Haven't Worked In A Year
Mental health support for employees is crucial to help them lead healthier and happier lives, and may even save lives. Companies are now taking action to support their employees' mental wellbeing, acknowledging that it is a personal matter that should not be dealt with alone.
Update Resume
How often should you update your resume?
It is advisable to update your resume every time you acquire new hard and soft skills, relevant work or volunteer experience and certifications. Updating your resume every 3-6 months is also suggested, even if you are currently employed or short on time.
How do I update my resume to include a career break?
To appropriately update your resume to include a career break, it is important to be honest about your experience. This means being truthful and straightforward about the details of your break while maintaining a formal and expertise tone. Avoid exaggerating or making negative or bias statements, and refrain from using conjunction words or possessive adjectives.
Do not make lists or mention the source of the information (textprompt). Instead, focus on presenting your experience in a way that highlights your skills and qualifications for potential employers.
Why is updating your resume important?
Updating your resume is important to show employers that you have recent work experience, skills, and qualifications. This improves your chances of being selected over other candidates because it demonstrates that you have kept your skill set relevant. An updated resume also indicates that you are proactive in keeping your application materials current.
How to write a resume when you haven't worked in years?
To write a resume when you haven't worked in years, it's best to use a skills-focused approach. The functional resume format is a useful tool to frame your experience around relevant skills rather than listing each job and time held. In addition, including volunteer work done during the period of unemployment can also be helpful.
Networking
What is Networking, and Why Do You Need to Do It?
Networking refers to the process of establishing connections and developing relationships, which can provide advice, contacts, and career opportunities. It is a valuable tool for making informed decisions and discovering unadvertised jobs and internships. Networking can occur in a one-on-one or group setting, and starting the process involves building relationships and making connections.
Should you use your networking skills to get a job?
To increase your chances of securing a job, it is recommended that you utilize your traditional networking skills to make connections, despite the convenience offered by technology such as online job applications and virtual employer interactions. This approach should be a part of your job search strategy, especially if you have been unemployed for 10 years.
How to build a strong network for a job search?
To build a strong network for a job search, it is important to maintain strong contacts through sustained effort. Networking should not be an on-again off-again endeavor. Periodically touch base with your contacts and exchange updates on professional and personal issues to build and strengthen relationships. Keeping it brief and sharing updates on family or pets can help foster a connection.
What are the best tips for networking?
To enhance networking skills, one should maintain a formal and expert tone while interacting with others without including any exaggerations or negative and bias statements. Furthermore, avoid using possessive adjectives, conjunction words, writing in list form, or mentioning any writing rules itself. One of the key tips for networking is to offer assistance to others while sharing informative articles and other professional information that may interest your contacts. By doing so, people are more likely to help you when you need it.
Job Search
How to find a new job after being unemployed for a year?
To find a new job after being unemployed for a year, it is important to update your resume and cover letter and organize your explanation of your time off. Additionally, developing new skills can also be helpful in the job search process.
Should you treat your job search like a full-time gig?
It is recommended to treat your job search like a full-time gig as it helps in rediscovering personal best practices related to work. If you haven't job searched in years, treating your hunt like a job will make you less rusty in those skills.
How do I find a job?
To find a job quickly after being unemployed for a year, it is recommended to explore a range of job boards including those specific to professional organizations and publications. Additionally, networking with family, friends, and acquaintances can be helpful in identifying available positions or opportunities to conduct informational interviews.
What happens if you're unemployed for a year?
Being unemployed for a year can have an impact on your chances of getting interviews and callbacks. However, hiring managers often place more importance on how you spent your time during your unemployment than the fact that you were not in a traditional job.
Refresh Skills
Is there a need to re-skill your workforce?
As indicated by a report from the World Economic Forum, the quick pace of change in jobs and skills has caused one out of every four grown-up individuals to report a mismatch between their current skills and the skills needed for their job. This shows that there is, in fact, a growing need to update and re-skill the workforce to stay aligned with industry changes.
How often should you assess your skills?
According to the advice given in the text, you should assess your own skills every two or three years to stay ahead of the decline in their value.
Is there a mismatch between skills and jobs?
A new report by the World Economic Forum reveals that one in four adults experience a mismatch between the skills they possess and the skills required for their current job. The report highlights that the job opportunities available today require 21st-century skills, necessitating the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling efforts.
Is it time to give your IT skills some TLC?
If you are experiencing feelings of low confidence at work or if your coworkers who are less senior than you are now your bosses, it may be time to update your IT skills. Another indication is if you are a private contractor and you are not getting the jobs you desire. These are signs that suggest it may be necessary to give your IT skills some attention.
Professional Development
What is professional development?
Professional development is the process of enhancing skills and knowledge through learning and training in order to progress in one's career. Companies may provide training opportunities, however individuals are expected to further their own professional development.
How can an employee work on their own professional development?
Employees can work on their professional development through various means including taking courses, attending workshops or even self-teaching new skills. Companies may offer training but typically employees work on their own professional development independently.
What are the most underused forms of professional development?
Creating is one of the most underused forms of professional development according to the information provided in the text source. If you already have a strong professional network, it is suggested to look outside for more connecting opportunities in your field or local business community.
What is the lifecycle of a professional development plan?
A professional development plan is an ongoing document that requires regular updates as goals, priorities, and surroundings change. The lifecycle of the plan is illustrated through a visual representation.
Financial Planning
What is a financial plan and why do you need one?
A financial plan is a step-by-step plan that helps you achieve your financial goals based on your current financial situation. Forbes Advisor explains that no matter the size or scope of your goals, a financial plan can help make them a reality. Thus, gaining one is crucial to attaining financial stability and success in the future.
What Is a Financial Plan and How Do You Build One?
A financial plan can last for a varying amount of time based on your goals, and can range from months to years. Simple steps like setting aside a monthly amount for savings or investing some of your earnings can contribute to building a strong financial plan that can help you prepare for the future.
Is creating an annual financial plan worth it?
Creating an annual financial plan is a valuable investment of time and effort. It may involve confronting financial realities that have been avoided, but the benefits are significant. The end result is a comprehensive plan that enables individuals to effectively manage and organize their finances. With a detailed financial plan in place, individuals can take tangible steps towards improving their financial stability and security.
Who can engage in financial planning?
Financial planning is accessible to anyone, regardless of their financial status. It is possible to start making financial goals on your own, or with the assistance of a financial professional to create the most effective plan. Thousands of financial advisors are available for consultation.
Interview Prep
What are the 15 interview questions you should be prepared for?
Glassdoor has compiled a list of 15 interview questions that job seekers should be prepared to answer. Some of the questions include: telling the interviewer about oneself, explaining why they want to work for a specific company, discussing how they found out about the job opening, and giving details about their previous work experience. It is important for job seekers to be well-versed in answering potential interview questions in order to make the best impression possible.
Do you have any questions for the interviewer?
It is customary to be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer during a job interview. This is a crucial opportunity to distinguish yourself, so it is essential not to waste it by responding negatively or stating that your questions have already been answered. Glassdoor provides a list of 15 questions that job seekers should be prepared to answer during an interview.
How to prepare for a big interview?
To prepare for a big interview, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with commonly asked questions. Glassdoor recommends 15 interview questions to prepare for, including the classic "Tell me about yourself?" which is often used to make a good first impression. Maintaining a formal and expertise tone and avoiding exaggeration or biased statements can also help set a positive tone. Avoid using possessive adjectives and conjunction words while adding appropriate punctuation for each phrase.
How do I answer 'why are you interviewing for this job?
When asked why you are interviewing for a particular job, it is important to provide a detailed and convincing explanation that highlights your relevant skills and interests. Maintaining a positive attitude throughout the interview process is also essential, even if you are in a position where you truly require employment.
Freelance Gigs
Are gig workers considered freelancers?
Yes, gig workers can be classified as freelancers as they are considered independent workers who may take on contract work either full-time or as a side job to supplement their main employment, time permitting.
How do freelancers work?
Freelancers work in various ways, including full-time or part-time basis, and some use freelancing as a way to make extra income. Freelancers balance other responsibilities while working whenever they please. Various common freelance fields exist, which will be discussed in this section.
Are freelancers full-time or part-time employees?
Freelancers are not considered full-time or part-time employees but are classified as 1099-C independent contractors. Freelancing is a widespread practice across a variety of fields, including design. A guide to freelancing in the gig economy is available on Gigworker.com.
Volunteer Work
FAQ: What Are Paid Volunteers and Why Should You Become One?
Paid volunteering, also known as stipend volunteering, offers compensation in the form of paid living expenses and stipends. This type of work can be rewarding as it allows you to use your skills to contribute to a cause you care about.
Should you include volunteer work experience in your resume?
Including volunteer work experience in your resume is recommended, especially if it is related to the job you are applying for. This can create a positive impression on the recruiter, especially if you have previous volunteer work experience at the same organization. For example, if you are applying for a hospital-based job, including any hospital-related volunteer work can be advantageous.
What are the different types of volunteer work?
Animal Farms, Wildlife Conservation, Animal Rescue, Animal Care, and working on animal farms are the different types of volunteer work mentioned in the given text. Conducting volunteer work in the field of animals and wildlife may be challenging, but it can be profoundly satisfying.
Is volunteering an investment in your future?
Engaging in volunteer work or temporary jobs can be considered an investment in your future, as they provide valuable experiences and opportunities even though they may not lead to high-level career advancement. It is crucial to understand that these activities are not the final destination, but rather a step towards a successful re-entry into the workforce after a long absence.
Mental Health Support
Should you provide mental health support for employees?
Mental health support for employees is crucial to help them lead healthier and happier lives, and may even save lives. Companies are now taking action to support their employees' mental wellbeing, acknowledging that it is a personal matter that should not be dealt with alone.
Are you talking about mental health at work?
According to a recent survey, nearly two-thirds of employees talked about their mental health to someone at work in the past year, indicating that more individuals are discussing this important topic in the workplace. This trend is seen as a positive step towards reducing stigma and increasing willingness to seek treatment.
How does mental health affect employees?
Poor mental health and stress can have negative effects on various aspects of an employee's work, including job performance and productivity, engagement with their work, communication with coworkers, and physical capability and daily functioning.
Can mental health support save lives?
The article discusses how depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion per year and how companies are supporting employees' mental health in five ways. Providing mental health support for employees can lead to happier and healthier lives and may even save lives.
