If you left your job because the circumstances weren’t the most desirable you aren’t alone, it happens!

Sometimes leaving a job suddenly due to a boss, co-workers, or overall work culture or even personal health reasons can leave you reeling. It can also feel especially stressful, but if you have a plan it doesn’t have to be. So here is how to be prepared as you search for a new job:

1- Update that resume
I know, it’s not the most fun activity in the world but we ALL have to do it and it's necessary. Even if you’ve been at a job for a year you should continue to update that resume. Chances are you gained some new experiences and skills in your old position so be sure to add them in! Don’t discount the little things, but also highlight any major accomplishments such as awards, special projects, etc.

2- Ask the BEST people
Be choosy when asking people to be your reference. The goal is to have someone who can speak VERY highly of you and what you did at your job. If they managed you even better, but if you didn’t get along with your manager consider asking a co-worker who you interacted with on a daily basis. Always contact them first and let them know that you have chosen them to be a reference and be sure to say thank you! Also, provide them with a copy of your resume.

3- Don’t repeat the past
Avoid applying to the wrong companies by making sure to do your homework and research their culture first! Find out what the past employees are saying, what the company’s mission is, and how their customers view them. You can find these things by Googling the company’s name or check them out on Glassdoor. Make sure to ask the employer these questions during the interview to find out even MORE!

4- Be prepared
Your next employer will always ask what happened with your previous position. Can you blame them? Whatever you do, AVOID the negative and always take the high road! Even if the job was quite literally the worst thing you ever did start with a positive (yes a positive) about what you enjoyed there and then lead in with the reason you left, but soften it. So for example, “I really loved my co-workers and the projects I worked on but I was ready for a change.” Whatever the reason is, focus on the fact that you enjoyed a particular aspect of the job, but that you needed to leave. If you bad mouth your past employer the warning bells will go off and they will think you will one day do the same to them. Always take the high road because you're better than that!

5- Apply, apply, apply
Make sure once your resume is set and you have found a few companies you love to NOT waste any more time! Submit that resume and cover letter right away and follow up with them 3-5 days later (after interviews 1-2 days).

Good luck!! : )

Questions? Please comment below!

The last time you applied to a company did you also make sure to include a cover letter?

A well-written cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer in a conversational style manner and most importantly explains why you are the ideal candidate!

Plus, by writing a cover letter you will make it clear that you truly want the job because you took the extra steps than just submitting a resume.

Now let’s help you write one!

-1- Address the beginning of the letter to a name and include a Mr. or Ms before it. Avoid the bland Dear Hiring Manager or To Whom It May Concern. Make it personal! Do a little searching and find the name of the person you will be sending this to.

-2- In the first paragraph provide a brief idea of who you are and tell the employer how you have learned about the opportunity. The opening paragraph should answer the following questions:

-Who are you?
-Where does your expertise lie?
-How did you learn about the position?
-Why do you want to apply?

-3- The second paragraph is about what you bring to the table and why they should they choose you. Tell them why he/she should be interested in you! Do this by highlighting a few valuable points from your resume that match the job description. Ask yourself, what is it about your previous job experience skills and abilities that will meet the company's needs and make you a good fit? Make it unique to that company so do your research!

-4- Wrap it up with a call to action. What would you like to happen next? For example, you could say, I have attached my resume for your consideration. I look forward to an opportunity to meet with you in person and discuss how my skills could contribute to the company's success.

-5- Close with a simple thank you at the end and then add your name.

Thank you,

(Your name)

-6- Be sure your contact information is on the cover letter as well. This should be at the top right of the page and include your name, email, and phone number. Essentially it is the same contact info that is on your resume!

Avoid sending the same cover letter to every company. They will know and your application won't be taken seriously. Always put your best foot forward.

If YOU are worth their time then make them worth yours!

Questions? Comment for some help! : )

Most job fairs require professional dress, but what does that mean exactly?

Think of professional dress as the type of clothing that you would wear to an interview. You want to dress to impress the employer and create a positive first impression!

Here are some suggestions to help you!

For Women

-Stick to solid colors (avoid busy patterns so the focus is on your face)
-A suit with a button up shirt worn underneath
-Mid-length skirt (a little below the knee and/or longer) paired with a coordinated blouse
-Modest shoes (Closed-toe pumps are a safe bet and look very professional)
-Limited jewelry (avoid flashy, again the focus is on YOU)
-Light makeup and very little perfume (one spray a few hours beforehand if you must)
-Manicured nails (avoid chipped and overly bright nail polish, think neutrals)

For Men

-Stick to solid colors
-A suit (if you can't wear a suit consider wearing your best dress shirt, pants, and a tie)
-Long sleeve button up shirt (again a solid color) and coordinating dress pants
-Conservative tie (stick to solids no crazy patterns, logos, etc.)
-Professional dress shoes (no sneakers)
-Limited jewelry
-Trimmed/well-groomed facial hair
-Go easy on the aftershave or cologne (it could overpower the interviewer)
-Neat and clean trimmed nails

Avoid wearing jeans, ripped clothing, too many accessories, and over doing it on the cologne or the makeup ladies. Let the focus be on YOU!

You can also check out these suggestions for more inspiration!

If you need some interview clothing but you're short on cash, you can always explore your local Goodwill, Savers, or Salvation Army. I have done this myself and it helps you save you money.

NOW is the time however to begin to pick out your job fair attire or shop for it. Try different things on at home and see how you feel in them!

Once you are comfortable in your interview attire, you will exude confidence to prospective employers.

Be sure to wash, iron and lay the outfit out the night before so it's all set to go.

Good luck!! : )

Have questions? Please ask!

There has never been a better time to prepare your elevator pitch than right NOW so you are set and ready to go : )

So what is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a clear, brief message that is ALL about you. It communicates who you are, what you're looking for in a job and how that employer can benefit from hiring you.

Follow these tips to help create and perfect yours!

Tell us, what is your elevator pitch?

Need some help? Please feel free to ask!

Check out these tips to help you feel prepared, confident, and land the job after your next interview!

1- Are you dressed to impress?
Check out this great post on what to wear during your next interview! Make sure to lay your clean clothes out the night before and check for wrinkles.

2- What to bring?
Write down 3-5 questions you want to ask the employer during the interview in a notebook and pack it with your things, along with a few copies of your resume (just in case). Not sure what to ask? Check these 50 questions out! Want to know more about the job’s culture? Then these are the questions for you!

3- What will you say?
Use these conversation starters tricks to help you break the ice and fight those potentially awkward silent moments.

4- Did you do your research?
Make sure you spend a little time going on the company’s website. Find the specifics of the position you are applying to. Make a list of the skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities that are required by the employer and those that are critical for success in the job. Then make another and list all of YOUR qualifications. Draw a line connecting the two that match up. Make it a point to casually highlight these things during the interview. Prove that you are a great fit for them! Also, be sure to check out the company’s mission and anything important about them make a note of it. This will help you prepare to answer interview questions about the company should they come up.

5- Did you practice?
A few days before, make sure to practice answering some interview questions such as these. This will help give you a chance to prepare and practice answering, and will also help boost your confidence.

What helps you prep for an interview?

I am so excited to be heading to West Virginia tonight. Anyone who has visited there knows it is a beautiful state (as John Denver knew in his famous song). But did you know that there are some great things happening economically? That the government, with leadership such as with Senator Manchin's office, is working really hard to promote thousands of open jobs there, recruit new industry and businesses and put Government, non-profits and for-profits together to help West Virginia working families? It's true and it's pretty exciting to see commitment like this that crosses boundaries. If you haven't checked out jobs in WV, I suggest you do.

We will be rolling out a section of Jobcase just for WV this week (and already plans under way to keep improving it as we roll into September). I'll post more about it later. But first a question:

What's your favorite thing bout West Virginia? Hopefully some West Virginians can offer some thoughts, but I welcome anyone who has visited there to share as well...
#AlmostHeaven #WestVirginia #WV #share #opportunity #StrongerTogether

https://youtu.be/HQicl2mOPpI?t=22

One of the most common questions asked during an interview or at a job fair is…

Can you tell me about yourself?

Other variations could include...
-Why should we hire you?
-Why do you want to work here?
-What is it about us that makes you want to work here?

Answer these 5 questions to help you plan what to say and impress employers!

1- What are the three strongest reasons I am a great fit for this job?

2- What are some positive things I can say about the company, and how can I connect what they do with what I can bring to them?

3- Why do I really want this job beyond having a steady paycheck and perks?

4- What are three AWESOME things I did in my previous position that I can also offer in this new role?

5- What is the EXACT job description (make sure to write it down) and how do MY skills match up with it? Be as specific as possible.

Answering these questions will help you feel prepared to go in with some great things to say which will also boost your confidence!

Have a question?

Please comment and ask! : )