Your Personal Brand: The Key to Career Success
Your Personal Brand: The Key to Career SuccessAs you progress through your career, you’ll realize that your success depends not only on your skills and expertise but also on learning how to build a personal brand. When someone hears your name, what comes to mind? That’s your brand. Building your personal brand requires you to focus on what others think of you and how you come across in different situations. Here are some examples of what a strong personal brand might look like:
Fast-track your career with personal branding. When you intentionally craft your brand, you demonstrate that you understand the importance of image and reputation and actively work to ensure that others perceive you in the best light. Steps to Defining Your Personal BrandYour personal brand is an important factor in determining career success. Employers, business partners, and collaborators seek unique people with the skills and qualifications. It’s vital to think strategically about your brand and create a strong, memorable name and identity that sets you apart from the competition. Even if you work for yourself and not for someone else, this is vital information for you to have and implement for your success. Step #1: Define Your Personal Brand The first step in developing your personal brand is to define it. First, think about what you want to be known for and how you want to be perceived by others. Next, consider your values, strengths, and unique qualities. These will form the foundation of your personal brand. Step #2: Craft Your Message Once you have defined your personal brand, crafting a message that communicates it effectively is important. This message should be concise, memorable, and authentic. Then, use it in your online profiles, resume, and elevator pitch to communicate your value proposition to potential employers and clients. Step #3: Build Your Online Presence Your online presence is crucial to your personal brand. Make sure your profiles are up-to-date and optimized for search. Consider creating a website or blog to showcase your expertise and interests. Strengthen your reputation as an authority in your field by posting in-depth insights and opinions online. Step #4: Network and Build a Professional Community Networking is another key component of building your personal brand. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people in your field. Building a strong professional community provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career growth. Step #5: Maintain Your Personal Brand Your personal brand is not a one-time effort -- it requires ongoing maintenance. Keep your online profiles current, continue developing your skills and expertise, and actively engage with your community. Step #6: Embrace Your Authentic Self Remembering that your brand should be authentic to who you are is crucial. Don't try to be someone you're not or adopt a persona that doesn't feel genuine. Instead, embrace your unique qualities and let your personality shine through. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * With consistent effort, you’ll make your personal brand the cornerstone of your professional success. When you connect authentically with potential employers, colleagues, and partners, building trust and respect and attracting new opportunities becomes almost automatic. Take the time to invest in your personal brand to reap the rewards of professional growth, recognition, and success. SOURCE: About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Seasonal Jobs
Winter Seasonal JobsAre you planning to earn extra cash? Search for Seasonal Jobs Near Me and it will help you find opportunities to get some extra cash during the holiday season or earn money that will get you through some financial difficulty. Most seasonal jobs are commonly found in many retail stores. Retailers usually increase their workforce during the winter holiday season. It’s important to apply early to the positions that will help you use your skills and experience. The best way to search for seasonal work is to check the employers’ websites. Countless retail stores and delivery services hire part-time workers during the holiday season. Below are some of the top tips for getting winter seasonal jobs. Strategize and Be FlexibleApply for multiple positions and not just one or two jobs. Your ability to work in the evenings, on weekends and holidays will help you land a seasonal job. Follow resume tips for seasonal jobs and tailor your resume in such a way that it will catch the attention of the employer by highlighting any experience that is related to the position you are applying for. That means if you are applying for a customer service position, you should highlight your experience in customer service. Have Can-Do AttitudeIt is worth noting that employers have plenty to choose from among the applications that are submitted for seasonal jobs. A cheerful smile, positive attitude and enthusiasm will help you stand out from the rest and quickly snag that job. A positive attitude is an important trait for any applicant to succeed. Start Sending Applications EarlyMany retailers recruit part-time employees to work for them during the Christmas holiday and most of them start to recruit as early as September. Remember the more you delay applying for a position, the harder it becomes to get a part-time job due to stiff competition. Be PersistentIf you are given a specific date when a company intends to start recruiting for seasonal jobs, make sure to come back when the dates are closer to that time. If you learn that certain positions may be advertised at a later date, call regularly to avoid missing out on a fleeting opportunity. Look for Retailers Busy in the WinterSometimes retail jobs can be intense because many people apply for these types of seasonal work. To increase your chances of being hired for these jobs, explore the available opportunities in various discount retailers. Respect Any Job You GetIt’s important to treat your seasonal work with respect even if it does not match your career goals. Remember that it's providing you with a steady cash flow in the meantime. Maybe this position could lead to your permanent job if that is what you need at the moment. Be ProfessionalTreat your application for seasonal jobs in the same way you would when applying for a full-time job. This is because competition is so intense for these part-time jobs. Dress appropriately, be on time for your interview, and behave professionally. A large percentage of the total annual sales of retail stores is realized during the winter holidays and many retailers hire additional staff during this time. Seasonal jobs will also help you to add more key information to your resume. This job can give a job seeker a head start and even help him or her to decide the type of career path to pursue in future. You May Also Like:
About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Holidays Job Search Strategies
There's a prevailing misconception suggesting that companies don't hire during the holiday season. However, this notion is nothing more than a myth. Just inquire with the job seeker who received a job offer on Black Friday or the one summoned for a second interview just two days before Christmas. Choosing to pause your job search between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is not just ill-advised; it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. In the words of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." If you're not actively seeking a job during the holidays, your chances of finding one diminish. Employers actively recruit throughout the entire year. Many new positions are allocated to commence with a new budget year, often coinciding with the start of a new calendar year. Additionally, some hiring managers operate under "use it or lose it" constraints, necessitating the utilization of hiring budgets before the year concludes. These situations present viable opportunities for job seekers in December. The holiday season provides natural occasions to network and publicize your job search. Company parties, social gatherings, end-of-the-year professional association events, and even Christmas cards and letters can serve as effective avenues. These strategies are applicable whether you're currently unemployed or employed but seeking an improvement in your professional situation. Engaging in your job search during the holidays might also mean encountering less competition from other candidates who suspend their efforts. Many individuals postpone their job search until January, often as a New Year’s Resolution. If you commence or resume your job search on January 2, you'll be contending with a larger pool of candidates. Connecting with a hiring manager could be more straightforward in December, as many key personnel remain in the office while lower-level staff take paid holiday time off during the month. Even if you don't secure a job in December, laying the groundwork by establishing connections before the year concludes increases the likelihood of a swift hiring process in the new year. 11 Ideas for Job Searching During the HolidaysHere are some specific strategies you can use in your holiday job search.
Challenges To Overcome With a Holiday Job SearchConducting a job search in December isn’t without its challenges. Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear anything back right away. While some hiring managers are hard at work throughout the month, others may be on vacation. Many people use their accumulated vacation time before the end of the year and this may be a reason why you may find yourself waiting a bit longer than usual for a response to your resume or follow-up after a job interview. Some companies also close during the week from Christmas to New Year’s Day. Be patient, but persistent. A busy holiday-focused schedule can also distract you from your job search. Shopping, vacations, family activities, and holiday parties can all take away time from your job search if you’re not careful. Check your attitude, too. The holidays are a season of joy and thankfulness, but that can be tough when you’re out of work. However, it’s important to maintain a positive attitude — or at least “fake it until you make it.” Your negative attitude impacts your career. So, even if you’re not feeling it, “act as if” you are, because employers want to hire positive, optimistic employees. Also, don’t overextend yourself during the holidays. Be sure to exercise, get enough sleep, and eat well. Moreover, watch out for holiday employment scams. In your desire to make extra cash for the holidays, don’t get caught up in job-related scams — like fake mystery shopping gigs, package processing rip-offs, or work-at-home cons. Check out job opportunities carefully, and never accept payments for work you haven’t done yet. Also, never deposit a check into your account and wire or transfer payments out before the payment has fully cleared (wait at least two weeks). If it’s your goal to find a new job in the new year, don’t put off your job search just because it’s the holiday season. A job search that starts in December gives you the opportunity to get hired before the end of the year — or to have momentum and a head start on other candidates once the calendar turns over on January 1. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Handling Rejection in Your Job Search
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:
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. Don’t Take Rejection PersonallyFor 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. Learn From the ExperienceConduct a review (sometimes called a “post-mortem”) on your job interview.
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. Don’t Set Yourself Up For RejectionYour 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. Prepare For Your Next InterviewOne 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Job Hunting https://www.market-connections.net/blog/5-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-job-hunting Network Your Way to Your Next Job https://www.market-connections.net/blog/network-your-way-to-your-next-job What Every Hiring Manager Looks for in Job Seekers https://www.market-connections.net/blog/what-every-hiring-manager-looks-for-in-job-seekers Job Security https://www.market-connections.net/blog/job-security Create a Self-Introduction Video for Your Job Search https://www.market-connections.net/blog/create-a-self-introduction-video-for-your-job-search Resume Follow Up Call https://www.market-connections.net/blog/resume-follow-up-call Job Hunting Without a College Degree https://www.market-connections.net/blog/job-hunting-without-a-college-degree About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Crafting an Impressive Resume Without Exaggeration
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. A Professional Resume Without Fluff
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. * * * * * * * * * * * * YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Should You Put a Picture on Your Resume https://www.market-connections.net/blog/should-you-put-a-picture-on-your-resume Resume Writing Tips and Samples https://www.market-connections.net/blog/resume-writing-tips-and-samples Customize Your Resume https://www.market-connections.net/blog/customize-your-resume Edit My Resume https://www.market-connections.net/blog/edit-my-resume Resume Update or Resume Rewrite? https://www.market-connections.net/blog/resume-update-or-resume-rewrite How To Quantify Results on Your Resume When Your Job Isn’t Big on Numbers https://www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-quantify-results-on-your-resume-when-your-job-isnt-big-on-numbers 12 Ways to Ensure That Your Resume Gets Read https://www.market-connections.net/blog/12-ways-to-ensure-that-your-resume-gets-read Which resume paper is best? https://www.market-connections.net/blog/which-resume-paper-is-best About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
One Way to Avoid Distractions is To
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 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. Tips to Help You Avoid Distractions While Working Remotely
Working remotely can be a tremendous success when you learn how to avoid distractions that threaten your day. 5 Tips for Increased Productivity While Working RemotelyDifferent studies indicate that remote workers are highly productive. What makes them get more done sitting at home, the diner, or 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 offsite, 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.
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. * * * * * * * * * * * YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: How to Stay Motivated While Working From Home https://www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-stay-motivated-while-working-from-home Using Tools to Measure Your Goals https://www.market-connections.net/blog/using-tools-to-measure-your-goals Tools for Working and Managing Remotely https://www.market-connections.net/blog/tools-for-working-and-managing-remotely About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
How to Deal with a Prolonged Interview Process
How to Deal with a Prolonged Interview ProcessWaiting 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: Accelerating the Hiring ProcessCompanies today receive an abundance of job applications, thanks to the ease of online job postings. To stand out, consider these tactics:
Coping with Job Search StressWhile you can influence certain aspects of the process, there will always be elements beyond your control. Managing your stress and staying motivated is crucial:
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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * You may also like: Preparing for a Job Interview https://www.market-connections.net/blog/preparing-for-a-job-interview How to Answer Interview Questions About Handling Stress https://www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-answer-interview-questions-about-handling-stress Top 50 Most Common Interview Questions https://www.market-connections.net/blog/top-50-most-common-interview-questions Interview Brag Book https://www.market-connections.net/blog/interview-brag-book Get More Interview Invitations https://www.market-connections.net/blog/get-more-interview-invitations STAR Method Interview Questions https://www.market-connections.net/blog/star-method-interview-questions About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Ready to Go Full-Time with Your Side Hustle?
Ready to Go Full-Time with Your Side Hustle?Follow These 7 Vital StepsYour beloved side hustle is just like your baby, born of your wildest dreams and enthusiasm for what you love. Maybe you’ve been working on your plan for three months or three years. Either way, by now you are thinking about how to prepare to quit your job and go full-time, turning your side hustle into your one and only. It’s scary, no doubt. To help alleviate the fear and pressure you are feeling around quitting your job, read through and see if you can tick off these seven things that will help you succeed if you decide to go full-time. Know How Much Money You Need to SurviveYou need to know down to the dollar how much money it will take to pay your bills every month. This includes keeping the lights on, buying groceries, and saving for your future. Can You Cover Your Monthly Expenses for Five Months Straight?Before quitting your day job, your side hustle should be creating enough income to pay your monthly expenses for five consecutive months. This means covering personal expenses as well as the investment capital to keep your side hustle running smoothly. You Have a Six-Month Emergency FundHave a reserve of money in place in case your first few months are rocky. It’s common to have slow times when you are self-employed. An emergency fund goes a long way toward peace of mind. Your Side Gig Still Excites You, Six Months InSide hustles exist off enthusiasm and hard work. They are created in the margins of our lives that we carve out of already full schedules. This means that you need to keep working your day job for at least six months and still be passionate about your side hustle before quitting your job. You do not want to quit your day job only to find that your side hustle isn’t as important to you as it was in the beginning. You Have GoalsWhat is a business without goals? It’s just you, working away your days. Without an endpoint or means of measuring your success, it’s easy to wonder if you are making any headway. Make short-term and long-term goals for your business, as well as a plan to meet them. This will give you something to work towards and a place to focus when you are feeling listless or forlorn. Make a 12-Week PlanYour 12-week plan can coincide with your goals, or it can simply be mapping out your first 12 weeks of being self-employed. It can be tempting to start your days at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., and that’s why having a plan in place to outline how, when, and where you work will make the transition smoother. You Have Human Interaction PlannedAt first, it will seem easy to spend your days concentrating on your passion all alone. However, everyone needs human interaction. This may mean planning family or friend outings, finding a coffee shop where you can work, or renting co-working space. ********* Turning your side hustle into a full-time gig is scary. It is also fantastic, exhilarating, and rewarding when done right. If you can successfully check off all these steps, then take the plunge! You may also like: Use Your Hobby to Advance Your Career https://www.market-connections.net/blog/use-your-hobby-to-advance-your-career About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Job Hunting
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