Your Career Advocate

Did you know that more than half of companies ???????????? job seekers to negotiate salary and benefits? Yet, ironically, roughly the same number of candidates don't think to negotiate at all. If you don't, you could be leaving money on the table. To negotiate with confidence: ?? Do your research and know your market value. ?? Create a win-win outcome by being grateful and gracious. ?? Use the phrases "Can we discuss?" "Would it be possible?" and "Is there a possibility?" Need more tips? Check out my article on the topic: https://lnkd.in/gzQpGps5

Let's be real for a minute (as if I could be anything else): looking for a new job is a lot. It can feel like a full-time job to look for a job, what with all the things you are constantly doing: ?? Tweaking your resume to highlight how you fit with each position. ?? Crafting cover letters (when required) that showcase your value. ?? Following up after every application to differentiate yourself from the hundreds (thousands?) of other applicants. ?? Engaging on LinkedIn to expand your personal brand. ?? Networking in person, with all that entails. ?? Interviewing—and interviewing some more. Where do you struggle the most in this process?

I don't know about you, but I'm a words person (no surprise that I'm a writer). My love language is words of affirmation, and I know how powerful words can be. Unfortunately, negative words tend to stick with us far longer than their positive counterparts. This is especially true for the job seekers who receive rejection after rejection in their searches. It can create negativity that is damaging—not just immediately but as they continue with their search. Feeling of unworthiness creep up and overtake them, and they can second guess every action. Today, I challenge you to share some positive words with a job seeker. Whether that is a word of encouragement when they turn on their open to work banner, an email or text to tell them how awesome they are, or a shared cup of Joe to take their mind away from their search for just a bit. Remember that your words are powerful, so use them for good.

If you follow my posts here, you know that I'm a big hiker. Recently, it struck me how similar hiking is to conducting a job search. I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out: ?? The climb is tough. So is job hunting—especially in today's market. ??? You need a plan. Wandering aimlessly doesn’t work in either setting. ?? Reaching the summit is exhilarating. Just like landing the right job. Can you see it? Even when I am tired on the trail and ready to quit, I keep putting one foot in front of the other until I get to the end. That's what you can do in your job search. You'll get there, and then you can celebrate the journey. ******** Most job seekers have no idea if their resume is working or getting lost in the abyss. At Your Career Advocate, I write resumes that engage hiring managers and recruiters, PLUS provide you with strategies to ensure those documents are seen. Result? You get more interviews and better job offers. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g-nxHY8w.

Looking for another way to go ???????????? ?????? ???????????? in your job search? Have you tried ????????????????????? In-person networking helps you get out from behind that page or two of qualifications to build quality relationships first. It's a well-known fact that we want to work with people we like, know, and trust, and making connections moves you to that level much faster than any application can. Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions: ? BNI (Business Network International) is a referral-based networking group with chapters around the world. ? Chambers of commerce come in all shapes and sizes and can put you face to face with business professionals in your area. ? Industry associations allow you to meet people who are in the same field. Just google your industry + associations to find some to attend. ? Alumni associations, similar to industry associations, provide you a point of commonality, making conversations easier. ?? Need more ideas? I have them! Check out my recent blog about in-person networking here: https://lnkd.in/gDGFn6Ah

Landing a job offer is the ultimate goal of every job seeker. But have you given any thought about what you should do after you receive that offer? Check out my top 7 tips as next steps. If you have more, I'd love to hear them! https://lnkd.in/gFZ_EZQk

Every day, it seems I'm hearing something about how applicant tracking systems (ATS) are on a rampage, poised to attack poor, unwitting job seekers. ?????????????? ?????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ?????? ??????????. Although we resume writers may say your resume isn't "ATS compatible," that's solely based on its ability to parse correctly into the system. Honestly, recruiters can look at anything you upload (I've even heard of recipes getting uploaded!), but if they are going through the database to search for your resume, it does need to parse, which simply means using simple formats ATS can read. However, in the end, remember that you are ultimately writing for people, and as such, you need to tell your story, share how you've added value at previous positions, and highlight how you fulfill the requirements for the position. If you can do that, you needn't worry too much about ATS. ******** Most job seekers have no idea if their resume is working or getting lost in the abyss. At Your Career Advocate, I write resumes that engage hiring managers and recruiters, PLUS provide you with strategies to ensure those documents are seen. Result? You get more interviews and better job offers. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g-nxHY8w.

I've seen this on my LinkedIn feed a lot: Job seekers going on several interviews for jobs for which they're not only qualified but also feel that they're a great fit—and then they hear nothing. Complete crickets after the interviews. Unfortunately, ghosting happens, but it may not be because of you. There are plenty of reasons recruiters may not be following up. However, you can attempt to restart the conversation. Here are some ideas to take back your power: ?? Follow up! Reach out and thank them again for the opportunity to interview, restate your interest, and offer to clarify any questions they might have. ?? Keep your job search active. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket and don't rest until you have accepted a job offer. ?? Stay engaged on LinkedIn. There's so much you can do to maintain strong relationships with your network and work toward new opportunities. ******** Most job seekers have no idea if their resume is working or getting lost in the abyss. At Your Career Advocate, I write resumes that engage hiring managers and recruiters, PLUS provide you with strategies to ensure those documents are seen. Result? You get more interviews and better job offers. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g-nxHY8w.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the subject of cover letters is going to be triggering for some people. Should you? Shouldn't you? If you're an older candidate, you probably remember a time when you never sent out a resume without a cover letter. On the flip side, if you're younger, you're probably on the ?? side of this conversation. But what's the real answer? To be honest, most recruiters and hiring managers will tell you (ask them; I'll wait) that they don't read cover letters. If you're pouring out your passion and why you're so amazing on a cover letter and don't share that in your resume, sorry, but you're missing the point. However, some companies do require cover letters. They may even want you to include something special, such as your salary requirement, how you feel about a specific cultural point at that organization, or even your favorite ice cream flavor. What if you skip the cover letter in these situations? Easy: You'll be out of consideration. No cover letter or no specific mention as requested, and you're in the NO pile. End of story. If you do need a cover letter, brevity is your friend. One page, specific, full of value. Address the key requirements in the role. Thank them for the opportunity. If it's not required, feel free to skip the letter altogether. Now you know. ******** Most job seekers have no idea if their resume is working or getting lost in the abyss. At Your Career Advocate, I write resumes that engage hiring managers and recruiters, PLUS provide you with strategies to ensure those documents are seen. Result? You get more interviews and better job offers. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g-nxHY8w.

“Just apply everywhere!” This is what some job seekers believe is the best approach in their search. I reject that approach with a vehement ????. Why? ?? Throwing 100 applications into the void = Rejection burnout ?? Applying to jobs you don’t want = Wasting time ?? Tailoring your applications to the right roles = More interviews, less stress Quality will win over quantity every time. That "spray and pray" approach is doing you no good. Don't work from a place of desperation; you have skills employers want! What’s the worst job-search advice you’ve ever received? Let’s hear it ?? ******** Most job seekers have no idea if their resume is working or getting lost in the abyss. At Your Career Advocate, I write resumes that engage hiring managers and recruiters, PLUS provide you with strategies to ensure those documents are seen. Result? You get more interviews and better job offers. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g-nxHY8w.