by Furnishly | Sep 24, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
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I remember the desperation of wanting to get out of a toxic work environment, but knowing rushing the process wouldn’t help. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, let me introduce you to my tips for landing a job without burning out in the process.
Build a straightforward but versatile resume.
Almost six years later, I still hear my business professor’s voice emphasizing the importance of an easy-to-read resume. Make it simple but worthwhile. Recruiters will only spend six to seven seconds looking at a candidate’s resume — and every second matters.
Luckily, it’s simpler than you might think. Keywords and phrases work like magic, plus a few little-to-no-effort tweaks. As I scrolled through job postings on LinkedIn, I copied bullet points from job descriptions that aligned closely with my experience and pasted them on my resume. I personalized the points, crafting the perfect version to use for every application rather than making a tailored copy each time. I have to admit that I struggled with coming up with the right words to highlight my background. A friend once sent me Harvard’s resume and cover letter guide, containing the best selection of action verbs to use (see page 4).
Here’s an example of a bullet point from a social media role that I customized to fit my experience: Helped research, formulate, and execute marketing campaigns to increase foot traffic by 15 percent. Though I used a commonly overused word like helped, I incorporated keywords like research, formulate, and execute, as well as including an actual figure to call attention to an accomplishment. I’m no expert, but Wonsulting’s CEO and Founder Jonathan Javier shared a useful resume breakdown.
Once I nailed my resume format and material, I updated my LinkedIn profile to reflect that. A firm believer of working smarter not harder, I added the same bullet points under each job from my resume.
Befriend the algorithm to achieve better job search results.
The job search process drained me to the point that I had to break up with LinkedIn before I figured out an effective way to utilize its job board. As I was revamping my resume and clicking on dozens of job postings, I started honing in on the industry I wanted to switch to as well as the role I could see myself doing. What are my career interests and goals? Where do I see myself working but also growing? How do I want to grow as a professional? I was asking myself all these questions to narrow down my search as much as possible.
Based on my searches, the LinkedIn algorithm picked up on my interests and ideal roles. One of my proudest feats is mastering the art of targeted searches on LinkedIn. Filters became my best friends as I spent my after-work hours looking for a new job opportunity. I started out with a broad idea of the next role I had in mind. For example, I would search for “marketing,” with my filter settings checking off the following:
When I felt ambitious, I would add specific companies and industries to enhance my search results. I would turn on the Easy Apply feature on the days I felt lazy. Playing around with the filters will help you navigate your targeted searches better — even clarifying exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.
After two weeks of searching and filtering, I noticed my algorithm catering to my interests more. Ultimately, I stumbled across my current job in the “recommended for you” section. The rest was history.
Be patient and trust the process.
This is the most important step. I shed so many tears of frustration and couldn’t not stop being so hard on myself. I was aware that not every interview round would be successful, but the first batch of rejection emails still stung. As cheesy as it may sound, with a little bit of time, rejection began to feel more like redirection.
Don’t dwell on a job, whether it’s just a posting, a failed second-round interview, or an almost-offer. By that, I don’t mean to be in a rush to land the job. Utilize the time to prepare for the next opportunity by researching job details and reflecting on career goals.
You can take it a step further and set a schedule to focus on job prep. Juggling a hectic 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job and a social media side hustle, I had to be mindful of how I split my time without everything consuming my life. In pockets of time throughout the day, I looked at and saved interesting job listings. Each night, I dedicated about two hours to applying to saved jobs on LinkedIn. This little habit change helped me stay more organized and optimize my time. I also incentivized myself to be productive on Sunday afternoons by finding a new coffee shop to station at as I got work done. I was able to apply to at least 10 jobs a day with a standardized resume on deck.
Finding a new job does not have to be this tedious and boring process. If you’re already stressed at your current job, try not to multiply that stress through your job search — slow down, search thoughtfully, work smarter, and take your time.
by Furnishly | Sep 3, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Kara Nesvig
Kara Nesvig grew up on a sugar beet farm in rural North Dakota and did her first professional interview with Steven Tyler at age 14. She has written for publications including Teen Vogue, Allure and Wit & Delight. She lives in an adorable 1920s house in St. Paul with her husband, their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dandelion and many, many pairs of shoes. Kara is a voracious reader, Britney Spears superfan and copywriter — in that order.
by Furnishly | Jun 9, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Unhappy with your current gig? Want to switch careers or find a new remote position in another company? Here’s the good news: There are currently more than 11 million job openings across the United States, which means your job search will likely lead to at least a few places that may pique your interest.
And many of those jobs are remote. But how do you find those work-from-home job opportunities? I talked to several recruiters who shared seven tips for finding a remote-friendly job.
Explore all options with targeted searches.
When beginning a job search, don’t limit yourself. Make a list of what interests you and what types of positions and companies could check those boxes. Try to discover as much as possible about the potential role and how your skills may be a good fit.
Recruiter Adina David recommends using all available searches to pinpoint which roles are remote, and to determine if your skills match the job description. “The best sites to check out for jobs are Flexjobs, LinkedIn, and Indeed. These sites are great because they’ll help you find positions that are remote-friendly.”
“You can also search on Google for keywords such as ‘remote jobs’ or ‘telecommute jobs’ and you will see a list of all the available jobs on a Google job board,” she says. Searching various sites in multiple ways will help you cast a wider net.
Leverage your social network to find a remote job.
Talking to friends and family, making a list of all potential contacts, and attending virtual events are all ways to connect with people that may potentially help you land your next job. Using your online platforms to reach out to someone in your industry is a good way to create a potential connection.
“Leverage your social network to look for a remote job. Let some of your colleagues and immediate circle of family and friends know you’re looking, as they may know someone in their own circle who’s looking for the same or who works for or with a company that offers a remote job,” says Steven McConnell, director of sales and marketing at Arielle. “This isn’t the time to be reserved and shy — proactively reach out to your connections to get a foot in the door with your ideal company, job, or talent source.”
Spend time updating your LinkedIn profile.
Many companies are scouring various platforms to find good candidates for positions. You want to create a good impression online in case a recruiter or a human resources representative stumbles upon your profile. Think of your LinkedIn profile as your digital resume.
Emma Lindberg, recruiting manager of Advantis Global, says it’s wise to take some time to update your LinkedIn or portfolio. “Have something that showcases all your skills, certifications, accomplishments, and sample work. This will help companies see what you’re capable of and how valuable your work is,” she explains. “This is especially important if you’re asking a recruiter or hiring manager to try and turn an in-office position remote.”
Consider a staffing agency.
Staffing agencies can be a good resource for finding remote-friendly positions. “They not only have job boards, but give you access to communicating directly with recruiters or hiring managers,” David says. “Get in contact with staffing agencies to have them add you to their roster of talent to have remote jobs sent to you instead of seeking them out yourself.”
Don’t limit yourself by location.
Since you’re looking for remote opportunities, you should try to expand your search as much as you can. That means looking at all opportunities across the globe.
“Limiting your search to jobs within a specific area only narrows your options. Remote work means you can work for an employer from anywhere in the world regardless of where you are. Hence, it is best not to restrict yourself and make your job search local. International jobs are also most likely to be 100 percent remote,” advises Stella Scott, cofounder EasyPaydayLoan.
Always be respectful and professional.
Whether it is an email, a phone call, or an in-person meeting, try to bring your best self when you communicate. In many instances, hiring managers are making their first impression based on how you present yourself digitally or in a brief conversation. A solid initial impression will be particularly important when trying to land a remote-friendly position, where most of your communication with colleagues will be digital.
“It’s important to be humble and professional, and show respect for others and the company. No matter how confident you feel about your qualifications, never badmouth others or the company. Always be professional, and never be rude or insulting,” says David.
Do your best to be ready.
Although there are many remote opportunities available, the demand has also increased for these jobs. That means there are likely several candidates eyeing the same remote position — but don’t let this dishearten you.
“All you can do is work to strengthen any weaknesses in your candidacy: Polish your application structure, boost your video interviewing skills, put your free time towards self-improvement, and reach out to interesting companies to introduce yourself,” says Fabrizia Zanca, a recruiter at Remote. “This is a turbulent time, and you never know when a great opportunity will present itself. Do your best to be ready.”
Rudri Bhatt Patel
Contributor
Rudri Bhatt Patel is a former attorney turned writer and editor. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Saveur, Business Insider, Civil Eats and elsewhere. She lives in Phoenix with her family.
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by Furnishly | May 19, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
About ten years ago this month, I was in absolute misery — a ball of stress so tightly wound, you could have bounced me off a wall. College graduation was mere weeks away, and between preparing for finals, bittersweet farewells with friends embarking on post-graduate journeys, and job hunting, I was a complete wreck.
With very little practical direction, pending creative writing and sociology degrees, and a constant state of panic, I sent my resume to every seemingly viable entry-level position’s recruiter. Eventually, I landed at a very just-okay first job. Today, I’m thrilled with where I’ve ended up after a decade, but I wish I’d squashed some of that post-grad dread and planned a little more strategically, pursuing an entry-level job I truly wanted instead of accepting the first offer I received in the city I never left.
For this spring’s college graduates, the job landscape is far more promising. And fortunately, LinkedIn’s 2022 Guide to Kickstarting Your Career has some valuable data to help entry-level job seekers — including upcoming grads — start out on the right foot. According to LinkedIn, here are the top 10 cities for entry-level jobs in the United States.
The first location on this list happens to be my favorite city in the entire world. With an average rent of $1,735, you’re going to want to keep things weird in “the live music capital of the world” with a couple of roommates. In addition to being a musical nucleus, ATX also happens to be a booming tech universe. Celebrate your graduation the way I should have: with food truck grub and a Lonestar.
2. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Situated along the Appalachian Mountains, this southeastern Tennessee city is known for its railroad history and as the site of Civil War battles. Soon, it will be known as the place where you start your entry-level job! With an average rent of $1,238 per month, this southern city is a wonderful place to start building a career and exploring the beautiful surroundings, including mountains, caves, and the Tennessee Riverwalk.
3. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina
If you’re looking for an entry-level position within the research field, look no further than Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, aka“ the “Research Triangle.” With average rent prices at $1,522, $1,468, and $1,744, respectively, this region is ideal for those considering graduate school at one of the region’s major research universities… or for those who just love pleasant weather and picturesque scenery.
4. Charlotte, North Carolina
North Carolina’s largest city is a major hub for finance and sports. For those seeking entry-level opportunities in those industries, Charlotte may be the ideal location to start building a career. With an average rent of $1,559, this city has much to offer any type of job seeker, from recent graduates to folks looking for a career change.
Before digging into LinkedIn’s data, I had never heard of Cape Coral, Florida — a gorgeous city along the Gulf of Mexico. Turns out, I’m an outlier. Cape Coral is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and residents pay an average $1,944 rent per month. The city also boasts a massive network of canals, some of which have access to the Gulf. Who wouldn’t want to start the next phase of their career here?
Among my friends, it seems like Denver is THE place to relocate. Outdoor activities reign supreme year-round, and residents know how to work hard and play way harder. The average rent is $1,879 per month, which might be tough for recent graduates. But the surging population means you can meet plenty of potential roommates at your local hiking trail!
Music City, baby! I’m a sucker for classic country tunes, delicious barbeque, and a late night honky tonk. And if I were in the market for an entry-level position, you better believe Nashville would be on my shortlist. Keep in mind, this town is booming, and the average rent reflects that at $1,694/month. But who can resist warm weather, iconic music, and a damn good time?
While you set out on your search for the perfect entry-level job, I can think of fewer places more beautiful than San Diego. With one of the best climates in the U.S., this So-Cal city’s average rent clocks in at $2,756. While that might be a tough number to swallow, the city’s signature California burrito will go down smooth.
9. New York City, New York
Have you heard of this place? According to LinkedIn, this iconic city is teeming with entry-level opportunities. For those willing to navigate the rental situation in the five boroughs, start searching for rental opportunities in Manhattan (average $4,265 per month), the Bronx (average $1,650 per month), Staten Island (average $1,500 per month), Brooklyn (average $3,124 per month), and Queens (average $2,769 per month).
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Unsurprisingly, the average rent in this city — one of the oldest U.S. municipalities — is a tough number to look at: $3,634 per month. But the cultural opportunities and rich American history make this city an intriguing option for entry-level job seekers. How do you like them apples?
Sarah Magnuson
Contributor
Sarah Magnuson is a Chicago-based, Rockford, Illinois-born and bred writer and comedian. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Sociology and a master’s degree in Public Service Management. When she’s not interviewing real estate experts or sharing her thoughts on laundry chutes (major proponent), Sarah can be found producing sketch comedy shows and liberating retro artifacts from her parents’ basement.
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