Stuck in a Joyless Job?

Posted by Adam Hoffarber on 3/4/24 8:15 AM

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“Don’t quit your job until you’ve lined up a new one.”

How many times have you heard that little chestnut? (In full disclosure, it’s advice I routinely dispense myself.) But like all good rules, this one has some important exceptions. When you’re trapped in a toxic job, the path to “something better” can be a steep, rocky, exhausting – and increasingly treacherous – climb.

If you’re stuck there now, you simply may not have the luxury, mental energy, or emotional wherewithal to launch a winning job search. More importantly, though, is this little fact that’s too often overlooked in the heat of the moment: you might not be in the best head space to know what your next job should be. Figuring th

at out requires time, introspection, and, ideally, a little healthy distance.

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Proofreading Tricks to Take Your Resume from Basic to Breakthrough

Posted by Dana Shapiro on 2/20/24 8:45 AM

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A well-crafted, error-free resume is more than a nice-to-have; it's a strategic marketing tool for job seekers. It’s the first impression you’ll create with executive recruiters and hiring managers each of whom will rarely spend more than a few seconds scanning it before deciding whether to toss it in the Yes, No, or Maybe pile.

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No Fail Responses to Questions About Your Salary Requirements

Posted by Kurt Rakos on 2/15/24 1:25 PM

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Did you know that in the state of MN, hiring managers can not ask about your current salary or salary history? Instead, they must rephrase the salary question to inquire about your salary targets. 

“What are your salary requirements?”  

That question – or any of its many variations – initiates one of the trickiest, most consequential decisions you’ll have to make when communicating with a potential employer.  

How should you respond?  

With forethought, a well-prepared answer, and a clear, confident tone, sure.

But what should you say?  

That depends… on a number of factors. 

If you write “salary negotiable” on the application, it might keep you in the running and buy you some time to figure out a more specific response. However employers are looking for candidates who understand the market, know themselves, and are confident placing a dollar figure on their professional worth.  If you just keep dodging the question by saying it’s all negotiable, you look timid and unprepared for the actual negotiation.  

At the same time, your answer needs to vary from employer to employer. Here’s how to determine – and adjust – your response for each opportunity:

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Resume Fads Every Job Applicant Should Ditch (and What to Do Instead)

Posted by Sujatha Ramanathan on 2/6/24 8:06 AM

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A well-crafted resume can be a job applicant’s powerful early advocate to employers and executive recruiters. More than a list of job titles and educational achievements, your resume must be carefully curated to make the first cut of the employer's Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and then catch the attention of hiring managers, headhunters, and human resources professionals. When written well, it showcases you, putting a spotlight on your most relevant qualifications and the value you bring, persuasively driving a narrative about how well your abilities align with the job for which you're applying. Wield it smartly and your resume can dramatically increase your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, the job.

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Undervalued & Underpaid? 7 Essential Steps To Asking For A Raise

Posted by Matt Hugdahl on 1/8/24 1:34 PM

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How long has it been since you last had a raise at work? We know from experience that companies are slow to increase remuneration levels, even with the increased signs of life in the employment market. If you feel undervalued, underpaid and long overdue a raise, don’t rush in all guns blazing. Take a deep breath and consider our advice below:

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5 Reasons To Keep Up Your Job Search In The Holidays

Posted by Kurt Rakos on 12/19/23 10:55 AM

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For most jobseekers, December is traditionally written off on the assumption that employers delay filling new vacancies until the New Year hangover has worn off.

That’s a myth.

At SkyWater, December is frequently one of our best months for placing candidates and our hiring activity continues throughout the holiday season. Don’t put the brakes on your job search. For candidates, the holiday season is the perfect time to secure that elusive job offer and end the year on a professional high. Here’s why:

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The Devil You Know…

Posted by Paul Beard on 10/31/23 8:18 AM

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A Halloween Challenge

Earlier this quarter, as we were finalizing our 2024 Salary Guides, we reflected on an emerging theme among candidates – and some hiring managers: a sense of worry about next year. Maybe, they suggest, this isn’t the time to take that job they’ve always wanted, or fill that position that’s gone unfilled for months. Maybe it would be safer to stick with what they’ve got until the dust settles... and things get "back to normal.”  

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Laid Off? Do These 6 Things First

Posted by Kurt Rakos on 9/19/23 11:33 AM

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Even in our state’s sustained, historic low unemployment, a small wave of layoffs has been disrupting the lives of a growing number of Minnesotans. If it happens to you, take these 6 smart steps next.

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Resume Formatting Mistakes You Don't Want To Overlook

Posted by Brady Olson on 9/14/23 12:52 PM

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As an executive recruiter, I see 100s of resumes a month. I understand that, especially in a candidate's market, some job seekers may not feel that they need to take the time to proofread their resumes and check for formatting mistakes. However, submitting a resume that isn't formatted well is a sloppy move, and doesn't put your best foot forward.

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10 Tips For Video Interviews

Posted by Sujatha Ramanathan on 7/27/23 12:56 PM

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Video interviews are commonplace in today's hybrid work economy. If you're interviewing for a role, you may find yourself attending an interview that is conducted over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or others. The mistake job seekers often make is to treat the video interview less seriously than an interview that takes place in an employer’s office. The next time you are invited to a video interview follow these tips:

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