Tips for Preparing for Post-Year Hiring

It's NOT too late to get a job before 2024. I started recruiting in October and November 3 years ago. Was in final rounds in December and got an offer just before the holidays. Companies that start hiring at the end of the year are often more serious about closing the role. Match their energy. Get serious about getting hired in 9 steps: 1. Make sure your LinkedIn is reflective of the value you can bring to your target role. It's a landing page. A confused prospect never buys and a confused hiring manager won't see how you're a clear fit to interview. 2. Find companies actively hiring for your target roles on job boards, newsletters, and in LinkedIn posts. 3. Research the company, products, team, skills needed -- confirm why you're interested and how you're a fit. If both aren't true, skip to the next opportunity. Quality > Quantity. 4. Set up informational interviews with those in your target role if time permits. Learn about the company's challenges and how they got into their roles. 5. Gather work samples to show how you can do the job. Don't have any that are relevant or want to go the extra mile? Create a deck or Notion page with a project that illustrates your value as it relates to the role. 6. Send an email to the hiring manager illustrating why you're interested and how you can solve their problems (those listed in the JD and the ones you uncover in informational interviews). Stand out with a Loom video intro and/or attaching a work sample/project. 7. Prepare your elevator pitch and interview stories. Practice them with someone you trust or an online tool (no excuses, you should know these back to front) 8. Send follow up emails to every touchpoint with the company. Say thank you, illustrate your interest, and add value in every touchpoint. "Just bumping this" gets you nowhere. 9. Engage with company and employee content on LinkedIn and post yourself if you have the time Sounds like a lot of effort? It is. Crunch time baby. You got this! P.S. Repost ♻️ to help someone in your network land a new role.

For senior PhD students thinking about the job market (or start preparing for the Fall). Every time I visit a school, the #phdstudents ask me about the job market. It's invariably the same two questions. 1. What will the job market be like? 2. What can I do to succeed in the job market? I have no good answer for question 1. The job market is a market - unpredictable. It's good for some years. It's bad for some years. Most election years in the United States, it's not very good bc of uncertainty. But, not always. But. I have a good answer to question 2. Prepare. (note this is for students in the third and fourth year of a four or five year program) Right now. There is no time to pause. 1. Get your CV in order. Then just update it. 2. Write your teaching statement. Then refine it. 3. Write your service statement. Then update it if you do something new. 4. Outline your reaching statement. Then fill it in the month before you interview. 5. Identify letter writers, find out what they need, provide the information, and then follow up. And follow up again until the letters are done. Do this now, before they'd disappear for the Summer. Why do it now? 1. Get your CV done now because it will tell you what holes you have in your record. 2. Get your materials ready bc they take more time than you think. 3. Get your letters in order bc they take writers more time to write than you think. 4. Get your application packet together because the job market is unpredictable, making it more stressful than you think. If your materials are in order, you will feel more control, less stress, and be better equipped to succeed in the job market. Bet of luck! #academiccareers #academiclife #jobmarket

Job hunters: All the people you wanna talk to are harder than ever to get to, right? So if you're trying to stand out, you're gonna have to blend in. Here's what I mean: Everyone has priorities they are pushing hard to finish before the end of the year. So to have a better chance of getting noticed (and responded to), match your messaging/outreach to what they're working on. "Blend in" with their priorities. Most recruiters are hyper-focused on closing out as many of their open reqs with people already in process as possible before the end of the year--they're chasing hiring managers' calendars the same way you are. Offer them extra flexibility in your schedule to get in front of those hiring managers. Hiring managers have their internal goals and objectives their job description asks of them, plus are trying to fill bodies before the calendar turns to make sure they are onboarded on time. Ping them with your flexible availability, and offer assistance if and when you can. Sellers and their managers are trying to help their reps close as many deals as possible, and or plan for SKOs in January/February. Can you help those reps network/multi-thread their way to someone who can help their deals push forward? Finance and HR professionals are gearing up for year-end reporting and paperwork season (revenue & taxes, w2's, benefits, etc.). If you're looking for one of those jobs, acknowledge what they're about to go through and use it as a reason you want to get in front of them for an interview now instead of later while they're in the thick of it. Marketing has stuff they're working on. Ops has stuff they're working on. Legal, IT, every place in a biz you want to work has very specific stuff they're completely focused on at this time of year. Align what you want with what they need to do, and you'll distinguish yourself from everybody else who is "just checking in/following up" and have a better chance of getting a reply and that interview. The bag you want is sitting on the other side of a door that somebody else controls, and they're not going to open it for you just because you asked them to. Make your ask about what they need, not what you want, and that door will open more times than not. LEGGO. #Jopwell #representationmatters #securethebag #blendintostandout #jobhuntadvice

Here is a #cheatsheet for students who want to be prepared for those first interviews post-graduation.   #Interviewing is like what you’ve been doing for the last 4 years - #Learning. Learn as much as you can about your future employer as possible. How else will you know if you’re fit for the role & company?   1.     Do your homework. Study your prospective employer like you would study for your final exam. Understand how their business works. Go beyond a 101-level understanding of the company. If you’re going to commit to a company, be intimate with how their business works & what makes them successful. That means a deep understanding of their products, services, competitors, and customers.   2.    Understand the role. Like reading a syllabus before taking a class, match your skills to the position. This means having the #passion & #skills needed to succeed. Being fit for the role is a key to enjoying the job. Long-term misalignment creates stress & anxiety for the candidate.   3.    Be prepared. Have a pencil & notebook ready to take notes. Anticipate questions & have answers prepared. Jot down important pieces of information. Even though we’re in a technical age, note-taking is still an essential skill. Don’t be afraid to reference your notes.   4.    Ask questions. Lots & lots of questions. Ask 200 to 300-level questions. Go deeper to understand the specifics of the position. Ask meaningful follow-up questions. Follow-up questions show that you’re engaged & invested in the company. Curiosity is a skill employers desire.   5.    Study the market. If you’re interviewing with a tech company, be versed in technology & innovation. If you’re interviewing with a financial services company, be aware of what is trending in banking and investments. In our case, understand Drug Development and Clinical Trials. The deeper your understanding, the more appealing you are to your future employer. Have at least a 300-level understanding of the market.   6.    Know the business goals. Dig deep to understand what is required of you and make the connection with how the business operates. Have a 400-level understanding of what you will do for the company and how your role contributes to the company’s #goals. This will help the employer visualize you in the role.   7.    Practice communication skills. Work on the soft skills of interviewing. Work on body language, enthusiasm, & appropriate eye contact. Remove certain words or phrases from your vocabulary, such as “Like”, “Um”, and “You know.” Answer questions as clearly & succinctly as possible. Communication skills are increasingly more important. Even more so if you’re in a customer-facing role.   Bonus Tip: Update your LinkedIn Profile. Corporate recruiters and hiring managers will refer to your LinkedIn profile to review your experience, how connected you are, and the content you share. Be sure to make connections within the company and the industry you’re looking for.  

If you or a loved one is seeking a new job at the turn of the new year......... finding a job in the new year can be a rewarding endeavor. Here are some tips to help you in your job search: Reflect on Your Goals: Take some time to reflect on your career goals and what you want to achieve in the new year. This will help you focus your job search on roles that align with your aspirations. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Ensure that your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date. Highlight your recent achievements, skills, and experiences. Use a professional photo on your LinkedIn profile. Expand Your Network: Leverage professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, colleagues, and recruiters. Attend virtual or local networking events, join relevant groups, and engage in conversations. Set Up Job Alerts: Use job search websites and platforms to set up job alerts for positions that match your skills and interests. This ensures you stay updated on relevant job openings. Customize Your Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific role. Develop Your Online Presence: Showcase your expertise by sharing articles, insights, or projects on professional platforms. This can help you establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Research Companies: Identify companies that align with your values and career goals. Research their cultures, values, and recent achievements. This information will be valuable during interviews and networking conversations. Practice Interview Skills: Brush up on your interview skills by practicing common interview questions. Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend or mentor to gain constructive feedback. Seek Professional Development Opportunities: Invest time in enhancing your skills through online courses, workshops, or certifications. This can make you a more attractive candidate to employers. Be Open to Different Opportunities: While it's good to have specific goals, be open to exploring different opportunities that may align with your skills and interests. Sometimes, unexpected roles can lead to great experiences. Follow Up: After submitting applications or attending interviews, follow up with a thank-you email expressing your appreciation and reiterating your interest in the position. Stay Positive and Persistent: Job searching can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent are crucial. Rejections are a natural part of the process, so learn from them and keep moving forward. Remember, the job search process takes time, so be patient and stay proactive. Always be connecting. May the New Year bring you amazing experiences, fond memories, and be filled with much personal success! #newyear #careerempowerment #careerguidance #careergoals #careerplanning #careerchange #careerboost #careergrowth #careeradventure

Considering a new job now that we are in 2024, here are some of my top tips. 💻 📍 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠; Make sure you keep your LinkedIn updated with relevant information on your position, including title, company, skills, and competencies. This helps people like me identify talent and reach out to the individuals our clients want to hire. LinkedIn is there for you to network with like-minded individuals in your space! Build and leverage your professional network, attend networking events and engage in relevant conversations. 📍 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 50/50 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧; You've had a first-stage interview and are 50/50 on the position. In this case, I would continue, as it's tough to determine from one call whether it's the right move. In some cases, it might not be, but in my experience, I've had many candidates who have found their dream job and a change of heart. Focus on the positives and what further information you need to get from the interview process to make a decision. Don't ignore your concerns, try to phrase them into an inquisitive question to get an answer. In the best-case scenario, you find your next job, which sets you up for success in your career trajectory. In the worst case, you lose a few hours of your time but make a new connection in your line of work! 📍 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞; Even though somebody approached you for a position, research the company. If you are taking the time to interview and somebody is speaking to you, do your research. You may be the perfect candidate, but companies want to hire people who want to work for them and do their due diligence. It's also essential for you to understand what kind of business you are joining and that it aligns with your values and career goals. 📍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦; Outside of your skill-set, it's so important you connect with your potential hiring manager and team. A full-time employee's work week is 40 hours, and some work up to 60 hours! So, it's vital that you connect and can envision yourself working collaboratively together. A good team creates a healthy work environment and culture, which is bound to set you up for success. 📍 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐭; If you've been requested for an interview, it's based on what is on your resume. Talk through your CV in detail and know it inside and out. If you are asked a question, and you don't know, be honest with the interviewer. If you have an understanding or it relates to something similar to what you've done previously, give that example and talk them through what you know/think and how you would get up to speed on the topic. Many people are hired based on honesty, giving relatable examples, and demonstrating how they learned the topic/space. Not all positions require you to know everything, and a positive attitude can go a long way! #newjob #interview #jobsearch

It's December 1st, and as the year winds down, the momentum for your job search doesn't have to--and shouldn't! This month is your runway to 2024, the perfect time to gear up and set the stage. Here are the things you should do: ✨ Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on the past year. What worked in your job search? What didn't? Use these insights to refine your strategy going forward. 🎯 Set Clear Goals: What do you want to achieve in your career come 2024? Set tangible, achievable goals. Whether it's landing a new job, gaining a particular skill, or growing your network—define it. 📝 Update Your Materials: Give your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile a fresh update. Reflect any new skills or experiences you've gained this year. 🔍 Research Trends: Stay ahead of the curve. Which industries are booming? What skills are in demand? Tailor your job search to where the market is heading. 🌟 Network for the Holidays: The holiday season is ripe with networking opportunities. Holiday parties and end-of-year functions are great occasions to make new connections in a festive atmosphere. 📅 Plan Your Timeline: Set a job search timeline for the new year. When will you start applying? How many applications will you send per week? Get specific. 💪 Commit to Personal Development: Identify courses, workshops, or books that can enhance your professional growth. Investing in yourself is a move that always pays off. December is more than just holiday celebrations and wrapping up the year—it's an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a new chapter in your career. Let the countdown to 2024 be a time of preparation, so when January rolls around, you're ready to hit the ground running with purpose and passion. -- Hi, I'm A.J., your go-to career coach and the creator of Career Amp. I thrive on guiding high achievers to landing their dream jobs in record time! 🚀 If my posts resonate with you, 🔄 Repost, 💙 Share, and ✔ Follow. #DecemberJobSearch #NewYearPrep #CareerGoals #CareerPlanning #2024Vision #JobSearchStrategy #CareerAmp

In today's uncertain economy, it's natural to have concerns about job security and future career prospects. What can you do now to prepare yourself? -Build Relationships with Recruiters and Hiring Managers: Reach out to recruiters and hiring managers in your industry or in an industry you have an interest in. Connect with them on LinkedIn and comment on their posts by adding value. Share relevant industry insights or offer your own perspective. Doing this consistently will help them know who you are when you are ready for a career move. -Craft Personalized Messages: Our inboxes are overflowing. Craft personalized messages that catch their attention. Start by expressing your genuine interest in their work or the company they represent. People LOVE talking about themselves. Here's an example of a message you can send: "Hey XXX, I came across your profile from XXX. I noticed XXX on your profile, I'm looking for XXX because of XXX. Would you be open to a 15 min conversation so I can learn more about you and the work you do?" Remember, networking is an ongoing process. Be patient and persistent, as building relationships takes time. Also, don't forget to reciprocate when someone reaches out to you for guidance or introductions. By nurturing your professional network, you'll position yourself for future success. #NetworkingTips #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalNetworking