Summary Sunday: Exploring Careers and Transitioning

The first step is exploring careers and transitioning to something that aligns with your purpose and skills. But how do you get started?

When you think about the steps and process involved in exploring careers and transitioning into a new job, you may have come to realize that it’s hard work. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.

It’s hard because you don’t know what you don’t know. (AKA the curse of knowledge).

It’s also hard to find solid resources or instructions on how you do each step. I lay out the process here.

But as difficult as it is, the journey exposes you to new people and new ideas. It also is incredibly gratifying to discover you new career. Don’t let the process discourage you.

Each week, I summarize some of the best articles and resources to help with your exploration and new ideas for job search.

This week’s summary includes:

• Resources for career transition
• How to read in between the lines of job postings
• How to cope during long-term unemployment
• Samples for your interview thank you message
• Networking on LinkedIn tips
• How workers feel about their jobs right now

Please feel free to share any of these resources (or the whole thing) with people who may benefit.

CAREER TRANSITION

15 Classes, Books & Podcasts To Help With Your Career Transition | Business Insider

It can be extra hard to make a career change during a pandemic, but right now could also be the perfect time to explore the possibilities. Here are 15 great resources to help you find a more fulfilling career or make your current job a little better.

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. A few years ago, I was having what some call a quarter-life crisis, but, ironically, lacked all the trademark signs of chaos normally associated with a true catastrophe.

Skills Matcher Assessment | CareerOneStop

Rate yourself on 40 key workplace skills. The Skills Matcher will show you career options that match your ratings.

CareerOneStop

Rate yourself on 40 key workplace skills. The Skills Matcher will show you career options that match your ratings.

JOB SEARCH

What Job Description Jargon is Actually Saying | Harvard Business Review

What Job Description Jargon is Actually Saying

Qualifications are usually listed in order of importance, and while skills listed as “required” may be non-negotiable, “desired” skills are not a deal breaker. Look for clues in the JD about company culture. It will likely include information about what the organization values. Required “years of experience” are flexible.

Millions Of Americans Face Discrimination For Being Long-Term Unemployed: Here’s How To Fight Back | Forbes

Millions Of Americans Face Discrimination For Being Long-Term Unemployed: Here’s How To Fight Back

Companies tend to view large gaps in employment as a worrisome red flag. In today’s job market, it’s easy for corporate personnel involved with the hiring process to immediately pass on a person who gives off the slightest whiff of being a potential human resources issue.

THANK YOU EMAIL

The Perfect Template to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview (Plus Samples!) | The Muse

The Job Interview Thank You Email Template You Need

You just walked out of a job interview -nailed it! But you’re not done yet. In fact, most hiring managers pay very close attention to how well (and how rapidly) you write a thank you email after the interview. Our advice? Start your follow-up as soon as humanly possible by writing a killer interview thank you note.

LINKEDIN NETWORKING

Tips from 6 Pros On How To Use LinkedIn To Network | Things Career Related

Tips from 6 pros on how to use LinkedIn to network

I will be the first to admit that networking on LinkedIn is complex; it’s not straightforward. What does networking on LinkedIn involve? The first step is having a strategy, which will take some forethought. You also have to be willing to reach out to LinkedIn members you don’t know.

WORKPLACE TRENDS

Results from LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence Index |LinkedIn

LinkedIn News on LinkedIn: #WorkforceConfidenceIndex | 478 comments

How are workers feeling right now? That largely depends on one's job function. Results from LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence Index – a bi-weekly… 478 comments on LinkedIn

NEW BOOKS

This is a list of new releases from my colleagues. Congratulations! This was certainly the year to launch a new book!

Redefining HR: Transforming People Teams to Drive Business Performance
by Lars Schmidt

The Career Stories Method: 11 Steps to Find Your Ideal Career—and Discover Your Awesome Self in the Process
by Kerri Twigg

Recruiter Secrets: Insider Tips for Your Job Search
by Eric R. Derby

An Authentic Human’s Guide to Finding Meaningful Work
by Deborah Mourey

Mind Over Platter: Train Your Brain To Think Thin!
by Rosa Smith-Montanaro

MENTIONS

How to Use Facebook to Prepare for an Interview | Job-Hunt.org

How to Use Facebook to Prepare for an Interview

By Hannah Morgan You probably know to prepare for your job interview by looking at the company’s website and the LinkedIn profiles of the employees. But Facebook can also be a great source of information! Your goal during the job interview is to determine if you want the job, working with these people.

Join Me Monday

Mondays at 12:00PM EST. Here’s the link to get a reminder.