Job Search Archives - The Voice of Job Seekers

How to Network and Strategize Thoughtfully for a Successful Career

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Welcome back to The Voice of Job Seekers podcast. I took an unannounced break from this podcast to concentrate on content for “The Job Scam Report” podcast. Some of you subscribe to the newsletter and podcast. Many good things have been happening there, so it has been quite busy.

In March of 2024, I was invited to join a panel (actually two) at St. Xavier’s University in Chicago. The panel consisted of Nathan Peck, an Associate Professor, James Miller, Shared Governance President, and Lauren Milligan, Founder of ResuMayDay, a Resume Writer and Career Coach. Each session had about 30-50 students.

Below are some of the highlights of the 75-minute panel:

Craft a Strong Resume: We encouraged students to tailor their resumes to highlight relevant skills and experiences for each job application, ensuring they’re clear and visually appealing. Lauren provided a basic overview of the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and its role in hiring and emphasized the need for simplicity. She also added how ChatGPT can be helpful in the process.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: The panel collectively agreed students must create a compelling LinkedIn profile to reflect their professional brand, including a professional photo, detailed work experience, and engaging summaries. We discussed how LinkedIn can facilitate the expansion of their network, and learning from successful career industry professionals through their profiles.

Network Actively: We advised students on building and nurturing professional relationships through networking events, social media, and industry groups to increase job opportunities and get referrals. Networking is vital for career advancement today, especially for introverts. It’s a great connection hub for building relationships with present and future collaborators.

Develop Interview Skills: Practice common interview questions and situational responses to prepare for interviews, enhancing confidence and communication. Lauren and I honed in on informational interviews as a tool. Students should do many of them to hone their interviewing skills, add depth to their network and industry knowledge, and accept feedback as constructive direction.

Create a Multi-Tiered Job Search Strategy: Implement various job search methods, such as job boards, company websites, recruitment agencies, and direct networking, to maximize reach. The college experience is an opportunity to use as much of your learning to bring value to an employer, using your strengths to stand out.

Research Potential Employers: Investigate companies of interest to understand their culture, values, and recent news, preparing insightful interview questions. Lauren suggested how ChatGPT could help you understand the job description to help you appeal to employers.

Stay Current on Industry Trends: Follow industry publications and join professional organizations to stay informed about changes and skills in demand. Participating in those organizations gives you a front seat to learn, network, and train, using the experience to prepare for industry job opportunities.

Utilize Informational Interviews: Contact professionals in your desired field for informational interviews to gain insights and advice on navigating your career path. It’s a good time to ask people and discern if you’re a good fit. What makes someone succeed in this industry versus someone else? What makes someone fail? What competencies in this industry are valued the most?

Follow Up After Interviews: Send a thank-you email to interviewers to express appreciation, reiterate your interest in the position, and underline key points discussed. Follow-up with the interviewer is rare among young professionals, but it may be a way to stand out among competitors.

Be Resilient and Persistent: Understand job searching is challenging. Maintaining a positive mindset, staying persistent in pursuing opportunities, and learning from rejections is vital.

You can look for episodes every other week. Subscribe to this podcast in your favorite podcast directory.

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.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Simplified Evergreen Resume Tips For Any Year That Wins

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Companies want qualified people to do the job, and stories that combine the company’s heartbeat with the unique narratives of the candidates win.

This is the most robust resume discussion I’ve had in the 12+ years of this podcast.

In this episode, we discuss trends in resume writing, which help you write more purposefully, tell a story, and move employers to call you. More resume writers and career professionals, including myself and my guest, Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, advise your resume, along with your LinkedIn profile, tell a complete story. We discuss storytelling everywhere, the importance of focus, and social media.

Do your resume and social profiles tell a story that helps your knowledge, skills, and abilities stand out? Here are three ways to provide feedback:

Call and leave a voicemail at 708.365.9822
Email: [email protected]
Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com/72, press the Send Voicemail button on the left, activate your laptop microphone, and leave a message.

Jacqui (@ValueIntoWords) is one of the 37 Master Resume Writers quoted in many national publications, including TIME, Forbes.com, and FOX Business. She blogs for U.S. News, Glassdoor.com, and her blog CareerTrend.com

As a resume writer, I was reminded how important the process of ascertaining the job seeker. Jacqui loves the journalistic approach of the who, when, why, what, and how. I wanted to talk with Jacqui about trends, not necessarily how to write a resume. These days, employers are looking to shorten the time they review resumes and what gives them the most information in minimal time.

Here are some of the highlights of our discussion:

- We discuss the significance of the visual resume “The Resume Infographic” by Hannah Morgan and how the resume has evolved since 2009.
- Jacqui stated that storytelling had gained a drumbeat as a mantra, reaching epic proportions in social media circles.
- With headlines and subheadlines, content has become more affluent, detailed, and brief, but the words matter the most. Jacqui tries to add texture to clients by identifying the who, what, when, why, and how.
- The visual element enhances the content since words are the most critical element. Charts and graphs illustrate a snapshot view of some of the content. They condense content or give condensed content a top for skimmers or readers who want dashes of excitement.
- Jacqui stated that a visual resume shouldn’t be your primary resume, but there is an audience for “visual” as a part of your web portfolio.
- People need to slow down and think through the foundational stories behind visuals to become more meaningful and know they have roots – understanding who you’ve become and why that matters.
- LinkedIn has become a channel that can model the value shown on a resume. Jacqui says that 90% of her clients will have a LinkedIn profile and a resume.
- LinkedIn has expanded from an acceptable static profile to a more dynamic one. Job seekers must consider their audience and customize their participation.
- Social media can now be used to view or preview the epilog of your resume. Although it’s an old term, it says so much. We should expand our view of a resume.
- Everyone should know their story from the beginning to today and into the future.
- I asked Jacqui to share how the stories will differ between the resume and social media. In your process, you may end up in a different career position while enhancing the story elements.

I hope you enjoy this rare 80+ minute conversation. I wrestled with editing it to be shorter, but I felt this conversation and perspective are rarely published. Enjoy!

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

8 More Ways to Stay Sharp During Unemployment

I am following up on my article from last week on staying sharp during extended unemployment. Staying sharp is strategic and intentional if you consider job competition to appear insurmountable. Much of it is due to the conundrum employers are in when thousands of applicants are posted per position.

Easy apply buttons on job sites, in addition to job seekers mass applying to jobs, slows the process down with minutia. Not to mention, many jobs are posted by companies with no intention of filling the position. It is an understatement to say many job seekers are losing faith in finding a job or even the right one.

I’ve come away with two words for job seekers to remain competitive in this job market:

Sharp.
Adaptable.

While the previous article provided tips on keeping your mind active and engaged, there are additional strategies you can implement to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your industry. I’ll explore more ways to present a sharpness and preparedness to impress employers and for more opportunities to come your way.

1. Join Professional Groups or Associations

Engaging with professional groups or associations in your field can be incredibly beneficial, regardless of age or industry experience. These organizations often host workshops, seminars, and networking events that allow you to learn from industry leaders and peers. Participating in these communities expands your knowledge and enhances your network, helping you stay informed about industry trends and job opportunities. It’s an investment and, many times, a tax-deductible one. If you can’t, there may be little to no barrier to entry to join LinkedIn groups.

2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness can significantly improve your focus and cognitive abilities in a world of distractions. Mindfulness exercises and meditation can help you clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve decision-making skills. A few minutes daily can improve mental clarity and performance in high-pressure situations, such as interviews and presentations. Schedule this time so it becomes a daily priority. Your state of mind is vital to job search success.

3. Volunteer for Projects or Causes

Volunteering your time and skills helps others and allows you to learn and grow. Could you consider offering your expertise for community-based projects or organizations? Hands-on experience will allow you to apply what you know, expand your skill set, and connect with like-minded individuals while contributing to a good cause. You’ll find it rewarding if you align your volunteer work with your career goals.

4. Set Personal Development Goals

Establishing personal development goals can provide you with a framework for continuous improvement. Whether acquiring a new language, mastering a software tool, or improving your public speaking, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals will keep you motivated and focused. Tracking your progress can also offer a sense of accomplishment and momentum as you work towards these objectives.

5. Attend Conferences and Industry Events

Conferences are invaluable for those looking to expand their knowledge and network. Attending industry events offers the chance to learn about cutting-edge developments, meet influencers, and exchange ideas. Make it a point to ask questions, engage in discussions, and follow up with individuals you meet, which can lead to lasting professional relationships.

6. Create and Share Content

Sharing your knowledge through writing articles, blogging, or creating videos can solidify your expertise in your field. As you create content, you reinforce your understanding and position yourself as a thought leader. Engaging with your audience through social media platforms can further expand your reach and create opportunities for collaboration.

7. Embrace Lifelong Learning

Cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning is fundamental to staying sharp. The professional skills and knowledge landscape is ever-changing, so remaining curious and open to learning is key. Use Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX to access thousands of courses across various fields. You can find organizations like Harvard, MIT, Google, and others with generous offers for free courses. Continuous education allows you to adapt and thrive amidst changes in your industry.

8. Utilize Technology to Your Advantage

With technological advancements, numerous tools are available to enhance productivity and efficiency. Explore apps that facilitate organization, time management, and project tracking. Additionally, familiarize yourself with industry-specific technologies to help you stand out in job interviews or networking.

Staying sharp and engaged is an ongoing process that requires intention and effort. Incorporating these strategies into your routine can elevate your skills and mindset, making you a competitive candidate in any job market. Remember, the effort you put into sharpening your mind today will pay dividends in future opportunities. Stay proactive, embrace challenges, and continue on the path to personal and professional growth.