Career Briefs: Overcoming Job Search Scaries

Dear Reader:

Wow, this is our 90th newsletter issue! Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday I was hitting "send" on that very first Career Briefs, hoping it would help even a handful of people navigate their job search journey.

It's been amazing to see it grow to 22,000+ subscribers, and even more inspiring to hear how what we share here is helping you find job search success. Knowing that Career Briefs has played a part in your journeys is what keeps me going.

This time of year, with Halloween just around the corner, it has me thinking about facing fears and overcoming challenges. And the job search can certainly have its share of those! From navigating job postings to preparing for those "make-or-break" interviews, it can sometimes feel like venturing into the unknown.

But here's the thing: every challenge you overcome in your career journey makes you stronger and more resilient. And that's why I work to deliver Career Briefs – I want to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate those twists and turns and land that job.

Inside this issue, you'll find my latest article, 5 Types of Job Interviews and Strategies for Each. Within the article is a downloadable checklist to help ensure you are as prepared as possible. Also, we look at

In this Issue

• Expert Strategies for Different Types of Interview …

• Backlash Over Amazon’s Return to Office Mandate

• Pay Ranges in Job Postings: Are They Accurate?

• Let’s Play a Game! Guess That Salary

• Shifting Landscape for Partner Law Firms

• Coworker Holiday Gift Guide

• Advertise with Briefcase Coach

Expert Strategies for Different Types of Interviews

In my coaching practice at Briefcase Coach, we've found that one of the keys to interview success is feeling prepared and confident. To help you with that, I wrote this article that breaks down the most common types of job interviews you're likely to encounter. From traditional one-on-one meetings to those sometimes-tricky phone and video interviews, you'll get a clear understanding of what to expect and how to approach each format. I've even included some insider tips from my team of Career Strategists to help you make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing the job.

*Bonus: the article includes a free downloadable checklist to help make preparing for your next even easier!

Backlash Over Amazon’s Return to Office Mandate

Amazon recently made headlines with its new policy requiring employees to return to the office. While some people are excited to get back to in-person collaboration, this shift has raised concerns about its impact on work-life balance, especially for women. Studies show that women often shoulder a greater share of caregiving responsibilities, and a rigid return-to-office mandate could make it harder for them to juggle work and family. This Forbes article, How to Prevent a Mass Exodus During Return to Office, explores the potential challenges that come with mandates like Amazon’s and what companies can do to create a more equitable workplace.  

Pay Ranges in Job Postings: Are They Accurate?

Salary transparency laws have empowered job seekers to make more informed career decisions by giving them clear insight into compensation ranges before applying. As of July 2024, 11 states, including California, New York, and Colorado, have implemented or are considering pay transparency legislation, making it easier for professionals to weigh compensation as a key factor in their career choices.

But how reliable are those numbers? A new study by Glassdoor found that about two-thirds of employer-provided salary ranges are accurate, meaning they match up with what employees actually report earning. But that still leaves a significant portion where the real pay is higher or lower than advertised.

Let’s Play a Game! Guess That Salary

Ever wonder how much that person in the corner office really makes? Or maybe you've thought, "Wow, I should have been a [insert surprising high-paying job]!" With salaries becoming more transparent, it's easier than ever to see the pay gaps that exist across industries and locations.

Ready to test your salary savviness? Introducing "Name That Salary"! I'll give you highlights from a REAL job description, and you get to guess the pay range. The answer (and how close you were!) will be revealed in the next issue of Career Briefs.

Shifting Landscape for Partner Law Firms

The traditional path to law firm partnership is changing, and it's raising some important questions about career progression, compensation, and diversity in the legal field. More and more firms are moving towards "non-equity partnerships," a new model that has big implications for lawyers – especially women and minorities. Is this a good thing or a bad thing for ambitious lawyers? What does it mean for compensation and advancement? This Law.com article takes a closer look at this trend, examining both the potential benefits and drawbacks. It explores whether non-equity partnerships offer a valuable stepping stone or create new obstacles on the road to equity partnership.

The good news? Partner compensation is still climbing. Am Law 200 partners have seen a 26% average salary increase in just two years.

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!

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.

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