Job seekers

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5 Things You Should Do While Looking For A Job

Anyone who's ever been unemployed (or looked for a job while employed) knows how stressful and exhausting the job search process can be. So, during your job search, should you feel guilty for taking some time for yourself?

The short answer: No. Of course not.

If we're not spending every waking moment applying for jobs, sometimes it's easy to feel guiltyâlike we're not doing EVERYTHING we can to land our next job. This strategy of applying for as many jobs as possible and hoping for the best actually doesn't help anyone get a job faster. In other words, choosing quantity over quality. This is the wrong mindset to have, and it does more harm than good.

The job search process is about working smarter, not harder.

Think about a normal work day. It's pretty balanced, right? You get up, go to work, come home, and still have hours left in the day to do whatever you want. Your job isn't the only thing you have going on in your life. That's why it's called work-life balance. To sum it up...

Your job isn't your whole life. So, your job search shouldn't be either.

Here are some ways you can take time for yourself as you look for a new job (because you deserve it!):

1. Exercise

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When you're unemployed, here at Work It DAILY we like to say this is an opportunity for you to get in the best shape of your life.

Taking care of yourself is important and regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental health. It's a great way to relieve stress and it may even help you sleep better.

Take advantage of the free time you have after applying for jobs and get moving! Chances are, you'll walk into your next interview with more confidence and an extra spring in your step.

2. Read

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Nothing helps us detach from our busy lives like reading a good book.

Quiet those racing thoughts by readingâany genre will do! Reading may help you learn something new, gain new perspectives, and help with empathy (all things that will benefit you at your next job).

Knowledge is power!

3. Network

via GIPHY

Although you may dread networking, think of it as a necessary evil. Sure, it sucks having to step outside your comfort zone and you'd rather be doing other things. But nothing can produce positive career results quite like networking. There's no substitute for it.

If you're between jobs, you should devote some of your time to networking. You'll meet new people in your industry and connect with those who have similar interests and career goals. If it doesn't help you get your next job, it may help you get a job down the line.

4. Visit Family & Friends

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Sometimes all we need when we're feeling down is a visit with our family and friends. They've supported you through tougher times, and they'll support you through this transition too.

When you're starting to doubt yourself, they will remind you of your strengths and accomplishments. They'll give you that confidence boost you need. At the very least, you'll have quality time with the people you loveâtime you don't always have when you're working every day.

5. Learn A New Skill

via GIPHY

One of the best ways you can spend your time during the job search process is by learning a new skill.

Whether it's getting certified or taking a class, this skill should be applicable to your new job. You can add it to your resume, and it shows employers you've been doing something productive for your career, even when you weren't employed.

If you try these five things (or just one!), you'll transition to your next job with easeâand it won't feel like you're just waiting out the clock. Be proactive and take ownership of your career like never before! You may be looking for a job, but don't let that stop you from living your best life.

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5 Things You Should Do While Looking …

Over 40 & Struggling To Get Hired? Follow These Job Search Tips…

If you are over 40, have a big skill set, and are struggling to get hired, you've come to the right place. I work with thousands of people who have big skill sets and can't get hired. What's going on? What can you do to stand out in the hiring process and land a job?

When you're networking and interviewing as a seasoned professional, you're probably giving employers the wrong impression because you're sitting there telling them all your skills, all the things you can do for them, and making it sound like you're a Jack or Jill of all trades. And while you think that's what they want to hear because you're thinking, "I'm the best bang for the buck," that's not what they're hearing. What they're hearing is that you're narcissistic. You're a know-it-all. You're going to be difficult to work with, and you're probably going to leave for more money anyway.

Employers don't want that headache.

Now, here's how you fix that...

Best Tips For Job Seekers Over 40

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @luvmy2goldens over 40 job search tips! #over40 #over50 #careeradvice #jobsearch #interviewtips â¬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

1. Ask, don't tell.

You want to listen twice as much as you talk in your interviews. The way you do that is by asking great questions.

Examples:

How does this job support your work?
What about your work is keeping you up at night?
What would I need to do in this job to make your life easier?

You really want to get at their pain point and how the job supports them. But you're also sending a message, and that message is, "I get it. I'm the service provider. You're the customer, You're the leader. And I'm going to make sure that you're happy." That's the mindset they need to hear.

2. Make it clear that it's an equitable partnership.

By "equitable partnership" I mean you need to point out all the things they have to offer that you really want because you don't want them worrying that you might leave. You need to talk about the skills you'll be able to develop there, the knowledge you'll gain, and the opportunities you'll have that you won't have anywhere else. You need to hype them up and say, "You have so much to offer me here. This is the place I want to be. You are at top of my bucket list. This is the place I want to spend years at." And you've got to make them see that as well.

Between asking great questions so you're not overselling yourself and also making employers realize that they're exactly what you want, that's how you're going to get the results that you're looking for. Those are my best tips for job seekers over 40. Give them a try.

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Over 40 & Struggling To Get Hired? …

How To Correctly Follow Up After An Interview

How you communicate with employers after an interview is an important, but often understated, step in the interview process. Most of the career advice surrounding job interviews discusses how to land an interview, and what to do when you get one.

We're here to help you in that difficult (and sometimes lonely!) stage after a job interview when you're not sure where you stand in the employer's eyes.

Here are two ways you should follow up with an employer after a job interview:

1. Send A Thank-You Note

This piece of job search advice is common. Yet, executing a good thank-you note is harder than it looks.

You should send a thank-you note to a potential employer within 24 hours after your job interview. And, since the hiring manager is probably really busy, it's best to send an email, not a handwritten note.

In your note, it's not enough just to say "thank you." You should also explain why you're thankful for the opportunity to interview at the company. Mention specific details from the interview if you canâabout the company, meeting members of the team, and the position itself.

During the interview, make it a goal to remember the names of everyone you shake hands with. Then, you can drop the names of the people you met in your thank-you note.

This will show the employer that you pay attention to the details and have already connected with the people at the company you'd be working with if you get the job.

Lastly, end your thank-you note by reiterating why you believe you'd be a great fit for the job, and express your excitement about the opportunity to work there.

A well-written and thoughtful thank-you note like this will definitely stand out to hiring managers.

2. Send A Follow-Up Email

Man on laptop sends a follow-up email after a job interview

After you send your thank-you note, the waiting begins.

It's in your best interest to follow up one to two weeks after your interview. The only exception is if the employer gives you a certain time frame of when to expect to hear back from them. If given a time frame, don't follow up before then.

When you do decide to follow up with an employer, a short, concise email is the way to go.

Ask if there's anything else the hiring manager needs from you. Reiterate your excitement for the opportunity. And finally, close the email with a forward-looking statement, and another "thank you."

Communication with a potential employer after a job interview is an integral part of the hiring process. You don't want to annoy them, but you need to convey your enthusiasm and excitement for the opportunity at the same time.

By following up in these two ways, you'll stand out as an eager and proactive applicant, one with communication skills that will help you shine in any position.

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How To Correctly Follow Up After An …

Your cover letter and resume have made a positive impression on a potential employer, and they've called you in for an interview. Now, you need to ensure the employer stays impressed with you and your potential in their organization.

There's an old saying first impressions countâand there's no better instance of the truth to this than the impressions made during a job interview. A variety of factors are in effect. It may include the way you are dressed, how you communicate, your personality, and a number of other considerations.

It takes a lot to develop a positive impression, and very little to leave one that does not work in your favor during a job interview.

Here are 10 common mistakes that can ruin any job interview (if you're not careful):

1. Arriving Late

Everyone's time is valuable. Show respect and do not waste other people's time.

Of course, sometimes things pop up and cause unexpected delays. Try to plan ahead so you don't arrive late. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location. Make sure you have an outfit ready the night before, so you're not scrambling five minutes before you're supposed to be heading out the door.

If there is an unexpected delay, at the very least, give a call to apologize and inform your contact of your expected arrival time.

2. Jumping Into The Discussion Of Pay And Benefits

Woman asks about pay and benefits during a job interview

There will be a time for this discussionâgenerally not in the first interview, unless the employer brings it up themselves. You do not want to appear as though all you care about is, "What's in it for me?"

At the same time, approaching the topic of salary is especially risky. You may end up putting yourself in a position where you are asked to present a desired salary and fall under what the company hadn't anticipated. Learn more about the position and conduct research before going into the salary discussion.

3. Answering Your Phone

Man answers his phone during a job interview

Show respect by letting your employer know this interview is more important than any call, text, or notification. Turn off your cell phone. If you forget and it rings, apologize and turn it off.

4. Talking Badly About Your Previous Or Current Employer

Woman badmouths her current employer during a job interview

Regardless of the reality of the situation, never talk badly about your current or previous employer(s). It brings to question if you will do the same with this potential employer in the future.

If they ask why you are leaving your current job, be honest, take ownership of the situation, and focus on the future.

5. Being Brief, Hiding From Questions, Or Talking Too Much

Job candidate listens to a question during an interview

Just as you want to learn about the employer, the employer wants to learn about you. At the same time, you don't want to be the only one talking throughout the interview. You also don't want to be too brief with your answers. You'll come off as unenthusiastic and uninterested in the position.

Learn to listen and have a balanced conversation where you both have a chance to receive information and ask questions.

6. Not Asking Questions

Man doesn't ask questions during his job interview

Regardless of how thorough the interview discussion is, when asked, "Do you have any questions for me?" always have a question. Preferably two or three.

When you do not have a question, it may come across as though you are not sincerely interested in the opportunity.

7. Dressing Inappropriately

Man dressed inappropriately for a job interview

Your appearance includes not just what you wear but how you groom yourself. Employers will not be impressed with a sloppy appearance. You need to appear and dress the part of what is expected of the position.

We recommend dressing one level up from the employees who work at the company. If the workplace culture is casual, wear something that's business casual. You should look like you want the job, while also appearing like you'd fit in.

8. Being Unprepared

Conduct research so you have at least a general sense of the type of business the company is in and what the position you are applying for is about. The hiring manager will know right away whether or not you're clueless about the job you applied for.

With thorough research, you will be able to better tailor your questions and answers during the job interview.

9. Lying

Woman lies to the hiring managers during a job interview

False information can lead to immediate disqualification and exemplify your weaknesses. You will most likely be blacklisted by the company, too.

Lying on your resume or during a job interview is never a good idea.

10. Being Inattentive

Man listens to the hiring manager during a job interview

Carefully listen to what the interviewer is saying and show you are attentive. You do not want to appear disinterested and come off as inattentive. It is not a desirable characteristic for any position.

If you're not interested in them, they won't be interested in you.

Most candidates will only receive one opportunity to make a good impression. Make sure the one you leave is as positive as possible by avoiding these 10 common mistakes during your next interview.

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10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Any Interview

Resumes are still the main âcalling card" used by job seekers and there are various schools of thought about the formatting of this document.

Here are a few tips for formatting your resume that may help you beat the blank screen blues if you're creating a new resume from scratch (or updating one you haven't touched in years):

1. White Space Is Important

Man on laptop thinking about how to format his resume

Most resumes have at least a half-inch margin, but a full inch is preferable. If your margins are smaller, you risk losing content if the document is printed by the hiring manager. Plus, a resume that lacks a one-inch margin is harder for the reader to peruse and may look cluttered or chaoticâtwo qualities that are not often sought by employers.

Readability is key when formatting your resume. Keep this in mind if you're using a resume template, or adding bullet after bullet of new information to your already-existing resume. It's a delicate balance between too much and too little information. Never underestimate the power of white space in your resume.

2. Don't Leave Empty Fields

Woman on laptop correctly formats her resume for a job opening

If you're going to use a resume template, ensure all of the fields are completed with your personal information. Nothing looks worse than seeing "insert job information here" on a candidate's resume. A glaring resume mistake like this may tell the hiring manager you lack attention to detail or other basic skills needed for the job.

The better choice may be to look at a variety of resume formats and combine styles based on your level of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

3. Use Spellcheck & Have A Human Edit Your Resume

Spellcheck is great, but it doesn't catch all grammatical and typographical errors. It's helpful to have someone else review your resume. Ask for that person's feedback on the style of your resume and the resume's readability and content.

Where do their eyes look first? Did you quantify your work experience? Are your skills relevant to the position you're applying for? Does the resume prompt them to want to learn more about you and your qualifications?

A good resume format doesn't mean a thing if you have spelling and grammatical mistakes. Having another person review your resume could save you from some embarrassing job search fails. It's definitely worth the extra time and energy.

4. Cut The Fluff

Woman on laptop cuts the fluff while formatting her resume

Your resume should be clear and concise. Almost all people applying to jobs nowadays know how to use Microsoft Office programs and email, so there's no need to have a technical skills section on your resume unless you have skills that set you apart from the competition.

There's also no need to list "references available upon request." If employers want to check your references, they will ask for them.

Resume fluff only hurts your chances of getting the job. Nowadays, it's about quality, not quantity. A one-page resume with quantifiable accomplishments and work experience is always better than a two-page resume with irrelevant information.

So, cut the fluff and get clear on the value you bring to the table.

5. Be Consistent With Your Style

Man on laptop follows resume formatting tips

Keep fonts and font sizes the same throughout your resume. You should also consider using a similar heading on all pages of the document if your resume is more than one page. This is a good precaution in case the pages become separated.

Any inconsistencies will be distracting for the hiring manager. Choose a clean font, pick a font size, and keep the same style in each section of your resume, including section titles.

6. Determine If Your Page Length Is Appropriate

Most resumes are one to two pages. However, if you have more than 20 years of experience and/or a number of academic or professional publications, your resume may be longer.

Keep in mind that a longer resume doesn't equal more review time by the recruiter or hiring manager. Your most important information should still be at the top of page one. This is where all your hard skills (and transferable skills) should be, as well as your most relevant work experience.

When in doubt, ask yourself if the information you want to include on your resume makes you a better candidate for the job. If not, it's probably not relevant to the position and can be removed.

Resumes are not static documents, so even if you think you're finished with crafting a great one, you will want to revise it slightly for each job you are applying for and add to it as you obtain more experience. Since more and more recruiters are using social media, you will also want to update your LinkedIn profile to match your new resume.

With the right resume format, you'll catch the eye of hiring managers everywhere. We hope you use these resume formatting tips during your next job search. You'll be surprised by how much of a difference it makes.

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Top 6 Tips For Resume Formatting

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 haveâ¦?" 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!

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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 resumeâspecifically, 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 youâand they'll flag you as "Do Not Hire"...ever. Let's avoid that.

What To Do If You've Lied On Your 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 convictionâif 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, tooâthat 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 employmentâbut 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.

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What To Do If You’ve Lied On …

5 Tips For Nailing Your Next Phone Screen

When you have an employer calling and saying they want to schedule a phone interview with you, that means you look good on paper and they now want to see if you are all that you say you are. The phone screen is a critical stage in the job search process because how well you communicate and perform will pave the way to the big opportunity of a meeting at their office with the decision makers.

In most instances, the phone screen is conducted by someone from HR. They'll primarily review your professionalism and communication skills to see if you are articulate, knowledgeable, and have the right experience and skills for the job.

The ultimate mission is to screen out candidates so that the ones who are invited for an in-person interview are the best in the bunch. So, here's how you can ace the phone screen:

1. Watch Your Intonation & Build Rapport

Your intonation and body language account for 90% of the effectiveness of your communications. If you are on the phone with no video, your intonation is all you have so be enthusiastic and try to build rapport as people hire people they like.

At this point in the process, the screener is also looking to clear up any questions or hesitation they may have about you from reviewing your resume. Be aware of anything on your resume that may be a red flag and prepare to respond to it without coming off as defensive.

You want to be honest and address any concerns, but also know how to steer the response to something more positive that brings back the message of "this is what I have to offer that you need."

2. Dress The Part And Talk The Part

Are you struggling with confidence before your phone screen? Wear your favorite interview outfit. The one you know you look good in. You'll feel confident and professional.

Also, today's "phone screens" don't necessarily mean just voice. Many employers may request a virtual interview, so be prepared to not only talk the part but dress the part too.

How you look and sound leaves an impression, just like it would from an in-person meeting. Express energy and enthusiasm in your tone.

3. Speak Of Accomplishments When Asked About Previous Jobs And Responsibilities

Employers asking about your past experience aren't looking for a description of your job. If you want to impress, you need to speak of accomplishments and success and how those experiences have prepared you to contribute and bring success to future employers.

Quantify your experience. Do your research and talk to the need that the job posting highlights and then talk about how you've been there, done that, and can directly contribute to the employer's needs.

4. Be Prepared To Handle The Offbeat Question

Woman answers a difficult interview question during a phone screen

Some phone screens have standard questions directed toward your experience and skills, but there are also employers who may put you on the spot with a scenario to see how you react and respond.

The important thing is to not let these types of questions rattle or stump you. Keep a can-do attitude. Make sure you know your experiences, accomplishments, skills, and strengths like the back of your hand. Also, know how you can help the company reach its goals. It'll be hard to stump you when you've done your research.

5. Be Ready To Talk About Salary Requirements

You will be asked this to see if you are in their salary range. This can be tricky because if you present a number below what the employer has budgeted, you lose any chance of securing a higher salary, one the employer may (or would) have considered. And if you present a number that is too high, the employer may decide to dismiss your application and resume even before you have had the chance to make your case in an interview.

The best way to respond to a question about salary during a phone screen is to say, "Although the job and the challenge are most important to me, you should know that I am considering a salary in the XX to YY range." If you make it through the interview process to the last round of interviews, you'll also want to hone your salary negotiation skills.

Each employer will have a different method of screening applicants over the phone. But with these tips, you'll be prepared for whatever comes your way.

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5 Tips For Nailing Your Next Phone …

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 â¬ 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.

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4 Things To Know Before Taking A Lower-Level Position

It's easy to think that taking a lower-level position means putting the brakes on your career track or even taking a step back. But in fact, there can be a lot to gain with such a decision.

Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to take a step forward in your career. There are a number of practical reasons why taking a lower-level position makes sense.

Career Changers

A large percentage of professionals making a career change will face the need to start near the beginning with entry-level workers. If you make a drastic career change, such as going from ER nursing to accounting on the CPA track, you can't expect an opportunity to jump right to the top until you have honed skills and subject matter expertise.

Of course, if you have transferable skills from a previous career that may help to secure an opportunity above entry-level.

Field Of Practice Changers

Professional prepares for a work meeting

There are many people who choose to stay in their profession, but make a change in their field of practice. For example, you may have started your career in marketing for the travel industry, but decided to switch to the pharmaceutical industry.

A lateral move may not always be possible because, like the career changer, you may not have the industry knowledge needed in the field, especially if it is a highly specialized sector. For instance, the technical language used to market pharmaceuticals in the United States follows strict guidelines approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The approaches taken to marketing may be drastically different between the two fields.

Job Changers

A manager welcomes a new employee to the company on her first day

Job changers include individuals who want to make a switch in the type of company or organization they work for. Certainly, working for a non-profit is not the same as corporate, and going from an agency to an in-house position has its differences. So while you may take a lower-level position, the title and associated responsibilities may vary widely between employersâand it is important to consider the experiences and opportunities available with the open position.

For instance, you may go from an agency to an in-house position at a lower level. Expectations for formal promotions also may vary given the different corporate cultures involved. Essentially, you may start off in what is perceived as a lower-level position, but wind up with far more advanced experiences than you might otherwise have.

The (Extended) Unemployed Candidate

Unemployed professional ponders his career options

Times of economic uncertainty typically result in a large pool of unemployed professionals who are well-educated and qualified for positions. Under such circumstances, it's not rare for job seekers to be unemployed for six months or longer. There are simply more qualified candidates than job openings available. So, it may come to a point where you have to make the decision to take a lower-level position in order to:

Bring home a paycheck to pay for essentials.
Maintain your marketability (after such an extended period of unemployment, it may be a greater setback to remain unemployedâyour marketability withers with time away from the market).
Help secure a better job opportunity down the road (employers typically favor candidates who are already employed).

Regardless of the situation, here are four key questions you should ask yourself to help decide whether taking a lower-level position is the right move for you and your career:

Does this type of job fit into my long-term career goals? Essentially, will it get me where I want to be down the road?
After taking this position and settling in, if I go back on the job hunting track, will I be able to communicate to a potential employer how the experience has helped me grow and evolve to be prepared for this next position?
Do I believe I can excel in the position and create realistic opportunities to advance within the company?
Will I be happier in the position? Most people spend much of their life working, so it is important to be happy with what you do. Be wary of how dissatisfaction with a job can quickly lead to burnout.

If you answered "yes" to the questions above and can put your ego aside, making the decision to take a lower-level position can be a rational move to help move your career forward. You can expect to be happier with life and your career. However, after taking a lower-level position, you need to maintain perspective on your reasons for the decision. It is easy to let pride get in the way of things. Remember this decision is based on a long-term plan, not a short-term plan for your career.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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4 Things To Know Before Taking A …

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 oneâbut 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!

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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.

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3 Things To Tell Yourself When The …

4 Signs Your Interview Isn’t Going Well (And How To Fix It!)

Scoring a job interview can be hard work, so you don't want to waste the opportunity. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, sometimes the interview can go off track and before you know it, things didn't go as well as you had hoped.

It doesn't have to be this way! Sometimes there are subtle signs during the job interview that things aren't going well that you can pick up in time to potentially turn things around.

Here are some of the signs you should look for...

The Interviewer Doesn't Try To Sell You On The Company

A human resources manager presents some facts about the company during a job interview/meeting

Have you ever heard the expression, "An interview is about you trying to get to know the company just as much as they're trying to get to know you"? It's true. You should be evaluating the company as they're evaluating your experience and skills.

But, if you're doing this and the interviewer isn't working hard to sell you on the company's good traits, it's probably not a good sign.

Companies want their chosen candidate to accept the job offer, so for their top picks, they'll typically try to mention job perks, company culture, opportunities for growth, and other positives.

You're Only Asked Easy Questions

This may seem counterintuitive. After all, if the company likes you, why would they ask you challenging questions? But interviewers ask tough questions to candidates they're considering because they want to see how they think on their feet and will react to tough job situations.

If they aren't actually considering you, they'll stick with the easiest questions to answer.

The Interview Never Gets Personal

A job seeker answers questions during an interview

When interviewers are interested in a candidate, they will attempt to get to know them on a deeper level than questions like "What are your strengths?" can accomplish. They will often engage in chit-chat to make sure you'd be a good culture fit and to make sure your personality will mesh well with other team members.

If questions stay surface-level, there aren't follow-up questions based on your answers, and the interviewer is cut and dried instead of diving into more personal questions, you're probably not a top candidate.

There's No Mention Of Next Steps

A recruiter goes over the next steps with a job candidate during a job interview

Typically, at some point in the second half of the interview, the hiring manager will bring up salary expectations, references, or follow-up interviews. Even if they don't do this, they'll at least tell you at what point you should hear back about moving forward with your candidacy, or the estimated time by which they're trying to fill the position.

But if an interview ends without a discussion about what the next steps in the process are, it probably means there won't be any.

3 Ways To Turn Your Interview Around

Young professional has a positive response to an interview question

So, what can you do if you start seeing some of these signs throughout the interview? There's a chance that you may not be able to turn it around if the interviewer has already made up their mindâbut there are a few tactics you can employ to give yourself the best shot.

Stay positive - Remember that there's a good chance the interviewer is having a busy day, has a million other things on their mind, or just doesn't have a very friendly or engaging personality. By projecting confidence and positivity, you have a chance to turn around their first impression.

Ask great questions - This approach has two potential benefits. One is that you can ask the interviewer outright if they think you'd be a good fit for the roleâthat way, if they bring up a specific concern they have with you or your experience, you have the chance to address it. Second, many recruiters and interviewers find that the type of questions a candidate asks says a lot about them. By asking insightful, thought-provoking questions, you may be able to increase the interviewer's positive perception of you.

Think of it as practice - Even if you feel pretty confident that you won't get the job based on these signs, you can at least view the interview as good practice for a job that's a better fit for you. Try your best, and make a mental note of what you can improve next time.

Interviews are difficult, and no one likes knowing that their conversation isn't going as well as they'd like. But by employing these tactics, you can have a better sense of what your interviewer is thinking and attempt to course-correct to get the job.

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