Job Seeker Archives - The Voice of Job Seekers

Conversation with Career Author, Andrea Kay

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Andrea Kay is a respected career expert, author, speaker, and a sought out career advisor. Specializing in “career therapy,” she has helped tens of thousands of people cut to the heart of their frustration and dissatisfaction with work and not only find a new job, but create a fulfilling career that fits who they are.

I personally appreciated Andrea’s candor and adapted her perspective in stating that “You are what you seem” to employers in the small window you present yourself to employers. The concepts that many coaches including Andrea are hard to hear for the job seeker that is not progressive in his or her job search.

This is the kind of book you want to have in your library. In fact, I will make it easy for you through AMACOM books, I will be giving away one FREE copy of Andrea Kay’s book, This is How to Get Your Next Job! To qualify, leave a comment about something you will put into practice from our conversation. I will randomly pick one winner to be announced on Monday on the blog and on the Facebook page (see right panel).

Some of her insights from our pre-interview Q & A that are stated in our conversation:

About good judgment…
“They’ll separate themselves from the pack by demonstrating good judgment in
the most basic, common sensical ways: Follow directions. If an employer
asks you to complete a test, send a writing sample, do it—exactly the way
they asked for it…”

The job seeker selling themselves…

“…it’s hard for most people to describe more than one or two actual
strengths. I have this exercise in all my books—except this one. But
basically, it’s looking at events and times in your life when you’ve done
something you enjoyed and did well. Then analyzing what that took. This
helps you see patterns and eventually narrow down your strengths.”

Not being defensive about the “Why are you not working?” question…

“Basically, you need to get yourself calmed down first, so you don’t react
defensively immediately. Take a breath, realize why they’re asking. It’s a
realistic question. Why wouldn’t this be on their mind? So have a response
ready and say it with tact that helps the employer understand your
circumstances and what you’re doing now.”

Now that you have a preview, enjoy our conversation.

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 Meghan Ivarsson

Just Graduated and Looking For a Job! Now What?

Getting a job after graduating college is not very hard, but there is a high chance that most students have never applied for a job. Therefore, this simple process becomes a new experience that can lead to frustration before or after he or she graduated. This article covers a few ways you can get a job whether you are an experienced or new job seeker.

Career Days

Many universities have these because they benefit both sides. They benefit the students because there is the chance of jobs, and benefit the companies because they get fresh talent whilst you are still cheap to hire. The whole process is a little bit doubled-edged because you are faced with competing for jobs with large numbers of your own peers. Still they are worth a look if you get the chance.

Research the company want to work for

This is a frighteningly powerful tip because it involves taking a large risk. The more research you do then the higher the chance that you are going to get an interview, but also the more you lose if you do not get the job. Research into current workers, current employment policies, and current openings. You may find out that they hire people who are known by the other staff, so get to know the other staff on social media. You may find out that they get a lot of applications that are incorrectly filled or discover that they do not read resumes. The more you research then the more information you will have to increase your chances of getting the job.

The guidance counselor

If you are still in college then you should try the guidance counselor, but you should know a few things first. Some counselors are good at their job and some are bad, so you may wish to take their ideas and comments with a pinch of salt. Secondly, if a counselor does not know much about the industry he or she may sway you into trying to work in a different area that he or she is more familiar with. Thirdly, the counselors are not often very good with helping you figure out what you want to do, but are not bad at telling you what to do when you figure it out. If you go in for career and education advice with a few ideas then the counselor may be able to point you in the right direction.

Break tradition

People always tell you to keep your resume short and sweet, but only one resume is going to be picked for the job. You have to ask yourself if it matters that much. Go the opposite way and make a booklet about you and how perfect you are for that company. Put your face and top achievements on the front, have a chapter for your experience, another for your qualifications, etc.

Be persistent

Firstly, we must define persistent and nagging. Persistent is applying to the same company for a job every time they open a new job up. It means re-writing your resume every time you apply and changing the layout and content into a new piece of literature that promotes you and your skills. Persistence means applying even if they say to not apply if you have done in the past. Nagging however is asking if you have the job after applying. It is asking if you have the job after an interview. If you are waiting for acceptance then assume you are rejected and keep trying other places, then reapply the next time they have an opening.

Meghan is a recent graduate and a freelance writer for Scholar Advisor, an educational portal that contains useful tips on essay format and styles, essay samples and writing guides. She regularly contributes article on education and career advice. Meghan lives and studies in the USA.

About Meghan Ivarsson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

2013: Year of The Unappreciated Job Seeker

Without being asked Freddie decorated the office, and attempted to foster the Christmas spirit among coworkers. There were decorations everywhere but her cheerful yet quelled spirit responded to the lack of recognition. The following year she refused to participate or promote the Christmas spirit the following year. Freddie is looking considering leaving without job leads.

John had talked to his wife about leaving his IT Project Management position because of the stress and strife faced daily. It had taken a toll on his health to the point his wife a professional counselor suggested he hand in his resignation sooner than later. John’s boss took exception to his two week resignation and escorted off the premises.

Appreciated? NOT!

Everyone’s lack of appreciation threshold of intolerance is different. Everyone wants to be appreciated and understood. When neither occurs, quitting is the next step unless there is radical gratitude being offered by supervisors, managers, or anyone in authority. Recent studies and observations suggest that people are starting to make career changes. Some of my recent and former clients are overwhelmed from work resulting from long-time unfulfilled vacancies. They feel, well, under appreciated.

I can see this year as the fed up will move out and start more business. Others will seek out another shot of audacity and venture out without having another gig without preparation or strategy. Those of you who know better should opt out for planning your exit.

Do you fear change?

This economy has caused many employed to fear change for several years. Piled on responsibilities often gone unnoticed, without gratitude and compensation.

A recent article, Feeling Chronically Unappreciated Can Lead to Burnout, cited the following burnout signs:

Every day is a bad day

Caring seems like a total waste of energy

You’re exhausted

Most of your time at work is spent on tasks either boring or overwhelming

You feel nothing you do makes a difference

Last spring, USA Today reported that employees quitting their current position outnumbered those fired. One could make the case that this is good for our economy, and inspire a plethora of bold job seekers to venture. This would cause unemployment to spike but lead to happily employed job seekers.

This is the year of the unappreciated job seekers!

Not that you should have a personal parade or a drink, but this will serve some well. Job seekers with fewer skills face challenges because of the lack of job skills currently possessed. I want to suggest the following to you get on track:

1) Before quitting, assess the relevancy of your skills

2) Take the emotion out of your decision

3) Where is your anger placed? People (your boss is a person)? The job duties? The process?

4) Does your frustration include the lack of abilities you demonstrate or the lack of ability?

Wrestle with these questions and discuss them with someone you trust possessing good career judgment. I’m available to help you and feel free to unload your concerns and comments below.