Career Briefs: Navigating the Job Market

Dear Reader:

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by a job search that you hid it from those closest to you? It's more common than you might think.

One job seeker recently confessed to me, "I didn't tell my wife... I lied to her." He was laid off and, worried about her anxiety, kept the news to himself. He thought he'd bounce back quickly, but five months later, he was still searching.

This story, sadly, isn't unique. Job searching can be incredibly humbling, leaving you questioning your worth and relevance. But the truth is, you are valuable. You are capable. And you don't have to go through this alone.

Remember, job searching is a team sport. Whether it's your spouse, a friend, or a professional coach, having someone in your corner can make all the difference. They can offer support, encouragement, and a much-needed reminder of your strengths when self-doubt creeps in.

"The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived." - Robert Jordan

In today's challenging job market, resilience and adaptability are more crucial than ever. If you're facing a layoff or struggling to find your footing, know that you're not alone. It's easy to feel discouraged when the landscape seems bleak, but remember, even the fiercest storms eventually pass.

Rooting for you,

In this Issue

• The Rise of Fractional Leadership

• EEOC Report Highlights Discrimination Concerns in …

• Explain “Job Hopping” in an Interview

• PTO Benefits Changing to Account for Sick Days?

• In case you missed it…

  • Insider Tips on Creating an ATS-Friendly Resume

  • AI Headshots: A Comprehensive Review

• Advertise with Briefcase Coach

The Rise of Fractional Leadership

I recently interviewed Maddie Niebauer, the founder of vChief, about the growing trend of fractional leadership roles. We discussed how fractional roles can benefit companies and executives, offering a flexible and cost-effective way to access top talent.

Maddie dishes on how to find fractional roles, how to prepare for interviews, compensation, and more. Check out our conversation to learn more about the exciting world of fractional leadership!

EEOC Report Highlights Discrimination Concerns in the Tech Industry

Despite efforts to increase diversity, the tech industry still has a diversity problem. A recent report from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is raising alarms about underrepresentation and discrimination in the tech industry. The report revealed that between 2005 and 2022, there was very little change in the representation of Black workers and virtually no change in the representation of female workers in the high-tech workforce. The report reveals persistent disparities for Black, Hispanic, female, and older workers in STEM fields.

Does Tech care? Microsoft recently scrapped its diversity team with an internal memo explaining that it’s no longer business critical. The agency plans to increase its enforcement efforts, focusing on areas like age, pay, and genetic information discrimination, which are more prevalent in the tech sector than in others.

For executive job seekers, this news underscores the importance of seeking out companies that genuinely prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. Don't hesitate to ask about a company's DEI initiatives and track record during your job search. Remember, your skills and experience should be the primary factors in hiring decisions, not your demographic background.

Executive Perks: Shifting Priorities in the C-Suite

The landscape of executive perks is undergoing a transformation. Driven by factors such as increased scrutiny on ESG initiatives and evolving stakeholder expectations, companies are reevaluating what they offer their top leaders, according to a new study by WTW.

Here's are some key insights from the article:

• Perks Remain a Key Tool: Despite the changes, executive perks remain a powerful way to attract and retain top talent. In fact, among S&P 500 companies, 83% offer at least one perk to their CEO.

• Travel and Security Still Dominate: Personal use of corporate aircraft and security services remain the most common perks, reflecting their importance for executive safety and efficiency.

• Focus on Well-being: Companies are increasingly prioritizing health and financial well-being with perks like financial planning and annual physical exams.

• Structured Approach: There's a move away from flexible, allowance-based perks towards more structured programs, likely driven by a need for greater transparency and accountability.

What this means for executive job seekers:

• Know Your Worth: Familiarize yourself with the standard perks in your industry and at your level. This will help you negotiate a competitive compensation package.

• Think Beyond Salary: Evaluate the value of perks like financial planning or executive health coverage when considering job offers. These can significantly enhance your overall well-being.

• Be Transparent: Be prepared to justify any perk requests, especially those related to travel or security, by demonstrating how they support your ability to excel in the role.

The landscape of executive perks is shifting. Staying informed about these changes, such as those highlighted in the WTW study, will be key to your success in navigating the executive job market.

Explain “Job Hopping” in an Interview

In the past, job hopping might have raised eyebrows, but today's workforce, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, view it differently. Frequent job changes are often driven by a search for better work-life balance, higher salaries, and companies that align with their values.

The article "How to Explain Job Hopping in an Interview" in Harvard Business Review explores this shift, offering insights for both job seekers and employers. It highlights how traditional views of loyalty are being challenged by younger generations who prioritize their well-being and seek fulfilling work environments.

This article covers the top reasons for job hopping:

1. A changing financial landscape

2. Mismatch in values

3. Lack of flexibility and values

4. Lack of freedom of expression

Author Emma Waldman encourages you to frame your experiences as a proactive search for the right fit, emphasizing your commitment to finding a company where you can thrive long-term.

Remember, in today's competitive market, job hopping is becoming increasingly common. Don't be afraid to own your journey and showcase the valuable skills and experiences you've gained along the way.

PTO Benefits Changing to Account for Sick Days?

According to recent data, the number of sick days taken by employees has increased by 15% over the past five years. Interestingly, younger workers, particularly those aged 25 to 34, are leading the pack.

Experts attribute this trend to a shift in priorities towards work-life balance and a greater emphasis on mental health, especially among younger generations. However, this also presents a challenge for companies that traditionally rely on employees not using all of their allotted sick time to maintain productivity.

The article "This Trend Is Up: Sick Days" from Korn Ferry explores this generational shift, highlighting the potential for misunderstanding and conflict in the workplace. While HR professionals may applaud the focus on well-being, some managers still grapple with the increased use of sick leave.

Companies are now exploring solutions to address this change, including combining sick time and PTO or allowing employees to convert unused sick days into vacation time.

In case you missed it…

Insider Tips on Creating an ATS-Friendly Resume

In case you missed it in our last issue: I interviewed Zoho Recruit to get the inside scoop on how to make your resume stand out in 2024. Key takeaways include using keywords strategically, showcasing quantifiable results, focusing on strong content, and writing for a human reader. Check out the full article for expert tips to elevate your resume and land more interviews!

AI Headshots: A Comprehensive Review

AI-generated headshots are everywhere on LinkedIn, and many professionals are ditching traditional photographers for these quick and affordable alternatives. But are these AI-created images truly as good as the real thing? In our [UPDATED] article, I tested four different AI headshots, comparing them to professional photos to see if they truly measure up.

Advertise with Briefcase Coach

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