The Voice of Job Seekers

Mark Anthony Dyson ★ Career Writer ★ Speaker ★ Thinker ★ Award-winning Blog & Podcast! ★ "The Job Scam Report" on Substack! ★ I hack and reimagine the modern job search!

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by Mark Anthony Dyson

Certification vs. College Degree: What’s Best for Your Career (PODCAST)

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In episode #9, Keith Townsend (founder of VirtualizedGeek.com) and I discuss the options for career transitioners, IT professionals, and high school or college graduates. Keith has a Master’s of Science in IT Project Management and he explains why he decided to pursue his formal education as an adult and married with kids. Job seekers could apply these principles to his or her career as many of you are in similar situations Keith had faced.

We explore the following points:

Keith shares his story including his background and his dilemma on whether to continue receiving certifications or pursuing a degree that led him to opportunities that he would have never had.
I asked him, “Is there pay difference to make a professional distinction between certifications and degree?” Listen to what he said and why his blog played a major factor in his career path.
What are common judgment errors job seekers make in deciding which would be more beneficial?
Is it better to pursue a degree now or certification or both? Why? Why not?
What life considerations are there in pursuing all or none?
How valuable are pursuing the free online courses vs. paid courses?

Everyone can learn from Keith how to position yourself as an expert in the field of your choice, and create a career and life you desire.

 

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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Filed Under: STEM Tagged With: Career

by Mark Anthony Dyson

7 Subtle Ways to Exploit the Unprofessional You

7  Subtle Ways to Exploit the Unprofessional You

 

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We all have seen the “I Quit!” video that went viral, and apparently she has found another job. I think it’s a stunningly unprofessional way of quitting it’s not original.

It’s no different that the employee that faxed an “I Quit” letter to the boss back in the day.

Warning signs often show up during the interview but many times outside of the interview.

1. Impatient

You have already called several times today to see if you will move to the next round of interviews. You have received the same answer several times in the same day. If you lack patience, then you’re unlikely job candidate.

2. Scattered brain

Forgetting names and faces right after you meet them is common, but it’s still unprofessional. Before you disagree with me, think about what forgetting names really mean? Disrespect.

3. Impolite

You can never say “I’m sorry,” “Thank you,” and “Excuse me” enough. A lack of chivalry can also be interpreted as being impolite. It depends on the individual and their value system but it is better to be conscious than to neglect social protocols.

4. What you don’t say, acknowledge, or avoid

Our non-verbal communication at times is louder than shouting from the mountains or someone’s ear. Behavior is a gauge that is used throughout the whole interview process. Avoiding a question or not directly answering a question is defiance and it’s likely you’ll be disqualified.

5. You have a big mouth

No one likes a big mouth. It may be entertaining to others but people are cautious. Talent can overcome the loud, obnoxious, and profane modus operandi of a co-worker a few times, but a newbie coming in the door with this foolishness is futile…if he or she is lucky to be hired. Will you be working with work products that are highly confidential? If so, a big mouth candidate has little chance to make it.

6. Oh, I’m so opinionated—I’m not opinionated

It’s one thing to boast he or she “keeps it real!” The trick is knowing when to be opinionated and when to hold back. Leaders are opinionated but the good ones know when and how to deliver the message. There are times when feelings will be hurt for the sake of the good, it cannot be a frequent weapon of choice.

7. You’re attire doesn’t match

This might cause a few arguments but an outfit with mismatched colors leaves a bad impression. Chalk it up to impression or the the Bill Blass embedded inside of you, male or female, the eye-roll wins.

8. Who do you speak positively about?

People are turned off if you speak negatively about everyone. This is more than bashing an employer or a former coworker. You don’t say anything about who you learned from and how they impact your decisions. This is more of a silent alarm that goes off, especially if you possess such loquacious genes.

We didn’t mention the sneezing, coughing, or loud body function noises that automatically turn people off. I’m sure that I didn’t cover all of the subtle signs that say, “I’m unprofessional!” Feel free to share some more in the comment section.

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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Filed Under: Interview Tagged With: Interview, Unprofessional

by Mark Anthony Dyson

How To Nail Your Entry-Level Job Search [INFOGRAPHIC]

How To Nail Your Entry-Level Job Search [INFOGRAPHIC]

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You’ve got a 4.0, created the perfect resume, and established a flawless network of connections, but it takes a lot more than these things to gain the attention of employers. Today more than ever before, competition is fierce in the entry-level job market. As an entry-level job seeker, you’ve got to go above and beyond to outshine other job applicants.

There’s no magic formula for catching the attention of every employer, but there are several ways you can gain an edge during your job search. The following infographic, compiled by InternMatch, an online platform connecting the best intern candidates and employers, showcases some job search facts and measures you should be taking to land your entry-level job before the rest of your graduating class. Here are a few noteworthy points:

  • Only 6.6% of students completed their first internship after they graduated
  • 47% of interviewers said little to no company knowledge is the most common interview mistake
  • 1 in 6 job seekers credit social media for their current job
  • About 81% of managers felt that volunteer work makes graduates more attractive job candidates

Take a look at the full infographic below!

What do you think is the best way to catch the eye of employers?

 

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.

  • Mail
  • |
  • Web
  • |
  • Twitter
  • |
  • Facebook
  • |
  • LinkedIn
  • |
  • More Posts(756)

Filed Under: Job Search Tagged With: Job Search

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I moderated a panel on Wealth Management for executives by Black Enterprise Magazine in October 2023 in Miami.

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 scams, job search trends, and AI tools in April 2024

WOUB Digital · Episode 183 : Job search expert Mark Dyson says beware of scams, know AI & keep learning

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