Job search help

74 posts
4 Smart Tips For Answering Job Interview Questions



Job seekers spend hours drafting their cover letters and contacting different companies, hoping to get a job interview. A smart job seeker knows the common interview questions a hiring manager will ask in a job interview and will prepare answers accordingly. Anticipating and crafting interview questions and answers gives you the best shot at making a good impression.

Usually, employers ask a common set of questions. So, we're going to share some important points regarding those questions and how you should respond to them. Here are five smart tips for answering interview questions:

Do Not Be Impulsive When Answering Questions


Different hiring managers speak at different speeds. Allow the hiring manager to complete the question and listen to each and every word carefully. Some questions start off similar to other questions but demand different responses.

For example, an employer might ask you, "What skills do you have to deal with a customer?" Here, if you listen to only the first part, that is, "What skills do you have…?" you will end up giving a wrong answer.

Take A Pause Before Answering A Question


A job applicant speaks calmly during her job interview

Wait a few seconds after the employer stops speaking to make sure you heard the complete question. Create a mental list of points to include in your response. Do not wander off the point, and answer directly, covering all main points of the questions. Be sure to answer all parts of the employer's question.

Respond By Stating Your Key Points


Woman answers a behavioral question in a job interview

Repeat your key points 2-3 times while answering the question. Explain how you have applied these points in your previous jobs. Finish your answer by reiterating these points. This will highlight your skills and reinforce your case to the employer as the ideal person for the job.

Tell The Interviewer Something Unique About Yourself


A job seeker tells his interviewer a unique story about himself while answering an interview question

If you are good at creative things like graphic designing, essay writing, event planning, and so on, then you should definitely let them know about your extraordinary skills. It's important to leave the interviewer with a lasting impression.

Each response must tell the interviewer something new. For example, when you answer questions like, "Tell me about yourself," you can start out with "As a longtime volunteer at XYZ organization..."

Some final things to keep in mind while going through the job interview...

Listen carefully to your interviewer. It does not matter if you get the job or not, an interviewer is giving you an opportunity for professional growth and therefore deserves respect. Put your phone on "silent mode" before going into your job interview. A ringing tone or message alert may distract you and the interviewer from the discussion.

If you remember these tips during your next job interview, you'll impress the hiring manager and stand out as a smart, capable, and qualified job candidate. Never underestimate the power of good interview questions and answers!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.


Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

4 Smart Tips For Answering Job Interview …

What To Do If You’ve Lied On Your Resume



When you land an interview with a company, the deciding factor was probably your resume—specifically, the types of skills and experiences you included on it. But, what if you lied on your resume?

Lying on your resume can come back to bite you in the hiring process. It can hinder your job search and cause more problems down the line if you do get hired. If you're considering lying on your resume, here's why you should think twice.

Why Do People Lie On Resumes?


Woman thinking about lying on her resume

Most job seekers lie on their job applications and resumes because they are worried that they can't get hired based on the facts.

You can get hired with your current qualifications. Have faith! There is a job somewhere out there for you. However, it may not be as grand a role as you'd like if you haven't earned your stripes in the trenches yet.

It's important to know your genuine strengths and to leverage them accordingly. It's your job to sell yourself to potential employers in your resume and in your job interview. You're a business-of-one, after all. Lying about qualifications to get ahead faster, though, will only put you in harm's way.

Employers won't always know if you've lied on your resume or are faking your way through a new job. But if they figure it out, you are back to square one. And you've been fired.

One TV broadcaster in Toronto, Canada, for example, was fired over 10 years after he was hired purely for lying about completing his education. Marilee Jones was an ambitious academic administrator who attained the position of Dean of Admissions at MIT on the false claim of an undergraduate degree that had never been completed. She was promptly fired after the information was discovered. Some companies will go ahead with verifying your employment, find out you've lied, and never tell you. They just won't hire you—and they'll flag you as "Do Not Hire"...ever. Let's avoid that.

What To Do If You've Lied On Your Resume


Man stressed about lying on his resume

So, what can you do if you've lied on your job application or your resume?

Do you try to bluff your way through for 10 years or more? On the job application form, did you tell them about your misdemeanor felony conviction—if not, then when? How can you handle this without losing out on the job?

1. Withdraw Your Application


Woman on phone withdraws her dishonest job application

This is your safest option. Simply call and say you are "withdrawing your application at this time." If asked for a reason, tell them you've "reconsidered your application."

That's the truth.

They may assume the timing, title, or money isn't right or that you have another job offer or you heard something that makes you think it's not the right company for you. That's all okay.

2. Revise Your Resume & Ask The Hiring Manager To Refer The New Copy


Man thinking about when he lied on his resume

In this case, you can tell them you "noticed some errors" and "want to correct them." Note that this won't work if you've created jobs or performance claims that were exaggerated. However, you can truthfully state that you want to be "more exact," if you wish. They may assume you had someone else write your resume and the errors were theirs.

That said, this isn't always going to work.

3. Come Clean


Woman on laptop stressed about lying on her resume

This may mean you lose out on the job opportunity, but sometimes people have big hearts. There's a good chance they are going to find out about the lie(s) anyway through reference checks or your own social media presence (like LinkedIn).

Provide a corrected resume or job application and tell them the truth. In life, we need to own up to our mistakes and learn from them. Tell them that, too—that you made a mistake and you want to make it right. It's a sign of good character to do that. People make mistakes, especially under pressure (and needing a job is a lot of pressure).

It's best not to end up in this position, but if the deed is done, these are the top three ways of fixing the problem...

How To Avoid The Problem


You can explain job gaps and sudden departures from school or a former job in the interview. If you have a criminal record, and that would include any DUIs, be upfront about it or call immediately to tell them you neglected to mention it and would like to "set the record straight."

Some things are not automatic barriers to employment—but lying about them may be.

Now is the time to change your resume and social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, so you never have to worry about this again. Do it today so if your dream job opens up tomorrow, you are polished and ready to stand out to employers on your own merit.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

What To Do If You’ve Lied On …

What To Email When A Recruiter Doesn’t Follow Up



You haven't heard back from a recruiter about a job you're interested in. What should you say in your follow-up email?

When you're following up with a recruiter on a job where you feel like they've ghosted you or you simply haven't heard from them in a while, I know that you want to email them and say, "I'm just following up to see where you are in the hiring process."

Don't do that.

Never use the word "just" or the phrase "I'm just following up." It sounds passive-aggressive. It's a real turnoff. And I know you're thinking, "But they're the one who blew me off." They might be, but they're also the customer in this scenario. You want their job. They're trying to decide whether to hire you, aka pay you (a business-of-one) to provide a service for the company. They're the customer. We're never rude to the customer.

So, here's what you send instead...

How To Follow Up With A Recruiter


@j.t.odonnell What to email when a recruiter doesn't follow up. #careertok #jobsearch #learntok #jobs ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

Example of a follow-up email to a recruiter:

Dear recruiter,

I wanted to be proactive and see if there's anything else I can do to further my candidacy for the XYZ job. I'm really interested.

Sincerely,

Your name

That's it. By wording your follow-up email this way, you're being polite, not calling them out, and keeping it short. And that's exactly what recruiters are looking for.

Does this email get you a response every time? No. But it certainly increases the chances that a recruiter will respond and let you know where everything's at in the hiring process.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

What To Email When A Recruiter Doesn’t …

3 Things To Tell Yourself When The Job Search Gets Tough



Finding a job can be a long process. You apply for a job, maybe hear back, and a month later you go in for an interview. The worst part? There's no guarantee any opportunity will pan out. So, how do you stay positive when you're going through so much job search stress?

It can be easy to lose confidence in yourself as time passes and you're still without a promising job lead. But losing confidence will only make it worse.

Here are a few things you should tell yourself when the job search gets tough:

1. "No" Doesn't Mean "Never"


Woman on laptop applies for more jobs during a tough job search

When you don't get offered the job even though you aced the interview and did everything right, there's a good chance you did do everything right.

The hiring process is complicated. The employer might've had another person in mind even before they began to interview for the open position. Or, it was a toss-up between you and another candidate, and the other candidate just so happened to be the one to get a phone call.

You will never be able to know what a potential employer is thinking. If you don't get offered the job, don't think of it as a loss or missed opportunity. Think of it in positive terms. You got more interview experience, you met new people, and you're one step closer to finding the right job for you.

And remember, a "no" doesn't mean "never." It simply means "not now."

2. The Right Opportunity IS Out There


Man on laptop applying for a job during a tough job search

If you're putting your best foot forward during the hiring process and you're actively learning from your mistakes, you'll find the right job for you. But that requires patience and perseverance.

The key to keeping your confidence up is believing the right job for you is out there. When you remind yourself of your end goal, it puts the job search process in perspective. You walk into every interview believing this job could be the one—but if it isn't, that's okay too. You will try your best, of course, but also accept that you can't control everything in the hiring process. It will take some of the pressure off.

Take responsibility for the things you can control and accept the things you can't. Acceptance is the key to maintaining your confidence.

3. Everything Happens For A Reason


When all else fails, sometimes the best thing to tell yourself after not getting a job offer is that the job simply wasn't meant for you. If you don't believe this right away, chances are you will later on.

As you move on to the next interview and apply for more and more jobs, you start to feel better about the initial rejection. You realize that new opportunities are popping up every day and it really isn't the end of the world after all.

If you still feel uncertain, that's okay. Staying positive during a long job search isn't easy. Just know that your mom is right: all good things take time!

Need more help with your job search?

Join our community to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

3 Things To Tell Yourself When The …

3 Surefire Ways To Connect With Your Interviewer



The difference between most areas of life and the job search process is that, in most areas of life, you know who your competition is. You can analyze the competition's strengths, capitalize on their weaknesses, and prepare accordingly to give yourself the best chance to win.

The job search process is different: you don't know who you are competing against.

Dozens, sometimes hundreds of applicants are competing for a single role within a company. And you never quite know how you stack up against them. So, how do give yourself the best chance to win?

The key is connection. When we connect with others (in this case, an interviewer), it is going to be harder for them to forget your name. Don't make it easy for them to forget you. You have to focus on what makes you unique, and what makes you unique in relation to your interviewer.

Here are three ways you can connect with your interviewer:

1. Research & Relate


Woman on laptop researches how to connect with an interviewer

When you are given the name of the person conducting your interview, the first thing you should do is research their role within the company. Find out as much as you can about their professional life: where they went to school, what roles they held before this one, and what big projects they've had the opportunity to work on.

This not only demonstrates your curiosity but also opens up a space where you can ask questions and connect with the interviewer on a deeper level (in a deeper way than you would if your questions were primarily focused on the job and company as a whole).

The goal is to find something you and the interviewer have in common. No matter how different your professional paths have been, there are commonalities. You just have to do the work to find them.

2. Compliment (The Right Way)


Man connects with his interviewers during a job interview

In some cases, it's probably not the best idea to compliment your interviewer on their outfit. While it might be genuine or innocent, it can come off as insincere, even flirtatious—and you likely won't receive any "brownie points" for it.

Complimenting (the right way) is an art. For an interview, it comes down to research (again!) and specificity. Avoid complimenting your interviewer on their appearance. Instead, focus on their career accomplishments.

For example, if in your research you come across a project your interviewer worked on, don't be afraid to bring it up. You can say something like: "I noticed you worked on X project last year. The solutions you proposed to deal with Y problem were really creative and original. How did completing this project change your role?"

By complimenting your interviewer in this way, you are focusing on the interviewer as a productive and valuable employee. They will remember how you made them feel long after the interview

3. Tell A Story


Woman tells a story during her job interview

Nothing engages an audience like a story. During an interview, you should think of your interviewer as your audience. Storytelling has the power to connect anyone. It can also help you ace those tough interview questions.

When asked about an obstacle you've overcome recently, don't just go over the facts. Tell them a story. You might find the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model used for answering behavioral interview questions to be helpful.

But remember, every story should end with you on top. What did overcoming that obstacle teach you? What skills did you develop by overcoming it? How did it change your outlook on work? Life?

Don't be afraid to get personal. That is, after all, how we connect with others.

Doing these three things in your next job interview will help you connect with your interviewer, therefore helping you stand out in the hiring process. Connection is the key to making your interview unforgettable.

Need more help with your job search?

Join our community to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.


Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

3 Surefire Ways To Connect With Your …

5 Parts Of A Cover Letter (AKA How To Write A Good One!)



Every resume should be accompanied by the five parts of a cover letter. In this article, I am going to demonstrate the mechanics of a well written cover letter. I hope this provides some knowledge about the parts of a cover letter, and enables you to generate interest from a hiring manager.

How do you structure a cover letter?


A great cover letter has five parts: the salutation, the opening, the hook, the paragraph of knowledge, and the close.

1. The Salutation (The Hello)


Before writing your cover letter, you should research the company you're applying to. This includes finding the name of the hiring manager who will be reading your resume and cover letter. Get a name, any name. By hook or by crook try to get a name. Sometimes you can't—then try Dear hiring manager.

2. The Opening (The Grab)


Man writes a cover letter on his laptop

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your introduction and presents the reader with some immediate and focused information about your connection to the company. Don't just reiterate what you say in your resume. Explain what you admire about the company you're applying to. Essentially, you need to tell a story about why you want to work for them. It should "grab" the hiring manager and disrupt them in some way (hence a disruptive cover letter).

3. The Second Paragraph (The Hook)


Woman reads her cover letter on her laptop

This paragraph should define some examples of the work performed and the results achieved. It should be connected to your resume. This does not mean you should copy verbatim what is in the resume. Rather, cover some key competencies that you feel define your success. Provide the hiring manager with some added context about your unique background, blending those facts with language from the job description. Set the stage for how you are qualified for the role you are applying to. But, don't overdo it.

In the event you are highlighting some information not contained in the resume (if you are switching careers, or have a unique value proposition), this is the perfect place to cover that information.

4. The Third Paragraph (Paragraph Of Knowledge)


Job seeker writes his cover letter on his laptop

Next, demonstrate something you know about the company (its goals, recent achievements, etc.) that prompted you to write. Then, select a couple of examples from your resume that you believe will impress recruiters and hiring managers. Reword these achievements and frame them in a way that shows the employers what you can do for them. This shows the reader that you did some preliminary homework and understand the company's drivers and goals.

Try to include quantifiable examples wherever possible since numbers usually resonate more than words.

5. The Fourth Paragraph (The Close)


Woman on laptop writing her cover letter for a job posting

In the closing paragraph, quickly summarize what you offer, ask for the interview, and close by thanking the hiring manager for taking the time to read your cover letter.

It's important 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.

That's it!

What should not be included in a cover letter?


Your cover letter should not include:

  • A boring opening line
  • Long paragraphs
  • A recap of your resume
  • Irrelevant information
  • A boring closing statement
The above template provides what I believe to be the most important parts of any cover letter.​ I hope these tips help you feel confident when writing your next cover letter!

Need more help with your job search?

​Join our community to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

5 Parts Of A Cover Letter (AKA …

Not 100% Qualified? No Problem! Why Personality Can Get You A Job Over Experience



Most people think experience is the most important factor in getting hired. And yes, having the right skills and experience is essential to land a job interview. But experience won't be the thing that gets you the job.

This is why the most qualified job candidates often don't get a job offer. Experience is important, but it's not the deciding factor in the hiring process. Hiring managers consider other factors when deciding who to hire for an open position.

Personality + Aptitude + Experience = HIRED


@j.t.odonnell Replying to @malice.in.chains Why personality wins of experience in job search. #jobtok #careertok #career #job #personality #experience #aptitude ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

People get hired based on personality over experience all the time. In fact, there are three things that hiring managers evaluate you on: personality, aptitude, and experience (in that order).

Why doesn't the most qualified candidate with the most experience get hired? It doesn't work that way. Companies tend to get a whole bunch of people who all have relatively the same experience, so they could all do the job. So what they have to do is discriminate. And I know you hate that word, but that's what hiring is. Hiring managers look for other attributes like personality as a way to figure out which person will be the easiest to work with on the job.

This happens every single day. Only 39% of people who get placed in jobs have the exact experience. Think about that number. Sixty-one percent get placed because they have other things like personality.

Now, you can't convey personality on a resume and LinkedIn profile. Don't even try, because when people do that, it's kind of like thinking you have style and a sense of humor. When you don't, it can come out all wrong. Instead, you need to learn the tools for conveying your personality in the job search. And Work It Daily can help.

Join our community to learn how to convey your personality in the job search and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

Not 100% Qualified? No Problem! Why Personality …

5 Unhealthy Job Search Habits Keeping You Unemployed



Sometimes in life, our actions are completely counterintuitive. For example, deciding to go on a diet. The first thing most people do is think they must eliminate something or cut back. In reality, the challenge of a diet is you must add more good foods versus taking away bad foods. The good naturally replaces the bad. But, it's a huge challenge to plan and add good healthy foods to your diet five to six times a day versus going to the drive-thru two times a day. The same is true for your job search.

Are you going to get "job healthy" by adding good habits to your daily routine, or are you going to stay fat, miserable, and unemployed by choosing the “fast food" route? Of course, the challenge is to know what is healthy and what is not.

Here are the top five unhealthy job search habits and how to replace them with healthy ones:

1. Targeting Human Resources And Recruiters


Unemployed man on laptop and phone calls HR and recruiters to find a job

Yes, eventually you will likely have to talk to those folks, but they should be the last group you actually try to get in front of. Most people think they make the hiring decisions. They don't; the hiring manager does. And not only that, but the hiring manager is the one who has a vested interest in filling the position. They are the person who will lose sleep if the position is not filled.

So, change your habit of going to HR and instead start going directly to the source, or even better: get a referral to the source (that gives you the inside edge). You can accomplish this by networking your way into the company. Reach out to and connect with current employees on LinkedIn. Mention things you have in common, and explain why you're passionate about the company.

Also, HR and recruiters should be reaching out to YOU. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized so they can easily find you on the platform.

2. Thinking The Interview Has Anything To Do With You


Unemployed woman interviews for a job

In reality, your objective should be just like a salesperson when they are trying to make the sale. Your number one job is to serve others. And, the better job you do of proving that, the better you will be received.

You are a business-of-one. The interview has very little to do with you and everything to do with how you are going to solve the problems the company is facing. You find that out through research and good Socratic and behavioral interviewing.

3. Trying To Be The “Most Qualified Candidate"


Man shakes the hand of a hiring manager during his job search

Honestly, the most qualified person rarely gets the job. First of all, the most qualified person probably didn't even apply. Second, he or she may have the best technical qualifications and years of experience, but be an absolutely horrible fit for the culture and objectives of the company.

The best candidate is the best fit, the one who can help the organization meet its goals, not cause a huge rift, and stay for a long, long time. Simple enough, but more challenging to prove than just copying the qualifications from a job description and expecting an offer.

4. Using Quick Fix (Fast Food) Solutions


Unemployed woman on a laptop applies for a job online

The list goes on and on and includes "resume distribution" services, fancy resume writing packages, and SEO services. Unfortunately, all of these quick fixes have one thing in common: they are passive (and ineffective) ways to get a job.

That is also called gambling. Sure, sometimes they work; and sometimes people win the lottery. Instead, do what 80% of successful job seekers do and get proactively involved by researching and contacting as many companies and individuals as you possibly can.

It's always been about who you know. So, get out there and make new connections!

5. Posting Your Resume On Major Job Boards


Unemployed man on laptop makes the mistake of posting his resume to job boards

This may be the most unhealthy solution of all! Why? Because it serves our need for immediate gratification, yet gives us virtually no benefit. We feel like we have done something, but in reality, we just took a shortcut and went through the drive-thru. By taking the time to continually post your resume and apply for jobs you are taking valuable time away from healthy, proactive solutions.

Think about the act of posting a resume online. It's not even as good as buying a lottery ticket. At least when you play the lottery, you find out in a week or so why you didn't win! Taking the easy way out is what most people do (you know, because it's easy).

For true success, you have to do just the opposite of what most people are doing. Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Include the hard skills and transferable skills the job requires that you can quantify from your previous work experience. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but it's the best strategy to get your resume past the ATS and in front of the hiring manager.

Wow, we can see the job search fat just melting off! Congratulations, you have now joined the ranks of fit, active, fulfilled job seekers.

Need more help with your job search?

Join our community to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

5 Unhealthy Job Search Habits Keeping You …

10 Reasons Why You Need A Career Coach



A good friend recently sent me the link to an article all about the value of coaching. I'm sure it's no surprise to all of you that I loved it. However, it also reminded me that I should be reminding all of you why having a career coach is the best thing you can do for your professional development.

Here are the top 10 reasons you need a career coach right now:

1. You Could See A 300% Return On Your Investment


Professional man at a job he landed by utilizing a career coach

According to a survey in the article I mentioned above, wellness programs have been shown to provide approximately a 300% return on investment (ROI). In other words, companies that spend $1 on a wellness program earn $3 as a result of decreased turnover, fewer sick days, reduced health insurance costs, etc.

It's no wonder wellness programs have experienced such tremendous growth; it makes financial sense. The same can be said about career coaching. If you invest in yourself and your career by getting a coach, you'll see a return on investment in the form of professional growth and development.

2. Your Relationships Will Improve


Woman talks to a career coach or a coworker

Another study shows that professional coaching has an even greater impact on things like relationships and teamwork. The study says recipients of coaching saw a 77% improvement in relationships, 67% improvement in teamwork, 61% improvement in job satisfaction, and 48% improvement in quality.

Getting coaching on one aspect of our lives, like career coaching, can have a positive effect in many different areas. It's a good kind of domino effect.

3. You'll Have More Positivity In Your Life


Man chats with a career coach online

Career coaches are trained to focus on positive outcomes and be a source of motivation. They tailor their efforts to help you find greater satisfaction. Since no two people are the same, having a career coach ensures you are getting assistance that speaks to your wants and needs—not someone else's. More importantly, it's been proven that the best way to get what you want is to surround yourself with positive people.

Unfortunately, that's not always the case with family and friends. So, hiring a career coach ensures you've got at least one positive influence in your life!

4. You'll Be Following In The Footsteps Of Star Performers


Group of successful people/professionals who get career coaching

One outdated stigma about career coaching is that it's for people who are underperforming or troubled. On the contrary! Most smart folks who seek out career coaching do so because they want to be high performers and feel satisfied with their efforts.

In the article mentioned above, Paul Michelman, editor of Harvard Business School's Management Update, says, "whereas coaching was once viewed by many as a tool to help correct underperformance, today it is becoming much more widely used in supporting top producers. In fact, in a 2004 survey by Right Management Consultants, 86% of companies said they used coaching to sharpen the skills of individuals who have been identified as future organizational leaders."

So, by choosing to invest in coaching, you are saying to the world you believe in yourself and your ability to be a star performer!

5. It Doesn't Take Up A Lot Of Time


Woman talks to a career coach on her laptop

Many people assume coaching is like working out: you need to do it daily to see any results. That's true! But the good thing about career coaching, like working out, is that it doesn't take much time if you have a plan, know what you're doing, and have the right mindset.

Good coaches understand that you need to work professional development into your schedule. Moreover, studies show that just a few hours per month can have a huge impact.

At Work It Daily, for example, our slogan is "If you want to win, you've got to work it daily." Working on your career for just a few minutes a day is enough to transform your professional outlook. This is the strategy we promote at Work It Daily, and it has helped thousands of our members find jobs and grow their careers.

6. Career Coaches Tell You What You NEED To Hear


Professional woman meets with a career coach

While you may be friendly with your career coach, they are not your friend. They are your advocate for change.

Unlike your family and friends who are opinionated and biased about you and your career, a career coach will look at you objectively and strive to empower you to take the necessary actions to achieve your goals.

In short, while the people in your life tend to tell you what you want to hear, your career coach will be honest and tell you what you need to hear to make your career goals a reality.

7. You Could Get Your Employer To Pay For It


Man listens to a career coach on his laptop

For the longest time, companies have only paid for their executives to have career coaches. But that trend is changing. According to the article previously mentioned, online shoe and clothing company Zappos.com, known for their outstanding commitment to creating a culture of unparalleled customer service (they even teach this through Zappos Insights), has a full-time goals coach who works with any employee—not just management—on helping them create better lives.

Now is the time to see if your company is considering budgeting for career coaching services as part of its benefits program. With all the surveys showing the positive impact it has, there's a good chance your employer may see value in footing the bill for your career coach.

In the event you are laid off, you should still ask your employer if they will provide outplacement services to help you find your next job. Career coaching at any stage in your professional life, no matter what kind of challenges you face, can be a true game changer.

8. They'll Help You Break Bad Habits


Thinking woman addresses her bad habits with a career coach on her laptop

A good coach will never tell you what to do. Instead, they'll help you identify habits that are holding you back from success. Then, they'll coach you on the actions you should take to learn new, better ways to accomplish your goals.

In short, career coaches teach you how to remove roadblocks to success on your own, ensuring you can do this for yourself both now and in the future.

9. It Shows You Think Like An Executive


Two executives/professional women talk about career coaching

The article I mentioned above indicates some executives will pay as much as $3,500/hour for a particular coach. Yikes! That's too rich for my blood. But the article goes on to say that most personal coaches charge a monthly retainer between $500 to $2,000 a month. What this means is either there are a lot of really silly executives wasting their money on coaching each month or they are getting results that make them feel it's worth the investment.

At Work It Daily, our goal is to make career coaching accessible to everyone, not just executives with deep pockets, so you can think like an executive without worrying about the price tag.

10. You Deserve Better In Your Career


Happy professional man receives career coaching

Forget the economy for a second and just ask yourself, "Do I deserve better?" If the voice in your head says, "Yes!" then you need to take action.

Let's face it: if you could have found greater career satisfaction and success on your own, you would have by now. So, why not give yourself some well-deserved support that will help you get what you want and deserve?

We spend a third of our lives at our jobs. Isn't it time you felt good about your career?

Think career coaching is for you?

Join our community to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!


Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

10 Reasons Why You Need A Career …

Why Your Resume Will NOT Get You The Job



If you're like most job seekers, you probably think that your resume has the power to get you the job. It can make or break a hiring manager's decision to hire you. Well, that's actually not true.

I need to make this clear to all of you job seekers out there: your resume is not going to get you the job.

Here's why...

Your Resume Will Get You The Interview (NOT The Job)


@j.t.odonnell Your #resume will NEVER, EVER get you the job. Here is why... #resumetips #jobsearch #careerhelp #careertok #jobtok #job #jobtips #jobs #careeradvice #career #recruiter #careers ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

The resume's purpose is to get you the interview. Its purpose is to get past the ATS using the correct keywords, and then it needs to give the hiring manager just enough information to want to call you to learn more about your skills and experience.

Unfortunately, so many job seekers are agonizing over their resumes, spending weeks and months on them as time goes on and they've yet to find a job. Or worse, spending hundreds of dollars on a resume writer who will write them an overdone, stuffy, wordy, subjective resume that recruiters do not want.

The truth is, you don't need to spend that much time or money on your resume.

Today, recruiters want a skimmable resume—a six-second resume that they can quickly interpret to decide if they should call you. And given the fact that less than 3% of people who apply online ever hear back, the more you can create a skimmable resume that gets them to want to call you, the better.

But the most important thing I need you to understand about your resume is to stop making it the main focus of your job search. Your time will be far better spent on updating a LinkedIn profile and learning how to connect with employers so you can get around the ATS.

Please stop thinking your resume is the thing that's going to get you the job because it won't. It just needs to get you the interview.

Need more help with your resume?

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

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

Why Your Resume Will NOT Get You …

8 Simple Interview Questions To Ask Hiring Managers



You've just spent the last 45 minutes answering questions from a hiring manager. You gave it all you had. You think you did okay. The hiring manager seemed to smile and nod a lot when you were speaking. Then, suddenly, she asks, "Do you have any questions for me?"

While your initial instinct might be to quit while you are ahead and say, "No. I'm good," the right thing to do is ask a set of strategic questions designed to help you stand out and get the job.

4 Cs Of Interview Questions


In the video above, I map out why you need a strategy for asking questions in an interview.

If you don't know what to ask and why, you will not only miss out on the opportunity to make a good impression, but also fail to get the insights you need to determine if this employer is right for you.

The secret to asking great questions in an interview is to use the following four Cs as your guidelines:

  • Connect
  • Corporate culture
  • Company challenges
  • Closing conversation

When you use these correctly, you can craft questions that will make you look friendly, collaborative, well researched, and professional—all great qualities to display to a hiring manager during a job interview!

8 Simple Interview Questions You Can Ask A Hiring Manager (That Support The 4 Cs Mentioned Above):


Woman asks the hiring manager questions during her job interview
  1. How did you come to work here? (CONNECT)
  2. What do you love most about working here? (CONNECT)
  3. Who's the most successful person hired here in the last year and how have they succeeded? (CORPORATE CULTURE)
  4. Who's been the least successful person hired and what did they do wrong? (CORPORATE CULTURE)
  5. What's the biggest challenge the company will face this year and how will it be overcome? (COMPANY CHALLENGES)
  6. As an employee, what can I do to make a difference and have an impact on the company this year? (COMPANY CHALLENGES)
  7. Is there anything about my candidacy that you would change to make me a better fit for this job? (CLOSE CONVERSATION)
  8. What are the next steps in the hiring process? (CLOSE CONVERSATION)

NOTE: To learn exactly why these are the perfect questions to ask, watch the video above.

You'll impress the hiring manager if you ask these eight questions during your next job interview. But don't just do it to stand out. Ask these questions to better figure out if you really want to work at this certain company.

It's your career. You want to make sure you're making the right decision for YOU!

There's no better way to do that than remembering the four Cs and asking the eight questions above.

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.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

8 Simple Interview Questions To Ask Hiring …

It’s Taking Longer To Get Hired. Here’s Why…



It's taking longer to get hired, folks. This is according to an article on LinkedIn showing that the U.S. Department of Labor has reported that over 800,000 unemployed workers went from taking three and a half months to find a job to over six months. That's up 36% since April of 2022.

So, why is it taking longer to get hired?

Why It's Taking Longer To Get Hired


@j.t.odonnell It's Taking Longer To Get Hired, Here's Why... #hired #careertok #jobtok #careeradvice #jobsearch #linkedin #jobtips #joblife #job #career ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

Reason #1

The first reason why it's taking longer to get hired is the talent market is flooded. In the second half of 2022, in the tech sector, more people got laid off than during the entirety of the Great Recession of 2008. And the layoffs keep coming. Google just announced more layoffs. So, due to all of these layoffs, there's a lot of top talent flooding the market right now—professionals who have desirable, in-demand skill sets and experience.

Reason #2

If you are unemployed for a while, either voluntarily or involuntarily (you quit or got fired), it's going to be harder for you to get a job now because companies are going to question why you've been out of work so long. This is definitely a factor in why it's taking longer for you to get hired. Is it right or fair? No, but it's the reality. There's a stigma surrounding it. Companies are going to hire the people that are employed or just recently let go in a public layoff first before they look at the candidates who've been unemployed for a month or two.

So, what can you do to speed up your job search?

Here are some simple tips to follow:

  1. Customize your resume for each position you apply for
  2. Write a disruptive cover letter
  3. Identify your "dream companies" and add them to your interview bucket list
  4. Build and utilize your professional network
  5. Prepare for job interviews by conducting mock interviews with friends

Need more help with your job search?

I'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! I look forward to answering all of your career questions in our next live event!

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

It’s Taking Longer To Get Hired. Here’s …