Posts by Tricia Dolkas
Three Advantages of Searching for Jobs in December
Most people prefer waiting until January to look for a job. Instead, I highly recommend you start in December. Here is why now is an excellent time to look for a job! Reason #1: Companies have completed their 2024 project plans, budgets, and headcount planning. Department leaders NOW know their hiring targets and the types of…
Read MoreDiscouraged in Your Job Search? What to Do?
Introduction: During my 24-year recruiting career, there were five times when I had to look for a new job unexpectedly. I am familiar with the negative emotions and anxiety a job search triggers. The constant uncertainty, lack of timely or personal communication from companies, and frequent rejection are emotionally challenging and exhausting. While I am…
Read MoreBiggest Disadvantage of ChatGPT for a Job Search
Limitations of ChatGPT ChatGPT is a great tool for researching information and building writing skills. It can be helpful in many aspects of a job search. But there is a MAJOR part of a job search where ChatGPT can’t help and possibly can hurt: Building Professional Connections and Relationships! Building a community of professionals with…
Read MoreNew Year’s Headlines Impacting Employment – What Actions To Take
Tech Industry Getting Hammered Headlines everywhere about tech stock prices dropping and layoffs or companies slowing growth. What can you do to minimize the impact on your career? If You’re Employed –> Prepare for a Layoff: Identify your references. Get their personal contact information in advance of a layoff. Meet with your manager. Review your…
Read MoreFour Tips for a Resume that Recruiters WILL Read
Ask 100 people for advice on resumes, and you get many differing opinions that often contradict each other. So who do you believe? In my 20+ yrs. of recruiting, I found that most resume advice comes from people who don’t read resumes as part of their work. This article shares resume advice from recruiters and…
Read MoreHow to Write a Good Cover Letter
As a recruiter, I rarely read any cover letters. Most cover letters are poorly written, generic and superficial. I stopped reading once I saw the typical first sentence: “Dear Hiring Manager, I am interested in position X….” And they aren’t read because they repeat information from the resume. But now worse, with information buried in…
Read MoreWhy is Autumn the Best Season for Career and Job Searches?
September and October are the best months to transition to a new company and career opportunity. Why? Companies are focused and motivated to hire as quickly as possible, and this focus will probably result in faster interviews and hiring decisions. The company’s motivation could result in less work for you during a search, and you…
Read MoreCareer Transition Tip – How to Work with Recruiting Agencies
Companies recruit with internal recruiters or with an external recruiting agency. Sometimes companies use both methods at the same time. As a recruiter, I started at a recruiting agency and then later moved to be an internal corporate recruiter. Understanding how a company works with an external recruiting agency is crucial for candidates. Why Companies…
Read MoreWhy Recruiters Don’t Want Your Job Application
Looking for a new job? Then you are probably scouring job postings and applying to as many jobs as you can find. Then anxiously waiting for an email from a recruiter for an interview. As days turn into weeks without an email, you become discouraged, frustrated and angry. As a former recruiter, I want…
Read MoreHow To Plan for Virtual Interviews and Career Fairs
I spent August and September speaking with university career centers and employers about how they are changing their programs for early talent recruiting. My goal was to identify details not widely known that impact students /graduates in their job search. Then to offer advice on how to change your job search so you have a…
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