Are you new to LinkedIn and are hoping to make the best first impression on potential employers, industry leaders, and peers? While this social network isn’t new, it is different than other types of social media. 

Recruiters, hiring managers, and employers frequently search career and job aggregator sites such as LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, Monster, indeed and similar sites to source and screen prospective candidates. They then go to LinkedIn to assess your professionalism and credentials. Unfortunately, many LinkedIn profiles are incomplete and outdated. This can negatively impact your personal brand and job search. Professionals who want to be taken seriously should have current and professional keyword optimized LinkedIn profiles.

It can be very stressful and daunting to embark on a job search, especially when you are working a job or career path that makes you miserable. There is hope even though it may seem impossible to ever get out of that miserable situation. You have to keep optimistic energy around you and think positively to stay above water. It is also essential that you remind yourself that your situation is temporary, and a situation that will pass. 

The job search process can be stressful and time consuming for job seekers. While searching for the perfect job opportunities, it is important to be mindful that not all job postings are legitimate job openings.  Scammers have come up with ways to attract vulnerable job seekers by requiring upfront fees to secure employment.  You should never be required to pay to apply for a job or wonder what company you are applying to.  Legitimate companies with actual job openings are transparent.  Have you ever questioned whether or not you should apply for a job because the ad seems shady or too good to be true?  You probably should not apply if you have doubt. Always follow your instincts.  Here are some red flags to pay attention to.

If you are 50 years of age or older, you might find the job search process daunting and frustrating. Why does it seem as if employers do not want to hire anyone over age 50? Is it real or are we just imagining things?  No, it is very real! Age discrimination runs rampant throughout the job search process. 

Happy New Year to you! The time has come for you to enhance and execute you career search plan for the new year. Now that we have made it through the busy holiday season, employers will ramp up their recruiting plan as they seek the best candidates in a competitive job market. To help you fine-tune your 2019 career search plan, I have listed  a few pointers below to help you successfully navigate your job search:

December is one of the busiest months of the year, whether you are preparing for the holidays, hosting family, or trying to find a new job.  We often hear of recruiters and hiring managers taking vacation time in December instead of working on the recruiting process.  While that may be true for some, many are still busy filling positions so they can have key positions staffed at the beginning of the new year.  As a former recruiter, I can personally confirm that December was often just as busy for me, as I took that time to screen candidates and schedule interviews for the first week of the new year.  December was also a great time for me to stay busy recruiting candidates in order to start the new year off right.

Age discrimination is prevalent throughout the job search process, yet very difficult to prove. Some companies promote a culture of discriminating against older workers, making it difficult for older workers throughout the job search process. AARP and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics have reported on this topic which has done very little, if anything, to deter companies from practicing this form of discrimination. With the baby boomers aging better than generations before, there is no slowing down older workers. As such, many older job seekers still desire to put their skills, reliability, and maturity to work beyond the typical retirement age.   Continue reading