6 Tips For Saving Money During A Career Transition

6 Tips For Saving Money During A Career Transition

Whether it’s dealing with a job loss, struggling with a low-paying job, making a career change, or other unanticipated life events, we sometimes find ourselves in a career transition, and we need to pinch pennies to get by.

There are challenges to living a frugal lifestyle but, with proper planning, it can be done with little to no disruption. Here are some simple and practical ways to save money:

Cut Down On Dining Out

Friends eat out at a restaurant together

Dining out on a consistent basis can drain your bank account quickly. Food and drink add up when you go out (and then you also have to factor in the tip). The same goes for takeout food.

Dining out is a nice treat and a good thing to do once in a while but is not sustainable on a regular basis when you’re trying to stick to a budget.

The best way to save money is to put a strict limit on the number of times you dine out a month and rely on grocery shopping and prepping meals at home. There are many occasions where it’s possible to get multiple meals out of something that is prepared at home, which gives you more value for your buck. You should also try prepping your work meals in advance.

Sure, grocery shopping is a large expense. But, if done with proper planning, you’ll get more out of it than you would by going out all the time.

Make Your Own Coffee

Man makes himself a cup of coffee at home

Shouldn’t coffee go on the first list with groceries? Sure, it certainly could. But let’s be honest, at the rate Americans consume coffee, it’s worthy of having its own category.

Think about it…

Let’s say you buy your coffee out every day and it costs on average $3. That’s $15 a week, $60 a month, and $720 a year. That adds up! Imagine what you could do if you had that money back…or even just half of it.

Like dining out, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a coffee out from time to time. But doing so on a daily basis is just another way to waste money.

Make your coffee at home. It’s the same caffeine buzz without the wasteful spending.

Become A Creative Bargain Shopper

Shopping concept

Did you ever make fun of your parents for glancing at the sales flyers or clipping coupons? It may have seemed silly at the time, but there was a method to their madness: you never want to pass up an opportunity to save money.

Not all sales are equal. Some promotions will advertise a sale to entice you to try their product, but when you really look at it, they’re not really offering that much in terms of savings, if at all. It’s important to really look at each promotion to see if there are legitimate savings and if the product really offers value to you.

It also pays to be creative. Need some new winter clothes? Try buying them at the end of winter or the beginning of spring as stores attempt to clear inventory. The same goes for summer clothing. Crashing a “Back to School” sale is also a good way to load up on basic office supplies and some clothing items, especially shoes.

It can actually be kind of fun to find new and innovative ways to bargain shop. Each savings opportunity feels like a personal win.

Review All Extra Costs 

A young couple reviews all of their expenses

A gym membership is good to have, but if you’re only going once or twice a month, you need to either step up your workout regimen or cancel your gym membership. Same with that music streaming service you no longer use.

Cable is another large cost that adds up. Many people will often lock into elaborate packages based on a promotional offer but don’t account for the increase they’ll face when the promotion expires. Many also come to the realization that they never needed that many channels in the first place.

It’s important to take inventory of all your bills at least once a year to see if you’re still using the services that you are paying for. There are a lot of savings that can be achieved when you take a look at these “extra” things.

Understand That Not Every Activity Includes Spending Money

Two friends go for a hike

Yes, you do deserve to treat yourself once in a while to a night out, and yes, it will cost money. That’s fine if you plan properly.

However, it’s also important to keep in mind that it’s possible to have fun without spending money.

You could meet up with a friend to take a nature hike or play a sport. A trip to the beach or lake can be very affordable if you bring your own food, drink, and supplies. Many communities also offer free or low-cost entertainment options, such as concerts or movies in the park.

Cheap alternatives are always available if you’re willing to do some research and plan ahead.

Find Ways To Make Extra Money

Saving money is great, but making money is even better.

Consider the ways you can bring in additional income. Evaluate all the skills that you have and determine if you can turn any of them into freelance gigs. Perhaps you dabble in graphic design and can use your skills to help another business. Maybe you’re a writer looking to gain experience in journalism or content writing.

You could even have something that you’re passionate about that you would do even if you weren’t getting paid for it, sometimes known as a “side hustle.” Some people will even try their luck selling old and unwanted items online.

Whatever you decide to do, it’s always beneficial to keep your eyes open for additional money-making opportunities. You never know when opportunity may knock.

While all of the above tips can help you during a career transition, the reality is these tips are good common sense that can be applied no matter where you’re at in your life. We should always be looking to get the most bang for our buck, not throw money away.

Following these tips along with proper financial tracking and budgeting can really have a positive impact on your wallet.

Need more help during your career transition?

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.

Unemployment: 3 Critical Job Search Tips

Unemployment: 3 Critical Job Search Tips

When you are unemployed and looking for work, a job search can feel even more pressuring. The lack of income and feelings of insecurity make it hard to stay positive and focused on the goal of getting hired. However, it doesn’t have to be that way!

You’re not unemployed. You’re “between jobs” and looking for your next career opportunity.

Following these three critical job search tips will help you seize this new opportunity…

Avoid Negative People At All Costs

Negative/unhappy woman gives someone the thumbs-down

Support groups seem great in theory, but are often ineffective in practice. Be selective of which events you attend and be mindful of the company you keep. If you aren’t leaving the events feeling happy and energized, then you shouldn’t go anymore.

When looking for work, mindset is everything. It can be hard to stay positive. There’s no need to make it harder on yourself by spending time with people who make you feel worse.

The same applies to friends and family who put you down or make you feel bad about your employment situation. Stay clear of anyone who can’t help you remain positive!

Get Extremely Clear On How You Are The “Aspirin” To An Employer’s “Pain”

Getting hired is all about showing an employer how you can save and/or make them enough money to justify hiring you. You must be very compelling. You do that by proving to them that you will alleviate some major pain.

Focus on the problems companies in your industry are experiencing and initiate dialogue with as many professionals in your field as you can to discuss this problem and how you solve it.

You must brand yourself as a specialist who can add value—aka be the aspirin to an employer’s pain. Otherwise, you’ll find your job search stalling from a lack of focus on your part and a lack of interest on the employers’ part.

Always Be Proactive

Man looks for a job on his laptop while drinking coffee

Applying to endless jobs online is the most ineffective job search tactic an unemployed person can use. You will often be screened out automatically for not currently working. Is it fair? No. But it’s reality.

The solution is to actively network, either online via LinkedIn or at in-person or virtual networking events. If you have a bucket list of companies that you want to work for, you can start by trying to make connections with individuals at those companies. That way, you can get on the radar of the important players at those companies and have meaningful conversations with them. That allows you to potentially circumvent the online application process and get referred for jobs directly.

This is the single best way an unemployed person can remove the stigma that comes with their employment status. If you get referred by someone, the fact that you aren’t working becomes less important. So, get out there and connect.

Remember, the job search is changing, and those who are the most proactive tend to get the best results.

Being out of work is challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find work. It does mean you need to ramp up your efforts and pay close attention to how you are conducting your job search. Follow the tips above and they should help improve your chances of getting interviews.

Need more help with your job search?

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.

New Year, New Career, New You

New Year, New Career, New You

How can any of us resist the urge to reinvent ourselves with the turning of the calendar? Jump on the bandwagon—there’s plenty of room here among the hopeful, the determined, and the motivated.

Do Some Inner Exploration

Man reflects on his career in the new year

First, consider this a fresh start for you. What are you seeking as you dream about your next career opportunity? Some enticing ideas that often appear in my initial conversations with clients include:

  • Autonomy: The freedom to embark on creative projects, to dictate your own time, to put your attention where you’re drawn.
  • Meaning: At the end of the day, knowing that where you’re spending your time matches your values at a basic level.
  • Connection: Working alongside people who get you, who respect you, who say “thanks” every now and then.
  • Engagement: Dialing into what you’re doing, using your brain, your intuition, and your other talents.
All of these possibilities are compelling, but before you press down on the gas pedal and drive out of where you are right now, ask yourself whether it’s your environment that’s creating the lack of these qualities, the boundaries (or lack thereof) that you put in place, or possibly the underlying ideas you have about yourself and your own worth and power.
Usually, it’s a combination of all of these factors, and if you can pull apart the company, your boss, your co-workers, and other dimensions of your environment which you’re unconsciously creating by playing out old scripts, then you’re ready to move to the next phase of the process.

Articulate The Most Important Qualities You Want

Woman writes down her career goals for the new year

Make a list of what you want in your new career. Imagine that you’re single and you’re searching for a new romantic partner. Sit down and write a list of 10-15 qualities you’re seeking.

Next, get very specific about three more categories:

Reach Out And Build Your Sphere Of Connections

Man reaches out to and reconnects with his professional network in the new year

Strategically expand your circle to be in purposeful conversation with people who can offer intel on the companies and positions on your list.

For those of you who cringe at the idea of asking for help (particularly when it seems like you’re almost using people), if you’ve been networking the right way all along, it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Networking, maintaining, and building your professional connections is about providing value. When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you shouldn’t ask for their help right away. Establish a relationship first. Once you do that, they’ll be more than willing to help you in your career because they know you’d do the same for them.

Whatever you want out of life and your career, you can accomplish. A year from now, you really can be in a completely different spot, one that resonates more deeply for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start making changes today!

Need more help with your career?

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.

How A Recession Could Impact Your Career

How A Recession Could Impact Your Career

Whispers about a possible recession have been in the air for a few years, but those whispers grew a lot louder recently with many economists highlighting various economic indicators pointing toward a possible recession in the immediate future.

Recessions can impact everyone differently, but history indicates that there will be mass layoffs, fewer jobs, more competition for jobs, and less job security.

Here’s what you need to know about a potential recession’s impact on your career:

Common Situations People Find Themselves In During A Recession

Man stressed about work during a recession

As stated above, a recession impacts everyone differently. Any issue with the economy will impact consumers’ wallets in one way or another but things can become particularly painful when it impacts your livelihood.

From a professional standpoint, the most common situations people find themselves in during a recession include:

Feeling trapped in a job they hate – Perhaps you were looking to leave your current job and make a career change, but the recession put the brakes on that. A person trapped in a job they hate can be less productive and many times the unhappiness from their professional life bleeds into their personal life.

Getting laid off from a job – This is the most painful consequence of a recession. It has a significant impact on a person emotionally. It also forces them to pick themselves up and enter into a competitive job market. And the awkward and uncomfortable fact is that if you are laid off, you’re better off being involved in a company’s first round of layoffs. Those let go in a second round of layoffs must enter into an even more competitive job market where their former co-workers already have a head start on them.

Being forced to accept a job they don’t want – People have bills to pay and it’s not uncommon for some to become so frustrated with the job search process that they eventually settle for any job offer they get. This is especially painful for anyone that may have been laid off from a career they loved. Going from a career you love to one you don’t could make you a less productive worker and could also have major emotional impacts.

Struggling to land a job at all – This is the worst-case scenario. Not only is the job market ultra competitive, but those who have lost a job are interviewing for new ones with an urgency that sometimes comes across as desperation. The more times a person gets rejected from a job, the more desperate they become and the more it impacts them during job interviews. The unfortunate truth is that those who are laid off during a recession are at a disadvantage because recruiters are more likely to hire people that are already employed.

How To Know If A Recession May Impact Your Career

Woman on laptop concerned a recession may impact her career

There will be some common sense signs such as the state of your industry and the overall health of the company you work for, but beyond that, there are typically six strong indicators that your job is at risk during a recession.

The biggest indicator starts with doing an honest self-assessment about yourself because if you don’t have a long-term career goal in place, you are vulnerable to losing your job during a recession.

If you’re currently just getting by at your job but can’t define what you do particularly well or the value you provide the company, that’s a major red flag.

A solid long-term career goal involves a 2-5 year plan that highlights the skills and expertise that you provide to a company and what the company’s return on investment would be if they hire you. This is all about creating and maintaining your personal brand. Your career goal should also include a plan for how you want to continue to grow professionally.

While having this plan in place doesn’t make you recession-proof, it will put you in a better position if the worst-case scenario does occur!

How To Prepare Your Career For A Recession

Nothing in this world is foolproof but there are certain steps that you can take now at your current job that will make you less vulnerable during a recession.

It all starts with being an engaged employee who strives to always exceed expectations at work.

You should be the type of employee who has career goals in place. You know what value you provide the company and how you’re going to provide it.

You should also be the type of employee who reaches out to management from time to time to see what you can do to increase your value to the company. An engaged employee is a valuable employee!

It’s not a matter of if a recession is coming; it’s when. Make sure you’re prepared!

Need more help preparing your career for 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.


5 Career Questions To Ask Yourself This New Year

5 Career Questions To Ask Yourself This New Year

The new year is here! For many of us, January is the perfect time to reflect on our lives and set new goals, hoping to become better versions of ourselves. Most people make personal resolutions, like getting in shape, quitting smoking/drinking, or learning a new language. But, what about career resolutions?

A career resolution is exactly what it sounds like: a resolution for your career intended to help you grow into a better professional. At Work It Daily, we believe that you need to work on your career every day (yes, you do, in fact, need to “work it daily”). So, everyone should make a career resolution or two along with those other ambitious resolutions. They can be little things like learning a new skill or growing your professional network, or bigger goals like landing a promotion or getting a new job.

But how do you know what kind of career resolutions to make?

You can begin by asking yourself, “Am I where I want to be in my career?” If your answer is “no,” you need to take a closer look at your career goals.

Here are five more career questions you should be asking yourself this new year to figure out how to grow your career and become the professional you know you can be:

1. Am I Proud Of My Job Title?

Man reflecting on his career and considering a change

You could be a janitor or a neurosurgeon, it doesn’t matter. If you aren’t proud of what you do for a living, there’s something missing: passion.

Career burnout is real, but sometimes it’s deeper than that. Our passion at 25 won’t necessarily be our passion at 40. And that’s okay.

When we are passionate about what we do, we are proud, because we are doing what we think is important, what we love doing. We are adding value to and making a difference in this crazy world—in a small, but significant way.

Every job is important. No matter what your job title is, if you aren’t proud of it, you should absolutely change that. Identify that one problem you want to find a solution to, and go after it. What are you waiting for?

Remember: The only bad job is the one you aren’t passionate about.

2. Do I Feel Secure In My Career?

Young woman thinking about her career and wondering if her job is secure

This is a bit different from job security. Actually, job security doesn’t exist. Every job is temporary. Think you can stay in the same job for decades and then retire? Think again.

So, what does it mean to feel secure in our careers?

Well, when we believe as professionals we can add value wherever we are.

You are a business-of-one. A company won’t want to invest in you if they don’t know the kinds of services you provide, the kind of value you could add to the organization, and the problem you could solve for them. Here are some examples of questions that will help you determine if you’re secure in your career:

  • Are you adding value at your current job?
  • Are you honing your skills, expanding your network, and building your personal brand?
  • Do you feel confident that if you lost your job, you’d be able to find a comparable one in the same field?
  • Do you feel confident you’d be able to demonstrate to potential employers how you add value?

Since every job is temporary, it’s extremely important to constantly work on our careers and ask ourselves these questions frequently so we always feel secure in our businesses-of-one.

3. Will I Be Able To Achieve Wealth?

Young man thinking about how to build wealth in his career

When most people think of “wealth,” they think of dollar signs and anything that you can attach a monetary value to. Our jobs help us build wealth. We’re not going to tell you that money isn’t important. Of course it is! It allows you to live the life you want to live. In many ways, money equals freedom.

But the truth is, there are other forms of wealth that are more important that you can’t attach any monetary value to.

Real wealth comes in the form of family, friends, hobbies, experiences, knowledge, and community. If you don’t have these things, money will never fill that void.

So, is your career allowing you to build this type of wealth? The intangible kind? Or are your relationships suffering because of your job? Is your work-life balance nonexistent? Do you have any time to pursue hobbies, learn, or volunteer?

Your career should never inhibit you from achieving real wealth. The best job isn’t the one that pays the most. It’s the one that pays the bills and gives you enough time to live, too.

4. Do I Have Any Regrets?

Professional woman on laptop thinking about the regrets she has in her career

Just asking ourselves this question can be difficult, because maybe we don’t want to know the answer. Acknowledging that you regret something in your life is the first step to making a change. Guess what? There’s still time to chase your dreams!

If you do have regrets, that doesn’t mean you haven’t been a successful professional. That also doesn’t mean you haven’t had a good career. You could be the most successful person, but if you never got up the courage to start that business, make that career change, or go back to school, you’ll most likely think, “What if?” for the rest of your life.

You’ll never know if you don’t try. Don’t be afraid of failure. Life is just one big experiment, and experiments never fail.

And even if you do “fail,” that’s an incredibly more valuable experience than waiting out the clock on a mediocre career. So, don’t give up on your dreams just yet.

5. Can I Reach My Full Potential In This Role? In This Career?

Confused man wondering if he can reach his full potential in his current career

When we feel like we have more to contribute to society, that’s a sign we haven’t yet reached our full potential. Do you feel like you’re wasting your potential at your current job? Do you think you’d reach your full potential in another career?

Really think about what you want your professional legacy to be. It’s a lot harder to get up in the morning when you don’t find fulfillment in your work. When it comes time for you to retire, are you going to look back on your career and feel like you could have accomplished much, much more with those 50 years?

Everyone has unique gifts, skills, and expertise. When we focus on developing ourselves as individuals, as businesses-of-one, it’s a lot easier to share those things with the world. Give yourself a chance to reach your full potential. You may be surprised by what you can accomplish.

Before you get back into the same routine at work this year, we hope you take a few minutes to ask yourself these career questions. Listen carefully to how you answer them. You may need to make a career resolution or two.

Need more help with your career?

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.

3 Things Your LinkedIn Profile MUST Have In 2023

3 Things Your LinkedIn Profile MUST Have In 2023

As a professional, your LinkedIn profile is an essential career tool. No matter if you’re looking for a job or just trying to build your personal brand, it’s important to completely fill out your LinkedIn profile so you can get the most out of the professional networking platform.

In 2023, there are a few things you should pay extra attention to on your LinkedIn profile. If you’re looking for a job this year, make sure your LinkedIn profile includes the following three things:

1. An Optimized Headline

Don’t let your LinkedIn headline default to your job title and your job title only. Optimize it by packing your LinkedIn headline with intentional keywords. Incorporate your top four to five hard skill sets that directly support the service you provide, and then separate each skill with a vertical line. This will make it very easy for recruiters and your connections to see where you add value.

Why does this strategy optimize your LinkedIn profile? Well, keywords increase your chances of showing up in search results. Because recruiters search for skill sets, those are technically your keywords. The more skill sets you have (and the better your LinkedIn profile is optimized), the higher you’ll rank in relevant search results. If you’re not incorporating the right keywords, you’ll have a hard time standing out against the competition. You might not even show up in a search result at all.

It’s also never a good idea to put “looking for new opportunities” or “currently unemployed” in your LinkedIn headline. Your headline is prime real estate. It’s a valuable piece of your profile. Don’t waste space including these phrases. It won’t help your job search, and it’ll only make you look desperate.

So, to optimize your LinkedIn profile, you can keep your job title in your LinkedIn headline, but make sure to include some of your top skill sets that support your job title too.

2. A Brief (But Compelling) “About” Section

Man fills out his LinkedIn profile

Your “About” section, formerly known as the summary section, is not where you write an epic novel about your career story or where you talk about yourself in the third person. It’s where you write a brief, yet compelling story about yourself in the first person. You also want to include your personal branding statement here.

After your personal branding statement, make a keyword-filled list of your top 10 skills and a list of any technologies/software you’re proficient in at the bottom of your “About” section. These should be vertical lists because that will allow recruiters to use them as checklists. They’ll clearly see what your skills are and have a good idea of whether you’re qualified for a certain position or not.

Like in your resume, it’s important to leverage white space in your “About” section. Paragraphs don’t get read. Recruiters skim LinkedIn profiles, and if they see something they like, then they’ll go back and read a little bit more. White space makes it easier to read your “About” section, so avoid big blocks of text at all costs.

To catch an employer’s eye, follow this format in your “About” section. It should prompt them to review the rest of your LinkedIn profile, which brings us to your recommendations…

3. Recommendations

Woman fills out her LinkedIn profile

When you’re looking for a job, what you’re really doing is marketing yourself to an employer, and LinkedIn recommendations are a great way to sell yourself.

LinkedIn recommendations are essentially testimonials of your character and ability. They’re a testament from a credible source saying that you’re able to do what you claim you can. This is why they’re essential to your LinkedIn profile.

If you don’t have any recommendations on LinkedIn yet, don’t worry. You can get recommendations using two different strategies: proactive recommendation seeking and passive recommendation seeking. The proactive strategy involves reaching out and asking someone to recommend you. The passive strategy involves recommending someone, at which point LinkedIn asks them to recommend you back (this way is actually a bit more effective).

Having recommendations on your LinkedIn profile makes you so much more attractive to recruiters and hiring managers. If other people are recommending you for the service you provide as a business-of-one, you must be an incredibly valuable employee, someone who could help a company reach its goals. Make that impression with lots of recommendations on your LinkedIn profile.

If you’re looking for a job in 2023, you can’t afford to have an incomplete LinkedIn profile. So, don’t forget to add these three things to yours!

Need more help with your LinkedIn profile?

Sign up for our FREE Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp today to learn how to update your resume and LinkedIn profile the way recruiters want!

How To Recession-Proof Your Career In 2023

How To Recession-Proof Your Career In 2023

Are anyone worried you won’t property a job in the present job market? Or are people worried your current part might be eliminated at some sort of moment’s notice? If therefore, we have a coaching series for you to help check out!

In each of our latest live class, we’ll educate you on how to remain employable and relevant inside the job market through these tough times.

We almost all remember 2008. It has been a challenging coming back numerous. Now, we’re painfully returning to the idea of residing through another recession.

With mass layoffs, hiring freezes, and furloughs happening due to financial influences, many are questioning this security and stability of the futures. You may actually be thinking about the relaxing question, “Am I subsequent? ”

Inside our 4-week class, you’ll learn what you require to fag order towards secure opportunities even while in hard times.

You should take this particular training if:

  • You’re fearful regarding your future
  • You’re worried nobody will certainly hire you
  • You’re unsure showing exactly how to recession-proof your career

Join our CEO, M. T. O’Donnell, and Movie director of Training Development and Coaching, Christina Burgio, with regard to this live event collection on Wednesdays at twelve pm ET from The month of january 4th-25th.

CAN’T ATTEND RESIDE? That’s alright. You’ll have entry to often the recording and the workbook following the session!

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Reactive vs. Proactive Job Search Strategies

Reactive vs. Proactive Job Search Strategies

There are two kinds of job searches: reactive and proactive. Most people use reactive job search strategies, which means they look for job openings and then apply for the ones that interest them. So, when you send your resume to recruiters and respond to job board postings, you are really at the mercy of what comes up.

In a proactive job search, you pick the companies and the jobs you are seeking. This way, you get the job that you chose and worked to get versus just hoping a good job comes your way through the recruiters and job boards.

Before you start your job search, make sure you have a well-optimized resume and LinkedIn profile, since employers will use these to see if you’re a great candidate for the job. Once you’ve updated those, you’re ready to begin your proactive job search.

Here are four key steps in a proactive job search…

1. Identify Which Companies Interest You

Young woman writes something down while researching companies for her proactive job search

There are a number of ways you can identify companies. Start by making a list of 10-20 companies that you think you would love to work for. This is your interview bucket list.

Talk to your friends and colleagues and see who they recommend as well. Note that LinkedIn has a very strong company search feature that can help. Go to LinkedIn, click on the search bar, and hit enter. Then select the “Companies” filter at the top of the page and search. If you find a company that might interest you, click on their profile and see if you’re passionate about a product or service they provide, or their mission.

If you are, then you should probably add the company to your list.

2. Research The Companies

Man researches companies for his proactive job search

The next step in a proactive job search is to learn more about the organization and determine if it is a place you really want to work. There are a number of ways to do this. The first thing to do is to visit the company website and go to the “About Us” section. You can review the company history, products, and services, and make sure you check out the “News” and “Press Releases” sections to see the latest newsworthy events.

Make sure you look at their blog, too—if they have one—as it gives you a good idea of their areas of expertise and corporate culture. Also, check out all of their social media accounts to get a better idea of the company culture, and remember to follow them.

Also, there are a number of excellent tools like Glassdoor that provide anonymous reviews of thousands of companies, salaries being paid, reviews of the corporate culture, and evaluations of top executives. Sometimes they will even show you questions that are asked in an interview. It’s a good idea to research companies on this site and on similar sites during your proactive job search.

3. Leverage Your Network

Woman leverages her network during a proactive job search

Go back to LinkedIn’s company search capability and enter the name of the company that interests you. Note that when the listing comes up, it will tell you how many people in your network are employed there. This is a good place to start and you can reach out to these people for assistance.

Tip: People respond much better when they are asked for advice versus being asked to help someone get a job.

A good message to send to your connections on LinkedIn might be: “I am looking at XYZ as a potential employer and was wondering if you could tell me about the corporate culture there?” You can also send this type of message to your extended network.

4. Reach Out To Hiring Managers

Father conducts a proactive job search

Now that you have identified companies that interest you, it is time to identify people who work there. Again, LinkedIn is a great tool here.

Start by identifying the hiring manager and staff in the area you wish to join. Look for people who would be your peers and their managers.

Now see what LinkedIn Groups they’ve joined. This is important because if you join the same group, you can now communicate with them for free without updating your LinkedIn account.

Look to see if they have participated in any group discussions. This is a great way to enter the conversation and start showcasing your expertise. And remember to keep your comments upbeat, positive, and professional.

Do the same for Twitter. Select the contact button under their profile and see if they have a Twitter handle. Follow them and see what kinds of tweets they have put out. Again, a terrific way to join the conversation.

Now look to see if you have people in your LinkedIn contacts that can provide an introduction to them. Ask what they know about the company and if they recommend them as a potential employer. Ask them what they think is the best way to get introduced.

Note that you did not ask them to introduce you, but rather you asked them for advice on how to get introduced. You’re not asking for a favor.

Finally, reach out to the hiring manager. Make sure you have a good 30-second elevator pitch that briefly describes your background and value proposition. And remember that people hire people they like so try to build rapport.

A proactive job search takes discipline so set weekly goals for yourself. The benefit is you will end up in a job that you chose instead of in one you got through happenstance.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

10 Things To Remove From Your Resume

10 Things To Remove From Your Resume

The average amount of time a recruiter or hiring manager will spend scanning your resume is seven seconds. That’s why it’s important to have just the right kind (and amount) of information on your resume.

The phrase “less is more” has often been used for design purposes, but it can apply just as well to your resume. The point is to only keep information on your resume that is clear, simple, and that supports your personal brand. It is a balance of having just enough information to draw the interest of an employer while leaving room for you to further explain during an interview.

The more irrelevant information you add to your resume, the more it dilutes your key message. Employers today also look right through fluff words and are rather annoyed by them.

So, how can you optimize your resume and make sure it contains the precise balance of information?

Try removing these 10 things from your resume today:

1. Replace The Objective Statement On Your Resume With An Experience Summary

Employers today are not that interested in what you want. You need to tell them what you can do for them. The most effective way to achieve this is by replacing your objective statement with an experience summary.

An experience summary is a list of skills you have that are needed for the job you’re applying for. They’re hard skills and transferable skills, not soft skills. By removing that objective statement, you’re able to clearly start proving your value to the employer within the first few seconds they glance at your resume.

2. Eliminate Superfluous Or “Fluff” Words

Man reviews his resume

We can’t tell you how many resumes start with “Dynamic visionary…” We call these “fluff” statements because anyone can make them and they add no real value to your resume.

Keep your message on point and stick to the facts. If you want to express certain traits, demonstrate them with what you have achieved or accomplished. Quantify your work experience. Whatever you do, just avoid meaningless, baseless statements.

3. Edit Out Bad Grammar & Spelling Errors

Job applicant hands the hiring manager his resume

Spelling and grammar mistakes are a big turnoff for hiring managers. Triple check every headline and bullet point. Remove or reword any sentence that doesn’t flow. Don’t mix up tenses or third and first-person perspectives.

When in doubt, have a trusted friend or colleague review your resume. That way, you can be sure every spelling or grammar mistake is caught before you apply for a job.

4. List Your Primary Phone Number And Toss The Others 

Older woman removes outdated information from her resume

You want every section and piece of your resume to be simplified. Having multiple phone numbers right at the top of your resume makes it feel cluttered and disorganized even before you get to the experience section.

If you must list more than one number, make sure to specify under what conditions the other numbers should be used.

5. Remove Discriminating Information

Job seeker edits their resume

Avoid information that can lead one to discriminate against you, including age, sex, religion, marital status, and ethnicity. This includes the use of photos that should never be on a resume unless your face is an important part of your job (e.g., modeling, TV, etc.). In fact, some employers are forced to ignore your resume if it contains such information because of the chance that they may be accused of discrimination later in the process.

For seasoned professionals, age discrimination can be a very real thing. That’s why you should follow these tips on what to remove from your resume. You want to optimize your resume, not submit an outdated one.

6. Throw Out Your GPA

Man edits his resume while looking for a job

You do not need to reveal your graduating year, the institution(s) you transferred out of, or the high school you attended. You should also remove your GPA if you’ve been out of school for a while or if the number just isn’t impressive.

Keep information on your education specific to the degree received, the major completed, and the institution you attended.

7. Get Rid Of Any Irrelevant Information

Woman removes outdated and irrelevant information from her resume

Employers are not interested in achievements or abilities that are not applicable to the job. If you are in sales and you helped develop an Access database to track supplies, that’s nice but not relevant.

Also, be cautious about listing your associations or volunteer work that is irrelevant or may be in conflict with the potential employer. You can find this information while conducting research on the company.

8. Remove Technical Skills For Basic Software Programs

Young woman removes information from her resume

Most employers today expect you to be familiar with basic computer programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. So, don’t waste valuable space on your resume listing them. It’s more than okay to remove them from the document entirely.

When choosing which software programs and technologies to include on your resume, think about which ones will help you succeed in the job you’re applying for. Which ones will make you stand out from the competition?

9. Do Not Include References Unless Requested

Job seeker reviews his resume

Employers expect you to offer references when requested, which is typically during the latter part of the interview process.

A big pet peeve of recruiters is seeing “References available upon request” on the resume. Do you really know anyone who would refuse to give references?

10. Cut Back On Lengthy Content 

Hiring manager reviews a job applicant's resume during an interview

If you are a recent graduate, most employers do not expect your resume to be more than one page. However, if you have had considerable professional experience, your resume should be two to three pages long. The notion all resumes should be one page is not true, especially in this job market. Resumes need to have enough detail to support your positioning so a two- to three-page resume is acceptable. But, your resume shouldn’t be so long that it works against you.

Your resume has to have a compelling message and be easy to read, so after you have tightened up your content, format it to have a decent amount of white space.

Finding the right balance of information for your resume can make it impactful. It’s not about how long or short your resume is, or how many employers you’ve worked for, but finding the right information and words to present it in the best light to demonstrate that you have the specific experiences and skills the employer is seeking. So, keep in mind the phrase, “less is more” when writing or updating your resume.

Writing an optimized resume is no easy task. By removing these 10 things from your resume, you’ll be that much closer to landing an interview and securing your next job.

Need more help optimizing your resume?

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How To Use The Law Of Attraction In Your Job Search

How To Use The Law Of Attraction In Your Job Search

Our thoughts are magnets that attract the outcomes we are thinking about. Even if you want something desperately, if your thoughts say you will never get it, guess what? You won’t. However, if you change your thoughts on achieving it, you will.

This is mostly because if your thoughts are laser-focused on getting or accomplishing something, you will do the right things in order to make it happen.

This principle is commonly known as the Law of Attraction and can be applied to many areas of your life. Whether it’s getting well, losing weight, quitting smoking, competing at peak levels, or finding a job, your attitude is crucial to success. Believing you can do something provides the strength and stamina to overcome the obstacles in your path. Positive thinking propels a small engine successfully up a mighty hill.

If you’re struggling in your job search, try applying this principle. By changing your thoughts, you will reach your goal. Notice the attitudes and actions of successful job candidates. They are positive and enthusiastic. They keep their heads up high and smile. They believe from the bottom of their being they will get a job. The unsuccessful candidates walk around saying there aren’t any jobs, they will never find anything, and other negative thoughts.

So, how can you use the Law of Attraction to find job search success? Follow these seven tips…

7 Ways To Use The Law Of Attraction In Your Job Search

Man lands an interview after using the law of attraction in his job search

1. Think positively. Deep down, not just on the surface. You can’t just say you are thinking positively.

2. Believe in you. Don’t allow others to bring you down. You have the power.

3. Align what you think and what you do with what you want. It won’t work if your actions and thoughts are contradictory to the goal. If you don’t think you will get it, you won’t do what it takes to get it.

4. Know you are going to get a job. Talk about when you get a job rather than if you get a job.

5. Write down what your ideal job is. Concentrate on it.

6. Imagine doing that job. Use guided imagery to assist in this step.

7. Don’t allow yourself to become discouraged. If you do, look for all the positive things in your life, and focus on them.

​As with all things, practice makes perfect. If you aren’t used to thinking this way, it will take some getting used to. But continue working on it. Career success will be yours if you do.

“You are a living magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts.” —Brian Tracy

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

4 Simple Career Resolutions For 2023

4 Simple Career Resolutions For 2023

Everyone has heard of New Year’s resolutions. You know, those promises that we make to ourselves about things that we’ll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use!

But, have you ever heard of a career resolution? It’s actually the same thing as a New Year’s resolution, only career-focused.

However, with something as important as a career, you don’t want to break these resolutions. That’s why it’s important to keep these goals manageable.

Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve:

Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career

Happy woman works toward her career goals

Being honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you’re unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.

But if you’re happy and in good standing with your career, it’s a lot easier to set goals for the year, and build out a long-term career plan.

Find A Way To Grow Your Career

Smiling man writes down his career goals and resolutions on his laptop

Career growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.

On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.

Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing that you can do is stay the same! If you’re not growing your career, you’re dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your company. There are always ways to upskill!

Better Serve Your Professional Network

With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you’ve probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can really come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn’t just rely on your network when you’re in need!

It’s important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they’re doing or share relevant content of interest.

If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!

Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.

Take Care Of Yourself

A young professional exercises

Working on your career is hard work! It’s okay to be selfish sometimes.

Whether you’re working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it’s important to find balance.

Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don’t interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that’s fine, but don’t miss an important family events or milestones.

Don’t let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.

Need help accomplishing your career resolutions?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.




How To Expand Your Network For Job Search Success

How To Expand Your Network For Job Search Success

Networking is vital to job search success. Networking can lead to referrals, identifying jobs that aren’t yet posted, and securing informational interviews. They can also lead to future professional references.

These results can give you a competitive advantage and help you progress toward your career goal. Networking platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are tools that can help you effectively expand your network. Here’s how…

Building Your Social Network

Online or offline, the goal of networking is to build relationships. Every social networking platform offers some means of connecting with new people. Interact with others and share posts that are thoughtful and relevant to your field. Engage your audience by seeking input and sharing your thoughts or review of industry-related topics.

Share these topics and post information on your own profile for your audience, but also get involved in groups on LinkedIn or chats on Twitter. There are thousands of chats and groups for a wide variety of industries, specialties, or job searching in general. Do some exploring and request to join the group or start following the Twitter chat.

In my experience, people are very receptive to newcomers on these interactive forums. These forums can be a great way to meet new people. After participating, you can begin to follow or request a connection with individual contributors. Depending on your location, there may be the possibility of meeting your connections in person. The social network is a platform to build these relationships and make that in-person connection.

It Takes Time To Build A Network

Woman builds professional network at a business networking event

Patience…patience…patience! All good things take time.

Maintain a positive attitude and be flexible. Those two skills can save you from many future career headaches. Not everyone will be willing to connect. Remember that networking is a two-way street. Prioritize your connections based on who has a job you’d love to do, or who works for one of your target employers, and focus your efforts strategically.

Always personalize connection messages to new people on sites like LinkedIn to let the potential contact know you’re not arbitrarily clicking every “Connect” button in your suggested contacts. Keep connection messages brief and to the point. I’d recommend not going into personal detail this early on or putting potential connections on the spot; just invite them to be a connection or offer your email address as a point of contact.

You can say something as simple as, “Hi Jane, I’ve enjoyed following your contributions to XYZ Group and agreed with your review of the Acme Co article you posted. I am also a (insert job title here) and would like to connect with you. Please let me know if I can be of any help. Thanks.”

A short and simple message with a personal reference and offer to help shows that you are trying to form a mutually beneficial relationship.

Gaining Credibility

Man on phone builds his professional network

By building relationships you can become a resource on certain topics for your network. Gaining credibility takes time, but let the process happen naturally. Conduct research, search for best practices, gain more experience, and get in contact with people that share their experience.

This is where actively participating in Twitter chats or LinkedIn groups can help build your knowledge. Sharing ideas with others that are passionate about their field can keep you motivated and engaged in your line of work. After developing these relationships, opportunities can arise off-screen as well—assisting in a volunteer effort that was coordinated online or attending a networking event, speaking event, or job club that was promoted online. Read the information about the events your network is posting and try to commit to going when your schedule permits.

Impress Hiring Managers That May Google You

A recruiter on her computer does research on a potential job candidate

A hiring manager may look you up on Google at some point in the job search process. If you actively network across platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter, or attend events in person, your Google search results page may show these stories and profiles.

Any site you join for professional networking purposes should serve as a complement to your resume. That means whether you post blogs, tweets, or share information on LinkedIn, all your content should be professional and error-free. These can validate your candidacy and make you stand out among the competition.

As you start networking, you’ll learn more about your field, gain skills, and build confidence. Build relationships and help others in your search. Use social networking for job search success and foster relationships that can help you discover your next opportunity.

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.