From One Path to Another: Creating a Compelling LinkedIn Headline for Career Changers
Your current job doesn’t excite you as much as it used to and now you’re looking for something new? Or you might also be tired of the whole industry itself and want to start working in a completely different field? We know, it might be a bit challenging to get your head around all details worth considering. You’d need to think of the career you want to pursue. Then craft yourself a new resume. Then start prepping for interviews… Learn how to answer the ‘Why do you want to change your career path?’ question But while these things might require your full attention and at least a couple of hours of your day, there’s something else you need to think about that’ll take you less time than expected. Updating your LinkedIn headline. Sure, there are certain things worth figuring out before you create a new LinkedIn headline for yourself. But if we compare the time required to the results expected, it’s worth every second. In this article, you’ll learn: What the purpose of your LinkedIn headline is How having a strong LinkedIn headline can help you get a new job Why your transferable skills matter and how to identify them How the power of keywords in your LinkedIn headline can aid you in your job-seeking process … and more! Let’s go! Understanding the Purpose of a LinkedIn Headline So what exactly is the LinkedIn headline? In short, it’s the first line right below your name on the platform. And like your name, it’s highly searchable. This means recruiters can search for, say, ‘project manager’, and everyone who has added these two words to their LinkedIn headline will come up. This also means that having the right headline can help you stand out in your job search. In fact, it’s become increasingly popular for recruiters to be proactive and get in touch with LinkedIn users who seem like the right fit. And if you’re a fan of networking you’ll find it even more important to keep your LinkedIn headline up to date. In this way, it’ll be easier for people you meet to share exciting opportunities with you if they match your profile. Wondering how to network on LinkedIn? Check out this article for some expert tips and example messages! All this means that if you’re an ex-teacher passionate about finding a career in marketing and you’ve just met an HR manager that can be of help, you need to make a strong first impression. That’s exactly where your new LinkedIn headline comes into play. But wait! No need to brainstorm headline ideas just yet! We’ll identify your transferable skills first. Keeping them in mind when crafting your LinkedIn headline will ensure a more elevated end result. Identifying Your Transferable Skills Generally speaking, there are three types of LinkedIn headlines: The confident one, also known as the ‘one-sentence pitch’ The creative one, where you list your position and your top 3 skills The traditional one where you simply list your job title and employer Having in mind you’re looking to change careers and employers, we advise you to stick to the first two types. Fairly speaking, it’d be useless to state your previous position and employer if they’re not relevant to your career change. But before moving on to writing your new LinkedIn headline, let’s see how you can identify your transferable skills. Actually, what are transferable skills in the first place? Well, these are the skills that you can take from one job to another, and be sure they’ll be relevant. Most often than not, these are soft skills. But if you’re only switching jobs and not industries, then you could expect to have some hard transferable skills too! For example, if you’re a teacher looking to become a career coach, some of your transferable skills might include communication, time management, empathy, and active listening. If you’re a teacher looking to become an administrative assistant, on the other hand, you could have Microsoft Office, bookkeeping, and written communication as part of your list of transferable skills. It’s really job-specific. And if common sense isn’t enough for you to find your transferable skills, you might find it easier to go through some 10-15 job adverts and see what skills are listed on them instead. Then think about the skills you have and if some of them match these ‘new’ skills you’ll be expected to show. Might look slightly time-consuming, but it’s definitely worth every second! Once you have the list of your transferable skills ready, highlight the top 3 priority skills. The easiest way to do this is by checking which of these skills appear most often in different job postings. Just remember that these will change with time, so update your list regularly. Now, after you’ve identified your priority transferable skills, you need to incorporate them into your LinkedIn headline. As mentioned before, the two best ways to do this if you’re a career changer are the one-sentence pitch or the position + 3 skills combo. Let’s look at each of them Option 1: One-sentence pitch for your LinkedIn headline Although it might sound difficult to grasp, the one-sentence pitch is quite straightforward. Check out what we call our easy recipe for success: Just add your desired position, your top 2 skills, and the thing that makes you feel passionate about starting a new career. And don’t forget to highlight only your transferable skills! Option 2: Future position and top 3 skills for a clear LinkedIn headline This option is much more common than the one-sentence pitch formula. Again, you’d need your list of transferable skills. Pick the top 3 highest-priority ones and… you’ll basically have your headline ready. Here’s a success formula for you to use: You can use any graphic dividers you want - even emojis. Just make sure to sense-check if these would be well-received by HR in your dream industry. Using Keywords Strategically As we discussed, keywords work miracles for job seekers like yourself. Using the right keywords in your LinkedIn headline can make your profile easier to find by recruiters and potential employers alike. To begin with, your transferable skills are possibly the best keywords to include in your headline. In addition, we advise you to add the role you’re looking for. Remember when we mentioned that if you add, say, project manager, to your LinkedIn headline, your profile will come up every time someone searches for the words ‘project manager’? And although this depends on your location and the filters the person has added, it’s still a great opportunity to boost your profile’s visibility. Now, if you want to stand out from all other people with the same keywords in their LinkedIn headlines, you need to act strategically. Do your research. See what keywords people in your desired role are using. Are they relevant for you? Can you use them to brand yourself for your new career? As an aspiring software engineer, for instance, you could check what keywords experienced software engineers have as part of their LinkedIn headlines. Surely, you don’t want to sound boastful and appear more experienced than you actually are - as this risks making the wrong first impression. But getting some inspiration from others and using it the right way can definitely work well in your favor. Takeaways: The best LinkedIn headline for career changers So, are you ready to bring your career to the next level? Let’s go back and highlight the main steps: Make a list of your top transferable skills Choose one of the three most popular LinkedIn headline formulas Do your research and find the best job-specific keywords to include And remember, crafting an eye-catching LinkedIn headline is the easiest part of your career-changing process. Once you’re done, you should start thinking about your resume. Use our easy-to-use resume builder if you want to create a job-winning resume in minutes! And in case you need professional guidance, you can always count on our career counselors. They will help you prepare for even the toughest interview questions recruiters have for career changers!
Negotiating a Salary Increase for a New Job: What to Expect and How to Ask
We live in interesting times. The cost of living has been steadily increasing, but at the same time, not all employers have decided to give their employees the pay raises they need. That’s why the idea of looking for a new job to get that well-deserved pay increase seems like a great solution. And even if you have other reasons to look for a new job beyond the purely financial bit… We know you’d still fancy a higher salary. In fact, half of the workers who decided not to quit their jobs in 2021 faced at least a 1.7% decrease in their earnings due to inflation by 2022. At the same time, people who decided to change their jobs faced an average of 9.7% salary increase. The urge to want more is only human. But there are several factors you need to take into account when negotiating a salary increase for a new job. What is even considered ‘a normal salary increase’ for new jobs? Does that depend on the field, your skills, the level of seniority, or the location? And even if you know exactly how much more you want to be making in your new job, is that realistic? What’s the best way to deal with a hiring manager who thinks you deserve less? We’ll answer these and many other questions. By the end of this article, you’ll know: Whether it’s okay to state your salary expectations in the first interview How and when to negotiate a higher salary increase Whether salary increases depend on skills and experience What to do if faced with a lower counter-offerDeciding on Your Salary Expectations Surely there are plenty of factors you need to take into consideration when preparing for a job interview. Some of these may include body language, having answers to common interview questions, and even making sure you know everything you need about the company. But when it comes to the salary, you should base your expectations on several factors: The level of your skills and whether they are required for the position you’re applying for How many years of experience you have The country and city you’re looking for work in The level of the position you’re applying for As a rule of thumb if you’re applying for a junior position, you shouldn’t expect a huge salary even if you have plenty of experience and are confident in your skills. However, if you have the necessary experience for a mid-senior position but are much more skilled than you think other candidates are, then it’d be worth basing your salary expectations on that. And if you’re applying for a job in a smaller or bigger town - you guessed it, the salary might respectively be smaller or bigger. But still, most times it all comes down to the company budget. Usually, companies try to fit in a designated range - say, if the average annual salary for a junior software engineer in New York is $98k, then a possible range might be $95-105k. So even if you’re an ultra-hard-working junior software engineer with brilliant experience and crazy skills, chances of getting an offer above $105k might be low. However, in addition to researching what the average salary for your job and location of choice is, you might also want to gather company-specific information. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and SalaryExpert can provide a bit more detail on the salary you could expect. Getting in touch with industry experts could also help. And don’t worry if you don’t know any people that match this description yet. You can reach out to them on LinkedIn or go to different industry-specific social events and discuss this matter in person. What’s more, some other factors worth considering when thinking of your salary expectations are bonuses, benefits, and stock options. For instance, many startups can’t afford to offer huge salaries and try to compensate their employees with stock options. Other employers, on the other hand, have decided to offer out-of-the-ordinary benefits, such as birthday bonuses, office massages, longer holiday leave, or team events. It really is a company-specific matter. And with the right amount of research and industry insight, you’ll be able to be prepared ahead of the interview. But how do you negotiate once faced with an offer? Let’s see… Planning your negotiation strategy Once you’ve decided how much you want to make on your next job, it’s time to start preparing for the actual salary convo. First and foremost, you have to remember that it’s the recruiter or hiring manager who needs to bring up the salary topic. Don’t try discussing the salary on the first interview, Or the second. Wait until it comes up naturally in the conversation and you’re sure you want the job. Otherwise, the recruiter might think you only want to join the company to get a pay raise. Then, it’s time to set a salary range for yourself. Know what’s the lowest you would settle for. And make sure to stick to a range that really meets your needs. It’s a bad idea to say you’d be happy with anything between $60k and $120k, if you really want to earn $75k, for instance. Third, don’t share too much about your salary history too early in the application process. While applicants are able to conduct research about the average salary they could expect, most hiring managers want to know exactly how much you were making before. If this topic comes up in the first interview, think of it as just a screening question. Answer politely, but don’t give too many details. And if you’re faced with a lower counteroffer, don’t worry. That’s the best time to discuss bonuses, benefits, and stock options. If the salary is non-negotiable, you could always ask for more paid vacation leave days or better benefits - such as meal vouchers or life insurance. But in case this doesn’t satisfy your requirements, don’t start looking for a new offer straightaway! Instead, think about the long term. What are the growth prospects? Is this offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Many times, really competitive jobs are competitive not because of their salary, but because of the opportunities that follow after. For example - if you’re looking for an entry-level job in a venture capital fund, the offer you get might be disproportionate to the work you’ll be expected to do. But since every hiring manager knows how competitive VC jobs are and how much it takes to get one, the chances of this one position skyrocketing your career are quite big. So choose wisely! Sometimes, it’s worth accepting a lower salary offer - it all depends on the nature of the job, your preferences, and your career goals. Finalizing the offer Once you’ve received the actual offer, you need to know how to finalize it. First and foremost, you should insist on getting the offer in writing. That’s the only format in which an offer is considered official. Then, make sure that all compensation factors are included in the written offer you receive. Unfortunately, some employers break their initial promises. So don’t sign anything you don’t agree with. But what happens if you decide to decline the offer? What’s the best way to do this? Well, you need to make sure you’re polite, even if the offer seems too low for your skills and experience. In addition, always express gratitude for the hiring manager’s time and consideration. Find some more tips on how to decline a job offer in this article! And if you’re still not certain of your approach, remember that talking to an expert can always help. Our professional career counselors can support you in building the right negotiation strategy and getting the offer you deserve!
First Job Jitters: How Long Should You Stay at Your First Job?
Your first job is an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and set goals. All this - for free. Even better - you get paid monthly for your time. However, we live in the era of social media. We are constantly bombarded by people living according to the latest get-rich-quick trends. What’s more, there seem to be endless opportunities - working from home is not enough when you can work from a beach in Bali or get paid for posting your OOTD on social media… You know the drill. But don’t let these trends fool you. There are other things that should be considered before you make the decision to quit your first job. For instance, the value your first job brings to you or the impact it has on your life. Let’s dive deeper! Step #1: Understanding the value of your first job Your first job can have an immense impact on your life. Depending on the job you choose, your life can take surprising turns. Let’s imagine you’re a management graduate. You can choose to work in consulting, where you’ll face frequent travel and long working days, but also get promoted at least every couple of years. Or you can choose to work as an analyst in a small private company and have a better work-life balance but also less exposure to growth opportunities. Or you can go in a completely different direction - work as a waiter or waitress in a beach bar in Costa Rica, chasing sunsets, but with no linear career path in front of you. The possibilities are endless. And depending on the choice you have already made, the value of your first job can differ. So, start by assessing whether your first job is in an area you want to grow in. If it is, then it would be worth staying at it for at least 6 months or even a year. In this way, you will reap multiple fruits. More specifically, you will: gain valuable experience that will help you find a good second job build a professional network that can serve you in the future learn the ins and outs of the specific field or industry, thus becoming a real expert. And while it’s normal for you to want to earn more, be more, and know more, it’s worth staying in one place in order to dive deeper into the sea of industry knowledge. Your future employer will value this. However, if your first job is in an industry in which you don’t see your future self thriving, then it may be time to go for something else. Once you’ve understood the value of your first job, it’s time to look at how satisfied you are with it. Step #2: Assessing your job satisfaction Take a pen and a piece of paper and reflect on the following questions: Do you feel motivated to do your work? Are there enough things that inspire you about your job? What about your daily responsibilities - are they related to something that piques your interest, or do they make you feel bored? Do you feel like you belong in your team? Do the company values resonate with you? And if you really care about your own values - do you feel like you can share and discuss them with other team members freely? Lastly, what are the opportunities for growth within the company? Can you expect to grow and move up to more senior positions, or are you doomed to be stuck in one role for a while? In addition to answering these questions, we advise you to also think about your own dreams and desires. It’s not a bad thing if your current role inspires you and you enjoy it so much, you want to stay there for years and years - even if there are no prospects for growth. However, if you want to grow to a new position, but are having second thoughts about your development opportunities within the company, then treat this as a red flag. Another thing to consider is related to the skills you need and also the skills you acquire in your job. Is your current job providing you with enough experience? Do you see yourself growing, both as an individual and as a professional? Are you learning new things and mastering new skills? In short, you need to determine whether your current job is aligned with your career goals. If it’s not, it shouldn’t take you long before you make the decision to start a new job hunt. And regardless of whether you’ve made the decision to quit your first job already or are still trying to figure things out, considering the current job market is a must. Step #3: Considering the job market and your career goals Once you’ve assessed your job satisfaction and measured it against your career goals, it’s time to research what other opportunities the job market holds for you. Make sure to always have the long term in mind. Even if your job is not something you’d like to do your entire life, staying at it for a bit longer can benefit your career in the long term. Realistically speaking, if you’re very early in your career and it’s only been a couple of months since you started your first job… Then finding a new one might prove to be more difficult than we’d like it to be. But it all depends on the job market. If there are multiple junior roles open and you believe you’d be a great fit for some of them, then quitting your current job might look easy… Yet, it’s worth remembering - the inspiration that comes with starting a new job is great, but you need discipline to smash your career goals. And since you’re contemplating leaving your first job, it might be useful to know that you’re not alone. To be precise, 72% of Gen Z employees and 66% of millennials share that they’re considering a career change in the next year… Compared to only 30% of baby boomers. It’s obvious - career trends change. But the importance of smart, well-thought-out decisions is ever-lasting. If you’re still wondering whether it’s time to start looking for a new job, talking to your manager or mentor might help. Step #4: Talking to your manager or mentor Discussing your concerns with your manager is a good idea. It can help you get a better understanding of what your future would look like if you stayed in the company. What’s more, taking the time to share more about your career goals will align your vision with the plans of your manager. For instance, let’s imagine you want to put more emphasis on work-life balance, but at the same time can’t escape the routine of early mornings and late nights at the office. You might love your job but struggle because of this one factor. In this case, communicating your desires with your employer might help. It’s worth the shot. And if your doubts are related to slow career advancement or low pay, you might still want to bring this up. Asking for feedback on your performance will prove your curiosity and willingness to learn to your employer. If you get positive feedback, then it’d be only natural for you to ask for a promotion or a pay raise. Just keep in mind that in most cases, this opportunity would be entirely dependent on the company’s financial situation. If you know things are not going too well financially, then asking for a raise might leave a bad taste in your manager’s mouth. So think twice before bringing this up. And if you’re lucky enough to have a mentor to talk to, do this! Getting advice from a more experienced other is always a good idea. Step #5: Making a decision Once you’ve understood the value of your first job, assessed your satisfaction with it, considered the job market, and talked to your manager, it’s time to make a decision. If you’re still unsure what to do, make a list. Weigh the pros and cons of staying and leaving your first job. Write down all the things that you love, like, and even hate. See which of the bad ones you can tolerate and which of the good ones outweigh them. Consider your other options carefully. Talk to your friends, family, and maybe even a past teacher that knows you well enough. Look at the situation from all angles. And don’t wait until you’re ready. And remember - there is no perfect timing for the decision to quit. Staying and leaving might be equally scary. How long should you stay at your first job: the conclusion Feeling valuable at your job is the most important thing to some. To others, it’s a high wage that keeps them motivated. And it might be the case that you’re one of the people who need to have a proper work-life balance. So if the rule ‘stay at your first job for a year’ doesn’t resonate with you, don’t follow it. Have your own unique recipe for success. Just make sure to assess your situation thoroughly before making a decision. And if all this examination has led you to the decision to quit your first job, then it’s time to craft a job-winning resume. Having only one job to list on it might look tricky. But that’s exactly when our career counselors come to the rescue! Book a call and get help with building your resume, finding suitable jobs, and landing an interview! Yes, it can be as easy as it sounds.
Stay or Go: Navigating the Gray Area of Quitting a New Job
You went through a long application process, passed several interviews and possibly a task, just to find out that your new job is not the best match for you. Maybe your new manager is not as cool as they appeared to be in the interview, or maybe your colleagues are a bit more passive-aggressive than you’d like them to be. Or it might be the case that the company is great and you love the job, but your partner has to relocate, and you don’t have the option to work remotely. Whatever the reason may be, the thought of quitting a new job can be overwhelming. No one wants to go through the job-searching process several times a year. And how will you even explain your short stay at your last job to recruiters? In order to make things a bit less complicated, we have selected all the factors you need to consider before quitting your new job. In this article, you’ll learn: How much time you should give your new job Whether the company culture is important enough to influence your decision What the most common signs it’s time to move on are If communicating with your current employer is actually worth it … and more. Let’s start! Top 5 factors to consider before quitting your new job Leaving a company you’ve just started working for is a decision that requires careful consideration. In most cases, you wouldn’t want to base your decision on the general “you either like it or you don’t” rule. The reason for this? It’s normal to feel weird during the first couple of months. It’s a good idea to give yourself at least 8 weeks before making a decision in order to get used to the new processes and faces. The first factor worth considering would be whether the job fits your skills, experience, and motivation. Factor #1: Job fit Is the nature of the job what you imagined it to be? It might be better, but it might also be worse. We know it, it’s not always easy to assess whether the job would be the right fit for you before you take it. But since you’ve already joined your new team, you can get a better idea if the job fits you. Here are some questions worth asking yourself: Do I use my full potential or do I feel too comfortable? Am I challenged to think outside the box and grow? Do I use my job-related skills? Does this job meet my career goals? Once you’re done, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture. Time for assessing the growth perspectives. Factor #2: Growth opportunities What’s the structure of your team? Teams with a flatter structure are nice because everyone gets to have their voice heard. However, being part of a flat structure means having fewer prospects for career growth. Teams with a strict hierarchy, on the other hand, are more inclined to linear, steady career growth. However, personal opinions are less often valued here. If you’re not sure what the structure of your team is, it’s worth asking your manager about the growth opportunities for your position. In fact, growing in your job could mean taking on more responsibilities, learning new things, working on projects you feel passionate about, or getting regular salary increases. But having in mind that you’re new to the job, it’d be useful to remember that not all growth opportunities could be obvious. So when in doubt, ask your line manager. You can also check their work history on LinkedIn and see how long it has taken them to grow within the team. Just keep in mind that growth is individual, and simple research like this one might not represent opportunities 100% accurately. Factor #3: Company culture According to a study by Harvard Business Review, company culture is inextricably connected to leadership. However, it is also greatly dependent on the ways employees relate to each other in group settings. And that’s why people have recently started paying more attention to it. Another important factor that shapes culture is the values shared by people in the company. These may include discipline, integrity, diversity and equality, loyalty, and accountability to name a few. Depending on the values a company chooses to stick with, the work environment and processes may be affected. For instance, if a company has put discipline on a pedestal, it might provide less space for creativity and risk. And if it stands behind diversity and equality, you should expect that no discrimination will be tolerated. A good way to get to know what your new employer’s values are is by digging into the company website or checking public announcements in the media. If you find that the company values don’t really fit with yours, make a mental note of that. Depending on your own views, this realization may be a turning point. And if you’re the more practical type, it’s time to assess the way compensation and benefits can affect your choice. Factor #4: Compensation and benefits It’s no secret that a good compensation and benefits plan can attract the right talent and make them stay. So don’t worry if you deem these two to be important factors for your decision. In fact, it’s normal to have your wage define at least some of your feelings towards your employer - after all, it’s easier to be happy when you know you’re valued. Just make sure to keep benefits such as longer annual leave, food vouchers, office massages, and remote work in mind! Factor #5: Work-life balance It might be the case that your compensation is top of the market, but you don’t have any work-life balance. In general, having a proper work-life balance doesn’t just mean not working 24/7. It also means being able to enjoy leisure time without checking your email constantly. Last but not least, it includes having the energy to do nice things for yourself and your family after work. Fairly speaking, you’re expected to have at least a relatively good work-life balance if you’ve only been in the company for a few weeks. It might be a red flag if training and orientation activities take up so much of your time, that you’re not able to enjoy time off work properly. Carefully assessing these 5 factors is a must, but let’s not forget that timing is also crucial when it comes to making the right decision. How Long to Give a New Job? Shift shock - that’s what 72% of new joiners have experienced when changing jobs. It’s the feeling you get when you realize that the company or position doesn’t match your expectations. It’s common for gen Z and millennial candidates to experience shift shock because they have higher expectations and lower patience levels. However, this phenomenon can affect you even if you’ve been around for longer. And if you ask us, there may be a link behind this and raising employee dissatisfaction. That’s why we advise you to give your new job the standard probationary period - 3 to 6 months. Take enough time to get used to the work processes, your teammates, and your manager. Of course, the factors we discussed above may shorten or extend this timeframe. Another thing worth remembering is that you should always set realistic expectations. Don’t be the person who says “if they don’t promote me in 3 months, I quit”. And if you’re not sure whether your expectations are realistic - communicate them with your line manager. Ask them what they think. Seeking feedback is always a good idea. Still not sure what to do? 5 signs it's time to move on If you’ve weighed the pros and cons of your new job but are still not sure whether it’s time to go, here’s a definite list of things to look out for: Persistent unhappiness or dissatisfaction If you lack motivation and are generally dissatisfied with your job - it’s time for something new. You don’t want this lack of happiness to spill over to other aspects of your life, right? Lack of opportunity for growth Although you might think it’s too early to worry about your career development… it’s not! If you want to become a manager or head of the department, but all your teammates have been stuck in their positions for the last 3-5 years, then save yourself some future disappointment and start looking for a job that matches your career goals! Incompatible company culture Regardless of whether you’re working in a small NGO or a large multinational corporation, company culture is something you’ll face every day. It’s intertwined with the ways you communicate in your team, the feedback you get, and the impact your work has in general. So if you have doubts about the compatibility of the company values with your own, we advise you to assess carefully the impact this might have on the future you. After all, we might not be able to influence the values instilled by our families, but we can choose the ones held by our employers and coworkers. Unsatisfactory compensation or benefits There are people who treat compensation as a lesser priority than culture or growth opportunities, for instance. And truth be told, if you’re learning new things, having fun at work, seeing plenty of opportunities for development, and feeling that your voice is heard, you might devote little attention to whether they’re paying you a top-of-the-market wage. But if you’re unhappy and feel undervalued, then low pay may become the top factor that influences your decision to quit. Chronic work-life imbalance The notion of quiet quitting - or choosing life over work and doing only what you’re required to do - is here to stay. It would only be normal for employers to start recognizing this. So if you’re regularly required to work overtime and are struggling to make time for yourself, family, and friends, then what you’re facing might be a chronic work-life imbalance. This is really a red flag, given you probably started your new job not so long ago. Think whether you would be able to compromise your personal life and most importantly, whether it’ll be worth it… The next steps… If assessing all these factors has led you to the decision to quit, you’re not alone. Our career counselors have helped thousands of people prepare for the next step. It doesn’t matter whether you need someone to help you craft a job-winning resume and cover letter, or you would prefer to get professional advice as part of your interview prep. Book a call with our experts and skyrocket your career! Life’s too short to waste time in a job that doesn’t fit you. And if you need another tiny push in the right direction - take our free quiz!
How to Explain Being Fired on a Job Application: Tips and Strategies
Talking about why you left your previous job when you were actually fired is obviously no easy thing. You need to be mindful of the language you use, even if you’re still angry at your previous employer. You also need to show there was a lesson for you to learn from that situation, and that you are now stronger than ever. But let’s take a step back. Should you even mention you were fired on your resume? Build your resume using a job-winning resume builder The short answer is no. The long answer is no, because your resume is the place to showcase your skills, talk about your achievements, and prove you’re the best candidate. How to write a great resume for a job in 2023 - all you need to know But what if the application asks you to provide a reason for leaving your previous job? Something more - what if the hiring manager asks ‘Why did you leave your previous job?’ during the interview? Should you just brush it off and say you’d rather not discuss this? No. Instead, you should have an answer that shows your positive attitude and readiness to keep on growing. Sounds complicated on the surface, but we’re here to help! In this article you’ll learn: Why it’s important to be honest when faced with the ‘Why did you leave your previous job?’ question How to explain the situation in a clear yet concise manner How to emphasize the positives of being fired (yes, there are positives!!) Let’s get started! Be honest, but strategic Lying in a job application is never a good idea. Mainly because if you lie to your prospective employer once, the risk of falling into a rabbit hole and telling more lies is huge. And you can’t build a successful partnership based on dishonesty. But also because hiring managers might want to hear the other side of the story and connect with your previous employer. In both cases, being honest is your safest bet. However, this doesn’t mean getting into too much detail about your previous manager, your former colleagues’ work ethics, or the things you didn’t put much effort into. After all, you want to be strategic, right? And being strategic means presenting things in a way that benefits you. So instead of explaining what made your old job a nightmare, focus on the lessons you learned. For instance, let’s say you were part of the digital marketing team of a medium-sized company. You were able to take on lots of work and always got the job done perfectly. That’s probably why other teammates and your manager were asking you to do things you weren’t supposed to and put an unbelievable amount of pressure on you. You didn’t know how to say no, which led you to the verge of burnout. You got into a fight with your manager, called them incompetent and lazy, and got fired. Now, we advise you to skip the name-calling part. Remember what we said about being strategic? An excellent way to phrase this in a more positive way is to say that the workload and lack of clear processes and structure put huge pressure on you. You could also say you didn’t get your manager’s support when you expected and needed it the most. And then you’d need to focus on the lesson - to propose process changes when you see the opportunity to do so and to be more assertive when asking for help. See the difference? That’s what we call honest but strategic! In this case, you’ll present yourself as a strong, open-minded individual, who is not afraid to ask for support when they need it. What a dream! But what should you do if the reason that got you fired was actually a mistake or a performance issue? Well, it’s important to state that as well. But also to show you’ve taken the necessary steps to fill your knowledge gaps and gain new skills. In addition, keep in mind that it’s always best to avoid blaming others. Even if they really were to blame. Instead, we advise you to take responsibility for your actions (or lack thereof, actually). If you feel like it, you could also share your thoughts on how you expect moving on from this past situation to help you deal with challenges in the future. But don’t let yourself get into a loop of providing too many unnecessary details. Let’s see why! Be brief and to the point Your future employer doesn’t need to know all the details. In fact, we advise you to discuss the reason for being fired only if you’re asked. Avoid the words ‘I was fired’, use more neutral phrases such as ‘let go’, ‘role termination’, or even ‘mutual separation’ if relevant to your situation. This will help you manage the negative connotation often associated with the word ‘fired’. What’s more, it will elevate the tone of the conversation to a more formal one. And being concise and to the point is the perfect way to lead a formal conversation. So, share the reason why you were terminated from your job (e.g. bad culture fit) and summarize the experience you had in one sentence. Then, talk about the lesson you learned. Here’s an example to better illustrate this: Let’s say the reason why you were fired was linked to underperformance. You weren’t motivated to do well and struggled to meet targets because the job was fully remote, and your kids were at home most of the time, which meant you couldn’t concentrate. Now, instead of making excuses and blaming your kids or the company’s work-from-home policy, you could simply state: My previous job wasn’t a good fit because I had to work from home. I am a passionate team player who is much more productive when sharing my workspace with like-minded individuals. See how this explanation gives enough context without overcomplicating things? If the job you’re applying for is not remote, this can work miracles. But don’t expect to come up with a response like this one on the spot. Even if you’re a natural, it’s always better to practice. Maybe even consider rehearsing this exact interview question with a friend or a mentor. Why? Because you should be well-prepared for this stressful question in order to tackle it in the best way possible. There are also certain techniques that you could use before the interview to make sure you’ll remain calm, confident, and professional… even when faced with the ‘why’ question. Some examples include meditation, breath work, visualization, or even sweating the stress out with a short run. You decide! Just remember that being well-prepared minimizes the possibility of stress and poor performance. Key takeaways: Explaining you were fired on a job application Let’s face it - if you don’t have any expert advice to turn to, being fired in the past can ruin your job application. But with the right kind of help, you can make the reason for leaving your previous workplace work in your favor. Just remember to be: Honest Strategic Brief and to the point There’s no point in lying. And yet, your potential boss doesn’t need to know all details. Otherwise, you risk appearing as someone who lacks professionalism. And one last thing - having a good answer to the ‘Why?’ question prepared in advance is crucial. You can rehearse with a friend, a mentor, or yourself in front of the mirror. Plenty of options! If you feel like it, you can always count on our career counselors for expert guidance. Reach out to them if you need help crafting a job-winning resume or prepping for the next interview. And don’t forget - you can use any experience to your advantage!
Recession-Proof Jobs to Consider in an Unstable Economy
No matter how much we enjoy it when the economy is booming, there always comes a time for a recession. And in these tough times, it is especially difficult to be a jobseeker. However, there are some industries that are somewhat immune to the recession, or even thrive on it. In this article, we are going to explore all the jobs that you should consider during an economic uncertainty, so that you would be protected from layoffs. But first things first – before you start applying for these jobs, make sure your resume is the best it can be. Try out our Resume Builder, and get your next job in no time. And once you are ready with that, it is time to find out which are the best recession-proof jobs for you out there. What are recession-proof jobs? The first thing we need to understand is what exactly is a recession-proof job. The term might come across a little misleading – no job is actually fully recession-proof. However, there are certain jobs that stay in demand and don’t get impacted by periods of recession. In uncertain economical time, recession-proof jobs provide the best security in comparison to other jobs. Furthermore, depending on what caused the economic uncertainty, some jobs can even thrive, regardless of the economic’s health. Top 15 recession-proof jobs to consider in an unstable economy Now that you understand what a recession-proof job is, it is time to see the best of the best in that category. We have provided you with the top 15 recession-proof jobs which you should definitely consider in uncertain economical time. Education work A job sector that you can’t go wrong when looking for a recession-proof job is the education work. No matter how much technology advances, or in what state the economic is, education work is always in need. Not only will you have security in your job during recession, but you will also help invest in the future by sharing your knowledge with youngsters. You might think that an education job necessarily means that it is a teaching job, but the fact is – there is a great variety of jobs you can take on in the education sector. Some of the most common education jobs are: Teaching School administration Counseling Online education On-demand education Adult education Special education Furthermore, a job in the education sector would provide you with work flexibility, independence, workplace autonomy, and the opportunity to change people’s lives. So, if you think education work would be a good fit for you, we have found your perfect fit right at the start. Healthcare work Another work sector that is absolutely recession-proof is the healthcare. No matter what the economic situation is, healthcare professionals are always needed. Furthermore, as stress can affect people’s health, anyone working in the healthcare sector might even have more work than usual. Just like with the education sector, there are many possible jobs one can take on in the sector, like: Physician Surgeon Dentist Dental assistant Registered nurse Certified nursing assistant Healthcare administrator Veterinarian Laboratory technician Medical Technologist And the list can go on and on. Even supporting positions like receptionists and janitors can prove to be more recession-proof when they are in healthcare facilities. Law enforcement It is not hard to notice that during an economically unstable time, crime rates usually jump. In such times, many businesses want to invest in physical safety, and that’s why one of the most recession-proof jobs out there is a law enforcement. Some of the most common jobs in that field are: Police officer Detective Investigator And since law enforcement is actually a government job, funding for it is typically secure, and you don’t need to worry about the effects of the recession. Law When it comes to Law, not all professions are recession-proof, but there are certainly some fields that thrive in these times. If you would like to take on a job in the law sector during a recession, make sure that you pick one of the following sub-sectors in order to be more secure in the unstable economy: Criminal defense Healthcare law Divorce law Bankruptcy law And the best thing about that sector is that you don’t really need to go to law school for some position you can take on. For example, you can always work as: Paralegal Legal assistant Legal secretary Court clerk Court reporter Finance work Naturally, some of the most recession-proof jobs are in the sector of finances, are such professionals are more needed than ever in an unstable economy. There is a great variety of jobs you can take on in this sector as well, like: Accountant Financial advisor Financial controller Financial analyst Tax accountant Auditor Loan officer Bookkeeper Insurance agent However, you need to keep in mind that for some of these jobs you will need professional certifications, like: Enrolled Agent (EA) Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Mental health During times of economic recession, some essential workers are those in the sector of mental health. It is a fact that unstable economic can greatly influence the general’s public mental health, and in these cases anxiety becomes a threat to the population’s well-being. Some of the most common jobs in the mental health sector are: Social worker Therapist Clinical psychologist School counselor Caseworker Substance abuse counselor Attitudes towards mental health have changed greatly, and it is now an essential part of people’s lives, so it is a great career path to take on. Utility services A job sector that will probably never be affected by recession is this of utility services, as they are essential to maintaining order and public health. Some jobs in that sector require some special qualification, but others don’t, so choose wisely according to your expertise. The list of utility services jobs is quite long, but here is just a hint of it for you to get a better idea: Waste management professional Safety engineer Power plant engineer Gas or pipeline controller Wastewater engineer And if you ever wonder why are utility services so important, you can just imagine any natural disaster, and what you would do without utility workers to help sort the situation out. Trade work Similarly to the utility services, you would also always need trade workers around the house, so that is definitely one more recession-proof field of work for you to consider. Some of these professionals take on their skills through technical schools, but others manager to successfully learn on the job. Some of the most common trade work positions are: Electrician Locksmith Carpenter Mechanic Plumber Pipe fitter Grocery stores work During a recession, many shops might be forced to close their doors to customers. However, there is one type of shop that is safer than all others – a grocery store. After all, everyone needs food. So, no matter what your position is, working in a grocery store might prove to be quite recession-proof. Some positions you can take on in a grocery store are: Clerk Stocker Manager Personal shopper Ride-share and delivery Years ago, online shopping was reserved main to clothes and fancy electronics. However, this is no longer the case, which actually adds delivery work to the list of recession-proof jobs. More and more stores are transferring their business online, so delivery work is never in any actual danger. Some jobs in that sector include: Ride-share driver Food delivery driver Package delivery driver Courier Specialized care We already mentioned that healthcare is essential, no matter the economic situation, but there is one more close field that offer recession-proof jobs. That is the field of specialized care, and the main jobs you can take on in it are: Elder care professional Physiotherapist Social worker Chiropractor Home health professional Physical therapist The best thing about specialized care is that it is often covered by insurance, which encourages people to use it even when money is tight. Cybersecurity As businesses are transferring more and more to the Internet, there is a great thread always looking around the corner for them. Any business that is on the Internet is potentially vulnerable to cybercrime if no measures are taken to protect it. That’s why, no matter what the state of the economic is, cybersecurity is one of the recession-proof jobs you can take on. Cybersecurity can also be connected to other sectors that are recession-proof, as some of them carry sensitive data, that needs to be protected. Such sectors are: Finance sector Healthcare National security Federal work One of the most recession-proof job fields is in the federal work department. Even in tough economical times, the government still needs to function, no matter what. These jobs can vary from any big department, all the way to any facility in your local town hall. These jobs matter, and are some of the best ones to have in a recession. Furthermore, if you work in the military, you might even find encounter some growth despite the unstable economy. Firefighter Due to all the climate changes, fires are becoming increasingly common. And if we combine this with more vacant buildings due to economic recession, we have ourselves a recipe for disaster. That’s the reason firefighters also have one of the most recession-proof jobs. Furthermore, fire departments get their funding from municipal funds and taxes, so it is not directly connected to the economic state. IT work And finally, we want to finish up our list of recession-proof jobs with one that proved itself to be one during the COVID-19 pandemic. During these years, we really found out how important it is to have sound technology and reliable communication services. So, no matter if you are creating software, or maintaining one, it is quite probable that uncertain economic time would not affect you. Takeaways We are all done, now you know what is a recession-proof job, and the 15 best sectors for you to consider during a tough economic times. Let’s see our top 15 recession-proof jobs one more time: Education work Healthcare work Law enforcement Law Finance work Mental health Utility services Trade work Grocery stores work Ride-share and delivery Specialized care Cybersecurity Federal work Firefighter IT work So, now that you know all that, find your best fit for a recession-proof job, and make your dream come true without worrying about the economic state.
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