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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Book Review: A Student’s Guide to Surviving Facebook After College

Most job seekers that I have worked with do not consider reading books as part of his or her strategy to succeed to obtain a job. In fact, it is my opinion that most people are satisfied with muddling through rather than to strategically and methodically market themselves.

This is a book you should grab:

A Student’s Guide to Surviving Facebook After College by Joshua Waldman

You can skip this review if you do not own a Facebook page. But I encourage you to read it anyway because it applies to anyone with a social profile. Then again, if you do not have a Facebook page, upon finishing this book, you will  obtain one.

The Joshua Waldman book offers tips on filling out a Facebook profile and encourages readers to participate in groups and pages that offer job tips, guidance, and networks.  He makes a compelling case for using Facebook apps and making us aware of some I didn’t know that existed. Most people have heard of Branchout, but have you heard of “Hire My Friend” or “Career Friend?” No? Neither did I.

After reading this book you will reconsider your Facebook profile as a professional profile and hub and not a social playground. Many recent graduates and young professionals continue to lack judgment in posting messages and pictures (Waldman suggests Reppler, a Facebook app that acts as a “robot mommy for your social networks but I digress).

It is critical that the job search mission is easily derailed by careless postings whether by updates, postings, and pictures. I think even the pages that you “like” can have a negative impact on your profile. Waldman covers all things privacy and appropriateness expressing the importance of protecting image and perception from potential employers.

I encourage my readers to spend the $7.99 through Amazon, and subscribe to Careerenlightenment.com for the content Waldman (@joshusawaldman) provide readers.

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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Don’t Let Negative Feedback Derail Your Job Search

Don’t Let Negative Feedback Derail Your Job Search

Editors note: Ivy Exec partners with The Voice of Job Seekers in exchanging monthly content. Look for the interview with a member of the executive team in the next two weeks.

We all love to get positive feedback when we do something well. It makes us feel great about ourselves. But when it comes to looking for a job, you sometimes get more than your fair share of negative feedback.  And that can be hard to deal with. We often tend to hone in on the criticisms others offer.  These criticisms can seem to outweigh and overshadow the many positive things people have said with virtually the same breath.

At Ivy Exec we bring resources and talent to help individuals with their job searches.  While you’re searching for a job you receive feedback on your resume, interviews, and/or your overall job search. We have definitely noticed that if you’re in a prolonged job search, the negative feedback can add up and weigh you down. It can make you lose that spring in your step, procrastinate over applying for positions, hesitate to work your network, and overthink your next interview so much that it  goes flat.

While the details vary for each job seeker, we’ve found a number of overarching themes that will help you process and overcome negative feedback.  Here are some specific ways to deal with feedback during your search so you can fully focus on getting that dream job without breaking your stride:

  1. WHO gives the feedback matters!- If a hiring manager or  recruiter is giving you advice, their comments  carry extra weight with regard to a particular position and your overall job search. However, if the person giving the feedback does not know your industry, or hasn’t searched for a job for a long time, then be cautious about implementing their advice.  It just might not be as relevant for you.
  2. Do not take feedback personally… – If you do get “constructive” feedback on your search, do not let it affect you negatively and burst your bubble. Searching for a job is only one aspect of your life.  It does not define the whole YOU.  In these times it is the norm, rather than the exception, for people to go through multiple job searches over the course of their careers. The important takeaway is to discard the unhelpful feedback, absorb the useful input, try to implement it, and keep moving forward.
  3. Ask questions…many questions! – This will help you obtain more specifics on areas that need work, clarify any input that is “murky,”  and will clearly demonstrate that  you are interested in improving. Actively asking questions will also help you probe and assess the validity of any criticisms. When you actively engage in questioning, the person giving you feedback may be more willing to work with you to implement the feedback, and to provide more input in the future.  By questioning, you may well add a fan to your following, if not a mentor.
  4. Counter the negative feedback with positive action… – You can prevent negative feedback from overwhelming you by focusing on things that are going well –either in your job search or in other parts of your life. Make sure that your job search doesn’t define your life and YOU.  Keep it in perspective and make sure it isn’t the only thing you do, but just one of many. A great addition to your schedule would be adding regular exercise to your routine. Or, take that photography class you’ve always wanted to take, but couldn’t find time for.  Invest some time and effort in your outward appearance to give yourself a boost of confidence.  A haircut, a new suit, or even focusing on your posture will help you feel more confident when facing any negative feedback that may come your way.

Every one of us has had to face negative feedback in our lives. If it is merited, use it as a springboard to become even better at your job search. The next time you receive negative feedback, if it’s valid, meet it head on and make the most of it. Remember, it’s not what was said that matters in the long run.  It’s what you did with it.

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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What Young Job Seekers Can Learn From Mature Adults

There are job lessons job seekers have learned from being “caught” and not “taught.” Job search strategy comes from experience or from those who are experienced. To watch and learn is one thing, but “think and listen” is harder. It’s tough. But when it gets tougher you listen to anyone.

My dad is 91. He is clueless about the job search of 2012. But he knows the nature of people, and understands that never changes. I need that perspective, and you do too:

1. Patience and steadfastness

Mature people come from generations that taught  “good things come to those who wait.” This remains true in today’s job market. Hiring processes are longer than ever, so any job seeker must be prepared to wait patiently without quitting.

2. Understand the big story

The kid that always asks “why” in class is usually the smartest kid in the class. He or she wants to understand the big picture. It just seems annoying to the people who don’t care to know. That is why mature people ask young people a lot of annoying questions. That’s why toddlers ask grown ups many questions.

3. Mature people are witnesses

Although the job market has changed, and the workplace has evolved, the nature of people remain the same. Mature people have seen the world change, and understand how we got to this stage in our culture, environment, and economy.

4. Mature people value time and timeliness

Being on time means as much now than it did 30 years ago. But mature people also understand that everything good comes in time. Timeliness is making sure that you have facts and presenting it when it’s asked for or needed. They won’t waste your time, nor like their time wasted.

5. Respect is offered to everyone as earned by anyone

Job seekers who treat everyone with respect despite mistreatment will stand out. Most mature adults will tell you that is the biggest difference between young adults of yesterday and today’s young job seekers in general. Respect is still the attribute that everyone desires. Why not be the first to give it.

We didn’t talk about how mature adults are better judges of character. Their advice can only help your job search. Give them a listen.

What advice has helped you from those older than you? Let me know in the comments.

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.