I've got a Job! Now what? (Ask Me Mondays)

After a long job search (5 months) I just got hired and start in two weeks. Anything else I need to do, now that my job search is over?

Yay and congratulations! Yes, there’s still a few things to do before starting your new position.

1.       Enjoy the feeling, the relief and the knowledge that your hard work paid off!

2.      Thank your network (those who helped you, let you vent, gave you job leads or mentored you, and especially your references)! This is the time to bust out a handwritten card (if you have an address).

3.      Keep in contact with your new team. Ask if there is anything you can do to prep for your new position. Make sure you know what you are coming in to do (what pain point are you fixing?). Confirm the first day, where you go and who you are meeting.

4.      Don’t actually STOP job searching. Until you are AT your new job (and even completed the first three months), keep your options open. Continue a soft job search.

5.      Keep the success going by: continuing to interact with your network, connecting people looking for work and keeping a running list of your achievements in your new position.

Congratulations and enjoy!

5 Things Everybody Should Know About Job Searching During the Holidays...

1.       DON’T STOP! Just because we’re getting closer to the holidays (and all the craziness that goes with it) doesn’t mean you should stop! So many people slack off during this season, so be one of the few that keep networking, applying and being active on LinkedIn. You’ll have less competition.

2.       Employers are still hiring. Really, they are. Look at all the job postings out right now. I just looked at my city’s careers page and there are 17 open positions right now, ranging from casual clerical to senior accounting!

3.       Networking! There are so many opportunities for networking this time of year, whether it’s gatherings at friends’ homes, associations’ holiday events or even grocery shopping, make sure you are out and talking to people. Let people know you are looking for work while you are chatting. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth discussion of your job search activities but don’t skirt around it! EVERYONE has had to look for work before.

4.       Make sure your resume is still up to date and relevant for the position you are looking for! Has your target changed recently? Noticing skills on job ads that aren’t highlighted on your resume? Make sure it’s added to your resume.

5.       Make your social media on point. Clean it up, check your privacy settings, update your LinkedIn and make some new connections!

Photo by Antenna on Unsplash

Lest We Forget

Thank you.

Salary on applications? (Ask Me Mondays)

Should I put my current salary on applications?

No! Right now, you are looking to get employers interested in you and mentioning a salary can work against you. If you are a strong candidate, apply!

1. It can take you out of the running for a position. If the company already has a salary range in mind and your current/ most recent salary is higher, you can be screened out at this stage, without even a chance to impress at an interview.

2. It can limit what salary you might be offered. If the number is lower (by a little or a lot) the potential employer might offer a salary that is not in line with what the position should be paid. Look at salary surveys to get an idea of the ranges for jobs.

3. The salary offered can change throughout the process. Did you show how you would add value during the interview? How much do they want you? Are you a great candidate? The employer may start the process with a set pay range in mind, but the amount might increase depending on how the interviews went, how much they like you and how much value they think you can add. Stating a salary early in the process limits this chance.

What is Magic?

What are you making happen?

Does a tradesperson need a resume? (Ask Me Mondays)

Q. I’m in trades (carpentry), do I really need a resume?

Yes, yes! Many times in the trades, potential employees are hired more on their reputation and who they know (networking/recommendations). However, when you are looking to change employers (maybe moving cities/provinces?) or applying online (larger company or union), you need a detailed resume.

To make a detailed resume, first list your duties under your positions. Use recognized terminology, not industry slang. Then think about all the achievements that you’ve done in those positions.

· What have you been recognized for, both informally (Good job today on __) and formally (in a work review).

· Are you safety conscious and give examples how.

· Do you know any special tools or equipment?

· Talk about the scope of work you’ve done,

· If you’ve supervised any crews and how many people.

· What your First Aid Status is (what level First Aid do you have) (can go in highlights

· Your certificates/qualifications (Red Seal etc).

· If you are applying for a union position, include your hours, not just years, of experience.

Do you need a cover letter? That’s dependent on the job. Are you applying for a supervisory position or office position, then yes. If you are applying to be on a crew, probably not.

Last but not least: Make sure your resume has been proof-read. Spelling mistakes and grammar matter.

What doesn’t go on my resume? (Ask me mondays)

Q: I’m redoing my resume. What shouldn’t go on there?

Many things have changed in the last few years, so this is a good question!

Let’s start with the little things: you can remove your full address and postal code. Also remove your high school info IF it’s been over 5 years or you have gone to any post-secondary (college/university) or if you have relevant work experience. Remove the objective! The objective should be replaced with a summary and a highlights section.

Now the bigger things: You can also remove any work experience that’s farther away than 15 years UNLESS it’s relevant and not similar to anything else you’ve done since. Most often, your recent experience will be your most relevant, so that’s where your resume space and your efforts should go to. If this is the case, your resume will be two pages (three at most if you’re going for an executive position). Your most recent experience (like all your resume details!) should not just list your duties, but all your achievements and how you add value.

How often should I update my Résumé? (Ask Me Mondays! )

Q: How often should I be updating my resume and LinkedIn?

Background: I was chatting with a friend of mine the other day while waiting for a family member. She has been in her current position for almost 4 years and is ready to start looking for a new challenge. She told me she hadn’t updated her resume since she got this position.

She laughed and asked me how often do I recommend updating a resume? My answer was: “Honestly, whenever you’ve done something you’d like an employer to know about. Think about all the work you’ve done in the past 4 years and how much of it do you remember? The best time to update your resume when you’ve just done something amazing! But don’t send out a resume that is pages long!”

TL:DR: Add to your resume all the time, when you’ve done something amazing, noteworthy or is an achievement.