Career Growth Made Easy

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How To Explain Unemployment Gaps
For one reason or another, you may have some gaps in your employment. Sometimes it's unavoidable. While it can be stressful figuring out how to explain yourself or cover for the missing time, you don't have to struggle to find the words anymore. Today's episode has got you covered.

Whether you were laid off, experiencing extended unemployment, or simply taking a break from the workforce, there's a right and a wrong way to communicate this information to your next interviewer. I'm sharing some tips to help you master your delivery and get you closer to the job you're aiming for!

Chapters
[01:14]
Check out our recent episode, Help Wanted: Job Seeker Edition.

[02:12]
Employers are humans, too. They understand things can happen.

[03:49]
You are not defined by your unemployment gaps.

[05:24]
Put greater emphasis on what you bring to the table, not what you lack.

[07:47]
What did you fill the time with? In those gaps, what did you achieve?

[09:56]
Do a SWOT analysis. Did you strengthen any skills or improve upon your weaknesses?

[12:05]
You might be a good fit for the company, but is the company a good fit for you?

[14:08]
To recap, it's OK to have unemployment gaps! It's what you did during those times and how you communicate that to the hiring manager that matters. Set the scene accordingly.

Mentioned Links
Ep 150: Help Wanted: Job Seeker Edition

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Should You Get a Summer Job?
Summer is just around the corner! Are you getting a summer job? Last episode we talked about internships, but what's the difference between that and a summer/seasonal job? Let's dive into a new episode of Career Growth Made Easy!

Think of a summer job as a warm-up. You can use these summertime months working to prepare for your life in the working world. After all, practice makes perfect.

Chapters
[01:14]
Are internships worth it? Check out our last episode!

[01:53]
What's the difference between an internship and a summer job?

[03:45]
Why you should be interested in the job you apply for.

[05:33]
Some summertime jobs can offer full-time hours.

[06:29]
This is a great chance for you to build your resume! Download our Resume Master Class today!

[08:21]
WIIFM - What's In It For Me?

[09:42]
Build your network and get some professional references!

[11:14]
Weigh the pros and cons of leaving early since it's a short-term job.

Mentioned Links
Ep 152: Are Internships Worth It?
Download our Resume Master Class today!

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Are Internships Worth It?
What are internships? Is it hard to get one? How do you find them? Are internships even WORTH it? If these questions sound familiar to you, or someone you know, share this episode and get ready for a new Career Growth Made Easy!

Paid vs Unpaid. Part-time vs Full-time. There are so many aspects to internships, it can be easy to get lost in a sea of questions. If you're interested in one, but not sure how to find the one that's best for you - be sure to tune in. Let's take a deep dive into the basics of internships: what they are, how they work, and if they will work for YOU.

Chapters
[02:24]
How do you get an internship?

[04:40]
Paid versus unpaid internships. What are the pros and cons?

[06:20]
Most internships offer low-responsibility tasks.

[08:40]
Internships are about experience and exposure.

[09:54]
Networking is a HUGE benefit to internships, as well.

[12:50]
Check out Ep 151: Resume Trends of 2023

[14:46]
Try doing a SWOT analysis with the internship position.

Mentioned Links
Ep 151: Resume Trends of 2023

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Resume Trends of 2023
One of the latest resume trends being discussed in the working world? A.I. generated resumes. Who knew in the year 2023 we'd be able to have our computers writing our resumes for us? Piece of cake, right? Well, let's talk about it...

In today's episode, I want to discuss some new resume trends that have become popular this year - including A.I. generated resume writing. We'll break down the pros and cons together so you can be sure to create the best resume with the best chances of winning the interview.

Chapters
[01:34]
Can A.I. write better resumes than you and me?

[02:42]
A coaching student of mine tried using A.I. to create a resume for an incredible opportunity that came their way.

[03:48]
Resumes need to be visually appealing - you want to catch their attention in the pile of all the others.

[07:21]
In 2023, people are less interested in career-oriented jobs, and more so, jobs that suit their needs and interests at their current phase of life.

[09:24]
Your resume's real estate is crucial. Location is everything!

[10:28]
Your resume is about you, sure, but it's meant to showcase your value to your future employer. Show them why hiring YOU is a benefit to THEM.

[12:54]
Do. Not. List. Job. Descriptions. Tell them what skills you learned, or what you accomplished. Don't tell them what the role required of you.

[15:35]
Use numbers and statistics to draw their attention and showcase your value.

[17:50]
Share this show with your network! Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, too!

Mentioned Links
Book a coaching session with Craig Ancel!
Grab the Resume Master Class and land the interview!

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Help Wanted: Job Seeker Edition
Calling all job seekers, employees, employers, and hiring managers (basically, everybody)! Today's episode is the final part of a 2-part mini-series dedicated to understanding why companies and job seekers alike are disconnected.

With so many places hiring, why is it still so difficult to find a job?  In theory, your chances should be even higher, right? Let's explore this issue. After all, you're entitled to a job that fulfills you - so how can we make that happen? Hopefully, these tips can provide some insight, job seekers. So listen in, now!

Chapters
[02:49]
You want to do something meaningful, not just punch a clock. So how do we find the jobs that will fulfill us?

[03:54]
Do your research on the job you're applying for, so you can make sure it's a good fit for you, and that your resume meets what they're looking for.

[06:54]
Always print out multiple copies of your resume when going into an interview.

[08:31]
Is This Job A Trick or a Treat? Listen now!

[09:57]
Favoritism, unequal opportunities, and a poor work environment can be major issues for employee retention.

[13:48]
If you want to move into a leadership position, listen up!

Mentioned Links
Create, update, or redesign your resume for any job - even your dream job - at craigancel.com/rmc!

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Help Wanted: Employer Edition
If you are a business owner, a manager, or a leader of any kind at work, listen up! This episode is jam-packed with valuable tips to help you with hot topics like employee retention, company culture, and more!

Lately, the headlines have all been saying the same thing. Everyone is hiring, but the candidates just aren't applying. But is that really true? How can we overcome this situation to create a prospering workforce? Let's talk about it in today's episode!

Chapters
[02:52]
I talked with some business owners to see why they feel they're struggling to find workers. Our first topic is employee retention! 

[04:56]
Employee compensation doesn't always have to be financial. Employees need to feel appreciated in other ways. 

[06:17]
How do you treat your employees? Your work environment and work culture are key. 

[10:25]
Employee surveys can be a great way to see things from your employees' perspectives, but you have to implement some ideas to make a change. 

[14:04]
You can overcome challenges by communicating effectively.

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Mental Spring Cleaning
April is here! With these spring months upon us, it's time to do our annual spring cleaning. But beyond the usual washing and dusting, let's focus our attention on a new idea - mental spring cleaning.

We can get so caught up in our work life, our school life, and our family life, we often forget about tending to our own personal needs. Let's take these 18 minutes to pause, change priorities, and reset for this spring season. With these simple tips and reminders, you'll walk away from today's episode reenergized and ready to roll! Tune in now!

Chapters
[02:20]
Let's talk about the limits of our mental capacity.

[03:43]
Procrastination can lead to overwhelm, as too many tasks pile up.

[05:45]
Setting deadlines and due dates helps to keep your task list on track.

[10:02]
What robs your energy?

[13:16]
What do you fuel your body with?

[15:02]
When you take a break, take a REAL break!

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William Hung: Entertainer, Speaker, Podcast Guest!
We're back with the 2nd part of our interview with the amazing William Hung! As we continue our conversation, we learn more about William's past, his aspirations for the future, and the advice he has for those brave enough to face negativity with a smile. Be sure to watch the conclusion of our interview on YouTube @careergrowthmadeeasy! Tune in to hear the rest of William's inspirational story that's sure to give you a new perspective. Listen now!

Chapters
[00:34]
William talks about the early days of his career and some of his first jobs.

[03:36]
William reflects on his initial hesitation to get involved with the entertainment industry.

[07:24]
I wanted William to share the power of his positivity when faced with harsh criticism.

[10:52]
"If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."

[14:43]
William dives into his current passion and work as a motivational speaker.

[21:06]
What's next for William Hung?

Mentioned Links
Subscribe to Career Growth Made Easy on YouTube!
Follow William Hung on Instagram! @williamhungofficial

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Interviewing American Idol's William Hung
What happens when you become an overnight sensation? Just ask singer, motivational speaker, and special guest, William Hung! On today's episode of Career Growth Made Easy, we dive into William's backstory: his upbringing, his academic life, and the talent show that led him to icon status. With so much amazing content to cover, we split this interview up into 2 parts - including our first-ever episode with video content! Be sure to watch our interview on YouTube @careergrowthmadeeasy to get the full experience. Tune in to catch a glimpse of the positivity, attitude, and charisma that took America by storm. Listen now!

Chapters
[0:45]
I met William at this year's Podfest Expo!

[01:53]
William shares his background, how he came to America, and what it was like growing up.

[02:55]
William's father struggled with job loss, just like myself back in 2008.

[05:39]
William reflects on his education, and inevitability, the college experience that would led him to American Idol!

[09:11]
William opens up about his experience auditioning for American Idol.

[14:36]
During his audition, William faced criticism from the judges. He opens up about staying resilient while being in the spotlight.

[17:42]
Despite the original negativity, William was invited back to American Idol for a reunion episode. He was also credited with helping the show get "put on the map" with his performance's unique charisma!

Mentioned Links
Subscribe to Career Growth Made Easy on YouTube!
Follow William Hung on Instagram! @williamhungofficial

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What Kind of Story Are You Telling?
Everyone has a story. The words we use are only part of how we communicate that story to others. The way we convey our message, including tone, facial experiences, and body language, impacts the listener's experience as a whole.

If you consider yourself a good storyteller, listen in. Today's episode will help you evaluate how well you communicate with others. Are you doing yourself a disserve by delivering your message poorly? Let's fine-tune our listening AND speaking skills as we discuss communication best practices.

Chapters
[02:15]
Self-awareness is key!

[03:50]
Everyone processes information in their own unique way.

[08:06]
The interview starts when you wake up!

[09:12]
Your postures, your facial expressions, and your tone can affect your presentation, and in turn, your ability to tell your story.

[11:39]
Are you a calm and collected decision-maker? Do you make good decisions?

[13:20]
Are you a good leader? How well you lead others can demonstrate your ability to show confidence and communicate well. 

[15:40]
We all see things differently. Recognize your patterns and routines - and evaluate your perspective. How does it all impact the way you communicate, the way you tell your story?

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