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How to End the Perfect Cover Letter. The Truth is, the Cover Letter is the Only Piece the Recruiter will Read.

January 24, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

You’ve written an amazing intro and compelling body copy that perfectly highlights your achievements, but you’re having a hard time making it through the final stretch — “How in the world do I end this cover letter?” you might be thinking to yourself. The truth is, closing a cover letter is a difficult task for many job seekers. There’s a lot of pressure because, sometimes, the cover letter is the only piece the recruiter will read.

If you want to land an interview with your cover letter, you don’t want to sound vague or wishy-washy. Your cover letter should illustrate why you are the best fit and how you will help the company or organization reach success. However, when writing the closing paragraph of your cover letter, it’s easy to have a passive voice, because you don’t want to appear overconfident. For example, if you say, “I look forward to hearing from you,” that’s great — but that alone doesn’t seal the deal. The closing paragraph of your cover letter must be one of the strongest elements because it is the last impression you leave in the reader’s mind.

Here are five phrases to include in the final paragraph of your cover letter that will help you seal the deal for your next interview.

Examples for How to End a Cover Letter

1. “I am very excited to learn more about this opportunity and share how I will be a great fit for XYZ Corporation.”

Strong cover letter closings are enthusiastic and confident. You want the reader to have the impression you are truly passionate about the position and working for their company. This statement will also illustrate your ability to fit into the company culture and how your personality and work ethic is exactly what they’re looking for.

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2. “I believe this is a position where my passion for this industry will grow because of the XYZ opportunities you provide for your employees.”

It’s always a good idea to explain what you find attractive about working for the company and how you want to bring your passions to the table. By doing this, you can illustrate how much thought you dedicated to applying for the position and how much you care about becoming a part of the company.

3. “If I am offered this position, I will be ready to hit the ground running and help XYZ Company exceed its own expectations for success.”

By adding this piece to your conclusion, you will be able to add some flare and excitement to your cover letter. The reader will become intrigued by your enthusiasm to “hit the ground running.” Employers look for candidates who are prepared for the position and are easy to train. Therefore, this phrase will definitely raise some curiosity and the reader will want to discover what you have to offer for their company.

4. “I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will be beneficial to your organization’s success.”

Remember, you want to make it clear in your cover letter how the employer will benefit from your experience and qualifications. You want to also express how your goal is to help the organization succeed, not how the position will contribute to your personal success.

5. “I will call you next Tuesday to follow up on my application and arrange for an interview.”

The most essential part of your closing is your “call to action” statement. Remember, the purpose of your cover letter is to land an interview. Don’t end your cover letter saying you’ll hope to get in touch. Explain to the reader the exact day and how you will be contacting them. When you state you will be following up with the employer, make sure you do it!

Remember, the closing of your cover letter is the most important element that will help you land your next interview. By crafting a strong, confident and enthusiastic closing paragraph, you will leave the reader feeling like you would be the best candidate for the position.

GlassDoor.com | August 5, 2019 | Posted by Heather Huhman

Got Kids?: What You Need to Get Hired in 2020. (i.e. Job Trends)

January 23, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Welcome to 2020, a new year and a brand new decade offering you the perfect opportunity to find the job of your dreams. 2020 follows a year that brought us an unemployment rate at a record 50-year low of 3.7 percent. This is an excellent time to find the job of your dreams, as long as you know where to look for the jobs. Currently, the recruiting industry, like many industries, is facing a war for talent.

As a leader of a company that recruits for 150+ clients including numerous Fortune 500 companies and many government agencies across the country, I see trends evolving that will affect a job search. There are many jobs available, but not enough candidates skilled to fill these jobs. Before we get into the skills needed to acquire these hot jobs, it’s important to recognize the cultural shifts occurring in the world of work. If you’re aware of these trends they can guide you in your job search.

Knowledge Work Rules

First off, the U.S. is continuing the long-term trend towards being a knowledge worker-based economy. Compounded with the important push to increase women and people of color in STEM-driven industries and roles, many companies are beginning to normalize remote work and flexible schedules. This allows companies to be based anywhere, opening up the pool of talent. If you don’t live near Silicon Valley, Seattle, or New York, you may still be able to work for a startup or Big Tech company, if you have the skills they are seeking.

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Automation Creates New Opportunities

As technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and robotics continue to mature, we’ll see major changes across the board in all industries. Automation is set to shift work away from rote tasks that can be completed efficiently via AI. In automation’s wake, new positions will emerge that co-exist and support AI.

Strong Workplace Culture is an Attractor

In addition to this major driving force of change, there is a continued increase in strong workplace culture as a requirement for workers and job seekers alike. Companies that do not create a diverse and inclusive workplace will be at a loss, as a strong workplace culture is linked to talent attraction, innovation, and better productivity. When seeking a job, target companies that you have researched to be certain their culture aligns with your values.

Contingent Work Opportunities in 2020

Contingent work offers many benefits that align with the trends listed above. Contingent work is flexible, skills-focused, and offers opportunities that may allow workers to get their foot in the door in any industry. Contingent recruiting firms provide all types of jobs to their clients, including business and professional services, light and heavy industrial, healthcare, and IT roles. There are numerous opportunities available to work for top companies. Many clients are known to provide formalized training to contingent workers, enabling upskilling necessary to stay ahead in the workforce. Contingent work also offers job opportunities for those with expert- or advanced-level niche work experience, especially in the IT and professional services sectors. Since hiring is based predominately on skills, Contingent positions are normally not plagued by a gender gap, ageism, or other problematic issues.

As a company that hires 10,000 Contingent workers every year, we see popular jobs such as:

These roles require numerous skills, but these top skills are the ones that are the most sought after:

People skills/EQ: Candidates with good people skills are very marketable. The ability to communicate effectively, be adaptable, have empathy for others, be creative, and have a deep understanding of human behavior sets you apart from the crowd. Our clients often go out of their way to retain candidates with good people skills.
Program and Project Management skills: Candidates who have these are effective leaders. They understand risk and cost management, are great communicators, have knowledge of Salesforce CRM, Agile, are tech-savvy, and critical thinkers.
Data Analysis skills: Candidates who have programming languages such as SQL, R or Python specific to the position, the ability to mine and visualize data, critical thinking and reasoning abilities, and expert mathematical abilities are in demand. The next level of data analysis will require predictive modeling and machine learning knowledge, so those interested in applying for data science positions should consider upskilling for marketability.
Cloud computing skills: Many positions such as software and DevOps engineers, back-end developers, systems administrators, and Data Scientists will increasingly require cloud skills as this job market continues to expand. There are numerous opportunities in SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, and Google Cloud are top cloud providers currently.
Programming Languages and Operating Systems skills: Knowledge of languages such as SQL, Java, JavaScript, Python, .NET, C#, HTML, and CSS is critical for a number of IT positions. Experience with Linux and Unix is also in demand.

The 2020s are set to bring numerous advancements by way of technology. The contingent and gig workforces will both become more mainstream, as an increasing number of workers opt for flexibility. AI will require full-time traditional workers to upskill their knowledge and become adaptable to rapid changes. For those seeking to become more flexible, or to have the option to work for a variety of companies instead of limiting themselves to only one, contingent work is a great option that can lead you to the career of your dreams.

Author: Sue Bhatia founded Rose International, the 24^th largest IT staffing company in the U.S. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, Rose International employs thousands of people in all 50 states, and has offices and service delivery centers in 20+ U.S. cities and India.

GlassDoor.com | January 21, 2020

How To Emotionally Prepare For The Four Phases Of A Job Search.

January 18, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Job searches require constant commitment, even when your mental, physical or emotional energy is running low. This wouldn’t feel like an insurmountable task if job searches were over quickly, but they rarely are.

According to a survey done by the recruiting company Randstad USA, the average length of a job search is five months, with 82% of participants describing their search as a stressful experience.

If you decided to kick off the new year with a job search or are continuing the one you started in 2019, here’s how you can expect to feel in each stage of the process, along with tips to help you persevere.

Phase 1: Kicking off

Kick-off is by far the easiest phase. Your energy is usually high and most of your thoughts will be optimistic.

Don’t try to temper your expectations or assume your positive attitude is naive. In fact, the hopefulness you feel in the early stages of a job search is in recognition of the true opportunity that stands before you.

Few things in life will transform your daily experience faster than finding a new job. Everything from corporate culture to the skills you develop to your level of autonomy has the potential to change when you start in your new role. And of course, there are the changes that will come if the position enhances your personal life with better pay or work-life balance.

While you may have been thinking about finding a new job for a long time, the process will not begin until you start the basic job search activities. If you aren’t working on your résumé and LinkedIn profile, you have not kicked off your search yet.

The biggest emotional challenge in the kick-off phase comes from fighting off procrastination. You may fear that a job search will be uncomfortable and often includes rejection, but don’t waste precious time failing to get started: job searches are long enough already.

Try not to become obsessed with your résumé, as this can be another form of stalling from starting your search. There is no perfect version; as long as your résumé is error-free and tailored to the jobs you want most, it is probably good enough to start sending.

Move to the next phase as soon as you can because it will take the most time and energy.

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Phase 2: Finding leads

The lead generation phase is where you’ll identify job opportunities and drum up initial interest in your candidacy. This includes sending emails, having networking calls, meeting with mentors and new contacts, searching job boards, and having initial job-screening phone calls with recruiters.

This phase of your job search will feel extraordinarily long because it often overlaps with the other phases as new opportunities can surface at any time.

What’s difficult about generating job leads is the unavoidable awkward feeling of asking people in your network to help you, combined with the frustration of wasting a fair amount of your time applying to jobs or having conversations that never seem to lead anywhere.

Start now to prepare yourself for both of these feelings. Asking for help in your job search can make you feel vulnerable, especially if you tend to be the person that usually helps others. You’ll have to get over this feeling to leverage the power of your network and attract the best jobs.

Keep in mind that this period is the bridge between dreaming for a new job and having your chance to sell yourself during an interview. Interviewing is a tangible step and will bring with it the feeling of progress, where lead generation often feels unproductive.

Try your best to remember that every job seeker spends most of their time in this phase, doubting if their efforts will ever pay off. If you feel like your job search isn’t gaining traction fast enough, you are not alone.

Phase 3: Converting opportunities

Once your job leads turn into interview requests, you shift into the next phase of your search. While some people do enjoy interviewing, most find it stressful.

During interviews, you will only have a short period of time to make a memorable impression and prove your value. You are expected to come off as competent, smart, likeable, humble and confident all while skillfully answering unexpected questions and remaining relaxed.

It’s next to impossible to leave an interview without wishing you’d done something differently. Even if you ultimately get the job, you may spin for days about what you should or shouldn’t have said before finally learning the hiring decision. If you don’t get the job, you may spend additional weeks picking apart your performance.

Second-guessing yourself is counterproductive during a job search. Studies show that self-compassion is highly correlated with regulating emotions, which you will need to do extensively throughout the interview and negotiation stages.

Of course you want to learn from your mistakes, but often these mistakes are too minor to worry about and are unlikely to occur again.

Before entering an interview, promise yourself that you will do your best and then choose to be satisfied with wherever that leads you.

Phase 4: Negotiating

It’s a shame that this phase can be painful, since receiving an offer is a clear sign of success. Unfortunately, the pressure to negotiate can undermine much of the excitement.

First, if you are wondering if you should negotiate at all, the answer is most likely yes. There are a few places where job offer negotiation is considered outside cultural norms, but in many countries, and especially in North America, negotiation is permitted and even expected at all levels.

That doesn’t mean that you will get what you ask for. It simply means that you should always request a reasonable increase in your compensation or additional work-life benefits, even if you are happy to take the offer first presented. The worst thing that can happen is that they say no and you accept the offer as is.

In practice, it’s common to fear coming off as greedy and losing the offer altogether. Once you make it all the way to phase four of a job search, the last thing you want to do is start over. However, it’s extremely unlikely that your offer would be rescinded. What is more likely is that you will undervalue your worth and end up regretting not negotiating your offer.

Offer negotiation is not about forcing demands. You’re making additional requests because you have invested a lot in your job search and you want to get the best possible return. You owe it to yourself after all you’ve been through.

Finding a new and better job will test your emotional fortitude, but don’t get discouraged. It is ultimately worth the effort.

Author: Kourtney Whitehead is a career expert and author of Working Whole. You can learn more about her work at Simply Service.

Forbes.com | January 12, 2020

#BestofFSCBlog : How To Find A Full-Time Job When You’re Over 50. Great Read!

January 17, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

With unemployment at all-time lows, now might be the best time for you to be looking for a full-time job. The challenges, however, are greater if you’re over 50 years old.

According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average it takes those 55 to 64 two weeks longer to find a job compared to those 20 years and older. (The news is worse if you’re 65 and older, where this average duration of unemployment is 10 weeks longer.)

It seems the idea of early retirement hasn’t caught on with those in their 50s (and even beyond).

“Our research shows that experienced workers are staying on the job longer or looking for a job for two reasons,” says Susan K. Weinstock, Vice President, Financial Resilience Programming at AARP. “Financially, they need the money, and, secondly, they like their job and find it fulfilling and want to keep working.”

Bankrate regularly surveys workers regarding their financial circumstances. Its data confirms what AARP found for those working well past age 50.

“When Bankrate asked Americans who were neither retired nor permanently disabled about their retirement savings, more than half said they were behind where they should have been,” says Mark Hamrick, Senior Economic Analyst at Bankrate.com.

“For members of Generation X (age 39-54), the percentage was 63% and Boomers (age 55-73), 54% said they were behind on their retirement savings. No doubt many people who would otherwise be candidates to retire seek to remain in the workforce because they feel they need income, or to further boost their savings. Others may choose to work as a means of remaining engaged and active.”

If you’re like many older workers, you may prefer to retain your current position. But what if your present employer can’t accommodate you? It may have been decades since you last tried to look for a new job. What has changed since then? What do you have to do differently today to land full-time employment?

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Bryan Zawikowski has been a recruiter for 25 years and is the vice president and general manager of the military transition division for Lucas Group. Forbes ranked Lucas Group as one of the top 10 executive search firms in the nation in 2019. Zawikowski’s team works with many people who find themselves either changing careers or looking for new jobs later in life. He shares the following advice:

“What are the best practices?”

· To thine own self be true: “Don’t try to hide your age. It doesn’t work, and you end up looking either vain or foolish—maybe both.”

· Polish up your online presence: “Your LinkedIn profile should be very professional, including the photograph.”

· Emphasize your real-world experience: “No ‘functional’ resumes. They end up in the trash.”

· Brevity is the soul of wit: “Maximum 2-page resume. The further back in your work history you go, the less detail there should be.”

“What are the easiest ways to make it happen?”

· Recalculate: “Be financially prepared to take a step back in compensation (either scale back your lifestyle or be prepared to dip into savings if need be).”

· Re-calibrate: “Be emotionally and mentally prepared to work for someone younger and perhaps more talented than you.”

· Circulate: “Network with former classmates, former work colleagues, friends and acquaintances that know something about your desired career path.”

· Captivate: “Have a GREAT story about why you are interested in this new career field and why you’d be good at it.”

“What are the do’s and don’ts?”

· DO something you enjoy: “Pick a career that you are really into, something that energizes you and somewhere you look forward to going to work most days.”

· DO maintain your health: “Stay physically active. You don’t have to be a marathon runner, but do something to keep your energy level up.”

· DO continue to learn: “Read as much as you can about your new career field.”

· DON’T lie: You can’t “pretend to be an expert at something just because you were good at something else.”

· DON’T assume the status quo: You’ll be disappointed if you “think you will be able to make a lateral move from where you are in your current career field.”

· DON’T be unrealistic: You’ll only hurt yourself more if you “sacrifice more than you can afford to in terms of compensation. Retirement isn’t too far away and you don’t want to jeopardize that.”

You are the master of your own destiny. If you want to find a job, you can. No matter what your age.

Forbes.com | January 17, 2020 | Chris Carosa

5 Common Mistakes Job Seekers Make When Searching For Resume Help Online. Before You Pay, Read This!

January 16, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Resume help can be found all over the web. There are resume templates and builders to help format your resume, online tools to identify important industry keywords, resume samples to get inspiration from, and articles like this one containing tips and tricks to help elevate your resume to the next level.

In fact, there are so many resources to choose from that sometimes it’s hard to pick out what’s actually accurate and useful. Like anything you Google on the internet, there’s going to be a lot of hogwash that just isn’t worth your time. So with this in mind, here are 5 mistakes you should avoid when searching for resume help online.

Mistake 1: Believing the first thing you read

Your resume may be printed in black and white, but how you should actually go about writing your resume certainly isn’t that simple. Blanket statements that “resumes should never exceed one page” or that “resumes should never include an objective statement” are thrown around willy-nilly by self-proclaimed resume experts all the time. Sadly though, things are almost never this simple. Many of these pieces of advice are oftentimes only applicable in certain situations, and sometimes just downright incorrect.

Before treating the first piece of advice you read as gospel, be sure to do some more research. Ask yourself: What’s the logic behind the advice? Does the advice apply to everyone at all job levels and in all industries? Is the advice an oversimplification of the truth? Do all resume experts agree on it?

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Mistake 2: Paying for something you can get for free

Let’s get two things straight here. First, whatever type of resume help you’re searching for, chances are there’s a way to get it for free. Whether it’s resume builders, resume templates, resume samples, resume critiques, or resume articles, you can easily find free options for all of these resources.

Second, just because there’s a paid option doesn’t mean it’s any better than the free option. This is the trap many of us can fall prey to. We see a fancy resume template that costs $20, and we immediately think it must somehow be better than all the free templates we’ve been staring at for the past hour because one costs money and the others do not. In actuality, paid templates are oftentimes too over-the-top and not compatible with applicant tracking systems.

Mistake 3: Hoping resume builders will solve all your problems

Resume writing can be a very painstakingly difficult and drawn-out process. This is why many job seekers turn to online resume builders with the hope that they will make the writing process a whole lot more bearable. Unfortunately, this is all just wishful thinking.

For the most part, resume builders really only help you with formatting your resume by providing an assortment of different resume templates to switch between. While this certainly is a handy feature, resume builders are completely useless when it comes to helping you with what you’re likely really struggling with – writing the actual content of your resume. So, if you’re looking for help with highlighting your work achievements and constructing each bullet point, don’t get swept up in all the hype resume builders are getting these days.

Mistake 4: Not utilizing resume samples

If resume builders are the most overrated tool, I daresay the most underrated resource you can use would be industry-specific resume samples. While everything else you find online merely tells you how to write a resume, resume samples actually show you how a well-written resume should look like – and that’s priceless.

I’ve had so many job seekers over the years ask me to critique their current resume, and many of them looked nothing like how professional resumes should appear. Whether it’s using a poor design, personal pronouns, paragraphs instead of bullet points, or oversized fonts, job applicants often make a ton of fundamental mistakes that can easily be avoided by perusing online resume samples in order to understand the basic mechanics of a resume.

Mistake 5: Failing to realize when to use resume writing services

The crème de la crème – that is the standard you should be setting for your resume. However, if writing has just never been your forte or if English isn’t your native language, it can be nearly impossible to get your resume to that level of excellence all by yourself – even with all the online resources out there at your disposal. If that’s the situation you’re in, you should consider asking for professional help.

Now keep in mind, this is by far the most expensive alternative to take when it comes to having your resume written. Even as the CEO of a resume service myself, I would only suggest using a resume writing service as a last resort. However, if you are certain that you can’t write a stellar resume on your own and can afford to spend a few hundred dollars on a resume, then going with a resume writing service may be the best decision you can make for your career.

It’s honestly awesome that there are so many ways the internet can help you with writing your resume. However, don’t just dive into this without any strategy in place. With so much at your disposal, it’s important to identify what types of help are out there and what exactly you need help with.

Forbes.com | January 14, 2020 | Posted by Peter Yang

How to Change Careers. 5 Steps to a Successful Career Change.

January 13, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

You went to college to become, let’s say, an accountant, but after five years in the business, crunching numbers all day for a corporation isn’t doing it for you. Instead, you think you’d like to have a career in the arts—a 180-degree change from your previous nine to five job.

You’re nervous. Is it even possible to make such a big career change, you wonder. We’re here to tell you not only is it possible, but it’s probable—if you’re willing to take the correct steps to achieve your career dreams. Here’s how you can change careers and get a new job.

Follow Your Gut

You’re unhappy in your current field or you wouldn’t want to make this change. But instead of wallowing in your misery, recommends Aurora Meneghello, founder of Repurpose Your Purpose, you should take the risk and apply for something new. “It may be disappointing to hear, but you probably won’t know what to do and how to be successful at it until you do it,” she says. “You will have to follow that hunch that you should be doing something else and then try to do something different, fail, pivot and try again until you find your calling.”

She continues, “You might not experience an epiphany before quitting your current job, but when you finally find the right career, you will know for sure.” The point, she says, is to try.

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Focus Your Job Search

Now that you know you’re ready to change careers—and you’re ready to follow your gut—it’s time to start a job search. But you don’t want to apply to any ol’ job in your new chosen field, or you could end up back where you started—unhappy and looking for yet another change. So, when you launch your job search, “be clear on what you want, why you want it and what qualifies you,” even if this is a brand-new field for you, advises career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide Roy Cohen. Because, “without clarity from the very start, virtually every stage that follows will be based on little more than a hunch—and that is an extremely fragile foundation for navigating a dynamic job search.”

Cohen says your job search should include some form of self-assessment. “It could involve taking a standardized assessment instrument, keeping a journal, or talking with people whose advice and feedback you value—friends, family, or a career coach,” he says. “The goal is to achieve self-awareness in the form of a career target.” After that, “the next—and equally important step—is a reality check,” Cohen says. “Here is where you determine that the goal you selected makes sense. Is it appropriate for you and is it attainable?”

Whip Your Resume Into Shape

While you may not have experience in the field you’d like to enter everyone has what are called transferable skills—skills any manager would want their employees to have. These skills are very important to highlight when you’re making a career change, according to career coach and resume writer Anish Majumdar. In fact, Majumdar insists, after a certain number of years as a worker, your training and education take a backseat to skills such as:

Managing change, i.e. can you handle change well?
Communication, i.e., can you build relationships, manage conflict, and influence people in positive ways?
Leadership, i.e., can you coalesce people around a vision for the future?
Complex problem solving, i.e., can you find the opportunity in adversity?

Take a look at the new job and career field you’d like to enter and identify which of these transferable skills will be the most valuable. Then, make them stand out on your resume.

Majumdar recommends you show—rather than tell—your transferable skills on your resume. Think: hard numbers and facts. For example, if you’ve managed change well in the past, she suggests writing something like, “mitigated the effects of a $42 million revenue shortfall as a result of new policy affecting direct marketing efforts [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][and] led a digital marketing campaign that cut a $42 million loss into a $5 million loss in eight months.”

Network, Network, Network

Much like dating, scoring a job — in your current industry or in another one — is about getting out there. Putting yourself in networking situations will help you, one, speak to people in the industry about trends, companies hiring and current happenings. It will also allow you the opportunity to vocalize your intent to change careers.

It’s not enough to simply apply to jobs in a new industry, you must speak up for yourself and let your network know that you are actively looking for a new job and that you are taking the steps (i.e. Taking classes, learning new skills, rebranding yourself, etc) to position yourself for the change.

A big no-no when networking is coming right out and asking someone you’ve just met for a job. Sure you may be eager, but nurture the relationship a bit before launching into asks. While speaking directly is important in business, being this direct is downright presumptuous and rude. When networking, it’s risky to ask for a job from a new acquaintance. It’s just as risky to request a reference, especially if you’ve just met the person. Networking should yield a mutually beneficial relationship, not an Aladdin and the genie arrangement. Your wish is not their command.

Lastly, remember to think beyond your intended industry. Industries and careers are more fluid than ever, so having a network beyond your immediate skill set may give you a leg up when you plan your next career move.

Instead of looking specifically to cultivate your network, try to find ways to meet more people organically through your interests outside of work. Join a running group or start talking to the regulars at your yoga class. Volunteer or attend a fundraising event in your community. The point isn’t to talk work — it’s just to expand the group of people you know.

Consider Informational Interviews

As you’re choosing your new career—and applying for new jobs in your chosen field—consider setting up a few informational interviews with people who are doing what you’d one day like to do. They can give you solid advice on how to enter the field and impress in an interview, which is invaluable information to someone completely new to the industry.

“The best way to get a meeting with decision makers is to ask for informational meetings with them,” says April Klimkiewicz, career coach and owner of bliss evolution. “Rather than the ‘hard sell’ of ‘I’m looking for a job, do you know of anything,’ this informational meeting takes the ‘soft-sell’ approach of asking for information and for them to share their story so you gain advice for your job search and career journey.” Don’t be nervous to ask for a face-to-face, Klimkiewicz encourages. “People who are happy in their work generally love to talk about what made them successful,” she says, “so if you reach out to decision makers and ask for informational meetings, it’s only a matter of time” before someone says they’ll meet.

Don’t Be Afraid to Apply

You’ve found your dream job. You’ve whipped your resume into shape. You’ve talked with people in your new career field. And yet, you’re still afraid to apply because you could get rejected. Apply anyway, encourages Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, MRW. “If you feel stuck in toxicity at work, then do something that feels tangible,” she says. “For example, if you want a job at a specific company, send a resume there. Even getting a rejection letter—or in some cases, no response—is better than doing nothing. In other words, the energy vibe you will feel—the palpable traction—will be invigorating.. The act of composing a cover letter and focusing yourself on an action that may resolve your work discord is empowering.”

GlassDoor.com

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#BestofFSCBlog : How to Search for a Job. This Today’s Guide will Take you Through Every Step You Need . Best One Stop REad!

January 10, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

A Guide for Finding & Landing the Job of Your Dreams

Whether you’ve never searched for a job before — perhaps you’re a new college graduate — or it’s been so long since you’ve applied to a position that you don’t know where to begin, have no fear, dear job seeker. This guide will take you through every step you need to take to snag your dream job, from how to prepare to the best days to search. Read on for more.

How to Prepare

As they say, sometimes the most difficult thing to do is to simply start. When you’re looking for a new job, this statement is true: with thousands of job listings to consider, and what seems like a million items on your job-search to-do list, it can be tough to force yourself to sit down at your computer and get to work. But the good news is, with preparation, you can make your job search so much easier. How can you prepare? Here are a few simple steps.

Ramp up your resume: You’ll want to tweak your resume for each job you apply to, but it is still a good idea to make sure it’s up-to-date and in tip-top shape. Reconnect with yourreferences to make sure they’re still willing to vouch for you, and proofread for errors. Review your resume and ensure all dates, positions and descriptions are accurate.

Practice for an interview: While you can’t prepare for every single interview question you will be asked, you can still brush up on your interviewing skills by practicing your answers to the mostcommon questions asked by recruiters and managers alike. Knowing how you will respond in advance will keep you cool, calm and collected during any future interviews.

Network: Mark industry events on your calendar that you can attend, where you can meet recruiters or industry insiders who can give you the scoop on open positions. Alternatively,join a club or organization you’re passionate about. You never know who you could meet there — or the ways you could help your resume pop — by giving your time to a good cause.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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What Days You Should Search

You may think that any day is a good day to search for a job. And while that’s mostly true, data shows that there are better days to apply than others. In fact, Tuesday seems to be the best day of the week to send in your resume. (And the same research shows that you could find more success in your job search in the months of February, March, May and June.)

Another important element when it comes to the timing of your job search is to make sure it doesn’t consume all your time. (If it does, you’ll go crazy —trust us.) So stick to a 72-hour schedule, if possible: prepare on Monday, apply on Tuesday and follow-up on Wednesday.

What Sites You Should Use

Of course, we think Glassdoor is the best place to search for a new job. (The stats don’t lie: Glassdoor helps 67 million people per month in their job search.) But that doesn’t mean Glassdoor is the only site you can use in your job search.

If you’re looking for a flexible work schedule—or even the chance to work from the comfort of your couch five days a week—consider signing up on FlexJobs, a site that only posts job listings for positions that offer flexible or remote work options. (FYI: it’s a paid service.)

Another website you could use in your job search is LinkedIn. After all, it’s not just a place to post your resume; LinkedIn also posts job listings tailored to your field and interests. So, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and robust, with projects, videos, or blogs.

Other sites that post job listings include: Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder and US Jobs.

How You Can Use Apps in Your Job Search

Your phone could be your new best job-search friend: with apps, you can ramp-up your job search, get prepared for an interview, get reminders for follow-ups and so much more.

Did you know Glassdoor has an app? It does! And it’s a great one to use to find jobs. The app pairs millions of open job listings with important information like company reviews, salary estimates, interview questions and more to help prep you for the job hunt.

You’ve got dozens of jobs to apply to, and that’s a lot to organize. We’ll get to the nitty-gritty of organizing your job search soon, but in the meantime, download Workflow, an app that will help you organize your job content and create shortcuts that will save you major time.

Once you’ve scheduled an interview, it’s time to practice your interview skills. If you’re the kind of person who clams up, consider using Orai as a speaking coach. The app will “coach you to add fewer filler words, speak clearly, and at a good pace,” according to its website.

Lastly, don’t forget the value of social media apps in your job search. You should use social media to build a personal brand, which will make you more attractive to a hiring manager. (For example, you can post pictures or summaries of projects you’ve worked on, include a short bio about your skills, or share articles that show you know a lot about the industry.)

GlassDoor.com

How to Write a Thank-You Letter After an Interview.

January 9, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

A Guide to Writing a Memorable Thank-You Note

Sending a thank-you letter after an interview might seem old-fashioned, but it’s just as important to write one as ever. One survey from TopResume showed that 68 percent of hiring managers say that a candidate’s decision to include or not include a thank-you note after an interview affects their final hiring decision. But while sending a thank-you note has become expected, it’s not enough to simply send a note that says “Thanks for chatting with me” — you need to put some thought into it. In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a thank-you note that will impress interviewers and increase your odds of getting a job offer.

When to Write a Thank-You Letter

Writing a thank-you note to your interviewers shows that you are gracious, humble and thoughtful — all important qualities for potential new hires to possess. That’s why you should write a thank-you letter after every interview within 24 hours. You don’t want to risk having recruiters or hiring managers think that you’re cocky, ungrateful or absentminded.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Continue of the article:

Who to Write a Thank-You Letter to

In general, it’s a good idea to share a thank-you note with everybody you interviewed with individually, from recruiter to hiring manager to potential colleague. If you don’t already have their contact info, request it from your main point of contact throughout the hiring process (likely the recruiter), explaining that you’d like to thank them for taking the time to speak with you. If you had a panel interview, you might want to save your time by sending one email to the main interviewer with everybody else CC’d.

If you spoke to many different people — say, you presented to a room of 10 or more — it’s probably not practical, or a good use of your time, to include each and every one of them. In this case, you can follow the same procedure you would in a panel interview: Send one note to the main interviewer with several of the key players CC’d.

Formatting Tips & Tricks

There are an infinite number of ways you can write a thank-you letter. And while there’s no one right way to do it, there are a few tips and tricks you can keep in mind while drafting your note.

Email vs. Handwritten

Handwritten letters have a certain charm, but in most cases, a thank-you email is the best choice. Why? For one, an emailed thank-you can arrive instantaneously, while a postmarked note can take days to arrive. For another, handwritten letters might feel like a bit much. So when in doubt, send an email. Exceptions could occur if a) you’re close enough that you can simply drop off a handwritten letter, b) you’re applying to a very traditional or old-school organization and c) if you have a prior relationship with an interviewer (say, if they were your former coworker at a previous job).

Length

Don’t feel pressured to send a five-paragraph essay — thank-yous should be short and sweet. Just as you don’t want to spend too much time writing one, your interviewers don’t want to spend too much time reading one. After all, they’ve got their own jobs to stay on top of. Make your thank-you letter long enough to cover everything you need to say, but short enough that it only ends up being a few sentences long.

Voice & Tone

When it comes to writing thank-you letters, professionalism is the name of the game. Avoid slang, typos, excessive exclamation points, emojis, etc. But you don’t need to sound so formal that you come off as stiff. Opt for clear, concise language, not the longest word you can find in the thesaurus.

Thank-You Letter Template

According to Glassdoor contributor Caroline Gray, every thank-you letter should express gratitude for your interviewer’s time, enthusiasm for the role and appreciation for learning more about the opportunity and company. The following template does all three — read on to see it in full and learn more about each component.

Dear [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me [today/yesterday]. I loved getting to hear about [interesting thing you learned from this person], and was especially impressed by [quality or trait of the company or team that made you even more eager to work there]. Our conversation reinforced my excitement to join [company] and help you all [achievement you would support in this role]. I look forward to hopefully working together in the future.

Best,
[Your Name]

Intro: Avoid a generic term like “to whom it may concern,” or something overly formal like “To the attention of Mr. So-and-So.” Using “Dear” plus the person’s first name works just fine.
Thank Them: Show your interviewers that you’re considerate and appreciative by thanking them for taking the time to get to know you and educate you about the role.
Get Specific: Mention something in particular that you really enjoyed learning about in your conversation, such as the go-to-market plan for their newest product or their insider perspective on what kind of person thrives at their company.
Compliment Them: A little flattery never hurts, as long as it’s not excessive. Bring up one thing about the company or the team that you were really impressed by, such as the team’s infectiously positive attitude or the company’s dedication to community service.

Highlight Your Eagerness: Let your interviewer know that you’re excited about the opportunity, and also show how you would add value to the team.

Close the Letter: End with a farewell line — such as “best,” “cheers,” “sincerely” or another professional, yet approachable choice — and your full name.

Now, you’ve got everything you need to write an amazing thank-you letter — so get writing, and good luck!

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#BestofFSCBlog : #JobSearch : 45 Questions You Should Ask In Every Job Interview. Great Read !

January 8, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

It was the middle of July 2008, and I had just bought an expensive power suit for a job interview. After being laid off during the height of the recession and unemployed for about six weeks, I was feeling desperate and willing to spend money on anything that might put my career on track.

Surprisingly, the train was running on time that day, which gave me the opportunity to take my new jacket off, sit back, and prepare for this meeting one last time. At my stop, I realized I was so intently focused that I didn’t notice a robbery happening right under my nose. The jacket was gone.

With nothing but an inappropriate tank top on, I was mortified but decided to go for it anyway. I proceeded to meet all of the organization’s department heads, during which time my thoughts repeatedly returned to my improper attire. But believe it or not, I ended up getting the job.

Even though my story had a happy ending, there’s no doubt the pressures of the interview process had me unnerved. Anything can happen before or during an interview, which is why it’s crucial to walk in feeling prepared — even if your jacket has just been stolen.

Interviewers will be focused on finding out if you’re a right fit for the position, but it’s also important to decide if the company is a right fit for you. Have a list of questions ready to help you through your next interview:

Your role

Be careful not to ask questions already answered in the job description. It’s important go beyond those general duties to understand everything the job entails.

1. Can you offer specific details about the position’s day-to-day responsibilities?

2. What would my first week at work look like?

3. How does this position contribute to the organization’s success?

4. What do you hope I will accomplish in this position?

5. How does the company culture affect this role?

6. What job shadowing opportunities are available for an applicant before they accept an offer?

Proceed with caution: If rather than going into detail about the primary responsibilities listed in the job description, the employer rambles off many more duties — they may be asking you to take on more than you initially thought.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Getting to know the interviewer

Most likely, the interviewer is the first contact you’ll have at this company — they could even be your future boss. Asking questions can help you understand their attitude, company values, and where the company’s future is heading.

7. What do you enjoy most about working here?

8. Why are you working in this industry?

9. Can you walk me through your typical work day?

10. What is your greatest accomplishment with the company?

11. What is your team’s greatest accomplishment?

12. What goals do you have for the company, yourself, and employees over the next five years?

13. What hobbies do you have outside of the office?

Proceed with caution: Be wary of leaders who have trouble opening up or don’t seem passionate about their company and team.

Management’s style

What type of management style do you need to reach the height of your potential? Now’s the best time to see if the company’s leaders align with your expectations.

14. How do leaders encourage employees to ask questions?

15. How do leaders set employees up for success?

16. How does employee feedback get incorporated into day-to-day operations?

17. How does management deliver negative feedback to employees?

Proceed with caution: Employers who can’t list how they encourage employees and set them up for success may not deliver the support you’re looking for in a company.

Company culture

From benefits and perks to the ways employees interact with each other, not meshing with a company’s culture can put a roadblock on your path to success.

18. What is your work culture like?

19. How would you describe the work environment here?

20. What benefits are focused on work-life balance?

21. What benefits and perks does the company offer?

22. What is the outline of your telecommuting policy?

23. How frequently do employees make themselves available outside of normal working hours?

Proceed with caution: Listen closely to how the interviewer describes the company’s benefits and environment to be sure it’s the right culture for your personality and working style.

Company reputation

After doing some research, you should already know a few things about the company’s reputation. Now it’s time to dig a little deeper to make sure this is a place where you’ll thrive.

24. What’s your mission statement?

25. How often is a new hire the result of a previous employee quitting?

26. Why do most employees leave the company?

27. How would employees describe the company and its leaders?

28. What are the company’s biggest problems? How are they overcoming them?

29. What do you want the company to be known for among employees — past, present, and future?

Proceed with caution: Quality leaders will be the first to admit that their company isn’t perfect. Interviewers who claim they would change nothing might be failing to grow and make positive changes.

Performance measurements

Knowing a company’s expectations and how they measure goals before accepting a job offer helps you decide if their style matches with what motivates you.

30. How are employees recognized for their hard work?

31. How involved are employees in the structuring of their own goals and tasks?

32. What are your views on goals, timelines, and measuring success?

33. How often are employees expected to provide status updates on a project?

34. How often do you evaluate employee performance?

Proceed with caution: Wanting constant updates and control over employee tasks are warning signs of a micromanager.

Future co-workers

The employees at this organization could be your next team. Make sure you’re positive this is a group you want to be a part of.

35. Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?

36. How competitive are your employees?

37. How do you develop teamwork skills among employees?

Proceed with caution: A competitive environment can be fun and motivating, but a lack of teamwork in the office could point to a cutthroat company.

Opportunities for growth

What is your ultimate career goal? Set yourself up for success by finding out how far this new position could take you on your career path.

38. What type of mentor system do you have in place?

39. What type of educational/training opportunities does the company offer?

40. What advancement opportunities are available?

41. How do leaders promote employee growth and success?

42. What does it take to be a top performer at this company?

Proceed with caution: If an interviewer is unable to share how you can advance within the company, chances are you might not be able to grow at the rate you want.

Moving forward

Don’t leave the interview with any questions unanswered — for you or the interviewer. This is your final opportunity to make sure you’re both on the same page before you walk out the door.

43. What’s the next step of this process, and when can I expect to hear from you?

44. Is there any other information I can provide you with?

45. Would you like to see more examples of my work?

Proceed with caution: Interviewers who don’t have a lot to offer on next steps may already have another candidate in mind or might not be in a big rush to hire. Remember to stay positive and continue to job search until you’re officially hired.

5 Reasons Job Seekers Have More Power Than They Realize. A Must Read!

January 6, 2020/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

As a job seeker, it can sometimes feel like you’re at the mercy of a potential employer. But that simply isn’t true—especially in today’s job market, where unemployment sits at an all-time low, explains millennial career expert Jill Jacinto. “That puts power in jobseekers’ hands,” she says.

But a thriving job market isn’t the only thing that makes you—yes, you!—very powerful. Here, career experts explain why you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to your dream job or career.

1. You are the interviewer, too.

When Jacinto speaks with clients looking for a new job, she reminds them they are interviewing the potential workplace just as much as that workplace is interviewing them. “The company—even if it has a coveted name—always wants to make the best hiring decisions,” she explains. Hiring managers are focused on retention. “It makes the hiring manager look bad if they hire someone only to have them leave,” Jacinto says. “So, they are going to do their best to sell you on this job, but it’s your job to ask the leading questions to ensure this is the best fit for you.”

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Sun-Consulting-LLC-Outplacement-Services/213542315355343?sk=wall

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(#career, #leadership, #life) in Blog Search: https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Continue of the article:

2. You have special skills.

When you have any special skills, you have more control over where you can work—and in your negotiations for a better salary and benefits package, says career coach Hallie Crawford. And the good news is everyone has special skills: They might be soft skills, leadership skills, advanced training or knowledge of software or machinery, or more. Whatever they are, “this highlights the importance of staying on top of trends and learning new industry processes,” Crawford explains.

3. You’re competing in a tight market.

Now more than ever, “employers are looking to retain and attract talent,” Jacinto says. Why? As unemployment rates drop—Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the unemployment rate was just 3.6 percent in October—the labor pool and competition becomes tight. And that means that “companies are trying to stay competitive with their peers by offering alluring total reward incentives and investing more in their employees in order to win them over,” Jacinto explains.

4. You have a strong online presence.

In today’s tech-savvy world, anyone with a strong online presence—like a complete LinkedIn profile, online portfolio or website, drool-worthy Instagram grid, and everything in between—has an edge over the competition, and can attract a potential employer, says Crawford. “Since [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][hiring managers] are searching for candidates from a long list of possible hires, having a strong online presence makes … it more likely a hiring manager will contact you,” Crawford explains.

5. The workforce is changing.

According to Jacinto, “it’s no secret the future of work is heavily influencing the job market.” As new jobs and skills are created and honed each year, “employers need to meet that demand in order to stay relevant,” Jacinto explains. “Even if a potential employee can’t check off all the boxes for one of these emerging roles, employers need to rely on their talent pool because of the overall skills shortage. We will see a lot more on-the-job training as new roles are needed.”

GlassDoor.com | January 3, 2020 | Jillian Kramer

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