Most people dread the job search process. For better or worse, technology is also making things less personal. Between ATS, video interviews…ghosting…it can be hard to stay positive. But, you absolutely need to keep the right mindset.

Here are some factoids that might help you keep things in perspective:

1. Know your value – own it and articulate it fluently.
2. Work with a coach who knows today’s job search space.
3. Work smart – don’t waste time sending out random resumes. Instead, be strategic by targeting companies and people to create a professional network and increase your visibility.
4. Manage your fears. You can do this!
5. Stay curious. Ask questions and create conversations.

Only 2% of resumes submitted get to the interview stage. Every conversation you have with someone is a win. Even if you don’t get an interview or job offer, you’ve expanded your professional network. When you leave a good lasting impression, you never know when your paths might cross again, and the perfect opportunity presents itself.

For more strategies on job search, visit us at www.jobseekersedge.com

Remote hiring practices are here to stay. Preparation is key.

• Download whatever app you’ll be needing. Make sure it’s operating properly.
• Use a professional username, as it’s displayed during the call.
• If you’re not familiar with the video call app, test it with a friend first. Practice joining the call, muting when others are talking, and exiting the call.
• Adjust lighting, camera view, and audio prior to the call. Make sure the background behind you is neutral and uncluttered. Sit so that you’re not too close, nor too far from the camera. When possible, have the camera located at, or just above eye level.
• Prepare for any potential distractions, including noise from children, animals, or other disruptions. Don’t forget to mute your phone.
• Sit upright, with your shoulders back, and feet on the floor. 
• Have your accomplishments and questions at hand.

Video interviews, when done right, can show off your level of professionalism and preparation. For more information and tips on how to shine during a job interview, contact us: www.jobseekersedge.com

You’re doing well in the interview process, and it’s clear that they’re interested, and so are you. Now what?

When negotiating the terms and conditions of your new job, it’s important to proceed strategically and carefully.

• Timing is everything. Don’t discuss salary – let them bring it to the table.
• If, however, they ask about your expectations, a simple answer like, “It might be too soon to discuss specifics, but my research shows that a range of ____ to ____ seems appropriate. Is that in the ballpark?”
• Research salary range for the organization and position, as well as perks and benefits, in advance.
• Understand that some things are negotiable, and others aren’t, depending on the organization.
• Know what you need (must haves) versus what you want (would be nice), prior to beginning negotiations.
• Prepare how best to communicate and justify your needs and wants.
• Never negotiate by email. A real-time conversation typically reinforces what they already like about you.
• Make sure to consider non-monetary benefits like flex scheduling, remote work, stock options, signing bonuses, PTO, car, or childcare allowance.

REMEMBER: There is more to negotiating a job offer than just salary.  Want more help? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

You’ve sent out your resume or applied for jobs posted, but haven’t landed an interview.  You need to ask yourself a few questions.

• Is your resume formatted to today’s standards? i.e. keywords, 2 pages in length, and current style?
• Have you invested in yourself to have your resume professionally written?
• Are you using ATS to compare your resume against the job description?
• Have you modified your resume so that you are at least a 70% match for the job posted?
• Is your resume focused on your key accomplishments?
• Is your LinkedIn profile in line with your resume?

If you have answered ‘No’ to any of the above questions, time to work with professionals. To find more tips, visit www.jobseekersedge.com.

Whether you are interviewing for an opportunity or moving into a new role, you may be required to take an assessment.

The four most common are:

1. Behavioral assessment – responses describe how a person might show up in the workplace and whether they are the right fit for the demands of the job. It’s one natural behavior, i.e.  Introvert/Extrovert – Fast paced/Steady, Rule Follower/Risk Taker. Examples: Myers-Briggs, DISC, Predictive Index.
2. Emotional Intelligence Assessment – shows self-perception, self-expression, decision making, stress management, and interpersonal skills.
3. 360 Degree Assessments – gathers feedback from different vantage points – peers, direct reports, bosses.
4. Cognitive Assessments – determine how quickly one can learn (if change is constant in an organization, rapid learning is important.)

Understanding these assessments helps with hiring and employee development, so it’s best to be yourself.

Be practiced and prepared, as this question gives you the opportunity to create a positive and compelling picture of yourself. Here are a few tips:

• Don’t regurgitate what is on your resume – they have it.
• Be brief in your story.  Don’t get into your personal life.
• Share personal attributes that align with the role.  i.e.  I’m involved in Vistage (or other leadership organizations), and I enjoy competitive sports.
• Align your personal activities with the job responsibilities. i.e. I am an Eagle Scout leader, I’m on the Board of a non-profit, or I coach my kid’s soccer team.

Remember to breathe and pause appropriately. Avoid the ‘data dump.’

Situational and behavioral style interview questions are popular and can cause the most qualified candidate to get stumped. Use the S.T.A.R method to be prepared for your next interview.

S – Situation. Describe a situation you dealt with as it relates to their question. Handling a delicate situation with a client or creating a new strategy. Be specific and keep it brief.

T – Task. What was your responsibility in the situation? Increase sales, manage deadlines, etc.

A – Action. Briefly explain what action you took to meet the challenges and overcome obstacles.

R – Results. Explain the outcome, the positives, and what you learned.

Remembering the S.T.A.R. acronym and being prepared, will help you tell your story concisely and persuasively.

In many cases, cover letters are optional in the application process. Don’t risk giving the impression that you can’t be bothered to write a cover letter or feel they aren’t relevant. Recruiters and hiring managers may not read your letter, however, including one (when possible) creates possibility. It’s a way for you to show:

• Your ability to write
• Feature your specific skills and accomplishments for the job
• Attention to detail
• Style and personality

A great cover letter can help differentiate you from the other respondents, reflects why you are the ideal candidate, and help you secure the interview.

Now is a great time to be negotiating a job offer. The current business environment gives new hires tremendous leverage to personalize job structures in their favor. Beyond just salary, consider:

• Bonus or commission structure
• Equity and stock options
• Scope of responsibilities
• Work from home vs. in-office time – workdays per week
• Paid time off and start date
• Educational reimbursements
• Relocation reimbursement
• Some tactics may backfire don’t try to leverage multiple offers against each other.

Always stay enthusiastic, flexible, and professional while negotiating – you may come away with more than you had hoped for. Get more information on savvy negotiating tactics at www.jobseekersedge.com.