​It's an unavoidable truth: you're unlikely to secure every job you desire. Rejection is a standard part of the job hunt, but how you manage it ultimately shapes your future success.
 
Rejection can occur at various stages in your job search:

• During the application process: Whether you receive a formal rejection letter or email, or you hear nothing at all, this phase is where job seekers often encounter rejection. Fortunately, you haven't invested significant time, money, or effort in a specific job opportunity at this point.

 

• Post-interview rejection: If you go through  job interviews and are not chosen, it's common to feel a sense of rejection.

 
Given that the average job search can take up to five months, encountering rejection is par for the course. Here are some tips to help you navigate job search rejection effectively.

​For every publicly advertised job opening, research from Forbes magazine estimates there are 118 applicants. Of those applying, fewer than one-fourth of the candidates will be invited to interview for the position. Even if you’re selected to interview, you’re likely facing other well-qualified candidates. Maybe someone had more experience than you did. Perhaps there was a favored internal candidate, and the application and interview process were a formality. None of that has to do with you or your skills, education, or experience.
 
The sooner you realize that you’re not going to be a fit for every role, the sooner you can move on from rejection and move forward with your job search. 

​Conduct a review (sometimes called a “post-mortem”) on your job interview.

• Was there anything you could have done better to prepare? Were there any questions you were asked that you weren’t prepared to answer?
• How well did your qualifications match up with the job opportunity? If you interviewed, there was a fit. But how close of a fit was it?
• Did the interview raise any opportunities for you to improve? Are there specific skills, courses, certifications, or other training that you can complete to be better prepared for your next role?

 
If you’re not offered the job, it’s fine to reach out to the interviewer and ask for feedback about why they selected another candidate. You might not get a response — but if you do, it can be very helpful to receive reassurance that you were a strong candidate, but there was another candidate who was just a better fit for that specific role. Maybe the company decided it needed a different skill set for the position after they started interviewing candidates. Or maybe you were missing a critical skill — but now you know what that is.
 
Also take a moment to reflect on your previous successes. How have you been successful in getting previous job opportunities? If you got your most recent job because one of your networking contacts put in a good word for you, think about how you can incorporate that into your current job search. If you were placed by a recruiter in your most recent role, but this time around you’re applying for positions directly, consider whether you should reach out to a few recruiters to explore opportunities. Also, consider that applicants who are referred to the position by a current employee receive an interview approximately half the time, with 20% of employee referrals resulting in a job offer. In short, do more of what worked for you before.

​Your mindset and attitude play a big part in your job search success. Counting yourself out before you even apply for a position is common, especially if you’ve experienced rejection previously. If you find yourself saying things like, “They only hire from within. I don’t know why I’m even bothering to apply,” or “They’re asking for a degree and 10 years of experience, and I only have five years,” you’re setting yourself up for rejection.
 
Actually, you’re trying to protect yourself from having to experience rejection. You may not end up applying at all if you talk yourself out of it. Looking at a job posting and thinking to yourself “I’m overqualified” or “I’m underqualified” is an example of this type of anticipatory rejection. If you don’t apply, they’ll never reject you, right? But you might also miss out on a great opportunity — or even the opportunity to get to practice your job interview skills.

​One of the best things you can do to overcome the sting of rejection is to keep moving forward in your job search. Don’t dwell on the job or jobs you don’t get — instead, see every “no” as getting you closer to your next “yes.” This isn’t always easy, but spending time “doing” instead of “thinking” is not only going to help get your closer to your job search goal, but it will help you develop a more positive attitude. After all, dwelling on the rejection isn’t going to change anything. Getting interviews for other opportunities can.
 
Although it seems counterintuitive, one of the best ways to overcome rejection is to apply for more positions. While it seems like you’re inviting even more rejection to come your way, the job search is a numbers game in many respects. Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that — on average — half of job candidates will receive at least one interview request after submitting at least 10 applications. So, while you are increasing the potential of rejection in the short term, you are increasing the chances of getting a job interview — and possible job offer — in the long term.
 
To increase your chances of being hired, apply to 10-15 positions per week while also following up on previous applications. Remind yourself that most job applicants receive more rejections than job offers. Rejection is part of the job search, but your ability to overcome it is critical to your eventual success in the job search.

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​​In a competitive job market, your resume is your ticket to securing that dream job. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between presenting your qualifications effectively and embellishing the truth. Exaggerating your accomplishments can land you in hot water, but that doesn't mean you can't create an impressive resume. In this blog, we'll explore how to craft an attention-grabbing resume without resorting to exaggeration.
​

• Strategic Formatting

The layout and format of your resume can make a significant impact. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font to create a visually appealing document. Organize your content logically, with a summary at the beginning, followed by your work history, education, and skills. Make sure your resume is easy to skim through, highlighting the most critical information.

• Quantify Your Achievements

Rather than exaggerating, quantify your accomplishments. Use specific numbers and data to demonstrate your impact. For instance, instead of saying you "increased sales," say you "boosted sales by 20% in six months." This approach adds credibility to your claims and shows potential employers your concrete contributions.

• Focus on Relevant Details

Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are directly related to the position. Leave out irrelevant or outdated information, as clutter can dilute your resume's effectiveness.

• Use Action Words

To make your resume stand out, use powerful action verbs. Instead of saying you "did" something, say you "achieved," "managed," "led," or "implemented." These words convey a sense of responsibility and accomplishment without exaggeration.

• Seek Recommendations

If you want to prove your worth without overstepping, consider including recommendations from former employers or colleagues. Testimonials from others can reinforce your claims and provide a third-party perspective on your skills and character.

• Customize Your Resume

Don't rely on a one-size-fits-all resume. Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the position. This demonstrates your commitment and genuine interest in the role.

• Continuous Learning and Skill Improvement

To stay competitive and impress potential employers, invest in continuous learning. Acquire new skills, certifications, and training that are relevant to your field. Your dedication to self-improvement will speak volumes on your resume without exaggeration.

• Proofread and Edit

Errors in your resume can erode credibility. Carefully proofread and edit your resume to ensure there are no typos, grammatical mistakes, or inconsistencies. Consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to review your resume for a second opinion.

• Be Prepared to Discuss

During an interview, you may be asked to elaborate on the details in your resume. Ensure you can confidently speak about your experiences and accomplishments without fabricating information. Being well-prepared for such discussions can help you stand out in a positive, realistic, and truthful way.

​​Crafting an impressive resume without exaggeration is not only about landing the job; it's also about building a foundation of trust and integrity for your entire career. By presenting your genuine skills and experiences effectively, you can create a compelling resume that will catch the eye of potential employers without resorting to falsehoods. Remember, honesty and authenticity are your best allies in the job hunt.

Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/crafting-an-impressive-resume-without-exaggeration

​We all must deal with distractions. Working remotely adds a different level of complications. Not only are you expected to keep up with work tasks, but you also have a home to keep clean, meals to cook, and other duties, except that it is all under one roof. Having the television nearby is a temptation to handle as well.
 
Those who navigate the world of working remotely quickly learn how to mitigate distractions and focus on their jobs. 

• ​Have a Designated Workspace: Ideally, your office would be a separate room with a door. If you do not have a room you can use, consider a corner in another area, not your bedroom, and get creative with a curtain or a pretty bed sheet. The barrier keeps others from accessing you easily.

1. Put Your Phone on “Do Not Disturb”: Those smartphones are a deep well of distractions. Social media and email notifications easily keep you from your work. To ensure you receive the calls you genuinely want, you can set your phone to allow only those calls to reach you while blocking all others.

1. Learn to Take Your Time Responding to Emails: If you are head down in a project and an email pops through, resist the urge to answer right away. Develop a system to answer messages without interrupting your work mojo. Try to read and respond to messages about twice an hour. For example, you can work for 25 minutes, check email for five, work for another 25, and then recheck email.

1. Keep Housework and Chores to After Hours: Use your commute time for quick chores, and when it is time to get to work, pretend you are not at home and cannot see the dirty dishes sitting in the sink. You can make a game of it by setting a timer for the length of time of your commute and seeing how much you can accomplish. You might be surprised, and you reduce the distractions.

​

1. Learn to Delegate: For some, we pride ourselves on being able to do it all – work, make dinner, bathe the kids. If you want to get the most accomplished while working remotely, let go and let others step in, fold clothes, play with kids, or do dishes.

​Working remotely can be a tremendous success when you learn how to avoid distractions that threaten your day.

Different studies indicate that remote workers are highly productive. What makes them get more done sitting at home, at the diner, or in the library? They understand that being productive outside of the typical office environment requires proactive steps. They don’t have their manager physically checking in to ensure they are getting their work done.

If you can work off-site, such as at home, you will quickly learn that staying productive is hard. You will have distractions around you, like that stack of dirty dishes from last night that is still sitting in the sink.

• ​Establish Priorities: Start by discussing things with your manager. You might believe completing a specific responsibility is the most important, but your boss thinks differently. Once you know what is expected, you can be sure to accomplish it.

• Determine Your Best Work Time: This goes with the night owl versus morning person premise. Working remotely means you have greater flexibility. If you focus better at 8 p.m. when your toddler is in bed, do it. It is the same idea for morning lovers. You don’t have to wait until 9 AM to get started. The goal is to find large blocks of quiet time for those projects that require concentration.

• Set a Timer and Do Deep Work: It will be much easier if you set a timer for 45 minutes and focus on one task. After the timer goes off, get up and walk around the house, grab some water, and stretch for 15 minutes. The key is to know how to manage your time.

• Set Boundaries: If you have others in the house when you work, you will continually get interrupted. Start by setting physical boundaries, such as working from a different room or putting up a room partition around your desk area. Next, talk with your partner and family about how important it is not to disrupt you when you are “at work.”

​

• Overcommunicate: It may seem counterintuitive to spend extra time communicating when sending both emails and Slack messages, but the text can be misconstrued. This causes frustration and may slow the progress of a project. Ensure you continually communicate with your team and set up video calls to clear up any miscommunication.

​Impress your teammates and your manager when you take productivity to a new level. Soon, you will be the star of the show and enjoy all the perks of working remotely.

* * * * * * * * * * * 

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​Waiting for a job offer can sometimes feel slower than a DMV line. You go through rounds of questionnaires, personality tests, and interviews, only to wonder if they've forgotten about you. Many experts agree that the hiring process has become more time-consuming, and it often feels like both candidates and employers are in for a long, winding road.
 
As a job seeker, you might be wondering how to expedite the process and reduce the stress of these seemingly endless delays.
 
Here are some valuable strategies to help you navigate a slow interview process:

​Companies today receive an abundance of job applications, thanks to the ease of online job postings.
 
To stand out, consider these tactics:

• Thorough Research: Invest time in researching the company and the role. Customize your resume and cover letter to align with their values and expectations. Understanding their typical hiring practices can give you an edge.

 

• Proactive Follow-Up: Learn how to follow up after an interview, seek clarity on the next steps. Inquire about any concerns or reservations the hiring manager might have and address them promptly.

 

• Gratitude Matters: Send a thank-you note within 24 hours after an interview. Reiterate your qualifications and express your appreciation for being considered.

 

• Persistent Follow-Up: Stay engaged without becoming pushy. If the waiting period exceeds their initial timeline, consider a polite follow-up call to confirm your status.

 

• Maintain Visibility: Keep in touch indirectly by participating in relevant social media discussions and association activities where your contact might be active.

 

• Share Updates: If you receive another job offer or believe you're nearing a decision point, inform your contact. This could expedite their decision or help you make informed choices.

While you can influence certain aspects of the process, there will always be elements beyond your control. Managing your stress and staying motivated is crucial:

• Continuous Efforts: Keep your momentum by continuing to explore other opportunities until you secure a written job offer.

 

• Recruitment Assistance: Consider working with a recruiter or staffing agency to stay on track. They share your interest in expediting the process.

 

• Join a Job Club: Job clubs offer practical and moral support, as well as potential networking opportunities for inside information and referrals.

 

• Financial Planning: If financial stress looms, adjust your budget by reducing discretionary spending and exploring income-boosting options.

 

• Skill Enhancement: Utilize the extra time to enhance your skills through online courses or volunteer work, making you a more attractive candidate.

 

• Moving On: When communication from a prospective employer stalls, consider reallocating your efforts to other opportunities.

 

• Maintain Balance: Prioritize self-care and allocate time for other responsibilities and activities to preserve your physical and mental well-being.

​While today's job market may demand more patience, you can use the extra time wisely. Set clear expectations, stay positive, and stay on the path to finding your dream job and fulfilling your goal for professional development.

Source: ​https://www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-deal-with-a-prolonged-interview-process

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