I recently spoke with writer, Michele Vrouvas, about job interviews. We discussed insider tips and secrets, things that HR people look for in candidates and some of the ‘unwritten rules’. Our chat became the foundation of this article for Study.com, a site that provides high level learningtools for students and teachers~
The first time I appeared on the WGN Morning News, I was asked to talk about new careers that most people do not know exist. Here is a summary of the new careers.
Sustainability Expert – Consults with companies to integrate sustainable practices into all parts of their business.
Chief Listening Officer – Analyzes social media posting all over the web to determine what people are talking about and how their employer should design promotions around what their current and future customers want.
Healthcare Liaison – Partnered with a patient by the hospital, or hired by a family, to make sure that healthcare, or eldercare, is optimized for the patient. Families also hire a Healthcare Liaison to make sure their family member is happy, safe, and secure in their assisted living center or in their home.
Talent Management Coordinator – Works for companies in employee retention, mediating between employees and supervisors to make sure employees are performing fulfilling work and do not want to leave the company.
Natural or Green Funeral Planner/Director – Use special training, materials, and procedures to assure that all portions of the funeral process are environmentally friendly.
Want to learn more about these and other new careers? Please take a moment to click here to watch the video and then read my July 21, 2015 blog post Jobs That Didn’t Exist 10 Years Ago.
If you have a job seeker in your life, consider giving that person a holiday gift that will boost their job search. The ResuMAYDAY team put their heads together and came up with ideas for great gifts that will work for any job seeker, from entry-level to executive:
1. Gift the services of a career coach or resume professional. While this may seem a bit self-promotional, the difference between a DIY resume and a professionally written resume can make all the difference in the world. Here’s a tip: offer to gift a specific amount, without choosing the company for your job seeker. Working with a resume writer or coach is a very personal choice and should be directed by the person who will use those services. Let the job seeker ‘interview’ a few service providers to make sure the one that ‘best fits’ is chosen and to ensure the job seeker is ready and motivated to use these services.
2. Make introductions to influential people. Invite your job seeker to a networking coffee or after-hours cocktail with hiring managers, human resource people or recruiters that are already in your network. Sharing your connections in such a personal way is a generous, low-cost, high-impact gift that not many people think of doing.
3. Pay the annual dues to an important business association or professional group. Memberships are crucial to connecting with industry experts and potential employers.
4. Pay for an enhanced LinkedIn membership for 3 or 6 months. A paid LinkedIn membership will give your job seeker more and easier access to recruiters and employers. Likewise, it ensures that their profile is easily accessible to recruiters and employers.
5. A good book never goes out of style. Every year, ‘What Color is Your Parachute?’ comes out with an updated print version and online supplement. Our clients find this one to be very helpful. Another good one is ‘StrengthsFinder 2.0′. It’s chock-full of great information. But these aren’t the only two out there. Take a look at career/job search books at your favorite bookseller and read the reviews. You’re sure to find something to help point your job seeker in the right direction, and these books don’t cost a lot of money.
6. Consider gifting something wearable, such as a power tie or pretty bracelet. This can be the perfect token to show your support, and boost your job seeker’s confidence in an interview.
7. Lastly, pick a gift that rewards their hard work. Finding a job IS a job, if you’re doing it right. Gift your job seeker with dinner and a movie, a manicure or something else that brings a bit of fun and relaxation to their schedule.
Here’s a news clip of Lauren Milligan, from ResuMAYDAY, DISCUSSING THESE IDEAS with Ray Cortopassi over at Fox 59 in Indianapolis. Is Ray on the Naughty or Nice list? Find out!
The topic of today’s radio show is creating an exit strategy. For Leo, John and Carl, this will mean creating an exit strategy from your own business, whether you are selling it or closing it. For my portion, I’ll be talking about an exit strategy for employees. Sometimes, leaving gracefully can be difficult and depending on the circumstances surrounding your departure, it can be sooooo tempting to give everyone a piece of your mind. It’s like a break-up…lots of emotions are floating around. I would encourage everyone, even in the craziest of situations to take the high road and not burn those bridges. I’ll talk a little bit about strategies that will leave your managers talking how professional you were, long after you’re gone.
And for those of you who still want to raise a little drama, just remember, living well is the best revenge. (Why didn’t anyone tell me that in my 20’s???)
Check back here in a few days; I’ll recap the strategies discussed on the radio show.
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