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#JobSearch : 5 Ways To Make Your LinkedIn Profile Pop In 2022. A MUst REad!

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It’s a new year…and already whizzing by as we’re moving through the shortest month on the calendar!

Now is a great time to give your LinkedIn profile a facelift. In fact, more than 95% of recruiters search LinkedIn to find candidates to present to their clients. LinkedIn is also the largest professional network in the world with nearly 800 million members.

At a minimum, your profile should include a quality photograph, LinkedIn summary, work history, and education. But there are definitely some tricks to getting noticed on LinkedIn. Here are some LinkedIn hacks to put your best foot forward.

1. The photograph. In a survey by Passport-Photo Online, over 80% of recruiters said a LinkedIn photo was an important ranking factor and 8 out of 10 agreed a candidate’s LinkedIn profile picture was used as a way to get to know the person better.  Even though respondents agreed 82% of the time that you should not judge a book by its cover, it happens. Job seekers can get rejected for their LinkedIn profile pic – as much as 70% of the time.

Your photograph is your first impression online. It needs to be professional yet show your personality. If you work from home in your pjs, that’s not going to be a good look. But if a power suit is not your bag, don’t wear one in your LinkedIn photo.

Here’s some quick tips:

  • You need to appear approachable.
  • Make sure your face is clearly visible.
  • Wear your usual attire (not the pjs or the power suit).
  • And, under no circumstances should you have someone else in your photo!

Pro tip: Using your mobile device, create a 30-second video to add to your profile pic. Use this to show off your personality – in a professional way. You can shoot the video outside or in your office. Just be sure you mitigate distractions.

 

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

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

Article continued …

2. The LinkedIn headline. This is arguably one of the MOST important parts of your LinkedIn profile. It’s that 120-character description directly under your name. The summary shows up on your profile page, but it also appears every time you engage on LinkedIn. Be specific. List hard skills and job titles. Use keywords for the position you want.

Pro tip: You can now add a short audio introduction. You need to use your mobile device to add the audio intro. Select the pencil to edit your profile. Where it asks you for your name pronunciation, record your intro. You have 10 seconds. Say hi, tell people what you do, and ask them to connect.

3. The LinkedIn summary (about). Don’t skip this section. If you need help, hire a writer but include a summary. The summary section offers a lot of freedom but here’s a surefire 8 paragraph formula to standout according to LinkedIn expert Mindi Rosser.

  1. Ask a question based or make a bold statement that entices the reader to continue.
  2. Show your target you have the solution to fix their problem.
  3. Showcase the depth of your experience.
  4. Elaborate on your areas of expertise by providing tangible examples.
  5. Talk about your superpower.
  6. Publicize your accomplishments and accolades.
  7. Tell them why you’re passionate about your work.
  8. Give them a call to action.

Pro tip: Write this section for the position you want. Show career progression. Use keywords commonly found in job descriptions of the jobs you want to have.

4. Your work experience and education. This part is your LinkedIn “resume.” If the company is not well known, include a brief summary of what the company does, list your job title and bullet points highlighting your responsibilities. This is a great place to add keywords. Since LinkedIn doesn’t have a robust “keyboard,” use this hack: type one hyphen followed by the greater than sign on your keyboard to form an arrow to use as a bullet. Show career progression but keep it to 3 or 4 main points.

Unfortunately, ageism is real. When listing your education, you’re not required to put dates. So, if you graduated from college in the 1990s, skip the dates! Include position-relevant certification courses in your education section.

Pro tip: Use company and school names. When you do, a thumbnail image will appear on your profile. Not a biggie but aesthetically it looks nicer – and, unfortunately, books are judged by their covers.

5. Once you have your profile up, go through it once more to add the right keywords. Recruiters begin with a keyword search to find viable candidates. Do a quick job search for positions you want. Identify keywords by reading the job requirements. Include hard skills and soft skills – only if you have those in your repertoire. This is also a great way to see if you need to upskill to make yourself more marketable.

Be honest and authentic. If you have the skills, don’t be timid – show off but do so authentically, not in a hot-headed manner. Always include the basics including the best way to reach you. Customize your URL to your name: www.linkedin.com/in/YourName. Finally, engage on LinkedIn.

 

Forbes.com |  February 9, 2022|  Ashley Stahl

 

 

 

#YourCareer : How To Prepare For An Effective Meeting With Your Manager (Promotion or Raise). Great REad for All!

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Do you dread one-on-one meetings with your manager? One-on-one meetings should be something we look forward to, but all too often, we avoid them. Maybe you have a performance review coming up, or you want to discuss a promotion. Whatever the case, you want to ensure that you have a productive meeting. Because if done well, effective meetings are an opportunity for coaching and feedback. They’re also a chance for you and your boss to build rapport and strengthen your professional relationship.

But what constitutes an effective meeting? Let’s start by looking at why preparation is so important.

Why prepare for meetings with your manager?

I’m sure you will agree that our time is more valuable than ever. By preparing in advance, you increase the productivity of the meeting. This approach also lets your boss know that you are organized, professional and thoughtful. Also, if the topic of the discussion involves a sensitive subject like a promotion or raise, it will give you more time to organize your thoughts.

What is an effective meeting?

Effective meetings require structure and allow you to showcase your leadership skills. They also help you build a stronger relationship with your manager. By establishing alignment around key topics, you and your manager can make faster decisions. Effective meetings also improve engagement, facilitate innovation and promote collaboration.

How to prepare for an effective meeting with your manager

One-on-ones are meant to address important topics and maintain a productive working relationship. But preparation is essential. Here are five ways to ensure you have an effective meeting with your boss.

 

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

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

Article continued …

Go beyond an agenda

While an agenda is valuable, it doesn’t do a good job of communicating your key points. Don’t just outline what items you want to discuss. Also, think about what ideas or challenges you want to bring up. Ask a lot of questions to get to the heart of your concerns.

Prepare an update on your projects

One-on-ones are an excellent time to provide your manager with a progress update. Since you are working remotely or in a hybrid situation, it’s best not to assume that they know the status of each project. Be transparent and ask for support or advice if needed.

Come with solutions

Coming to a meeting with a list of problems means you run the risk of appearing incompetent. Don’t use it as a complaining session. Running effective meetings with your manager means coming to the table with solutions to problems. Even if you don’t have all the answers, it indicates initiative and leadership potential.

Ask for feedback

Based on research, leaders who rank at the top 10% in asking for feedback were rated, on average, at the 86th percentile in overall leadership effectiveness. One of the most powerful ways for you to grow personally and professionally is to ask for feedback from your manager. It will give you more control over the conversation and likely result in valuable insights.

Share the positive

Managers get tired of having difficult conversations and putting out fires all day. Use this valuable time to share the details of your favorite project and why you enjoy it. Also, highlight what you are grateful for and, if appropriate, thank your boss for their support.

The more effort you put into the planning process, the more productive the meeting. Look at it as an opportunity to create a better relationship with your boss and improve the work environment around you. By committing to effective meetings, you will accelerate your career growth and increase overall engagement in the process.

 

Forbes.com Author:  Caroline Castrillon

Wondering if it’s finally time to make a job or career change? Take my free 60-second career quiz and find out!

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.
Forbes.com – January 30, 2022

#JobSearch : Critical Job Interview Mistake You Cannot Recover From. A MUst REad, Do NOT Go Into an Interview Until you REad this First!

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I talked to a couple of HR directors, and we got to talking about serious mistakes individuals make in the job interview. When I pointed out one of the errors I saw, everyone in the group said, “Yes, that’s the one you can never recover from.” With so many people getting job interviews right now, many people are not preparing properly. They certainly don’t roleplay before the interview and script out how they’ll answer the employer’s questions. Since most of the time these days interviews are held over video calls, job hunters approach their interviews very casually. After all, it’s just on Zoom—they can wing it. That may explain why they are making this critical error.

The fatal mistake happens when you are asked about your former or current company and one of your worst bosses. You may think these are easy questions to answer, but they are not. If you bring anything negative, it can torpedo your chances. For example, I was working with a CEO, interviewing professionals for a director job. When I asked Rick, “tell us about your worst boss,” this candidate certainly got our attention. He said, “That woman had Satan in her,” and then off he went complaining about how truly terrible this former boss was. In his mind, Rick was vindicating himself. But that is not how the CEO saw it. He wrote “Satan” in large letters across Rick’s resume. The CEO reacted strongly when I stated that I couldn’t believe how Rick had answered. “Neither could I,” he said, “and I will never hire that guy. If he talks that way about his former boss, that is how he’s going to talk about me if he comes to work here.” The CEO reiterated that speaking badly about a former boss or employer was a critical error that no one can recover from.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

Article continued …

How to handle the worst boss question the right way

When asked, “Describe the worst supervisor you’ve ever had,” this situational question requires a precise answer. As much as you want to tell the truth and criticize an old boss and point out that person’s faults, reconsider. As this CEO and the HR directors stated, being negative will reflect poorly on you and eliminate you from consideration.

Here is a better way to answer that question. Find something that you can say that doesn’t overly criticize in a very negative way. Try this: “One boss didn’t give me very much feedback. I only heard from him when there was a problem. Months might go by without any feedback or idea of what he was thinking. Although I don’t like to have someone standing over my shoulder, I do like feeling I’m part of a team. I want to collaborate, have input, exchange ideas, and feel that my work is in line with my boss’s and the company’s goals. Open communication, I guess, is what was lacking. I think that’s important to have with a supervisor.” This answer demonstrates a positive response concerning the importance of teamwork and the desire for collaboration—two things most employers want in their employees.

Answer to why do you want to leave your job 

Everyone will be asked, “Why do you want to leave your present job?” Companies want to hear that you seek more challenge, more advancement, a promotion, more growth opportunities, and in some cases, more financial reward. You can also leave to shorten your commute, want only remote work, or because your company is unstable. Try: “I have learned so much working for my current company, but there are no promotional opportunities. I enjoy challenges, learning new skills, and improving my old ones. Therefore, I am seeking a new position at this time that has upward mobility options.” Here’s another: “I noticed that your company had an opening I qualify for. I’ve been happy at my present position, but the option to move to a good company, such as yours, along with it being a remote job is very appealing to me. Also, I want a position with more responsibility, so I to have an even greater impact on the end results.”

Maybe you are unemployed right now. The question you’ll be asked is, “Why did you leave your last job?” I guarantee that you’ll get asked this question, so having an appropriate, acceptable answer is a must. Good reasons to depart include relocation, layoffs, reorganization, or downsizing that affected your duties. A reasonable response might be, “The company went through a downsizing; that’s why I’m available.” Maybe you have just moved to the area. Try this, “We’ve just relocated to this area to be near our family, and that’s why I’m available.” It shines a better light on you when “that’s why I’m available” is a part of your answer. It also signifies to the employer that you are a perfect candidate to consider.

Did you leave to care for your children and now wish to return to the workplace? If you have been gone more than a year, you’ll need to explain why you left and how you have stayed current during your time off. A good way to reply is to state that you kept your skills up to date. For example, say, “I’ve taken several courses and even completed a couple of new certifications. I’m involved in the professional association and groups too.” By demonstrating how you have been able to stay current, you reassure the employer that you still have the skills to perform the job now.

The moral of all this is always keep your answers positive. I highly recommend that every job candidate do a thorough interview preparation, including role-playing, before you ever talk to an employer. Any mistakes you make will be during those practice times, as you can draft the very best answers to impress the employer when you face them.

Forbes.com Author:  Robin Ryan
Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Forbes.com | January 25, 2022

#JobSearch : Resume Refresh And Tips For Job Seekers. Landing your Ideal Job Starts with a Solid #Resume & Outreach Plan.

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With the U.S. having more job openings than any time in history it is a great time to go after the role you’ve been dreaming of. You have far more power to transition careers or level up with your current title or even ask to amend your tasks to be geared towards what you love doing. More and more people are able to take the bull by the horns and advance their career in the direction they choose.

There are tons of general formatting resources available online. This article provides insider tips to help you stand out amongst candidates and to make your career search easier and more fruitful.

Include Keywords

It is important to reflect back to recruiters the keywords used in the job description. When creating your resume, research listings for the job you want to find and apply repetitive keywords that mirror what employers are looking for. For example, if I saw “problem resolution” in five job posts, I would include that exact wording on my resume. Big companies sometimes run the first round of screening through computers that check for words that match the job description.  If you are applying to similar jobs the same knowledge, experience and skills will be needed and you won’t need to customize your resume. However, if there is a job you are excited about you may want to tweak your resume to include the exact terms that are in the job post.

 

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

 

Keep It To One Or Two Pages

The general rule of thumb is that resumes should be a single page if you have less than ten years of experience. Ten years of experience or more, a two-page (and sometimes three-page) resume is acceptable. The reason for this is that hiring managers on average spend seven seconds reviewing a resume, so you want to provide them with the most relevant, impressive and succinct information.

Add Quantifiable Results 

Add facts that are measurable. For example, the amount of people you helped on a daily basis, money you saved the company, the number of people you trained, how many impressions from an ad campaign, etc.

Use Power Words/Action Verbs 

These are the words at the beginning of each bullet point on your resume that describe what tasks you did, such as “increased” or “trained.” You can Google “power words for resume” to find an abundance of resources.

Get A Proofreader

Make sure you get a second pair of eyes on your resume. You don’t want to submit a resume with mistakes. There are free resources available to help with catching errors, such as grammarly.com and hemingwayapp.com.

Add Relevant Experience 

At the end of your resume include other experiences that would make you a good candidate. For example, volunteer work, leadership experience, hackathons, certifications, different languages you speak, etc.

Keep It Simple

Do not use a bunch of fonts, and typically avoid graphics/pictures – unless  you are applying for design-related work. If you are applying internationally, research the resume format for that country – international resume do tend to include pictures.

Pursue Many Opportunities

Having a number of options that you are pursuing gives you more power and confidence. If you only have a few options, you may end up feeling anguish because you are more dependent on landing that job. Hiring managers will pick up on your confidence or your desperation. Being confident can lend itself to higher chances of getting the job. Exploring lots of opportunities is also beneficial to you, because you will have more room to evaluate whether the job is truly the right fit for you.

Make A Human Connection

After you have submitted your resume send a note to the recruiter for each job you have applied for. This will make sure your application doesn’t go unnoticed and makes you stand out as a candidate. Reaching out on LinkedIn is recommended so the recruiter sees your profile and you’re able to build a connection for future opportunities.

Stephanie Heath founder of SoulWork & Six Figures adds, “if a personal note is not included they run the risk of only relying on the ATS system to get their resume through. A lot of candidates get burnt out this way. Sending a short message on LinkedIn also helps cut down the time for the recruiter to see their profile and ensures they get an immediate yes (interview request) or a no (the recruiter sees the message, visits their profile and gives radio silence).”

When you send a LinkedIn request make sure to add a note! Stephanie suggests to send a casual note saying something such as, “Hi ____, I am reaching out regarding the ____ position at ____. I sent over an application today and just wanted to check in to see if the role was still available? Thank you for your time. Please have a great day! (your name and email)”

Other Important Information

  • Be willing to submit lots of resumes before landing a job.
  • Have patience. Getting hired takes time. If you are burnt out, future employers will sense your frustration and it will lessen the odds of you landing the job. If you feel like you are beginning to get burnt out, take a pause for self-care or try refreshing how you are approaching the process. For example, turning the interview process into a sociological experiment where you get to learn about the company’s culture and people.

 

Happy job hunting!

Forbes.com Author:   Nicole Serena Silver 
Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Forbes.com – January 28, 2022

#BestofFSCBlog : Is Now a Good Time To Ask for a Raise? Answer? BEst Opportunity in Decades! Over 4K REAds!

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With the new year here, many people may start searching for a new job. But money expert Clark Howard says this is also an opportune time to ask for a pay raise.

“2022 is the year of the pay raise from your employer,” Clark says. “And pay raises are likely to be the highest they’ve been in a long, long time.”

Why This Is a Good Time To Ask for a Pay Raise

Companies are setting aside nearly 4% of their payroll budgets for raises in 2022, according to a recent survey of 240 companies from The Conference Board, a New York-based business research nonprofit.

Here’s more positive data for workers: 97% of large U.S. companies are planning to boost salaries with the average raise being about 3%. The data come from a survey by human resources consulting company Willis Towers Watson.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

How To Ask for a Pay Raise

Asking for a pay raise is one of those things that you should put a lot of thought into before you proceed.

Here are some things to consider: 

Make Sure Your Timing Is Appropriate

There are good — and not so good — times to ask for a pay raise. If your company or department has operational meetings, see if you can glean how the financial picture is looking for the business. Does the company expect record profits this year? Did the business lose money last quarter? Answers to those questions should dictate whether to ask now or wait a bit.

Another good time to ask? When you’ve aced a performance review, says jobs site Monster.com.

Monster.com career expert Vicki Salemi says you should also find out if there’s a formal period at the company when raises are given. A Human Resources representative should be able to tell you that window. If you’ve missed it, Salemi tells CNBC, “You still need to have that conversation, because it plants a seed with your boss and they may say, ‘You know, they are worth more. Let me see if I can do a mid-year raise.’”

Do Your Homework

Prepare yourself by looking up salary information for your position on job sites like PayScale.com and GlassDoor.

“You need to know what your value is in the marketplace. And you need to state the reasons to your employer — if they offer you a raise that you feel is too tiny — why you deserve more money for the work you’re doing,” Clark says.

Measure Your Words

How you ask for a raise can be as important as what you ask. “You can’t just go to your boss and be all demanding,” Clark says.

If the conversation doesn’t go the way you want it to go, keeping calm can be beneficial.

“Don’t ever get in a huff about it; you want to be polite,” Clark says. “Just be very clear why you feel you deserve more money than what you’re receiving from your current employer.”

To help you find the right words to say, jobs site Indeed.com has some scripts you can follow.

Final Thoughts

“If they just don’t want to listen,” Clark says, referring to your employer, “there’s a lot of opportunity out there.”

He’s right. Driven by a high demand for goods and services, the job market this year is poised to be very hospitable for job seekers.

If job flexibility is a key concern of yours, no worries. Many employers are offering jobs with flexible work schedules, including fully or partially remote positions.

Clark.com |    January 5, 2022

#JobSearch : Gaps in Employment? Here’s What to do on your Resume & LinkedIn. An Employment Gap isn’t a Death Sentence. A MUst REad!

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The last couple of years have seen an unprecedented number of individuals unemployed. This has led to a greater amount of grace given to those with gaps in employment on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Whether you have a gap due to the Covid pandemic, or another reason, such as taken time off to raise a family, care for a sick family member, or seek further education, employment gaps are more and more common these days.

If you are now ready to re-enter the workforce and trying to address this glaring gap, don’t fear. Here are some ways to speak to this time and still find the job you desire.

Don’t Ever Lie About Unemployment

It is commonly understood that employers aren’t thrilled when they see an employment gap on a resume, but how you address it can make the matter better or worse. Regardless of the reason for the time difference between jobs, you always have to be honest when asked a question about it. A potential employer will see right through you if you fabricate a story about the gap, and it could cost you the job. The motto, “Honesty is the best policy” is true in this case. Be honest with the employer about the reason for the time off, but focus on what you learned that will benefit THEM! Speak to how this will make you a better employee and performer.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

Article continued …

If Possible, Fill the Gaps

If you hire an executive resume writer, they are experienced in ideas to downplay a gap in employment, without exactly hiding it. However, a gap is a gap! If you are faced with unemployment, make use of the time so you can justify it when you do have to seek employment again. Consider taking classes online, obtaining further education, such as certifications or licensing. Find freelance or temporary work—even volunteering is a great way to fill in the gap. Being able to show a potential employer what you did during a gap, other than binge watching the latest season of X, will speak to your initiative to continuing growing and learning.

 

Make Quality Connections And Demonstrate Your Expertise

During a time of unemployment, it’s the perfect time to work on your network and make new, quality connections, as well. Create a schedule to reach out to your current network daily, and make a decision to connect with a certain number of new connections each week. You can also research companies you would like to work for, once you do re-enter the job market. This is also the time to refresh your LinkedIn profile. Take the time to review other’s profiles who have similar positions to ones you are interested in. See what types of skills they have, certifications, etc. This will give you something to work toward so you are ready when it’s time to go back to work.

An employment gap isn’t a death sentence. Be proactive about how to use the time to effectively to prepare you for the time you want to work again.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – January 6, 2022

 

#JobSearch : Seven (7) Outdated Pieces of Job Search Advice. Great Quick REad!

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There are times in life when people may give you unsolicited advice, like when you’re searching for a job or early on in your career. It seems that everyone you meet is suddenly a career coach with wisdom to share. And while some of the unsought advice we receive is actually quite useful, some of it can be less useful and even outdated.

While the advice-giver means well, here are some outdated pieces of job search advice to look out for and what you should do instead.

1. Your resume should be only one page long.

Unless you’re fresh out of college or have minimal experience, it’s okay to have a two-page resume. In fact, a two-page resume is often your best bet!

That said, if you don’t have enough work history to fill two pages (or even one full page), don’t fill it with excess fluff. Instead, focus on customizing your resume (and cover letter) with keywords from the job posting to help explain why you’re the perfect person for the job.

2. Include every job you’ve ever had on your resume to present a complete account of your professional history.

While two pages is the preferred resume length, there may be times when you have to go to three pages, and that’s okay. However, the only time you would use a three-page resume is when everything on your resume is relevant to your career. That often doesn’t happen until late in your career.

Even if every single thing on your resume is relevant to your career and the job you’re applying for, you still may be better off with a two-page resume.

Though your early high school jobs may show how you got your start in customer service, is it really still relevant to your work history, or is it just eating up valuable space on your resume? Consider ditching the early jobs in favor of filling that space with more recent and in-depth examples of why you’re perfect for the role.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

3. When your interviewer asks about your weaknesses, offer a positive framed as a weakness.

While this sounds like a good idea in theory, in practice, it often isn’t. There’s a chance you’ll come across as arrogant or lacking self-awareness about your true weaknesses.

The key to answering this question is honesty. Acknowledging that you have a weakness and are aware of it goes a long way toward showing the hiring manager you are willing to examine what you’re good and not good at, as well as mature enough to admit it.

As part of your interview prep, ask yourself what your greatest weakness is, then come up with an answer that explains what you’ve done or are doing to overcome it.

4. Write your resume and cover letter using formal language.

Sometimes this is the correct advice and sometimes it’s not.

Part of any job search involves researching the company and its culture before applying for the job and interviewing with the company. As you write your cover letter and resume, use language that matches the tone and voice of the company or industry you’re applying to, which, in turn, helps demonstrate that you’re a great fit for the company.

For example, if you’re applying to a corporate finance job with a traditional bank, you may want to use more formal language. But if you’re applying to a disruptive tech startup, you’ll likely use less formal, more casual but still professional language.

5. Include an objective at the top of your resume. And don’t forget to mention that you have references available upon request. And include a photo.

These three things used to be almost mandatory on a resume. But like almost everything else we’ve listed here, this is now outdated job search advice.

Instead of an objective, include a resume summary or summary of qualifications. These few sentences capture the essential reasons why an employer should hire you.

As for references, employers assume you have them, so there’s no reason to mention them. And no one includes a picture on their resume anymore. In fact, including a picture could land your resume in the trash. Instead, add a photo to your LinkedIn profile.

6. Always wear a suit to an interview.

This advice also falls into the “sometimes right” category.

What you wear to an interview depends on where you’re interviewing. Thanks to your research, you’ll know if the company is all suits and ties or shorts and T-shirts, so dress accordingly.

That said, if the company does appear to be shorts and T-shirts, you’re better off dressing slightly up instead of trying to match the office look. While flip-flops and concert tees may be the company “dress code,” it’s best to wait until after you have the job to start dressing that way. Dressing up for an interview, even if it’s khakis and a collared shirt, shows the company that you’re serious about the interview and the job.

7. Stay at a job for several years and don’t bounce from job to job.

While older generations could count on staying at the same company for decades and often did, this is no longer the case.

Sticking around in a job that makes you miserable does neither you nor the employer any good. So, if it isn’t working out, it may be time for you to restart your job search, even if you haven’t been there for very long.

Likewise, if you’ve been in a job for a few years but are bored by it or no longer believe in the company’s mission, you may want to start looking around for a job too.

Lastly, people that hop from job to job or even career to career are no longer viewed with suspicion, as long as they can explain why they job hop and how said hopping would benefit the employer.

Staying Up to Date

Like most things, job search advice changes with the times. What works today may not work next year, next month, or even next week. That’s where a career coach can help out!

The FlexJobs career coaching team stays up to date on the best in job search and career advice. Members get deeply discounted career coaching rates. Join FlexJobs today and get the latest in job search advice. Take the tour to learn more.

Take the Tour

Don’t forget to share this article with friends!

FSC Career Blog Author:   Brie Weiler Reynolds, Career Development Manager
FSC Career Blog – December 29, 2021
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#YourCareer : The Value of Personal Branding for Executives. Benefits you May Not have Considered when Thinking about your Own Personal Brand.

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Once someone reaches the level of executive, they may not see the value or importance of focusing on their brand, though there are differing view on this. Some see it as the best way to show who they really are and the value they brand, while others see it as being overly self-promoting. If your views fall into the latter category, then it’s important to understand personal branding for senior level managers is about much more than simply self-promotion.

Here are some benefits you may not have considered when thinking about your own personal brand.

Pinpoint Your Skills for Career Fulfillment

Many executives focus on c-level personal branding because it helps them learn more about themselves. Personal branding is about knowing your skills and what you have to offer to an organization. You may want to be a leader, but if you become increasingly uncomfortable when put into leadership roles, you may soon realize that your personality and skillset isn’t reflective of this trait. On the other hand, you may thrive when unexpectedly thrust into a position of leading others. The point is, when personal branding is at the forefront of your mind, you can learn a lot about yourself and ultimately, experience a more fulfilling and successful career as a result.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

 

Determine Your Company Culture Fit

With employees focusing more on being happy in the workplace, the concept of culture is becoming even more important. If your personal brand involves interacting with co-workers and constantly collaborating as a team, then you probably won’t want to work for a company where the employees sit in their offices all day without coming out. Focusing on c-level personal branding can help you clearly identify which type of culture you belong in. Researching company culture, mission, and values is critical during a job search to ensure you find your fit.

 

Build on Your Strengths And Improve Your Weaknesses

By the time you reach executive-level positions, you likely know what your main strengths and weaknesses. But chances are, you will discover even more as your career progresses and you take on more responsibilities. When you truly prioritize c-level personal branding, you can reflect on how your strengths can bring value to the table. It’s also important to evaluate and understand your weaknesses, improving on them. Neither is possible without understanding your personal brand.

 

Become An Established Leader

Executives need to be go-to people for others within a company and even outside the company. Understanding why people seek you out is crucial in determining your personal branding. It is also important when crafting your LinkedIn profile. When people view your LinkedIn profile, they should be able to clearly see your leadership qualities and see you as a valuable resource. If yours doesn’t show those qualities, then it may be time to work with an executive LinkedIn profile writer to help show your brand.

Professional Resume Services sees c-level personal branding as much more than just self-promotion. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. Sure, you have to tell people why you are valuable in order to promote your brand, but there are many more benefits to personal branding than just making yourself look good. To learn more about the concept of personal branding and some strategies to go with it, feel free to reach out to us at any time.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:   Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – December 28, 2021

 

Happy Holidays to You & Yours ! Team Members of FSC LinkedIn Network. Visit our Most Read (over 20K hits) Career Blogs @ #BestofFSCBlog

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Best One Site for all Articles/Blogs for Today’s Career Search, Resumes, Networking, Social Media Training, Career Direction, etc. 

                                                                                                        Visit us: www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog

 

The Team here at FSC LinkedIn Network would like to wish you/yours a                       Wonderful Christmas & a Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous 2022!

 

Here are some areas to explore & to participate into 2022:

a- Most Read Article (over 60K+ reads):    How to Get a Job. Tons of Articles/Links! A Must REad! One Stop Read with these Job Search Tips and Tricks, you’ll Score a New Job in No Time.   https://www.firstsun.com/2019/05/29/careeradvice-jobsearch-how-to-get-a-job-tons-of-articles-links-a-must-read/

b- FSC Career Module: You have access to our ‘Award Winning’ FSC Career Modules’. This site has over 30 career modules that are short (less than 5 min), interactive, & informative. Take a ‘sneak peek’ :     www.firstsun.com/category/fsc-career-modules

c- FSC Career Network (under my name, Chris G. Laughter): This is a free/open network that gives you access to daily/up to date articles on Jobs, your Career, Resumes, & Job Search. Simply connect @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

d- FSC LinkedIn Groups: It is very important that you connect/network with those in your industry. It is also the space where you will find many recruiters in your industry, network with decision makers in your field & more importantly access to their ‘Job Boards’.  Below are some major Groups: (Join & Participate)

 

– Harvard Business Review: Over 1.6 million members:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3044917/

 

–Premium Career Network: Largest access to recruiters on the internet. Over 1 million:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3926212/

 

– Lean Six Sigma: Largest Manufacturing Community – https://www.linkedin.com/groups/37987/

 

– Execute Suite: Largest executive community – https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1426/

 

As you can see, you have access to the best tools for ‘today’s job search’ above, however this is useless & has no value unless you participate/join. We hope you take the time to explore & please do not hesitate to call upon me or anyone from our FSC Team Members.

 

our best to you,

 

Chris G. Laughter & the First Sun Team,  First Sun Consulting, LLC – Outplacement Services, www.firstsun.com

 

 

 

#JobSearch : The Art of the Cover Letter. Cover Letters Can and Will Separate you from the Crowd into 2022 !

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This isn’t a discussion about whether or not you need a cover letter. Always err on the side of caution and include one if it is an option.

            Question: How do you stand out?

So…with that out of the way! Cover letters can be a powerful tool if used correctly. Writing a targeted cover letter for each company you are applying to could be the difference between getting an interview or not.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when crafting yours.

 

Don’t Rewrite Your Resume

Too often, people think their cover letter should simply be a summary of their resume. It is, in fact, an introduction from yourself to your reader. The hiring manager already has your resume, so it’s a waste of time to simply rewrite it. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the company’s needs and follow it immediately with how you can meet those needs. Your language in your cover letter doesn’t necessarily have to be as formal as the resume, but it shouldn’t be as informal as something like your LinkedIn profile.

 

Don’t Use A Generic One

Hiring managers read hundreds of cover letters every month, and they will be able to spot duplicates. They can also identify a generic letter, that doesn’t have anything to do with the position you are applying for or the company itself. They are looking for your specific skills, as well as how you think they fit into what they need. If you just make general statements about how companies today need what you have to offer, there’s a higher chance of your cover letter and resume getting tossed to the side and never really considered.

 

Choose A Few Skills To Match The Job Requirements

Be selective about your top skills that match the position and focus on those in your cover letter. Connect the dots from your skills to the company’s pain points. You want them to leave remembering your key achievements and skills, so keep it short and sweet. A couple of paragraphs and bullets will do the trick. You can discuss your other skills in the interview.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

Be Personal

Don’t forget to show some personality and grab their attention in the first sentence, drawing them in. Make sure the letter is addressed to someone specific. We have enough information at our finger tips to find a name, either through a company website or LinkedIn. If all else fails, make a phone call and ask for the name (and spelling) of the hiring manager.

Invite Interaction

Don’t leave out a call-to-action in the last paragraph. Show your genuine interest position. List your contact information, so they can easily reach out. Be sure to include a Link to your LinkedIn profile, since they will be looking for it anyway. Let them know when you will follow up and then DO it!

Professional Resume Services is a cover letter writing service that also focuses extensively on resumes, LinkedIn, and many other aspects of job searches today. Cover letters have never been more important, so crafting the perfect one will give your job hunt a nice boost. We understand it’s not always quick and easy to write a cover letter, so feel free to contact us if you need assistance with yours.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – December 20, 2021