Briefcase Coach's Career Briefs: Job Search Smarter

Dear Reader:

This week, I stumbled upon a thought-provoking article by Anne Helen Petersen, titled How Your House Makes You Miserable. In her piece, Petersen delves into the idea that our physical surroundings can profoundly impact our well-being and overall happiness. While the focus of the article revolves around the negative aspects of making our homes broadly palatable, there are powerful lessons to be learned and applied to the job-seeking process.

Like our living spaces, our professional environments can heavily influence our mindset and job satisfaction. Whether it's toxic work cultures, unsupportive colleagues, or a lack of growth opportunities, these factors can lead to significant unhappiness in our careers. As job seekers, it's crucial to keep this in mind when evaluating potential employers and job offers (see my article on company due diligence).

Petersen's article serves as a reminder to dig deeper during your job search. Beyond the impressive job titles and shiny perks, take the time to analyze the company culture, work-life balance, and the potential for personal growth. By doing so, you can better align your values and aspirations with your future workplace and increase the likelihood of finding fulfillment in your chosen career path.

I fully understand the complexity and emotional roller coaster that comes with searching for the “perfect” job. I publish this newsletter in hopes of providing you with practical advice and insights to enhance your journey.

Rooting for you,

Ps. A wise mentor once told me that if you “like 70% of your job, then you’ve got a good thing.” What do you think about that break down?

Briefcase Coach Original Content: Can ChatGPT write a winning resume?

In this article, we explore using AI text generators like ChatGPT for resume writing. While these tools provide a faster and more efficient option for job seekers, there are limitations to consider. AI-generated resumes may lack the personal touch and creativity of a personally written one, making it harder for recruiters to assess a candidate's skills and experience. Additionally, AI algorithms can produce biased or inaccurate resumes if trained on limited or outdated data. Recruiters and hiring managers generally do not recommend relying solely on AI-powered tools for resume creation. However, AI can still be beneficial when used in conjunction with targeted job descriptions and by providing keywords and Boolean search queries to help tailor resumes effectively.

Has LinkedIn moved to being “cool” for younger generations?

In this article, Slate.com’s Lizzy O’Leary delves into the rising trend of personal content sharing, the shifting digital identities of younger generations, and the emergence of grassroots influencers on LinkedIn. Unlike other social networks, LinkedIn operates on a stable structure and does not rely on advertising. Learn how LinkedIn has experienced a remarkable period of growth, with a 41 percent increase in content posted during the pandemic. Read more to find out why LinkedIn's unique position in the social media landscape makes it a platform worth exploring.

The end of federal aid could force more than 70,000 childcare centers to close.

The federal government provided nearly $24 billion in stabilization funds to support childcare services with the American Rescue Plan of 2021. However, this program is set to expire at the end of the month, and more than 70,000 childcare providers are likely to close. In this article, personal finance reporter Ana Teresa Solá explores the need for systemic change in the childcare industry, including broader parental leave and increased public funding. It also highlights the financial struggles childcare providers face and the impact on parents, particularly women, and the economy as a whole.

New York joins a wave of states that require pay transparency.

Salary disclosure is becoming the norm in US job postings, giving you more transparency and clarity when it comes to pay. New data from job marketplace Indeed shows that over half of US job postings on their site now include a salary range. Not only does this help you make more informed decisions about the jobs you apply for, but it also attracts more applicants and improves candidate quality, according to Indeed's survey of job seekers. Wired’s Caitlin Harrington lays out how this growing trend can benefit you and why salary transparency is here to stay in this article.

Are we entering a secular labor shortage?

The current state of the labor market has defied economists' predictions and remains at a 45-year low in terms of unemployment rates. However, hiring continues to be a challenge, signaling a shift towards a secular trend. With the US labor market projected to grow by a mere 0.3% and the labor participation rate expected to drop, it becomes crucial for companies to focus on internal development, talent mobility, and career pathways for existing staff. The emphasis on improving employee productivity and experience is paramount. In this article by industry analyst and thought leader Josh Bersin, Bersin explores the forecasted dominance of healthcare and mathematics, science, and computing in the future job market. As we navigate this new labor landscape, Bersin argues that it's essential to rethink traditional leadership approaches and recognize the value of individuals as our most valuable and appreciating asset.

Are return-to-office mandates a way to disguise layoffs?

Are companies using return-to-office (RTO) mandates as a means to reduce their workforce? While many organizations are keen to implement RTO policies, employees are increasingly valuing flexibility and may consider seeking new opportunities if it is not offered. CNBC’s Make It Reporter, Goh Chiew Tong’s recent article explores the concept of soft layoffs, whereby companies indirectly reduce their workforce by halting hiring, inducing attrition, or implementing temporary measures like reduced work hours or furloughs. In addition, the article highlights the legal and financial complications that prevent companies from resorting to traditional layoffs and suggests how they might use RTO mandates strategically.

Why Gen Z is rethinking college and pursuing other options.

There is a growing trend among Gen Zers to forgo college and pursue alternative paths to career success. This article, written by freelance journalist Charlotte Lytton and published in Insider, explores the reasons behind this shift, including the exorbitant cost of college and the stagnant salaries that graduates can expect. The author examines how this changing mindset is impacting the types of degrees and programs that students are pursuing, with a focus on practical and job-oriented fields. In addition, Rushil Srivastava, a young entrepreneur who dropped out of college and found success in the startup world, shares his perspective on the value of unconventional education.

Early career advice from a seasoned pro.

Molly Graham, previously serving as the Vice President of Operations at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, now dedicates her efforts to fostering the growth of companies and leaders as a partner at &Then. Additionally, she shares her insights and reflections through her Substack page titled Lessons. In a recent article, Graham shares her personal experience of not knowing what she wanted to do for work and how it turned out to be a strength. The article encourages readers, specifically those in their 20s, to embrace the uncertainty and growth of not knowing what they want to do for work. It is a great read for those navigating this journey or trying to parent their children through it.

Which universities produce the most successful entrepreneurs?

PitchBook recently released its annual rankings of universities that produce the most successful entrepreneurs. This comprehensive list compares schools based on the number of alumni entrepreneurs who have raised venture capital in the last decade. The 2023 edition takes into account global VC investment and the educational information of over 150,000 founders. Be sure to look at the list to learn which educational institutions are fostering the next generation of innovative thinkers.