The Voice of Job Seekers

I'm back with a new episode. Yes, I know it's been a while, but I plan to bring a new one every other week for the next few months. If you haven't subscribed to The Job Scam Report, please do. It's the only job scam podcast dedicated to helping job seekers to navigate today's job search strategically and safely. I decided to talk about what job seekers should be focused on in today's job search. For many people, waiting to lose a job before starting to search creates a long runway to the next opportunity.  Here are other points I made: Incorporating your job search into your lifestyle. Adopt the consultant mindset by clarifying and targeting your past contributions, and make it clear what you'll do for the employer.  The job market has reset in many ways. What employers are asking for isn't new.  It's still better to job search employed than unemployed.  Layoffs are a cultural norm. No one is exempt from a layoff. How you talk about your past experiences matters: results and accomplishments are key. Your experience must clearly show how it will benefit your new employer.   Combat employer bias by providing concrete, action-driven examples rather than fluffy adjectives. Thanks, Virginia Franco.

I know it’s been a while, but I’m back, ready to serve up advice, instruction, food for thought, and all else in between.  This week, my friend Kevin D. Turner is my guest. He was actually on my LinkedIn live back in December, but I thought his advice was relevant for all job seekers.  Here’s what you should know about Kevin: Fortune 50 Sales & Marketing Management to Venture Capital (VP), to Public & Private Turnarounds (CEO & VP), executively leading a Non-Profit 50 internationally into 140 countries (International Director). He’s helped thousands with LinkedIn profile optimizations.  Held Sales, Marketing, and Branding leadership roles with SONY, Stone VC, Thomas Nelson, TurneRRounD, American Teachers, American Heart Association, & TNT Brand Strategist. Director of International Development for the American Heart Association. Here are a few of Kevin’s main points:  Open to Work and the LinkedIn verification process. LinkedIn Recruiting tool and its safety concerns.  Impersonations of legitimate career services professionals.  Scammers’ use of emerging technology makes fake profiles look legit.  LinkedIn, like many sites with jobs, has had data breaches or exposure. The post Is LinkedIn Safe? What Every Job Seeker Needs to Know Now first appeared on The Voice of Job Seekers.

This episode explores the complexities of HR background checks with Ghislaine Knauff, who has worked in HR operations for a Fortune 100 company for the past 15 years. This discussion rarely occurs on podcasts and would help many job seekers understand background checks have many snares and nuances.  I learned a lot, not realizing how much could happen along the way. As you’ll see in the episode, it’s not just what an employer says about a former employee. I’ve shared notes with you, but hearing them will add much context to my quick talking points.  Highlights:  Hiring Process Delays: – Hiring delays are common and frustrating for candidates. – Varies by industry; some are highly regulated (e.g., financial services), requiring extensive background checks. Factors contributing to delays:   – Industry-specific regulatory requirements   – Comprehensive background checks (e.g., criminal history)   – Candidate responsiveness Role of HR in Hiring: – HR’s involvement begins after the resume review and initial interview. – HR checks applications for employment history, education, and criminal records. – Verification processes may include contacting previous employers and checking licensing databases. Employment and Background Checks: – Background checks vary by industry. – Common checks include employment history, education verification, and criminal background checks. – Performance issues noted in past employment may be considered but are only sometimes a dealbreaker. References: – The importance of references can vary. – References are only sometimes required in some industries. – Ideal references include supervisors or peers who can vouch for work ethic and teamwork. Challenges in the Hiring Process – Delays obtaining information from external sources (e.g., understaffed courts, previous employers without automated systems). – Differences in checks for industry-specific roles. – Potential application discrepancies (e.g., incorrect employment dates) can lead to distrust.  Social Media and Hiring – Social media checks are handled separately, not as part of initial background checks. – The impact of social media presence can be significant if it is negative (e.g., hate speech). – It is essential to maintain a professional online presence. Industry Trends and Advice – Some industries are consistently hiring; consider exploring new fields if you need help finding a job. – Skills can be transferable across industries. – Research and understanding of where skills fit can broaden job opportunities.  Conclusion – Encouragement to explore different career opportunities. – Contact Just Lane via LinkedIn for more insights. – Stay informed about upcoming job-related podcasts and resources. Here’s the full conversation: The post The Truth About Background Checks: What Job Seekers Must Know first appeared on The Voice of Job Seekers.

    How BRAVE are you? Are you missing the courage to find the career you want? Many job seekers or career-changers don’t need more or better marketing materials (resumes, cover letters, etc.). Most of them need something they already have or is intrinsically available to them. Margie Warrell (@margiewarrell) and I talked about courage 12 years ago. I am republishing the show to inspire you and talk about her book, Brave: 50 Everyday Acts of Courage to Thrive in Work, Love and Life. What does courage mean to you today? I would love to hear what you think. Here’s how you can let me know: Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822 Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen and leave a message Send email feedback to [email protected] Margie Warrell is an international thought leader in human potential who is passionate about empowering people to take braver risks and lead more purpose-driven lives.  She has been featured in leading media outlets such as The Today Show, FOX News, CNBC, Psychology Today, and the Wall Street Journal. She is also a regular contributor on Australia’s ABC News Breakfast and Sunrise. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: “Brave” speaks to our total lives, not just events. Small changes to our lives affect how we live profoundly Think differently, act differently, with who you are We should always challenge ourselves to expand who we are and put ourselves out there to add value—it takes courage Courage is a muscle. It grows with use—act the way we want to feel. People react positively — Our beliefs can limit us or fuel cynicism. Stories around us being the victim will only perpetuate the current status quo. “I’m a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more I have of it.” Stop looking in a direction you don’t want to go. Obstacles, setbacks, and competition are constant. Find ways to break through. Be careful in the way you explain setbacks. You can chase away potential believers. We speak our fears into existence, and we build our roadblocks to success. Give ourselves permission to make mistakes or sub-optimal decisions and just make a decision. If it doesn’t work, pivot as you go along. Don’t let others “should” on you – be BRAVE! Use your good judgment Have you subscribed to this show on iTunes? If you haven’t, please do so. iTunes is a great place to write an honest review to pique the interest of others lurking. Enjoy listening to the show. Let me know what you think. Editor’s note: This episode was first published in 2015.                    The post Be BRAVE! Stop People From Should(ing) on Your Career Now! first appeared on The Voice of Job Seekers.

This week, my guest is Lorraine K. Lee, the former editor of LinkedIn News and Prezi. She is now a Trainer, Professor, Speaker, and author of “Unforgettable Presence.”  Highlights: Lorraine emphasizes the importance of having both confidence and presence during job interviews. She explains that presence doesn’t only relate to executive levels but is crucial for everyone in their career.  Presence video with intentional tech setup, energy, and aesthetics, collectively termed as the “T method.” Lorraine highlights how non-verbal cues, such as body language and hand gestures, influence perceptions during video interviews. Lorraine discusses the significance of video presence, particularly in virtual interviews, where technical aspects such as lighting, sound, and framing play a crucial role. Eliminating backlighting, ensuring eye contact, and using gestures naturally to appear more personable. We delve into overcoming challenges faced by new graduates during interviews. Lorraine points out that being intentional about one’s presence on platforms like LinkedIn and during virtual meetings contributes to building a professional reputation over time. Lorraine shares insights on handling interviews with AI avatars, emphasizing the importance of a positive setup and practicing with real people to get feedback. Lorraine advises job seekers to focus on storytelling and to convey their passion for the role to create a stronger connection with the interviewer. In another segment, my article from last week, “No! Really Breathes Life Into Your Career And Reclaim Time!” The post How to Bring More Assurance and Presence to Job Interviews first appeared on The Voice of Job Seekers.