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Why You're Getting Interviews But No Job Offers


If you’re getting interviews but no offers, you may be unknowingly saying something in the interview that’s keeping you from standing out as the “must-have” candidate. The whole purpose of an interview is to showcase that you’re the solution to the company’s challenges and needs. Yet candidates with extensive experience—often 15 years or more—may struggle to communicate this effectively.

The Common Misstep of Seasoned Professionals

One common issue for seasoned professionals is feeling the need to showcase their vast experience by presenting themselves as a “Jack or Jill of all trades.” They often say, “I can do this, I’ve done that,” listing a broad range of skills and achievements. While this might seem like a good strategy to demonstrate capability, it can backfire. When you’re running through a laundry list of skills, it can come across as overwhelming or even boastful—like a know-it-all, narcissist, or “bull in a china shop.”

The unfortunate result? The interviewer may perceive you as either difficult to work with or overly desperate. Think of it like trying to sell a high-end luxury car for the price of an economy model—interviewers may view it as too good to be true, which triggers skepticism instead of confidence.

Shifting Your Interview Strategy

After 15 years of experience, your interview approach should be markedly different from someone with just a few years in the industry. Instead of listing capabilities, aim to position yourself as a specialist with deep insight into the company’s needs. Here’s how:

  1. Ask Insightful Questions: Take time to ask detailed questions that demonstrate a genuine interest in the company’s specific challenges. This shows that you’re attentive, not just rattling off qualifications.
  2. Use Targeted Examples: Provide precise, relevant examples from your career to illustrate your expertise. Instead of stating you can handle everything, focus on specific achievements that directly relate to the role you’re interviewing for.
  3. Agitate the Pain Points: At Work It DAILY we teach a technique called “agitating the pain,” which involves showcasing your understanding of the issues the company is facing. Reflect the company’s pain points back to them and show that you have experience with similar challenges. For example, you might say, “Based on what you’ve shared, here’s how I would approach this challenge. At my previous company, we faced a similar issue, and I handled it by doing X, Y, and Z. Do you think a similar approach could work here?” This kind of collaborative approach feels less like a lecture and more like a tailored solution.
  4. Collaborate, Don’t Dictate: Instead of presenting your skills in a way that might feel one-sided, engage with the interviewer. Ask for feedback on your ideas and adapt them to their responses. Successful, savvy professionals do this naturally, and it’s a powerful way to build rapport.
Avoiding the “Oversell” Trap

With years of experience, you may be unknowingly overselling yourself. This can make you seem more like a “know-it-all” than a team player. By focusing on collaboration and targeted examples, you’ll present yourself as a valuable asset without overwhelming your interviewer.

If you’re over 40 or have significant career experience, you might find specific guidance helpful to adjust your interview approach. Work It DAILY offers a video tutorial inside our Interview Prep Course that’s tailored for seasoned professionals. Through our seven-day free trial, you can access this and other resources to refine your interview technique, ensuring that your experience shines in a way that lands just right with potential employers.

With these adjustments, you can transform your interview approach and become the must-have candidate who truly stands out.

Good luck! Go get 'em.

  Work It Daily RSS Feed

 23 hours 25 minutes ago

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6 Ways To Be Happy At Work


Can someone really strive to be happy at work? I mean, after all, it's called work. Is work supposed to be a source of happiness for us?

I happen to believe work can be a source of happiness and you can strive to be happy at work. Entirely possible. I've seen people who are happier at work than anywhere else. And they are perfectly healthy people.

Here are six tips to follow if you're sick of being miserable and want to learn how to be happy at work.

1. Stop Complaining

I think one of the biggest challenges of people being unable to be happy at work is really due to all of the complaining. Add to it all the gossip and rumors and it makes a very difficult environment to try to build some joy and happiness.

I suggest, tough as it may be, avoid complaining. In fact, stop complaining. When you distance yourself from negativity, you will quite naturally be happy at work. Or at least, feel a little happier. Don't feel the need to complain as if it will resolve the issue. If you need to, discuss the challenge. Then, find a way to diffuse it. Otherwise, I suggest you just stop. Resist complaining.

2. Build Affinity

What does this mean? Humans are social animals. We need others to connect. Learn to relate to others not just on the professional end but also on the personal side as well. Who knows? You may share some common interests with your colleagues and work suddenly does not feel boring.

There are common topics to talk about. Help others when you can. That is a way to build affinity with your co-workers. You will also sense energy within yourself because you are able to contribute beyond your regular work scope. Do not help by expecting others to return a favor though. You will be disappointed when others do not reciprocate. Help because you can and are willing.

3. Look For Connections

Sometimes you may not know it, but you may feel unhappy at work because you do not really know your role within the bigger organization.

Look for connections and try to understand your work. Where do you fit within your company? How do you contribute to the profits of the company? How do you add value to the organization? Look for these connections and keep learning new things. When you understand the bigger picture, you will understand your role and hence feel happier doing your job.

4. Figure Out What Work Means To You

Work means different things to different people. What does work mean to you? Is it something that puts bread on the table and that's all? Or do you look to work to fulfill other aspects of your life? Try to understand what your relationship with work is if you want to be happy at work.

5. Know Your Destination

Where do you want to be? How does this job contribute to your goals? Give yourself a goal. When you feel unhappy, you can always remind yourself of the bigger goal and how what you are doing now contributes to it. Seeing your goal and how your job contributes to it can help you feel happy at work.

6. Learn To Accept And Manage Disappointments

Learn to accept and manage disappointments with people and with work. Nothing is perfect and situations are always in a flux. So, don't be too attached to the idea that you should be happy at work. Strive to be happy, but if that's not possible, learn to accept that it is a fact of life.

You can find a way to be happy at work. I believe the secret is in understanding your role, your relationship with work, how you relate to people, and how willing you are to be nice and stop complaining. Above and beyond that, learn to accept that disappointments come and go.

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 3 days 22 hours ago

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How To Write A LinkedIn Profile When You’re Unemployed


Are you wondering how to write a LinkedIn profile when you're unemployed? This may sound odd but if you're unemployed, you actually have better opportunities to promote yourself on LinkedIn than other users.

Openly displaying your personal brand and skills is simpler than fretting over the possibility that your boss is reviewing your LinkedIn profile changes with suspicion. Still, marketing yourself on LinkedIn when you're seeking a new job can be daunting. What should you disclose about your job search and goals—and how much?

Use these tips to write a strong LinkedIn profile when you're unemployed—one that tells employers why you're an asset to their organization while capitalizing on your ability to freely promote your skills.

1. Your Headline

Here's where you'll want to ensure your value proposition (rather than your employment status) stands out. After all, your LinkedIn headline is prime real estate. It's displayed in nearly every interaction you'll have on the site and is the most heavily weighted field in LinkedIn's indexing scheme.

However, your employment status is not the brand message to send to employers. That's definitely one of the common LinkedIn headline mistakes. Instead, you'll want to display a clear promise of value, while alluding to (but not directly stating) your job search.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile (especially your headline) by adding specific keywords that relate to your skill sets.

The following example shows how you can make your message clear to employers, without the negative connotation of "unemployed" in your LinkedIn headline:

Senior Sales Rep | Manufacturing | SaaS | IT | Infrastructure | Applications | Networking | Managed Services

See how there's no mention of your employment status? (Note: This also means you shouldn't add the "Open to Work" banner on your LinkedIn profile.) The goal is to draw recruiters, hiring managers, and employers in with your skills. Then they'll be inclined to check out your profile, review your experience, and message you once they see your LinkedIn summary and the end date of your previous job.

2. Your About Section (LinkedIn Summary)

Just like your LinkedIn headline, your LinkedIn About section, also called your LinkedIn summary, can be used to deliver a direct message to employers—referring to your value proposition first and foremost. What services do you provide as a business-of-one?

The best way to accomplish this is by adding a vertical list of your skills underneath your personal branding statement, which is basically you explaining the problem you like to solve for employers and what you would like to do next with your skills.

You can also close your LinkedIn summary with a call to action that states:

I'm eager to discuss requirements for a business development leader who can open multiyear sales opportunities at the CIO or CTO level, using a sales background in cloud services, hosting, managed services, and software.

In this example, business development, sales, CIO, CTO, and other industry-specific terms are all used as keywords to attract attention from the right employer. Combine this with a list of skills and a keyword-optimized personal branding statement and you'll have hiring managers hooked.

3. Your Experience

If your employment ended only recently, you have several options. Some users leave their LinkedIn profile as is for a few months, especially if they're technically still "employed" by receiving severance pay. You may need to check with your former employer before doing this.

Another option is to simply give your former job an end date on your LinkedIn profile. While doing so will drop your profile's searchability (slightly), this is also the most straightforward way to show your current status.

In some cases, job seekers add a "current job" to give recruiters an idea of the title they're seeking, while making it clear they're currently unemployed. Should you decide to do so, a simple "COO in Transition" or "Sales Rep Open to Territory Responsibility" can serve to educate your LinkedIn profile viewers on your status.

The bottom line? Being unemployed is actually a good reason to tend to your LinkedIn profile with renewed enthusiasm. If you use keywords and brand messaging appropriately and leverage your ability to be more open in your job search, you're likely to gain increased traffic (and job opportunities) as a result.

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 5 days ago

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When (And How) To Ask For A Raise


Asking for a raise is probably as hard as breaking up with your high school boyfriend or girlfriend. It's something that you know you need to do in order to grow, but you're not exactly sure when and how to do it.

The truth is, you will probably need to ask for a raise at some point in your life. Like our parents always said, "If you want something, you gotta ask for it!"

Here are a few ways you can ask for a raise, and get the timing right.

When To Ask For A Raise

In this case, it's a bit easier to establish when not to ask for a raise. These are the times that it might not work out too well:

  1. During a review - this way, your boss will have compiled all the reasons why they shouldn't be giving you a raise and they will be the one with the facts and numbers.
  2. When you are emotional - approaching the conversation when you are angry or sad will definitely not set the right tone for the talk to take place.
  3. During layoffs - they probably had to let someone go because they could not afford to pay them anymore. Instead of getting a raise, you might just be shown the door.
  4. When you already got a raise this year - okay, now you might just be overeager.

The best time to ask your boss for a raise is probably right after you've completed a successful project. The project details and your influence will still be fresh in their memory. If your role in the project is the reason for its success then there isn't a more perfect time. Also, if you've been doing great work overall and haven't received a raise in over 12 months, you might be able to make a powerful case for one.

How To Ask For A Raise

Here are some tips for asking for a raise:

Prepare Yourself

First, you need to determine your worth. If you don't know why you should be earning more, how could you sell the idea to your boss?

Before approaching your boss to ask for a raise, you should look at the salaries in your industry. How much are your "peers" in the industry being paid? Are you being realistic with your expectations? Start preparing your research now to determine whether you're getting paid enough. Don't wait for your annual review or for your boss to start the conversation.

Ease Into It

Don't walk into the office throwing numbers and statistics around. This is a conversation that should be eased into. Ask your boss what they think about your performance and achievements in the past few months. This way, you will be able to get an idea of your manager's general opinion of you, and whether it's positive or negative.

Since you've also done your research, you will be able to explain to them why you are such an asset and why you deserve to get a raise. See if you can find common ground in the conversation where you could introduce the topic.

Avoid Complaining

This meeting should be handled in the exact manner that any business meeting would. It's about listing the facts and not trying to play an emotional or personal card. The last thing your boss would want is more issues. So, don't start out by telling them that you work weekends, barely see your family, and are on the verge of a mental breakdown. Bring solutions to the table, instead of complaints.

Remember, you want to keep working for this company. It's not a "raise or quit" situation, so don't overcomplicate things. Using complaints to add to your argument just shows that you didn't prepare well enough. It's also simply unprofessional.

Ask The Right Questions

When discussing the topic of a raise, ask your boss what their expectations are in giving a raise to an employee. What should you be doing to ensure a raise in the future? If they mention a lot of things that you've already accomplished or are currently doing, you could bring this to their attention. This way, they will be thinking that they're giving you a raise according to their standards, not yours.

Raises are about what you've done, but they have more to do with what you'll do in the future. If you've only proven to be a mediocre asset to the company, your boss will be hard-pressed to give you anything other than what you've earned.

Some raise requests might take a series of conversations. Don't get discouraged, but make sure that you understand why now is not the right time. Ask what you could change and why they think it's not the right time. Ask them precisely what it would take for you to get a raise, then over-deliver. You'll have a strong case at the next meeting.

Asking for a raise isn't easy. You need to get the timing right and enough evidence to support your case. Don't rush into the conversation. Make sure you have your ducks in a row, and then you'll be able to walk into your manager's office confidently and with the odds in your favor.

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 6 days ago

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5 Ways To Boost Your Resume So It Gets Noticed By Employers


We've all been there. A job that you would absolutely love gets posted. But when you look at the job description, you realize there are required skills you don't have on your resume.

Now is a good time to ask yourself: "Is there anything else I can add to my resume that will make me more marketable?"

Your resume may need a boost.

At Work It DAILY, we like to say that you are a business-of-one. You're marketing yourself—and your services—to potential employers, who are essentially your customers paying for the services and value you provide. Your ability to market yourself increases when you have more skills to display. If you don't have all the skills you'd like, there are plenty of ways you can acquire them and add them to your resume.

Follow the five tips below to boost your resume and impress employers.

1. Get Certified

Certifications are an excellent way to deepen your expertise and demonstrate to employers that you’re committed to professional growth. In today’s job market, many industries value certifications as evidence of specific, up-to-date skills. Whether you're pivoting to a new field or advancing within your current role, earning a certification can boost your credibility and make you stand out in a competitive applicant pool.

To start, research reputable organizations that offer certifications in your area of interest. Many well-known companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce, provide their own certification programs, which can give you a recognized qualification in skills relevant to various roles. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and edX also offer courses that prepare you for certification exams in a range of disciplines, from project management and data analysis to digital marketing and IT support.

When choosing a certification, consider the specific requirements of the jobs you're targeting. Review job postings to see which certifications are frequently requested or listed as preferred qualifications. For instance, if you're interested in digital marketing, certifications in Google Analytics, Google Ads, or HubSpot Inbound Marketing are valuable additions to your resume. If you're in project management, a PMP (Project Management Professional) or Scrum certification can set you apart from other candidates.

Once you earn your certification, be sure to display it on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional networking platforms. Many certification programs, like those from Google, offer digital badges that you can add to your profiles, making it easy for recruiters to verify your credentials. These certifications not only expand your skill set but also show potential employers that you’re proactive, adaptable, and eager to stay relevant in your field.

2. Volunteer

Volunteering is a powerful way to build valuable skills and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re looking to develop leadership abilities, sharpen communication skills, or gain hands-on experience in a specific industry, volunteering offers a unique, hands-on approach to personal and professional growth. This experience can also serve as a low-pressure way to explore new roles.

If you’re considering a career shift, volunteering allows you to "try out" a new field before fully committing. By engaging with others who are passionate about similar causes, you expand your network with people who can offer career advice, potential job leads, or even mentorship.

Many organizations actively seek volunteers to support their missions, providing opportunities to make a difference and grow. Not only does this boost your resume, but it also demonstrates your initiative, adaptability, and dedication to contributing to something bigger than yourself—qualities highly valued by employers.

3. Pick Up A Part-Time Job

If you have the time, picking up a part-time job can be a win-win in many ways. Not only does it provide the chance to earn extra income, but it also allows you to gain valuable, hands-on experience that can enhance your skill set and make you more marketable in the future.

For example, if you're considering a shift into digital marketing, a part-time role where you help manage social media or analyze online engagement could give you an inside look at the industry. Learning these skills in a real-world setting can provide insights and practical knowledge that no amount of reading or online courses alone could match.

Working a part-time job not only boosts your resume but also helps you expand your network and introduces you to people with diverse perspectives, which can be invaluable for both personal growth and professional opportunities.

4. Freelance

Similar to picking up a part-time gig, freelancing offers a unique path to career growth, allowing you to explore new industries, develop new skills, and build expertise without the long-term commitment of a traditional job. By working on freelance projects, you gain hands-on experience in various tasks, from managing client relationships to honing specialized skills, whether it’s writing, graphic design, coding, or consulting. This variety can boost your resume and portfolio, making you a more versatile and attractive candidate in the eyes of future employers.

Additionally, the exposure freelancing provides to different work environments and industries helps you become adaptable and resilient, skills that are increasingly valued in today’s evolving job market. Over time, freelancing can become not only a way to make extra income but also a strategic career move, allowing you to explore passions, cultivate a network, and build a reputation as a reliable, skilled professional in your chosen field.

5. Take Courses

If you have the time and resources, invest in yourself by taking online courses or classes at a local college. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but you'll also be enhancing your skill set, making yourself more marketable to potential employers. Employers are always on the lookout for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, as it signals adaptability, relevancy, and a proactive approach to career development.

To develop more skills and increase your marketability to employers, try following one or more of the tips above. The more skills you develop, the easier it will be for you to boost your resume and stand out to employers in your job search.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!


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 1 week ago

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Going Back To Work At 50: Where Should You Start?


So, you’re thinking about going back to work at 50 after a long break. You might be wondering where to even start. Let's break it down honestly and set the groundwork for a fresh career journey with the right approach.

The truth is, going back to work after such a long time will feel like a reset, but it's entirely possible to build a fulfilling career again. Here’s how to get started.

A Reality Check: Embrace the Re-Start Mindset

Taking a substantial break from the workforce means you’re essentially starting fresh. A general rule of thumb is that for every year out, you lose about 10% of your relevancy in the traditional job market. So, after a decade, it’s almost like you’re beginning from scratch on paper. But that doesn’t mean you’re actually at zero—you’ve built invaluable life skills and experiences along the way, and we’re going to make sure you leverage those.

Step 1: Self-Discovery (Who Are You at Work?)

Before diving into resumes and job applications, the first step is all about getting to know yourself as a future employee. Consider it a self-discovery phase. Ask yourself these questions:

  • What’s your work style? Do you prefer collaborative environments, or are you more productive working independently?
  • What kind of value do you bring? How do you enjoy contributing and making a difference?
  • What are your learning preferences? Do you thrive with hands-on training or through self-directed projects?
  • What companies attract you, and why?

By answering these questions, you’ll get a clearer picture of what you want and need from a job and workplace.

Step 2: Build Your Target List (A "Bucket List" of Employers)

Once you have a better idea of your professional identity, it’s time to create a bucket list of companies where you could see yourself working. Think about companies that align with your values, culture preferences, and job roles you’re interested in exploring. This list will become your guide as you move into the networking phase.

Step 3: Network Through Informational Interviews

Networking is your best tool right now, especially when your resume may not directly reflect your recent experience. Start by scheduling informational interviews, which are casual conversations with people working in roles or companies you’re interested in. This is not about asking for a job. Instead, you’ll be learning about their career paths, roles, and insights about the industry.

During these chats, share who you are, what you’re excited about, and the kinds of problems you love solving. Many people enjoy talking about their work and are often willing to share their experiences and advice. Plus, these connections can introduce you to hiring managers and advocate for you as a viable candidate.

Step 4: Let Connections Do the Talking

Through these genuine conversations, your personality and passion will stand out. People will start to see your potential—not as someone who has been out of work for 17 years, but as someone with fresh energy and motivation. When they see you’re a fit for a role, they might recommend you for positions or introduce you to hiring managers, where your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will shine.

Step 5: Forget the Resume—For Now

Your resume, though important, will not be the primary tool that lands you a job after such a long break. Traditional online job applications that rely heavily on resumes may work against you at this stage. Instead, your networking, self-assessment, and carefully chosen conversations will be what opens doors. You’ll still prepare a resume, but only after you’ve identified what makes you unique and after you’ve built connections that can support your application.

Take Action: Tools to Help Your Job Search

Kickstart your journey with a career assessment tool, like my free Career Decoder Quiz. This will help you align your strengths and personality with potential job roles and get you thinking about where you want to fit in. If you would like additional support, sign up for a Work It DAILY membership (we offer a 7-day free trial!) where our career experts can help interpret your results and strategize your search.

Going back to work after 50, especially with a long gap, is all about finding the right approach, tools, and support. With a thoughtful plan and the right connections, your experience and new enthusiasm will become your biggest assets. Welcome back to the workforce—you’re going to do great!

Good luck! Go get 'em.

  Work It Daily RSS Feed

 1 week ago

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5 Tips For Talking To Your Boss About Stress


We're all guilty of taking work home with us at the end of the day—whether that means thinking about your to-do list while making dinner, responding to emails on your phone, or pouring over spreadsheets on your laptop.

According to a 2020 Gallup study, 57% of Americans and Canadians are stressed out by their jobs on a daily basis, an 8% jump from the previous year. Overwork is just one of the many sources of stress in the modern workplace and, while we may have accepted constant attachment to internet-connected devices as a fact of life, we shouldn't accept the stress brought on by a poor work-life balance. In fact, stress is more than just an unfortunate part of the job. It's a safety hazard.

According to MySafetySign's 2015 Health and Safety Industry Survey, stress is the most overlooked workplace safety concern, with overwork coming in as a close second. Of the health and safety professionals surveyed, 24% of respondents cited stress as the health and safety concern not given enough consideration by superiors, while 20% listed overwork as the top concern.

Whatever your industry, it is more important than ever to know how to discuss stress with those who have the power to change it—namely, your boss. These five tips will help you start a dialogue about stress and overwork with your higher-ups.

1. Find The Source Of Your Stress

Identify the specific stressors that are most concerning. If a particular situation doesn't immediately spring to mind, take a moment to write down everything you do at work and how much time you spend on each activity, including favors you do for co-workers and responding to emails.

2. Get The Timing Right

Know when it's time to go to a superior. If this is something that can be resolved before speaking to your boss, such as a disagreement with a colleague, try addressing the stressful situation at a lower level first.

3. Schedule A Meeting

Send your boss an email to set up a meeting. Simply ask for a 15-20 minute conversation to discuss your job performance. It is important to have these discussions face-to-face so that your concerns are given the weight and attention they merit. The email you send will form the beginning of a paper trail to prove, if need be, that you've taken steps to address the stress.

4. Keep It Short

Keep the meeting short and to the point. Be clear about what is worrying you and give examples. Are you short-staffed? Do you feel pressure to attend to work after hours? Focus on addressing these concerns, and only these, in the meeting while doing your best to keep your emotions out of it. (Now is not the time to ask for a raise or promotion!)

5. Be Prepared

Come to the meeting armed with some solutions to your workplace stress. Express your gratitude for your work, and ask for permission to carry out your suggestions. Your boss may have other solutions they'd like to implement, but by suggesting your own fixes, you show you are serious about improving the stressful situation, whatever it may be.

Once your employers know that stress is a concern, they may do a better job of keeping your workload to a manageable level in the future. If after a week or two you feel just as stressed out as when you had your initial discussion, don't be afraid to schedule a follow-up meeting. Remember, your health and safety may depend on it.

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 1 week 4 days ago

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How Job Seekers Should Leverage LinkedIn Recommendations


Everyone knows LinkedIn recommendations look good, but few are aware of the most persuasive ways to use them to aid their job search. When you're hunting for a job, what you're really doing is marketing yourself to an employer, and LinkedIn recommendations are a great way to sell yourself.

Employers are in the marketplace looking for the best candidate, and you're in the marketplace looking for the best position. Now, LinkedIn recommendations are essentially testimonials of your character and ability. And to marketers, testimonials are gold—especially focused ones that highlight the areas most important to your prospect (your future employer, in this case).

A marketer will tell you that you can make any claim you want, but it's not believable or effective unless you have solid proof. And testimonials are the proof you need. They're a testament from a credible source saying that you're able to do what you claim you can.

3 Types Of LinkedIn Recommendations 

Here are the three kinds of testimonials you need:

1. Expert testimonial - This can be from a mentor, boss, or teacher. Try to get one from a leader in your field if possible, since they'll be easily recognizable as an authority to your future employer.

2. Character testimonial - Friends, peers, and co-workers are great character testimonials. They can testify to your positive qualities and provide a more personal perspective.

3. Mentee testimonial - If you've helped someone along their way and they'll testify about the impact you've had on their life, that can be really powerful. Serving others shows strong leadership qualities, which is highly desirable to your dream employer.

How To Get LinkedIn Recommendations

There are two solid ways to get quality testimonials. The first works like karma: give recommendations to others—especially to people you would like one back from—and they'll likely return the favor. This is also a great way to serve your network.

You can also reach out to anyone in your network with a personal message saying something along the lines of:

"Hey [x], hope you're doing well. I'm looking to start my career in [y], and would really appreciate it if you would write a brief LinkedIn recommendation for me. I want to show my future employer that I'm [quality #1], [quality #2], and [quality #3], and I believe you're the best person to testify to that. By the way, if you'd like a recommendation touching on anything in particular, I'd be happy to write one for you as well."

How To Persuade Employers With LinkedIn Recommendations

Here are some ways you can use your LinkedIn recommendations:

1. Resume - The top of your resume that contains your contact information should also contain a link to your LinkedIn profile. This will give employers the option of looking at your profile, and if they're going to take the time to look at your profile, they'll likely look at your recommendations. Nowadays, most if not all employers will look you up on LinkedIn regardless of whether you include the link on your resume or not.

2. Website & Portfolio - If you have a personal website or portfolio, then this is a great place to put them.

3. References - Most job seekers have a good idea of who they want to use for professional references, but if you're struggling, you could go back and look at your LinkedIn recommendations and put together a potential reference list based on your best recommendations.

The key to mastering the job search is finding a way to stand out as the best candidate, and there are cases where powerful LinkedIn recommendations can give you a major boost.

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 1 week 4 days ago

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5 Tips For Celebrating Halloween At Work


Halloween is here! The chill is in the air. The leaves are turning on the trees. Bags of candy of every description practically fall off the shelves into your basket as you wind your way through the grocery store. And everyone—especially the kids—has their Halloween costumes picked out.

Halloween isn't just for children, though.

Many adults enjoy having the opportunity to dress up in costume and celebrate “All Hallows' Eve." Many businesses feel obligated—or enjoy, as the case may be—decorating for Halloween the same way they decorate for Christmas.

A dilemma a working professional could face as Halloween approaches is what sort of activity to do and what type of “costume" to consider wearing to work. While you want to have fun, you also need to display good judgment.

So, when it comes to celebrating Halloween at work, remember to keep these five rules of thumb in mind.

Check The Policy

via GIPHY

If you are new to the company, check out what the policy is around celebrating Halloween at work. It may not even be allowed, and you don't want to show up as the only one in costume looking foolish (or worse, having to go home to change!).

Make Sure Your Costume Is Tasteful

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If costumes are allowed or even encouraged, use good taste. Be clever, but not ghoulish. Be original. Think of something you can put together from things you have at home. You don't need to spend a fortune to have a clever costume.

Decorate Your Office

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If you can add to the festivities by decorating your office (or your desk) with something that is seasonally appropriate, do that as long as it falls within your workplace policy. This gets your office more into the holiday spirit, and it gives you the chance to show off your personality!

Don't Go Crazy With The Celebration

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Make sure you aren't the one who goes "too far" in celebrating Halloween. Use good judgment around everything you say and do around the holiday.

Put Candy Out For Your Co-Workers

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If you are in a position to have candy on your desk or in an area where people can help themselves, it might be appreciated. Make sure the candy is the type that is individually wrapped, though. Also, make sure you're cautious of any food allergies in the office.

Putting candy out helps you celebrate Halloween, but it could also help you get to know your co-workers better. They could stop by your desk, have a piece of candy, and chat for a minute or two.

At the end of the day, Halloween is one of those holidays that some people enjoy and appreciate, and others do not. Do your homework ahead of time to make sure you're celebrating within the company's guidelines. The last thing you need is to be called to the boss's office because you used poor judgment or displayed poor taste over a holiday.

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 1 week 5 days ago

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How To Create A Resume With Impact: Duties vs. Results


When creating your resume, remember this is a document to market your experience and skills and showcase what you have to offer. Your resume is much more effective and attractive to employers when it demonstrates what you have achieved with your previous experiences and what you can potentially achieve for the new employer.

Unfortunately, most of the resumes employers receive today still read like a laundry list of duties. Avoid this common mistake with the tips below to create a resume with impact.

Don’t State The Obvious

If you’re simply describing your job duties on your resume—a generic job description—there’s probably going to be little interest from employers. Although today’s applicant tracking systems (the software that reads and ranks resumes) will need this information, employers really need to know how you performed against goals or your peers.

Quantify And Qualify Accomplishments

Your accomplishments on the job are what will differentiate you from the next candidate. They're also what will help demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.

For instance, if you have a career in sales, rather than state the obvious (“Contact prospective customers to introduce new product releases") tie in the results you’ve achieved. A more effective statement would read: “Initiated contact with 20+ prospective customers on new product releases and secured 15 sales contracts, ranking as the top salesperson of the year.” This latter statement, which includes numbers that quantify your work experience, provides insight into why you're a great candidate for a job in sales.

If you are in a position where it's not easy to quantify accomplishments, then consider these questions:

  • Are you the only person doing this job?
  • If not, how many peers do you have, and how does your performance compare?
  • Are you the go-to person for anything in particular?
  • What are some of the things that your managers have put in your performance evaluations?
Be The Problem Solver

Job postings will include details of responsibilities, but sometimes they may also hint at situations where they seek candidates with particular experience in the area. Be the problem solver by demonstrating on your resume a similar situation that you took action on and resolved. Whether it was to help streamline order processing or enter a new international market, bullet points to convey experience and results achieved offer greater impact than detailing your general duties on the job.

Employers simply want to hire the best talent so show them what you can accomplish for them, not the general job duties of a position. Keep that in mind and you’ll create a resume with impact!

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 2 weeks ago

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How To Explain Quitting A Toxic Job During An Interview


Leaving a job due to a toxic environment can be one of the most difficult and emotional decisions you make in your career. But explaining that decision in a job interview? That can be equally challenging. It requires careful wording, balance, and self-awareness. So, how can you talk about your experience without reflecting poorly on yourself or sounding overly negative?

Here’s how to explain quitting a toxic job in your next interview.

1. Maintain a Balanced Perspective

When discussing why you left, remember this: there are always three sides to every story—your side, their side, and the truth somewhere in the middle. It’s natural to have strong opinions about the situation, but focusing on negativity or blaming the former employer will likely raise red flags with the interviewer.

Instead, aim to keep a balanced tone that acknowledges the reality without casting blame. A thoughtful, objective approach is key here.

2. Acknowledge Your Role

It's easy to think, "I wasn’t the toxic one!" But a part of accountability means recognizing why you stayed longer than you should have. Perhaps you ignored early red flags or hoped things would change. Even if the circumstances weren’t your fault, taking ownership of your response to the situation shows maturity and self-awareness.

You might say, “I didn’t realize at the time that I needed to start looking for a better fit sooner. Now I recognize the importance of being proactive if something isn’t working out.”

3. Provide a Thoughtful Example

So, how can you respond to the inevitable question, “Why did you leave your last job?” Here’s an example response:

“That’s a great question, and I want to be honest. The company wasn’t the right fit for me, and over time, it became clear that I needed to move on. In hindsight, I should have recognized that sooner and started looking for a new position before it reached that point.“I’ve learned that when I feel a job is no longer the right fit, it’s essential to address it early. Either by seeking solutions or, if necessary, by finding a better match. I’m excited about this opportunity because I’ve had time to reflect on what I’m truly looking for in my career, and I feel that your company aligns with my goals.”

4. Emphasize Growth and Forward Focus

An effective answer does more than reflect on the past; it demonstrates how you’ve grown and what you’re seeking in your next role. Here’s how to position it:

“I’m grateful for the lessons I learned and am ready to move forward. I want to find a role where I can contribute long-term and feel engaged and valued. This opportunity excites me because it aligns with my career goals and gives me a chance to apply what I’ve learned.”

5. Show Accountability and Maturity

The key to a positive response is showing that you’ve taken ownership of your actions and reactions. Avoid making excuses, downplaying the experience, or oversimplifying the situation. The goal is to be honest, acknowledge what you’ve learned, and share how it’s shaped your approach moving forward.

An honest yet balanced answer helps recruiters see that you are mature, self-aware, and ready for a new opportunity where you can truly thrive.

Remember, taking ownership, even in tough situations, demonstrates resilience and adaptability—traits any employer values. Follow the tips above to effectively explain why you quit a toxic job during an interview.

Good luck! Go get 'em.

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 2 weeks ago

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How To Avoid The Monday Blues


As the weekend winds down, many professionals start to tense up just thinking about what awaits them at work on Monday morning. For some, it's a shadow that looms over their Sunday afternoons. This is known as the Sunday scaries and the Monday blues—and it's not a good feeling.

However, it doesn't have to be this way! Monday is just another day of the week. Mondays will always be a little extra busy because it starts a new workweek. But there are ways to make Monday a little less overwhelming (and depressing, if we're being honest).

Here's how to successfully avoid the Monday blues and start your week off right.

1. Prepare Properly For Monday

On Friday, once the work of the week is complete, take some time to prepare for Monday. Perhaps there is some time to get a jump on next week's work. Make a list of things that need to get done next week so you can go into the weekend with peace of mind and avoid any potential Monday morning surprises. Good time management throughout the week can help even out the daily workload.

For employers, you may want to consider easing up on the Monday morning meetings. Meetings are important to make sure everyone within the company is on the same page and working toward the same goals. However, there's no rule saying that they have to be held Monday morning. The meeting could be held on Monday afternoon or any other day of the week instead.

In addition, good communication with the workforce throughout the week goes a long ways to making sure that any meetings that are held go by efficiently and don't drag on.

2. Go Into Monday Well-Rested

Weekends are a time to catch up on things and have a little fun. As a result, rest and relaxation can sometimes fall by the wayside.

In an ideal scenario, most of the weekend's activities would be concluded by late Sunday afternoon, allowing you an opportunity to wind down, relax, and get a good night's sleep. Going into any workday with low energy will have a negative impact, but more so on Monday because it could potentially set a negative tone for the rest of the week.

Go into Monday with as much energy as possible, set a productive tone for the week, and then maintain a healthy work-life balance until the weekend comes around again.

3. Change Your Perspective Of Monday

Many professionals have been programmed to dread Mondays. But what if that's more mental than reality? Ask yourself, "Is my Monday any worse than any other day?" In most cases, it probably isn't. And even if it is, how you decide to approach the day could determine how the rest of the day goes.

Many unpleasant things in life can be improved with a positive attitude. Look at Monday as a brand new start, a clean slate. You're about to meet a new workweek and Monday is a first impression.

It also helps to give yourself something to look forward to each Monday. It could be going out to lunch, happy hour after work with co-workers and friends, or maybe a special family dinner out each Monday. It could even be something as simple as a workout at the gym or a movie or game night.

Whatever it is, having something fun to look forward to each Monday makes the day seem more manageable and adds positivity to it.

Continuing to approach Monday with dread and negativity will only make things worse, so turn it into a positive experience. Follow the easy tips above to avoid the Monday blues and crush the upcoming workweek!

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 2 weeks 3 days ago

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5 Unhealthy Job Search Habits Keeping You Unemployed


Sometimes in life, our actions are completely counterintuitive. For example, deciding to go on a diet. The first thing most people do is think they must eliminate something or cut back. In reality, the challenge of a diet is you must add more good foods versus taking away bad foods. The good naturally replaces the bad. But, it's a huge challenge to plan and add good healthy foods to your diet five to six times a day versus going to the drive-thru two times a day. The same is true for your job search.

Are you going to get "job healthy" by adding good habits to your daily routine, or are you going to stay fat, miserable, and unemployed by choosing the “fast food" route? Of course, the challenge is to know what is healthy and what is not.

Here are the top five unhealthy job search habits and how to replace them with healthy ones.

1. Targeting Human Resources And Recruiters

Yes, eventually you will likely have to talk to those folks, but they should be the last group you actually try to get in front of. Most people think they make the hiring decisions. They don't; the hiring manager does. And not only that, but the hiring manager is the one who has a vested interest in filling the position. They are the person who will lose sleep if the position is not filled.

So, change your habit of going to HR and instead start going directly to the source, or even better: get a referral to the source (that gives you the inside edge). You can accomplish this by networking your way into the company (aka back-channeling). Reach out to and connect with current employees on LinkedIn. Mention things you have in common, and explain why you're passionate about the company.

Also, HR and recruiters should be reaching out to you. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized so they can easily find you on the platform.

2. Thinking The Interview Has Anything To Do With You

In reality, your objective should be just like a salesperson's when they are trying to make a sale. Your number one job is to serve others. And the better job you do of proving that, the better you will be received.

You are a business-of-one. The interview has very little to do with you and everything to do with how you are going to solve the problems the company is facing. You find that out through research and good Socratic and behavioral interviewing.

3. Trying To Be The “Most Qualified Candidate"

Honestly, the most qualified person rarely gets the job. First of all, the most qualified person probably didn't even apply. Second, they may have the best technical qualifications and years of experience but be an absolutely horrible fit for the company's culture and objectives.

The best candidate is the best fit, the one who can help the organization meet its goals, not cause a huge rift, and stay for a long, long time. Simple enough, but more challenging to prove than just copying the qualifications from a job description and expecting an offer.

4. Using Quick Fix (Fast Food) Solutions

The list goes on and on and includes "resume distribution" services, fancy resume writing packages, and SEO services. Unfortunately, all of these quick fixes have one thing in common: they are passive (and ineffective) ways to get a job.

That is also called gambling. Sure, sometimes they work; and sometimes people win the lottery. Instead, do what 80% of successful job seekers do and get proactively involved by researching and contacting as many companies and individuals as you possibly can.

It's always been about who you know. So, get out there and make new connections!

5. Posting Your Resume On Major Job Boards

This may be the most unhealthy solution of all! Why? Because it serves our need for immediate gratification, yet gives us virtually no benefit. We feel like we have done something, but in reality, we just took a shortcut and went through the drive-thru. By taking the time to continuously post your resume and apply for jobs you are taking valuable time away from healthy, proactive solutions.

Think about the act of posting a resume online. It's not even as good as buying a lottery ticket. At least when you play the lottery, you find out in a week or so why you didn't win! Taking the easy way out is what most people do (you know, because it's easy).

For true success, you have to do just the opposite of what most people are doing. Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Include the hard skills and transferable skills the job requires that you can quantify from your previous work experience. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but it's the best strategy to get your resume past the ATS and in front of the hiring manager.

Wow, we can see the job search fat just melting off! Congratulations, you have now joined the ranks of fit, active, fulfilled job seekers.

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 2 weeks 5 days ago

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How To Choose The Right Skills To Include On Your Resume


When you begin the job application process, you need to make sure your resume is optimized and ready to be sent out to employers. The struggle isn't so much finding enough things to include on your resume. Rather, it's choosing what skills, experiences, and accomplishments to include on your resume to boost your likelihood of landing an interview.

Choosing the right skills to include on your resume is easier said than done. What skills will really stand out to recruiters and hiring managers? What skills demonstrate why you'd be a great fit for the position? What skills best represent what you bring to the table?

Fortunately, there's an easy process you can follow to ensure you're answering these questions and setting yourself up for job opportunities. Here are four steps to choosing the right skills to include on your resume.

1. Decode Job Descriptions

Before you hit "apply" on a job posting, it's important to read through the job description and understand what the job actually entails.

You have to analyze the job description, then think about how you would fit into this "mold" of an employee that they have in mind for the position. Start to think about the core responsibilities you've had in your previous jobs.

Do your previous core responsibilities translate into skills that this job posting is asking for—skills that would make you a great fit for the position?

2. Ask Yourself "Can I Quantify That?"

Once you've decoded the job description and determined if you have the skills the employer is asking for, it's time to think about which skills you should include on your resume (because you can't include them all).

The key to getting your resume past the ATS is to include only hard skills on your resume.

Hard skills (skills that tie directly to core responsibilities) are what applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers want to see. They're quantifiable. If you can't quantify it, it's probably a soft skill. Soft skills do not belong on your resume.

So, when deciding what skills you should include on your resume, ask yourself, "Can I quantify that?" If you can, it's a hard skill, and it belongs on your resume.

Both industry-specific and transferable hard skills can go on your resume. After decoding the job description, you will know which hard skills the employer is looking for.

3. Think About Your Brand

The next step in deciding which skills should go on your resume deals with personal branding. You want to make sure you are "branding" yourself correctly for job opportunities.

By that, we mean knowing what type of service you provide for a company—and what skill sets support that service.

After all, here at Work It DAILY, we know every job seeker is a business-of-one. Are you branding your business (yourself) correctly in order to attract customers (employers looking to invest in you)?

Know your brand, and own it!

4. Customize, Customize, Customize

The last step in deciding which skills should go on your resume is customization.

Customizing your resume is very important. You'll probably have to highlight different skills for the different jobs you apply for. That means customizing your resume for each job application.

  • What projects did you work on?
  • What expertise did you gain?
  • What skills should you be emphasizing?

If you ask yourself these questions for each job you want to apply for, your answers will most likely differ. That's how you'll know you're customizing your resume correctly and giving yourself the best chance to land an interview.

As you're thinking about your resume, remember you have more skills than you realize. Your job is to make it easy for employers to see the connection between your skill sets and the skill sets needed to do the job. When in doubt, ask yourself, "Can I quantify that?"

The goal at this stage in the job search process is to get an interview. You can only worry about getting the job after you know you're in the running. What skills are going to get you in the door?

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 2 weeks 6 days ago

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5 Ways To Avoid Job Search Scams


Looking for a job can be a nuisance, and life can get so hectic sometimes that many people end up relying on online job boards. You apply to about 10-15 jobs a day, you're tired from whatever life tasks are in your daily routine, it takes you about a good hour to find a job you would be interested in and is hiring, and the last thing you think about before hitting that submit resume button is, "Is this job posting a scam?"

It's hard enough to get any callbacks from online job postings, so wouldn't you like to save some time and submit your resume to a real company that is actually hiring? If your answer is yes, here are some tips to help you spot any red flags in a job posting. Use these rules to avoid job search scams from chewing up your precious time as you look for your next job.

1. There Isn't A Company Name In The Job Posting

This may not be true for all job postings, but it's one you should consider. While companies use blind job postings for their own protection, there can be a negative side to it. This type of job posting can be used to gather personal information about you as part of an identity theft scheme.

It might be in your best interest to not include too much information about yourself when you apply for jobs without a company name just in case. If you happen to get contacted for an interview, ask for the company's name so you can do some research before agreeing to anything. How else would you ace that interview if you know nothing about the company?

2. The Email Address Ends In @yahoo, @gmail, @hotmail, Etc.

Not all companies have a company email, especially if they're just starting out. However, if there's a company name in the job posting, you've done your research, and they're a well-known company, not having a professional email might be something you should consider looking into.

It should be concerning if a job posting includes a company name, but has an email address that is not a primary domain. You might want to put on your investigative hat and see if you can find a phone number for the company so you can verify the job posting as well as the legitimacy of the company.

3. The Contact Person Can't Be Found Through A Google Search

Not everyone can be found through a Google search, but if you're an employer, chances are you can be found on the internet. Whether it's on social media sites like LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok, there should be some type of information about your employer somewhere.

4. They Offer You The Job Within 24 Hours Of Sending Your Application

While it would be nice for an employer to immediately recognize your many talents, you have to remember that there is a process to go through, and because the job market is so competitive right now, it's easy to get excited when a potential employer wants to hire you.

I once applied to a job for a feature writer position for a publication that turned out to be in Canada. The publication was real, but the job posting wasn't. The recruiter offered me the job and payment within a day without even discussing my first assignment. Though I felt I was qualified for the position, it seemed too good to be true that someone wanted to pay me without using my services first. The lesson here? Any company worth working for will want to get to know you before offering you a paycheck for your skills.

5. They Want To Pay You Before You Even Start Working

Some scam artists like to send checks to their victims as a way of getting into their bank accounts. How does this work? Well, they mail you a check—sometimes overnight—then you are asked to deposit the check and send a portion back to a third party. It may seem like the check has cleared, so you send the portion requested to said third party. By the time the bank learns the check is bad, the check bounces, leaving you out of the funds you were asked to send back.

Remember, looking for a job takes time and your time is valuable. So the next time you are searching for a job online, scan the job posting thoroughly before sending off your resume to avoid any job search scams. Good luck and stay safe out there!

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 3 weeks ago

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Why Most People Choose The Wrong Career Path


Most people who choose the wrong career path fall into what I call the "first job that comes along" syndrome. It's a classic mistake where you’re so relieved to land a job that you don’t pause to think about whether it’s a good fit.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever taken a job simply because it sounded good or paid well, only to realize once you're in it that it’s not the right job for you. You quickly discover exactly what you don’t want in a role, but by then, you're already in it.

The "First Job That Comes Along" Syndrome & The Importance Of Self-Assessment

The problem with this syndrome is that it leaves you with a "rock" in your career journey. I keep a rock on my desk as a reminder because, for many of us, these experiences—like taking a job that wasn’t the right fit—can weigh us down, making us doubt ourselves. But let me be clear: You didn’t make a bad decision. At the time, you simply didn’t have enough information to make an informed choice.

Each of these jobs you’ve taken has taught you something, especially what you don’t want in your next job. The mistake many of us make, however, is that we continue jumping from job to job, just trying to avoid those unwanted aspects. This leads to a cycle of career dissatisfaction. You realize you chose the wrong career path, but you don't know how to choose the right one.

Here’s where I want to stop you. Let’s clear the slate and drop those "rocks" for a moment. Instead of focusing on what you don’t want, let’s figure out who you are as a professional. How do you like to create value? What excites you? What kind of work would make your day feel less like a grind and more like fulfillment?

To get this clarity, we need to explore several key areas:

  • What role does your career play in your life? Is it just a way to pay the bills, something that brings satisfaction, or a calling that defines you?
  • What are your work preferences? Your communication style? How do you learn best on the job?
  • What types of tasks energize you, and which ones drain you?

Most people don’t take the time to assess these things—and unfortunately, it’s not something we’re taught to do in school. Instead, we end up following what others suggest, which often leads us down a path of trial and error. That’s why so many people hit a career crisis two or three jobs in, wondering how they ended up in a field they despise.

One of the biggest hurdles to making a change at this point is career continuity. Employers often hire based on your past experience, which makes switching careers feel like starting over. And let’s be honest, who wants to start over—especially if you’ve built a lifestyle around your current salary?

So what’s the solution? Deep self-assessment. And I have two free tools that can help you do that right now.

Tool #1: The ISAT (Interaction Style Assessment Test)

This quiz is going to tell you what your dominant communication style is in the workplace. Are you a Contemplator, a Commander, an Energizer, or an Empathizer? Understanding this about yourself can help you figure out why some jobs have been a better fit than others. Plus, it’ll shed light on why you get along with certain co-workers but struggle with others. You can take this free quiz here.

Tool #2: The Career Decoder

Back in 2015, we developed this quiz after coaching thousands of professionals who didn’t know what kind of work they wanted to do. This quiz asks a series of "would you rather" questions that reveal your top three workplace personas. There are eight workplace personas in total—eight ways people like to create value in their jobs—and while we’re capable of doing all eight, we don’t enjoy them equally.

By identifying your top three workplace personas, we can match your natural strengths and preferences with job roles that are a better fit. You can take this free quiz here.

When you combine the results of the Career Decoder with your ISAT results, you’ll start to see a clear picture of the types of jobs and environments that align with who you are as a professional.

Start Your Journey Today

In just a few minutes, these two quizzes will give you powerful insights into why you’ve enjoyed certain roles more than others—and, more importantly, they’ll help guide you toward the jobs that will truly light you up, getting you on the right career path. You can find both quizzes here.

If this resonates with you, it’s time to shift your focus from what you don’t want in a job to discovering who you are and what kind of work brings out your best self. Start unlocking your professional potential today!

Good luck! Go get 'em.

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 3 weeks ago

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6 Tips For Using Bullet Points On Your Resume


On average, hiring managers spend fewer than 10 seconds looking at your resume. Using bullets on your resume ensures people see what you want them to see—as quickly as possible.

However, using bullets requires a careful balance. Too few bullet points and you'll have unappealing, difficult-to-read blocks of text. Too many bullet points can have the opposite effect and look more like a laundry list. To develop a clear structure for your resume and present bullet points with impact, follow these tips...

1. Use Bullets Points For Accomplishments & Success Statements

In most instances, bullet points are used in the "Work History" and "Additional Experience" sections of your resume. For example, under the information for your current employer, job title, and employment period, write three to five bullet points that directly highlight your accomplishments and success on the job.

2. Be Selective About What You Highlight

Consider what experience, skills, and accomplishments are important for the job you're applying for, and select the most relevant points that will detail what you've done, how you've done it, and what results you achieved. Use bullet points on your resume to bring attention to something.

Note that when you go beyond five bullet points for each position, it can look like a laundry list. Each bullet point also shouldn't need more than two lines in length. Keep it tight and succinct!

3. Begin With The Most Impressive Point First

Remember that most hiring managers will only spend a few seconds on each resume, so you want to immediately catch their eye. Start with the most impressive point first.

4. Start Each Bullet Point With A Results & Action Verbs

When writing your bullet points, remember to start with the results rather than the how. For example, which of the following two bullet points is more likely to capture the reader's attention?

  • Developed daily and weekly goals to achieve 133% of sales quota
  • Achieved 133% of sales quota by developing daily and weekly goals

If you answered the second bullet point, you've got it.

5. Apply Numbers To Your Bullet Points

For greater impact, apply numbers to your bullet points. This is called quantifying your work experience, and it's something every professional should do on their resume to stand out in the hiring process. You want to put the information in context and show results.

For example:

  • Increased sales by 300% within the first two years of product relaunch
6. Use Bullet Points To Highlight Awards

Relevant awards are always worth highlighting on your resume because they help distinguish you from other candidates who might have the same experience. If you've been recognized as "Salesperson of the Year" or something similar, use it in your bullet points.

An effective resume informs the employer of your experience and skills, but it also provides insight into how good you are as a business-of-one, saving or making companies money. The correct use of bullet points can help you deliver that message!

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 3 weeks 4 days ago

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How To Answer "Why Are You Interested In This Job?"


A common interview question employers ask during job interviews is, "Why are you interested in this position?" They want to know why you want to work at their company and the specific motivation behind why you applied for the job (not that you need a paycheck).

Knowing how to answer interview questions well is always important, especially with this question.

To persuade the employer that you have a true connection to the company and a passion for the job you applied for, your answer to this interview question should start with, "I'm interested in this job, at this company, because…" and then list at least three reasons why you want to work there.

Here is how you should structure your answer to the interview question, "Why are you interested in this job?"

What Is The Best Way To Answer "Why Are You Interested In This Position?"

In order to effectively answer "Why are you interested in this position?" during a job interview, you need to list three reasons why you want the job for a well-rounded response. Those three reasons are professional fit, cultural fit, and personal fit.

Reason #1 – Professional Fit

Your first reason should always show fit in terms of professional skills.

Example: "I'm interested in this job because I can see that, in this role, my skills could help solve this problem within your company. I also see an opportunity for me to learn and grow these skills, so we both would benefit personally, professionally, and financially. If I can come in here and solve problems and accomplish your goals, I know I can develop my career the way that I want to."

This part of your answer lets them know that you are excited about what you will be able to accomplish for them, while still emphasizing what they are getting out of the bargain. You need to sell yourself as a business-of-one who can provide a service better than the competition.

Another way to answer the "professional fit" part of this question is to identify and mention three key traits, qualities, or experiences from your professional past that prove you will meet and exceed the employer's expectations. These should demonstrate how you will provide a return on their investment, whether by saving or making the company money, justifying the cost of hiring you. Reflect on what specific skills or achievements make you the right fit for the role, and be ready to support your claims with concrete examples that highlight your ability to succeed in the position.

Reason #2 – Cultural Fit

Your second reason when answering, "Why are you interested in this job?" also shows fit, but in a different way.

Example: "Also, I like the culture of this organization. From what I've heard and what I've been reading about the company, it seems like a great fit for my personality and my values. I really connect with your mission statement, and feel passionate about the work that you do."

This is a general answer, so if you can be more specific by actually naming a couple of things you've heard or read about the company's workplace culture that you like, it will help your cause. This is one area where your pre-interview research is critical.

Here are a few things you may want to look for when you research the company:

  1. Is this a top company in the field/industry?
  2. Is this company known for cutting-edge products or other innovations?
  3. Does this company have a great reputation for customer service?
  4. Is this company known for being a great place to work?
  5. Does this company value and/or provide resources for employee development?

Mention those things that truly speak to you and your values so your sincerity shows.

Reason #3 – Personal Fit

Wrap up your answer to the "Why are you interested in this job?" interview question with something that personalizes it a bit more.

Examples:

  1. "And this job is in a great location for me. I've always wanted to move here."
  2. "And this job is only five minutes from my house, so eliminating the commute is a big plus."
  3. "And I've always used your products, and I just love them. I am really excited about being a part of that."

Say something that gives you another reason of your own for wanting this job. This interview answer is a fantastic place to let your enthusiasm for the job show. It's very appealing to employers, and it gives them one more reason to hire you.

How Do I Say I Am Interested In This Position?

To summarize, if you want to effectively answer the question, "Why are you interested in this position?" you should touch on your professional, cultural, and personal fit.

Here's a good example of an answer that has all three of these components:

"I'm interested in this job because I can see that my skills could help solve this problem within your company. Also, I like the culture of this organization. From what I've heard and what I've been reading about the company, it seems like a great fit for my personality and my values. Plus, I've always used your products, and I just love them. I am really excited about being a part of that."

You'll have a very clear and thorough answer to the question "Why are you interested in this job?" if you follow the formula above. Set yourself apart from the competition today!

Are you struggling to answer other common interview questions? We can help.

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3 Ways To Age-Proof Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile


Are you concerned about age discrimination? While most job seekers fear discrimination by hiring managers, the truth is that you’re more likely to be discriminated against by a computer.

Most 50-something or older job seekers don’t realize that the technology they leverage to apply for jobs may be screening them out of consideration. Sadly, this is one of the most common reasons that job seekers don’t get the interviews they want and deserve.

Here’s the key thing you need to know. The databases, or applicant tracking systems (ATS), that employers, recruiters, and job boards use to parse, store, and analyze incoming resumes are capable of estimating how much experience you possess. When recruiters or hiring executives search these databases for candidates with a certain amount of experience—let’s say 12-15 years—the ATS will screen out candidates who possess anything other than 12, 13, 14, or 15 years. As a result, your resume or LinkedIn profile will not be listed in the resulting candidate search. This eliminates your candidacy before a human even sees your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Please note that while job boards, companies, and recruiters do not intend to discriminate, the technology they are using to organize the flood of resumes they receive is doing so inadvertently. This means that every time your resume is entered into a job board system, company website, or recruiter website, the experience filtering described above may occur. It also means that your LinkedIn profile could be subjected to this same filtering process any time a company or recruiter searches for candidates like you with a specific amount of experience in mind.

If you’re currently in or plan to launch a part-time or full-time search for a new role, take time to age-proof your resume and LinkedIn profile. Three simple changes will boost your candidacy, help you attract more opportunities, and win you more job interviews.

How Do You Age-Proof Your Resume And LinkedIn Profile?

To age-proof your resume and LinkedIn profile, you should update your LinkedIn profile picture, eliminate dates from your education listings, and remove pre-2000 employment dates from your work history.

Do You Need To Put Your Age On Your Resume?

No, you should not put your age or any information that might reveal your age to an employer on your resume. Doing so might make you more likely to experience age discrimination in the hiring process, limiting your job opportunities.

1. Revamp Your LinkedIn Profile Picture

While we strongly recommend a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile picture (you can get one in most markets for $100-$200), an amateur photographer might work if you know one who takes good portrait shots. The key is an attractive pose that makes the most of your facial characteristics and personality while minimizing any age-related deficits.

If you have silver hair, for example, consider using a dark background or black and white photo to reduce the risk of a washed-out appearance. Select a pose that conveys energy and vitality and hints at the wisdom youth simply can’t replicate. Use a full-face smile to project energy with the photo and make sure you dress in interview-ready attire. You want to seem professional yet approachable.

2. Eliminate Dates From Your Education Listings On Your Resume And LinkedIn Profile

It’s standard these days for most folks over 30 to omit education dates from their resume and LinkedIn profile. This is easy enough to do on your resume where you can also omit dates of training, certifications, licensure, or affiliations.

In short, omit any date prior to 2000, since most recruiters only want to see the last 10-15 years of your experience on your resume or LinkedIn profile. To achieve this on LinkedIn, go to your profile and then edit your "Education" section. Remove the month and year in the drop-down box for your start and finish dates. Eliminate dates from other sections as well.

3. Remove Pre-2000 Dates From Your Work History Sections On Your Resume And LinkedIn Profile

This is a little more complex but well worth doing. On your resume, list your post-2000 work experience in your "Work History" section and separate your pre-2000 experience into an "Additional Experience" section. For your pre-2000 jobs, omit your dates of employment and list the amounts instead. For example, if you worked at GE from 1992-2000, report that as “8 years.”

LinkedIn doesn’t allow members to omit dates from employment so your only choice is to eliminate pre-2000 jobs altogether. Try embedding a short version of older jobs in your first post-2000 listing or briefly noting relevant older roles in your LinkedIn summary. Either tactic will help you win more LinkedIn profile views.

While we never recommend using online job boards for an effective job search at any age (there are more efficient ways to create and pursue career opportunities for yourself), the truth is that these systems inadvertently “discriminate” against candidates with more than 15 years of work experience. Unfortunately, this same potential exists on LinkedIn and company/recruiter websites anytime a hiring manager or recruiter conducts a candidate search based on the amount of experience job seekers possess.

The good news is that a few simple tricks can protect your resume and LinkedIn profile from age discrimination and give you greater access to the career opportunities you want and deserve. By following the tips above, you'll successfully age-proof your resume and LinkedIn profile—and stand out as a qualified and relevant candidate.

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 3 weeks 4 days ago

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Scared Of Retirement? How To Fill The Void After Leaving Your Career Behind


For most people, life can be simplified into three stages: education, career, and retirement. But while we've been told that retirement is the ultimate goal—the most-prized reward—for a professional, many workers have a much different perspective and opinion on the matter.

A recent study conducted by Zety revealed some hard truths about the reality of retirement for the American worker. Here's what they discovered, why professionals feel this way, and what you can do to fill the void after leaving your career behind.

For Americans, Retirement Is More Frightening Than Death

When asked about their opinions on the subject, a shocking amount of Americans are frightened of retirement. For 40%, it's a fear worse than death, and 47% fear it more than poor health.

Not surprisingly, the percentage of individuals scared of retirement differs between genders. Men are more likely to fear retirement more than death (44%) compared to women (36%). This is probably due to traditional societal expectations of men and the role they often assume in the family unit. A hardworking, successful man is glorified in our society; without work, a man may have a more difficult time finding his purpose in retirement. Although much has changed in our country over the last few decades, gender roles are still very much alive, and the psychological toll of these gender roles could explain the discrepancy between men's and women's fear of retirement.

One of the most interesting statistics from this study is that younger people are more frightened of retirement than their elders. While 33% of the respondents aged 39 and older feared retirement more than death, a whopping 52% of those younger than 39 agreed with the statement. Why is this the case for younger professionals? The issue of student loan debt—and other financial problems—could be a factor.

Why Are We So Scared Of Retirement?

As it turns out, being scared of retirement is common, and that fear is completely valid. The study mentioned above found that the most frightening aspects of retirement are a lack of income (87%), losing employment and medical insurance (73%), and inability to stay mentally active (71%). These three things influence a person's quality of life. Additionally, 25% of Americans say they won't claim Social Security, 53% have no access to other pension plans, and 20% have nothing saved for retirement at all.

The idea of retirement, understandably, is very frightening for many people, and the origin of this fear is rooted in complex issues that aren't easily resolved. If you won't be able to maintain your standard of living in retirement, is it worth it to retire at all?

Everyone deserves to retire, if that's what they want to do once they reach a certain point in their life or career. But the reality is many Americans simply can't afford to. If you're fortunate enough to retire, you still may struggle with finding your purpose and keeping yourself busy with things that bring you joy and satisfaction. Luckily, there are many ways you can fill the "work" void in retirement.

How To Fill The "Work" Void In Retirement

1. Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies

Retirement is a time to take up new hobbies and devote more time to your existing ones! What are you passionate about? What do you like to do? What makes you feel alive? Now that you have all the time in the world, don't waste it!

2. Volunteer

A great way to find your purpose in retirement is to be an active member of your community. What causes are you passionate about? What skills or expertise can you offer? Volunteer at an organization or two. Give back. Just because you're not working anymore doesn't mean you're not a part of society or a valuable member of your community. In fact, you could become an influential member of your community by being involved and trying to make a difference.

3. Take classes at a local college or university

There's no better way to keep your mind sharp than to learn new things, and one of the best places to do that is at school. If you've always wanted to study or research a certain subject, and you have some extra money to burn, don't be afraid to take a few classes at your local college or university. Many colleges also offer free tuition for senior citizens. Nowadays, you can take online classes or opt for the traditional in-classroom experience. Either way, you'll be expanding your mind.

4. Become a mentor

Like volunteering, becoming a mentor can be extremely fulfilling and rewarding. You'll have the opportunity to connect with others and help them achieve their goals by offering support and guidance. After acquiring so much knowledge throughout your life from experiences, successes, and failures, it may be a good idea to share what you've learned with someone else who could use the wisdom.

5. Try new things

What's something you've always wanted to do? Do it. Don't hesitate. After all, you only live once, and retirement is the perfect time to do the things you haven't been able to do before. Don't worry about failing. You can teach an old dog new tricks. And when you try new things, you also meet new people. Become the coolest retired person around by embracing life to the fullest. You won't regret it.

6. Get a part-time job (if true retirement isn't for you)

After retiring, some people never work again and others work a part-time job. If true retirement isn't for you, there are plenty of part-time jobs with flexible hours available for older professionals. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have another source of income.

7. Don't isolate yourself

Whatever you do, do not isolate yourself in retirement. Loneliness can be detrimental to both your physical and mental health. It's okay if you're not as social as you once were while working a job, and some people are actually more social once they retire since they have more time on their hands to visit friends and family. But if you're struggling to maintain that connection to other people, don't wallow in that feeling. Get out of the house, and try doing one of the things we recommend above. You'll be much happier, we promise.

Retirement isn't something to be afraid of, but many people do fear it for completely valid reasons. The good news is that you can prepare for retirement and fill the "working" void after leaving your career behind. It's all about staying connected and finding your purpose. So, get some hobbies, volunteer, take a few classes, become a mentor, try new things, get a part-time job—just don't isolate yourself!

There is so much more to life than our career. It's time we let go of our fear of retirement and embrace the possibilities of a new chapter. The only thing we should be scared of is not living life to the fullest. So, what are you waiting for?

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 3 weeks 5 days ago

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