Baffled, you double-check the job description, but the name of the hiring manager isn’t listed. So, what do you do?

Below, we go over a few steps you can take to address your cover letter when you don’t have a name.

Search for the Hiring Manager’s Name

Conduct an online search to find the name of the hiring manager. Tools like LinkedIn can be great for this. You can search a company’s LinkedIn profile to find the name of the person in that position.

For example, if you know the job ad says you’d report to the senior software engineer, you could use the company’s LinkedIn page to search for employees that hold that title. Then, once you find the name, address that person in the cover letter (make sure to double-check the spelling!).

Focus on Their Position

If you absolutely can’t find their name, focus instead on the position the person holds. For example, if you’re reporting to the content manager, you might try “Dear Content Manager” or “Dear Content Team” when addressing your cover letter.

A Last Resort

If you’ve tried the first three steps with absolutely no luck, it’s OK to use “Dear Hiring Manager.” If you have a name or title, that is preferable to something more generic. But using “Dear Hiring Manager” in your cover letter will suffice when all else fails. 

Avoid These Common Mistakes

There are some common cover letter mistakes that can be costly for job seekers. Even if you don’t know who the hiring manager is, avoid using “To Whom It May Concern,” as this is too vague. At the same time, “Dear sir or madam” is too formal (in addition, some people may not identify with these personal pronouns). 

Also, avoid time-specific greetings. “Good morning” or “Good evening” aren’t considered a best practice for cover letters, since you have no idea when the hiring manager will be reading them. 

Address Your Cover Letter to the Right Person

Cover letters are still a necessary part of the job search process. However, it can be challenging to craft a compelling cover letter when you don’t know who to address it to. If a name isn’t provided, do your research to find out who your recipient is. And if all else fails, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice in a pinch.

The post How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Recipient Name appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Below, we share a few signs that it’s time to leave your job and how to find a new one quickly. 

When It’s Time to Quit Your Job

Leaving a job isn’t a decision to make lightly. However, there are some red flags that, when combined, can signal that it’s time for your tenure at a company to draw to a close.

Consider some of the following signs that it’s time for you to look for a new job.

People Don’t Trust Each Other

If colleagues don’t trust each other, you’re in a toxic work environment. You’re not going to be able to collaborate effectively, and the team won’t be productive enough to hit their goals.

You deserve to feel safe at work; if you can’t trust your colleagues or boss, it’s time to start exploring your options.

There’s No Room for Growth

No reasonable employer would expect you to work in an entry-level position (with entry-level pay) for five years. Eventually, you will outgrow your role.

If you’ve learned all you can from a job and don’t have any room to continue to hone your professional skills, it’s likely time for you to look for a new position at a different company.

There’s a High Turnover Rate

Your manager left in your first month on the job. Your favorite work friend has quit after only six months with the company. If it seems like everyone at work has incredibly short tenures with the company, that’s a red flag that you’re not in a healthy work environment. 

Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to change a company-wide problem. If you notice high turnover rates at work, the best thing to do is get out. 

Preparing to Leave Your Job

You know it’s time to quit your job, but how can you find a new role quickly? Below are a few tips to help you land a new position. 

Get Clear on What You Want

Get crystal clear on the type of job you want. Don’t just think about job titles.

Consider whether you want to work remotely or if you’d prefer a hybrid job. Do you want to work a standard 9-to-5, or do you want to find a company that offers flexible work schedules?

Think about what you’re looking for in a job, so you can target companies with positions that meet your needs. 

Update Your Resume

You’ll need to update your resume before submitting it in a job application. Make sure to highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Be sure to focus your resume on your accomplishments—don’t just provide a list of daily tasks. This will help you stand out from the competition.

In addition, tailor your resume to each position you apply for. Do this discreetly so you can job search without your employer knowing.

Work Your Network

Your network plays a vital role in uncovering new opportunities. If you have friends and family you can trust, let them know you’re conducting a discreet job search, so they can refer you to anyone they know who’s hiring. 

In addition, consider joining LinkedIn groups to network with industry professionals and uncover hidden job opportunities. Make sure to choose relevant groups for your role and industry.

And remember, networking is a two-way street. Be sure to reciprocate and help your network with introductions, referrals, or advice. 

Find a New Job

Sometimes, jobs simply don’t pan out for a feasible long-term role. If this has happened to you, it’s time to start looking for a new position. By identifying what you’re looking for in a role, updating your resume, and leveraging your network, you’ll be able to find a better job where you can thrive. 

The post Clear Signs It’s Time to Leave Your Job appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue magazine, said everyone should be fired at least once. Below, we discuss what to do if you’re fired and how to find your next role. 

How to Go From Fired to Hired

Getting fired can be terrifying. But it’s important to note that:

• It doesn’t diminish your professional skills.
• You still have qualifications employers find desirable.
• You can learn and grow from your mistakes.
• It will not ruin your career.

You can find a new job after being fired. Here’s how to find your next role. 

Take Time to Process Grief

Getting fired is a shock for anyone, even if you had a sense that it was coming. It may not be the best thing to hit the job boards immediately. You need to take time to process the range of emotions from being fired. 

Don’t lash out at your boss or the company on social media. If you need to cry in your bedroom, do so. Make yourself a cup of tea, go for a walk, or get together with friends. Look for productive ways to cope with the emotions of being fired. You need to take care of yourself before jumping into a new job search.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please know you’re not alone. There are various mental health resources around the globe available to assist you. 

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Once you’ve had time to process your grief, you can start searching for your next open role.

One of the most important things you can do to find a job is to create a LinkedIn profile. Ninety-five percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and vet candidates, so it’s an essential part of a modern job search. 

Some general best practices for LinkedIn include:

• Have a professional photo.
• Use a strategic LinkedIn headline with keywords; don’t use “seeking opportunities.”
• Fill out your profile completely to appear in more searches.
• Keep your posts professional. Remember, employers can see your activity. 

Research Employers

Most people begin their job search by scouring through job boards for hours and submitting their resume to anything that looks remotely relevant. For a more streamlined job search, it’s better to research employers first. 

Job boards like FlexJobs allow job seekers to research employers to see what positions they hire for, flexible work options offered (i.e., if the company offers hybrid jobs), and any awards or workplace accolades received. You can also follow companies, so you get alerts the minute your target companies post new job listings. 

Practice Talking About Your Firing in Interviews

You’ve applied for jobs, and you’ve got the interview. Things are looking up! While you should practice your common job interview questions, you should also prepare to talk about being fired. 

Being fired isn’t an uncommon experience, and it can happen for many reasons, from budget cuts to personality clashes. When explaining being fired to an employer, it’s important to stay positive, be honest, and focus on what you’ve learned from the experience. 

I Think I’m Going to Be Fired. What Do I Do?

Maybe you’ve been demoted, or your boss barely acknowledges you in the team meeting. You know that there’s a good chance you’ll be let go. While you can’t control the actions of your boss, there are some things you can do to prepare for being fired. 

Create an Emergency Fund

From day one of your current job, your priority should be to create an emergency fund. After losing your job, it’s likely that you won’t have a new job the next day.

While job hunting, you’ll need to be able to cover rent, groceries, student loan payments, and any other necessities. You need to save enough money to cover at least three months of expenses for you and your family.

Update Your Resume

If you haven’t been job hunting in a while, there’s a good chance you need to update your resume.

When writing your resume, include relevant skills, quantifiable achievements, and relevant jobs or volunteer experience. Before submitting your resume to an employer, proofread for grammatical or spelling mistakes. 

Work Your Network

It’s best to start networking before you need to find a new job. Fire up your connections with old colleagues, friends, or university professors. Participate in industry association meetups or conferences. 

Being Fired Isn’t the End of the Road

While it can certainly be upsetting, getting fired isn’t the end of your career. By following these steps, you can confidently land a new role with a company you love.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Going From Fired to Hired appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Below we go over what a career advisory board is and how to create one that sets you up for professional success. 

What Is a Board of Advisors?

Just like with a company, a board of advisors gives you advice and support regarding your career. Unlike a formal mentor-mentee relationship, each member of your board possesses various strengths and expertise that you can consult them on. 

Each member can provide valuable insights in your job search, making the case for a promotion, or even changing careers. They are a support network committed to helping you succeed professionally.

How to Create Your Board of Advisors

A board of advisors can help your career tremendously. Here’s how to create your own.

Set Goals

You wouldn’t get in the car and drive without a destination. You need to understand your career goals in order to figure out who should be on your personal board of advisors. 

What are you hoping to accomplish professionally? Do you want to land a promotion, or change career fields? Get specific with what you want to achieve. Once you have set your career goals, you can move on to the next step: including the right people. 

Include the Right People

Now that you understand your goals, you need to fill your board with the right people to help you achieve them. You can include people from your professional and personal life. 

You might include a trusted coworker or a former colleague. Or, if you’re a new grad, perhaps you could include a professor with knowledge of your ideal industry. Consider looking for people who are where you want to be or whose achievements you admire.

Also, make sure to diversify your board. You don’t want everyone to work in the C-suite or the same industry. You also don’t want your board to be made up solely of people who have the same master’s degree. Having diverse perspectives will only strengthen your board and help you uncover critical insights for career success. 

Contact Them

Once you’ve narrowed down the people you want to be on your board, it’s time to contact them. An email or LinkedIn message should suffice. Here are a few best practices when reaching out to prospective members of your career advisory board:

• Keep your email brief and to the point.
• Be courteous in your communications.
• Briefly explain why you are reaching out to them.
• Let them know you value their insights.

Here’s how that may look in writing:

Hi Stefanie,

I’m reaching out because I’m creating an advisory board to help me transition from teaching into software engineering. We’ve known each other for many years and I really admire your achievements as the first female Director of Software Engineering at XYZ company. Your passion for programming and diversity in tech really inspires me and I’d value the opportunity to hear your insights and learn more about the work that you do. Would you be open to grabbing a cup of coffee next week?

Form a Career Advisory Board

To succeed in your career, consider an advisory board. An advisory board, when made up of the right people, can help you unlock valuable insights to excel in your career and achieve your professional goals. 

The post How to Create a Board of Advisors for Your Career appeared first on Job-Hunt.

That’s the fourth time this month. You might be wondering, “What is going on?”

There are many reasons you could be getting lots of interviews but no job offers. Usually, it’s due to some common interview mistakes. But the good news is that they’re fixable.

Here are a few reasons job seekers may be getting interviews but no job offers. 

You Didn’t Prepare for the Interview

Did you take time to review the job description before the interview? Did you practice common interview questions? If not, that is likely the reason you didn’t advance to the next round. Take this as a learning opportunity, and in the future, prepare beforehand. 

You want to be able to answer common interview questions (like “Where do you see yourself in five years?”) and be able to speak to why you think you’re the best candidate for the job.

In addition, if you’re interested in remote or hybrid jobs, you’ll also want to prepare for some common remote job interview questions to confidently answer why you want a remote job and how you’ll handle working from home.

It might sound silly, but practice your answers out loud. You don’t want your first time tackling a challenging interview question to be in front of the hiring manager (when the stakes are high).

You Didn’t Research the Employer

In addition to preparing for common interview questions, a best practice is to always research a prospective employer. Not only does this help you write a better cover letter, but having a solid understanding of the company can help you stand out from other candidates. 

There are many ways you can start researching a company. For one, FlexJobs makes it easy for its members to research companies by offering the option to “follow” companies and read up on accolades, the work the company does, and the positions they hire for. You can also follow companies on social media or browse the company website. 

Unprofessional Behavior

Professionalism is paramount during the interview process. Make sure you conduct yourself appropriately.

The following are some examples of unprofessional behavior that can be a turnoff to prospective employers:

• Arriving late to the interview (online or in person)
• Badmouthing a former employer
• Complaining
• Not dressing appropriately
• Not preparing for the interview ahead of time

You Didn’t Seem Excited About the Role

Yes, at the end of the day, a job is a way to pay your rent and support your family. But if you’re not excited about the role, your interview responses and body language will give you away. Employers want someone who will enjoy the work the job requires.

Otherwise, they know that as soon as you get offered something better, you’re going to bail. Hiring a new employee is expensive, so employers want to make sure they’re making an investment in the right candidate. 

Before accepting an interview offer, ask yourself if this is a job you could see yourself doing for two to three years. If the answer is no, politely decline the offer, and keep applying to other opportunities.

You Were Asked an Illegal Question

Although rare, being asked illegal questions is another potential reason some job candidates don’t progress beyond an initial interview.

This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, the person doesn’t have experience with interviewing and may not be familiar with laws regarding hiring. And unfortunately, sometimes discrimination is the goal. Sadly, some employers may not value how diverse perspectives can enrich their team.

There are certain questions that a hiring manager legally can’t ask you. Below are some examples of illegal interview questions:

• Are you married?
• Do you have children? Are you planning to have children?
• What’s your religion?
• How old are you?
• Do you have any disabilities?

If you are asked any of these questions during an interview, you don’t have an obligation to answer. Instead, you can politely ask, “How is this relevant to the job?”

Candidates also have the option to report these incidents to their local Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) field office. 

Furthermore, if you’ve been asked an illegal job interview question, you can visit WorkplaceFairness.org to learn more about your legal rights and options. 

Land Your Next Job

If you’re getting interviews but no offers, make sure you’re not making these common mistakes. Not preparing for an interview or unprofessional behavior can create roadblocks to getting a job offer. Make sure to practice common interview questions and conduct yourself appropriately for future interviews so you can land that next role. 

The post Getting Interviews, But No Job Offers? Here’s What to Do appeared first on Job-Hunt.

If you want that dream to become a reality, you need to prioritize career management. Below, we go over what career management is, its benefits, and how to start managing your career. 

What Is Career Management?

In short, career management is taking control of your career. It involves planning out your career and taking intentional steps to achieve that plan. Instead of passively clocking in and out every day hoping someone else will direct you to the next step, you are responsible for the trajectory of your career. 

The Benefits of Career Management

As mentioned above, with career management, you are in control of your career. Career management helps you to grow your skills and develop deep knowledge of your industry. It’s also a road map to get to where you ultimately want to be in your career (i.e., the C-suite).

Career Management: Essential Steps 

Ready to take control of your career? Below are a few essential steps for career management. 

Set Goals

The first step you need to take before you do anything else is to set goals. Studies show that once you write goals down, you’re 42% more likely to achieve them. Make sure to use SMART goals, which are:

• Specific: What specifically do you want to achieve?
• Measurable: How will you know that you’ve achieved your goal?
• Attainable: Is this goal realistic?
• Relevant: Why does this goal matter for my career?
• Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline. 

A SMART goal is not “get promoted.” Here’s what a SMART goal looks like in action:

• Specific: I want to get my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Measurable: I will achieve this by taking the PMP exam. 
• Attainable: I will take night classes three times a week to prepare for the exam.
• Relevant: I want a high-paying job as a senior project manager, and this certification will set me apart from others.
• Time-bound: I will complete this by the end of December. 

Prioritize Professional Development

Industries are constantly changing. There’s always new technology, and in just a few years, what was once considered a best practice can quickly become outdated. That’s why it’s important to continue to develop professionally throughout your career. 

If possible, seek out professional development opportunities at work. Or, see if your employer provides tuition reimbursement if you take courses at your local community college. Find ways to keep up to date with industry best practices and continue to grow your skills at every level of your career. 

Also, consider attending industry conferences or events. Some employers will pay for employees to attend relevant conferences, so check with your employer to see if this is an option for you. If you’re a member of a professional organization, sometimes members get exclusive discounts on accommodations or tickets. 

Grow Your Network

Networking often gets a bad rap. It generates an image of approaching someone hat in hand, desperate for opportunities. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

At its core, networking is actually about relationship-building, and it’s a two-way street. You should reciprocate by helping your network as they try to manage their own careers.

Networking is essential to uncover opportunities to grow your career. Below are a few networking best practices:

• Utilize LinkedIn, an online professional networking platform. 
• Participate in local in-person networking events.
• Include the right people in your network, such as former colleagues. 
• Put your cell phone on silent mode at networking events. 

Take Control of Your Career

Career management is essential to successfully growing your career and advancing to where you ultimately want to be. By setting goals, networking, and developing professionally, you can manage your career with ease.

The post Why Career Management Is Essential Today appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Why You Should Include Your Education in a Resume

Your education is important to include in your resume because it showcases your qualifications for the position. When applying for jobs, be sure to include any degrees or professional certifications. 

Where to Put Your Education in Your Resume

Unless you’re a recent graduate, your education should be at the bottom of your resume after your experience. 

The only exception is if you’re applying for a job that must have a specific credential. In that case, a hiring manager may look for that first before reading anything else on your resume. For example, a company hiring a cybersecurity professional may look to see if you have an ISC(2) certificate. 

If you’re a recent college graduate with minimal work experience, you’ll want to put your education at the top of your resume. 

How to Format Your Educational Experience

To list your education on your resume, you need to include:

• Your community college, college, or university name (i.e., Louisiana State University)
• The location of the institution (i.e., New Orleans, Louisiana)
• The degree you received (i.e., Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies)
• GPA (if it’s impressive)

All together, that should look like:

Louisiana State University | New Orleans, Louisiana

Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies

4.0 GPA

In addition, if you have completed graduate-level education, you want to list your degrees in reverse chronological order. For example:

New York University

Master of Science in Chemistry, 2019

Louisiana State University

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, 2016

Common Questions About Formatting Your Education

Want to learn more about including education on your resume? Below are a few answers to common questions about formatting the education section of your resume.

Do I Need to Include My GPA?

Unless you’re a recent graduate, you don’t need to include your GPA. Don’t list your GPA on your resume unless it’s impressive—generally a 3.5 or higher. If you weren’t scholastically inclined, don’t worry. A simple listing of the degree or diploma you earned and the institution you where received it should suffice. 

What If I Never Went to a College or University?

Not every job requires a college degree. Some companies, like Google, have recognized that some job postings don’t need a college degree. 

If you don’t have a postsecondary degree, you need to highlight your most relevant experience to emphasize your qualifications. It’s also paramount that you include quantifiable achievements to position yourself as a competitive candidate for the job. You can also check out a resume sample for job seekers without a degree. 

I’m Currently Working Toward My Degree—How Do I Include That?

If you’re in college or graduate school, you obviously don’t want to wait to start your job search until after you’ve received your diploma. You can and should list your education as a selling point on your qualifications as a job candidate. 

To list education in progress, you can include your degree, GPA (if applicable), and expected graduation date. For example:

Louisiana State University

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Expected to Graduate May 2024

3.7 GPA

Make Your Resume Shine

A resume is a vital part of your job search. A good resume will highlight your achievements, education, and what makes you the most qualified for the job.

The post How to Format the Education Section of Your Resume (Examples) appeared first on Job-Hunt.

One of the most effective ways is to start by researching employers. Below, we share why that matters and how to determine who’s hiring. 

Why Start Your Job Search by Researching Employers

Usually, most of us go about our job search the wrong way. We head to the free job boards, searching them for hours and applying to anything that looks relevant to our current job. 

However, scouring job boards can take a lot of time. And the results they return can be unrelated to the roles you’re interested in. Plus, you have to vet each position to avoid job scams. 

If you want a shorter job search, make a list of target employers. Your resume will be more targeted, and by focusing on employers you want to work for, you can ensure you won’t be job searching again in the near future. 

How to Job Search, Starting With Employers

To start finding employers you want to work for, first take time to reflect. What kind of job do you want (i.e., customer service, teaching, sales)? Do you want to work fully remote, or do you prefer hybrid work?

Also, consider your schedule. Do you want to work full-time? Or, do you prefer part-time work? Beyond that, maybe you prefer a company that’s women-friendly or prioritizes LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Taking inventory of what you want allows you to become more focused and prioritize employers that are the best fit for you. 

How to Find Companies Hiring Now

Now that you have a list of target employers, how do you determine if they’re hiring? Below are a few easy steps you can take to discover open roles.

Use Google or Bing Alerts

Instead of scouring job boards all day, get jobs delivered straight to your inbox. Google and Bing let you set up alerts (i.e., front-end developer jobs in Oakland, California). You can even filter by schedule, contract positions, or how recently the job was posted (pro tip: the more recent, the better). 

Follow Companies on Social Media

Have you always dreamed of working for the World Wildlife Fund? If you know your heart is in saving endangered animals, follow the organization on social media! Companies will often share open positions on social media (they will also frequently add their jobs to LinkedIn). 

Following companies or nonprofits on social media will also help you get critical insights to impress during the interview by demonstrating that you’re knowledgeable about the company. Plus, sites like LinkedIn usually show you similar organizations, which can help you build up that target list of employers. 

Consider a Subscription Job Board

Free job boards don’t cost money, but they can cost you time. Plus, you have to consider the possibility that every listing is a potential scam. This can take up even more time and cost you peace of mind. If you’d like a more streamlined job search, it may be well worth investing in a subscription job search service.

For example, FlexJobs vets every job listed on its platform, so subscribers never have to worry about job scams. Plus, members get exclusive access to discounts on resume and career coaching services, as well as daily emails with new jobs.

Find the Company That’s Right for You 

Job searching doesn’t have to be a headache. By strategically focusing your job search on employers hiring now, you can have a more efficient and quicker job hunt. 

The post How to Find Employers That Are Hiring appeared first on Job-Hunt.

However, job searching as a parent is different from job searching in your child-free days. You may have a gap in your resume from parenting, or you might be looking for a new career that can accommodate your schedule. And sadly, some employers still believe that being a parent makes you a less qualified candidate (but it doesn’t). 

So, how can you make sure you have a successful job search and land a role with a company that supports working parents? Below are a few tips to follow to streamline your job hunt. 

Starting Your Job Search

When starting a new job search as a parent, it can be tempting to immediately jump into updating your resume or creating a LinkedIn profile. But before you do any of that, there are several steps you need to take to make your job search a smooth one. 

Get Clear on What Type of Job You Want

You wouldn’t get in the car and drive without a destination. It’s the same with careers. You need to know what types of job you want.

Do you want to work in customer service or sales? Do you want to teach English online? Maybe you’re looking to make a career change and pivot into a job that’s better for working parents.

Also, consider your schedule and working arrangement. Do you need part-time or full-time hours? Perhaps now that you’re a parent, you’re not looking to be in an office five days a week and would prefer a remote or hybrid job?

More: How to Prepare for a Job Search

Research Employers

Most people make a common mistake when they start job hunting. They head to an online job board or the wanted ads and skim through thousands of job listings that aren’t remotely related to whatever role they typed in. It’s time-consuming and mentally exhausting.

A more efficient job search starts by researching employers. Make a list of different companies you would like to work for. This will help you find employers that are the best fit for you, such as employers with policies and schedules that support working parents. Perhaps you’d like to work for women-friendly companies or ones that offer alternative schedule jobs.

Doing your research will help you have a more streamlined and efficient job search. Plus, by researching companies, you can ensure you’re applying for jobs with legitimate employers and avoid job scams. 

Consider a Returnship

Sadly, even in our modern age, some employers are still prejudiced against parents returning to work. Rather than spend your limited time and energy trying to convince those employers that you’re just as talented as any other employee (which you are), consider a returnship.

A returnship, also known as an adult internship, can demonstrate your willingness to learn new skills, and it might be the perfect solution for parents looking to change careers without returning to school. It also allows you to build your resume and professional network for future job hunts.

Writing Resumes and LinkedIn Profiles

Now that you know what types of jobs and employers you’re targeting, it’ll be easier to focus your resume and LinkedIn on the roles you want. Here are a few tips to help you update your resume and LinkedIn for a new job search.

Writing Your Resume

If you’re returning to work after any break, you must update your resume. You’ll need a resume header with your name, contact information, and a zip code or city (you don’t need to include your home address unless you’re mailing in an application). 

You’ll also need to include a strong resume summary that highlights your qualifications and experience. Furthermore, you’ll want a section highlighting critical skills relevant to the position you’re applying for. 

You no longer need to include references or the phrase “references available upon request” in your resume. If a hiring manager wants references, they’ll either include a spot to upload them in the application or ask you for them in the interview. 

Explaining Career Gaps

Explaining a career gap to an employer can seem intimidating. After all, we were all taught that career gaps look bad. But that was before a pandemic created an economic downturn and massive layoffs, and parents left the workforce because they couldn’t find childcare.

The world has changed since then, and many employers understand career gaps happen for various reasons. To address a job gap or career break, add a career break section in your resume. Check out some example resumes to see what this looks like in practice. 

In addition, LinkedIn has also added career break options for your LinkedIn profile. You can choose options like full-time parenting, caregiving, or career transition. You can also use this section to highlight skills you’ve acquired during your break (because we all develop new skills outside the office too). 

Setting Up Your LinkedIn

Did you know that 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to fill positions? Whether you love or hate social media, by ignoring this platform, you’re missing out on valuable career opportunities.

A LinkedIn presence is essential to a modern job search, and creating an account is free. Here are a few best practices to get the most out of LinkedIn:

• Fill out your profile completely to achieve All-Star status and appear in more searches.
• Write a strong headline. Don’t put “unemployed.” Recruiters search for nurses, web developers, tutors, and other job titles—not “unemployed.”
• Write an “About” section highlighting key skills and experiences relevant to your target jobs. 
• Engage with others on the platform. Join groups, network, and comment on posts.

Interviewing

So, you’ve identified the role you want to work in and applied for positions. And you’ve clinched the interview. Now is the time to sell yourself as the best person for the job. Before you sit down for that Zoom call or walk into the office, here are a few things to help you put your best foot forward.

Prepare

You want to give a good first impression during the interview, so make sure you come prepared. Research the company ahead of time and review the job description. Also, if this is a Zoom interview, find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. Make sure to charge your laptop and that you have a good internet connection. 

Practice Common Interview Questions

While you can never be 100% sure of what question a hiring manager will ask, some questions come up more than others when interviewing for a new job. You’ll want to practice these beforehand—you don’t want to make your first attempt at answering them in front of the hiring manager.

Here are a few common interview questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• Tell me about a time you failed/succeeded.

Ask Questions

Don’t forget to bring a list of your own questions to the interview. After all, an interview isn’t a one-way street! You also want to ensure the job and the company are a good fit for you. Here are a few potential questions to ask:

• How would you describe the company culture?
• Why is this role open?
• Can you describe a typical day in this role?

Give Yourself Grace

Jumping back into the workforce after any break is a challenge, especially for working parents. If you accidentally flub an interview or you’re not hearing back right away, give yourself some grace and be patient. And if you need more help than a guide can provide, that’s okay! Plenty of career coaching and resume resources are available to help you land the right job. Always remember, you can do incredible things (and you already are).

The post The Working Parents’ Guide to Job Searching appeared first on Job-Hunt.

What Is LinkedIn?

Launched from Reid Hoffman’s living room in 2003, LinkedIn is a global professional networking site. Instead of “friends,” LinkedIn users have “connections” to network with, share industry knowledge, and find new jobs or opportunities. It’s free to join and can be a critical tool in your career success. 

LinkedIn has several messaging features that are powerful ways to network with other professionals, recruiters, and even companies. Below we’ll go over the benefits of LinkedIn messaging, different messaging features, and what you need to know about sending messages on the platform. 

The Benefits of LinkedIn Messaging

You can’t assume that just because you created a LinkedIn profile, you’ll somehow land a new job or opportunity. You need to connect with other users on the platform. And one of the best ways to do that is through LinkedIn messaging. LinkedIn messaging can be beneficial for numerous reasons, including:

• Finding a new job
• Connecting with professionals in the same industry
• Sharing industry knowledge
• Connecting with recruiters
• Finding freelance clients
• Changing careers or industries

Before You Send a Message

Before you even send a message, make sure you fill out your LinkedIn profile completely to achieve “All-Star” status. Include a professional photo of yourself, write a brief “About” section and a strong headline, and include some key skills. Give the person you’re messaging a sense of who you are professionally.

Think about it if the situation was reversed. If you got a message from someone with no photo or “About,” would you feel confident that the message was from a legitimate professional connection? Or, would you be wary of a scam or bot? Fill out your profile completely to let people know there’s a real person behind it. 

LinkedIn InMail

LinkedIn InMail is a feature unique to LinkedIn Premium (paid) accounts. LinkedIn InMail allows you to message people you’re not connected with on the platform. For example, you might receive an InMail from a recruiter about an open position at their company. Or, you may InMail a recruiter to follow up on a job application. A university may send you an InMail about their online MBA program. 

When sending an InMail, LinkedIn recommends following a few best practices:

• Keep your message concise.
• Share any mutual experiences or connections (Did you both go to NYU? Do you love the Yankees?).
• Keep it conversational.

LinkedIn Direct Messaging 

Direct messaging allows you to send a message to people you’re connected with on LinkedIn. You can send a direct message (or DM) to one person or multiple people. With direct messaging, be professional, keep your message concise, and include a call to action.

With that in mind, here are a few things to never do in LinkedIn direct messages:

• Don’t immediately ask for a job.
• Don’t immediately make a sales pitch.
• Never use LinkedIn messaging as a dating service or romantic connection!
• Avoid sending a lengthy message that spans multiple paragraphs.

Sending a Note With a Connection Invite

Rather than simply clicking “Connect,” you can personalize invitations to connect. To do this, search for the person’s profile, click “Connect,” and then choose “Add a note.” 

Who should you invite to connect? You might choose to connect with old classmates, former coworkers, your university professors, professionals in your industry, or recruiters. You can connect with up to 30,000 individuals on the platform. You can also send a note to strangers. However, LinkedIn will ask how you know the person if you choose to do so.

Harness the Power of LinkedIn Messaging

LinkedIn messaging can help you build relationships and network effectively to uncover new opportunities and jobs. By using different messaging features and following these best practices, you can use LinkedIn to drive career success. 

The post Your Guide to LinkedIn Messaging: Connections, InMail and Direct Messages appeared first on Job-Hunt.