December 21st – The #NumberOfTheDay is 9
Over the weekend, the University of Cincinnati football team completed a perfect 9-0 regular season.
The characteristics of a winning football team closely resemble those of a winning job search.
Teamwork – Don’t rely solely on your own devices. 75% of jobs are obtained using your network. Empower those around you to be part of your team.
Dedication – Searching for a job IS a job. The most successful job seekers spent more than a couple of hours of days looking for their next opportunity.
Hustle – The early bird gets the worm. When applying to jobs posted online, you are 8 times more likely to receive an interview if you apply for the position within the first 4 days of the posting going live.
Communication – Does your résumé, and LinkedIn profile convey the message that you are an All-American or that you are a role player the same as many others?
December 22nd – The #NumberOfTheDay is 24.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average length of unemployment is 24 weeks.
Over the course of your job search, you will likely experience a myriad of feelings from anger to self-doubt to elation. One trait that successful job seekers have in common is their tenacity.
Riding a rollercoaster of emotions is no easy task, but determination and persistence can pay big dividends. Here are a few tips to help you persevere:
- Build a strong support system of friends, family, and colleagues that can help you ride the waves.
- Join a long support group for job seekers. Not only is it an opportunity to share experiences, but a great networking opportunity.
- Keep in mind, just because you may not land the job doesn’t mean there was anything you could have done differently to change the result; oftentimes companies make hiring decisions based on factors you can’t control.
- Check out All★Star Career Services’ 21-day Mental Health Challenge to help overcome some challenges associated with an extended period of unemployment.
December 23rd – The #NumberOfTheDay is 61.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest-growing occupation over the next decade is Wind Turbine Service Technicians, growing at a rate of 61%, followed by Nurse Practitioners at 52%, Solar Photovoltaics Installers at 51%, and Occupational Therapy Assistants and Statisticians at 35%.
In 1975 the first U.S. wind farm was put online, producing enough power for up to 4,149 homes. In the last 45 years in the U.S., this industry has grown from being a start-up to holding claim as the fastest-growing occupation.
Change can be scary and intimidating for some people. Whether it be something as simple as learning how to set the clock on a new microwave, getting a new boss, or switching industries, change always brings out a certain level of anxiety among most people. What can you do to make change a little more manageable and less stressful?
- Accept the new normal – while you may not like the change, it is usually here to stay. Stop fighting a losing battle and embrace the change.
- Analyze the change – what factors in your life are causing your anxiety? Is there something bigger in play that you need to adjust?
- Identify your goals – with the change, have your goals changed? If so, rework what action steps you need to take to obtain your goals and step onto that clearly defined path
- Take charge of your actions – instead of letting things come to you, take the upper hand and be the aggressor
December 24th – The #NumberOfTheDay is 11.
We’ve all been there: It’s the 20th something of December and we haven’t gotten a loved one their gift. This is an especially anxiety-inducing situation if that person is ‘particular’ about their tastes. For the 11th year in a row, gift cards are the most popular item requested on wish lists.
According to Wallet Hub, the top 10 most popular gift cards are:
- Amazon
- Visa
- Walmart
- Target
- Starbucks
- eBay
- American Express
- iTunes
- Google Play
- Disney
Happy Holidays from All★Star Career Services.
