Sam Winter’s Post

Are you currently job hunting? If yes, then this is for you. Here are some practices you should avoid if you want to improve your chances of landing a job: 1. Commenting "I'm interested" please DM me the details" on a Linkedin post for a new job opening 2. Sending a long, cold message to someone explaining the background of how/why you were laid off, how you'restruggling with interviews. People really don’t have time to read those long messages. 3. Generic Applications : Sending out the same resume and cover letter to multiple companies without tailoring them to the specific job requirements and company culture. 4. Ignoring Networking : Overlooking the power of networking events, seminars, and industry meet-ups can limit your exposure to potential job opportunities and valuable connections. 5. Neglecting Follow ups : Failing to follow up after interviews or networking events can give the impression of disinterest or lack of initiative. 6. Lack of Research : Not researching the company and role you're applying for can lead to generic answers during interviews and missed opportunities to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge. 7. Overlooking Soft Skills : While technical skills are crucial, employers also value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Not highlighting these can put you at a disadvantage. 8. Neglecting Online Presence : Ignoring your online presence, including social media profiles and LinkedIn, can impact your professional image. Ensure your online presence aligns with your job search goals. 9. Not Seeking Feedback : Avoiding feedback from peers, mentors, or interviewers means missing out on valuable insights that can help improve your job search strategy and interview performance. If you've found yourself guilty of any of the above, don't worry — there's always room for improvement. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I'll be sharing actionable steps to replace these habits with ones that actually work.

As an active job seeker, job hunting can be exhausting and eye-opening. There are many strategies and approaches to use daily, and they will never be the same for each opportunity you apply for or interview for, which can be overwhelming. During this time, one thing that weighs heavily is the lack of professional communication with some recruiters, whom I now refer to as "Ghost Recruiters," because they disappear and completely lack good follow-up. I have noticed the following: 1. Recruiters will reach out and have a discovery call, but do not check in frequently to keep building rapport or keep lines of communication open. 2. A prospect will follow up with a recruiter by email or phone, and they never respond back or provide updates even if the interviewing team decides not to move forward. 3. After going through many rounds of interviews upon which the recruiter is the main point of contact, they do not respond to inquiries regarding feedback. Interviewees would like a response when asked for constructive feedback or why they were not choosing for a position. To not respond to people who have dedicated so much time and effort to an interview process is unacceptable. I have experienced all the above and have heard quite a few people express the same frustrations. I believe recruiters have forgotten that they are a company's first and sometimes lasting impression; that job seekers are human and rely on simple human interaction to move throughout this process effectively. If you the recruiter expect to find great talent with exceptional communication skills, please note that we are also expecting you to be good communicators and follow simple codes of ethics (responding) as well. Our time is valuable, and these multiple conversations and interviews can be quite daunting. The lack of communication or response leaves an unfavorable first and lasting impression. To my fellow job seekers, please ride the tide and stay resilient during your process. Take the time when you are waiting on responses to make a list of the core values you are seeking in a company, the things you are not willing to compromise with, and a list of your personal accomplishments to highlight and discuss! Job seeking is a job in itself, and you can easily forget what you bring to the table, due to rejection or simple silence from a recruiter. Don’t let it deter you. Take each conversation and interview as an opportunity to learn more and improve your pitch for the perfect job that awaits you. Good luck job seekers. We are in this together! #jobhunt #jobseeking #jobseekers #recruiters #recruitersoflinkedin #opentowork #feedbackmatters #communicate #buildrelationships

The Journey of Persistence: My Reflections on Job Hunting As a communication expert, my journey in the job market has been one of perseverance and resilience. Over the past five months, I've navigated through countless applications, interviews, and moments of uncertainty. Unlike many, I've chosen not to settle for less but to pursue opportunities that align with my expertise and passion, determined to find the perfect fit for my skills and aspirations. After sending out countless resumes and enduring radio silence, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I revamped my CV, and the results were immediate. The floodgates opened with interview invitations pouring in, including one from a prestigious real estate firm. Despite a scheduling conflict that caused me to miss the initial interview, I was granted a second chance. From the moment I stepped into the room, it felt like a meeting of minds—a conversation between a mentor and their mentes. The interviewer's praise for my abilities and passion was humbling, and I left feeling confident that I had made a lasting impression. The positive feedback and indications of being their top candidate also left me hopeful for what lay ahead. However, despite the promising signs, the wait for feedback has been longer than anticipated. It's a familiar scenario for many job seekers - the uncertainty after an interview can be daunting. Yet, amidst the ambiguity, I remain steadfast in my belief that persistence and preparation will eventually pay off. Reflecting on this experience, I've come to realize that while there are no guarantees in the job market, there are indicators that can boost one's confidence. The rapport established during the interview, the enthusiasm expressed by the interviewer, and the alignment between my skills and the company's needs all hint at a potential match. While preparation and performance are crucial. However, ultimately, the decision rests with the employer, and patience becomes our greatest ally. So, how does one gauge the likelihood of success after an interview? The truth is, there are no guarantees. Only time—and the interviewer's decision—will reveal the outcome. But one thing is certain: resilience, determination, and a refusal to settle for less will ultimately lead to the right opportunity. So, to fellow job seekers navigating through similar experiences, I offer this reminder: trust in your abilities, remain resilient in the face of uncertainty, and never settle for less than what you deserve. The right opportunity is out there, waiting to be seized. Let's keep pushing forward together. I am Ololade, and my journey continues. #JobHunting #Persistence #Resilience #CareerJourney #CareerGrowth #Resilience #InterviewInsights

Why Job Hunting Can Feel Like an Endless Battle You’ve sent out resume after resume, customized countless cover letters, and still, no callbacks. Sound familiar? The job search can feel like climbing a mountain while blindfolded. Let's break it down! The Vanishing Act of Applications Often, the application must pass an applicant tracking system (ATS), eliminateing resumes lacking the right keywords. Only a handful, typically 4 to 6 are invited for interviews. It's no wonder so many applications seem to disappear into a void. The Great Experience Catch The dreaded "experience required" line on entry-level jobs frustrates job seekers worldwide. How can you get experience if every position demands it upfront? It’s a frustrating hurdle, leaving many early-career professionals stuck on the sidelines. The Personalization Marathon Crafting tailored applications for each role is essential, but can feel overwhelming after the tenth, or fiftieth attempt. While personalized resumes boosts your chances, the effort required often leads to exhaustion. The Silence Is Deafening Even after a stellar interview, waiting for a decision can be nerve-wracking. The average hiring process lasts over a month. Leaving people anxious and second-guessing themselves. The lack of updates can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Steps to Stay Ahead Make Your Resume Stand Out: Include keywords from job descriptions and focus on measurable accomplishments. Leverage Connections: Networking and referrals remain some of the most effective ways to land interviews, as many positions aren’t publicly advertised. Expand Your Horizons: Look for roles where you can apply transferable skills, even if you don't meet every requirement. Track Your Progress: Using a job application tracker can help you stay organized and reduce stress. Final Thoughts Job hunting isn't easy, but tenacity and strategy make a difference. Each rejection teaches you something new, and gets you closer to your goal. Remember, you’re not just looking for any job! You’re finding a stepping stone to your future!!! For those navigating the journey, such as myself. Stay strong, the right opportunity is waiting, and your hard work will pay off. You’ve got this! WE'VE GOT THIS!

My journey to Job Hunting! I was not late, it was the internet. During one of my job interviews, I encountered a situation that taught me a valuable lesson about preparation and adaptability. It was an online interview with the CEO and owner of the company. Thirty minutes before the scheduled time, I prepared my laptop and logged in 15 minutes early. However, the interviewer did not join at the scheduled time. After waiting 10 minutes past the set time, I contacted my recruiter to confirm the situation. The recruiter advised me to remain online and wait. Unfortunately, while waiting, I experienced an unexpected internet connection issue. When I was able to reconnect, the interviewer had already logged in. I greeted him, apologized for the disruption, and explained the technical difficulty. The CEO acknowledged the internet connection issue. However, from his tone and expression, I could sense his disappointment, as if he believed I was late and making excuses. After the call, I reached out to my recruiter to explain the situation and expressed my willingness to attend a face-to-face interview to clarify any misunderstandings. The recruiter assured me that he would follow up and inform me of any updates. Despite my efforts to reconnect, including making follow-up calls a few days later, I received no response, leaving me feeling dismissed. This experience emphasized the critical importance of ensuring a reliable internet connection for online interviews and having backup plans in place. Moving forward, I am committed to thoroughly testing my setup and minimizing potential disruptions as I continue my job search journey. Questions: Is the Company Worth It? Ask yourself: Do you want to work for a leader who may not demonstrate empathy or patience? Does the company's handling of this situation align with your expectations for how employees are treated?

I'm fed up..... 1) Job Hunting 2) Sweating over essay-style questions on applications that ultimately go nowhere 3) Job knockbacks that say, "We'll keep your name on file" Has anyone ever heard back from an employer who has said that after being rejected? 4) Impersonal job knockbacks that you instantly get not long after applying for a role 5) Job interviews that get a person's hopes up that this might be the one and it's not only for you to have to start again 6) Those people who go from job to job like a monkey swinging from tree to tree when some of us just hit tree trunks all the time 7) Feeling worthless and the world is passing you by while others are succeeding 8) Working for free on the off chance it might lead to paid work but doesn't 9) Unwarranted opinions and comments that add nothing to a conversation 10) Grown adults ghost people who might be dealing with some stuff. Where did people's kindness go to each other? 11) Posting on #Linkedin I'm looking for work and you instantly messages & likes from scammers. 12) Job knockbacks with wishy-washy responses designed to lessen the process of rejection 13) The word Networking in reference to meeting other people. 14) Seeing whoever gets a top job with an employer all over the news and on here... who cares 15) Trying to get more experience when no one will allow you to do so. 16) Applying for oversubscribed career schemes fighting others for whatever table scraps they are when it comes to work. 17) Job anniversary posts on Linkedin..... who cares you had a role with a company 3 years ago.... no one does 18) Going through job applications where you match all of the criteria but there's one thing that stops you from applying because they deem it essential 19) Lists 20) CV's is it one page? Two pages? How should they be structured? What text format is best? What size should the text be? How much detail should there be or not? 21) Career barriers whether it be due to class, location,race,sex, age, health,the money in a person's pocket, what our parents did for work or if a candidate got free school meals 30-plus years ago....who cares right? 22) Struggling to get through a day 23) Applying for Talent Pools and nothing ever happens 24) People who tag others on job posts which gives those who aren't in that friend circle a disadvantage 25) Job adverts behind paywalls just so the riff raff dont get access to them 26) If you want any sort of #media #career you have to move to London still being forced down peoples throat I thought region and nations was meant to change that way of thinking 27) Training opportunities after you do them just throw those on them out into the wild without any support 28) The mates hiring their mates culture within any industry. 29) Employers not taking risks Please feel free to add to this post in the comments and lets vent together #imfedup

Not sure I should be posting more advise on job hunting, but it seems many appreciated my last post about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) insights. After looking for a position myself for 10 months, I know it can be tough. A few thoughts: ·      Do not be afraid to broaden your scope when looking! If while reading a role profile you see that you have 50% or even less of what they are looking for, and the role looks interesting, submit an application, and sell where your skills match. What do you have to lose? As a hiring manager, I was about a good foundation, work ethic, and group fit. I can teach people many things, but I do not have time to train out a bad personality! ·      I see some postings from people about looking for exact fits or ideal openings. This is fine if you are simply checking what is out there while you have a job you love. Question: How well did your last role profile fit the position you were in? I can tell you mine almost never encompassed what I was actually doing! Do not disqualify what could be a good position, try and get the interview, listen to what they say, ask questions and sell yourself. You can always say no to an offer, but until someone wants to make you an offer you have nothing. ·      Think about what you are posting on Linkedin (or any social media)! Is what you are posting positive, insightful… DO NOT POST items that could be taken as a negative attitude. Look at what you are posting, if you step back, what does it say about you? ·      Lastly, approach looking for a job like a job! You should be hunting 8 hours a day 5 days a week. Look at who is in your network and where they are employed. Network, the internal job boards often have positions you will never see externally. Do not be discouraged if you interview and do not get the job (I know it is hard not too)! Often you never had a chance as they already knew who was getting the position, but leaving a good impression could lead to something else, and the interview practice is always good. Learn from each interview: Think about what questions they asked, how you answered, what you would do differently. Was your preparation sufficient? The job market is tough, but good people are hard to find! Keep swinging!

When you see posts about job hunting in 2024 being likened to something out of the Hunger Games, it can feel disheartening. 💔 Many companies are making redundancies currently, so it isn't surprising that there are reported to be 3X the number of applicants for each job compared to 2019. 📈 I've read countless threads over the past few weeks about people sending their CV to 100+ companies without even getting one interview. 😓 So, what do you do if you're a candidate either at risk of redundancy or already redundant? 🤔 Here's 7 tips I've learned over the past few weeks from my network that I hope might help: 💡 1 - Reach Out for CV Advice: If you have any people in your network who work in Recruitment or Talent Acquisition, ask for advice on your CV. They won't write it for you, but if you ask nicely, they could give you some helpful pointers. 📝 2- Customize Your Applications: Don't send the same CV and cover letter to 100+ companies. Did you also really want to apply to that role at the company that's going to take you 2 hours to commute to and compensate low pay with free pizza? 😫🚌 3- Make It ATS-Friendly: Match your skills and experience to the role and pick out the key words that are relevant. An applicant tracking system is often used by companies to screen you based on key words, similar to how SEO works.🎯 4- Polish Your CV: Make sure your CV is well-formatted. Check your contact details are correct, ensure your key skills stand out, and back up your claims with hard facts. Don't just list a ton of hyperbole about your soft skills. 📄✨ 5- Network Like Crazy: Connect with stakeholders, clients, your old boss, recruiters who contacted you about a role a while back, friends, family... the list goes on. Get connecting! 🔗🤝 6- Think Outside the Box: What transferable skills do you have? Could you be interested in a career change? I did a number of career pivots to gain more commercial experience! It's never too late! 🚀🔄 7- Give Yourself a Breather: Job hunting can get overwhelming, especially if you haven't had much success in a while. Be kind to yourself. Take a mental health walk or a long bath to recharge! 🌿🛁 I hope these tips help you in your job search! 🌟 Shout out to everyone who has spent time chatting with me about their experiences and offering advice! #jobhunting #opentowork

How do I stay motivated when searching for a job? Job hunting can be an explosion of emotions. The initial excitement of exploring new opportunities can quickly give way to frustration, self-doubt, and burnout. 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝: 𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 Before you dive into the job search, define your goals. Have some time to really envision your dream job. What does the day-to-day look like? Write it down, create a vision board (digital or physical!), and keep that image close. This will remind you why you're putting in the hard work. 𝟮. 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 Set daily or weekly goals – X applications submitted, Y networking conversations. Crushing those goals? Reward yourself! Didn't quite make it? No worries, dust yourself off and level up next time. 𝟯. 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 Can't control the hiring process timeline? Nope. What you CAN control? Crafting a killer resume, sending personalized cover letters, and absolutely rocking your interviews. Channel your energy here. 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂!) It happens. But instead of letting it derail you, use it as a learning opportunity. Reflect on the feedback (if given) and refine your approach. Remember, every "no" brings you closer to that big, big "YES!" 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙊𝙈𝙀! This job search might test you, but it won't break you. Stay motivated, keep that fire lit, and you'll land the role of your dreams! ---- 𝗣.𝗦. What are your best tips for staying motivated during a job search?

After reading so many of Robynn Storey's posts I feel like I am safe to share my job hunting experience over the last several months of searching. Moreover, thank you so much Robynn for providing us all with so many insightful anecdotes and making LinkedIn feel like a truly safe space to provide our perspectives as job seekers. Moreover, these experiences range from the norm to truly off-putting, with some making me dread the job hunting process so much more than I ever have in the past. The job market has never been like we are seeing it now, but alas, here we are. So, during my job hunt I have seen the normal recruiting processes being utilized by recruiters and companies alike, such as: 1. Questionnaires about what I want from my career in the short-term and long-term. 2. Explaining why I would be a good fit for an organization. 3. Explaining why I would be a solid hire for their specific company knowing what they do and their day-to-day functions. 3. Video (and in-person) interviews that allow me to adequately present myself either in-person or virtually and showcase my verbal skillset whilst explaining my resume/experience, etc. 4. Speaking about a role that a company is hiring for and being able to ask multiple questions about said role (why is the role vacant, what will be expected of me in the first 90 days, etc). But... I have also been through experiences that I have never once encountered — and hope to never encounter again — such as: 1. Being asked to show my PERSONAL living space — in the room I was taking the interview in — to a recruiter so they could see if my "office space is conducive to a 'well-planned' and 'smart' work environment". 2. I was texted by an unknown number, given a short message about a company I applied to months prior, and was given a random Skype ID. I had to then use said ID to communicate with the director of the company for an interview, only for said director to then use pre-written prompts to communicate with me instead of simply speaking with me via Skype as he was already there and available to talk (I asked for exactly that and was told I was asking too much). He told me that I was impatient and that I wasn't a good candidate because I "read too fast" and asked me if I thought he was "a joke". All because I asked to speak via video or audio. 3. I have been ghosted mid-interview (via video) after the recruiter "disconnected" and I never heard a word back from them or their organization. 4. I was told that I don't have enough experience by three separate ENTRY-LEVEL jobs that all highlighted that there was no experience needed prior to applying and within their respective job descriptions. The list goes on... Alas... I will continue onward in my hunt. As always, if you know of any organizations looking for someone with sales and customer service experience please reach out as I'd love to connect with you. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day!