This episode is about how to improve your resume and interview skills by focusing on results and outcomes.Instead of simply listing your responsibilities on your resume, you should quantify your achievements using metrics and data. This will make your resume more visually appealing and show that you are results-oriented.Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) during interviews to provide specific examples of how you have achieved success in the past. This will help you to connect your skills and experience to the requirements of the job you are interviewing for.Here are some key takeaways from the episode:Use numbers and data to quantify your achievements on your resume.Focus on results and outcomes, not just responsibilities.Use the STAR method during interviews to provide specific examples of your success.

Connect with Whitney!

https://www.whitneysullivan.com

Five to Thrive by Enneagram Type: five points of self-awareness every leader needs to thrive. Link: https://bit.ly/enneagram-thrive5-form
Enneagram and Thriving: a basic overview of the Enneagram and what each type needs to flourish in their work. Link: https://bit.ly/enneagram-thriving-form

Whitney Sullivan shares how the Enneagram is a tool that categorizes people into nine personality types, each with a core motivation and set of strengths and weaknesses. By understanding your Enneagram type, you can gain insights into your blind spots and how you operate under pressure. This self-awareness can be helpful in your career, such as during a job search or when considering a new leadership role.

Whitney Sullivan is an Enneagram expert and career coach. Whitney discusses the different Enneagram types and how they can be applied to the workplace. She also shares some tips for how job seekers can use the Enneagram to their advantage.

Here are some key takeaways from the podcast:

The Enneagram is a personality test that can help you understand yourself better.
It can help you identify your blind spots and how you operate under pressure.
This self-awareness can be useful in your job search and professional development.

Should you push to get a job offer? How to stand out in a job application: Matthew advises personalizing your outreach by researching the company and contacting the hiring manager directly (via email or LinkedIn) with a concise message highlighting your qualifications and how you can benefit the company.Cold contacting for software engineering or machine learning positions: Sending a well-crafted email or LinkedIn message to the hiring manager is acceptable, but avoid phone calls. Focus on your skills and the value you bring.Following up on applications: If you haven't heard back after applying, a brief email reiterating your candidacy is okay. Don't call for updates.The episode also features success stories from listeners who used the podcast's advice to land jobs!

Connect with Vicki!

https://www.vickisalemi.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickisalemi/

Vicki Salemi is a career expert at Monster.com, discussing current job market trends and strategies for job seekers. 

Employer Priorities:

Skills over Degrees: Employers are focusing on skills (both technical and soft) over a college degree in some cases. Relevant experience can substitute for specific degrees.
Flexibility: Employers are prioritizing flexibility in work schedules and location (remote work options).
Transparency: Salary transparency is becoming increasingly common, allowing job seekers to know the pay range before applying.
Benefits: Companies are offering more substantial benefits packages, including mental health resources.
Job Seeker Strategies:

Apply ASAP: Apply for jobs within 24 hours of seeing them. Don't wait for the "perfect" application.
Highlight Soft Skills: Showcase your soft skills in your cover letter and resume.
Network Strategically: Attend informational interviews and connect with people at companies you're interested in.
Prepare for Interviews: Research the company and prepare answers to common interview questions. Be honest about your skills and experience. If you don't know the answer, ask if you can get back to them with the information.
Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate your salary and benefits package.
Stay Positive: Remember, the job search can be a rollercoaster, but employers need you just as much as you need them.
Monster Resources:

Monster offers a variety of resources for job seekers, including:
Cover letter and resume templates
Free resume review
Job alerts
Interview advice articles
Salary and benefits data

Connect with Bill!
https://jobsensei.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tpcbill/
https://www.thinkpeopleculture.com/

Bill Brown, an HR consultant, discusses the importance of humanizing the hiring experience for both employers and candidates.

Employers:

Have lost touch with the candidate experience, making it impersonal.
Should focus on the candidate journey by clearly explaining the interview process and keeping communication promises.
Should write clear and concise job descriptions that describe the first 90 days on the job and avoid lengthy applications.

Candidates:

Can personalize the experience by researching the company culture and tailoring their communication to show passion for the role.

The future of hiring:

Companies with strong employer brands will attract top talent through a focus on relationships and social impact.

Finding Career Zen Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-career-zen/id1624063224

https://zengig.com/podcast/

Zengig - Free resources for job seekers:

https://zengig.com/

Watch on Youtube!

https://youtu.be/MTxpY9OP76w?si=Cl_mSYwW9-RC6r81

Connect with Oshri!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oshricohen/
https://www.oshricohen.me/

Asri Cohen is a self-taught coder with extensive experience in various programming languages, frameworks, and technologies. He has held leadership positions at startups and founded his own development company. This episode will leverage his experience as a recruiter, entrepreneur, and developer to offer job seekers valuable insights on navigating the hiring process. Asri will share tips on what to consider during your job search and how to strategically craft your approach to land the perfect opportunity.This episode pulls back the curtain on the tech hiring process, offering a dose of real talk for both candidates and recruiters.

Candidates will learn:

Full-stack mentality is key: Modern developers need to be involved in the entire development cycle, from understanding requirements to deployment.
Learning is a constant: The tech industry is fast-paced, so showcasing a willingness and ability to learn new things is essential.
Be honest (and proactive): Don't be afraid to acknowledge skill gaps in interviews. Instead, demonstrate your initiative to learn by mentioning courses or resources you'll use to close the gap.
Tailor your approach: Recognize that different company cultures require different interview tactics. Startups seek creativity and enthusiasm, while large corporations might prioritize deep expertise.
Quality over quantity: Consider focusing on a few well-developed projects on your portfolio instead of a long list of technologies you've barely touched.

Be a generalist with depth: Focus on a broad range of skills, but become an expert in at least a few areas. Showcase your abilities with real projects, not just a laundry list of technologies.
Tailor your approach: Adapt your interview style to the company culture. Enthusiasm and creativity are valued at startups, while Fortune 500 companies might seek deep expertise in a specific technology.
Honesty is appreciated: Don't be afraid to acknowledge skill gaps in interviews. Instead, demonstrate your initiative to learn by mentioning courses or resources you'll use to close the gap.
Follow up strategically: After an interview, follow up to showcase your eagerness and initiative. You can mention that you're enrolling in a course to address a specific weakness you identified.

Recruiters will learn:

Technical expertise isn't everything: Look beyond specific technologies and assess a candidate's problem-solving skills, communication, and cultural fit.
Involve engineers in the interview process: Engineers can assess a candidate's technical abilities and compatibility with the team.
Beware of bad resumes: Resumes with extensive keyword lists might bypass HR but may not reflect real abilities.
Readability matters: Pay attention to how easy it is to scan a resume. Highlight relevant skills within the first 15 seconds to avoid getting passed over.
There are more bad companies than good ones: Encourage candidates to research companies before applying.

This episode equips you to answer the "strengths question" with confidence during your job interview. 

Why interviewers ask: They assess self-awareness, alignment with the role, and communication skills. 

The "mirror effect": Knowing your strengths helps you discuss weaknesses constructively. 

3 Strengths to Highlight: 

Aligned with the job description (e.g., detail-oriented for accounting)

From your previous job (e.g., leadership recognized by a past boss) 

Personal strength applicable to work (e.g., perseverance)

Bonus Strength: Align with the company culture (e.g., volunteer for a cause they support). 

Common Mistakes to Avoid: ArroganceGeneric responses ("hard worker") 
Weak examples 
Disguised weaknesses ("perfectionist") 
Bragging or lack of confidence 
Irrelevant strengths (high school sports stats)

#jobinterview #strengths #careertips #interviewskills #selfawareness #communication #careeradvice #jobseeker