The Best And Worst Times To Search For A New Job

Originally published at Forbes.com by 

Jack Kelly

Not all times of the year are equal when it comes to seeking out a new job. The most opportune times are when you’re happy and succeeding at work, during the first few weeks of September and the start of the new year. Avoid embarking upon a job search during the holiday season and summer, especially in the month of August.

Look For A New Job When You’re Feeling Positive

Although this may run counter to what you might think, individuals should look for a new job when they are at peace and flourishing in their current role.

In addition to possessing all the requisite skills required for a job function, hiring managers want self-assured, positive and motivated candidates.

You'll perform better in the interview process when you are confident and feel good about yourself. Since you already hold a job, the pressure is less intense than being in between roles. Your mindset will be, “If I get this new job, that’s great. If not, I have a perfectly fine job to return to.”

Most people strike out when interviewing because they are nervous, lack confidence and come across as afraid or even angry and resentful that they were forced back into the job market. The interviewers pick up on their negative vibe. When the job market is tough, it’s easy for the hiring manager to take a hard pass on the applicant with a poor attitude and move on to the next candidate.

January And February Are The Top Months To Apply For Jobs

A week or so into January and February are two of the best times to engage in a job search. The beginning of a new year is a joyous time when people feel like they are starting fresh with a clean slate.

People make their New Year's resolutions of losing weight, going to the gym or finding a new job. The holiday season is over, and you revert to that back-to-work mentality. From a practical standpoint, companies set their yearly budgets and headcount, so they are ready to interview candidates and make hires. Businesses have given their yearly reviews and performance evaluations at the end of December. Based on the outcomes, workers decide to stay or feel the pressure to leave of their own volition rather than suffer the fate of waiting to get the ax.

Search For A New Job After The Summer Is Over

Like January, September is an ideal time to get into search mode. The summer is over, and workers experience the equivalent of the back-to-school mindset when they were kids. They’ve enjoyed the leisurely feel of three-day weekends, taking vacations, enjoying the nice weather and coasting, as there’s an unspoken mutual understanding that we can slow down the pace and enjoy life in the summer. The wheels start turning again in September; jobs are posted online, and the hiring cycle kicks into gear.

The summer and holiday season, starting around Thanksgiving, are the most difficult to interview since most companies slow down during those periods. Most people take their vacations and paid time off in July and August. The turnstile of workers coming and going away makes it hard to interview. The human resources person is on a family vacation at Disney World. When they return, the hiring manager is out at the beach and can’t make the interview. Then, the candidate will be traveling abroad for the rest of the summer, so the interviews must be postponed to September.

The Best Days To Submit Your Résumé For A Job

The best days to submit a résumé are mid-week or later. The “Sunday scaries” push people to send their résumés out to employers, as the dread of Monday looming forces them to reevaluate their jobs and lives.

The challenge is that too many people feel this way, and your résumé could get lost in the growing pile. Due to the high volume, HR and managers may not immediately see the résumé. Therefore, you may want to time sending out your résumé on late Tuesday or Wednesday after the initial burst of résumés subside.

Toward the end of the week, the résumé submittals dwindle. It might be worthwhile to send in your résumé on Thursday or Friday, as there will be less competition, and your résumé will stick out in a less-crowded field.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here. 

Jack Kelly

5 Ways To Find A Low-Stress, Easy Job In 2023

Relaxed employee in a tranquil office

GETTY

Originally published on Forbes.com  Rachel Wells

Contributor

In recent years, the concept of work/life balance and transitioning into roles that preserve one's mental health have been increasing in popularity and significance in a candidate and employee-driven job market.

In my recent Forbes article, "10 Low Stress, Easy Jobs That Pay Well In 2023", which lists the role of art director as being low-stress, a commentator reached out to me directly and noted that from his extensive experience within the entertainment industry, an art director's job is anything but easy and low-stress. He pointed out the demands of the role including late night working, unregulated hours, and tight deadlines for big budget productions.

It is important to note however, that a demanding job does not automatically translate into it being stressful.

"Stress" indicates the negative toll that one's job takes on their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing; whereas "demanding" simply indicates that the role requires more critical thinking and effort, is fast-paced, and often time-consuming. Consequently, what one might perceive as stressful could be fairly easy and manageable for another working the same job.

There are a variety of influences that influence our perception of stress in a role, therefore it is essential to weigh all of them into consideration when deciding to leave your current job or if seeking a new role:

Workplace culture. If your current or potential employer fosters a toxic culture where you feel unsupported, discriminated, harassed, or abused in the workplace, or you have uncertainty about your standing and job stability, this can result in a direct correlation to increased stress levels and consequently, your mental health.

Personal life. Sometimes the circumstances in our personal lives, particularly major life disruptions such as a divorce, health struggles, or trouble with family relationships, inhibit our ability to enjoy our work. These personal circumstances compound undue pressure that negatively impacts our work performance, thereby resulting in stress.

Recognition and reward. A Socialcast study uncovered that 69% of employees would work harder if celebrated and praised more at work. If you are recognized and acknowledged for your hard work it will have an enormous impact on lessening your stress levels in any job, despite its demands, and increasing your positivity in the workplace.

Five factors to consider

Here are five criteria to apply when assessing if a job is the right one for you and if it will promote your wellbeing:

Passion and interest

Virgin boss and billionaire Richard Branson is famously quoted as saying, “If you aren’t having fun, you are doing it wrong. If you feel like getting up in the morning to work on your business is a chore, then it's time to try something else.”

If the idea of a career in event management excites and inspires you, then regardless of how demanding the role is, you would never wish to leave that career because that is where your passion lies.

You therefore need to undertake some introspection and ask yourself, "Is my current role providing me with fulfilment and satisfaction? Is this something I am truly passionate about? Or am I working here merely to survive?"

Compensation package

Undoubtedly, if you are underpaid in your role because your employer does not appreciate your market value or is slashing budgets, your enthusiasm for your job will dwindle and it will become stressful.

Especially is this true now more than ever, with the increasing costs of living, where many employees are compelled to work twice as hard, taking on other gigs and jobs just to survive.

If you have researched the standard market pay for someone of your qualifications and length of experience and believe that your salary is subpar, you should seriously consider switching employers.

Work/life balance

Does your current or prospective job permit you to work in a way that is conducive to high performance? Does your employer pay due consideration to your overall wellbeing and provide you with ample time to spend with loved ones and in rejuvenating yourself?

If you're cramming every waking hour into work, taking your company laptop with you on vacation or working the weekends habitually when your actual contract stipulates Monday to Friday, it's time to reconsider your current role and look elsewhere.

Job security

Industries that are more prone to experience setbacks and layoffs such as talent acquisition/recruitment, and wholesale and retail, may result in more stress because you are at greater risk of unemployment, and will always be on edge and uncertain about your career future. Therefore it is essential to establish a solid footing when planning your next career move and weigh up all options carefully.

Career advancement opportunities

Does your current or anticipated role (or employer) afford career growth and development? Will you be able to move vertically after a period instead of remaining on the same level and moving sideways? Can you expect to have opportunities to build and flex your skill set?

These are some questions you must always consider when evaluating a new or existing role, to prevent stagnation and job boredom.

In addition to the above, factors including employer-led support structures and individual tolerance levels, can influence how "easy" a job really is. For example, what you might have had high energy expenditure for when you were younger and at the cusp of your career, would cause sheer burnout in your mid-to-late career.

Ultimately, an "easy" job is subjective. While some jobs may be less demanding, every profession is unique and has its own set of attractions and challenges. In some instances, the drawbacks may outweigh the benefits. However, it is down to you, whether actively searching for a job or not, to evaluate contributing factors including career goals, work/life balance, and employer support and recognition, and be the architect of your own career future.

Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website. 

Rachel Wells

I am the 23-year-old Founder and CEO of Rachel Wells Coaching, a company dedicated to unlocking career and leadership potential for GenZ and millennial professionals. As a corporate career coach with over 8 years of experience in developing professionals from graduate to senior executive level, in public and private sectors, I have coached clients in more than seven countries globally and counting. I've also directed teams and operations in my previous roles as public sector contract manager, to deliver large-scale national educational, career development, and work-readiness programs across the UK. I am a LinkedIn Top Voice in Career Counseling, and LinkedIn Top Voice in Employee Training, and am a former contributor to the International Business Times. As an engaging motivational speaker, my passion is in delivering motivational talks, leadership and career skills masterclasses, corporate training, and workshops at events and in universities. I currently reside with my family in London, UK.

Entry-level jobs offering student loan repayment have doubled since 2019—where to find them

 

(Getty Images)

originally published by CNBC.com 

Jennifer Liu@IN/JLJENNIFERLIU@JLJENNIFERLIU

Many student loan borrowers will resume making payments on their debt this fall, and some may get an extra boost from their employer.

The share of entry-level jobs that mention student loan repayment programs has more than doubled since 2019, according to data from Handshake, the career platform for college students and recent grads.

As of June, 3% of jobs on Handshake include a student debt repayment benefit, compared with 1.2% of job listings mentioning such benefits in June 2019.

Employers in some sectors are more likely to offer college loan assistance. The industries on the platform with the most full-time jobs mentioning student loan repayment benefits include:

1. Health care and services: 31%
2. Non-profit: 23%
3. Government, law and politics: 14%
4. Financial services: 8%
5. Education: 8%

Some common jobs that are more likely to mention student loan repayment keywords in the description include clinical pharmacist, nurse practitioner, software engineer and insurance sales advisor.

The work benefit can give employers a competitive edge, particularly in demanding fields, says Monne Williams, chief impact officer at Handshake.

“Graduates in the health-care and medical field are known for carrying notable amounts of student loan debt,” Williams tells CNBC Make It. “When paired with a high demand for frontline health-care workers and practitioners, these factors make student loan repayment options a competitive benefit.”

The same goes for college grads going into government and non-profits. “Organizations in those fields are often competing for the same talent as the private sector, so prominently advertising student loan benefit programs can provide a compelling edge,” Williams says, whether they’re offered by the organization or as part of larger public service programs.

Outside of Handshake, 17% of employers offered some type of student loan assistance as of a 2021 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Types of student loan benefits

Student loan repayment assistance takes many forms, including debt payment counseling or education, granting access to 401(k) loans, or direct payment help.

Other businesses make additional 401(k) contributions to employees paying off student debt, which Travelers, the insurance company, began in 2020.

Each year, the company will match an employee’s student loan payments or their 401(k) contributions for the year, up to 5% of their pay (and a max of $7,500) and deposit that amount into the employee’s retirement plan.

The aim is to ensure that even if an employee wants to pay off their student debt, they don’t have to sacrifice making retirement contributions at the same time.

So far, the program has paid out 1,600 employees to the amount of $6.6 million, says Greg Landmark, who heads up Travelers’ benefits programs.

While the urgency around student loan payments has slowed in the last three years, Travelers anticipates increased interest in the program by October, when repayment on federal student loans resumes. It’s especially popular with new hires and early-career workers.

“We’re focused on helping our employees succeed in work and in life, and this felt like a meaningful way to have an impact,” Landmark says.

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Check out: 70% of college seniors with student debt say looming repayments will impact their career plans

Looking For A New Job? Smaller Companies Can Provide Big Potential

Getty

Originally published on Forbes.com by Tammy Homegardner

Forbes Councils Member

In an unexpected turn of events after the pandemic, employees left their jobs in droves to find something better. After several years of uncertainty, many people have decided they want to pursue a position that provides them with purpose and fairly compensates them for what they do. With years of stagnant wages, increasing hours and a lack of work-life balance, can you really blame them?

If you have decided that you want to make a career change, now may be a great time to do so. Many employers are desperate to acquire and retain top talent. Some are even open to training candidates who don’t necessarily check off each one of their boxes.

Please know that while there are many positions available, competition for these positions is fierce. Millions of job-seekers are vying for appealing positions, and only a few of those positions meet what people are looking for now (remote opportunities, flexible schedules, etc.).With competition at an all-time high, what is a job-seeker to do?

First, I recommend developing a search strategy so that you can target positions that meet your needs. Then, I recommend considering the small guys—companies with 100 people or less.

You shouldn’t dismiss smaller companies.

One of the biggest mistakes I see job-seekers make is failing to consider the little guys. Believe it or not, companies with less than 100 employees have a lot to offer. Employees there tend to be valued by name, not viewed as a number, and therefore are not considered disposable. As such, many professionals will find they are better compensated and fairly treated at smaller companies. Their work tends to be valued and their skills further honed. But that isn’t all. Consider this:

There are additional opportunities for career development.

Regardless of your position, employees of smaller companies are usually provided with exceptional development opportunities since the business recognizes them as a critical component of its success.

You can learn the ins and outs of all aspects of your industry.

From the front desk to executive leadership, you can understand the importance of each role and how they work together to achieve shared objectives with a smaller company.

Have greater involvement in important decisions.

Because employees work closely together at smaller organizations, you may have more opportunities to be a part of the decision-making process for some integral initiatives—no matter what your position is. Talk about experience!

Get more flexibility for work/life balance.

Since smaller companies usually cannot offer the extensive perks and benefits that some larger companies do, they usually go out of their way to provide more flexible, relaxed working environments that are focused on a better work-life balance.

Market yourself.

When looking for a new job, you must create an applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly résumé by customizing your résumé for each position you apply to. Make sure your résumé is free of formatting (such as borders, shading or images). Your LinkedIn profile should be optimized by utilizing industry-specific keywords geared toward your top two positions of interest.

Suppose you are transitioning into a new role or industry. In that case, I recommend including a transition statement that merges your past position and desired position. For example, Business development manager with 5+ years of experience, interested in using marketing and communications expertise within a marketing coordinator position.

Network.

It is crucial to reach out to other industry professionals, whether in person or online. On LinkedIn, this involves “connecting” with those you know (and in certain cases, those you don’t), as well as following companies of interest and joining various groups. Feel free to take part in conferences—as well as speak with members of your community, letting them know your goals. Do remember that many positions within smaller companies are filled through networking, so practice your pitch and be prepared to share it in all settings.

Research the role and company thoroughly.

Once you receive a call to interview, take some time to research the company thoroughly, sorting through its website, blog, LinkedIn, social media, etc. (if applicable). You can then go in prepared by knowing the company’s objectives, target consumers and history. Doing so can enable you to take your experience and accomplishments and present them in a way that aligns with what the company is doing now and wants to do in the future.

Determine what your negotiables and non-negotiables are, then ask.

Since smaller companies are often focused on the overall employee experience, you are in the unique position to ask for what you want and need (within reason). So once a formal offer is in hand, if a flexible arrangement is vital to you (such as working from home several days per week), then ask for it. You may be surprised to learn just how accommodating a smaller company can be.

Greek statesman and orator Demosthenes once said, “Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.” So, as you move forward with your job search, take some time to consider the little guys. They may provide you with the heart and soul you feel have been missing from your professional life and surprise you as the start of something great.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website. 

Tammy Homegardner

These medical jobs are high paying and require no more than an associate’s degree

Originally published by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, by Hunter Boyce

The health care industry is home to some of the U.S. economy’s highest paying jobs. While many of those sky-high salaries require an advanced degree and lots of certifications, some health care industry opportunities come with great pay and far less demanding requirements. To make the job hunt as painless as possible, Nursing Process — an organization that provides nursing students with information on programs and schools — has broken down the best high-paying medical jobs that require minimal schooling for success. Here are the top five:

Radiation therapist

Typically only requiring an associate degree and little to no on-the-job training, radiation therapy is a booming job field with high pay. The field features roughly 1,100 job openings annually and an annual pay range of $60,080 to $132,930. This position is perfect for those interested in working with oncologists by administering radiation treatments to patients with cancer.

Nuclear medicine technologist

A nuclear medicine technologist earns a whopping $57,830 to $109,070 every year, and the job field only requires an associate degree for entry. While the role of a nuclear medicine technologist varies, these health care professionals generally administer radiopharmaceuticals.

Dental hygienist

With 15,600 annual job openings, dental hygienists enjoy a much larger job market that many of the other health care positions featured on this list. Requiring only an associate degree, these professionals generally take home anywhere from $54,200 to $104,420 every year. This role is perfect for those interested in working under the supervision of a dentist during dental care treatments and examinations.

Diagnostic medical sonographer

Diagnostic medical sonographers perform procedures featuring sonographic equipment that utilize high-frequency sound waves to create images of a patient’s designated body part. These professionals make roughly $53,790 to $105,340 each year with no more than an associate degree.

Magnetic resonance imaging technologist

Health care heroes interested in working with patients and technology should consider the magnetic resonance imaging technologist role. With an associate degree, these technologists earn $52,880 to $104,210 every year.

7 Jobs That Are Perfect for Night Owls

 Are you a night owl who's tired of working 9-to-5? Here are some jobs that are perfect for you.

Originally published on Makeuseof.com by SANDRA DAWES-CHATHA

Whether you prefer working late hours because you struggle to get out of bed before 10 a.m. or find you're more productive later in the day, finding a job that accommodates your desired schedule can be challenging. The good news is that there are jobs that are excellent options for people looking for work beyond the 9-to-5.

The skillsets required for the jobs listed below range from possessing a driver's license to receiving specialized training. All the jobs included in this list offer the complete flexibility of being freelance so that you can control your work hours.

1. IT Support Technician

Technology doesn't have a schedule for when it stops working. You may have been on a support call troubleshooting technology you bought somewhere and been grateful that someone was available to help you at 11 p.m.

As an IT support technician, you handle technology-based questions and provide troubleshooting. While some technicians travel to locations to repair hardware, others provide technical support on the phone or online.

Most IT support technician jobs can be done remotely, allowing you to work from the comfort of your home office or even a vacation spot. Since many IT companies have international customers, you can work the late shift to meet their needs.

2. Customer Service Representative

Customer service reps are professionals that help customers by solving problems and answering questions. As a customer service representative, you can work on the phone or answer questions online via the company's chat service.

Depending on the company you work for, you may be able to work late afternoon, evening, or overnight shifts. While many customer service representatives work during daytime hours, some companies may need workers for late hours, particularly in a call-center environment.

Effective customer service representatives have specific skills that help in their work. Being an excellent customer service representative takes patience and good problem-solving skills. If this is your current profession, you may be interested in learning how to integrate ChatGPT with WhatsApp for customer support.

3. Freelance Writer

If you're interested in creating written content, then freelance writing is an option for you to consider. You can do the work for one specific company or several clients.

As a freelance writer, your responsibilities may entail researching, writing, and editing content while following specific content style guides. You can set your own hours as long as you meet your deadlines.

A career as a freelance writer is an excellent option for late risers because it offers flexibility in when and where you work. For some organizations, it doesn't matter if you write from a local café or on a beach with good Wi-Fi as long as you get the work done.

One of the things you need, if you're starting your career as a freelance writer, is a portfolio of your previous work. If you don't have one yet, you may be interested in learning how to create a writer's portfolio using Contently.

4. Ride-Share Driver

As an independent ride-share driver, you can set your schedule and work whenever you can. Whether you drive for Uber, Lyft, or both, you can start working whenever you want, even if it's at 4 in the afternoon.

To qualify as a ride-share driver, you must have at least one year of licensed driving experience if you're over 25, and three years if you're under 25. You also need to have a four-door vehicle in good working condition with no cosmetic damage and pass a vehicle inspection.

You can choose to pick up customers arriving at the airport from late-night flights or transport party-goers on the weekends and weeknights. If you're considering becoming a ride-share driver, or you already are one, you may consider learning tips for staying safe as an Uber driver.

5. Freelance Website Developer

You can work with clients across the globe as a freelance website developer. Since your clients can be anywhere and in different time zones, their morning may be your night.

As long as you let your clients know when they can reach you with questions or concerns, you can control your work hours as a website developer. To start as a freelance website developer, you should assemble a portfolio of your previous work and a summary of your technical languages and skills knowledge.

If you're already a web developer, you may be looking for a new job or ready to move to freelance. Before your next interview, you should learn some common web developer interview questions and how to answer them.

6. Freelance Graphic Designers

Graphic designers are artists that create on a digital platform. As a freelance graphic designer, your responsibilities may include connecting with clients to discuss styles and designs, choosing fonts and colors, and developing logos.

Like web developers, to get started as a freelance graphic designer, you need a portfolio of your previous work, attention to detail skills, and an eye for design. A graphic designer is another job where you can work with clients worldwide in different time zones.

Often graphic designers collaborate with website developers on projects, so being part of a community can be helpful to your career. You may be interested in learning about the best online communities for graphic designers.

7. Tutor

Tutoring is another excellent option for people who don't like to wake up early. You can offer help to adults or children in various subjects.

You can tutor in languages like Arabic, German, Korean, or Spanish or academic subjects such as reading, algebra, and physics. You can create your own schedule if you offer tutoring services on platforms like Wyzant or Amazing Talkers.

Tutoring is another career where you can find customers in different countries, and time zones, who want to learn English as a second language. If you'd rather work for yourself, you can learn how to start your own online tutoring business.

You Can Find Work That Fits Your Schedule

It is possible to find employment that fits your schedule. You can find a job that allows you to drop the kids off at school or allows you to work when you're most productive.

Employers are increasingly aware that the 9-to-5 workday isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. As globalization causes organizations to have international customers, they need to provide support and service 24 hours a day, opening the door for late-night shifts, so you can find employment that fits your lifestyle.