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Summary Sunday: Issue 547

Published

Summary Sunday is a collection of curated posts by well-respected experts. Most of these articles I’ve either found on social or through newsletters. I’ve highlighted my weekly favorites for you.

Summary Sunday: Issue 547

It can feel like there are different views and opinions when it comes to job search advice but if you are doing the right thing for the right reason, then you’ll end up on the winning side.

In this week’s summary, you’ll find:

  • LinkedIn tips for job seekers
  • What recruiters see on LinkedIn
  • Revitalize your LinkedIn About section
  • Announce your job search on LinkedIn
  • Prepare for your job interview
  • Questions to avoid asking during the interview
  • Career Briefs newsletter

If you don’t already follow these folks (or get their newsletters) I highly recommend you do. (Warning: If you are in an undercover or confidential job search, be very cautious about who you follow and engage with on LinkedIn so you don’t tip off your current employer.)

LINKEDIN

How to Use LinkedIn Effectively During Your Job Search (From the pros)

I delivered a presentation this week to job seekers and highlighted the points from this collaborative article. I asked some of my favorite job seeker advocates for their top tips (and resources) for upleveling the LinkedIn experience. It includes tips on secret LinkedIn tools, work-arounds for sending connection invitations, training your homefeed and more. (And don’t forget to follow these experts on LinkedIn)

Did you know recruiters use a completely different LinkedIn website than the one you use? | Random Recruiter

This series of X posts show you some of the many ways recruiters search for candidates using LinkedIn Recruiter software. (It’s different from what normal users see plus it’s super expensive, so not ALL recruiters can afford it.) Read to the end and you’ll find a summary of take-aways on how to improve your LinkedIn profile.

Change Your LinkedIn About Section From Boring To Brilliant | My Career GPS

Shelley Piedmont shows you a “typical” About section, then shows you one that is more interesting to skim and read! If you need some inspiration to revitalize your about section (and take advantage of the 2,600 characters allowed), check out her article!

How To Write an Open To Work Post on LinkedIn | Alison Doyle

If you haven’t announced that you are looking for a new job on LinkedIn (or even if you have), read this article by Alison Doyle! It covers what to include (and what not to include) plus HOW to post it on LinkedIn. Most job seekers don’t do this, but it’s one of the best ways to highlight you and your qualifications!

JOB INTERVIEWS

How to Prepare for an Interview

There’s a lot you need to do to get ready for a job interview. Review this list and download your checklist today. (I have updated the checklist for 2024).

4 Questions Not to Ask in a Job Interview | HBR Ascend

Asking questions throughout the interview is a winning strategy. It helps you learn about the job and organization, plus shows your interest. However, there are some questions you should probably avoid asking (or at least ask in a different way). See if you are asking the wrong questions.

RECOMMENDED JOB SEEKER NEWSLETTER

Career Briefs: Finding Job Search Success | Briefcase Coach

I’ve been a fan of Sarah Johnston and her Career Briefs newsletter for a while now. This past week, her excellent newsletter got even better. It’s value-packed with current, helpful job search and career advice! If you haven’t subscribed yet, you are going to want to!

DID YOU MISS THESE

How To Answer 'œWhy Did You Choose This Job?' Effectively

3 Options To Update Your LinkedIn Job Title and Employer When Unemployed

33 Questions To Ask Before Accepting A Job Offer In 2024

The post Summary Sunday: Issue 547 appeared first on Career Sherpa.

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How To Keep Your Job During A Recession
Published

How To Keep Your Job During A Recession

I struggle to write about this subject because it might suggest that there are special strategies to keep your job during a recession. There is no guarantee anyone will keep their job during a recession. But there are some things you can do to increase your chances, some things that are in your control.

I personally believe an excellent work ethic helps you keep your job during an economic downturn. This very strategy will also help you move up the corporate ladder in good times.

Regardless of the economic climate, one should always practice a good work ethic. There are other things you need to do too, though.

Here’s how to keep your job during a recession…

1. Be Nice

Woman is kind to her coworker during a recession

It feels funny to even remind people of this common courtesy. But in a recession where jobs are threatened, we all can guess who will be put on the chopping list between two employees of equal caliber.

If you have been nasty to co-workers, perhaps it is time to reflect and start changing. Smile more often, compliment your colleagues, and offer words of encouragement, kindness, and wisdom.

2. Be A Competitive Advantage

Man adds value to his team during a recession

Ideally, you are already a competitive advantage to your team. It’s never too late to start if you have never thought about this. What is it that you can uniquely offer to your team that others cannot? Do you have a specific skill set? Are you knowledgeable in a certain area of business? How do you show your value at work?

If you are a competitive advantage to your team, you have a better chance of keeping your job during a recession.

3. Work Hard

Two co-workers work hard during a recession

Working hard implies a few things. It says you are willing to sacrifice. It says you enjoy your job. It also says you add more value to the company because you are churning out more than an average employee.

During a recession when everyone is expected to work with limited resources, the one who can work harder will likely triumph.

4. Do More & Talk Less

Woman hopes she will keep her job during the recession

If your mom has told you to “do more and talk less,” heed that advice now. If you are someone who complains, blames, and gossips, you had better stop now. No one will tolerate a terrible co-worker, a complainer, or someone who casts blame or spends too much time gossiping in good times, much less during a recession. How will all these help in keeping and maintaining your job?

Take personal responsibility for your own actions and stop blaming others. If it can be fixed, stop complaining. If it cannot be fixed, no amount of complaining will fix it. Offer a solution instead. Be a valuable, helpful employee—not a negative, counterproductive one.

5. Increase Revenue And/Or Cut Costs

This will be a constant theme among companies and you should make that your mantra, too. You are a business-of-one. How you justify your employment, especially during a recession, is by your ability to either make or save your employer money.

Think about how you can positively contribute to the company’s bottom line, and start working towards that goal now. This, if nothing else, will help you keep your job.

During a recession, be thankful and happy that you have a job. But, also don’t take it for granted. Be nice to your co-workers, work hard, and genuinely contribute to the company’s vision and bottom line, always thinking about how you can save or make your employer money. If you do these things, you’ll increase your chances of keeping your job during a recession.

Need more help keeping your job during a recession?

We’d love it if you signed up for Work It Daily’s Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

4 Steps To Writing A Disruptive Cover Letter
Published

4 Steps To Writing A Disruptive Cover Letter

In my experience as an executive resume writer, cover letters only get read about a third of the time they are sent. That being said, when one is required, or you are hoping for that added edge to get a hiring manager’s attention, there is no doubt a great cover letter can make all the difference.

To accomplish this, your cover letter must be disruptive and draw them in.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re writing a disruptive cover letter.

Paragraph 1: Tell A Story

Woman writes a disruptive cover letter for a job opening

In the first paragraph of your disruptive cover letter, you need to establish a connection between you and the employer. How do you do that? Well, you need to tell a story.

The surest way to stand out to employers is to tell a story about why you feel connected to their company.

Don’t just reiterate what you say in your resume in the very first paragraph of your cover letter. Explain what you admire about the company you’re applying to. Do they sell a product or provide a service that’s had a big impact on your life? Do they support causes you are passionate about? Why do you feel connected to their mission?

Ultimately, you want to tell a story about what drew you to the company, and the important role it has played in your life.

Paragraph 2: Dig Deeper And Get Them Excited About What Comes Next

Man writes a disruptive cover letter to impress hiring managers

The second paragraph must provide the hiring manager with some added context about your unique background, and set the stage for some career highlights that, to quote an old saying, “puts your money where your mouth is.”

Blend language from the job description together with nuggets of information that are unique to you. Set the stage for how you are qualified for the role you are applying to. But, don’t overdo it.

Continue your story and relate it to the position, all while emphasizing that connection.

Paragraph 3: Hard Hitting Highlights

Job seeker writes a disruptive cover letter

Select a couple of examples from your resume that you believe will impress recruiters and hiring managers. Rather than a complete cut and paste, reword these achievements and frame them in a way that shows the employers what you can do for them.

In many cases, numbers resonate more than words, so be sure to include quantifiable examples wherever possible.

Paragraph 4: Say Goodbye While Refreshing Their Memory

In this fourth and last paragraph, be sure to thank the hiring manager for taking the time to read your disruptive cover letter (remember that not all managers do!).

Next, use this last bit of space to help the reader connect the dots to show them why you are a great job candidate, a business-of-one who can provide a service they need with a personal connection to the company that is invaluable.

Remember: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make yours count with an impactful and disruptive cover letter that separates you from the competition!

Need more help with your job search?

We’d love it if you signed up for Work It Daily’s Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Answering “What Do You Like To Do For Fun?” The Right Way
Published

Answering “What Do You Like To Do For Fun?” The Right Way

“What do you like to do for fun?” is a simple interview question that many job-seekers overlook. But they don’t realize that their answer carries a lot of weight! This resource will cover why interviewers want to know what you do for fun, and teach you how to come up with a great answer. Why […]

The post Answering “What Do You Like To Do For Fun?” The Right Way appeared first on Career Sherpa.