The Talent Trailblazer - April 2024

From the CEO

I hope it has been a good week and you are checking off that To-do list and getting things accomplished.

Although my week has been busy, it has also been rewarding.

I get great satisfaction from helping my clients in their job search.

What I have found is that so many incredible people feel defeated and frustrated and it is starting to impact their mental health.

I hear things like “It is so nice to just have someone to talk through these pieces” or “It is so lonely looking for a job, I am glad you are here”.?

If you are feeling this, please reach out to someone who can help you, in whatever way you need most.

Remember, investing in yourself is always worth it and the rewards will be great!

If you are on the job hunt, I am rooting for you and wish you the best of luck in finding something that truly motivates you and gets you excited!

You got this!

Finding Your Voice on LinkedIn

?I talk to many clients who are afraid to start posting on LinkedIn and sharing their thoughts.

Are you someone who hesitates to share your thoughts, experiences, or ideas on LinkedIn?

Do you find yourself struggling with confidence when it comes to posting and engaging on the platform?

You're not alone, and I'm here to tell you that it's okay to feel that way!

But here is the thing!

You have so much value to offer, and your unique perspective deserves to be heard.

I understand that taking that first step can feel daunting but trust me when I say that the LinkedIn community is incredibly supportive.

It's a space where professionals from all walks of life come together to connect, learn, and grow.

How can you overcome that hesitancy and start sharing your voice? Here are a few steps to help you.

• Begin by sharing a brief thought or insight related to your industry or interests. It could be as simple as commenting on a post or sharing an article that resonated with you. Every contribution, no matter how small, adds value to the conversation.
• Don't worry about trying to sound overly polished or professional. Authenticity is key on LinkedIn, so just be yourself! Share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs in a genuine and relatable way.
• Like any skill, confidence on LinkedIn grows with practice. Challenge yourself to post regularly, whether it's once a week or a few times a month. Consistency builds momentum and helps you feel more comfortable with sharing your voice over time.

Remember, you have valuable insights and perspectives to share, and the LinkedIn community is here to support you every step of the way.

Let's lift each other up and celebrate the diverse voices that make this platform so amazing!

Feeling Overwhelmed by the Job Hunt?

Are you feeling overwhelmed in your job hunt?

You're not alone!

Searching for your next career can be daunting, and frustrating, and impacts your mental health.

Guess what? You don't have to do it alone!

When I talk with my clients who feel defeated it breaks my heart to know how difficult it is for them.

Then the mood changes by the end of the conversation, because now they don’t feel so alone and sometimes just talking through a thought, a process, or an idea can make all the difference in the world.

There is great purpose when I know I am helping someone to smile, show hope, and see them succeed.

Having a job search partner can make all the difference. Whether it's a friend, mentor, or professional expert – you decide. Having someone by your side can provide invaluable support, motivation, and resources to help you navigate the twists and turns of the job market.

Here's why having a job search partner can reduce overwhelm:

? A job search partner offers a shoulder to lean on during the highs and lows of the job hunt.

? They understand the challenges you're facing and can encourage you when you need it most.

? Two heads are better than one, right?

? Your job search partner can share valuable insights, job leads, and industry knowledge that you might not have access to on your own.

? Together, you can leverage resources and save time in your job search.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged in your job search journey, consider teaming up with a job search partner.

Don’t waste another minute, embrace the support, resources, and motivation you need to land your dream job!

GOOD NEWS! ?I am a job search partner who helps job seekers navigate the LinkedIn Jungle | Resume Makeovers | Interview Best Practices.

If you want to remove the overwhelm and invest in yourself, let’s start a conversation.

Ask yourself this, “what will happen in my job hunt if I don’t change what I am doing?”. ?Why not have someone to help you, no need for you to reinvent the wheel.

You can reach me at [email protected] .? I can’t wait to partner!

What are you waiting for?? Let’s talk today!

Why Candidate Feedback Matters

Imagine this:

You have poured your heart into preparing for an interview, answering tough questions, and leaving feeling like it went well. AND THEN: Crickets! No word ?? on how you did or if you are still in the running.?

Sound familiar?

This is not acceptable behavior from companies during the interview process.

Let’s take a deeper dive into why TIMELY FEEDBACK IS SO IMPORTANT for candidates and speaks volumes about a company’s culture:

• Providing feedback shows that a company values candidates’ time, effort, and dedication. It demonstrates transparency and respect for their investment in the hiring process.
• A positive candidate’s experience can make or break a company’s reputation.
• Offering thoughtful feedback, even to candidates who aren’t selected showcases the company’s commitment to communication, professionalism, and empathy.
• Word travels fast in the job market. Companies that prioritize feedback become magnets for top talent, attracting candidates who appreciate a positive culture.

Whether it’s a simple thank-you email, follow-up on the next steps, or actionable insights, every bit of feedback shapes a positive candidate experience.

Regardless of if you hire someone, they should always walk away feeling like they had a great experience with your organization.

Let’s make candidate feedback the Most Valuable Part (MVP) of the interview process.

First Impressions are Everything,?Is That You……. Who Are You?

If I am a recruiter looking at LinkedIn Profiles, the first thing I see is your profile picture and Banner. ?

Let’s dive into why these two pieces are so important. ?

PROFILE PICTURE

Your profile photo on LinkedIn is your digital handshake, so make it count!

Think of it as you are the owner of a retail store, and you are welcoming customers into your shop for the first time. Whether it's a professional headshot or a candid snap that captures your personality, select a photo that represents the real YOU.

?? PRO TIP:?Have your face fill 80% of the photo. Remember, people connect with people, not logos or avatars! ?

You might be thinking, why does this matter? ?

• Adding a professional photo increases the likelihood of people accepting your connection requests by 9X. ?
• LinkedIn also says that profiles with photos are 26X more likely to be contacted by a recruiter. ?

WOW! ?? That is huge and talk about a game changer! ?

Get that photo up that shows how awesome you are.

?? PRO TIP: Make sure you check your settings to see that your profile photo is set up so that all LinkedIn members can see it. This will help increase the likelihood that recruiters will see it. ?

BANNER ?

What about the Banner behind your picture? ?

Have you ever heard the phrase "dress to impress"? Well, consider your banner as your digital outfit. This is prime real estate to showcase your unique value proposition and what sets you apart from the crowd.

That’s great, but what should it include?

• Highlight your skills, accomplishments, or passions
• Your area of expertise
• Your target job title
• Use color and nice graphic
• Value you can bring to all companies
• Get creative and have some fun showcasing YOU!

What will you do today to make the best first impression possible and help attract recruiters to you?

P.S.? Are you struggling to land interviews?? We have created a FREE Guide to help you kickstart your journey to interview success today! ?We will take you step by step on how to optimize your LinkedIn Profile, Attract Recruiters, And Land Interviews.

Here is the link to your FREE GUIDE, get it today!??https://align2success.ck.page/7787e6c283

P.S.S.? Are you looking for a Job Search Partner who can help you navigate the LinkedIn Jungle | Do Resume Makeovers | Review Interview Best Practices | One-on-one coaching?

Let’s start a conversation today and take away the overwhelm you are feeling. You can reach us at [email protected] .

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