Career Briefs: Empowering Your Career Journey

Dear Reader:

"If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it."

These words from Nora Roberts resonate deeply with the journey of every executive and career sprinter. In the fast-paced, global arena, standing still is not an option.

I have designed Career Briefs as a resource to help guide you forward. Since its first issue in 2019, I have been delivering original and curated content to help jobseekers on their job search journey. Today it reaches more than 20,000 ambitious job seekers looking to move the needle on their career.

Within each issue, you'll find insights, strategies, and inspiration to elevate your personal brand, amplify your reach, and land the opportunities you deserve. Whether you're seeking a C-suite role or accelerating your career trajectory, this issue is packed with actionable advice to fuel your ambition.

Remember, the path to success is paved with bold moves and strategic decisions. This is your invitation to step forward, ask the important questions, and relentlessly pursue your goals.

Rooting for you,

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In this Issue

• Remote vs. In-Office: What the Latest Debate Means …

• Recruiting Secrets Revealed: My Chat with Scotty J …

• The 'Missing 33%' Women Need for Career Success

• Negotiate Your Salary Like an Expert

• It May Be Time for a Career Reinvention

• New Colorado Law Combats Ageism in Job Search

• Advertise with Briefcase Coach

Remote vs. In-Office: What the Latest Debate Means for Your Job Search

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently made headlines by suggesting that Google's remote work policies were hindering its ability to compete in the AI race against OpenAI. However, he later retracted those remarks, acknowledging he "misspoke." This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding remote work, with prominent figures like Schmidt, Elon Musk, and Jamie Dimon expressing concerns about its impact on productivity and innovation.

Nicholas Bloom, a well-known Stanford University work researcher, recently released findings from the largest study to date on hybrid work. Overall, the study suggests that when implemented correctly, hybrid work arrangements can lead to increased employee satisfaction and retention without negatively impacting productivity or career progression. It dispels concerns about the potential downsides of remote work and highlights the numerous benefits it can offer employees and employers.

Key Takeaway: When evaluating a job opportunity, carefully consider your personal work style, industry norms, career goals, and work-life balance preferences. Do your due diligence—research the company's culture, technology infrastructure, and communication strategies for hybrid teams. By understanding your needs and the company's approach to remote work, you can make informed decisions about whether a hybrid role aligns with your career aspirations and overall well-being.

Recruiting Secrets Revealed: My Chat with Scotty John

Ever wondered what goes on inside a recruiter's head? I recently had a fascinating conversation with top tech recruiter Scotty John, and he spilled the beans on everything from what he looks for in a resume to building those all-important relationships. Scotty's a straight shooter, and his insights are pure gold. Whether you're a seasoned exec or just starting out, you will find something of value in our conversation. He even shares a genius tip for those of you who've heard the dreaded "overqualified" line. Trust me, you'll feel way more confident about your next job search after reading this.

The 'Missing 33%' Women Need for Career Success

Susan Colantuono's TED Talk, "The Career Advice You Probably Didn't Get," highlights a critical gap in the guidance often given to women in the workplace. While women excel in middle management, they remain underrepresented in top leadership positions. Colantuono argues that this disparity stems from a lack of emphasis on business, strategic, and financial acumen – the "missing 33%" of the career success equation.  

For women seeking jobs or looking to advance their careers, this talk underscores the importance of developing these skills alongside their existing strengths. It's a call to action to proactively seek opportunities to gain financial and strategic understanding, engage in discussions about the business's bottom line, and demonstrate their ability to contribute to the organization's overall goals. By actively bridging this knowledge gap, women can position themselves for success and break through the barriers that have historically limited their advancement to the highest levels of leadership.

Negotiate Your Salary Like an Expert

Did you receive a job offer but feel unsure about negotiating a salary that reflects your true value? This Forbes article is a must-read. It features insights and strategies from top industry experts, some of whom I know personally. Remember, successful salary negotiation requires self-awareness and a deep understanding of your unique contributions. Research the market rate and the company's pay structure to confidently present your expectations. Identify your financial needs and lifestyle requirements to ensure the compensation aligns with your goals. By leveraging your unique value proposition and emotional intelligence, you'll navigate the negotiation process with confidence and secure a salary that truly reflects your worth.

It May Be Time for a Career Reinvention

We all know that feeling of being stuck, that nagging sense that there's something more out there for us. Career reinvention can be the answer, but it's often easier said than done. This insightful HBR video featuring Herminia Ibarra guides you beyond simply changing jobs and encourages you to envision your "possible selves" and explore a range of exciting paths. Learn how to break free from limiting beliefs, network strategically, and embrace authenticity to unlock opportunities that resonate with your career goals.

Often, a career reinvention requires rebranding your career documents. If you're ready to rebrand and embark on a fulfilling career journey, let's chat about how we can turn those insights into action and set you up for an exciting new chapter in your career.

New Colorado Law Combats Ageism in Job Search

In 2023, 14% of adults reported experiencing age-based discrimination in the hiring process, according to AARP.

Colorado's new AARP-backed Job Application Fairness Act is a step toward reducing age discrimination in job searches. Enacted on July 1, 2024, the law prevents employers from asking about age, birth date, or education dates on initial applications. It is an attempt to help level the playing field for older applicants. This encourages a focus on qualifications and experience rather than age-based assumptions and reduces unconscious bias in hiring. It aims to create a fairer process where all applicants are judged on their merits, not their age.

While Colorado's law has a direct impact only within the state, it can influence the national conversation and potentially lead to broader changes in hiring practices and legislation across the country. It signals a positive step towards addressing age discrimination and creating a more equitable job market for all workers, regardless of age.

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