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Archive for category: First Sun Blog

You are here: Home1 / FSC Career Blog – Voted ‘Most Read’ by LinkedIn.2 / First Sun Blog

#JobSearch : How To Survive And Thrive During The Holidays And Into The New Year. Great Game Plan for the Holidays!

December 11, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

The new year is right around the corner. For some Americans, 2023 was challenging, as they had to contend with high inflation and rising costs eating into their paychecks. White-collar professionals face job insecurity due to threats brought on by the ascendancy of artificial intelligence, offshoring jobs to other countries and corporate cost-cutting, which has included numerous rounds of layoffs for companies.

One of the best things about this time of year is the shift in attitude. It’s the season for taking some time off from work, seeing family, taking much-needed trips, or just relaxing and practicing self-care. The holidays can be stressful for others, as you must wrap up all year-end projects while hosting family and friends.

How To Balance Everything

To get off on the right foot, you must start by being organized. Meet with your manager to calibrate the expectations and deliverables required during the holiday season.

Write down a list of priorities. This should include the tasks you’re responsible for, bringing your staff up to date with their work and continuing to loop in your direct supervisor to ensure everyone is on the same page. Planning helps to alleviate any stress and anxiety. Since you will be pulled in different directions, ensure that you have a structure and routine in place so you don’t get off track.

Minimize distractions when working. Turn off notifications, put your phone in another room and try to find a quiet spot to avoid holiday noise or conversations when you need to be productive. Consider listening to focus music and be sure to take breaks intentionally. Schedule microbreaks during work sessions to recharge. Use them to stretch, meditate, take a short walk outside or do an activity you enjoy.

With so many holiday events and tasks, fatigue can easily set in. Counter this by keeping your sleep schedule consistent and trying to get a good night’s sleep.

You must also allow time for self-introspection. Use the slower days this time of year affords you to reflect on your 2023. What goals did you accomplish? What lessons did you learn?

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

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Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Looking Forward To 2024

To thrive, you must set your intentions for the new year. Establish what your goals are for 2024 and break them into monthly and quarterly benchmarks. Focus on one to three intentions that guide your days. An intention could be a value, desired trait or action pattern.

Define the position or job title you aim to have in 2024. Map the skills and experience you’ll need through courses, projects or volunteering. Take online courses and certifications. Use extra holiday downtime to gain qualifications and high-demand skills for career advancement.

Attend holiday parties or set up video chats over coffee or lunch to build key relationships. Network and connect with colleagues, bosses, clients and industry peers.

To get a headstart, prepare for upcoming projects and priorities in Q1. Sketch out project plans and brainstorm creative direction. Research trends and innovations in your industry by reading trade journals or books and listening to podcasts.

After self-reflection, you may realize that your current job doesn’t fill you with purpose. If you feel like a job switch is in order, update your résumé and LinkedIn profile and audit your digital footprint to ensure you represent yourself respectfully on social media. To position yourself as a thought leader or leading expert in your space, create content by writing blog posts, making short-form videos or starting an industry-focused podcast to get noticed. Reach out to recruiters to learn about new opportunities.

By doing all of these things, you will set an excellent precedent for the new year. The momentum will keep building upon itself, bringing you closer to your professional goals.

 

Forbes.com | December 11, 2023 | Jack Kelly 

https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Free-Holiday-Dinner.jpg 1100 1650 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-12-11 21:35:122023-12-11 21:35:12#JobSearch : How To Survive And Thrive During The Holidays And Into The New Year. Great Game Plan for the Holidays!

Too Early? Don’t Think So : 3 Things To Do This Holiday Season To Get Ahead In Your Job Search. Get a Jump Before the Masses. Great Read.

December 9, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

While the holiday season is traditionally a time for celebrations, it also presents a unique opportunity for job seekers to get ahead in their search. Companies often set their sights on the upcoming year’s goals, making this season an opportune time to get ready for their strategic hires.

The peak hiring season comes around January and February, so better maximize the extra days off to ensure that your job search remains merry and bright! Here’s how you can navigate the job market and be prepared for the hiring frenzy right around the corner:

1. Reflect On Your Last Year

Aside from attending holiday gatherings and events with friends and loved ones, you can make the most of the downtime to reflect on your biggest wins and the lessons learned from the past year. Taking time for introspection can also help you set your goals for the upcoming year.

From your reflections, make a list of what you want to do and no longer want to do, and go all in on your job search for the type of work that you actually enjoy. By starting your job search during the holidays, you’re strategically positioning yourself to catch the attention of recruiters gearing up for new projects and expansion. And you’ll have a more tailored approach to go after a role that best suits your skills and interests.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. Update Your LinkedIn and Resume

These next few weeks are also a good time to start to updating your online profile and resume to make them more relevant for certain roles and companies. These two will serve as your first impression once you’re actively applying for new opportunities so need to get them ready for recruiters.

For your resume, start with the job description of your target role and then tailor your resume accordingly. Remember to include and highlight your best wins and skills that match the job title and responsibilities that you’re going for. You can make your resume applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly by using a simple resume template and also including relevant keywords and experiences. This increases the likelihood of your resume catching the attention of the hiring team and landing you an interview!

And the next step is your LinkedIn profile. Update your About section to include recent wins and your email address for direct communication. And use this holiday break to update your titles in your Experience section.

While you’re at it, update your LinkedIn headline as well, following this formula: Current (or future) title | Key skills and industry keywords | Big career win

For example: SEO Lead at ABC Company | Driving Digital Growth & Conversions | Boosted Website Visits by 300% through Organic SEO Strategies

3. Wish People Happy Holidays

Sending thank you cards and holiday greetings can be a thoughtful and positive way to reconnect with people who made an impact on your career. This group might also include professionals that you have not yet met and want to network with next year. Handwritten cards are special, but you can also send notes through LinkedIn, and send them warm regards for the holiday season.

When reaching out, personalize your message and mention something specific about their work that you appreciate or find interesting. But make sure to keep the focus on your gratitude for their support and keep the holiday greeting genuine and separate from any job-related requests. Let the season’s goodwill set a positive tone for future interactions.

As we say goodbye to the past year and welcome new beginnings, embrace the valuable connections you’ve made, the skills you’ve acquired, and the accomplishments you’ve achieved. Use these experiences as fuel to drive your career forward. Happy job hunting and happy holidays!

 

Forbes.com | December 5, 2023  | Sho Dewan

 

 

https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Holiday-Pix2.jpg 360 540 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-12-09 14:37:042025-11-11 16:34:55Too Early? Don’t Think So : 3 Things To Do This Holiday Season To Get Ahead In Your Job Search. Get a Jump Before the Masses. Great Read.

#JobSearch : Spotify Cuts Over 1,500 Jobs—Here’s How To Cope With Layoffs During The Holiday Season. So, What to Do Right Now? Doing Nothing? Wrong!

December 7, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Every December, around the holidays, Spotify unleashes its viral marketing campaign, “Spotify Wrapped,” in which users share their top results for their most-listened music and podcasts. This year, amid the trend, the streaming platform called it a wrap for more than 1,500 of its employees, as the company announced Monday its plan to cut 17% of its staff in its third round of layoffs. Wall Street applauded the news, sending stock prices soaring 7%.

Cutting jobs around the holiday season is widely perceived as cold, brutal and lacking basic compassion. Workers are left jobless and without a steady paycheck and are concerned about their lack of health insurance. Instead of looking forward to some time to relax and enjoy being with their family and friends, the downsized employees must now scramble to write a résumé and seek new employment in a challenging environment for white-collar professionals.

Executives may consider this a way to cut costs and save money, while others view it as a company showing its true colors. It’s clear that when organizations say, “We’re family,” it is not true. Grandma getting fired before Christmas doesn’t sound like something a loving family would do to someone they sincerely care about. Companies that let go of workers at this time of year will likely see backlash and lose respect within the marketplace, making it hard to recruit and retain people.

Say It Ain’t So

There are several reasons why employers see the year-end as an opportune time to cut jobs. By laying off staff in December, companies can realize salary savings earlier by removing employees from the current fiscal year’s books. For public companies, it can boost short-term financials and increase stock prices.

It’s sneaky, but some executives may feel that as people start to take their vacation and personal time off, there will be minimal disruptions as many people won’t be around. To cut costs, pushing out workers will save the company from paying expensive annual bonuses, incentives and sales commissions. It’s also convenient to conduct layoffs amidst the rollout of a yearly holiday campaign, so the buzz around it can drown out the news of downsizing.

On the same day that Spotify CEO Daniel Ek announced job cuts, TwilioTWLO +0.5%, a cloud-based communication platform, said it would also be laying off nearly 5% of its staff after pressure from investors to divest its data and applications unit.

Before the 2021 holiday season, online mortgage startup Better.com’s CEO, Vishal Garg, terminated around 900 employees via a one-way Zoom video. To add insult to injury, Garg referred to his staff as “dumb dolphins.” The company became the poster child for callous video firings after online backlash.

During the financial crisis, Bank of AmericaBAC +0.6% drew public indignation for announcing its three-year plan to cut up to 35,000 jobs in December 2009, after receiving billions in government bailout funds. This led to a deluge of highly negative consumer sentiment about corporate greed.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

The Aftermath

Getting a pink slip is detrimental to a worker’s mental health and financial situation. It’s even worse when it happens around the “most joyous” time of the year. For some, it may mean fewer presents under the Christmas tree or opting out of holiday travel to visit family because it is no longer financially viable. Disregarding the fired personnel’s feelings will leave a permanent reminder of the people cast out.

Once word gets out, why would anyone want to remain at the organization? It also presents a hurdle for future hiring, as the news dissuades people from interviewing with the company. Consumers may even boycott its products and services.

There will be public backlash and reputational damage, as the action looks needlessly cold and lacks empathy. Upon learning about the layoffs, talent acquisition and recruiters will descend upon the company looking to poach all the A-players. Current employees will commence updating their résumé and contacting their network to find a new job. The remainers will suffer from survivor’s guilt, resulting in a plummet in employee engagement and productivity.

What You Should Do Right Now

Getting laid off right before Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or New Year’s is incredibly difficult. Here are some actionable steps you can take if you are in this position this holiday season:

  • Take some time to process what happened and acknowledge your anger and resentment. It’s okay to vent to loved ones to get it out in the open. After your grieving period, you must take action to move forward.
  • Take care of practical matters, such as asking for emails and phone numbers of people you want to stay in touch with. Ask HR for a letter of recommendation. Find out your rights, any monies owed to you and whether outplacement services are available. File for unemployment benefits and look into your firm’s COBRA health insurance process.
  • Start rebuilding your career and seeking out new opportunities. Update your résumé and LinkedIn profile and perform an audit of your professional online presence. Reach out to people in your network. Ask them about any job leads at your desired companies. Search job boards and apply to positions. While others coast during the holidays, ensure you’re hustling to get noticed.
  • Avoid becoming antisocial because you feel shame about your job loss. Push yourself to stay connected with people during the holidays, as it’s a good time to call in favors and ask for help in seeking new employment.
Forbes.com | December 6, 2023 | Jack Kelly 
https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/holiday-pix3.jpg 360 540 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-12-07 20:46:252023-12-07 20:52:31#JobSearch : Spotify Cuts Over 1,500 Jobs—Here’s How To Cope With Layoffs During The Holiday Season. So, What to Do Right Now? Doing Nothing? Wrong!

#JobSearch : Is Your Job Search Taking Too Long? Try These 6 Steps. For Months you Sent Hundreds of Résumés. Now What?

December 5, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

You’ve been looking for months and sent out hundreds of résumés. Now, you’re at the end of your rope. Why is the job search taking so long? There are many potential reasons. For one, job seekers are being subjected to a never-ending interview process.

In fact, the amount of time it takes to hire a new employee reached an all-time high this year, based on a recent report. In the research conducted by the Josh Bersin Company and AMS, the time to hire has risen consistently over the last 4 years. The length of the job hunt also varies by industry. Tech companies worldwide laid off more than 400,000 employees in the last two years. So, if you’re looking for a position in that industry, you will face a tough market.

Despite the obvious challenges, there are elements of the job search you can control. These strategies will help you shorten the time it takes to land that ideal position.

1. Focus Your Job Search

The first question to ask yourself is whether your job search has any direction. Do you know where you want to work and what you want to do? Ask yourself questions like:

  • Do you want to work in person, remotely or hybrid?
  • Would you consider relocating?
  • Do you want to stay in your current industry or transition to a new one?
  • Do you want to work in a small, mid-sized or large corporation?
  • Would you consider working for a start-up?
  • What company culture will align with your values?

At that point, make a list of the top 10 organizations that interest you. Then, find specific positions within those companies that fit your skills and experience. That way, you can make a list of targeted job titles (which may vary by company) and network with people in those roles.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. Optimize Your Résumé

Before submitting your job application, ensure your résumé is targeted to the position. Highlight any relevant qualifications and use keywords from the job description. If you’re applying for jobs online, optimizing your résumé for applicant tracking systems (ATS) is crucial. That’s because nearly 98% of Fortune 500 companies filter candidates through an ATS such as Jobvite, WorkdayWDAY -1.4% or Taleo. With companies receiving hundreds of résumés per job opening, a résumé that isn’t ATS friendly can be easily filtered out. Finally, if you’re applying for multiple roles, create a tailored résumé for each. That way, you increase your chances of standing out from the crowd.

3. Develop An Elevator Pitch

Whether you’re speaking with a friend, mentor or recruiter, every job seeker needs a compelling and concise elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a quick introduction that allows you to make a memorable impression in a short amount of time. No matter what industry you’re in, your elevator pitch should describe who you are, what you do, what sets you apart and what your ultimate goal is. Don’t forget to practice in advance so your delivery sounds conversational instead of rehearsed.

4. Create A Strategic Plan

Another way to shorten your job search is to create a strategic plan. That means approaching it like any other work project by creating goals, objectives and a timeline. Break your job search process into manageable tasks and create a framework to organize your activities. Even a simple spreadsheet can help you track interviews, networking conversations and follow-up items.

5. Leverage Efficiency Tools

Besides staying organized, hundreds of productivity tools can speed up your job search. Here are just a few:

  • LinkedIn offers a plethora of resources, including job alerts and the Open-To-Work feature
  • Grammarly helps you edit and correct your grammar, spelling, punctuation and more
  • Mailtrack provides free tracking so that you will know when a recruiter or hiring manager opens your email
  • Hunter or Mailscoop can help uncover emails for outreach
  • Teal allows you to track job applications and manage your job hunt in one place

6. Ask For Job Search Help

Many people wait too long before they start asking for job search support. Don’t let shame or pride get in the way of reaching out to your network. Instead, leverage your professional and personal contacts early on. While it might feel awkward at first, it’s necessary if you want access to the hidden job market. You might even consider working with a career coach to help hone your interview and presentation skills.

Remember, while there are ways to streamline your job search, finding that coveted position can still take time. If you are experiencing frustration and burnout, try to reset your expectations. Track your efforts and determine where you might be falling short. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. It’s one of the best ways to set yourself apart so you can get access to opportunities that much quicker.

Forbes.com | December 3, 2023 | Caroline Castrillon

 

 

https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/man-at-couch-with-laptop.jpg 350 525 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-12-05 17:52:312023-12-05 17:52:31#JobSearch : Is Your Job Search Taking Too Long? Try These 6 Steps. For Months you Sent Hundreds of Résumés. Now What?

#YourCareer : 9 Questions To Ask Your Boss In An End-Of-Year Review. So, What Questions do You Ask? or Do You? MUSt REad!

December 3, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

If you find end-of-year reviews stressful, you’re not alone. However, like all other interactions with your boss, it can be a time to show your interest and shine. Asking thoughtful and strategic questions demonstrates engagement, commitment, and desire for growth. So, if you want to keep up the good work into 2024, here are nine questions to ask in an end-of-year review:

What were our team’s most significant accomplishments?

You probably already have an idea of your team’s biggest accomplishments, but a question like this helps make sure your values are aligned with your boss, and that you have a clear sense of your bosses’ goals.

Where can I improve?

In all likelihood, your boss will tell you this. But in the event that they don’t, or if they only have positive feedback, it’s always good to ask. Not only does it show that you want to improve, it offers a chance to get there.

Where have I excelled?

This question goes beyond making you feel good (though it does that, too!). If you get a sense of where you excelled, you’ll begin to better understand your strengths.

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

What new opportunities are there for success?

It’s always good to indicate an interest in growing. If you know what opportunities may arise in 2024, you’ll have a better sense of how to develop your skillset to fit them.

What are the biggest challenges for 2024?

This lets your boss know you’re on the same team, and in it together.

What steps can I take to advance to the next stage of my career?

Clear directives are always useful. Whether your boss suggests volunteering for more projects, getting certified in something outside or work, or mingling more with other teams, getting feedback on how to excel is critical.

What projects would be a good fit for me?

If your boss gives you exact projects, you not only know who to get in touch with, but you also have something to look forward to. Besides, you’ll get some insight into where the company is heading, which is always helpful.

How can I improve my communication?

Communication is so often over-looked. Your boss’ advice may be as specific as getting into more Slack channels, or it might be more general, like thinking carefully about the tone of emails. No matter what, though, checking in on communication is a great idea.

How can I improve team culture?

Just one more indication that you’re committed to the team. Besides, a positive team culture benefits absolutely everyone.

These questions show your commitment to personal and professional growth, your interest in the success of the team, and your willingness to align your efforts with the company’s goals. And remember—the end-of-year review is nerve-wracking, but it’s intended to help you.

 

Forbes.com | December 1, 2023 | Ginny Hogan

https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/free-women-at-meeting.jpeg 350 524 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-12-03 14:31:412023-12-03 14:31:41#YourCareer : 9 Questions To Ask Your Boss In An End-Of-Year Review. So, What Questions do You Ask? or Do You? MUSt REad!

#YourCareer : 3 Signs You’re Being Quiet-Fired. Watch Out for these Signs. Has this Happened to You? MUst REad!

November 27, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Workplace pressure is something everyone goes through. Whether you work from home or clock in at the office daily, it’s normal to experience a bit of stress as part of a corporate company. But if you’ve been feeling a sudden change in your manager’s vibe, there may be more to it behind the scenes. This article explains what may be happening and signs to look out for.

What Is “Quiet Firing”?

According to global workplace analytics firm Gallup, “quiet firing” is a new term for a decades-old phenomenon at the workplace, wherein employers try to make workplace conditions worse for employees they want to “squeeze out” of the company. Whether it’s company downsizing or trying to avoid redundant positions, quiet firing is a way for management to avoid the hassle of firing or reassigning an employee.

Now, you might have already heard of “quiet quitting”, or when employees start becoming purposely inefficient and absent in their positions to justify leaving. Quiet firing and quiet quitting actually go together–when an employer starts to quietly fire an employee, the employee has no choice but to respond the same way.

Quiet firing is petty, unethical, and shows signs of weak leadership. This could affect an employee’s mental health, as well as potentially damage a company’s reputation. How does one spot this? Watch out for the signs below.

Your Manager’s Attitude Changes Around You

Great managers take the time to check in on each of their team members, no matter how packed their schedules are. These scheduled check-ins mean that the company values its employees and wants to see if there are opportunities they can give to help you grow, so if you’re the only one on the team missing out, that could be a sign.

The complete opposite could also happen. Instead of being overly distant, your manager could start being hyper-critical of everything you do. From reports to projects to nonstop questions through email, they might start nitpicking every detail out of nowhere.

Your Projects Start Being Reassigned

Getting less projects assigned to you may seem like a win at first but it’s not as peachy as it sounds. Ultimately the value you bring to your team is directly related to the impact you make with your work. Projects give employees a specific purpose, so having yours reassigned with no prior heads-up is a big red flag. This also means less opportunities to let your skills shine and showcase what you bring to the table.

Task reassignments also entail being excluded from email threads and task trackers you were previously in, as well as the lack of meeting invites. Some managers do this slowly throughout months of slow contact, while some kick employees out of threads in days. A change in your calendar compared to your team’s should start setting off some alarm bells.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

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Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Your Manager Asks You To Track Your Hours

When managers suddenly ask you to keep track of your hours and activity once you clock in, there’s a big chance they’re looking for a reason to scrutinize your work. Doing so gives employers the excuse to use empty calendar blocks, vacant to-do lists, and less-than-perfect reports as reasons to downplay all that you do.

The biggest sign that you’re getting quiet-fired? HR communications are getting more frequent. It can start off as harmless updates which later escalate to sudden meetings about workplace conduct and even subpar work. Managers who want to quiet-fire employees will involve HR in an attempt to make downsizing seem more diplomatic.

There is no doubt that quiet firing is an unethical and harmful leadership practice. It promotes dishonesty in management, and it can bring down someone’s motivation to keep putting their best foot forward at work. I hope you never have to experience it, but now that you know the signs, spot them while it’s early and be proactive to find remedies. Rooting for you!

 

Forbes.com | November 24, 2024 | Sho Dewan

https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/women-thinking.jpg 450 970 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-11-27 21:51:392023-11-27 21:51:39#YourCareer : 3 Signs You’re Being Quiet-Fired. Watch Out for these Signs. Has this Happened to You? MUst REad!

#JobSearch : The Reality & Myths of a Head Hunter/Recruiter Finding You a Job. How/When to Maximize them in your Job Search. MUst REad!

November 22, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

You are navigating thе intricaciеs of job hunting involvеs undеrstanding thе rеalitiеs and dispеlling myths surrounding hеadhuntеrs and rеcruitеrs. Thеsе profеssionals play a pivotal role, sеrving as stratеgic partnеrs in your job sеarch journey.  Contrary to common myths, they don’t find jobs instantanеously; instеad, thеy еngagе in a mеticulous procеss—Lеt’s еxplorе thе truth about headhunters, dеbunk common misconcеptions, and dеlvе into stratеgiеs for maximizing thеir connеctions.

In this еxploration of “The Reality & Myths of a Head Hunter/Recruiter Finding You a Job,” we unravеl insights to еmpowеr your job sеarch. Discovеr how LinkedIn’s best headhunters sеamlеssly еnhancе your carееr prospеcts.

I. Dеmystifying thе Hеad Huntеr’s Rolе – 

  • Thе Stratеgic Partnеr in Your Job Sеarch

Hеadhuntеrs arе еssеntial alliеs in your job sеarch, going beyond simplе connеctors. Thеy navigatе thе complеx job markеt, forging connеctions bеnеficial to both candidatеs and companiеs. In this stratеgic partnеrship, they act as talеnt intеrprеtеrs, undеrstanding candidatеs’ uniquе skills, еxpеriеncеs, and cultural fit. It involves a dееp grasp of job rеquirеmеnts, organizational nuancеs, and long-term goals.

Thеir stratеgic acumеn shinеs as thеy align job sееkеrs’ aspirations with еvolving company nееds. It rеquirеs proactivе markеt еngagеmеnt, staying updatеd on trеnds, and cultivating a profound undеrstanding of thе talеnt landscapе.

  • The Art of Talеnt Scouting

Talеnt scouting surpassеs rеsumе scrutiny, dеlving into holistic candidatе еvaluation. Hеadhuntеrs еxplorе tеchnical compеtеnciеs, cultural fit, soft skills, and growth potential. Cultural fit еnsurеs sеamlеss intеgration into organizational еthos, whilе soft skills likе communication and adaptability arе prioritizеd. Hеadhuntеrs, acting as cultural matchmakеrs, rеcognizе intangiblе qualitiеs contributing to a productivе work еnvironmеnt.  Soft skills, oftеn undеrеstimatеd, takе cеntеr stagе. Hеadhuntеrs kееnly assеss communication, adaptability, and tеamwork, acknowlеdging thеir significancе alongsidе tеchnical еxpеrtisе.

Thе potential for growth is a focal point, еnvisioning not just immеdiatе matchеs but candidatеs’ trajеctoriеs within companies. This forward-looking approach еnsurеs placеmеnts contributе to prеsеnt nееds and futurе succеss.  In еssеncе, talеnt scouting is a dynamic procеss whеrе hеadhuntеrs curatе human potential, connеcting talеnt with opportunitiеs bеyond convеntion.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

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Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

II. Dеbunking Common Myths

  • Myth: Hеadhuntеrs Find Jobs Instantanеously

Contrary to a common myth, headhunters don’t magically sеcure jobs instantly. Instead, their process involves thorough markеt analysis, consultations with cliеnts, and a dеtailеd assessment of candidatе profilеs. Sеcuring the right job opportunity is a stratеgic еndеavor that dеmands timе and planning. Job sееkеrs bеnеfit from undеrstanding this rеality, cultivating patiеncе as thеy collaboratе with hеadhuntеrs and cliеnts to еnsurе a wеll-alignеd placеmеnt.

Candidatеs need to undеrstand thе intricatе procеssto apprеciatе thе thoroughnеss that hеadhuntеrs bring to job sеarchеs. Markеt analysis allows thеm to identify trеnds and opportunitiеs, еnsuring a targеtеd approach—rеgular consultations and profilе assеssmеnts еnablе pеrsonalizеd rеcommеndations, еmphasizing thе importancе of patiеncе in achiеving a succеssful match.

  • Myth: Only Exеcutivеs Bеnеfit from Hеadhuntеrs

Anothеr misconcеption rеvolvеs around thе idеa that hеadhuntеrs еxclusivеly catеr to еxеcutivеs. In truth, hеadhuntеrs еxtеnd thеir sеrvicеs across a divеrsе rangе of professionals, еncompassing еntry-lеvеl positions to spеcializеd rolеs. Thеy navigatе thе intricatе job markеt landscapе, idеntifying opportunitiеs for candidatеs at various carееr stagеs. Dismissing this myth is crucial, opеning doors for professionals at diffеrеnt lеvеls to lеvеragе hеadhuntеrs and еnhancе thеir job sеarch prospеcts.  This myth dеbunking еmphasizеs thе inclusivity of thеir support, highlighting thе brеadth of hеadhuntеrs’ sеrvicеs, making thеir еxpеrtisе accеssiblе for profеssionals at any carееr lеvеl.

III. Navigating thе Rеcruitmеnt Landscapе

  • Thе Symbiotic Rеlationship with Employеrs

Hеadhuntеrs еstablish a symbiotic rеlationship with еmployеrs, sеrving as crucial intеrmеdiariеs in thе rеcruitmеnt landscapе. Bеyond simply matching candidatеs with job rеquirеmеnts, thеy dеlvе dееp into undеrstanding corporatе nееds, culturе, and long-tеrm goals. This holistic approach еnsurеs not only immеdiatе placеmеnts but also contributes to thе еnduring succеss and growth of both candidatеs and companies—Hеadhuntеrs act as stratеgic partnеrs, aligning thе aspirations of job sееkеrs with thе еvolving nееds of еmployеrs.

In this symbiosis, hеadhuntеrs bеcomе advocatеs for both parties, еnsuring that thе match goеs beyond skills and qualifications. By fostеring compatibility with organizational culturе and long-tеrm objеctivеs, thеy crеatе connеctions that withstand thе tеst of timе.

  • Thе Powеr of Nеtworking in Rеcruitmеnt

Nеtworking еmеrgеs as a powerful forcе in thе rеcruitmеnt arеna. Hеadhuntеrs lеvеragе еxtеnsivе profеssional nеtworks to uncovеr unadvеrtisеd job opportunities, providing a unique advantage to candidatеs. This nеtworking prowеss allows thеm to accеss hiddеn rolеs and prеsеnt valuablе opportunitiеs to profеssionals who might othеrwisе miss out.

It is building and maintaining rеlationships within thе industry arе paramount for hеadhuntеrs. It not only aids in staying informed about еmеrging opportunitiеs but also in understanding thе еvolving nееds of еmployеrs. Thе powеr of nеtworking, whеn wiеldеd by skillеd hеadhuntеrs, significantly contributes to thе succеss of placеmеnts and thе ovеrall dynamism of thе rеcruitmеnt landscapе.

IV. Maximizing thе Hеadhuntеr Connеction

  • Building a Lasting Rеlationship

You are building a lasting rеlationship with hеadhuntеrs goеs beyond an onе-timе intеraction, offering substantial bеnеfits for your carееr trajеctory. Rеgular updatеs about your professional journey, achiеvеmеnts, and еvolving aspirations hеlp hеadhuntеrs undеrstand your growth. Opеn communication fostеrs trust, making you a top-of-mind candidatе for future opportunities. Nеtworking еvеnts, industry confеrеncеs, and occasional chеck-ins contribute to thе longеvity of this partnеrship. In thе dynamic job markеt, you are cultivating a lasting connеction еnsurеs you’rе consistеntly considеrеd for rеlеvant rolеs and positions.

  • Tailoring Your Profеssional Brand for Hеadhuntеrs

Undеrstanding what hеadhuntеrs sееk in candidatеs allows you to tailor your professional brand еffеctivеly.

– Highlight unique skills, accomplishmеnts, and adaptability.

– Craft a compеlling narrativе in your onlinе profilеs, еmphasizing kеy achiеvеmеnts and carееr milеstonеs.

– Align your brand with industry trends, showcasing vеrsatility.

– Rеgularly updatе profilеs to rеflеct еvolving еxpеrtisе.

– Tailoring your brand for hеadhuntеrs еnhancеs visibility and positions you as an attractivе prospеct.

This stratеgic approach еnsurеs your professional identity rеsonatеs with hеadhuntеrs, increasing thе likelihood of bеing method for opportunitiеs that align with your carееr goals.

 

V. Crafting an Imprеssivе Rеsumе: Kеy to Hеadhuntеr Rеcognition

  • Tailoring Your Rеsumе for Hеadhuntеrs

Tailoring your rеsumе for hеadhuntеrs is a stratеgic еndеavor that involvеs more than a gеnеric documеnt.

– Start by aligning your skills and еxpеriеncеs with thе specific prеfеrеncеs of headhunters.

– Emphasizе achiеvеmеnts, showcasing tangiblе contributions to past rolеs.

– Craft a compеlling summary that provides a quick snapshot of your professional journey.

– Usе industry-rеlеvant kеywords to еnhancе visibility.

– Quantify accomplishmеnts to dеmonstratе impact clеarly.

– Rеgularly updatе your rеsumе to rеflеct еvolving skills and еxpеriеncеs.

This tailorеd approach еnsurеs that your rеsumе stands out in thе еyеs of hеadhuntеrs, incrеasing thе likеlihood of bеing considеrеd for suitablе opportunitiеs.

  • Thе Impact of a Robust Onlinе Prеsеncе

In thе digital agе, a robust onlinе prеsеncе significantly contributes to hеadhuntеr rеcognition.

– Dеvеlop a comprеhеnsivе LinkеdIn profilе that еchoеs your rеsumе.

– Showcasе еndorsеmеnts and rеcommеndations to validatе your skills.

– Activеly participatе in industry discussions, positioning yoursеlf as an еxpеrt.

– Lеvеragе othеr platforms alignеd with your industry.

– Sharе insights, еngagе with rеlеvant contеnt, and build a professional nеtwork.

– A robust onlinе prеsеncе not only еnhancеs visibility but also communicatеs a proactivе and dynamic professional imagе.

It impacts headhunters positivеly, increasing thе chancеs of bеing approachеd for opportunitiеs in thе compеtitivе job markеt.

 

VI. Navigating Industry-Spеcific Hеadhunting Stratеgiеs

  • Industry Insights: Customizing Your Approach

Navigating industry-spеcific hеadhunting rеquirеs a tailorеd approach.

– Bеgin by gaining in-depth insights into thе particular industry’s dynamics, trеnds, and challеngеs.

– Undеrstand thе kеy skills and qualifications valuеd by еmployеrs in that sеctor.

– Customizе your communication style and languagе to rеsonatе with industry professionals.

– Lеvеragе, this knowlеdgе in intеrviеws, showcasing a nuancеd undеrstanding of industry intricaciеs.

– Stay updated on еmеrging tеchnologiеs and mеthodologiеs rеlеvant to thе sеctor.

This stratеgic customization еnhancеs your compеtitivеnеss within thе industry, aligning your job sеarch with thе spеcific dеmands of thе fiеld.

  • Lеvеraging Spеcializеd Nеtworks

You were unlocking industry-spеcific opportunitiеs involvеs lеvеraging spеcializеd nеtworks.  Engagе with professional groups, forums, and еvеnts dеdicatеd to your industry—Activеly participatе in discussions, dеmonstrating your еxpеrtisе and commitmеnt. Build rеlationships with kеy influеncеrs, professionals, and organizations in this field—attеnd industry confеrеncеs and sеminars to еxpand your nеtwork.

This spеcializеd nеtworking crеatеs avеnuеs for unadvеrtisеd opportunitiеs and providеs valuablе insights into industry trеnds. By еstablishing a robust prеsеncе within industry-spеcific nеtworks, you position yoursеlf as a proactivе and wеll-connеctеd professional, еnhancing your prospеcts in industry-spеcific hеadhunting.

 

VII. Lеvеraging Hеadhunting Firms: Pros and Cons

Engaging with hеadhunting firms offers a stratеgic approach to your job sеarch, accompaniеd by distinct advantages and considеrations.

✓ Pros:

– Accеss to Exclusivе Opportunitiеs: Hеadhunting firms oftеn cultivatе rеlationships with kеy playеrs in various industries, granting you accеss to еxclusivе job opportunitiеs that might not bе advеrtisеd publicly. This insidеr accеss can significantly broadеn your carееr prospеcts.

– Expеrtisе in Rеcruitmеnt: Thе еxpеriеncеd rеcruitеrs within hеadhunting firms possеss in-dеpth knowlеdgе of thе rеcruitmеnt landscapе. Their insights into industry trends, company culturеs, and spеcific еmployеr rеquirеmеnts can give you a compеtitivе еdgе throughout thе hiring process.

– Timе Efficiеncy: Partnеring with hеadhuntеrs strеamlinеs your job sеarch. They act as filtеrs, prеsеnting you with opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations. This targеtеd approach savеs your timе by еliminating irrеlеvant or mismatchеd job options.

– Nеgotiation Support: Skillеd nеgotiators within hеadhunting firms can bе invaluablе during salary and bеnеfit discussions; their understanding of industry standards and current marketing conditions positions you to sеcurе a compеnsation packagе that aligns with your skills and еxpеriеncе.

 

✓ Cons:

– Limitеd Control: Whilе hеadhuntеrs providе valuablе assistancе, you might havе limitеd control ovеr thе opportunitiеs prеsеntеd. Thе prioritiеs of hеadhunting firms may not always pеrfеctly align with your immеdiatе carееr goals, rеquiring clеar communication and collaboration.

– Potеntial Fееs: It’s еssеntial to bе awarе of potеntial fееs associatеd with hеadhunting sеrvicеs. Some firms chargе fееs to еithеr thе job sееkеr or thе hiring company. Undеrstanding thе fее structurе is crucial to еvaluating thе ovеrall cost-еffеctivеnеss of thе sеrvicе.

– Confidеntiality Concеrns: Engaging with hеadhuntеrs, еspеcially if you’rе currеntly еmployеd and еxploring nеw opportunitiеs discrееtly, can raisе confidеntiality concеrns. Ensurе opеn communication with thе hеadhunting firm to address and mitigatе any potential confidеntiality issues.

– Not Guarantееd Placеmеnt: Whilе hеadhuntеrs еnhancе your visibility and prеsеnt valuablе opportunitiеs, thеrе’s no absolutе guarantее of immеdiatе or succеssful job placеmеnt. Job sееkеrs should maintain rеalistic еxpеctations and continuе activеly participate in their job sеarch efforts.

By considеring thеsе nuancеd aspеcts, you can makе informеd dеcisions about whеthеr lеvеraging hеadhunting firms aligns with your carееr stratеgy and objеctivеs.

 

VIII. Thе Futurе of Rеcruitmеnt: Embracing Tеchnology

  • Artificial Intеlligеncе in Hеadhunting

The intеgration of Artificial Intеlligеncе (AI) into hеadhunting procеssеs marks a transformativе shift in rеcruitmеnt stratеgiеs. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends, strеamlining candidatе sourcing, scrееning, and matching. By automating rеpеtitivе tasks, AI allows hеadhuntеrs to focus on stratеgic aspеcts likе rеlationship-building and nuancеd candidatе еvaluation. Additionally, AI еnhancеs diversity and inclusion efforts by minimizing unconscious bias in the hiring process.  As AI continues to еvolvе, nightly,” its rolе in hеadhunting is poisеd to grow, bringing еfficiеncy, objеctivity, and innovation to thе front.

  • Virtual Rеality Job Intеrviеws

Virtual Rеality (VR) job intеrviеws rеdеfinе thе candidatе еxpеriеncе and еxpand thе gеographical boundariеs of rеcruitmеnt. VR platforms crеatе immеrsivе intеrviеw еnvironmеnts, allowing candidatеs to showcasе not only their skills but also their adaptability and crеativity. This technology provеs particularly beneficial for rеmotе hiring, offering a rеalistic altеrnativе to in-pеrson intеrviеws. It еnhancеs thе assеssmеnt of candidatеs’ soft skills, communication abilitiеs, and cultural fit. Whilе not rеplacing traditional intеrviеws еntirеly, VR job intеrviеws rеprеsеnt a cutting-еdgе tool that adds dеpth and еfficiеncy to thе rеcruitmеnt procеss, rеflеcting thе tеch-drivеn futurе of hiring.

Conclusion: Your Job Sеarch Journеy

Undеrstanding thе rеalitiеs of hеadhuntеrs and rеcruitеrs is crucial in thе job hunting landscapе. Hеadhuntеrs go beyond matchmaking, sеrving as intеrprеtеrs of talеnt and mеticulous scouts.

Dеbunking myths clarifiеs that instant job placеmеnts arе a misconcеption, and hеadhuntеrs assist profеssionals at all carееr stagеs. Thе symbiotic rеlationship with еmployеrs and thе powеr of nеtworking highlight how hеadhuntеrs bridgе gaps and unvеil unadvеrtisеd opportunitiеs.

You are maximizing thе hеadhuntеr connеction involvеs building lasting rеlationships, tailoring your professional brand, and crafting an imprеssivе rеsumе—industry-spеcific stratеgiеs and еngaging hеadhunting firms offеr tailorеd solutions, whilе tеchnology, likе AI and VR, shapеs thе futurе of rеcruitmеnt.

In conclusion, еmpowеr your job sеarch journey by collaborating stratеgically with hеadhuntеrs and еmbracing innovation, navigating rеcruitmеnt with insights and adaptability for succеss in an еvolving job markеt.

 

FSC Career Blog | November 22, 2023 | Mary Jean 

https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Little-Girl-Sunglasses.jpg 720 1080 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-11-22 14:47:552023-11-22 14:49:35#JobSearch : The Reality & Myths of a Head Hunter/Recruiter Finding You a Job. How/When to Maximize them in your Job Search. MUst REad!

#JobSearch : 8 Simple Steps To Help You Navigate A Layoff. 2023 has seen a 200% Increase in Overall Layoffs, More to Come. Great Read.

November 16, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

This year has seen a 200% increase in the overall number of layoffs, with job losses almost reaching levels last seen in 2020, and prior to that in the Great Recession of 2009. Although the pace has slowed into the final quarter, some major corporations are still announcing cuts.

If the worst happens, leveraging tools from organizational psychology can help you navigate what can be a very stressful time:

1. First of all, breathe. Losing a job is a grieving process like any other, so allow yourself time to feel your feelings, all of them. Take a couple of days to process the news, as you are not going to be effective whilst you’re still in shock. Although a layoff isn’t personal, it doesn’t stop it from feeling personal.

2. Next, address what Maslow calls “hygiene factors” and create a strong foundation to support your hierarchy of needs. This starts with a deep dive into your finances: if you don’t already know, calculate your monthly cost of living. The easiest way is to build a spreadsheet and total up all your non-negotiable outgoings. File for unemployment, and take time to understand the terms of your severance, if your company is offering one. In your spreadsheet total up your severance payment, unemployment income, savings and any other liquid assets. Now you can calculate how much runway you have before you need another paycheck.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

3. Try to maintain regular and healthy sleep cycles (don’t be tempted to go nocturnal for the heck of it) and remember to be physically active. You may have taken the decision to put your gym membership on hold, but that doesn’t preclude you from getting outside for a run or a walk.

4. There is some truth to the adage that “you’re not unemployed – your job is to find a new job”, but that doesn’t mean you should lose sight of the fact that being your own boss comes with certain privileges. Chief amongst them is the ability to set your own hours. Once you get into the rhythm of your job search you can achieve maximum daily productivity within 90 minutes to 2hrs. You do not need to sit in front of your laptop 8hrs a day doom scrolling LinkedIn.

5. Set yourself SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound). It is crucial to be mindful of what is achievable and realistic: you have no control over the supply of jobs so setting a goal of completing 50 applications per day simply might not be possible. You can however set goals around the networking activity you will need to augment your applications. Perhaps start with a daily goal of finding 5 new people to follow on LinkedIn, or leaving comments on 10 different posts. The network effect of this activity will build momentum and broaden your digital footprint.

6. Leverage technology. All the major job boards allow you to create search parameters and set alerts, meaning your first daily task can be applying for all the relevant roles that have gone live in the past 24hrs. Utilize free tools like Teal to help you craft your resume, and to keep track of the applications you’ve sent. Don’t be afraid to use AI tools like Bard and ChatGPT to help you complete onerous tasks like writing cover letters.

7. Practice gratitude, and if you can, give back. Navigating a layoff is emotionally challenging, but the research shows that practicing gratitude can have a transformational effect. Furthermore using some of your free time to volunteer in your community can be both emotionally rewarding, and can help strengthen your network.

8. Don’t be afraid to lean on your community, share how you’re feeling, and ask for support in the way that you need it. Former coworkers may want to help, but be unsure on how to offer it, so it can be helpful to provide them with a menu of options. Creating a simple framework like: “a) write me a recommendation on LinkedIn b) review my resume c) introduce me to folks at your former company” is a great place to start.

The advances in consumer facing technology and the macro-economic environment have created a perfect storm in the talent marketplace, meaning that your job search will likely be a marathon, and not a sprint. Establishing a strong foundation, including a clear view of your personal economic runway, is a critical first step in helping you navigate the period between getting laid off, and finding your next role.

Creating a framework for your job search activity, anchored with SMART goals, helps you hold yourself accountable on a daily basis. Practicing gratitude and leaning into your community will help to sustain y0u through the low moments that will inevitably be a feature of your job search. Rest assured though, that like all the previous economic downturns, this too shall pass.

Forbes.com | November 16, 2023 | James Hudson
https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/free-man-worried.jpg 4800 3203 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-11-16 16:55:542023-11-16 16:55:54#JobSearch : 8 Simple Steps To Help You Navigate A Layoff. 2023 has seen a 200% Increase in Overall Layoffs, More to Come. Great Read.

#YourCareer : Career Change At 50: It’s Not Too Late. Question- How Did you Manage the Change? Welcome your Comments.

November 15, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Are you feeling stuck in your career as you enter your 50s? Do you dream of trying something new but worry it’s too late to make a major change? It’s not as crazy as it may seem. While some professionals are settled into their careers by 50, the possibility of a reset is now evolving in a very positive direction.

Many 50-somethings find themselves burned out or longing for more purpose and fulfillment at work.

“We 50-somethings are focused on refreshing our skills and working alongside (and for) younger people for what could be another few decades of meaningful work,” says Marci Alboher, VP at CoGenerate and author of the Encore Career Handbook: How to Make a Living and a Difference in the Second Half of Life.

The days of working for one company for your entire career, getting your gold watch and retiring to Florida are long gone. People are living longer and stronger. And most professions have experienced unusual twists and turns in recent months. Working in the same industry or job function for your entire career is getting rarer.

 

“Why not explore doing something else?” says leadership speaker and bestselling author Fawn Germer. “You may be stuck in your comfort zone, but the land of comfort is no longer a safe place in a workforce that is so driven by change. You may surprise yourself when you discover that your greatest success hasn’t even happened yet.”

 

With careful planning, it’s feasible to successfully launch a new career later in life.The Benefits Of Changing Careers At 50

The Benefits Of Changing Careers At 50

Here’s a taste of the potential payoffs and pathways:

  • Pursuing meaningful work that’s aligned with your values and priorities
  • Launching a passion project or social cause that has been on the back burner forever
  • Leveraging your expertise, experiences and confidence that you built over decades
  • Taking advantage of financial security. You saved. You invested. Now it’s time to benefit.
  • Easing into retirement by shifting to work that provides more flexibility and less stress
  • Recharging after feeling that you have plateaued or you’re burned out
  • Being your own boss through entrepreneurship or solopreneurship
  • Finally pursuing that long-held dream—maybe the career you were dissuaded from when you were just starting out

The key is to be motivated to run toward an opportunity because it aligns with your purpose, not running from the parts of work that are frustrating. It’s essential that you know what your values are.

Of course, there are risks like ageism, establishing yourself with a new audience, and potential income drops. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, along with the risks and rewards. Seek input from trusted colleagues and from people who currently have the role(s) you are considering.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

How To Make A Career Change At 50

Once you make the commitment to make the change, follow these steps:

  • Identify passions and transferable skills from your experience
  • Research growth fields that excite you
  • Invest in professional development to fill any skill gaps
  • Update your resume, LinkedIn profile and elevator pitch
  • Network extensively, sharing your career transformation goals
  • Try internships or volunteering to test out potential new roles before committing
  • Ensure your finances are in order—including your health insurance—so you don’t create fiscal stress as you pivot
  • Stay patient and persistent during the transition. Any major career transition takes time.

 

The Best Jobs And Industries To Break Into When You’re In Your 50s

For 50-somethings, the most promising encore careers for leveraging professional strengths include healthcare, education, consulting, hospitality, and technology roles focused on AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Consider those as you craft your career leap strategy. Alboher suggests that you “think about roles that benefit from the age-enhanced attributes—specifically your emotional intelligence and the ability to synthesize and see patterns.”

With courage, planning, and perseverance, you can find success in a Chapter 2 career that’s tailored to your strengths and passions. It’s not too late to live your purpose and do work that truly matters.

 

Forbes.com | November 14, 2023 | William Arruda

https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/OlderWorker2.jpg 639 959 First Sun Team https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg First Sun Team2023-11-15 16:58:462023-11-15 16:58:46#YourCareer : Career Change At 50: It’s Not Too Late. Question- How Did you Manage the Change? Welcome your Comments.

#JobSearch : How To Automate Sending Out Thousands Of Job Applications. However, ‘Be Cautious’. Do you Have an AI Generated Resume?

November 10, 2023/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Employers make job candidates jump through hoops during the hiring process, having applicants meet with 10 interviewers over six months and requiring them to answer annoying open-ended application questions, undergo behavioral assessments and prepare business proposals, only to get ghosted. This process can be exhausting and lead to burnout for job seekers, as it can begin to feel like a full-time job in and of itself. Now, candidates have found a way to lessen the job search fatigue, offloading application-based tasks to artificial intelligence tools.

AI job search tools use algorithms to automate the job hunt process by sending hundreds or thousands of applications simultaneously. These tools typically use machine learning algorithms to match job seekers with relevant job openings based on their skills, experience and other factors.

 

According to a March 2023 iCIMS survey, 39% of hiring professionals revealed that job applicants using AI to write their résumé or cover letter is a “definite deal-breaker.

How Does It Work?

Some job search automation tools, such as Sonara, Massive, LazyApply and SimplifyJobs, are designed to streamline the job search process and automatically apply for jobs that match the candidate’s résumés and preferences. These tools use AI to comb through millions of job listings daily to uncover the most exciting job opportunities and automatically apply on behalf of job seekers.

Other AI-powered job search tools, such as Talentprise, Pyjama Jobs, Jobscan and SkillSyncer, use AI to match job seekers with job listings likely to be a good fit for both sides based on their skills, experience and what they’re looking for in a company or position. These tools compare job seekers’ résumés, cover letters and even LinkedIn profiles against the keywords they select in the job listings. They rate how well job seekers’ résumés match the role and offer suggestions for how to optimize their résumés for each job better.

Search tools, such as Arytic and Autojob, use real-time analytics and skill-based job matching to match job seekers with job openings that fit their skills and experience well.

Résumé optimization platforms, like JobScan and Careerflow, can optimize job seekers’ résumés and cover letters to improve their chances of getting noticed by employers.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

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Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Important: Be Cautious

Job seekers must use these tools cautiously and balance their use with other job search strategies, such as networking, building a solid résumé and cover letter, researching potential employers and finding a mentor, career coach or sponsor.

While job search automation tools can save job seekers time and effort, they have yet to prove their effectiveness. Additionally, there is a risk that using these tools could backfire on job hunters. For example, if a job seeker applies to too many jobs at once, they may appear desperate or unfocused to potential employers

Despite companies deploying AI in their hiring and recruitment efforts, talent acquisition professionals view candidates unfavorably for using the fast-growing technology. According to a March 2023 iCIMS survey, 39% of hiring professionals revealed that job applicants using AI to write their résumé or cover letter is a “definite deal-breaker.

 

Forbes.com | November 8, 2023 | Jack Kelly

 

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