Welcome to my new site, it's still in development, but adding content all the time!
Angela does Careers
Sleeping your way to the top is sooooo last century. Let's focus on honing some other skills!
Spotlight on...
the job market
Citing uncertain economic times and federal job cuts, NPR calls the job market for recent college graduates uglier than a reality show throw down. Their recent article emphasizes that grads may need to get creative with where they can apply their skills or accept a lower salary. So, how can you successfully navigate this challenging environment?
cast a wide net
Look beyond traditional sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn. Remember to include local papers, industry-specific job boards, and job fairs in your search. Additionally, consider using a recruiter to help you find the best opportunities. Temp agencies often have established relationships with businesses, and taking a temp job can be a great way to gain experience, which may lead to a permanent position or serve as a valuable foot in the door at a company you'd love to work for.
ensure your resume gets noticed
Having a clean, professional look for your resume is essential. For an extra edge, tailor your resume to the specific job opportunity, especially if you are exploring several relevant fields. This doesn't mean to lie on your resume; instead, focus on highlighting the skills they are looking for by incorporating key words from the job posting. While it may take some effort to create multiple versions of your resume, it is well worth the investment.
do some homework
When you do get a hit, be prepared for a phone screen where knowledge of the company will be essential. Peruse their website and recent news articles. Have a thoughtful, non-generic answer ready for the inevitable, 'why do you want to work here?' Managers invest considerable time and effort into training new employees; they need to feel like you genuinely want to work there and have the potential to stay long-term. Particularly in today’s job market, I probe this last point to assess if a candidate might jump ship as soon as a better opportunity arises.
I hope these job market tips help. As always, stay positive and keep the faith, my friends. Our next spotlight will offer ideas for tackling some of the most dreaded interview questions, so come back and visit us soon!
It's Happened to All of Us...
Gen Z in the workplace
You start your new job expecting your own office, but instead, you find yourself sharing a space with two other people. One has a collection of moldy old fruit on his desk, while the other has constructed a barrier of extra monitors, copy paper, and other office detritus in case she doesn't like your face. And she doesn't. Your desk is a folding table.
Join me as I kick off a series of conversations about Gen Z in the workplace. Every new generation entering the job market gets the side eye from the previous one, but Gen Z, raised on technology and shaped by a global pandemic, truly represents a new breed. According to an article by Forage, this generation values autonomy, meaningful work, and quick advancement. Their mental health is a priority, and why shouldn’t it be?
Now let’s discuss our leadership: Gen X. We’ve been waiting literal decades for those cheap ass Boomers to finally give us the C-suite. Boomers, the same individuals who left us to fend for ourselves as latch-key kids and needed public service announcements to remind them of our existence. Our survival skills are on point, and our mental health mantra is “Ignore and Override.”
Sound like a culture clash? Check out this article from Slate for some unfiltered feedback from today’s managers. So, what’s next? We stay tuned! Our upcoming discussions will focus on key disconnects in the job market and how both sides can work together effectively.
Other Important Memos...
Work Wardrobe Essentials
Not a fan of this killer drip from the JC Penney catalogue the year I was born? Check out the link below for tips on creating a capsule work wardrobe. This guide offers endless outfit possibilities, complete with shopping suggestions tailored for every climate, dress code, and budget!
Just for fun
I hope this post finds you well.
Please find the attached educational video regarding proper corporate workplace email phrasing in lieu of physical combat between colleagues. This aligns with recent HR policy encouraging professionals to abstain from bloodshed during normal business hours. This establishment fully discloses the material use of pelvic emphasis in this video and in no way condones pelvises of any nature in a professional setting.