Working Mental Health’s Post

Honest question for everyone who says not to say ANYTHING negative when looking for work: What would you do if you couldn’t account for chunks of your work or time because of someone else’s unprofessional behavior? For example: if I do significant work for a law firm (litigation, legal writing and research, reviewing and approving paralegals’ work, etc) and the firm uses this work, praises it, then decides they “don’t have time” to go over the work and does not pay for that work, does this just become an inexplicable resume gap? This is of course 100 % hypothetical, but in this situation I’m supposed to pretend I did no work during this time and have less experience than I really do so that I can seem happy and positive enough to make it through an interview? That I’ll probably get rejected because of resume gaps and lack of experience? Cool. Whether that’s #upyouraly or not, I want to hear opinions in the comments. Again, of course, none of this ever happened and I’m totally thrilled with every work experience I’ve ever had, just making conversation. 😇 **EDIT : to address some confusion in the comments (my fault), in this hypothetical, I wouldn’t want employers contacting this firm because of the conflicted relationship

I met with a colleague today to talk about the their career, applying for jobs, and navigating a wild job market(in an election year while somersaulting into Q4, no less). The longer we sat, the firmer I grew in my feelings about a few things: 🤠 It's imperative that you learn your strengths and be able to speak to them with confidence 🤠When constructing your resume, consider that the person reviewing it will spend less than 60 seconds reading over it. And that's assuming it's an actual person reviewing it. 🤠Your resume should tell a story. What's the narrative of your path? Are you a detail-oriented go-getter with a passion for taking things over the finish line? Or maybe you're better at idea generation and inspiring the beginnings of great things. Maybe you've pivoted and learned something new at each juncture that's informed what you do next. Whatever the case, your resume should tell that story 🤠Just because a zillion people have applied for a job doesn't mean you should hold back. Why *can't* it be you? You might be the silver bullet candidate they've been looking for, but they can't find you if you don't apply 🤠Remember that narrative you built with your resume? Attach data points where and when you can. If you don't have data to support, think about other bread crumbs can you leave with the hiring team to make them curious about you -- it's all about creating curiosity! I know the market is tough. I also know HR and hiring teams typically run lean and are trying to do everything with very little. Whether you're just starting your search or you've been on the hunt for a while, I hope you stay focused and energized. Hang in there, and stay curious ✨

Ghosting For the past three months, I've been actively looking for a new job. I want to share my experience because the job market and recruitment process often seem impersonal and lacking in ethical consideration. I understand that the market is crowded and highly competitive, and selecting the right candidate is challenging. However, it's also important to acknowledge the efforts candidates put in. Many of us spend hours researching companies, positions, and teams, crafting cover letters, answering detailed questions, drafting proposals, and preparing for interviews, only to be met with silence. I don't expect a personalized explanation for why I wasn't selected. Still, I believe candidates deserve at least an acknowledgment of their application and a notification if they are not moving forward in the process. Being jobless is hard enough. This system, which often makes us feel invisible, only adds to the frustration and demoralization. #jobhunt

I’ve been reflecting on a frustrating trend that seems to have taken over the job application process: the ghosting phenomenon. Remember when applying for a job meant not just sending your resume into the void, but also receiving some form of acknowledgment? It feels like common courtesy has vanished, leaving behind a sense of uncertainty and disappointment. I can’t count how many applications I’ve submitted, each one crafted with care, tailored to showcase my skills and passion. I would pour my heart into those cover letters, hoping to connect with a team that values what I bring to the table. Yet, more often than not, my efforts seem to disappear without a trace. The silence is deafening. It’s not just about getting the job; it’s about respect and recognition. A simple “thank you for your application” or “we appreciate your interest” can go a long way in making candidates feel valued, even if they’re not selected. Instead, we’re left wondering: Did my application even make it past the first round? Was my experience not relevant? Or did they simply forget about me? This lack of communication can be disheartening. It’s easy to feel like just another number in a long list of applicants, rather than a unique individual with dreams and aspirations. We all deserve to know where we stand in the process, especially when we invest our time and energy into pursuing opportunities. To hiring managers and recruiters out there: I urge you to consider the impact of your communication (or lack thereof). A little courtesy goes a long way in fostering goodwill and maintaining a positive brand image. Let’s bring back the human touch in hiring, because behind every resume is a person who deserves to be acknowledged.

Your Resume is DOOMED if it’s Full of Negativity Listen up, job seekers. If your resume has any trace of negativity, it’s heading straight to the digital trash can. Think I’m joking? Studies show that 92% of recruiters. Yes. NINETY-TWO PERCENT will instantly reject resumes riddled with negative words. Let’s face it. No one wants to hire a “problem” or someone with “terrible” experiences. So why does your resume read like a list of things you hate about work? Here’s how to stop sabotaging your own job hunt: A) Scrap Negative Language: Phrases like "decline," "problem," and "mistake" are instant red flags. Don’t give recruiters a reason to doubt you. Give them reasons to hire you. B) Show What You Did, Not What You Hated: "I fixed a mistake" sounds weak. Try "Improved accuracy by implementing [X solution]." It screams results, not regret. C) Use Words that SELL, Not Repel: "Enhanced," "optimized," "led", use powerful words that say, “I’m here to make things happen,” not “I’m just here to complain.” Your resume isn’t a diary. It’s a showcase of your value! And if you don’t think recruiters are skimming for these key details, wake up. Your words MATTER. Don't let a few poor word choices be the reason you’re stuck without offers. Edit. Rephrase. And bring the positive energy employers are looking for! 🔽 Drop a line if you’ve made this mistake before (you’re not alone) or tag a friend who needs this reality check. #JobSearchTips #ResumeAdvice #RecruitmentReality #CareerGrowth #StandOut

The Waiting Game: Navigating the Silence After Submitting Job Applications Let’s face it, the job hunt can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You spend hours crafting the perfect resume, tailoring cover letters, and meticulously filling out applications, only to be met with silence. Weeks pass, and still, there’s no response. It's a frustrating scenario that many job seekers find themselves in – the waiting game. If you're currently in this situation, feeling like your applications are disappearing into the void, know that you're not alone. In fact, it's an all-too-common experience that many professionals encounter during their job search journey. So, what can you do when the silence is deafening? It's essential to recognize that the lack of response doesn't necessarily reflect on your qualifications or worth as a candidate. There could be numerous reasons for the delay – perhaps the hiring process is taking longer than anticipated, or the company is inundated with applications. Remember, it's not always about you. While it's easy to succumb to feelings of frustration or self-doubt, it's crucial to maintain a positive mindset and keep pushing forward. Remember, the job search process can be a marathon rather than a sprint. Rejections and silence are part of the journey, but they don't define your ultimate success. So, if you find yourself in the midst of the waiting game, hang in there, and don't let the silence dampen your spirits. Your next career breakthrough could be just around the corner, or popping up from the sand! #motivationmonday #jobsearch

Here is a long, yet flattering, recommendation from a recent client. Thank you Mitch. I love helping people like you! "I hired Elizabeth to rewrite my resumé and create a cover letter. To only say she exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. We not only communicated via email but also via phone regarding which direction I want to take my career. I shared with her the resumé I was using, and she was able to come back with lots of great constructive criticism, explaining which aspects missed the mark for opportunities and how they could be improved, down to font choice and text size. She reiterated the biggest thing I had overlooked for 8 years: that these documents are to market myself. I had gotten so used to rejection that I had become hopeless, working jobs I was overqualified for just to make ends meet. Knowing that this wouldn't change until I changed my own strategy, and having hired resume writers once or twice before (but not having had results), I knew she was the correct choice based on the quality of the feedback I received and based on examples of her work on her business website. I had a couple of gaps in my career due to things beyond my control; she was able to turn those into opportunities to not only explain the gaps but create a level of continuity within the documents that I never would have thought of on my own. (That continuity is to help a resumé pass the scans of Applicant Tracking Systems and help it reach an employer's Inbox as opposed to the Trash Bin or Spam Folder.) Well, less than 2 weeks after beginning to submit my new documents, the tables have turned! I've gone from applying to hundreds of employers and getting rejection emails to letting my new documents work themselves on popular job boards and seeing employers find & contact me! Her work is speaking for itself! For employers not using a job board, application auto-fills are now much easier to edit, even with points in my life where I've worked 2 jobs at the same time. As a certified HR professional who has worked as an internal employee for a temp agency in the past and whose job was to help place others in jobs, I feel as if I can consider her a colleague and recommend Elizabeth to anyone looking to start, advance, or change careers. Disclaimer: she cannot land the job for you and will remind you of that prior to beginning her service with you, but she can give you a jumpstart on your employment journey with a balanced, informed approach!"

𝘍𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘝𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴... guess it's good to know I'm not just posting into a void!😉 Kidding aside - this is beyond my usual reach, and it's a strong reminder that getting the "right" resume is a topic of interest to so many of you. Big thanks to everyone who shared their own insights. After reading it all, I think there's 3 important, main takeaways: 1. In legal, resumes shouldn't be overcomplicated. Sales might sway with the right wording, but in legal, it’s about clear & specific qualifications. If a role is strictly M&A, no amount of dressing up your privacy law experience will make the cut. 2. There 𝘪𝘴 something to be said for how a resume looks. But what "looks good" is subjective, and will always differ across industries & individuals. 3. Your resume's purpose is to prove your qualifications and get your foot in the door. Interviews are your time to truly sell yourself & shine. As always, appreciate everyone's insights - please keep em coming!!

Two messages, same day, from candidates eager to make an impression. The first: A meticulously crafted resume, complimented with a BRIEF outline of what they want to do next, including their salary and EVEN some company suggestions as to where they would want to work. The second: A simple message stating they weren't here to bombard with qualifications, just to express genuine interest in finding a job. Now, let's ponder: Which approach stood out? While authenticity and interest are vital PREPERATION and a strong, tailored presentation make a lasting impact. In a competitive job market, it's the candidates who go the extra mile to demonstrate their fit for the role that will stand out. Kudos to both approaches for their efforts, as it's not always easy to reach out to someone you don't really BUT ... Showcasing your best self in a way that makes things quick and easy is always the way to go. As always you are welcome to share your thoughts? Happy Friday Happy Every day 💞 #Headhunter #CareerCoach #ResumeWriter

What is your brand as a candidate looking for a new role? Are your LinkedIn and resume up to date & consistent? Do you have a network, recommendations, or spotlight on your strategic impact at your last jobs? Are you answering the application questions when you apply to a job? 👋 I am bringing this up because I am consistently surprised by the lack of awareness on this by job applicants. As a recruiter who reviews hundreds of applications, I will honestly tell you that if you 1: Have an outdated LinkedIn or it's bare bones, you will not stand out. There is an influx of fake candidates out there, as well as a high volume of applicants for every role, so this is becoming even more important as we evaluate who to consider for open roles. 2: Do not answer the required application questions, you are likely to get rejected. There is a reason we add those to the process. I see many people add things like "n/a, look at my resume, ask me in the interview" or leave them blank. If you cannot take a few minutes to answer application questions, that is already a sign of apathy. 3: Typos & formatting inconsistencies - this has always been true. Hey, a few typos are not a big deal, but if your entire resume is reflecting inconsistencies, it shows lack of attention to detail as well as lack of effort to have someone review it. Do you agree with me? 🤔 Let me know, and feel free to share. I think this is a reminder many people on the job market need to hear right now. #careeradvice #resumetips #personalbrand #hiring