In this issue: Most popular job search advice of 2020, Big mistakes to avoid during your interview, Tools you will need for 2021, Why rookie CEOs outperform and more!

Dear Readers:

What a year... right? I've never really been into memes, but mid-way through 2020, I started to really appreciate them. Memes have the ability to communicate--at times-- better than words. Here are my top 5 favorites from the year:

No doubt about it, it's been a wild year. With three more days left on the calendar, I'm feeling optimistic about 2021 (apparently that's the official buzz word for '21). Friends and family members are already starting to get vaccinated, hiring seems to be picking up momentum and a record number of new businesses are opening.

Despite this year having some moments that felt like a 'dumpster fire', job seekers ARE landing great jobs. People are getting promoted. And career changes are making transitions into more meaningful work.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to THANK YOU for all of your support this year. Thank you for trusting us with your job search. Thank you for referring us to your friends and colleagues. Thank you for engaging with my content on social media. We got to help hundreds of job seekers this year land new and better opportunities. I am so grateful I get to do this work and blessed to get to work with people like you. Thank you.

Cheers to a great 2021. A better year lies ahead.

We are rooting for you,

Sarah ([email protected])

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

What makes a good LinkedIn profile?

The old school of thought (pre-2016/Microsoft acquisition of Linkedin):

Third person. Short biography. Focused on buzzwords & key skills. Must contain the phrase "demonstrated history"

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟:

John Smith is an experienced senior executive recruiter with a demonstrated history of working in the staffing & recruiting industry. Skilled in sourcing, building strong professional relationships, & finding the right fit for both clients & candidates. Experience placing candidates in real estate, finance and construction

𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆.

New school of thought:

- The LinkedIn profile should by dynamic and engaging. No more 3rd person. Consider that your profile is your DIGITAL FIRST IMPRESSION to future employers, clients & business partners

Before the clock strikes 2021, I want to encourage you to take an hour or two and re-write your LinkedIn profile. Keep your target audience at the forefront of your mind when writing your "About Section"

1. Start with a hook. Remember, LinkedIn only shows you the first 3 lines. The reader has to click "see more" --give them a reason to want to read more.

2. Share your value. What have you accomplished in alignment with the work you want to do. Don't be afraid of giving a few career highlights.

3. Include core competencies or keywords. This will help with profile SEO.

4. Include a call to action. This can include an email address so that you can easily be contacted by recruiters, an invitation to connect on LinkedIn or a Calendly link so that people can schedule a virtual coffee. Your call to action will really depend on your unique situation. For some of reading this, it may not make sense to include a CTA.

5. Remember to keep it conversational and include a "human-element". People want to connect with real people.

Trending

Five job search trends of 2020 that you’ll need in 2021 — www.linkedin.com

The first edition of this newsletter in 2020 pointed people to industries that were going on hiring sprees. The information seemed almost obsolete a couple of months later as the world began to shut down due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

🚀 Top Job Search Articles of 2020 — jobmob.co.il

2020's most popular job search blog posts from the most popular job search bloggers.

Leadership

Why Rookie CEOs Outperform — hbr.org

Experienced executives rely too much on old playbooks. Great quick read by the Harvard Business Review.

Best Job Search Tools for 2021

35 Recommended Tools for Job Search - 2021 | Career Sherpa — careersherpa.net

Here are the recommended tools for job search. Experts and job seekers share their "must-have" tools and resources you should use in 2021.

Interviewing

5 Interview Mistakes That Are Costing You A Chance At Your Dream Job — www.forbes.com

Employers want to know you’re qualified for the position, but they also want to know that you’d be a good cultural addition.

No Response After an Interview? Here's How to Follow Up By Email | Career Sidekick — careersidekick.com

Easy follow up emails for after your interview - following up for feedback, following up after no response, thank you emails and more. Boost your chance of getting a job offer when following up with our proven steps and templates. Great email templates from Biron Clark of CareerSidekick.com.

Job Search Secret Weapon

I've shared before that I co-founded a website called Job Search Secret Weapon. We saw an unmet need in the market for very affordable, high quality DIY-job search tools and resources for the average non-executive job seeker. We launched a beta site in 2020 and have helped close to 1,500 job seekers. We are working hard to relaunch a new platform in mid-2021. In the meantime, I want to offer you an exclusive discount to check out some of our work. Through the end of 2020, we are offering 30% off all of our resources with the promo code: JSSWXMAS30 at checkout. A couple of my favorite tools include the recently updated Interview Prep Pack, LinkedIn for Thought Leadership and the Top to Bottom Resume Customization Kit.

Can you do me a favor?

I’m on a mission to help job seekers land amazing jobs. Would you consider doing one of the following:

• Forward this newsletter to your job searching friends

• Recommend me as a paid speaker for your company events on networking, job searching or leveraging LinkedIn

• Recommend my services to high performers wanting to work one-on-one with an executive resume writer / or experienced interview coach