Articles - Page 165 of 258 - The Voice of Job Seekers

Job Tips for Job Seekers Over 50

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This is the first episode featuring the “baby-boomer” theme. That doesn’t mean that none of the advice that we’ve offered so far doesn’t apply to those of us over 50. But, I thought it was time to feature a conversation with an author, coach, blogger and podcaster Eileen Williams (@FeistySideofFifty) who talks about it constantly. She will offer a perspective of the value over 50 job seekers possess.

Are you over 50 and struggling with changing careers or finding a job? What are your unique struggles as an older job seeker? I would love to hear from you in one of three ways:

1) Leave a voice mail or text message at 708-365-9822. Let me know if I can share it on future shows
2) Email me: [email protected]
3) Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com and press the “Send Voicemail” button to leave a message online

Eileen Williams is a career strategist and has been in the business more than 20 years. She is the founder of FeistysideofFifty.com and has appeared on media outlets such as ABC, CBS and Fox. She is the author of the book, Land the Job You Love: 10 Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50.

Here are few of the highlights from our discussion:

Older job seekers shouldn’t be discouraged by statistics that address the public in general
Baby boomers have market knowledge and know where the areas of growth are
Mature job seekers have seen the obstacles and events that are negative before
Eileen emphasizes that mature job seekers have highly developed critical thinking and problem solving skills
Although older job seekers need to sell hard skills, soft skills are crucial to present and show how they add value
Baby boomers have people skills perfected over the years in dealing with difficult co workers and turn around disgruntled customers
Emotional intelligence is a key attribute older workers have and now is recognized as a valuable asset
A value list could help you sell your uniqueness – define who you are
Eileen states that you use the job description as your primary tool to find skills that employers want
Put on your resume “Ongoing Professional Development” to show your learning is relevant
Eileen states that internships and volunteer work help you gain solid experience and networking opportunities

Here are some resources Eileen mentioned during the show:

gcflearnfree.org

– Microsoft Office help and tutorials

MOOCs

– Massive Open Online Courses (The link will send you to a list)

OpenCulture.com

– Links to educational websites

Have you subscribed to this show on iTunes? If you haven’t, please do so. iTunes is a great place to write an honest review and increase the show’s visibility. Enjoy listening to the show. Let us know what you think.

Do you need help with resume writing or career direction? Do you need coaching or instruction? I can help.

Also, join our Linkedin community! You’ll enjoy some of the insights shared by community members and other career pros!

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Job Interview Best Practices Advice with DeVay Campbell

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How could you not be curious about the title of this interview book? It was released on June 30, and it’s #1 on Amazon’s internship book list. Listen to this episode, get the book, and reap the benefits of job interview best practices. DeVay Campbell is a career coach and human resource professional, author of The Best Interview Advice Book, craves the success of job seekers. She wanted to help job seekers interview better and understand the entire process.

Another interview show? Yes, many of my clients over the years fail to interview well and often misguided in their approach before and after. This show has practical steps you can take right after listening. Let me know what your “interview faux-pas” is in one of three ways:

DeVay Campbell, PHR is a certified Human Resources Partner and Career Coach, who bridges communication gaps, builds trust and manages change in Retail, Manufacturing, Government and Healthcare organizations with 150 -16,000 + employees. She is a 10-year veteran in Human Resources, but her heart is all about helping job seekers thrive in the interview process.

Here are some highlights from our discussion:

DeVay wanted to address common questions she’s received as a career coach and a recruiter
It’s easy to take for granted the repeated questions that people ask
She wanted to handle the entire process instead of answer frequently asked questions
With 16 different perspectives, it addresses many ways to approach interview preparedness
Research and overall preparation are often discounted by job seekers, and coaching re-emphasizes being purposeful and intentional
Being honesty and confidence are key in defining your weak spots and making significant progress in landing interviews and performing
At times, career coaches become life coaches needing to unlock life’s obstacles that keep them from having confidence and faith in his or her abilities
Personal events like divorce or having your self-esteem affected can diminish the ability to communicate value

Do you need help with resume writing or career direction? Do you need coaching or instruction?I can help.

Also, join our Linkedin community! You’ll enjoy some of the insights shared by community members and other career pros!

By the way, congratulations to Richard Long for winning a copy of Scott Behson’s book, “The Working Dads” Survival Guide. He left a review on iTunes, qualifying him to win the copy of the book!

by Mark Anthony Dyson

The Most Challenging Job Interview Question

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There are many articles you can find about answer the job interview question, “What is your greatest weakness?” There are few that will break it down like we have in this episode. Answering this question could make a difference in how you’re perceived, and whether an employer likes you enough to hire you.

My guest today offers a unique view of how to answer this job interview question. Chris Fields (@new_resource) is the founder of Resume Crusade and Cost of Work. He owns a Masters in Labor Human Resources (MLHR) and writes for several other sites. He has been quoted in Mashable, Oprah.com, and Monster.com.

How have you answered the “greatest weakness” question?

Here are three ways you can add value to our conversation:
1) Leave a voice mail or text message at 708-365-9822. Let me know if I can share it on future shows
2) Email me: [email protected]
3) Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com and press the “Send Voicemail” button to leave a message online

Those of you who are career professionals can receive the additional bonus by leaving your blog and I will link to it.

Here are a few of the highlights of our discussion:

Employers desire honesty in the question. A big turn off is stating that you avoid or redirect the question
This also helps the interviewer understand where you’re coming from
Think about the job interview as a conversation, not what’s at stake. It matters who you are and if they like you
The “weakness” question is an opportunity. The interviewer will think, “Can I have a conversation with this person?” “Can I relate to him or her?”
By answering the “weakness” question will help your strengths will shine
Your career narrative must be simple, make sense, and resonate to impress. Transparent is fine, but too much is messy and a turn-off

Do you need help with resume writing or career direction? Do you need coaching or instruction?I can help.

Also, join our Linkedin community! You’ll enjoy some of the insights shared by community members and other career pros!