they need. 

7. Perfect Your Top Quarter 

The top quarter of your resume is the first thing a recruiter reads and should contain a punch professional summary and core skills list.

Be sure to spend time perfecting these sections – if recruiters don’t like what they read, they might move straight onto the next application.

Aim to make it short, snappy, and attention-grabbing. These two sections should put forward your key selling points, capabilities, and achievements and entice the reader to read further.

8. Focus on your Hard Skills 

While soft skills (teamwork, communication, flexibility, etc.) certainly have their place in the workplace, it’s more important to showcase your hard skills on your resume. 

Hard skills (coding, speaking a language, medical knowledge, project management, etc.) show the employer you’ve got the technical skills required to succeed in the role. 

For this reason, try to prioritize space for your hard skills and, where possible, back them up with qualifications, certifications, and examples to show recruiters why you’d be a good fit for the position. 

9. Tailor Every Resume 

Every resume you submit should be tailored to the specific position and company you’re applying to. To do this, research the company before you begin writing and use the job description to help inform your resume content.

Your aim should be to match the job requirements as closely as possible. Every sentence in your resume should prove your suitability, while anything that’s totally irrelevant to the role should be deleted.

10. Ask for Feedback 

Lastly, if you’re feeling disheartened and can’t understand why your resume wasn’t successful, it’s a good idea to ask for feedback. 

Most recruiters will be happy to oblige, and this can help you to improve for next time. So, get in touch with the recruiter for the last role you applied for and politely ask for some constructive feedback. 

Then, adapt your resume to suit. Continue to do this for each role you apply for, and you’ll consistently improve your chances as time goes on!

Read More: Resume Basics: Writing and Formatting Your Resume

The post 10 Tips To Instantly Boost Your Resume appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/JNr1LyQ

Read More

How To Find Out How Much a Job Pays

When you’re applying for jobs, finding out how much a job pays can be really helpful. You can use online tools to learn how much a job pays and decide whether to apply, negotiate a job offer, or look for more money. 

It can be a challenge to learn the starting pay for a job because of the factors that impact it. The hourly rate or annual salary can vary significantly between companies and industries unless you’re applying for a union or government job. 

Federal and state minimum wage rates vary, and employers may have set salary scales—or they may not. Large companies are more likely to have set pay rates than smaller employers where salaries may be flexible. 

Where you work makes a difference too. For example, ZipRecruiter lists the salary range for a computer programmer in New York City as $74,000-$110,000. In Nebraska, it’s $27,000-$68,000. For a remote position, the average is about $88,000.

When you’re researching salaries, the job location can impact what’s disclosed. Some cities and states have pay transparency laws that require employers to list a salary range when they post a job. Others don’t, but employers may choose to include a salary range in the job posting.

It can take time, but it’s worth researching salaries before you apply and when you’re in contention for a job and hoping for an offer. The more information you have, the better position you’ll be in to negotiate a job offer.

7 Ways To Learn How Much a Job Pays

Before you start researching salaries, it’s important to be aware that there are different ways a company can share salary information with applicants. Sometimes, an employer will list a salary range—for example, $60,000-$90,000 per year, depending on experience. The job offer to the successful candidate will fall somewhere within that range. Other employers may list a set wage for a job—for example, $20 per hour. When the rate is set in advance, prospective employees will most likely be unable to negotiate a higher wage.

If you can’t find an actual wage for a job, you may be able to find a range or an estimate of what you can expect to earn.

Here’s information on the different ways you can learn how much a job pays:

1. Review Pay Transparency Laws 

If you live in a location where employers are legally required to list salary, it will be easy to get a salary range for the position. However, you may need to request it. As of March 2023, eight states have enacted salary transparency laws, and 15 others are considering it. In addition, some cities have legislation requiring employers to disclose salary ranges to employees and prospective employees.

What must be disclosed depends upon the state. Some require a salary range to be listed in job postings. Some require disclosure after an interview, as part of a job offer, or you may have to request the information.

Check with the state labor department for the rules in your location.

2. Check the Job Posting

The easiest way to find out how much a job pays is to check the details in the job posting. Even if the law doesn’t require it, some companies post salary information in their job advertisements. That’s because they want to be fair and transparent when recruiting and because it can help narrow down the applicant pool to candidates comfortable with the advertised range.

Check job postings (the information may be at the bottom of the description) to see if the employer has listed a salary range for the job. 

3. Visit the Company Website 

Some employers list salary information in the “Careers” or “Jobs” section of their company website even if they don’t post it in jobs they list on job boards or elsewhere online. 

If you find a job you’re interested in online, check the company website to see if you can learn more about the job and how much it pays.

Tip: Consider applying on the company’s website while you’re there. Your application will go directly into the employer’s applicant tracking system, and you may be able to fast-track the hiring process.

4. Try Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is another way to learn about how much a job pays. I asked ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing how much a computer programmer in New York City earned, and I got detailed responses:

• Bard: The average salary for a computer programmer in New York City is $85,450 per year. This is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources. The salary range for computer programmers in New York City is typically between $48,440 and $140,500.
• Bing: According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a computer programmer in New York City is $82,126 per year. However, this number can vary depending on factors such as experience level, industry, and company. 
• ChatGPT: The salary of a computer programmer in NYC can vary depending on factors such as their experience, skills, industry, and company size. According to data from Glassdoor, the average base pay for a computer programmer in New York City is around $89,000 per year. However, this can range from around $64,000 to over $130,000 per year depending on the factors mentioned above. 

 

You can also AI ask about jobs and salaries at the employers you are interested in working for. For example, I asked about Amazon warehouse jobs in Texas. Bard, Bing, and ChatGTP reported that the average hourly wage for an Amazon warehouse worker in Texas is around $15 to $16 per hour. They all noted that average pay can vary depending on the position, location, and level of experience. Searching Amazon’s jobs website, I learned that fulfillment center warehouse jobs pay up to $16.10 an hour. 

It was quicker to ask a tool than it was to search through job listings. So, try AI tools to get a general idea of what you could earn, but remember that AI isn’t always accurate.

Note: ChatGPT added this important disclaimer, which applies to all the salary information you find online that isn’t listed directly by an employer: “It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates and that actual salaries can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.”

5. Review Salary Transparency Websites

Gergely Orosz’s Pragmatic Engineer Newsletter has information on new salary transparency websites that pull online salary information from job postings. 

• Comprehensive.io tracks and publishes salary ranges for jobs posted by tech companies.
• Levels.fyi Jobs lists the advertised salary range and then estimates the total compensation package.

 

6. Check Salary Websites

There are many websites that provide salary information for occupations, industries, locations, and other factors to get salary estimates for jobs of interest.

Here’s a selection of sites to check out:

Comparably: Search by industry (tech or other), department, job title, and zip code to generate salary information. You can also browse categories such as highest paying jobs, jobs with the highest bonuses, recent salaries by company, and more.

Indeed: Use Indeed to search for salary information by job title, skills, certifications, benefits, and keywords.

Glassdoor: Enter your current or desired job title, location, and current or desired employer to calculate what you could be making.

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Learn about salaries for hundreds of occupations, the highest-paid jobs, the fastest-growing occupations, and the occupations that are expected to have the most new jobs.

Payscale: Get a free salary report based on whether you want information for your current role or you are evaluating a job offer, your job title, skills, education, and location. 

Salary.com: In addition to providing a free personalized salary report, you can browse jobs by industry, income, and other factors. 

ZipRecruiter: Search by job title, keyword, and location to get salary estimates. You can also review related job ads.

7. Tap Your Connections

If you have connections at a company you’d love to work for, don’t be afraid to ask them about salary for positions you’re interested in. Even if they can’t disclose specifics, they may be able to give you a general idea of what a job pays.

Check your LinkedIn network, college alumni network, professional contacts, and your friends and family to see if anyone can assist.

Calculate Take-Home Pay and Overtime

Once you’ve estimated what you could be earning, it can be helpful to figure out the bottom line. If you were to earn an hourly wage of $18, for example, or an annual salary of $50,000, how much would your net pay be? How about overtime pay if you’re paid on an hourly basis?

There are free tools you can use to calculate the bottom line and how much extra you’ll earn if you get overtime:

Paycheck Calculators

Use these online paycheck calculators to estimate how much your take-home pay will be. They are free, simple, and easy to use. Enter a salary or an hourly wage, and the tool will let you know how much you’ll take home in your paycheck.

Overtime Calculators

Estimate your potential overtime (OT) earnings with these online overtime calculators. Enter the regular rate of pay and, if you know it, an estimate of the extra hours you’ll work to get your hourly OT rate and wages.

The post How To Find Out How Much a Job Pays appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/t6ip2au

Read More

How To Write an Open To Work Post on LinkedIn

An Open To Work post on LinkedIn can be an invaluable job-seeking tool—if you use it the right way.

Unfortunately, many job seekers write posts that are too vague, too emotional, or too passive to inspire their network to help them out. It’s important to provide context for your search so that your contacts know what you can do, and a strong call to action, so that they feel compelled to connect you with opportunities.

How To Post an Open To Work Update

LinkedIn makes it easy for job seekers to let their network know about their job search. To post your update, start by updating your LinkedIn profile to enable the “Open To Work” feature:

• Click the “Open to” button under your name and headline in the upper lefthand corner of your profile.
• Select “Finding a new job” from the drop-down menu.
• Add your job preferences including job titles, remote/on-site roles, job locations, start date, and full- or part-time work.
• Choose which audience sees your message. If you choose “All LinkedIn members,” your profile picture will appear with a green #OpenToWork frame, and your open-to-work status will be visible to the network. If you choose “Recruiters only,” only members of LinkedIn Recruiter will receive notification that you’re looking for work.
• Click “Add to profile.”
• On the next screen, you will have an option to write a post notifying your network.
• Click “Start a post” to write.
• On the next screen, you will see suggested text for your message, as well as related hashtags like #opentowork.
• Edit the message and hashtags and click “Post” to publish.

 

7 Tips for Writing an Open To Work LinkedIn Post

Here’s how to brainstorm, write, and promote your post for maximum effect:

Know What You Want

Think about your dream role. Make a list of your ideal job titles, duties, responsibilities, even employers. Would you work remotely, in person, or hybrid? Consider the best schedule for you—full-time, part-time, flexible. Think about what you’d like to learn and how you’d like to grow in the role. Do you hope to be promoted within an organization, learn a new skill set, or support a particular set of values?

Realistically, you may need to be flexible about some of these factors. But start by figuring out what’s most important to you in a job. Include the most essential in your post.

Be Positive

Whether you were part of a mass layoff or a one-off termination, you may very well have negative feelings about your former employer. Your feelings are legitimate but airing them on social media won’t help you land your next job.

Employers want to hire candidates who are positive, enthusiastic about their open job, and eager to start fresh. Talking about your issues with your old company won’t help create the impression that you’re ready to bring your best self to your new role.

Customize Your Message

If you’re already active on LinkedIn, you’ve probably noticed that many Open To Work posts sound similar. That’s because a lot of users stick with the suggested text:

Hi everyone – I am looking for a new role and would appreciate your support. Thank you in advance for any connections, advice, or opportunities you can offer. #OpenToWork

The problem with using the template is that it doesn’t differentiate you from any other jobseeker. A recruiter who sees that post won’t know what you can do for their organization, what you’ve accomplished in the past, or what unique qualifications you bring to their open roles. Worst of all, they will probably get the idea that you don’t care enough to make an effort—not the impression you’re hoping to make during a job search.

Tell Recruiters What You Can Do

This is the most important part of your Open to Work LinkedIn post. Employers hire candidates to solve problems and achieve goals. Your post needs to persuade them that you’re the person to do that.

Include your most important hard and soft skills, accomplishments, and qualifications. Use current job postings in your field as your guide. Are employers looking for a specific technical skill, certification, or niche expertise? List it in your post.

Also, include a link to your portfolio or website if you have one. There’s no better proof of your talents than your past projects.

Make Your Post Do the Work

If you’re not used to bragging about yourself, beware of the urge to craft a passive post that tallies your skills and achievements, but doesn’t ensure that your post is visible or invite recruiters to contact you.

Include the #opentowork hashtag, as well as industry-specific hashtags like #salesjobs, #manufacturingjobs, #userexperiencedesign, etc., to make your post appear in search. Close your post with a call to action that asks your contacts to tag, share, or message you with leads.

Match Your Profile to Your Post

Writing an Open To Work post provides you with an opportunity to reassess your LinkedIn profile. Now that you’ve recently looked at job ads in your field, you have a better idea of what employers are seeking. Make sure your profile includes keywords from those ads, especially those related to skills, qualifications, and work experience.

Pay It Forward

The best thing you can do to expand your network and boost your job search is to be a good contact. Share your connections’ Open To Work posts, offer LinkedIn recommendations and endorsements, and connect colleagues with open opportunities whenever you can. You’ll be doing a good deed while also ensuring that others will be invested in helping you with your search.

Avoid These Mistakes When Posting

Looking for work is often a stressful experience, especially if you’ve just lost your job. When emotions are running high, it’s crucial to be careful with your professional communications. Make sure to avoid pitfalls like:

Airing Your Grievances

Vent to your close friends—and keep it offline. Complaining about your former employer will make you look bad and might scare away recruiters.

Writing Too Much (or Too Little)

One of the issues with using LinkedIn’s suggested Open To Work text is that it’s a very short message. Being concise is all well and good but your post needs to be long enough to include the important information: what you’re looking for in your next job and what you have to offer an employer.

On the other hand, it’s also easy to go on too long, especially if you’re worried about landing your next role. Ideally, keep your message to two or three short paragraphs—an introduction that lets employers know that you’re looking for work, a brief summary of your skills and qualifications, and a call to action that invites contact and assistance.

Being Desperate or Aggressive

Again, it’s easy to let your feelings influence your communications. But it’s important to remember that an Open To Work post is a sales pitch. Even if you’re desperate for work, it’s a bad idea to come right out and say that in your post. Your goal is to persuade with your abilities, not to appeal to hiring managers’ emotions. (Plus, you don’t want to negotiate your next salary from a position of desperation.)

Sample ‘Open To Work’ LinkedIn Announcement

Use this Open To Work LinkedIn post to let your contacts know that you’re looking for your next opportunity.

Hi, LinkedIn friends! I’m looking for my next customer service management role and I’m hoping you can help.

I have seven years of experience as a customer service manager for businesses ranging from small local organizations to global enterprises. I pride myself on hiring, training, and supporting the best CSRs in the business—and I have the KPIs to back it up! My teams at XYZ Company had the highest first call resolution and lowest average handle time scores in the organization. I thrive in fast-paced environments and offer empathy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to connect with others.

I’m excited to put my customer service experience, cost reduction skills, and love of building teams to work for a new employer. I’m open to remote jobs and on-site and hybrid roles in the Los Angeles area.

Feel free to tag, share, or otherwise boost my post or to reach out to me directly with questions or opportunities. Thank you for your help!

#opentowork #customerservicemanagement #customerservicejobs

The post How To Write an Open To Work Post on LinkedIn appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/ZPJMmhW

Read More

How To Ace a Video Job Interview

Are you prepared to ace a video job interview? These days, more and more employers are vetting hires through virtual interviews instead of face-to-face meetings. Virtual job interviews take place through video platforms like Zoom or GoToMeeting. 

In some ways, video interviews are easier than in-person meetings; you don’t have to commute, you don’t have to sit in a tense waiting room or worry about showing up on time. However, it’s important to pay attention to the tricky nuances of a virtual interview in order to ensure a smooth conversation that displays your best self.

8 Tips for Acing a Video Job Interview

Career Tool Belt spoke with FlexJobs’ career development manager Brie Weiler Reynolds about acing your next virtual job interview. Here are Reynolds’ top tips.

1. Test every interview beforehand.

Given the high likelihood of technical issues during a video interview, Reynolds suggested downloading the platform in question and testing every interview in advance. Recruit an honest friend to act as the employer on the other end. Then:

• Test your microphone to make sure it’s working and not too echo-y. 
• Make sure your camera is working and that the angle is flattering. 
• Make sure your Internet connection is very strong.
• Make sure that your space is quiet enough. 
• Test your headset (headsets are helpful for video calls, according to Reynolds).
• Make sure your background looks professional and uncluttered in the shot.
• Make sure your gaze is locked on a solid spot and that you aren’t awkwardly looking around.
• Make sure that you’re not moving too much or too little in frame.

“Test it out not just one time, but every time you have an interview lined up,” said Reynolds. “Things can change in between. The room might get rearranged or the angle of the camera is not going to be the same as your last perfect setup.”

Tip: Here’s how to set up a Zoom test call to practice for your interview and to make sure all your audio, video, and internet connection are working properly.

2. Get backup contacts in advance.

Even if you fully prepare your Internet and audio connection, something might go wrong. For example, the potential employer’s connection could be weak and so you both experience an unworkable delay. Before the interview, make sure that you have a backup contact – for example, the employer’s cell phone number or their assistant’s direct line. That way, a poor connection doesn’t effectively end the interview.

“Don’t show frustration,” said Reynolds. “Always say, ‘that’s alright, don’t worry about it.’ Prepare beforehand in case there are any technical issues. Make it easy for them.”  

3. Get dressed.

It’s common to slack off when it comes to dressing up for a remote interview. However, Reynolds advised interviewees to dress in a way that’s appropriate for the employer’s work culture. 

“If it’s a position where you’re going to be in the office eventually, you should wear what you would wear to the office,” Reynolds said. “If it’s a culture that’s more casual, wear your nicest sweater.”  

Yes, you should cover your legs too, according to Reynolds, even if your employer may not see them.

“You never know if someone is going to burst into your office, and then you have to stand up in front of the camera,” said Reynolds. “Wear business pants or an appropriate business covering.” 

On the other hand, you don’t want to get too dressed up, since some garments don’t translate well to video.

“You don’t want loud colors and patterns or jewelry,” said Reynolds. “Light will bounce off those things and it’ll make noise when you move. I support plain clothing for virtual interviews, and avoid statement pieces.”

4. Harness your nervous energy.

Many people are nervous during interviews. Sometimes that nervous energy can be helpful. However, some people need to curb their nervous energy in order to conduct an effective interview.

For example, perhaps you’re the type of person who gesticulates a lot when they’re nervous, which might look too busy on a video conference. Or, perhaps you talk a lot when you’re nervous (see number 6), which might be okay in real life, but not over video chat. Reynolds suggested practicing to find your nervous energy sweet spot.

“I would practice ahead of time, said Reynolds. “I hear some people stand up during virtual interviews because it helps them get that nervous energy out and ups their positive energy so they feel a little more engaged versus when they are sitting.” 

5. Shut everything else off.

To get into the right headspace, Reynolds suggested shutting off anything that makes noise, including your phone, your kitchen timer or anything that will distract you. 

“Shut off everything that will beep. It will give you focus and make sure there’s nothing else in your way,” said Reynolds. “Set an alarm to do this, and be in the conference five minutes early to get in the zone.”

6. Get into a flow of speaking, then listening/muting.

One of the most difficult parts of virtual interviews is finding a conversational flow. In real life, we can talk over one another in moderation, according to Reynolds. However, on virtual calls, talking over someone can confuse and halt the conversation completely. 

Reynolds suggested speaking your points, giving them a definitive period and not rambling beyond that. Then, listen to the employer without speaking over them. In fact, mute yourself whenever the employer or employers are speaking.

“The audio can’t go both ways at the same time. It’s about knowing when to stop talking and letting that natural pause happen,” said Reynolds. 

On the other hand, if your interviewers are talking a lot, you must practice the art of speaking up.

“Give yourself a chance to break in –  not too much, don’t interrupt. If it’s a situation where you have something to say and it makes good sense, you might want to interject a little bit,” said Reynolds. “It can be hard when the other person you’re talking to doesn’t know how to stop.”

7. Have your resume, work samples, references and your screen ready to share.

Many video conference platforms, like Zoom, offer screen-sharing capabilities. It doesn’t hurt to have your resume, work samples, references and other materials ready to share with your potential employer through your screen. Reynolds suggested having these items easily accessible on your desktop so you can call them up at any time, just in case. 

However, remember that your entire screen is visible to the potential employer. It’s safest to just close out of everything that doesn’t pertain to the interview. 

“Get rid of everything you shouldn’t have on your screen, said Reynolds.

8. Smile.

Virtual interviews can feel awkward, making it harder to smile, according to Reynolds. She encouraged interviewees to do it anyway.

“There’s something about being physical with another person that makes it more natural to smile,” said Reynolds. “Many of us tend to get very serious-faced during virtual interviews, which can be read as bored, frustrated or angry.”

Reynolds suggested reminding yourself to smile. Put up a post-it that says “smile,” or tape a picture of something behind your camera – like a family member or a dog. “You want something that makes you happy staring back at you,” said Reynolds.

Do you need more help? There are free online interview practice tools you can use to get ready to ace a job interview, including sites where you can practice yourself or schedule a mock interviewer with a peer or a professional.

The post How To Ace a Video Job Interview appeared first on Career Tool Belt.

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/a3h4Ubl

Read More

Top 10 Tips for Interviewing Your Interviewer

Top 10 Tips for Interviewing Your Interviewer

If you're preparing for a job interview, it's important to remember that it's a two-way street. While the hiring manager is trying to determine whether or not you're a good fit for the company, it's also your chance to ask questions and assess if the company and the role is a good fit for you. To make the most of this opportunity, here are the top 10 tips for interviewing your interviewer.

Table of Contents

Understand the Company's Culture

Research the Interviewer

Come Prepared with Questions

Show Interest in the Company

Be Confident, Not Arrogant

Practice Active Listening

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Skills and Experience

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification

Follow Up After the Interview

Be Authentic

Understand the Company's Culture

Before your interview, research the company's culture to get a sense of the company's values, mission, and goals. Understanding the company's culture can help you tailor your responses and questions to align with the company's vision.

Research the Interviewer

Look up the interviewer on LinkedIn to gain insight into their professional background, work history, and interests. You may find common ground that can help build rapport during the interview.

Come Prepared with Questions

Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview. This not only demonstrates your interest in the company but also shows that you've done your research. Ask open-ended questions that encourage discussion and give you a better understanding of the company and the role.

Show Interest in the Company

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Show the interviewer that you're genuinely interested in the company's mission and goals. This can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you're a good fit for the company culture.

Be Confident, Not Arrogant

Confidence is important in an interview, but there's a fine line between being confident and coming across as arrogant. Remember to stay humble and avoid criticizing past employers or colleagues.

Practice Active Listening

During the interview, practice active listening. This means giving the interviewer your full attention, responding appropriately, and asking follow-up questions. Active listening can help you better understand the interviewer's perspective and build rapport.

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Skills and Experience

Be prepared to discuss your skills and experience in detail. This includes specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification

If you're unsure about a question or a response, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. This shows that you're engaged and willing to learn, and can help prevent misunderstandings.

Follow Up After the Interview

After the interview, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer. This shows appreciation for their time and can help keep you top of mind. If you don't hear back within a week, consider following up with a polite email to inquire about the status of your application.

Be Authentic

Finally, remember to be yourself. Trying to be someone you're not can come across as insincere and may not be a good fit for the company's culture. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and show your personality.

Conclusion

By following these top 10 tips for interviewing your interviewer, you can make the most of this opportunity to assess whether or not the company and the role are a good fit for you. Remember to do your research, come prepared with questions, and be authentic.

FAQs

Q1. Should I bring a list of questions to the interview?

A: Yes, it's a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions to ask during the interview. This demonstrates your interest in the company and the role, and can also help you get a better understanding of the company's culture and expectations.

Q2. Is it okay to ask about salary during the interview?

A: It's generally best to avoid asking about salary during the initial interview, unless the interviewer brings it up first. You can wait until the later stages of the interview process or until you receive an offer to negotiate salary.

Q3. How can I show my enthusiasm for the company during the interview?

A: You can show your enthusiasm for the company by researching the company's mission, values, and goals before the interview, and by asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company's culture and future plans.

Q4. What is the STAR method?

A: The STAR method is a structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and involves providing specific examples of how you've demonstrated certain skills or qualities in past roles.

Q5. What should I do if I don't hear back from the company after the interview?

A: If you haven't heard back from the company within a week, it's okay to follow up with a polite email to inquire about the status of your application. However, be mindful of the company's hiring process and wait at least a week before following up.

Read More