Career Briefs: Insights for Career Success

Dear Reader:

I lead a fully remote team, and while I love the flexibility of remote work, I often miss the camaraderie of those "water cooler conversations."

Two weeks ago, a long-held dream of mine finally came true: I brought my team of 12 together for an in-person retreat in Atlanta. Our goal was simple: to build relationships and have fun. I invited my college friend Melina Baetti to help kick things off, and she did an amazing job with a lively icebreaker discussion. Within minutes, everyone was chatting and laughing, making the most of their first face-to-face meeting.

After the icebreakers, we enjoyed some downtime before heading to the Atlanta Beltline for a scavenger hunt. For dinner, we made our own pasta and shared a family-style meal at Ponce City Market.

I believe we do our best work when we feel connected to our mission and work alongside people we like and trust. I truly have the best team in the world, and I’m still riding the high from getting to know everyone better through play!

In this Issue

• Coworker Holiday Gift Guide

• Avoiding Common Interview Red Flags

• A Closer Look at Employer Pay Ranges

• The Resilience of Skilled Trades in an AI-Driven W …

• The Job Search Strain: Lessons from Parenting Stre …

• Are Gen Z Employees on the Chopping Block?

• Advertise with Briefcase Coach

Coworker Holiday Gift Guide

Fall is in the air, and the holiday season is right around the corner! For the past several years I have asked my network to share their favorite gifts to give their coworkers - this yea’s suggestions did not disappoint. I am excited to share Briefcase Coach’s 2024 Coworker Gift Guide, a curated selection of thoughtful gifts for various personalities and interests in the workplace.

From tea enthusiasts to frequent travelers, the guide offers a range of options to suit individual preferences and budgets. Highlights include artisan teas from Herbs & Kettles, sentimental keepsake gifts from Boombox Gifts, gourmet snacks from Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, small-batch coffee from Derby Roasters, and more.

*There are discount codes in the article to help you save money on some of the items listed!

Avoiding Common Interview Red Flags

A recent survey of 625 hiring managers identified critical behaviors that can trigger red flags during interviews. Recognizing and addressing these issues will help improve your chances for success in future interviews. This article from Harvard Business Review offers valuable insights on how to navigate these pitfalls, such as avoiding dishonesty, maintaining a respectful demeanor, steering clear of negative comments about past employers, and ensuring thorough preparation. By implementing these strategies, you can present your best self and increase your likelihood of landing the job.

A Closer Look at Employer Pay Ranges

Luna Liu's article on Glassdoor explores the accuracy of employer-provided pay ranges in job advertisements, revealing that approximately two-thirds (67%) of these ranges align with user-reported salaries. Discrepancies exist, with 22% of actual salaries falling below and 11% above the stated ranges.

Accuracy is higher among large employers and roles with less variable compensation. Job seekers should be cautious, as actual salaries often fall in the lower half of the advertised range. Additionally, salary transparency laws don't significantly impact accuracy. Understanding these dynamics can help job seekers navigate salary expectations and negotiations more effectively.

The Resilience of Skilled Trades in an AI-Driven World

While AI continues to evolve, the need for skilled tradespeople who can solve real-world problems and provide personalized service remains irreplaceable. In a rapidly changing job market, skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work remain secure, proving that AI won't be taking over these essential jobs anytime soon. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights this trend through the story of Aaron Rice, who transitioned from skepticism to success by selling his plumbing business to a private-equity-backed HVAC company.

Private equity firms are increasingly investing in local home services, with nearly 800 companies changing hands since 2022. This influx of capital not only provides substantial paydays for business owners but also strengthens the workforce with higher wages and better benefits for technicians. The hands-on nature of these jobs—requiring practical skills and human expertise—ensures that demand for skilled workers remains robust.

The Job Search Strain: Lessons from Parenting Stress

I love podcasts, especially when they connect my worlds of parenting and career coaching. A recent episode of NYT’s The Daily, titled "The Parents Aren’t All Right," shifts focus from the known effects of hyper-attentive parenting on children to the often-overlooked toll on parents. Claire Cain Miller, a New York Times reporter, explores how the pressures of modern parenting can negatively impact parents’ health and well-being.

This resonates with the job-search experience, where the stress of securing a new position can feel overwhelming. Just as the U.S. government acknowledges the strain of intensive parenting, job seekers often face similar pressures—balancing preparation, networking, and the emotional toll of rejection.

Miller discusses the surgeon general's warning about parental stress, underscoring that the pursuit of perfection can be detrimental. For job seekers, recognizing this stress is crucial; it’s important to prioritize self-care and approach the job search with a mindset focused on growth rather than perfection.

Are Gen Z Employees on the Chopping Block?

According to a recent article in Inc. Magazine, around 60% of companies cutting newly hired Gen Z employees this year, according to a survey by Intelligence. Among 966 businesses surveyed, 75% reported “unsatisfactory” performance from young workers, citing issues like lack of motivation (50%), professionalism (46%), and communication skills (39%). As a result, 15% of employers are reconsidering hiring post-grads for 2025.

In the article, recent grads highlight that many talented peers are facing layoffs due to budget cuts rather than performance. The article also notes generational differences in communication styles, with some Gen Z workers preferring direct feedback. While many prioritize work-life balance, others advocate for hard work to stand out in a competitive job market.

Overall, as Gen Z navigates workplace expectations, their potential to influence positive change remains significant.

Briefcase Coach Referrals

It always makes my day when a former client reaches out to recommend Briefcase Coach. It's a huge vote of confidence in our team and the work we do to create amazing career documents. To show our appreciation, we're offering a special bonus for referrals! If someone you refer books our services before the end of the year, they'll get $100 off, and you'll receive a thank-you gift from me personally.

Advertise with Briefcase Coach

Partner with Briefcase Coach and elevate your brand's presence with an engaged audience. Explore our content sponsorship offerings designed to provide access to an engaged and motivated audience.