No matter where you are in your career or job search, you always want to make the best first impression! From your email messages to your first day at a new job, first impressions are lasting impressions!
Sometimes the best first impression isn’t about your appearance but based on what you write or say.
In today’s busy and connected world, your first impression may be in the message you send on LinkedIn or the email you hastily send from your phone.
Everything you say and do during your job search and early in the job is being scrutinized. This week’s articles will help you be more aware of how you communicate while networking and in an interview. You’ll also find tips to help you fight ageism. You’ll also be interested to see a running list of states and cities that have made it illegal to ask how much you made in your previous job!
NEW JOB
How to Answer Tricky Personal Questions at a New Job
by Allie Volpe | The New York Times
Your new co-workers want to learn more about you and have lots of questions- some very personal. How will you answer questions like, when did you graduate or are you seeing anyone and others? Your first impression is a lasting impression so you want to be very aware of what information you choose to divulge during those first few months.
OLDER JOB SEEKER
An Inspirational Reminder That You’re Never “Too Old” to Change Careers
by Stav Ziv | The Muse
“If you love something and you’re willing to put in the work and meet the standards of excellence in an ethical way, why should age ever matter?” This is my favorite line by Charlotte Clymer, press secretary at the Human Rights Campaign. The Muse featured Clymer’s recently posted Twitter thread that went viral. See more wise words she shares about ageism.
JOB SEARCH
6 Expressions To Avoid When Asking For a Referral
by Judith Humphrey | Fast Company
You know you should be networking, but how you request a meeting or ask questions makes all the difference. People are usually willing to help you with your job search, but you have to ask the right questions. Don’t ask these! EVER!
8 Things To Evaluate Before You Say Yes To A Job
by Career Sherpa.net
Don’t wait until the first day on the job to evaluate your new manager or company culture. These are 8 things you want to assess before you take a new job.
NETWORKING
How To Introduce People: Two Rules For Better Networking
by David Burkus | David Burkus
Introducing people in your network is a great strategy! It’s kind of fun to serve as a match-maker. But, there is a right way and some wrong ways to do this. See what they are! (The video in the article is only 4 minutes and worth your time!)
The LinkedIn Green Dot — A Job Seeker’s New Best Friend
by Donna Svei | Avid Careerist
A lot of you have asked what that green dot means next to a person’s photo on LinkedIn. This post explains what it means and why it can help with your job search!
4 Expert Tips For Writing a LinkedIn Message That Will Actually Get Read
by Allana Akhtar | Business Insider
Follow this advice when reaching out to someone on LinkedIn or even through email. These are classic tips you’ll want to use. And one reminder… everyone uses email. Not everyone uses LinkedIn regularly. If your LinkedIn message gets ignored, try emailing the person.
5 LinkedIn Tips to Help Your Finish the Year on a High Note
by Wayne Breitbarth, PowerFormula | YouTern
Using any of these 5 tips will help reinvigorate the quality of your LinkedIn experience. All are available to those that use the free version.
JOB INTERVIEWS
Salary History Bans
by HRDive
Did you know that in some areas of the US, it is illegal to ask how much you made at your last employer? There are 17 State-wide Bans and 18 Local Bans. This is a running list of states and localities that have outlawed pay history questions.
WORKFORCE TRENDS
Increase in Remote Work Since 2005: FlexJobs & Global Workplace Analytics Report
by FlexJobs
Here are just a few of the top stats from this new report:
👀 Since 2005 remote work has grown 159%
📈 3.4% of the total U.S. workforce is remote workers
📊 Over the last five years, remote work growth is 44%
📢 4.7 million US people currently telecommute, up from 3.9 million in 2015
JOB SEARCH WISDOM
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
