The workplace has become increasingly casual with the onslaught of remote work over the past 5 years and the dress code for many onsite jobs has leaned more casual too. As a result, "dressing" for work doesn't mean what it used to mean. But the impact that your appearance makes on your colleagues and clients is still a powerful thing. Knowing a little bit about the different levels of professional dress is a smart move when you're interviewing, changing jobs, starting your first job, or when you're just wanting to take your career to the next level. Here's a breakdown of the different levels of professional dress and what they mean in 2025: 

Casual Dress: Simple, casual items like jeans, shorts, t-shirts, open-toed shoes, tank tops - are examples of casual dress. These are things you might also wear at home on your day off to run errands or go to the store. *However, loungewear and things like yoga pants, athletic wear, leggings, sweatpants, crop tops, and pajama pants are too informal, even for casual dress. Casual dress is increasingly common across a range of jobs and environments these days. But before you make shorts and flipflops your every day "uniform" remember to be mindful of how others in your company are dressing, particularly if most people dress a little more professionally. And take notice of how your company's leadership team dresses too, and let that play a role in shaping how you think about what's appropriate.   

Smart Casual: These items are often also called 'elevated basics' so this includes shirts and tops with a slightly more tailored fit, unripped jeans, darker wash jeans (and a belt), chinos or khaki pants (and a belt), wide leg pants, polo shirts, sleeveless tops (but NOT tank tops). These are things you might wear to go out to dinner with friends at a nicer restaurant. This is where the majority of companies fall when it comes to thinking about a modern dress code in 2025. The idea is to be casual and comfortable, but in clothes that look a little bit more polished and professional.  

Business Casual: The dress code in this category is still pretty flexible, but the general rule for business casual is usually "no jeans, no shorts, no tank tops, no t-shirts, no open-toed shoes." This is where we start to get into work environments where the expectation is that employees demonstrate a more elevated sense of professionalism when it comes to their clothes. Button down shirts, polo shirts, professional looking knits, and slightly dressier tops are the expectation here. Khakis, chinos, wide leg pants, linen pants, or other smarter trousers are what you'll need to aim for in this category.  

Business Professional: This is the most elevated category that you'll see for daily workwear. The expectation for this dress code usually includes a suit & tie, a shirt & tie, a skirt or dress with a blazer, or trousers with a jacket or blazer. Common environments where you'll often see this style of dress include jobs in law, finance, insurance, medicine, government, sometimes real estate, and sometimes general sales. There is still a sliding scale here though, and this can trend more or less "fancy." Take cues from senior leaders and high performers in the company to help inform your choices. 

Remote Work: If you work remotely, it's easy to fall into the habit of dressing really casually - even loungewear casual. But it's important to recognize times when you need to elevate your appearance on screen. This could be to help instill trust in a potential client, or to convey a certain seriousness about a project to a colleague. Don't underestimate the value of dressing for work, even if you're not going into the office. Dressing professionally for virtual meetings helps give an impression of confidence, and this is particularly important if others are coming to you for your expertise. Remember the importance of personal grooming too and think about things like brushing/smoothing your hair, putting on makeup if that's your style, choosing a shirt that looks crisp and unwrinkled, and having a background that is well lit and professional. Don't show your bedroom, don't show a mess behind you, don't show anything that could be seen as distracting or inappropriately personal. Research has shown that dressing for work, even when you work remotely, is an important psychological element that helps your brain wake up and function at a higher level. So "dressing up" for work (even if work is at home) is still a smart career move to help get your brain and your body out of lounge mode and into productive mode. 

Need more help? Our career coaches are real people, not AI bots, and we’re experts at all things related to a job search. If you’d like to speak with a real person, then give us a call or send us a message through our website. We’d be happy to chat with you about your unique situation. Cheers to your success!

It's starting to take longer to get a job. Competition is rising and we're seeing wage growth start to stall out for some roles. There are also some interesting reports on jobs that are currently in demand, many of which don't require traditional college degrees and come with impressive salaries. The Wall Street Journal just called Gen Z "The Toolbelt Generation" and this means we have to ask the question...Is College Worth the Cost? Here are some things to think about: 

1. College without a strategic end goal has less return on investment (ROI) 

It's more effective to look at the kind of career you want to have BEFORE deciding if the expense of college makes sense. Don't go just to go because the ROI is not there for everyone anymore. For certain fields, college degrees are necessary, but the value of some degrees may be waning a bit because graduates of many degree programs are not emerging as qualified or certified to "do" anything that is in high demand, and there is a lot of competition for entry level roles. If you do major in a field that is more general be prepared for your job search to take a little longer. Use your time in college wisely by gaining as many marketable skills, certifications, and connections as you can for your desired career field. Seek out multiple internship opportunities, look for part-time jobs or volunteer jobs in your desired industry, and join school clubs and networking groups to help ensure that you graduate with as broad of a professional network as possible that you can leverage in a job search. To reduce the length of your search, begin networking and applying to jobs well before you graduate. 

2. Trade jobs are a solid alternative to a traditional college degree

There is high demand, strong earning potential, and good job security in many trade jobs. These roles should not be dismissed as inferior career choices. The number of applicants to vocational training programs has risen significantly in the past year and the number of university and community college applications has dropped. This is part of what has earned Gen Z the nickname "The Toolbelt Generation." With many Gen X and Millennials dismissing trade careers, a skill gap has emerged creating more demand for workers with vocational/trade skills. Careers as electricians, personal trainers, plumbers, radiology technicians, auto mechanics, dental hygienists, welders, construction workers, cosmetologists, HVAC technicians, and many more are in high demand. Vocational training programs are often a fraction of the cost of a 4-year college degree and offer the added benefit of being able to transition faster into a well paying job with less financial burden. If you're not sure if one of these fields is fit for you, find someone doing a similar role to talk with or someone who will let you shadow them on the job for a few hours. Job shadows are a great way to get a realistic sese of what a job will be like. 

3. Lifestyle desires and financial goals should impact career choices at an earlier stage 

It's important to understand the earning potential of your desired career before you choose a major and graduate. Creating a few mock budgets is a great way to help you calculate if the ROI is there for you. Can you pursue a career in your desired field without a traditional college degree, with vocational training, or with a shorter degree program? What would your financial situation look like and would you be better off? If you'll have to take out a student loan to get your degree but you'll be able to live at home during and after college, that's very different financial situation compared to someone who will also have to pay for living expenses during college and immediately after. If you will have a student loan to think about, how soon will you have to start paying that back and what will those payments look like? Do you have to factor in other expenses like rent, a car payment, insurance, and other monthly expenses? Where will you live and how does that impact your salary and cost of living? How much do you need to earn to afford your lifestyle? Is that salary possible in your desired career field for a new graduate, or will you need to supplement your income with a side job or with multiple roommates? What kind of disposable income do you want to have? These are tough questions. Thinking about them earlier can help you make smarter choices about your career and future financial situation. Don't wait until your final semester of college to think about the marketability and earning potential of your career. 

If you have specific career or job search questions, please feel free to reach out. We’re passionate about helping job seekers and career changers find success and we love to share what we know.

AI is everywhere these days and people are rightfully approaching it with equal amounts of delight and suspicion. Both are warranted. Finding ways to work smarter, not harder has always been a goal for individuals and businesses alike, but not at the expense of quality, results, service, or security. If you’re in a job search and struggling to get started, here are a few ways you can safely and effectively use AI to give you a boost in a productive way:

1. Taking the first step to get started (the hardest part):
When you’re overwhelmed, taking that first step can be daunting. Using AI to help you make progress in one major area is a great first step in the right direction. This momentum can be enormously helpful. Whether you use an AI tool to help you create a resume outline, or draft a message to send to your network asking people to keep you in mind for potential job opportunities, simple first tasks like these are gateways to making more substantial progress in your job search.

2. Condensing and summarizing content:
A general rule for resumes and cover letters, is don’t use 45 words when 25 will do. There are numerous AI tools and apps that can help you take a large chunk of content (like all of the information in your current job description) and streamline it to create a summary of what you’re doing. You can use this to succinctly and more effectively describe your role to potential employers in a cover letter, a networking note, or in your resume.

3. Identifying keywords you should be using:
AI is often the first line of screening after you’ve applied to a job, and what it’s looking for is very black and white. If you ask AI to identify the top 10 to 20 keywords and phrases in a job description, this will help you ensure that your resume, cover letter, and other supporting documents use those keywords. When your documents use words that occur frequently in a position description, you’re more likely to be flagged as a match…which means a higher likelihood you’ll be contacted for an interview.

4. Writing cover letter outlines:
Starting a formal letter is hard because most people don’t write like that often enough to be good at it. In this case though, AI plays an important role in creating something from nothing. As we said above, the hardest part is getting started. AI is a great way to get the framework of your letter built out, and then it makes it easier to fill in the gaps.

5. Developing a list of potential interview questions based on a job description:
Just as you can use AI to identify keywords to include in your resume, you can also use it in reverse to take a set of keywords and develop a list of potential questions you may be asked in an interview. Is this the only way you should prepare for interviews? No. Preparing effectively for interviews is more complex because people are more complex and unpredictable. However, AI can help you think of common questions that may come up and how you could respond to them.

What is AI NOT great at? Giving custom advice based on unique circumstances, thinking outside of the box, reading social cues, intuition, framing unique situations in a particular way that benefits you, reflecting effectively on multiple options and outcomes, navigating any sort of gray area, and noticing anything beyond the parameters you gave it.

Need more help? Our career coaches are real people, not AI bots, and we’re experts at all things related to a job search. If you’d like to speak with a real person, then give us a call or send us a message through our website. We’d be happy to chat with you about your unique situation. Cheers to your success!

The job market is average again. The Wall Street Journal published a recent article about the decline of the "hottest job market in a generation." This market was fueled by pandemic area hiring that flooded the scene as a result of the Great Resignation and let job seekers jump around to maximize their earning potential at companies that needed to fill a lot of jobs quickly. In the first half of 2024, we saw the market start to cool and we saw hiring slow down and unemployment start to rise for the first time since 2021. The good news is that unemployment is still low overall, but the bad news is that if you're in the job market it may take you a little longer to find success in your job search. Here are 4 things you can do to maximize your job search efforts in a market that is not as hot as it was two years ago:   

1. Work your network and proactively connect with people who work for companies and in fields you're interested in. Ideally this is done whether or not you're looking for a job, but the reality is most people don't devote much time to networking until they need to. But the more people you know, the easier it will be to find a job and the easier it will be to get your foot in the door. In a hot job market, networking is not as important,, but in a climate where we are increasingly more isolated, remote, and required to put in less "face time" with people, our networks shrink. So when all of a sudden the market cools and our connections matter more than ever again, our ability to reach out to our contacts, be a bit more extroverted, and talk to people feels more daunting. So remember, who you know (and who they know) is a big differentiator in a cooler job market.     

2. Optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile for the jobs you want, but know that it's not enough to stop there. You want to use the same keywords in your resume that are found in the skills and experience sections of the job descriptions you're targeting--but when competition for roles is higher, you have to do more than just apply with a good resume and wait for the call. A good resume is necessary to get a job, but it won't get you the job. You have to do the work to follow up on your applications, demonstrate your interest, network, and talk with people to make connections. 

3. Focus on ways you can make yourself more marketable in your field. If you're missing experience in a particular software, key skill, or methodology, and you have a way to fill that gap, this is a great strategy for boosting your chances of standing out among other applicants. This does not mean you have to pay for a fancy class or certification, it can be as simple as doing some online webinars or free tutorials to demonstrate some proficiency in a specific area and help you add an important keyword to your resume. 

4. Likability helps you land jobs, so practice your interview skills.  You don't have to be a 100% skill match to get an interview. You don't even have to be a 50% skill match to get an interview. Employers hire people who don't have the right mix of desired skills and experience all the time...but only if they really like them. Likability in networking, pre-interview communication, and ultimately in interviews is one of the most important elements to focus on getting really good at when you're in the job market. How do you come across in conversations? Do you build rapport easily? How are your active listening skills? Do you make the right kind (and amount) of small talk? Do you leave people feeling confident about what they are getting if they hire you? How well are you able to articulate your value and goals in a way that is compelling, interesting, and effective? You might have the best resume and the most impressive experience, but if you don't strike the right balance of confidence, experience, and likability you will probably get passed by for someone who does a better job demonstrating those traits. 

Ask us your career questions via the online chat box in the lower left corner of your screen. We’re passionate about helping job seekers and career changers find success and we love to share what we know.

Every job seeker has been in this situation at least once. You had an interview that you thought went well, but a few days later you got an email from the recruiter or manager saying they opted to go with a different candidate. You're surprised because you thought you nailed the interview. You can ask for feedback, but if you get any it may not be the whole story behind their decision. So, what is there to learn from this? It turns out quite a lot, and it boils down to the difference between nice conversations and successful conversations--which are very different. So, what’s the difference?

A nice conversation involves pleasantries and other rapport building tactics, and seemingly effective discussion about the job, your resume, your career goals, the company and their goals, etc. These conversations usually seem to go well. But just having a nice conversation with someone won't get you an job offer. Beware of extended periods of small talk. You want to build rapport quickly, but then promptly shift the focus back to the job. If you spend a large part of the interview talking about anything other than why your experience makes you a great fit for the job and how you'll add value to the team, then you're putting yourself at risk of having the interviewer(s) think, "what a nice guy" instead of "what a perfect candidate for the job." 

Unlike a nice conversation, a successful conversation has a clear agenda. And if you're smart, you've mapped it out ahead of the interview. Your ability to clearly communicate your strengths, expertise, and value directly impacts whether your conversation is successful. If you focus too much on small talk or on superficial areas, a hiring manager may not even notice that you haven’t talked enough about technical expertise areas or your ability to lead projects and deliver them on time. Then, later when they are evaluating multiple finalist candidates, they will naturally gravitate toward the person they thought communicated their strengths and skills most effectively, AND the person who seemed to fit in best with their team. That person usually gets the offer. It's your job to watch out for situations like this and to expertly balance rapport building with discussion around your relevant skills and experience. When the interview is over, you want the hiring manager to understand what it will be like to work with you, and what you're capable of delivering when they hire you. 

Ask us your career questions via the online chat box in the lower left corner of your screen. We’re passionate about helping job seekers and career changers find success and we love to share what we know.

Landing a job right after earning that diploma is usually the goal for most college graduates, and for quite a while it's been pretty easy to do that. But we're starting to see a little bit of a shift in the amount of time its taking graduates (and job seekers in general) to secure a full time role, and for many it's starting to take longer. If you know someone who is graduating in 2024, here are a few tips to help them maximize their job search efforts and reduce their time in the job market: 

1. Take advantage of university connections while they're still warm. 

Professors and faculty members will be the most motivated to help you while while you're still their student and/or right after you took their class. If you aced a particular course, it's a great tactic to talk to the instructor about anything from a letter of recommendation to making an introduction to someone they know who hires people with your specific degree. Similarly, you can also utilize other college connections from clubs, sports teams, Greek life, and part time jobs. Ask your connections to make introductions to people working in your field who may be great networking contacts for future job prospects. 

2. Get active in your community & socialize 

Introverts are on the rise, and people who are naturally less gregarious can really struggle with the undeniable social element that plays into an effective (and short lived) job search. The more people you know and the more connections you make, the easier it will be for you to land a job. If you're not having luck, look for opportunities where you can meet new people and contribute to something impactful in your local community. And if you have specific target companies or people you admire, find out what interests, groups, and causes they support and see if you can attend an event or a meeting. And if you do go, make sure your resume is updated and ready to be shared and that you're able to comfortably talk about your career interests and most marketable strengths. 

3. Create and follow a structured job search plan.

A successful job search is worked on consistently, organized efficiently, and maintains a steady volume of applications. Applying to 15 jobs one week and 2 jobs the next week isn't the most effective strategy. To see results you need to maintain volume and consistency with your applications over a period of time, often several weeks, before you will start getting contacted for interviews. It helps if you keep a few quick notes on each job you apply to in case the role closes and you're no longer able to access the posting. This way if you do get called for an interview, you can easily chat with the hiring manager about the role in a way that seems authentic and planful. 

4. Maximize your your internship network (if you have one). 

If you had an internship in college, keep connected with the people you worked with and reach back out to them when you're beginning your job search. Whether the internship was the final semester or several semesters back, the contacts you made are a valuable resource when you begin your job search. If your internship was not in your final semester, send a note to your former supervisor to ask how they are and inquire about future job prospects. 

5. Remember, fortune favors the bold. 

Results don't come without action and commitment. Here are a few bold approaches you can take to see better results. Ask for specific things, don't make general requests. For example, instead of asking a contact to keep you in mind if they hear of any opportunities--consider asking them if they can think of one person they could introduce you to who would be a great networking contact.  Follow up on applications--don't just apply and sit and wait for someone to contact you. LinkedIn is a great way to politely inquire about the status of a role and your application. Keep your follow up messages short and friendly, and ask the person if they know who you should contact to talk about landing an interview. Attend local job fairs and networking events to meet people in your field. Have a short elevator pitch prepared so you feel confident talking about your career goals. 

Ask us your career questions via the online chat box in the lower left corner of your screen. We’re passionate about helping job seekers and career changers find success and we love to share what we know.

We're seeing the amount of time it takes to land a new job lengthen slightly as we head into the last half of 2024. The average job search in a good hiring market usually takes 3-6 months, but multiple factors influence this like the level of job you're targeting, the industry, the economy, and the overall demand for your skills. If you’ve been sending a high volume of applications and you're not getting many bites, there are a few steps you can take to change that. Here are 4 tips to help you follow-up on your applications, network, and make connections at companies you're targeting: 

1. Use LinkedIn to target hiring managers and current employees
LinkedIn is not just for applications, it's also a great research tool. Most businesses have a company page. If you visit it and click on the “People” tab, you’ll get a list of people who work there. When it comes to networking and following up on job applications, choose people who either work in HR, who are listed as recruiters, or people who work in the department you want to join. Send them a short, friendly note to let them know you applied to a job with their company and ask a direct question. For example, “Hi Jen, I’ve been an admirer of [Company Name] and recently applied to the Marketing Analyst role posted on LinkedIn. Do you know who I should contact to follow up on my application? Thanks so much!”

2. Call the company directly
Fortune favors the bold. Many people are reluctant to pick up the phone these days, but what do you have to lose? Google the company and give their main number a call. Sure, it might be awkward and you might get an automated directory, voicemail, or a receptionist who isn't helpful... but there's a chance you can find your way to someone’s voicemail in the right department, or even better—an actual live person may answer their phone (unusual for 2024 to be sure). However, before you do this, think about what you'll say ahead of time in a voicemail or if you happen to speak with someone. Think about how you'll introduce yourself and make note of a few talking points you want to cover. For example, “Hi Tom, my name is Allison Harris and I’ve recently applied to the Marketing Analyst role on your team. I wanted to introduce myself and hopefully follow up on my application. Am I calling you at a good time?" If yes, then continue hitting your talking points. If no, ask when is a better time to give him a call back. 

3. Reach out via social media
This is a creative way to get more information about a job. If a company you're targeting has an active social media presence and is in the business of serving customers, they are usually quick to respond on social media (it makes them look good). Pay them a short, but genuine compliment and tell them the job you're interested in. Ask for the name of someone you can reach out to about the position. There’s a good chance you’ll get a response and if you don’t have any names or follow up leads at this point then any information you get will be helpful.

4. Write them a complimentary Google review
If you’re trying to reach someone at a company with very little online or active social media presence, try writing them a nice online review. This is always appreciated and will likely be seen by someone who could help you get your foot in the door. And with smaller companies, it’s more likely that a senior member of their team will see what you wrote and respond to it. Even if it's a bigger company you're targeting, you may be able to start up a conversation with someone in marketing or customer service who can still prove to be a resource for you.

Bottom line...don’t just apply to jobs and sit around and wait for them to make the next move. Taking a proactive follow up approach often makes the difference in getting an interview. 

Ask us your career questions via the online chat box in the lower left corner of your screen. We’re passionate about helping job seekers and career changers find success and we love to share what we know.

The addition of AI and increase in remote work mean we’re not talking with people as much as we used to. Interviewing is stressful for most of us already, but it can be especially hard for introverts which can make landing your next job a little harder. If interviewing, expressing yourself, and connecting with others are difficult for you, you’re not alone! Here are 4 tips to help you feel more prepared and have an easier time acing your interview:

1. Ask Family and Friends for Compliments
If you struggle to talk about yourself, then go to the people who know you best and ask them what they think are your biggest strengths and skills. If a close friend says you’re a great listener and your coworker says you’re always someone who always finishes what you start, then these are great attributes to highlight in an interview when you’re asked about what value you bring. It’s also a great confidence boost.

2. Practice Ice Breaker Questions & Common Talking Points
“Tell me about yourself” is still a common ice breaker question you can expect at the beginning of an interview. Preparing how you’ll give a short and engaging response to this question will help you start off strong. Making a good first impression does a lot to set the tone for the rest of the conversation, so you want to start and end strong. People ramble when they get nervous, and “small talk” is harder for introverts, so practice really does matter here.

3. Be Aware of Your Body Language & Inflection
These two things play a surprisingly big role in how you’re perceived in interviews whether virtual or in person. If you’re interviewing virtually, it’s important to look into the camera and make eye contact periodically to help build a connection and it’s also important to remember to pause and smile and lean in slightly while speaking. These things are helpful for in person interviews too. And be mindful of your tone of voice and inflection. When you change the tone and meter of your voice as you speak, it helps keep people engaged and also helps you build a stronger connection.

4. Practice Interviewing with Someone You Don’t Know Well
Practicing with someone unfamiliar serves two purposes. It lets you test out some of the strategies we’ve already talked about, and it forces you to have to think on your feet and address real life situations where you’ll have to improvise, which is what interviewing is all about.

Need more help? Our career coaches are real people, not AI bots, and we’re experts at all things related to a job search. If you’d like to speak with a real person, then give us a call or send us a message through our website. We’d be happy to chat with you about your unique situation. Cheers to your success!

Whether you’re a student trying to choose a major, a stay-at-home parent rejoining the workforce, or a professional wanting to make a job change—the choices we have these days can seem overwhelming. How savvy are you on which career fields are truly in demand? And what do you do if you’re not interested in those jobs? Here’s our breakdown of jobs with a bright and secure outlook for 2024 and beyond:

Jobs that rank as "in-demand" on multiple lists for 2024 are linked in this blog, but if you had to choose one career field to pursue in 2024, Healthcare is one of the most secure choices. 

Nearly all jobs are in demand, there is a wide range of roles to consider, and they don’t all require medical degrees. Some healthcare careers that are in-demand include Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Nurse Anesthetists, Physician’s Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Industrial Psychologists, Veterinarians, Genetic Counselors, Dental Hygienists, and Ultrasound Technicians. Medical administrative roles rank highly too with roles like Medical and Health Services Managers, Community Health Workers, Medical Records Managers, Wellness Coordinators, and Medical Coders. 

Other career fields projected to be in-demand for 2024 and beyond include:

• Personal Care & Service Occupations: Home Health Aids, Personal Care Aids, and Caregivers  
• Social Services Occupations: Mental Health Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workers
• Technology: Software Developers, Computer Information Systems Managers, Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, Data Scientists, and IT Managers
• Labor: Stockers & Order Fillers, General Laborers, Truck Drivers, Construction Workers
• Finance: Financial Managers, Actuaries, and Statisticians
• Business: Operations Managers, Marketing Research Analysts, Sales Managers, Management Analysts  
• Engineering: Mechanical Engineers
• Other: Attorneys and Chefs

If you're passionate about a career that isn't considered "in-demand" that's great too. Passion and dedication are great motivators. With hard work and a smart strategy, you can make a great career for yourself in just about any field. If you need advice on how to do that, or on how to make a job change in general, we can help!

Our career coaches are experts at all things related to a job search, so if you’d like to speak with a real person then give us a call or send us a message through our website. We’d be happy to chat with you about your unique situation. Cheers to your success in 2024!

A lot has changed in the workplace over the past few years, and interviews reflect that. Employers have learned a lot about what they need from employees after navigating Covid-19, The Great Resignation, and The Great Reshuffle with varying degrees of success. Millennials are the dominant generation in the workforce, with Gen Z close behind. Employers are looking for authenticity, adaptability, communication, initiative, and problem-solving abilities. Here’s an updated look at some commonly asked interview questions you’ll see in 2023 and beyond, along with strategies to answer them effectively.   

1. Tell me about yourself: This classic icebreaker has transformed into a chance for applicants to provide a concise and engaging narrative that highlights their relevant experience, skills, and personality while quickly building likability…the latter of which is key to interview success and is trickier to do virtually. Attention spans are shorter than ever, and your response to this question should be too—so keep it focused, less than 60 seconds, and have a strategic closing where you wrap up talking about something related to the job.  

1. How do you handle ambiguity and change? In today’s workplace, these things are a given and employers have learned the hard way that most people handle them poorly (even those who say they’re good at adapting to change). A strategy to effectively address this is to focus your response on examples where you’ve had to “pivot and shift” to adapt to changing priorities, client needs, and business needs—but this is something you take in stride. In 2023, we don’t just “handle” rapid change, we expect it.

1. Describe a challenge you had to overcome while working with someone who operated very differently from you: Companies are placing a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and in addition to that, we also have an unprecedented number of generations in the workplace all at the same time. This creates a LOT of different ideas, approaches, communication styles, and gaps in knowledge. The key to talking through this topic is to demonstrate self-awareness, humility, and an openness to learning from others. It also helps if you can give an example of a time when you were able to successfully collaborate with a colleague.

1. How do you approach remote work and collaboration to achieve a successful outcome? A great strategy here is to focus on what’s become a bit of a lost art—communication. Part of what makes someone an effective collaborator is knowing when and how to communicate based on the situation and people involved. Remote work makes relationship building and communication more challenging, but it can also make work more efficient. Sometimes you need to pick up the phone and call someone because it’s more efficient to brainstorm and problem solve “live.” And when you’re on a Zoom call, don’t shy away from turning on your camera. Getting to know people and being authentic is a key part of communicating effectively and it helps build trust and relationships with clients and colleagues.

Mastering Behavioral & Other Difficult Interview Questions

When you’re asked something that you weren’t prepared for, remember that most interviewers are looking for authenticity and an ability to think strategically under pressure. It’s not just about the answer you give, it’s also about the thought process you use to get to the answer. Mentally prepare a few different example stories you can share that showcase times when you achieved positive results or experienced success in prior roles that are related to the job you’re interviewing for. Use these sample scenarios to help you answer behavioral interview questions which will usually start out with, “Tell me about a time when…”. A solid approach to any challenging question is to always have your response end on a positive outcome or result that you achieved, or a lesson that you learned. Employers appreciate candidates who display resilience, self-awareness, alacrity, and a willingness to grow.

Thank you notes are still an important part of closing out a job interview. If you struggle with what to write, you're not alone! But don't let writers block keep you from showing gratitude. Here are 2 examples of thank you notes that you can use as a guideline on how to write a short and sincere message after an interview. Customize the notes to align with what you talked about in your own interview. 

“Jamie,

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me about the Marketing Specialist job. I think that my SEO experience and my history of successfully managing multiple social media accounts in my current job will enable me to help your customers learn more about your brand. I enjoyed hearing about the other goals that you have for the department and I would love to have the opportunity to join your team and help you crush those goals. Thank you again for your time today. I look forward to hearing from you.”

“Amanda,

It was great talking with you about the Senior Data Analyst position today. I'm excited about the upcoming projects that we talked about. My experience with SQL and my ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical team members will enable me to be very successful in this role, and I am ready to take the next step in my career. If you have any other questions about my qualifications, please reach out and I'll be happy to discuss further. Thanks again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.”

Pros of Answering Calls You Don't Recognize
Just like in sales, if you can get a person on the phone it's always better than having to return a call later when circumstances and interest levels may have dissipated. If you answer calls when you don't know the number and one of those calls happens to be about a job, then you have the chance to speak to a live person and impress them. If you create a strong sense of rapport quickly this often leads to the next step in the interview process. The main 'pro' for answering calls you don't recognize is that you will be more likely to maximize every potential opportunity that comes your way. In a job search environment that is getting increasingly more competitive, this counts for a lot. 

Cons of Answering Calls You Don't Recognize
The negative side of answering calls you don't recognize is that you won't be mentally prepared to have a professional job related conversation, and this can really work against you. If you've applied to lot of different positions, you likely won't remember the specifics of every job and every company. This can cause you to look unprepared and dismissive if you admit this to the person calling. Similarly, if you answer the phone and it's not a good time for you talk about a job, be mindful of how you come across when letting the hiring manager know this. Don't overshare why it's not a good time to talk, don't say you're busy and ask them to call you later, and don't admit that you've applied to a lot of jobs and you don't remember their company--and never act annoyed that they're calling you at a time that's not ideal for you (most hiring managers don't react well to this). 

So, which approach is the best one? It's really a hybrid of the two. If you want to maximize your job lead potential by answering calls you don't recognize, then be mindful of where you are when you answer your phone.

If you answer your phone but it's a bad time for you to talk, remember it's always acceptable to let the caller know that you're excited to hear from them, but they've caught you in the middle of of something and you're not in a great place to talk. Tell them you're so glad they called and you want to be able to give them your full attention. Ask them when would be a good time for you to call them back (try to set a specific appointment time) and confirm that you have their phone number. Never tell a potential employer to call you back at a specific time of your choosing--this is a bold move that gives the impression that your time is more valuable than theirs and that you assume they'll be free when it suits your schedule.

Another bonus to answering calls and then asking to schedule a specific time to talk means that you can maximize the number of potential job related calls you receive, while also allowing yourself time to prepare for the call. If you say something like, "I'm not where I can talk right now, but I'm so glad you called. Is there a good time I could give you a call back later this afternoon?" --then this gives you time to get to a quiet place, review their job description and company information, and make a great first impression. 

Ask us your career questions via the online chat box in the lower left corner of your screen. We’re passionate about helping job seekers and career changers find success and we love to share what we know.

You should NOT include a photo on your resume.

Including a photo on your resume is not standard practice for most people and it can work against you more often than it can work in your favor. The goal with a resume is to appeal to the biggest audience possible. To do this, it is in your best interest to avoid putting a photo on your resume. Doing so can create opportunities for discrimination and invite unnecessary bias. Some hiring managers and HR professionals may even consider it a poor use of judgement.

Because it is not standard practice in America, including a photo on your resume sends a message that you want your appearance to be a factor in whether you’re offered (or not offered) the job. This isn't an advisable way to go about getting attention from potential employers. 

Ask us your career questions via the online chat box in the lower left corner of your screen. We’re passionate about helping job seekers and career changers find success and we love to share what we know.

1. Read the "directions" ahead of time.
Before you check your camera angle and lighting, check for specific directions or requests. Have they asked you to do anything before you begin? Have they sent specific questions or talking points that you should be prepared to respond to? If you skim the instructions, you could miss critical performance-related information. Don’t rush to get in front of the camera and overlook a critical pre-interview detail.

2. Choose a good place to take the interview.
Choose a place with a neutral background and avoid distracting, messy, loud, or overly personal surroundings. The lighting should be good, and your location should be quiet. Stay away from public places and if you’re recording at home, make sure your family knows not to interrupt you.

3. Test things ahead of time.
Check your internet connection, speakers, microphone, and angles. Make sure everything is in place and working properly before you begin.

4. Dress the part.
Making a great impression starts with how you present yourself during the first few seconds, so treat video interviews like you would an in-person interview and dress to impress. Make sure you look polished, professional, and well groomed.

5. Practice what you’re going to say.
Never go to an interview planning to "wing it." Practice introducing yourself and giving people a little information about your background and experience. This should be no more than 60 seconds or so. If they want more details, they'll ask you follow up questions, so try not to ramble. Be able to tell them why you want the job, why your experience is relevant, and how you'll add value. Practice these talking points ahead of time and consider recording yourself to see how you sound.

6. Don’t watch yourself talk.
Look into the camera and not down at the thumbnail of yourself when you talk. Making eye contact is a big indicator of confidence. It can be more difficult to build rapport with your interviewer when you don’t have the benefit of a face-to-face meeting. By looking into the camera, you’ll help create a stronger connection with the person on the other side.

7. Keep Calm & Carry On.
Technical issues, awkward pauses, and unexpected incidents happen. If something unexpected goes wrong, don't let it alter your enthusiasm and momentum. Do your best to take a deep breath and stay calm. Employers are looking for people who are adaptable and resilient. Be the person who can smile and move forward with confidence.

Ask us your career questions via the online chat box in the lower left corner of your screen. We’re passionate about helping job seekers and career changers find success and we love to share what we know.

Have a specific question about your job search or career? Ask us your questions via the online chat tool in the lower left corner of your screen. We are passionate about helping people find career success and we love to share what we know!

Ask us your job search questions via the online chat tool in the lower left corner of your screen. We are passionate about helping people find career success and we love to share what we know!

• If you encounter Energy Vampires in your daily life remember Gandhi’s words “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.”
• If you have a personal friend or a friend at work who is an EV you may decide to talk to them about their negativity. If you have a strong relationship with them and they know you care about them, they may be open to your advice. But remember Energy Vampires can’t see their own reflection. They may not realize they are an Energy Vampire. Proceed with caution if you decide to go this route. And if you do, do it with love.
• If you have a neighbor that is an EV and it’s one of those days where you just don’t want their negativity to impact you, run away as fast as you can when you see them. Just say you have something in the oven.

Guest Blogger:

1. Lose the Fear
Fear is one of the biggest inhibitors of growth. Whatever you've been afraid of in the past—try to let some of it go. Even if that just means taking one small step in a new direction. Take that step! What would you do if you weren’t afraid? There’s only one way to find out.

2. Say “Yes” more
Achieving greater career success can be as simple as saying “yes” more often. Saying “yes” is a key part of movement, change, and growth. It's also a big factor in having valuable new experiences, ideas, opportunities, and people in your life. If you're invited to a party or an event that you wouldn't normally go to, say "Yes" for a change and see where it takes you.

3. Stop Eating Lunch Alone
Don’t put yourself on an island. If you’re looking for career growth, you’re going to need other people to help you. Have lunch with colleagues from different departments and seek out opportunities to connect up with other local professionals that you know. The goal is to expand your network, become more visible, and gain insight from others.

4. Gain New Skills
There is no better time than now to learn something new. Gaining new skills will make you more marketable and more confident. Sometimes employers will foot the bill for new training and certifications, but if not, there are great online classes and web tutorials available. Don’t let a lack of funding keep you from adding another line to your resume!

Need help with your resume or with thinking through career options? We're only a phone call or email away. Reach out anytime to speak to a member of our Career Coaching team and we'll be happy to listen to your story and share some tips on how to help you move forward in the right direction. We take in-person appointments and we also work with clients via phone or Skype.