Job search tips Archives - Page 10 of 24

The No. 1 Job Interview Thank-You Note Mistake To Avoid

June 5, 2023

Sending a thank-you note to the hiring manager after a job interview is not only a kind thing to do but also a job search best practice. However, what you write in your thank-you note can significantly impact your chances of moving on in the hiring process.

If you make common thank-you note mistakes, the hiring manager might note consider you for the job. And there is one job interview thank-you note mistake that you should avoid at all costs…

#1 Thank-You Note Mistake: Recapping The Interview & Trying To Resell Yourself

@j.t.odonnell No. 1 Job Interview THANK YOU NOTE Mistake #thankyounote #thankyou #jobinterviewthankyounote #jobinterview #jobinterviewtips #interviewtips #interview #interviewtipsandtricks #mistake #mistakesweremade â¬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

The number one mistake that people make when writing a thank-you note is recapping everything they talked about in the interview and trying to resell themselves to the hiring manager.

In your thank-you note, you do not write an epic novel. You don’t tell them why you think you’re the best candidate for the job. And you definitely don’t mention something you forgot to talk about in the job interview.

A thank-you note is to do one thing: give thanks.

Here’s the simple thank-you note formula you should use after every job interview:

Dear [hiring manager’s name],

Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak with you about the XYZ position. I really enjoyed talking with you about [something you specifically talked about]. If there’s anything else I can provide to further my candidacy, please let me know because I would love to work with you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

That’s it. Three sentences.

And just in case you’re wondering, send a thank-you note to everybody that you met with during the job interview.

Since your thank-you note is only three sentences long, you have the time and the ability to personalize that second line where you talk about what you enjoyed speaking with them about. If you met with three people, send three thank-you notes that are short and sweet, like the example above. You are showing your follow-through and your consistency, but also respect for the fact that your time to sell yourself was in the interview.

Your thank-you note is for showing appreciation. Don’t make the mistake of recapping the interview and trying to resell yourself. If you follow the formula above, you’ll write a thank-you note that will surely get you bonus points during the interview process.

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How To Answer “Tell Me About A Time You Went Above & Beyond”

May 25, 2023

One of the hardest and most important job interview questions is, “Tell me about a time you went above and beyond.” Here’s the perfect technique to ace the answer every time.

Step 1: Think About A Time You Exceeded Expectations

The first step is for you to sit down and think about a time when you exceeded expectations on the job.

Imagine the times when you were given a lot of praise or maybe you got a promotion or even a raise. Think about what made you earn these things and ask yourself how exactly did you go above and beyond in order to get that appreciation and that recognition.

This is going to help you flesh out the stories that you’re going to want to tell in order to validate your experience and your ability to go above and beyond.

Step 2: Break The Story Down

Now, step two is for you to break that story down into what we call the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model for answering behavioral interview questions like, “Tell me about a time you went above and beyond.”

You want to think about the experience objectively and factually. Explain to the hiring manager everything that happened leading up to you earning that praise or that promotion or that raise.

Then, you want to talk about what you learned. As a good employee, you always want to be thinking about those experiences and what they taught you.

Lastly and most importantly, you’re going to talk about how you grew as a professionalâhow you’re going to take what you’ve learned and apply it going forward. This is going to demonstrate how employers like them could benefit from this added expertise that you’ve developed.

Step 3: Practice Your Delivery

The third and final step is for you to practice your delivery. You do not want to walk in and wing it. It’s super important that, in addition to writing out your answers, you play them back to yourself.

What do I mean by that? Well, I suggest grabbing a mirror and talking out the answers, looking at yourself straight in the eye with a smile, or asking friends or family members to do a mock interview with you. Even recording yourself and playing it back on a video will do the trick.

Doing these things repeatedly is vitally important in job interview preparation, especially when it comes to answering a question like this. “Tell me about a time you went above and beyond,” can seem like a daunting interview question, but all you have to do is follow the three steps above to answer it effectively.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Work It DAILY’s Top 6 Free Career Resources

May 24, 2023

Work It Daily has an amazing library of free resources for professionals at any age or job level. No matter if you’re looking for help with your job search, career change, or professional development efforts, Work It Daily has the career resources you need.

Here are Work It Daily’s top six free career resources, plus a few additional resources you might find helpful:

1. Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp

Today, if you want recruiters to call you, your resume and LinkedIn profile need to stand out.

Our Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp is a free workshop hosted by J.T. O’Donnell, founder & CEO of Work It Daily, and Christina Burgio, Director of Training Development & Development, that can help you write and optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile to get noticed by recruiters.

In this free bootcamp, you’ll learn:

What recruiters want your resume to look like
How to make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized
Tips for making sure BOTH tools are set up correctly

Get instant access to our Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp today!

2. Career Decoder Quiz

Are you ready to take the first step toward unlocking your true professional potential?

The Career Decoder Quiz will help you determine what your workplace persona is. That means you’ll get a sense of who you are as a working professional and what makes you thrive at work. You’ll find out how you like to create value and what your professional strengths are, which will help you find the right career for you.

Knowing who you are as a working professional and what makes you happy on the job will help you be successful in your career or job search.

Don’t waste another day not knowing your professional strengths.

Take our Career Decoder Quiz today!

3. Workplace Communication Style Quiz

Have you ever wondered about how you communicate with others?

How you interact with others plays a major role in both your career and life in general. It can be hard to categorize yourself, but it’s extremely helpful to have an idea of how you communicate with others and get a sense of how others perceive you.

The Communication Style (ISAT) Quiz allows you to understand your communication style so you can work more effectively with others. It has 18 questions about your personality and how you handle certain situations.

Take our Workplace Communication Style Quiz today!

4. How To Choose Your Career (In 5 Simple Steps)

Do you feel stuck in your career and don’t know what to do next? You are not the problem. Thousands of people (just like you!) feel professionally stuck because school never taught us what career best suits our needs.

In this 60-minute workshop, J.T. O’Donnell, founder & CEO of Work It Daily, and Christina Burgio, Director of Training Development & Development, break down step by step how to choose a career that suits your unique combination of professional strengths.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How to choose your next career path
Why working “in” your job is hurting your career
How your unique personality is impacting your success
How to determine which strengths to use to build your dream career
And so much MORE!

Get instant access to “How To Choose Your Career (In 5 Simple Steps)” today!

5. Professional Strengths Bootcamp

Understanding who you are as a worker is the key to achieving career satisfaction.

Our Professional Strengths Bootcamp is a free workshop hosted by J.T. O’Donnell, founder & CEO of Work It Daily, and Christina Burgio, Director of Training Development & Development, designed to help you learn how to unlock your professional strengths so you can get what you want from work.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why working “in” your job is hurting your career
How your unique personality is impacting your success
How to determine which strengths to use to build your dream career
And so much MORE!

Get instant access to our Professional Strengths Bootcamp today!

6.Â How To Break Through Career Burnout

Want to learn how to get unstuck and feel happy in your career again?

In this 60-minute workshop, J.T. O’Donnell, founder & CEO of Work It Daily, and Christina Burgio, Director of Training Development & Development, will teach you why burnout occurs and what you can do to motivate yourself to get back on track so you can regain the professional happiness and satisfaction you want and deserve.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How burnout occurs and why it’s so common
The path you’ll want to take to overcome burnout
What high-payoff activities will make you successful
The steps you’ll need to take to get the right results

Get instant access to “How To Break Through Career Burnout” today!

Additional Free Resources

7 Mistakes You Can’t Afford To Make On LinkedIn

In this free training, you will learn:

The 7 mistakes executives can’t afford to make on LinkedIn anymore
How to avoid looking like a narcissist on LinkedIn
The one change in your LinkedIn settings that will get you more profile views
How “curating” the content you share on LinkedIn impacts your reputation
The 3 places on your LinkedIn profile you need to care about the most

Get instant access to “7 Mistakes You Can’t Afford To Make On LinkedIn” today!

No. 1 Way To Get A Job Without Applying Online

In this free training, you will learn:

Why an “interview bucket list” is the secret weapon to securing a good job
Which tools you need to update and use to get noticed by recruiters
The right way to network on sites like LinkedIn to get in front of hiring managers

Get instant access to “No. 1 Way To Get A Job Without Applying Online” today!

8 Reasons TikTok Will Be The Hottest Way To Hire (And Get Hired) In 2023

In this free training, you will learn:

Why not just Gen Z but all generations are finding their next employer on TikTok
How using TikTok will make it easier (yes, easier!) for companies to recruit on other social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
How talent searches for employers on TikTok and “discovers” the best places to work nobody knows about
How companies will use TikTok to recruit without having to start a company TikTok account

Get instant access to “8 Reasons TikTok Will Be The Hottest Way To Hire (And Get Hired) In 2023” today!

Want More Help With Your Job Search & Career?Â

4 Ways To Keep Your Job Search Going During The Summer

May 24, 2023

Every season is job search season if you want it bad enough. However, there are some that view summer as a time of rest and ease up on their job searches. That’s the last thing you should do!

Sure, you should take time to relax and go on vacationâjust don’t abandon your job search goals completely. Here are four ways to keep your job search on track, while still enjoying your summer:

Update Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile

A new season is a time for renewal, so it’s important to make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are current and up to date with projects, contributions, and achievements. Summer is a great time for reflecting on the work you have done over recent months and leveraging those accomplishments to have a results-driven resume and LinkedIn profile.

While your resume takes precedence, you should still give your LinkedIn profile a good look because it’s public and is viewable by a greater geographic population. Do not underestimate the power of LinkedIn for your job search potential.

Attend Networking Events

Summer is a great time to be more social. Attend professional events, go to business happy hours, and ramp up your networking opportunities. Connect with old colleagues over lunch outdoors in casual attire, and seek out the potential for informational interviews at companies. Since things are more casual and laid back in the summertime, ramp up the opportunities and seize them.

If you can’t attend any in-person networking events, there are still ample opportunities to network online!

Refocus Your Strategy By Volunteering

The beautiful summer weather is great motivation for engaging in new volunteer and community service opportunities. Consider the potential for making new connections and adding volunteer projects to your resume and LinkedIn profile that you are already updating during the summertime.

Remember, summer days are longer. Use your time wisely, and to your benefit!

Re-Evaluate And Reach Out

Spend the summer re-evaluating your current role. What skills are you developing in your current role? What skills do you want to build upon? Consider reaching out to recruiters or your professional network, people who can help bring your next role to fruition. LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with recruiters and seeing if new projects or opportunities are available to expand your skills.

Don’t let the summer weather be a distraction or setback for you. Focus on reclaiming your brand, take a break or a vacation, and regroup on where you would like to go next in your career. Remember one important thing: the year is already halfway over, so it’s important to seize the moment and the opportunity.

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.

How To Explain A Career Gap Due To Cancer

May 22, 2023

If you’ve been out of work because you’ve had a life-threatening illness or cancer, I am so happy that you’re okay. That is the first priority. Who cares about your gap in employment? Let’s get you healthy first. And the fact that you are looking for work means you’re on the other side of it. So to me, that’s the story to tell.

The sad thing is 20 years ago you couldn’t admit you had a life-threatening illness because people wouldn’t hire you. Is that still happening today? I know it is. It’s unfortunate. It stinks. But I’ve worked with a lot of people in your position, and I’ve found that if we can get the right verbiage and find the right way to answer this employment gap question, it can work in your favor, as opposed to it being a negative.

You might be wondering if you should lie when answering the employment gap question. I’m not a fan of lying, and I also don’t think you need to. But, at the same time, I’m not a fan of shock value.

So here’s my advice…

How To Explain A Gap In Employment Due To Cancer

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @t.a.m.m.a.m.a.y How to explain your career gap due to cancer. â¥ï¸ #gapsinemployment #cancersurvivor #howtoexplain #jobadvice #jobtok #gaps #employment #careeradvice #careertiktok #jobsearchtips #jobtiktok #careertok â¬ Unstoppable – Sia

When the hiring manager asks why there is an employment gap on your resume, respond with, “That’s a great question,” because that way you’re immediately going into this conversation with a positive tone. And it’s the truth. It is a good question because you’re going to answer it with enthusiasm.

Here’s how to structure the rest of your answer…

“It’s a (blank)-year gap because I had a life-threatening illness. I had cancer. And I am so happy to say that I’m here because I’m on the other side of it. Being sick for (blank) years, getting through cancer, and being a survivor has taught me (blank). I feel (blank) about work now. This is why I’m excited. I want to leverage (blank) skills. And I know I’d have that opportunity at this company.”

In summary, when you explain a gap in employment due to cancer, talk about:

The things you’ve learned
How you feel about work now
Why you’re excited about this employment opportunity
The skills you want to leverage

Show the hiring manager that you’ve taken this very powerful experience in your life and you’ve dealt with it. You’re amazing, and now you’re on the other side of it and ready to go. This draws them in. Now they’re your champion. Now they want to place you in that job.

So there’s a right answer to this employment gap question. There’s a right story to tell. And with the right practice, you can get to the interview and tell it with enthusiasm and get them on your side.

I hope this helps because you are amazing. If you’re reading this and you survived, you are amazing and that means we can get you hired too. Go get ’em!

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3 Ways To Practically Guarantee You Get The Job

May 17, 2023

Have you ever had the experience of sending out your resume everywhere and getting no results? No emails. No callbacks. No interviews. It sucks, doesn’t it? I had that experience a few years back. And then a profound realization changed everything for me. I realized that…

You’ve got to make an irresistible offer.

And a boring, traditional resume just doesn’t do that.

See, employers and recruiters are used to seeing the same thing over and over: a plain-Jane resume and cover letter. And they’re dying to get something fresh. Something that makes an impact. Something that’s irresistible.

We’ve all sent in boring resumes during our job search at one point or another. But now, it’s time for an update. Here are three ways to change your job search strategy to practically guarantee you get the job:

1. Prove You’ll Earn Them More Than You Cost

Here’s the truth: You need to make your employer a profit.

Meaning hiring you comes at a cost. And likewise, the effort from the work you do brings in revenue.

So, what’s the easiest way to practically guarantee you get the job you’re applying for? Simply prove, based on past results, that you’re going to bring in more revenue to the business than you cost them.

For example, one campaign I thought of and helped run at my past employer paid for my annual salary within a couple of weeks. That’s solid, tangible, and quantifiable proof that I’m worth more than I cost.

So, if you haven’t already, start thinking of measurable ways you bring in revenue for a companyâand then put those detailed examples on your resume. The numbers will speak for themselves.

2. Provide Credible Proof That You Can Perform

Testimonials from credible peopleâwhether they’re mentors, peers, employers, or teachersâare one of the best ways to show proof of past performance and character. And past performance combined with character (cultural fit) is a huge element employers look for in potential employees.

The good news is that LinkedIn has made gathering these testimonials easier than ever. So, if you don’t have any yet, think of a few people that could provide great testimonials for you, and ask for them. They’ll make a huge difference in your job search.

3. Work To Learn, Not To Earn

When you’re first starting out and you don’t have proof of generating results or credible testimonials, then the best way to get your foot in the door (if you’re unable to successfully network your way into the company) is by working for free for a week, or even up to three months.

In fact, I got my dream jobâthe position I had my heart set onâby offering to work for free for three months. Now, of course, you don’t want to do this for ANY employer. Only offer this if you’re fairly certain that working for free will lead to a job, and that job will open up a world of opportunities within 2-3 years for you.

That’s what it did for me, and that’s what it could do for you.

BONUS: Stand Out Online!

Your bonus tip is to stand out online. Why?

The first thing any employer is going to do when you apply is Google your name. And what if what they found blew them away so much so that they shortlisted you for the position immediately?

That’s what can happen with a great online presence. And nowadays, that’s easier than ever to achieve. You don’t have to be tech savvy, you just need to know how to optimize your LinkedIn profile and make your personal brand known to colleagues, recruiters, and hiring managers.

We know the interview process can be stressful and draining. By doing these four things in your job search, you’ll practically guarantee you get the job!

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.

How Recent College Grads Can Find A Job Despite Mass Layoffs

May 10, 2023

When times are tough, mass layoffs happen in almost every industry. But what do you do if you’re a recent college graduate looking for your first job? How can you find a job when those around you are getting laid off?

Your first job search after college is hard enough without dealing with bad economic conditions. You need to prove your value to an employer with limited to no experience under your belt. Even before that, though, it can be incredibly challenging trying to get your resume past the ATS and into the hands of the hiring manager.

If you recently graduated from college and don’t know where or how to start your job search in these trying times, we have some simple but effective tips guaranteed to help you land your first job.

Here are three things recent college graduates should do to find a job despite mass layoffs:

1. Be Intentional With Your Networking

At Work It DAILY, we firmly believe your network is your net worth. Approximately 30-50% of all jobs today are gotten via referral. Utilize the connections you’ve made in college or in past summer internships to get your foot in the door somewhere. It’s always easier to get a job when you’ve been referred internally by someone who already works at the company.

It’s not enough to simply ask your connections about any employment opportunities they know about, though. You need to be intentional with your networking, or your job search will feel aimless.

Build a list of companies you’d like to work for so you can focus your efforts in those areas. This is your interview bucket listâall the companies you would love to work for that hire for your skill sets.

Creating this list is going to help focus your job search in terms of who you need to network with, reach out to, and start to connect with in order to find the job opportunities you want.

Remember: You’re not asking them for a jobâyou’re asking them for information that could help you land an interview.

2. Write A Disruptive Cover Letter

The cover letter is the “voice” to your resume. If you want to land yourself an interview while layoffs are happening left and right, the key is to write a disruptive cover letter.

If you’re not writing disruptive cover letters in your job search, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to stand out to employers. The ultimate goal of a disruptive cover letter is to tell a story so compelling about why you feel connected to the company that they’ll want to pick up the phone and get to know you a bit more.

What you lack in experience you can make up for with enthusiasm and a great connection story.

3. Consider An Unpaid Internship

Even when there aren’t mass layoffs going on, getting an internship after you graduate from college can be a very strategic move for your career.

If you’re struggling to find a job right out of college, consider applying for an internship position. Preferably, you’d want a paid internship, but if a lot of companies are laying off employees, ask if they have an unpaid opportunity available. You won’t get paid, but you will gain a lot of experience. And if the internship goes well, they may offer you a full-time position after a few months of hard work and proving yourself as a valuable employee.

At the end of the day, experience is what will set you apart in the current job market, because it gives you the ability to develop your skills and show how you made or saved a company moneyâsomething every employer will want to hear when you interview with them.

School teaches you everything except how to get a job. No matter how competitive or disrupted the job market may be, recent college grads can stand out to employers with these three tips, and find a good job soon after graduation.

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.

3 Tips To Recover After Not Getting The Job

May 9, 2023

It can be hard to recover after not getting the job, especially after all of that time and effort you put into your research, application, interview, and follow up. The good news is that, even if you didn’t get the job, you can still come out on top.

Instead of falling victim to your frustration, you can turn this situation into a positive. But how? Here are a few tips for recovering after not getting the job:

1. Step Back & Reflect On The Situation

“Take a deep breath,” says J.T. O’Donnell, founder and CEO of Work It Daily. “They didn’t say, ‘No, not ever.’ This wasn’t a personal attack on you. They just said, ‘No, not today.'”

You need to realize that a lot of talented people applied for that job, and the fact that you made it to the very end is awesome. Just because you weren’t considered the “perfect” match doesn’t mean you weren’t a great match. Take a step back and get some perspective on the situation.

2. Step Up & Be ThankfulÂ

“You need to step up now and show your character, your authenticityâprove that you mean what you said,” says O’Donnell.

Send a note thanking the hiring manager for letting you know you weren’t selected and let them know you’re happy they found a great candidate. Even though this might be hard for you to do, it’s very important that you take that responsibility, according to O’Donnell.

Also, let them know you’re still interested in working for the firm in the future and touch base with them every now and then. Make it clear that you’ll be proactive in your efforts to work there, even after getting rejected this time. It’s going to show them that you really are the professional you said you were during the hiring process.

3. Don’t Let Your Pride Get In The Way

“It’s really easy to say, ‘Forget them! They had their shot!'” says O’Donnell. “But you know what? You know you want to work there, it’s just that your feelings are hurt.”

Don’t let your pride get in the way. You need to push it aside and be the bigger person. Focus on the future. What if another job opens up at the company? If you really were one of the top choices, they may just call you and skip the hiring process altogether. Wouldn’t that be nice?

We understand how soul-crushing not getting the job can be, especially if you’ve been looking for a job for months. Keep your head up. The right job opportunity for you is out there.

In the meantime, we hope these tips will help you recover from the disappointment that comes with a long job search. You got this!

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.

Job Shopper vs. Job Seeker: Which One Are You?

May 8, 2023

There is a huge difference between being a job seeker and a job shopper. And if you don’t understand the difference, keep reading. Because I promise you, if you’re looking for work right now, you need to understand the difference.

The Difference Between A Job Seeker & A Job Shopper

@j.t.odonnell Job Shoppers vs Job Seekers. Why ypu want to be the 1st and not the 2nd! #jobsearchtips #jobseeker #jobshopper #howto #careertiktok #jobtiktok #jobs #careers â¬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

The majority of people looking for a job right now are job seekers. They’re getting on board job boards, they’re applying to a bunch of jobs, and then they’re sitting back and waiting to hear from employers.

Here’s the problem: just because job boards are there doesn’t mean they’ve made it easier for you.

A job seeker has a 3% chance of getting a callback when applying online. And that is because these online job boards have made it easier for the employer to get a lot of applicants. But that means there’s a lot more competition for you. So you apply for a job, a thousand other people apply, and there’s a 3% chance you’re getting a call. That is a really frustrating demotivating, embarrassing, depressing way to look for work. You don’t want to be a job seeker.

You want to be a job shopper.

A job shopper chooses who they want to work for, and they are very intentional in the way that they reach out and connect with that employer in order to get their dream job. Sounds a lot better, right? Who doesn’t like shopping?

You start by finding companies that you respect and admire that hire for your skill set and you make a list. It’s called an interview bucket list. The reason you make this list is because employers don’t just want the most qualified applicant. They want the one who would be the easiest to work with.

You get hired based on your personality and your aptitude. You can’t teach personality and you can’t teach aptitude. You can teach experience. That combination of personality and aptitude means you’ll get along with everybody else in the office and you know how to adapt yourself and do things the way the employer needs you to do them. That’s the difference.

Once you have your interview bucket list, reach out and connect with as many people as possible who work at those companies. Here’s an example of what you can say to your new connections:

“Hey, I’m a fan of your company. It’s literally on my top 20 list of companies I’d love to work for someday. Can I hear how you got your job or can I hear what you love about your work?”

That kind of connection story piques their interest because now you’re somebody they might want to hire because you have the things they can’t teach. You’ve got the personality for the job.

So, that connection story is everything. That’s how you become a job shopper instead of a job seeker. Remember to use your connection story in your disruptive cover letter too. Good luck, and go get ’em!

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!

5 Interview Hacks That Will Give You An Edge (No Confidence Required)

May 4, 2023

How can you project confidence when you don’t feel it? One of the most interesting things I learned from my days as an actor was seeing how audiences tended to remember what a person did much more than how they did it.

In other words, if you take the correct actions, despite not being confident, you’ll trigger the same response as though you were. The goal? Establishing yourself as the job candidate who can deliver the most valueâsomeone who is in demand, understands his/her worth, and is willing to advocate for it.

Here are some hacks to help you appear confident in your next job interview:

1. Have A Great Answer For Tricky Questions You Know Will Come Up

If you were laid off or fired, you know it’s going to come up during the hiring process. So, make sure you have a good answer that eases any potential concerns from the employer.

We recommend using the “Experience + Learn = Grow” framework when you outline your responses for these types of questions. What happened? What did you learn from the experience? How did you grow into a better employee as a result?

Having good answers ready for tough interview questions can set you apart from the competition.

2. Be Flexible With Your Time When It Comes To Interviews

When an interview runs over, it’s a great sign. They want to continue learning about you, so let them! If you cut it short, you risk losing a great opportunity to sell yourself.

Make sure you block out enough time during the day for your interview, to get there and in case the interview goes long. You don’t want to leave a job interview early, especially if it’s going well! That will rub the hiring manager the wrong way, and definitely hurt your chances of moving on in the interview process.

3. Make Sure You Have A Number Or Range Ready When They Ask About Salary Requirements

No one likes getting the brush-off when it comes to important details. If an employer has a budget for a role, they need to know whether it’s worth their time to continue with you (and vice versa!).

Also, this is a good opportunity for you to demonstrate that you’ve researched this and have a clear understanding of your value. An accurate and reasonable salary range will make you seem more confident and can make it easier to negotiate salary down the road.

4. Always Ask For Next Steps So You Know What To Expect And How You Should Respond

Some companies have longer interviews than others, and not every hiring process is the same. Making sure you know what to expect is key so you can set yourself up for success.

It’s simple: never leave an interview without asking the hiring manager what the next steps are! You’ll walk out feeling confident about what to expect in the coming weeks. Also, don’t forget to send a thank-you note!

5. “I’m Interested In This Job, And Want It!”

Sounds obvious, right? But you’d be amazed how many great candidates lose out on the offer by being dinged for a lack of enthusiasm for the role.

The best solution? As the interview’s wrapping up, take a second to bring it up.

Why are you excited about the role? Why are you excited about being a part of what they’re doing? And yes, state outright that you’d like the job. It can make a big difference.

It’s okay if you’re struggling with feeling confident during your job search. These five hacks can help you appear confident and stand out from the competition. Sometimes it’s best to fake it until you make it!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Why You Shouldn’t Write “To Whom It May Concern” On Your Cover Letter

May 2, 2023

Many job seekers still don’t understand how important cover letters are in their job search. Your cover letter has the power to turn your job application from a “maybe” to a “yes.” Even the little details, like how you address your cover letter, can impact a hiring manager’s decision whether to give you a call or not.

As a job seeker, there are many ways you can choose to address your cover letter. But there’s one you should never useâno matter the circumstances.

Here’s why you shouldn’t write “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter:

It’s Impersonal

The whole point of your cover letter (a disruptive cover letter, at least) is to connect with the employer. How can you do that when you begin your cover letter with such an impersonal greeting?

When you write “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter, you’ve already lost an opportunity to be warm and friendly. This type of greeting is cold and formal, something you’d see in business correspondence. Maybe a cover letter was considered a form of business correspondence back in the day, but it’s much more than that now.

So, skip the formality. Your cover letter should be personal. It should tell a storyâthe story of why you want to work for the company, why you’re passionate about what they do, and how you believe you can help them achieve their goals as an organization. And no good story ever began with “To Whom It May Concern.”

It’s Outdated

If you write “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter, there’s a good chance the hiring manager will think you’re old-fashioned, if they didn’t already think so after reviewing your resume.

In the job search, it’s all about relevancy. By using such an outdated greeting in your cover letter, the hiring manager will also begin to question just how relevant your skills are, or if you’re still relevant in your industry.

Simply put, “To Whom It May Concern” is outdated, old-fashioned, and can bring into question your relevancy as a professional, a business-of-one. That’s not something you ever want.

It’s Lazy

Writing “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter might’ve been completely fine before the internet and the rise of professional networking sites like LinkedIn. But now information about who works at a certain company and their roles within an organization is freely available and out there for anybody to find. You just have to look for it.

That’s why when you use this type of cover letter greeting it can come off as lazy. The hiring manager may think you didn’t care enough about the job opening to properly address the cover letter to the person who’d be reading it. So, do you really care about getting the job? Do you really want the job? If you’re lazy even before you get the job, would someone be wrong to assume you’d probably be lazy on the job as well?

In the job search, you never want to do the bare minimum. Writing “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter is the bare minimum.

A little research never hurt anybody. Before starting your cover letter, try to find the name of the hiring manager at the company you’re applying to. If you can’t, writing “Dear Hiring Team” or “Dear Hiring Manager” will work just fine.

How you address your cover letter is more important than you think. Every little detail can impact a hiring manager’s impression of you. So, whatever you do, avoid the impersonal, outdated, and lazy greeting of “To Whom It May Concern” on your next cover letter. You’ll thank us later.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

5 Tips For Writing An Unforgettable Thank-You Note

April 27, 2023

Your job interview may be over but the interview process isn’t done yet. There’s another crucial step that could mean the difference between getting hired or getting looked over. That step is sending an unforgettable thank-you note to your hiring manager.

Will a thank-you note really make a difference?

Yes, it definitely will. Writing a thank-you note gives you the opportunity to keep on making a good impression after the interview process is complete. It shows that you care about the company and appreciate the time people put in to meet you. Plus, it shows that you care about the next step in the hiring process and want to take an active part in it.

If you have questions about your thank-you note strategy (like what to put in it or how to send it along), here are some tips on how to write a thank-you note that will really wow your potential employer:

Don’t Send A Hand-Written NoteâEmail It Instead

There’s a good chance the hiring manager is super busy and wants to make a hire soon. You need to keep up with them. If you write a note by hand and send it in the mail, it may not reach them by the time they make a decision.

To ensure that you’re up to speed in the hiring process, send the thank-you note via email. It will get to the hiring manager much faster.

Send It Sooner Rather Than Later

The hiring process moves fast, so it’s important you make a good first impressionâfast.

The optimal time to send a thank-you note is within 24 hours of your job interview. That way, the hiring manager doesn’t forget you or the conversations you had during your interview. A quick turnaround on your thank-you note also shows the employer you’re a proactive and eager job candidate.

Be Sure To Say Why You’re Thankful For The Interview

Saying “thank you” in your thank-you note is a given. Take it a step further by telling the hiring manager why you are thankful for the interview.

You could mention that you liked learning more about the company, meeting members of the team, and getting to know more about the position. This shows the hiring manager that the job interview was more than just a formal part of the hiring process for you.

Remember Names And Drop Them In Your Note

During your job interview, learn the names of those you come in contact with and mention some of them in your thank-you note. You could mention a question they answered for you or give them a shout-out for making you feel comfortable.

This shows that you pay attention to the details and care about those who have helped you throughout the hiring process.

Tell Them Why You’d Be A Good Fit

Now that you’ve gone through the interview, reiterate why you think you’d be a good fit for the job. You got a glimpse of how the company functions, so now’s your chance to add what value you think you bring to the table.

You can also express your excitement about the position and the company. It will show that you care about the job and it will help you further stand out in the hiring manager’s mind.

At the end of the day, a thank-you note will make you a memorable job candidate, someone the employer would love to have on their team. So, don’t forget to send a thank-you note after your next job interview!

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.

#1 Thank-You Note Mistake: Recapping The Interview & Trying To Resell Yourself

Step 1: Think About A Time You Exceeded Expectations

Step 2: Break The Story Down

Step 3: Practice Your Delivery

1. Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp

2. Career Decoder Quiz

3. Workplace Communication Style Quiz

4. How To Choose Your Career (In 5 Simple Steps)

5. Professional Strengths Bootcamp

6.Â How To Break Through Career Burnout

Additional Free Resources

Want More Help With Your Job Search & Career?Â

Update Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile

Attend Networking Events

Refocus Your Strategy By Volunteering

Re-Evaluate And Reach Out

How To Explain A Gap In Employment Due To Cancer

1. Prove You’ll Earn Them More Than You Cost

2. Provide Credible Proof That You Can Perform

3. Work To Learn, Not To Earn

BONUS: Stand Out Online!

1. Be Intentional With Your Networking

2. Write A Disruptive Cover Letter

3. Consider An Unpaid Internship

1. Step Back & Reflect On The Situation

2. Step Up & Be ThankfulÂ

3. Don’t Let Your Pride Get In The Way

The Difference Between A Job Seeker & A Job Shopper

1. Have A Great Answer For Tricky Questions You Know Will Come Up

2. Be Flexible With Your Time When It Comes To Interviews

3. Make Sure You Have A Number Or Range Ready When They Ask About Salary Requirements

4. Always Ask For Next Steps So You Know What To Expect And How You Should Respond

5. “I’m Interested In This Job, And Want It!”

It’s Impersonal

It’s Outdated

It’s Lazy

Don’t Send A Hand-Written NoteâEmail It Instead

Send It Sooner Rather Than Later

Be Sure To Say Why You’re Thankful For The Interview

Remember Names And Drop Them In Your Note

Tell Them Why You’d Be A Good Fit

Don’t Send A Hand-Written NoteâEmail It Instead