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#CareerChange : 5 Questions To Ask Before You Switch Careers. Thoughts of Changing Career? Not Alone, 6 in 10 Already on Hunt.

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Thinking about making a career change? You’re not the only one. A study by Glassdoor revealed that around half of U.S. workers are considering it, and nearly 6 in 10 are already on the hunt for something new.

Making a smart career move takes more than just a hunch. It calls for honest reflection, focused thinking, and a little planning. When work gets hard or something shiny pops up, it’s easy to feel tempted to jump ship. But how do you know if a career change is really the right call, or just a distraction? Start by asking yourself these five questions.

Am I Happy With My Current Career?

Pause and look at what you’re doing now. Is your current role taking you in a direction you’re actually interested in? If you’re even considering a career change, the answer is probably no, which is something worth looking into.

Let’s be real: work isn’t always rainbows and perfectly brewed coffee. But considering we spend about 90,000 hours (yep, about a third of our lives) at work, it better count for something. That’s exactly why your job should make you happy. You deserve to feel respected, challenged, and paid fairly. If those things are consistently missing, it might be time to consider a change.

That said, if you’re generally happy with your job, and while not every single day is perfect, you feel engaged and valued most of the time, it might be worth sticking around. Job satisfaction can’t be bought, and more money won’t magically make you enjoy a job you already can’t stand.

 

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 – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 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 Do I Not Want In My Next Role?

Sometimes, it helps to start with what you don’t want. Think back to the roles, tasks, or work environments that left you feeling tired or uninspired. Knowing your deal-breakers can help you narrow things down when exploring your next move.

Your career affects more than your schedule. It touches your physical, mental, and emotional health, too. When you’re in the wrong role, it takes a toll. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 19% of employees are miserable at work, and 60% feel emotionally detached. It’s easy to settle into a job that isn’t right for you without realizing it.

So take a moment to be honest with yourself. If you’re thinking about a career change, dig into what didn’t feel right in your last role or industry. Was it the type of work you were doing, the pace, the values, or how success was defined? The clearer you are about what to avoid, the easier it becomes to move toward something better.

What Do I Actually Want To Do?

Now’s the time to look around. What industries or roles naturally draw your attention? What kind of work feels aligned with your values or just sparks your curiosity? Follow that interest.

If it’s not just your job but the nature of the work itself that feels draining, then the question runs deeper: What sort of work feels meaningful to you? And how close are you to that right now? Consider your life goals, because changing careers often comes with a shift in lifestyle too: how you spend your time, who you surround yourself with, what types of problems you want to solve, and what kind of workday actually feels meaningful to you.

Friends, family, and coworkers will likely have opinions. And while it’s fine to listen, remember that no one knows what feels right for you better than you do. Once you’re clear on what you’re good at and what areas you’d like to grow in, the next step becomes a lot easier to figure out.

What Past Skills, Experiences, Or Projects Have I Genuinely Enjoyed?

Think back on your work. Jot down the moments that made you feel proud, energized, or even just genuinely satisfied. What were you doing, and why did it feel meaningful? These moments reveal the kind of work that feels rewarding, the skills you enjoy using, and the values that matter to you. They also point to the environments where you thrive: whether that’s fast-paced, collaborative, creative, or something else entirely.

Your career interests go beyond just tasks. They also cover how you like to work, who you work with, and what type of challenges keep you engaged. When you understand these preferences, it’s easier to make clear, confident decisions about your next move. And since interests shift over time, it’s a good idea to check in with yourself regularly. You might rediscover something you’ve been putting off or uncover a direction you hadn’t considered before.

Who Can I Talk To For Support And Insight?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Start reaching out to people in roles that interest you. Ask what their day-to-day looks like, what they enjoy most, what’s challenging, and what advice they’d give to someone exploring a similar path.

Having someone to lean on makes a career change feel a lot less overwhelming. Whether you’re sharing ideas, facing fears, or learning what’s possible, connection plays a big role in moving forward.

There will be moments when doubt creeps in. That’s normal. But having a support system can make all the difference. It could be a trusted colleague, a mentor, a friend, or someone new you meet along the way. Most likely, someone in your circle is ready to help—you just need to ask.

Remember: finding the right path isn’t about chasing the “perfect” job. It’s about building a career that reflects your strengths, values, and the kind of life you want to lead. Keep checking in with yourself, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to pivot. You’ve got this!

Forbes.com | June 28, 2028 | Sho Dewan,

#SalaryNegotiations : The Power Of Poise In Salary Negotiations. 55% of American Workers Accept the First Offer Without Negotiating. How about You?

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Salary negotiations can trigger a wave of nerves and emotions with even the most seasoned professionals. But here’s the truth: Poise is not just a nice-to-have trait in these critical moments. It’s also power play.

When you stay calm, grounded and strategic, you not only make a better impression, but you also significantly better your chances of landing the offer you deserve. Poise shows confidence, control and clarity, all of which earns respect. Here’s how to stay composed and compelling when it matters most.

Prepare Your Strategy Before You Walk In

Confidence comes from preparation. Before any negotiation, research the average salary range for your role, industry and location. Look at platforms like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi or Payscale to get a realistic picture of what you should be earning. Know your numbers by setting your ideal salary, your target for this job, and your “walk away” point?

Yet many professionals skip this step. According to a survey by ResumeGenius, 55% of American workers accept the first offer without negotiating, often because they feel too uncomfortable to negotiate. Preparation gives you the clarity and confidence to avoid leaving money on the table.

Next, outline your value. What accomplishments, experience or skills justify the salary you’re aiming for? Write them down. Practicing how to present these points succinctly will help you stay calm when the stakes are high.

 

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 – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 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 …

Rehearse To Remain Cool Under Pressure

Practice goes beyond knowing what to say. It’s also about how to say it. Rehearse your delivery with a friend, mentor, or even on camera. Focus on keeping your tone steady, your posture open, and your phrasing clear. This helps reduce nerves and trains your body and voice to project confidence.

Use role-play scenarios to prepare for potential pushback. Practice saying phrases like, “Based on my experience and the market data I have seen, I was expecting something closer to this,” or “I’m confident I can contribute at a high level and would love to align on something mutually beneficial.”

Control The Tempo Of The Conversation

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is rushing. Poise is about pacing. When a recruiter throws out a number or question, don’t feel pressured to respond instantly. Take a breath. Pause. Then respond.

If you need time, say so: “Thanks for sharing that. I’d like to take a moment to consider it,” or “Would it be okay if I followed up with you tomorrow?” You’re allowed to take time to make a smart decision. Asking for it calmly only reinforces your confidence.

Redirect All Your Nerves Into Questions

Instead of letting anxiety spiral into silence or rambling, channel it into curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, performance expectations, or long-term growth. This not only helps you gather more information, but it also repositions you as an engaged professional rather than a passive recipient.

You might say, “Can you share more about how compensation is structured for this role?” or “How does your team typically reward top performers?” Poised candidates don’t just accept the first offer. They also investigate how it aligns with their goals.

Set Boundaries And Know Your Worth

There’s a difference between being polite and being passive. When a number doesn’t meet your expectations, say so firmly and respectfully. You don’t need to apologize for advocating for yourself.

Try phrases like, “That’s below the range I was expecting based on my research and experience,” or “I’d love to continue this conversation if we can get closer to X.” These boundaries let the employer know you’re serious about your worth and that you’re not afraid to walk away if it’s not a fit.

Follow Up On It With Grace And Clarity

Whether you accept the offer or ask for more time, your follow-up matters. Thank the recruiter and hiring manager for their time, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, and clearly state your position. If you’re negotiating, make sure your request is specific and tied to your value, not just your needs.

Say something like: “Thank you again for the offer. I’m excited about the opportunity and feel confident about the value I can bring. Based on my experience and the market data I’ve reviewed, I was hoping we could explore a base salary closer to X.”

At the heart of every successful salary negotiation is a simple truth: you have to believe in your own value before anyone else will. Poise isn’t about staying silent or playing it cool. It’s about showing that you know what you bring to the table and refusing to shrink under pressure.

Staying calm doesn’t mean being passive. It means being intentional. When you prepare, communicate clearly, and advocate confidently, you’re not just negotiating your salary. You’re setting the tone for how you expect to be treated moving forward.

So take a breath, trust your prep, and hold your ground. You’re not lucky to be at the table. You earned the seat. Now claim what you’re worth with poise. You’ve got this!

 

Forbes.com | June 27, 2025 | Sho Dewan

#LinkedInTips : Frustrated On LinkedIn? Use These Tips To Build Fruitful Connections. Networking is Not Only LinkedIn. Go Out & Meet Real People.

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I’m old enough to remember a time when Facebook was just for college students, X was just another letter in the alphabet, and LinkedIn was the nerdy social media platform you might update if you got a new job or promotion, but even then, probably not.

Today, I’m one of more than 134 million users who log on to LinkedIn every day, not only because much of my work is in the career development space, but as a freelancer, I’m also continuously looking for new work myself. Plus, as a former member of the “I only network when I really need a job” club, I now know that making and maintaining professional relationships is something I should do no matter my job status.

Sure, LinkedIn isn’t perfect, and no social media platform is. But if you’re one of the frustrated LinkedIn users who haven’t seen any professional benefits, have a think about how you’re actually using it. According to Simone Anzböck, a transformational international career coach, making LinkedIn work for you is about far more than just updating your profile or broadcasting a job search.

“LinkedIn is not a passive platform,” Anzböck tells me. “It’s relationship-driven, and relationships need to be nurtured with intention.” Turning a connection into a job lead also doesn’t happen overnight. “This is a long-term strategy,” Anzböck points out. “You sometimes need to go beyond the LinkedIn platform and turn these connections into real conversations, even if it’s just a virtual coffee.”

Ultimately, it’s about showing up with consistency, curiosity, and a clear purpose. “You don’t need to be a LinkedIn influencer,” Anzböck says. “You just need to be strategic and intentional. The rest will follow.” Here are three actionable tips she shares for using LinkedIn more strategically and authentically to get some real value out of the platform.

 

Clarify Your Objective Before The Connection

Before diving into posting, commenting, or sending out dozens of connection requests, Anzböck advises taking a step back to get crystal clear on what you hope to accomplish.

“What is your objective?” and “How will LinkedIn help you with that?” are questions you should be asking yourself before moving forward, Anzböck says. “Your strategy should align with your goal. Someone looking to become a thought leader will use the platform differently than someone searching for a new job.”

 

Once you know what you’re trying to accomplish, think of how this can be reflected in your LinkedIn profile. After all, a comprehensive LinkedIn profile gives you a 71% higher chance of landing a job interview, according to one study.

 

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 – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 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 …

Consider approaching your updated profile like it’s a “shop window” that aligns with your goal. A smart shop owner shows the most relevant products in their window, the ones that speak to the right customer. They also won’t crowd the window with every item they sell in their shop. It’s similar on LinkedIn.

“It’s not about showing everything you’ve done. It’s about showing what’s relevant,” she says. That means updating your headline with strategic keywords, crafting a focused “About” section, and highlighting the most pertinent parts of your experience.

Focus On Building And Nurturing “Weak Ties”

When it comes to growing your professional network, Anzböck highlighted the common misconception that more is always better. “Nobody really needs 10,000 followers,” she says. “LinkedIn should be about meaningful connections, not mass accumulation.”

To illustrate this point, Anzböck mentioned the British anthropologist Robin Dunbar’s research that most people can only properly maintain around 150 relationships and connections at once. While she acknowledged that this theory has been questioned in the age of social media, the main point of Dunbar’s research is still valid.

“Whether the number is 150, 200, or 250, most social scientists agree that there is a limited number of people that you can really maintain ties with,” she says.

This ties into another theory on the power of “weak ties” that originated with Stanford sociologist Mark Granovetter’s 1973 study and was proven to be as relevant for LinkedIn users by researchers in 2022. ​​Their study involved 20,000 users over a five-year period and found that a person’s weakest ties were the most helpful for career advancement, especially for those in sectors with a digital focus.

“If you have 500 contacts on LinkedIn, think about who those 150 are that might be weak ties worth focusing on,” Anzböck says. These may be acquaintances who do not know you deeply, but they are close enough to potentially recommend you or make introductions.

“Weak ties are bridges to new social circles,” she says. “They’re often more useful for job leads than your closest friends, who probably know the same people you do.”

Aim To Engage Consistently And Thoughtfully

“Don’t just post and ghost,” Anzböck says, referring to users who publish content but don’t engage with others on the platform. Instead, she recommends five principles for effective engagement: Be visible, be helpful, actively connect, train the algorithm, and (optionally) post original content.

Visibility, she explains, starts with commenting, not just liking. “Commenting is a great way to be visible because your profile shows up on another person’s feed for everyone to see,” Anzböck says. “But go beyond just saying, ‘Love this!’ Add your perspective, ask a question, contribute to the discourse.”

Being helpful is also key. That could mean sharing a relevant article, tagging someone in a job post, or making a warm introduction. “Think of it as social karma,” Anzböck says. “If you’re helpful to others, the help will come back to you.”

When sending connection requests, she advises always including a personalized note. “Say why you want to connect. Mention something specific from their profile or content. Ask a question. Be interested,” she recommends.

While posting your own content can help with visibility, it’s not a must. To be visible with content, you have to be consistent over a long period of time to see the payoff. “You can’t be consistent with something you don’t enjoy. So, if you don’t enjoy creating content, don’t do it just because you think you should,” she says, quoting a content strategist: “If you don’t see content creation as an artful, soulful activity, don’t do it.”

Instead, focus on training your algorithm by engaging with the topics and people most aligned with your goals. LinkedIn will show you more of what you interact with, so be deliberate. “Unfollow what’s not relevant. Like and comment on what is.”

By applying these principles, job seekers and professionals alike can use LinkedIn not just as a digital resume but as a dynamic tool for meaningful career development. But Anzböck also advises against falling into the trap that all networking can and should take place on LinkedIn.

According to Anzböck, “Networking is not only LinkedIn. Go out in the real world and meet real people. Everything might seem to happen on LinkedIn, but that is far from true. Especially since the pandemic, more and more people crave real spaces. So find your offline spaces too. You might just enjoy it that little bit more.”

Forbes.com | June 25, 2025 | Justin Sablich

#JobSearch : How To Strategically Use AI To Launch Your Career In 2025. Here’s How to Leverage AI Effectively in your Job Search. Got Kids? Must Read!

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Landing your first full-time job is an impressive feat at any time, but today it’s becoming even more of an accomplishment. Between the current economic uncertainty and the AI-ification of the workforce, the class of 2025 is struggling to find their place in a fast-changing world.

A study released today by iCIMS found that although entry-level hiring is up 6% over last year, there are still far too many candidates waiting in the wings. For every entry-level job opening, 36 people applied—compared to 29 applicants per entry-level job opening last year.

Gen Z applicants are also dealing with the disconnect between companies’ professed skills-first hiring strategies and how they actually hire. iCIMS found that although 95% of recruiters say they use skills-based practices, when assessing entry-level candidates they rank experience (37%) and education (34%) above skills (28%) as the most important factors.

Yet for all this, there are still great opportunities out there for persistent job seekers. “While the job market is highly competitive, graduates who remain adaptable and resilient in their job search efforts can find meaningful opportunities,” says Jake Gomez, Head of NA Vertical Strategy, ManpowerGroup. “The job market is evolving, not closing, and job seekers must adapt accordingly.”

I recently connected with Gomez to discuss the current state of entry-level hiring and how new grads can optimize their chances in a shifting employment landscape. Here’s what we covered.

“And most importantly, control what you can control—your effort and attitude. Don’t give up, ask for help, and be kind to yourself and others. “You will succeed.”

3 major challenges in today’s job market

Gomez sees three major hurdles that this year’s college graduates must overcome to launch their careers.

  1. Cautious hiring. “Many employers are navigating the current economic climate, which includes tariffs, leading to increased economic uncertainty,” says Gomez. “This is causing employers to pause a little longer before hiring new employees.”
  2. AI and ‘starter’ roles. “With the trend of automation in the workforce, many previous ‘starter’ jobs that a new graduate would handle are being handled by AI,” says Gomez. “This is especially true in areas like customer service, marketing, and tech.”
  3. Mismatch and saturation. “With the advent of new roles within the industry due to AI and its transformation, many roles have adapted, but degrees have not kept pace with the changing landscape,” he says. “This creates a mismatch, compounded by the increase in former college graduates still in the job search.”

All of this adds up to a growing pessimism as the Class of 2025 surveys its hiring prospects. And it’s not all in their heads. “The job market challenges are evident, coupled with a 1.6% higher unemployment rate for new graduates compared to the current unemployment rate,” says Gomez. “Even in our just released ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey (MEOS), U.S. hiring intentions declined slightly to 30%, a 4% drop from the previous quarter.”

 

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 – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 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 …

Standing out

In today’s job market, Gomez estimates that it will take most graduates 4–6 months to find work—and upwards of 8 months for certain degrees. And they’ll need to go beyond the basics.

“They need to make themselves relevant and stand out from the crowd,” he says. To help differentiate yourself, Gomez believes you should:

  • Showcase your skills and talent, not just a GPA. “Employers want to see how you will make their company better by hiring you,” he says. “Show them your work ethic. Show them your character. Share what you are doing to continuously make yourself better and those around you.”
  • Tailor your responses. “While AI tools can help formulate ideas and help build a framework, they can also generalize way too much,” Gomez warns. “And if you are not tailoring your message to each job you are applying for, it will be apparent.”
  • Build your brand. “LinkedIn is non-negotiable—you must become a part of a community that you see yourself working in,” stresses Gomez. “This will not only aid in networking efforts but also help in understanding what appears to be the most important and relevant topics within the industry.

“And network like it’s your job because until you find one, it is.”

How AI is affecting the job search

AI is a two-edged sword: while it can help young job seekers, it can also hurt if overused or not used properly.

Gomez points to ManpowerGroup’s latest research on AI in the workplace, which shows that 85% of employers now use AI in hiring processes. Most, however, recognize its limitations. One-third (33%) say AI can’t replicate ethical judgment, while 31% cite customer service as uniquely human.

“Yet the research reveals a nuance that while AI won’t replace people, people who can leverage AI will have more value than people who don’t,” says Gomez. “These findings underscore a growing consensus toward AI as a tool for augmentation, not replacement.”

So where can AI be a help, not a hindrance?

  1. Resume and cover letters. “AI can quickly tailor to specific postings, which can help get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) companies use,” says Gomez.
  2. Interview preparation. “Practice interview questions of both what to answer and what to ask,” advises Gomez. However, this advice comes with a caveat: “Don’t just rely on AI. Practice these questions and answers with a peer, mentor, or family member to get your delivery down.”
  3. Job discovery. “AI-powered platforms can assist in finding more relevant roles that you may have missed,” Gomez adds.

Where should you be cautious of AI? Gomez says it can often be too generic. “Overreliance on AI-generated content without personalization can make applications feel unauthentic,” he says. AI may also add skills that don’t reflect your actual capabilities. “This can backfire in an interview if the job seeker can’t speak to the skills,” he warns. Finally, it’s all too easy to become overly dependent on AI. “AI can become a crutch and hamper growth in critical skills,” says Gomez.

To make the best use of AI in your job search, says Gomez, you should co-create with AI to generate a starting point or framework. “But you must edit and ensure it reflects your voice,” he says. “Make sure your answers stay ‘you.’ Ensure you stay true to who you are, embracing your strengths, values, and interests.”

Job searching beyond AI

While AI is now a big piece of the employment puzzle, it’s not the only tool you can use to get hired. Gomez identifies three key actions you can take to improve your employability:

  1. Skill up. “Build in-demand skills by taking online courses or getting certifications in areas of interest, including AI tools and platforms, as even basic knowledge in this area is attractive to employers,” says Gomez.
  2. Do freelance, part-time, or project work. “Reach out to local small businesses or nonprofits to help them and give you a chance to build the desired experience and demonstrate initiative,” Gomez advises.
  3. Network with purpose. “Set up informal interviews with professionals in your field of interest. Ask about their career paths, what skills matter, and what advice they have,” says Gomez. “Attend industry meetups, alumni events, or virtual industry panels. And be active on LinkedIn—share thoughtful insights and posts, comment on industry topics, and connect with hiring managers and recruiters.”

It’s true, the current job market isn’t an easy one to break into—but the class of 2025 has already achieved so much. “By focusing on skill development, networking, and flexibility, new graduates can navigate this landscape and find rewarding career paths,” says Gomez.

 

Forbes.com | June 24, 2024 |  Mark C. Perna,

 

#JobSearch : Job Hunting Is A Trap. Use This ChatGPT Strategy Instead.The Traditional Job Search Model Is Broken. A MUst REad!

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If you’ve been applying for jobs for months and received little to no response, even though you’ve followed all the right advice and done all the right things with your resume and job interviews, it’s not you that’s the problem. It’s the system.

The traditional idea of work is broken. That’s why there are estimates that more than half of the U.S. workforce (over 86 million professionals) will be freelancing by 2027. That’s also why freelance hiring is up 260%. Employers and employees are waking up to the realization that the old work model — with the employer and employee relationship — no longer works like it used to.

I’ve personally met countless people on LinkedIn who’ve told me they’ve been out of the workforce for what feels to them like the longest time. Some have been laid off and still searching for jobs for a few weeks, three months, or even six months or more later. The U.S. unemployment rate may be remaining steady at 4.2%, yet there are some factors which are continuing to negatively affect the labor market.

The Traditional Job Search Model Is Broken

Even though the number of long-term unemployed people fell by 218,000 in May, about one in five professionals are long-term unemployed, and more than 260,000 workers were still jobless after being out of work for up to five weeks, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number includes workers displaced by the administration changes that have led to federal jobs being affected, with employment down by 59,000 since January.

AI replacing jobs, mass layoffs, return-to-office mandates, and sustained peak interest in remote job opportunities are all creating a highly competitive job market that has been increasingly harder to navigate and results in many who re out of work feeling despair and overwhelm at their job prospects. And of course, that’s reasonable, if your only hope of a fulfilling career and making a steady income was found in a job.

But these days, if you want to escape the rat race of chasing job applications and constantly being rejected or ghosted, it’s time to flip the script and take a different approach: Instead of chasing roles, build leverage and create your own.

Why Job Hunting Is Outdated And Inefficient

Today, especially when applying for remote jobs, you’ll likely find:

  • Hundreds of applicants for each role, reducing the chances that you’ll even be seen, receive feedback, or be shortlisted
  • AI resume screening via applicant tracking system software, filtering out your application so a human doesn’t get to see it
  • Hardly any chance of landing the job even if you are noticed, unless you have insider referrals and go through a backdoor

So what works instead? You need to create an engine or system that generates your own opportunities and multiple income streams without limits.

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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 …

What Works Instead Of Traditional Job Hunting

Instead of this:

  • Submitting hundreds of applications a week
  • Hitting the easy-apply button on job boards
  • Begging for “a chance” at new employment
  • Using “open-to-work” banner on LinkedIn

Do this instead:

  • Post value-packed content consistently and every day on LinkedIn
  • Create an irresistible offer, product or service, and package it to be sold and eventually scaled with minimal ongoing effort
  • Pitch directly for media and partnership opportunities to increase your revenue and visibility in your area of expertise
  • Drive organic interest to your business by optimizing your online presence, gather testimonials, and showcase your results

Find a high-income skill that you’re already comfortable with and is in strong demand, then make your presence known wherever the interest is. Using ChatGPT to help you in this process will amplify your reach and reduce your time to market, especially if you’re unaccustomed to freelancing and selling yourself from a business standpoint. Here’s how it works.

ChatGPT Prompts To Earn Money From Your Skills

To start making money and rebuilding your career today, here are five steps you can take right now.

1. Create a freelance profile on LinkedIn Services or Upwork, and offer services within a specialty like copywriting, video editing, social media management, marketing or other area in which you have knowledge and background.

  • Ask ChatGPT: “Here is my resume (attach resume). Ask me some questions to extract the best from my work experience and expertise, and when you’re done asking all of them and I’ve responded, create a concise bio using that information for (platform), that will attract the attention of potential clients.”

2. Turn your expertise into a product, such as a guide, course, workshop or template. This yields passive income with consistent sales.

3. Build your presence and optimize your visibility wherever your clients are. That could be YouTube, LinkedIn, Substack, Instagram or Medium. The whole idea is to position yourself as the leading voice in your niche and sub-niche.

  • Ask ChatGPT: “Generate a 30-day content and engagement plan for my (name your channel). My target audience is (describe your audience).”

4. Partner with brands and other leading voices and content creators in your field, through sponsorships, shared content, guest features, podcasts and affiliate marketing.

  • Ask ChatGPT: “I want to partner with brands, creators, and top voices to get my brand out there and more visible. Give me a list of people and brands I should partner with, partnership ideas for each one, and a tailored outreach email template for each.”

5. Offer specific services tied directly to tangible results. Instead of vague, “I do social media copywriting,” say “I increase client conversion rates for wellness brands by 30%, through social media content,” or instead of “I help women achieve their health goals,” say “I help women over 40 lose belly fat in less than six months.”

  • Ask ChatGPT: “Help me create a value statement that is outcome and results-driven based on the service I’m delivering or offer I’m providing.”

Top Platforms To Use Instead Of Job Boards

Now that you’ve shifted from the mindset of “please hire me” to “I’m hiring myself” and offering a service, here are some platforms that you can start monetizing today.

  • LinkedIn — for building thought leadership, networking and showcasing your portfolio as well as your services page to attract potential clients
  • Substack — for building thought leadership and a loyal following
  • Kajabi — for hosting and selling courses and digital products
  • Upwork — for finding freelance clients and short-term gigs
  • Contra — for finding freelance clients and project contracts
  • Thinkific — for hosting and selling online courses
  • Gumroad — for selling creative digital products
  • Etsy — for selling physical and digital products

The job hunting process is flawed and outdated. What works today and has a stronger guarantee of success is when you turn your skills (and AI) into leverage to create your own opportunities. In this article, you’ve just been armed with the tools to make that happen. It’s time to remove that green banner and get back to work for yourself.

 

Forbes.com | June 18, 2025 | Rachel Wells,

#JobSearch : What Career Rejection Leaves Behind and How to Move Forward. Steps to Get On with Your Life & Career. Great Read!

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There’s something uniquely sharp about career rejection. Even when it comes in a form email, with boilerplate language and no signature, it manages to feel personal. You spend weeks prepping for the interview, tailoring your cover letter, rehearsing your answers out loud while pacing your kitchen. Then all at once, it’s over. No explanation. Just the dry thud of a door quietly closing somewhere you thought you might belong.

With all that is done and said, here are some steps you can consider to assist you in moving on with your life and career. 

Accept That the Silence Is Its Own Response

Most companies don’t offer clean closure. If they say anything at all, it’ll be vague, often automated, and sometimes late. And yet, part of you might still wait by your inbox, clinging to the hope that someone will reach out with insight or an apology. That day rarely comes. At some point, you’ll have to move on without the comfort of resolution, and that’s when things get real. You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt, but you do have to choose whether that silence becomes an ending or just a pause.

Separate Your Craft From the Verdict

One of the hardest things to do is not to take it personally. But that’s exactly what you have to learn. Your body of work doesn’t change because one panel of interviewers decided to go another direction. They don’t know the full scope of what you bring, how you manage a team in chaos, how you handle deadlines with no safety net. They saw one version of you, at one point in time, and it didn’t click. That’s their decision, not your worth.

 

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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 …

Don’t Let the Spiral Dictate the Story

Rejection doesn’t just bruise your ego; it warps your thinking if you let it. You might start questioning all the roads you’ve taken to get here, wondering if you’ve been lying to yourself about your capabilities. That line of thought is dangerous. It turns one lost opportunity into a referendum on your entire career. That’s the trap. Step outside that mental loop and remind yourself that you’re not looking for certainty, you’re just trying to get to the next good thing.

Get Comfortable Not Knowing Why

The truth is, you may never find out what tipped the scales. Maybe you reminded someone of their ex. Maybe they had an internal candidate all along. Maybe it was close, and they went with the person who lived two miles closer to the office. The hiring process is full of variables you’ll never see. That doesn’t make the rejection meaningless, but it does make it less personal. You don’t have to solve the mystery to move on from it.

Make the Most of That Weird, Empty Space

There’s a strange kind of quiet after rejection. Not just externally, but internally too. The days that follow might feel blurry and stretched, like time is happening in slow motion. That’s not just disappointment; it’s the gap between what you thought would happen and what actually did. Use it. Write things down. Think clearly. This is often the only time you’ll be able to reassess without the pressure of chasing something immediate.

Reinvest in Learning to Reinvent Your Path

When doors keep closing, going back to school can be a way to push forward instead of waiting around. Online degree programs let you learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, which makes them easier to work into real life. You can choose from a range of options to match your field, whether that’s marketing, data science, or programs in business administration. A business degree alone can cover skills in accounting, communications, or management, making you a stronger candidate the next time around.

No one enjoys being told they’re not the right fit. But rejection doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path, it just means that door wasn’t yours to walk through. You can let it shape you, but don’t let it shrink you. A career isn’t a straight line, and it doesn’t reward everyone at the same time or in the same way. The best you can do is keep showing up—wiser, maybe a little bruised, but still in motion.

Discover how First Sun Consulting, LLC can transform your career transition with personalized outplacement services and cutting-edge technology, ensuring a swift and successful re-employment journey.

 

FSC Career Blog – June 17, 2024 – FSC Career Blog Writer:  Cherie Mclaughlin

 

#JobSearch : How New Graduates Can Stand Out In Today’s Competitive Job Market. Got Kids? Great REad for ALL!

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Universities in the United States are graduating an estimated two million students this month–primarily dominated by undergrads. While some of this spring’s graduates have already secured employment, most are mass-applying for open positions.

To stand out in the crowded entry-level applicant pool, follow these five practical tips for landing a job.

Be Strategic In Your Job Applications

Instead of submitting as many applications as possible, take time to develop a strategy. Working from a plan conserves energy and effort by ensuring increased organization, focus and clarity.

  1. Consider allowing yourself a realistic timeline, such as a 60-day plan. If you need more time, revise the strategy as needed and start again.
  2. Set a job search routine. Designate a consistent number of daily hours to achieve a weekly goal. For example, allocate Monday through Friday between 9 am and 2 pm, allowing for breaks and lunch, with the goal to submit at least five targeted applications weekly. Focus on specific industries most likely to offer the positions you seek.
  3. Customize each resume and cover letter.
  4. Create a spreadsheet or use an AI tool like Notion to track applications, follow-up times and other outreach and network building.

 

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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 …

Build Your Professional Network

One advantage that mid- and later-career workers have over those just entering the job market is more time to establish a network. For new graduates, allocating time and energy to growing a relevant circle of acquaintances is especially important. Hands down, personal referrals lead to more job opportunities than online applications. Here are a few creative ways to meet new contacts who may happily support your job search.

  1. Community activities are good for your mental and physical health, keeping you at your best during the stress of job hunting. These community-focused, inclusive gatherings are also an invaluable asset for networking. Consider rock climbing, martial arts, ultimate frisbee or pickleball meet-ups to meet new connections. Remember that not every valuable resource will be employed. Meeting a partner, daughter, father or neighbor of someone on the hunt for talent could be the key.
  2. Volunteer in the community, even when it doesn’t directly align with your job focus. For example, coaching children’s soccer is a great way to meet working parents. It’s also a great way to showcase leadership and team-building skills. VolunteerMatch.org showed 49,354 volunteer opportunities in Austin, Texas, for example.
  3. Social media can be a great way to connect with others who share your interests and passions. Do you love business and finance? Subscribe to the the Daily Bagel or Morning Brew, listen to all their weekly updates and post twice weekly on your favorite social media channel. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for building professional connections. Posting content you care about gets the attention of others who value the topic. Ask questions, run a survey or always engage with commenters. Don’t forget to comment on other people’s posts. People may not respond to a direct message, but many will respond to a well-intentioned, thought-provoking comment. Following companies and leaders who interest you and commenting on their posts, puts you on their radar.

Build Up Your Portfolio During The Job Search

Contract and fractional work can lead to permanent, full-time roles. Don’t hesitate to build your portfolio with intermittent opportunities while waiting for what you want.

  1. Use tools like Upwork for short and long-term projects across various skill sets, or Contra, which is ideal for creatives. These platforms also provide the opportunity to showcase sought-after soft skills such as reliability, communication style and relationship building.
  2. Learn more about soft skills and why employers are keen to recruit talent who demonstrate them.

Leverage AI As You Look For Jobs

Technology is constantly changing, and companies’ use of AI tools is no exception. Employers are increasingly implementing AI tools to streamline operations and increase productivity. Showing even basic knowledge and application of a few tools–many that have wide usage and appeal, can set you apart.

  1. Brainstorm leads and write better applications and cover letters (avoid copy and pasting!) using ChatGPT and Grammarly. Additionally, Youtube creators like ‘Tech with Lucy’ share free videos showing how AI can simplify the job-finding process.
  2. Practice interviewing. Even without AI, recording responses to record role or industry-specific interview questions can help identify nervous habits and opportunities for improved communication.
  3. Make learning and experimenting with AI tools part of your employment strategy, and share your experiences if an interview allows. This demonstrates ongoing curiosity and willingness to keep learning.

Upsell Your Value

If you are the product and your skills are add-ons, consider how to position yourself as offering much more than the job requirements. Highlight the intersection and transferability of additional skills to highlight versatility and differentiate yourself from others.

  1. Add this upsell language to your cover letter, as well as LinkedIn.
  2. When you score an interview, include relevant examples in practice. It’s perfectly acceptable to use a school-related activity as a proof model.
  3. Skill transferability also opens the door for applying for positions outside of one’s primary area of study. Once in the door, set a path to where you want to be.

New graduates may fear competing in the job market, but perspective matters. According to a March 2025 U.S. jobs report, more than three million workers voluntarily quit their jobs in the first three months of the year. Almost two million more left involuntarily. So even with two million fresh graduates in May, that’s not enough to replace the open positions created in the first quarter of this year. Moreover, many of these graduates attended school part-time and are already employed.

 

Forbes.com | May 25, 2025 | Sheila Callaham

#YourCareer : 3 Tips To Stay Relevant In Your Job As AI Takes Over. Question: How Much Will AI Affect your Job??

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As a member of Gen X who has tracked trends in education and employment for a living for over two decades, reading Steven Kurutz’s New York Times article about the Gen X “career meltdown” hit a little too close to home. Kurutz describes the career fate of Gen X workers who are creatives in newspaper journalism, photography, graphic arts, and related industries. He convincingly explains that, due to AI, this group of workers teeters on obsolescence when we should be at the height of our careers.

As AI becomes more of a must-have than a nice-to-have, I’ve been thinking about what this means for the skills, credentials, and experiences workers should pursue to remain competitive and continue adding value in their careers.

Over the last year, I had the chance to collaborate with my colleagues at Jobs for the Future’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work and a stellar advisory committee to investigate how AI could lead to quality jobs, catalyze wealth-building, and promote economic opportunity for everyone, particularly for workers in jobs that are susceptible to disruption from AI and automation.

This led to the publication of call to action report for how education and workforce practitioners, employers, investors and policymakers can ensure AI makes everyone better off. This process helped me consider some changes I need to make to remain relevant at work. I’ll share them here in the event they are helpful to you.

Be Proactive When It Comes To Technology

Over the next three years, 92% of companies plan to increase their investments in AI according to McKinsey. If you think you can avoid integrating AI into your skillset, it’s not likely. AI is now a core feature in leading business process software. Gen X workers who want to continue to add value at work must be proactive in getting smart about AI.

Don’t make the mistake of waiting for your employer to help you get up to speed. Employers are rapidly implementing AI, but few are providing support to their employees. Only 31% of workers report receiving employer-provided AI training, according to a recent survey by Jobs for the Future that accompanied the call to action. Unless you work for companies like PwC and Accenture, which are investing billions of dollars in providing AI upskilling support to their teams, you are largely on your own.

Employers tend to prioritize AI skills over experience, according to a 2024 report by Microsoft and LinkedIn. Specifically, 71% of business leaders would choose a less experienced candidate with AI expertise over a more experienced candidate lacking those skills, and 77% believe AI will allow early-career talent to take on greater responsibilities.

Unsurprisingly, younger generations are using AI more, with 85% of Gen Z using it at work, compared with 76% of Gen X. This shift means that having more experience no longer guarantees a competitive edge for Gen X workers. So unless we acquire AI skills, we may find ourselves outpaced in job opportunities and career advancement by our Millennial and Gen Z colleagues. No one is coming to save us.

 

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 – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 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

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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 …

Collaborate With Digital Native Colleagues

Most of us in the “sandwich generation” need to work at least 15 to 20 or so more years before we can comfortably retire, but there’s no way to do that without learning a few more tricks. We can’t fall into the cognitive trap known as the Einstellung effect, where our existing knowledge flattens and the range of ideas and solutions that we consider narrows.

AI can help us get out of our own way, identify blind spots, and solve problems in ways we might not have previously envisioned, according to Harvard Business Review. But we should avoid going it alone. Collaborating with our younger colleagues will help us go further faster. The power of unlocking innovation lies in combining the different kinds of knowledge that Gen X and younger generations of workers hold.

Gen X workers have more lived experience than our Millennial and Gen Z colleagues. We have what psychologists call crystallized intelligence, the knowledge accumulated from prior learning and past experiences. Our younger colleagues tend to have more fluid intelligence, which allows them to solve new problems without relying on past knowledge. Collaborating across generations in formal and informal ways at work on teams and on projects can generate win-win solutions that enhance creativity and innovation.

Use AI To Strengthen Your Human Abilities

As we learn more about integrating these new AI capabilities into our daily work lives, it’s helpful to remember what we can do that this technology cannot. AI may be able to fulfill some technical functional aspects of your job, but it doesn’t have the unique experience you bring to your work.

A key takeaway from the call to action report is that we want AI to uplift what it means to be human. For instance, AI can efficiently manage my research on education and employment, often completing tasks faster than I can. It can also identify significant trends in my field. You may be in a similar situation if you are in a knowledge-driven profession.

However, there are certain aspects of me and my experience that AI simply can’t replace. AI cannot fully grasp my perspective that is shaped by my personal journey. The data AI is trained on does not adequately represent the experiences of many Americans who share a similar racial, ethnic, and economic background as mine.

I have worked at my job for 20 years and have collaborated with leading organizations and experts in my field. These experiences have given me valuable insights I continue developing daily. In addition, my liberal arts education and multidisciplinary graduate studies give me a unique perspective on AI’s outputs. While there is still much to learn, my experiences make it difficult for AI to replicate exactly what I do.

As workers navigate this new world and reimagine their careers, it’s important to remember to use this technology as a support, not a replacement. Embracing AI can help reinvigorate our work when our careers are losing momentum. By leveraging our experience, unique perspectives, and the strengths that define us, we not only avoid becoming obsolete but can thrive in this next chapter.

Forbes.com | May 8, 2025 | Michael Collins 

 

#JobSearch : A Job Search is Common Sense, Not a Secret Process. Steps on Basics for a Job Search. Keep it Simple.

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Marketing gurus advertise ‘secrets’ to job search their services to put fear in your mind that you might be missing something and failing in your job search efforts. Ask yourself, ‘What do they know that I don’t that I must know to succeed?’ There are no ‘secrets’ to the process of job search. The word ‘secret’ implies something known only to the marketer. These are psychological words used to scare you into buying.

Job-hunting procedures are the same as in the last half century. The only difference – in the 21st Century, job applications and resume submissions are completed online. You create a marketing tool – your resume. You develop a plan – answering help-wanted ads and uploading resumes online, attending job fairs, or delivering a resume personally. You answer questions – in a telephone or a face-to-face interview with a hiring manager. Company reps compare interviewed applicants and determine which candidate offers the most ‘bang for the buck’ for the salary range budgeted then make an offer. The following steps are the basics for a job search.

 

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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 …

Ensure your resume is word-processed into a digital form. Be prepared to deliver your resume electronically from your phone or computer and uploaded to an online recruiting platform. If you are a poor writer, get a professional to write or grammar-check the text. Keeping the resume to two pages or less in the 21st Century is no longer critical because it is stored online. But – don’t go overboard and write 20 pages, either. The maximum number of pages is four (federal civil service resumes have a new mandate to restrict the length to a maximum of five pages).

Dress for success. Dressing in droopy pants, torn jeans, and tee-shirt to hand-deliver a resume is stupid. That young lady behind the register might be the owner’s daughter, who will relay to Mama that you aren’t fit to shop in the store, much less applying for a job. Or you may pass the hiring manager in the hallway as you walk into the establishment. They will remember someone dressed sharply and ready to do business with their clientele.

Follow up in 2-3 days, and politely ask about any decisions to interview. In many companies, the recruiter may not answer the phone because they are physically overwhelmed with analyzing hundreds of resumes. Don’t take it personally if your calls are not returned. Have your script ready: “I brought in my resume and completed an application on (name the day), and I was wondering when you will start the interviewing process?”  Don’t beg or tell your hard-life story.

During the interview, think carefully about the question before answering. It is okay to take a few seconds to think, but don’t take too long. Answer in complete sentences and use the ‘Queen’s English.’ Let the interviewer finish their questions. Then present your list of questions about the position, company, and what problems the company wants to solve by hiring you. Ask if they would like samples of your work or a list of references.

Obtain business cards of everyone you spoke with while interviewing at the company. Immediately after the interview, hand-write brief thank you notes addressed to each individual you encountered – the HR representative, hiring manager, or interviewer – and place the notes in a mailbox that day.

Wait a week before communicating with the company if they haven’t called you back immediately. Interviews may be spread across several weeks. When you call, politely ask if any decisions have been made. You may leave a voicemail message if you can’t get a real person. Keep the message brief and cheerful, and carefully pronounce your full name and telephone number.

If you receive the message another candidate was chosen, don’t ask what you did wrong. Companies decline to answer those questions for fear of litigation (e.g., EEOC issues). Don’t waste your and their time. If you do reach a real person, ask them if the company would be open to considering you for another position. This question lets recruiters there are no hard feelings and you are open for further consideration.

Shopping for a new job is tedious. The process for today’s job searches is time-consuming and frustrating. Modern-day job-hunting is dominantly online and digital but prepare for ‘old-fashioned’ knocking on doors and making phone calls to folks you know in your network of friends, family, and business acquaintances.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:   Dawn D. Boyer, Ph.D., manages and operates a consulting firm in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Colonial Beach (Dahlgren), and Gloucester, VA. Her background is 25+ years in the Human Resources field, of which 12+ years are within the Federal & Defense Contracting industry. She is the author of 1,020+ books and textbooks on business, human resources research, career search practice, women’s studies, genealogy lineages, and adult coloring books. Her books are listed on Amazon.com under her author’s page for Dawn D. Boyer, Ph.D.

Dawn Boyer, Ph.D., owner of D. Boyer Consulting, provides resume writing, social media management and training, business development, and human resources consulting. Reach her at Dawn.Boyer@DBoyerConsulting.com or http://dboyerconsulting.com.

 

FSC Career Blog – May 2, 2025

 

 

 

#JobSearch : When the Paycheck Stops: Real-World Strategies to Make Ends Meet While You’re Unemployed. Options You Can Consider.

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Losing your job can feel like getting the wind knocked out of you. The rhythm of regular paychecks disappears, but the bills keep arriving like clockwork. Whether it was a layoff, a firing, or a choice you had to make for your own well-being, the financial pressure doesn’t wait for you to catch your breath.

Still, you’ve got options—more than you might think—and the key is acting quickly, strategically, and a little bit creatively.

Get Uncomfortable and Honest

The first thing you’ve got to do is face the numbers. That means sitting down with whatever financial tools you trust—maybe it’s an old-school notebook, maybe it’s a spreadsheet—and figuring out what you’re working with. You need to know your exact monthly expenses, not just a guess. It’s not always fun to look that closely, especially when your income’s vanished, but the clarity gives you power. Without knowing the damage, you can’t stop the bleeding.

Cut First, Justify Later

You don’t need to debate whether cutting your streaming subscriptions or pausing your gym membership is “worth it.” If money isn’t coming in, anything that isn’t food, housing, or critical transportation is up for elimination. You’re not canceling joy forever—you’re just hitting pause. And once your financial feet are back under you, you can decide what to bring back with intention. This isn’t about living like a monk; it’s about buying yourself time.

Sharpen Your Skills with an Online Degree

Time away from the workforce doesn’t have to be idle—it can be the perfect opportunity to double down on what you already know and build it out into something even stronger. By going back to school, especially through flexible online programs, you can expand your skill set without putting your life on hold. Earning a degree online in computer science adds fresh credibility and updated knowledge to your resume. Through the foundational principles of computer science, you’ll gain expertise in areas like logic, architecture and systems, data structures, AI, and computer theory.

Bring in Income, Even If It’s Not Ideal

It can sting your pride to take a gig that feels “beneath” you, but pride doesn’t pay the electric bill. Food delivery, ride-sharing, remote customer service—these kinds of jobs might not be glamorous, but they’re cash flow lifelines. Think of them as stepping stones, not setbacks. Your career is still yours, and these gigs don’t rewrite your story—they just keep the lights on while you write the next chapter.

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 – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 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 …

Monetize the Hidden Skills You Overlook

If you’ve ever fixed a sink, babysat your niece, written a halfway-decent resume, or made a killer lasagna, congratulations—you’ve got something people will pay for. Sites like TaskRabbit, Rover, Upwork, and even neighborhood Facebook groups are full of people looking for real-life help. You’d be surprised what your everyday skills are worth when someone else doesn’t want to do the work themselves. Sometimes, the talent that feels “normal” to you is exactly what others need.

Tap Into Community Without Shame

A lot of folks avoid asking for help because they’re worried about how it looks. But you’re not weak for needing support—you’re human. Food banks, mutual aid groups, and local nonprofits exist for this exact moment. If someone offered you a life jacket when you were drowning, would you turn it down just because it’s not designer? Use the help, pay it forward when you can, and drop the guilt—because surviving is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Negotiate Your Bills

You’d be surprised what bills can be adjusted if you pick up the phone and ask. Credit card companies, utility providers, landlords—they often have hardship programs or payment plans, but they won’t offer them unless you start the conversation. Be calm, be honest, and don’t be afraid to say, “I’ve lost my job and I need some flexibility.” The worst they can say is no, but a lot of the time, they’ll work with you more than you’d think.

Shift Your Mindset Without Toxic Positivity

There’s a difference between pretending everything’s fine and staying open to possibility. You don’t have to slap on a fake smile or chant affirmations you don’t believe. But if you can remind yourself that this chapter isn’t permanent—and that you’ve made it through hard things before—it helps you stay in motion. You’re not failing. You’re adapting. That mindset doesn’t fix everything, but it keeps you from sinking into the quicksand of hopelessness.

Rebuild While You Hustle

Being out of work doesn’t mean you’re out of moves. Use the time you’ve got to tweak your resume, learn a new skill online, or reconnect with your network—even if it’s just dropping someone a message to say hi. Little actions compound. That part-time delivery job or side hustle doesn’t stop you from chasing something better; it just helps you stay afloat while you steer the ship. And when the tide turns—and it will—you’ll be better positioned than if you’d stayed frozen.

Unemployment isn’t a personal failure—it’s a season. A hard one, yes, but not a life sentence. If you approach it with honesty, hustle, and the willingness to get scrappy, you’ll find ways to stretch your resources without snapping your spirit. No one dreams of being in this position, but plenty of people make it through and come out more resilient than before. You’re not done. You’re just between chapters—and the next one’s still yours to write.

FSC Blog Author:  Cherie Mclaughlin – Contact Cherie @ cherie@couchbasedbiz.com

 

FSC Career Blog | April 23, 2025