The Voice of Job Seekers

Mark Anthony Dyson ★ Career Writer ★ Speaker ★ Thinker ★ Award-winning Blog & Podcast! ★ I hack and reimagine the modern job search!

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10 Obstacles to Remove in Your Job Search 2023

 

Remember when scrutiny of workplace and job search practices was so prevalent in recent years? Trendy discussions of “quiet quitting” and”quiet hiring” are hyped by the media as a thing as if it were something to prevent. Feel free to ignore the distractions, and pay attention to what’s more critical regarding your career development and advancement.

There are obstacles you can jump over, and the unlisted hurdle to jump is to start. Once you pass that hurdle, you will see progress and more barriers to jump over or bash through. Although I’ve listed ten, there are many more. But these are one people are talking about, and ones you should ignore:

  1. Lacking preparedness for multiple stops

Problem: Jobs are opening and closing within a year. It’s frequently happening, and you wonder if these were full-time with benefits you worked hard to compete for successfully. When the job ended, you started from scratch because you needed it.

Solution: While I’m not suggesting you look past your current position and leave work undone, I recommend you create multiple streams of opportunities through networking, collaborations, and future-proofing your career through continual professional development. Job search is a lifestyle in season and out—plan on continuing professional development, networking, and pivoting as a way of life.

2. Unprepared and surprised by wishy-washy companies

Problem: One company pursues a top-line candidate to woo them through the job interview process and sends a job off, only to rescind the next day. Two weeks later, they get another offer from a different company with the promise of a written request coming. The same company rejects its original job offer to make the second one below the first one.

Solution: This is today’s job search. Companies, like job seekers, change their minds and strategy in the middle of the process. The best way to control your outcomes is for you to have multiple companies to pursue and for companies to want you. Your job search is still ongoing. Even an offer letter shouldn’t keep you from marketing yourself, at least in a minimal way.

3. Forgetting today’s job search is more competitive than ever

Problem: As the economy and the job market tightens, the competition for job intensifies. During and after the 2008 recession, unemployed older workers took jobs traditionally teens or recent college graduates took as “bridge jobs.” Every job opening is competitive.

Solution: Getting a referral from your network is hard, but it does make a supersede an often-daunting online application first process. Also, joining and participating in industry organizations or association committees, activities, presentations, or boards can give you access to opportunities job boards won’t provide.

4. Not deploying critical thinking

Problem: Job seekers often need help to think of ways to determine the employer’s needs. In today’s job search, there are tools to target specific companies whose problems you can solve. While focusing on your problem-solving skills has some value, you must know how and who you can help.

Solution: My colleague Bethany Wallace points out in a recent article on Lensa, “The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveyed employers in the United States and found that over 98% of employers in 2022 consider critical thinking extremely important for job search candidates.” Putting yourself in the shoes of the employer’s thinking is the beginning of critical thinking during the job search process. Those who successfully deploy this thinking understand each employer may want the same skill but wants to utilize them for their organization in their unique way.

5. Not seeking feedback

Problem: An up-level in skills without feedback is an incomplete skill. The best education you receive is the one where feedback is honest and constructive. You can get many certifications without feedback, but without critique and responding to real-life problems, you’re heading through the land of comfort and abyss (see point #4).

Solution: While there’s value in hiring career coaches and consultants, resume writers, and so on, the people who are where you want to be can clarify the best road to where they are. All routes are different, so it doesn’t absolve you from responsibility. The grind is still there for you to do. Have some business conversations (informational interviews) with those who’ve reached your desired goals.

6. You lack follow-up skills

Problem: Every phase of networking, job search, company research, and interviewing success is contingent on your ability to consistently and persistently follow up. Unfortunately, most job seekers spend less time making the second or third call if they get a needed call back.

Solution: It would surprise you most employers are glad you follow up because they’re busy. It’s scary to ask for a callback or an email, even if you’re promised one. But people are busy like we are, and sometimes a nudge is needed. Your competition will follow up, and you will be remembered if you do.

7. Giving in to discouragement

Problem: No one looks forward to a job search. It’s stressful and full of uncertainty and rejection. The longer you’re job searching, the more discouragement spreads through your diminishing self-worth and confidence, affecting your closest friends and family like gangrene. Eventually, it’s obvious to employers, recruiters, and people who can refer you that you’re giving up, especially when it comes across during interviews.

Solution: One anecdote I’ve seen work is to be accountable to people who refuse to give up on you and temporarily cut out neutral or negative-thinking people. Those steadfast in your fight know what it’s like and won’t let you down. The people who encourage you the most will challenge your thinking of doom and gloom. They understand others who are facing the most trials.

8. You’re a ghost online

Problem: The number of employers and recruiters who vet potential job candidates through their online presence increases yearly. In 2011, they might check your profile to see if you have a regretful reputation (drunkenness, bad judgment caught on camera, bad-mouthing an employer, etc.) during a reference check. Today, not having an online presence will hinder your chances of being found. 

Solution: A LinkedIn profile 100% filled out with a professional photo is more visible than a scarcely filled-out profile. It’s OK to look at other colleagues’ profiles to get ideas to help inspire (not plagiarize) yours to completion. LinkedIn has written an article on how to create a shape. It’s a great model to follow. It’s better to think “digital assets” than “digital footprint” if you want employers to find you. You want your social presence to be proof of value, not just existence.

9. You fight novel and adaptive thinking and career agility

Problem: All professions are facing changes in skill, supply and demand, and scarcity of some kind. Employers and recruiters (for the most part) are looking for something other than textbook ideas. They are looking for creative, out-of-the-box solutions. Whether you work in retail or engineering, ideas that save money and time are welcomed. The challenge for job seekers is using applied knowledge from several skill sets (hard, essential) to bring new solutions to companies.

Solution: As the job markets change, skills must evolve for growth and adaptability. The professionals stringing job opportunities one after another are proactive about skills and market demands. They are well connected to their network and competition through LinkedIn, professional communities, and applying for jobs. The feedback from these opportunities informs their need for development and additional experience.

10. Online salary discussions get you in your feelings

Problem: If all of the advice about “grabbing the bag” and “getting what you’re worth” has you feeling pressure to negotiate, you’re not alone. Instead of finding your reasons to negotiate your compensation package, you are feeding off of the social energy. While someone could post well-intended testimonies about getting more money from their negotiation experience, unknown details could lead to insecurity. The posts also can mislead people to be reckless by implementing well-intended but not-meant-for-your-situation advice.

Solution: There are cues to listen for when you’re at the proverbial negotiating table. But, if you don’t have your reasons to negotiate, you’ll feel pressure to perform than to accomplish. Researching the market value of a position, conversations with peers and people who’ve had the role previously, and understanding your worth before you start a job search is critical. Not only not knowing market value is essential, but also not knowing what value you bring to the market creates an obstacle hard to break through.

You can easily set traps, snares, and obstacles by not researching and thinking through what you want. Many intelligent and savvy professionals are indecisive about what they want and get trapped in jobs they don’t want. You can’t fulfill your desire for a fulfilling career if you don’t prioritize clarity.

While there’s conflicting advice everywhere you’ll need to sort through, take extra precautions the advice you take to make it apply to your goals. If it doesn’t apply, move on. It’s always better to hear people talk in-depth about their experiences and successes than fine-sounding arguments and sound bites. Many scammers masquerading as experts want to sign you up for shallow programs. Do your own research, get second and third opinions, and get trapped by someone’s timeline for success.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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This Is Why Informative And Strategic Storytelling Gets The Job

This Is Why Informative And Strategic Storytelling Gets The Job

This Is Why Informative And Strategic Storytelling Gets The Job by Mark Anthony Dyson

Zanie (not her real name) was 19 when I interviewed her for a customer service position. The most refreshing thing about Zanie was how measured and tactical she appeared during the interview. Her readiness, eye contact, and directness immediately impressed my boss and I.

We were wowed before the interview even began because of how well Zanie communicated over the phone. Her phone manners convinced HR to send her over to us immediately.

“She is everything described in the job post,” the HR rep told us.

Zanie’s performance became a benchmark for how candidates should perform during the interview process – especially when using narratives to answer our questions, provide proof of her abilities, and temper our doubts.

Stories are how we prove our value to those we don’t know. People personally connect with us through the stories we tell about ourselves. If you capture the imagination of the interviewers with a good yarn, you can capture their hearts, interest, and, hopefully, a job offer.

Mac Prichard, founder of Mac’s List and author of Land Your Dream Job Anywhere, knows how important it is for job seekers to connect with employers through stories.

“Having a great story that appeals to the people you want to motivate and take action can make an enormous difference,” he says.

For job seekers who want to create narratives like Zanie did, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. The Connection Is Critical

People remember what makes them laugh, cry, and empathize. Zanie effectively weaved emotion in her examples – e.g., “I was afraid at first to speak up. I decided it was better if I did.” Not only did this humanize Zanie, but it drew me into her stories.

2. Investigate Challenges

“Job seekers need to understand the employer’s challenges and problems, and through effective communication, they need to show how they can help solve those problems,” Prichard says.

Each of Zanie’s questions and answers during our interview proved well thought out and strategic. For example, she asked us how difficult callers were handled, and she shared an experience of hers where escalation procedures had broken down. We put Zanie’s concern to rest by explaining our processes and our success with complaints.

3. There Are Times To Replace the Data With a Tale

“Once you reach the interview, the facts matter,” Prichard says. “Your application, resume, and cover letter made the data case by showing your qualifications for the job.”

While data is essential, showing how it applies and impacts can be done through storytelling.

While Zanie came prepared with call reports and performance reviews, she focused on describing situations where her numbers made an impact rather than on the numbers themselves.  These examples were more valuable than any data she could have shared.

4. The Power of the Plot Places You

You can only persuade an employer to imagine you in their open position if you share stories that help them envision you in the role.

“The interview is to find out what the employer’s needs are and to show them you’re the right person [to meet those needs,” Prichard says. “Nothing beats storytelling to accomplish those goals.”

–

When Zanie worked on my team, she was often more bashful than in the interview, but she always smiled and stepped up when the moment presented itself.

Seizing the moment – isn’t that what a successful interview requires? You have to take your chance to show your value to the organization. Your thoughtful and relevant stories can place you in the open seat.

This article was originally published on Recruiter.com and Fox Business!

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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How To Detect Job Scams And Ways To Avoid Them

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How To Detect Job Scams And Ways To Avoid Them by Mark Anthony Dyson

Job scams are nothing new, but scammers are craftier in using technology and finding new ways to lure victims. My good friend Jack Kelly and I will lay out the basics of what they are, how to identify a scam or scammer, and what you can do. While there is much more than what we cover in these few minutes, I understand there’s much work.

They are finding new ways to use unsuspecting LinkedIn professionals who are legit and active users to recruit victims into applying to their companies, collect their email addresses and other private data, and sometimes steal money and identity from them.

These scams are happening on every platform and on many job boards.

We want to increase awareness and offer solutions if you are approached (or someone you know) by a scammer. Please join us for this short but informative discussion.

Watch the show:

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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5 Easy Unordinary Ways to Make Employers Notice You

5 Easy Unordinary Ways to Make Employers Notice You

 

5 Easy Unordinary Ways to Make Employers Notice You by Mark Anthony Dyson

About five years ago, Geoffrey Owens, once a regular on the legendary Cosby Show, was seen working a — *gulp* — regular job at Trader Joe’s. The press quickly ran with the story, and people worldwide began commenting negatively about Owens’s situation. Owens ended up quitting his job because of all the unwanted attention.

However, there was a silver lining in this: Tyler Perry invited Owens to join the cast of his show, The Haves and the Have Nots. He’s had other movie and television appearances since then.

Think about this: Press coverage put Owens’s name out there, and while there was a little turbulence at first, that coverage also led to new jobs for Owens.

There’s a lesson here for every job seeker. Today’s job search is all about making yourself seen. If employers know who you are and what you can do, they’ll turn to you when they need someone with your skills.

So few job seekers use all the tools available at their fingertips to stand out. While different searches will require different strategies, there are a few easy steps almost anyone can take to maximize their visibility:

1. Showcase Your Personality on Social Media

As I always say, employers can’t train great personalities — they have to hire them. Why not spice up your public social media profile pages with exciting cover art and other details that showcase who you are? Instead of coming across as a generic job seeker, personalize your profile and give people a reason to stay on your page a little longer. Tell a story about yourself — a sincere, personal story. Help employers see you as more than just another candidate.

2. Create a Facebook or Instagram Business Page for Your Job Search

Employers want to see your personal Facebook page because it tells them much about who you are, but your privacy settings say, “No way!”

No problem: You can create a public business page for yourself instead. This can be dedicated to your professional journey while keeping your personal page personal. Use your business page to share professional musings and post content that delivers value to your readers and potential employers.

You can also use your business pages to run ads to better target employers on these platforms. Master entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk swears by Instagram ads for brands. Why shouldn’t you try a similar strategy to increase your own visibility?

3. Expand Your LinkedIn page

While a social media page can be a good supplement, your professional presence should really have its own headquarters on the web. LinkedIn is where most people can get noticed where recruiters are looking.

Treat LinkedIn as your own dedicated site. You can control the positive professional narrative about your abilities, explore ideas, take your readers on your journey, and tell great stories about your achievements.  The time investment is a small price for a robust multimedia professional portfolio.

4. Host a Local Radio Show

Does your community have a local radio station? Ask if you can host a weekly show.

Many cities have local stations that encourage community members to participate in content creation. Go ahead and get involved! You can use your show to interview employers and entrepreneurs, chat with industry experts, and answer questions from listeners. Not only will you create a valuable resource for your community, but you’ll also build a powerful channel for reaching potential employers.

5. Volunteer

Charity work is a great way to hone specific skills to help you land your next job, even if you’re currently employed. If you’re not employed, it’s also a great way to gain additional experience and fill the gaps in your resume.

Volunteering can connect you with organizations you want to work for. Working with a nonprofit allows you to meet local employers who support that nonprofit’s mission. These connections can be leveraged into job opportunities once you’ve demonstrated your value through volunteer work.

—

When building a stand-out brand, use these strategies and any others that can help you effectively broadcast your value. Whatever tactics you choose, be sure they truly assist your job search and capture the right audience’s attention.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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I was interviewed on Scripps News show, “The Why!” 4/13/2023

I talked with John Tarnoff and Kerry Hannon of “The Second Act” podcast about job searching after 50 in October 2022..

I was on “The Career Confidante” podcast to talk about “boomerang employees” and “job fishing” in June 2022.

Making Job Search a Lifestyle With “Dr. Dawn Graham on Careers,” SiriusXM Ch. 132, Wharton School of Business May 2021

In May 2020, I talked with LinkedIn’s Senior News Editor Andrew Seaman on “#GetHired” Live.”

Beverly Jones, host of the NPR podcast “Jazzed About Work,” invited me back to talk job search in May 20202

WOUB Digital · Episode 132 : Mark Dyson says “job search is a lifestyle” and connecting with others matters