Jobcrafting Guide

Sales and Revenue Growth:

• "Increased annual sales by 30% through the implementation of targeted marketing strategies."
• "Generated $500,000 in new revenue within the first quarter of employment."

Cost Savings:

• "Reduced operating costs by 15% by optimizing supply chain processes."
• "Implemented cost-saving measures that resulted in a $50,000 annual savings."

Project Management:

• "Completed a project 10% under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule."
• "Managed a team of 10 members to deliver 15 projects with a 98% on-time completion rate."

Customer Satisfaction:

• "Improved customer satisfaction scores from 85% to 95% within six months."
• "Reduced customer complaints by 20% by implementing a new customer service training program."

Productivity and Efficiency:

• "Increased production output by 25% by implementing lean manufacturing principles."
• "Automated manual processes, resulting in a 30% increase in team productivity."

Website and Social Media Metrics:

• "Drove website traffic growth, achieving a 50% increase in monthly page views."
• "Grew social media followers by 10,000 in three months, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement."

Market Share and Positioning:

• "Captured 5% market share from competitors in the first year of market entry."
• "Elevated the company's ranking from the 4th to 2nd position in the industry."

Quality Metrics:

• "Improved product defect rate from 8% to less than 1% through rigorous quality control measures."
• "Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rate for product quality."

Customer Acquisition and Retention:

• "Acquired 100 new customers in the first quarter, resulting in a 15% growth in the customer base."
• "Implemented a customer loyalty program that increased retention rates by 20%."

Training and Development:

• "Trained and mentored 20 new employees, leading to a 30% increase in their productivity."
• "Designed and delivered a training program that improved employee retention by 25%."

Academic Achievements:

• "Maintained a 3.8 GPA throughout my college career."
• "Ranked in the top 10% of my class for the past two semesters."

Internship or Co-op Experiences:

• "Contributed to a 20% increase in social media engagement during my marketing internship."
• "Assisted in reducing customer response time by 15% through efficient ticket management during my IT support internship."

Research Projects:

• "Conducted a research project on sustainable energy, resulting in a 10% increase in energy efficiency."
• "Presented research findings at two conferences, leading to a publication in a peer-reviewed journal."

Leadership Roles in Student Organizations:

• "Led a team of 15 volunteers for a campus-wide charity event, raising $5,000 for a local nonprofit organization."
• "Served as president of the student government, overseeing a budget of $20,000."

Volunteer or Community Service:

• "Organized and led a food drive that collected 2,000 pounds of food for a local food bank."
• "Tutored underprivileged students, resulting in a 15% improvement in their grades."

Technical Skills:

• "Proficient in Python programming with experience in developing two web applications."
• "Excelled in a data analysis course, achieving a 98% accuracy rate in statistical analysis."

Languages and Certifications:

• "Certified in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator."
• "Fluent in Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms."

Hackathons or Coding Competitions:

• "Won first place in a regional hackathon for developing a mobile app that received 1,000 downloads within a month."
• "Participated in a coding competition, achieving a top 5% ranking out of 200 contestants."

Public Speaking or Presentation Skills:

• "Delivered a persuasive speech at a public speaking competition, earning a score of 95 out of 100."
• "Presented research findings to a panel of professors and peers, receiving positive feedback on clarity and presentation."

Personal Projects:

• "Developed and launched a personal blog, attracting 5,000 monthly readers within six months."
• "Designed and sold custom artwork, generating $1,500 in revenue during a summer project."

When I browse through LinkedIn profiles, I occasionally encounter unprofessional photos. These photos create a negative impression on people who don’t know you, particularly hiring managers. I recommend you to include a pleasant and authentic photo on your profile. This is not challenging since we have smartphones equipped with excellent cameras.

Here's how you can do it:

1. To take a picture, ask someone you know in a well-lit area with a nice background like a park, office, or a plain-colored backdrop.
2. If you don't like the background, you can remove it for free using Adobe's website. Go to this link to access the tool.
3. To adjust the colors, use LinkedIn or another free editing tool.
4. Finally, update your LinkedIn photo and adjust the zoom so that your face fills at least 60% of the frame.

Based on guidelines in LinkedIn’s related page, here’re detailed tips on profile picture;

• Choose an Up-to Date Image: Select a profile picture that accurately represents your current appearance.
• Prioritize Quality: Make sure your LinkedIn photo is high-resolution. Aim for dimensions of 400 x 400 pixels and keep the file size under 8MB in JPG or PNG format.
• Keep it Solo: Use a profile picture that only includes yourself – no group photos.
• Capture the Right Expression: Practice your smile or expression in front of a mirror. The goal is to appear confident and approachable, so go with what feels natural.
• Mind the Background: Avoid distracting backgrounds. A clean, professional backdrop works best.
• Dress Professionally: Dress as you would for a typical workday to convey a professional image.
• Lighting Matters: Choose soft, natural lighting when taking your photo. It can make a significant difference. For outdoor pictures, you can utilize the golden hour time to capture the best lighting. For indoor pictures, using a softbox or simple lamp can help create a softer and more flattering light. To achieve the desired lighting, simply position the light at a 45-degree angle to your face.
• Filter Thoughtfully: LinkedIn offers various filters. Select one that complements your desired mood and maintains a professional tone for your profile picture.

This is the most neglected area in LinkedIn profiles. Many profiles do not have a background photo, while others do not choose an effective one.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create an impactful background photo:

1. Conceptualize Your Image: Start by brainstorming photo and text ideas from tips section.
2. Text Selection: Carefully choose the text elements that will complement your photo.
3. Use Tools for Free: Open a free Canva account and search for a LinkedIn Banner template to get started.
4. Template Selection: Pick a suitable template from Canva and add your chosen texts and/or photos.
5. Placement Perfection: Adjust the place of elements until you're satisfied with the overall look.
6. Upload Your Background Photo: Click on the photo icon in your background section and upload your picture.
7. Multi-Device Compatibility: Ensure your background photo looks great on both desktop and mobile devices.

Detailed background photo tips:

Tip 1 - Choose the Right Photo: LinkedIn background photos should be 1584 x 396 pixels with a 4:1 aspect ratio in JPG or PNG format.

Tip 2 - Quality and Clarity Matter: Avoid using low-quality or confusing images. A clear and visually appealing photo is essential.

Tip 3 - Consider the Profile Photo: Keep in mind the area covered by your profile photo when designing your background image.

Tip 4 - Leverage Templates: Take advantage of free templates available on platforms like Canva and Vista to craft your background.

Tip 5 - Text vs. Photo: I recommend you to use a combination of text and a photo. You can also opt for just a photo or text if it better suits your professional image.

Tip 6 - Photo Options:

• Highlight Achievements: Showcase awards or accomplishments.
• Personal Touch: Share personal interests, hobbies, or volunteer work.
• Workspace Insight: Offer a glimpse into your workspace, whether it's an actual photo or a stock image representing your profession.
• Tools of the Trade: Display your tools, like a camera or coding equipment, to convey your expertise.

Tip 7 - Text Options:

• Client Value: Describe what you can do for your clients.
• Past Associations: Mention references and companies you've worked with.
• Social Links: Include links to your other social media profiles.
• Contact Information: Share your email address.
• Inspirational Quote: Feature a quote that inspires you.

I used to only include my current position and certificates as my headline on LinkedIn. Later, I discovered that the headline is also an opportunity to showcase;

• Our skills,
• Our purpose and responsibilities,
• Our accomplishments,
• Our value.

This is an excellent way to differentiate ourselves from others. Additionally, it is the first thing recruiters or others see when conducting a search.

Here's a simple guide on how to create an impactful headline:

1. Begin with Keyword Exploration: First, research keywords related to your industry and job role. First, look at job listings that are relevant to your professional interests. Second, study the headlines used by successful people in your field. Third, create a list of the top 10 keywords that appear most frequently in these sources.
2. Select Your Prime Keywords: Choose the 2-3 most important keywords from your list and include them in your headline.
3. Apply Formula: Apply this formula to create your headline: "Your Role + Chosen Keywords + One Additional Component (Value Proposition, Achievement, Expertise Niche, Industry Focus, or Personal Branding Element)."
4. Articulate: Generate multiple headline variations while considering character limits and following the established formula.
5. Select: Carefully consider each possible headline to find the one that truly represents your professional identity.
6. Update: Once you've made your selection, update your LinkedIn headline accordingly.

Here are the key elements of an effective LinkedIn headline:

1. Keywords: Include relevant keywords that people might use when searching for professionals in your field. This can enhance your visibility in LinkedIn search results. Example: "Digital Marketing Strategist | SEO | SEM | Content Marketing Expert”
2. Value Proposition: Highlight what makes you special by explaining how you can benefit employers, clients, or collaborators. Use words like "skilled," "knowledgeable," or "experienced" to show your expertise. If you can, include specific numbers or data to make your value proposition even stronger. Example: "HR Consultant | Resolving Complex Workplace Issues”
3. Accomplishments: Include any notable achievements or recognition in your headline. For example, mention awards, certifications, or significant accomplishments briefly. Example: "Award-Winning Chef | Culinary Innovator | Michelin Star Recipient”
4. Industry or Niche: Mention your industry or specialization if it is not clear from your job title. This will make it easier for others to understand your professional area of expertise. Example: "Financial Analyst | Wealth Management Specialist”
5. Personal Branding: If you have a personal brand or a unique perspective in your industry, you can include it in your headline. Example: "Data Scientist | AI Ethicist | Bridging Tech and Ethics”
6. Other elements to consider:
   Clarity: Your headline should clearly and concisely communicate your professional identity. Use simple language to immediately inform viewers about your profession or area of expertise.
   
   Brevity: LinkedIn headlines have a character limit, so keep it short and to the point. Aim for clarity and impact in just a few words. LinkedIn allows 120 characters on desktop and 200 characters on mobile.
   
   Avoid Buzzwords: Steer clear of overused buzzwords like "motivated," "dynamic," or "strategic." Instead, focus on specific qualities or achievements that make you stand out.
   
   Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone and avoid using humor or overly casual language, unless it aligns with your industry or personal brand.

About section is your canvas to share your unique story. You can transform it into;

• A compelling sales pitch for potential clients,
• Or a persuasive pitch to hiring managers.

It depends on your goals. However, a significant portion of LinkedIn users are job seekers. That’s why, I'll provide tips and steps on crafting an effective about section for job seekers.

Here’re essential tips:

1. Character Limit: The "about" section allows you to use up to 2600 characters, giving you plenty of space to express yourself. However, it's recommended to keep it short and simple so that it's easy for everyone to read.
2. Conversational Tone: Write in a conversational style using "I" or "we". This will make your writing more personal and authentic.
3. Showcase Your Strengths: Highlight your best qualities, achievements, and skills. This will effectively demonstrate your value to potential connections or employers.
4. Use Numbers: Whenever possible, use measurable metrics to make your accomplishments more specific and impressive.
5. Leave Some Space: Use whitespace strategically to improve the visual appeal and readability of your about section.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you construct a compelling about section:

1. Information Gathering: Collect all the information you wish to include in your about section; "Your background", "Current position", "Strengths (Skills, accomplishments, certificates etc.) with metrics", "Your future goal", "Keywords (You already discovered them detailly for your resume, use them here.)"
2. Ask help from ChatGPT: Use the following prompt to draft your LinkedIn about section with the assistance of AI: “I want you to use following [text] to write an LinkedIn about section. That section should include a hooking intro, background information, highlighted strenghts (Skills, accomplishments, certificates etc.), future ambitions. Also, I want you to finish it with call to action which suggests connection or call. When you’re writing this section, please use conversational writing style and write in the first person.Text = [Gathered Information]”
3. Refine and Edit: Carefully review and fine-tune the initial draft based on the tips provided above. (Note: Never share direct output from ChatGPT, always review and adjust.)
4. Update: Once you're satisfied with your about section, add it to your LinkedIn profile for the world to see.

This section allows you to highlight your work, achievements, and contributions in a more dynamic and visually appealing way.

Here’re what you can add to featured section;

1. LinkedIn Articles and Posts: If you've written articles or made posts on LinkedIn that are relevant to your industry or expertise, you can feature them in this section.
2. External Links: You can include links to your personal website, portfolio, blog, or other online resources that showcase your work.
3. Documents and PDFs: Upload documents or PDFs, such as reports, white papers, or case studies, that highlight your skills or achievements.
4. Images and Photos: Share images or photos of projects you've worked on, products you've developed, or events you've participated in.
5. Videos and Multimedia: LinkedIn allows you to feature videos, such as presentations, webinars, interviews, or demo reels.
6. Certifications and Courses: Display certifications, course completion badges, or relevant online learning certificates.
7. SlideShares: If you've created slideshows or presentations, you can embed them using LinkedIn SlideShare.
8. Portfolio Pieces: If you're in a creative field, share samples of your artwork, design projects, or photography.
9. Publications: Highlight books, research papers, or publications you've authored or contributed to.
10. Awards and Honors: Display any awards, honors, or recognitions you've received.
11. Events and Webinars: If you've organized or spoken at events or webinars, you can add links, images, or descriptions of these events.

How to add those items to featured section;

1. Edit Your Featured Section: Scroll down to the "Featured" section on your profile, just below your "About" section. Click the "Add featured" button. It looks like a blue "+" sign within a square icon.
2. Choose the Content Type: You will be prompted to select the type of content you want to add. LinkedIn allows you to add various types of content, including: "Articles", "Posts", "Links", "Documents", "Images", "Videos", "Presentations (via LinkedIn SlideShare)", "Recommendations", "External links (e.g., to your website)".
3. Upload or Add the Content: Depending on the content type you selected, you'll need to upload or provide a link to the content you want to feature. For documents, images, videos, and presentations, you can directly upload files from your computer. For links, simply paste the URL of the content you want to feature. For recommendations, you can select the recommendations you want to display from your received recommendations.
4. Add a Title and Description: Provide a title or description for the featured item. This helps provide context for visitors to your profile. You can also choose whether to make the item visible to all LinkedIn members or only to your connections.
5. Reorder or Remove Items: You can rearrange the order of items in your Featured section by clicking and dragging them to your desired position. To remove an item, click on the three dots (ellipsis) on the top right corner of the item and select "Remove from featured."
6. Save Your Changes: Once you've added or edited the content in your Featured section, click the "Save" button to update your profile.
7. View Your Profile: After saving your changes, click "View profile" to see how your Featured section appears to others.
8. Share and Promote Your Content: Share your featured content with your network by posting about it or including it in your activity feed. This can help draw more attention to your featured items.

You can complete this section in a similar way to the experiences in your resume. So, I'm giving you the same tips here.

You can add title, company, department and date information. Also, it is important to describe each experience using concise and significant keywords.

Don’t forget to consider the following details: (For students, you can include internship positions or relevant volunteer work, in addition to the items listed below.)

• Projects: The concrete and valuable projects that you have directly worked on. (For students, you can include projects that you completed during your classes.)
• Key responsibilities: The specific responsibilities you took on during your experiences and projects. (For students, you can include responsibilities you took on at student clubs or other student organizations.)
• Any quantifiable achievement: Whenever possible, use specific numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your contributions. This adds credibility and provides a clear picture of your capabilities. Let me share some examples with you:

Examples For Different Sectors:

• Sales and Revenue Growth:
  "Increased annual sales by 30% through the implementation of targeted marketing strategies."
  "Generated $500,000 in new revenue within the first quarter of employment."
• Cost Savings:
  "Reduced operating costs by 15% by optimizing supply chain processes."
  "Implemented cost-saving measures that resulted in a $50,000 annual savings."
• Project Management:
  "Completed a project 10% under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule."
  "Managed a team of 10 members to deliver 15 projects with a 98% on-time completion rate."
• Customer Satisfaction:
  "Improved customer satisfaction scores from 85% to 95% within six months."
  "Reduced customer complaints by 20% by implementing a new customer service training program."
• Productivity and Efficiency:
  "Increased production output by 25% by implementing lean manufacturing principles."
  "Automated manual processes, resulting in a 30% increase in team productivity."

Examples For Students or New Graduates:

• Academic Achievements:
  "Maintained a 3.8 GPA throughout my college career."
  "Ranked in the top 10% of my class for the past two semesters."
• Internship or Co-op Experiences:
  "Contributed to a 20% increase in social media engagement during my marketing internship."
  "Assisted in reducing customer response time by 15% through efficient ticket management during my IT support internship."
• Research Projects:
  "Conducted a research project on sustainable energy, resulting in a 10% increase in energy efficiency."
  "Presented research findings at two conferences, leading to a publication in a peer-reviewed journal."
• Leadership Roles in Student Organizations:
  "Led a team of 15 volunteers for a campus-wide charity event, raising $5,000 for a local nonprofit organization."
  "Served as president of the student government, overseeing a budget of $20,000."
• Volunteer or Community Service:
  "Organized and led a food drive that collected 2,000 pounds of food for a local food bank."
  "Tutored underprivileged students, resulting in a 15% improvement in their grades."

In this section, you can highlight the important knowledge, tools, and skills you have using keywords. By doing this, you can get the following benefits:

1. Keyword Optimization: This helps optimize your profile for search. Recruiters or professionals often use keywords when searching. By listing relevant skills, you increase the chances of your profile appearing in their search results.
2. Alignment with Job Postings: LinkedIn uses the skills listed on your profile to match you with relevant job postings. Accurate and comprehensive skill listings can increase your chances.
3. Demonstrating Expertise: You can showcase your expertise and strengths in this section. It provides a quick overview of your capabilities. It makes it easier for others to understand your professional qualifications.
4. Credibility: Listing skills on your profile helps establish credibility in your field. It shows that you are knowledgeable and experienced in your chosen profession.

Here’s how you can find and add related keywords for your skills section;

1. Review relevant job postings. You will notice that certain keywords are consistently used. For example, required tools, knowledge, certifications, etc. (You can also use online tools to extract keywords.)
2. Review relevant people’s profiles on LinkedIn to determine keywords based on skills, certifications, tools, knowledge areas etc.
3. Start typing relevant keywords in the LinkedIn search bar and see what LinkedIn auto-suggests as you type. These are often popular and relevant keywords. Pay attention to the terms that appear in the drop-down suggestions.
4. Utilize keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest to identify popular keywords related to your industry or profession.
5. Create a list of the 10 most common keywords that you can associate with your profile including other skills you have.
6. Navigate to the "Skills & Endorsements" Section: Scroll down your profile page to find the "Skills & Endorsements" section. If you don't already have any skills listed, you'll see a "Add a new skill" button. Click on it.
7. Add a New Skill: Clicking the "Add a new skill" button will open a text box. Start typing the name of a skill you want to add, and LinkedIn will provide suggestions based on what you type. Select the skill that matches what you want to add. You can continue typing to add multiple skills, and LinkedIn will suggest options as you go.
8. Specify Your Proficiency Level (Optional): LinkedIn allows you to specify your proficiency level for each skill you add. You can choose between Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert.
9. Click "Add": After selecting your skills and, if desired, proficiency levels, click the "Add" button to add them to your profile.
10. Reorder Your Skills (Optional): Once you've added skills, you can reorder them by clicking and dragging the skills to rearrange their order. Skills that are most relevant or important to you can be moved to the top of the list.
11. Save Your Changes: After adding or rearranging your skills, be sure to click the "Save" button to save your changes.

The Recommendations section on LinkedIn is an important and valuable feature for several reasons:

1. Credibility: Recommendations show that others vouch for your skills and qualifications. They add credibility to your profile, like having a professional reference on your LinkedIn page.
2. Social Proof: Recommendations serve as social proof, showing that you have worked with others who vouch for your abilities and professionalism. This can be powerful when potential employers or clients consider working with you.
3. Differentiation: Well-written recommendations can help you stand out in a competitive job market. They highlight your unique strengths, achievements, and qualities that may not be evident from your resume or profile alone.
4. SEO Benefits: LinkedIn recommendations can improve your profile's search engine optimization (SEO). Positive recommendations mentioning specific skills and experiences increase the likelihood of your profile appearing in relevant searches.
5. Recruiter and Employer Attention: Recruiters and employers often look for candidates with strong recommendations. A profile with meaningful recommendations can catch their attention.

Here are some ways to get recommendations on LinkedIn:

1. Ask Colleagues and Supervisors: Reach out to current and former colleagues, managers, and supervisors who have worked closely with you. They can share insights about your work ethic, skills, and achievements.
2. Connect with Clients and Business Partners: If you have collaborated with clients or business partners, ask them for recommendations. They can vouch for your professionalism, expertise, and the quality of your work.
3. Request Recommendations from Professors or Teachers: If you are a student or recent graduate, consider asking professors or teachers. They can speak about your academic accomplishments and potential.
4. Offer Reciprocal Recommendations: Offer to write recommendations for your connections in exchange for their recommendations. This mutually beneficial approach can encourage others to endorse your skills as well.
5. Networking Groups and Associations: Engage with members of LinkedIn groups and associations related to your industry or profession. Connect with fellow group members and, if appropriate, ask for recommendations from those you have built rapport with.
6. Mentors and Mentees: If mentors have guided your career or mentees have been supported by you, they may be willing to write recommendations. That can highlight your mentorship or leadership qualities.
7. Volunteer or Non-Profit Organizations: If you're involved in volunteer work or non-profit organizations, ask fellow volunteers or organization leaders for recommendations. Showing your contributions to a cause can demonstrate your character and dedication.
8. Project Partners: When you collaborate on projects, ask team members, partners, or clients who were involved in those projects to provide recommendations. They can describe your contributions and impact on the project's success.
9. Professional Development Programs: If you've attended training programs, workshops, or seminars, you can reach out to instructors or trainers. They can speak about your commitment to professional development.
10. Online Courses and Certifications: After completing online courses or earning certifications, you can reach out to instructors, course providers, or peers. They can give recommendations related to your skills and expertise.

How to actually add recommendation to your profile;

1. Navigate to the Recommendations Section: Scroll down your profile page to find the "Recommendations" section. This section is where your received recommendations are displayed. Click the "Ask to be endorsed" link within the Recommendations section.
2. Select the Relationship: You'll be prompted to choose your relationship with the person you want to request a recommendation from. You can select one of the following options: "Colleague", "Service Provider", "Business Partner", "Student", "Teacher".
3. Choose the Person: Start typing the name of the person you want to request a recommendation from in the search box. LinkedIn will provide suggestions as you type. Select the appropriate person from the list of your connections.
4. Personalize Your Message: LinkedIn provides a default message for requesting recommendations, but it's a good practice to personalize it to make it more meaningful and specific. Explain why you're requesting the recommendation and what skills or experiences you'd like them to highlight. Be polite and appreciative in your request.
5. Preview and Send Request: Review your request to ensure it's accurate and well-worded. Once you're satisfied, click the "Send" button to send the recommendation request.
6. Wait for Their Response: After sending the request, the person you've asked for a recommendation will receive a notification and a message from you. They can choose to accept and write the recommendation or decline if they're not comfortable doing so.
7. Follow Up (if Necessary): If you don't receive a response after a reasonable amount of time, consider sending a polite follow-up message to remind them about your request. However, don't pressure or rush them.
8. Thank Them: Once the person has written and submitted the recommendation, be sure to express your gratitude. You can send a thank-you message through LinkedIn or send a personal email or note if you have their contact information.
9. Display the Recommendation: After receiving and accepting the recommendation, it will appear in the "Recommendations" section on your LinkedIn profile. You can choose to display or hide specific recommendations by clicking the "Manage Recommendations" link within the section.

Education: Besides university degrees, you can also include education that is closely related to your job and adds value.

• Briefly explain how each education entry is relevant to your current or desired role. Highlight specific skills or knowledge gained.
• Include any academic honors or awards received during your studies in the education section.

Certificate: Include any important certificates you have obtained related to your job.

• Add certifications that are directly relevant to your profession or industry. Mention any prestigious or well-known certifications.
• If applicable, include expiration dates for certifications, especially if they need to be renewed periodically.

Language: You only need to indicate the languages you know, including your native language, with their levels.

Volunteer Experience: Information about your volunteer work, including roles, organizations, and dates of service.

• Describe your roles and responsibilities in volunteer positions and emphasize the impact you made on the organizations or causes you supported.
• Whenever possible, quantify your contributions, such as the number of hours volunteered, funds raised, or projects completed.

Projects: This section allows you to showcase significant projects you've worked on during your career. Useful for demonstrating your practical experience and problem-solving abilities in real-world projects.

• In each project entry, provide a detailed description of the project's objectives, your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes achieved.
• Include images, documents, or links to project-related materials to visually showcase your work.

Courses: This section lets you highlight courses, training programs, or certifications you've completed. Useful for showcasing your continuous learning and expertise in specific areas, especially if they're relevant to your career.

• List courses that are directly related to your career or industry.

Publication: This section allows you to showcase articles, research papers, books, or other publications you've authored or contributed to. Useful for demonstrating your expertise, thought leadership, and contributions to your field.

• Highlight publications that are most relevant to your field or demonstrate your expertise. If you've authored books or contributed to well-known publications, feature them prominently.
• In the publication description, briefly explain the significance of the work and any impact it had on your industry or field.

Honor & Awards: This section lets you highlight any honors, awards, or recognitions you've received. Useful for showcasing your achievements, credibility, and the recognition you've received in your career or academic pursuits.

• Feature the most prestigious or significant awards you've received, especially those that relate to your professional accomplishments.
• In the description, provide some context for each award, such as why you received it and what it signifies within your field.

Public Profile Visibility: Choose what information you want to be visible to the public (non-LinkedIn members). Consider making your headline and a summary visible to increase your profile's discoverability. Here’s how to do it;

• Click the "Me" icon at the top of the LinkedIn homepage.
• Select "Settings & Privacy" from the dropdown menu.
• Under the "Privacy" section, click on "Edit your public profile."
• In the right-hand column, you can choose what information you want to be visible to the public (non-LinkedIn members). Consider making your headline and a summary visible to increase your profile's discoverability.

Profile Viewing Options: Decide whether you want to be able to see who viewed your profile or browse profiles anonymously. Viewing profiles anonymously can be useful when researching competitors or potential clients. Here’s how to do it;

• In the "Settings & Privacy" section mentioned above, click on "How others see your profile and network."
• Under the "Profile viewing options" section, select your preference. You can choose to see who viewed your profile or browse profiles anonymously.

Job Seeking: If you're open to job opportunities, consider enabling the "Let recruiters know you're open" feature, which signals to recruiters that you're actively looking for work. Here’s how to do it;

• Click on the "Jobs" tab in the top navigation menu.
• On the Jobs page, click "Preferences" on the right side.
• In the "Let recruiters know you're open" section, you can enable this feature to signal to recruiters that you're actively looking for work.

Who Can Send You Invitations: Select who can send you connection requests. You can choose from Everyone on LinkedIn, Only people who know your email address or phone number, or Only connections. Here’s how to do it;

• Click the "Me" icon at the top of the LinkedIn homepage.
• Select "Settings & Privacy" from the dropdown menu.
• Under the "Connections" section, click on "Who can send you invitations."
• Choose from Everyone on LinkedIn, Only people who know your email address or phone number, or Only connections.

Messages: Control who can send you messages on LinkedIn. You can choose to receive messages from connections only or from anyone on LinkedIn. Here’s how to do it;

• In the "Settings & Privacy" section, click on "Communications" on the left-hand menu.
• Under the "Messages" section, choose whether you want to receive messages from connections only or from anyone on LinkedIn.

InMails: Manage your InMail settings, especially if you have a premium LinkedIn subscription. You can limit the number of InMail messages you receive. Here’s how to do it;

• In the "Settings & Privacy" section, click on "Communications" on the left-hand menu.
• Under the "InMail" section, manage your InMail settings to limit the number of InMail messages you receive.

Sync Contacts: You can choose to sync your email contacts to discover more LinkedIn connections. Review and manage your imported contacts as needed. Here’s how to do it;

• In the "Settings & Privacy" section, click on "Connections" on the left-hand menu.
• Under the "Sync your connections" section, you can choose whether to sync your email contacts to discover more LinkedIn connections.

Who Can Follow You: Decide who can follow your updates. You can choose between Everyone or Your Connections. Here’s how to do it;

• In the "Settings & Privacy" section, click on "Privacy" on the left-hand menu.
• Under the "Blocking and hiding" section, choose who can follow your updates. You can select Everyone or Your Connections.

Profile Strength Meter: LinkedIn provides a profile strength meter that helps you gauge the completeness of your profile. The Profile Strength Meter is always visible on your profile. Follow the recommendations provided to improve your profile's strength, which can increase your visibility to others.

Edit public profile & URL: This setting allows you to customize your public profile's URL, making it easier to share with others and appear more professional. You can set a custom URL with your name or a variation if available. Here’s how to do it;

• Click the "Me" icon at the top of the LinkedIn homepage.
• Select "View profile."
• On your profile page, click on "Edit public profile & URL" on the right-hand side.
• In the right column, you can customize your public profile's URL.

Notify Connections When Update Headline etc.: You can choose whether to notify your connections when you make changes to your profile, such as updating your headline or adding new skills. There are two situation regarding this;

• If you’re not looking for new job, this can be useful for keeping your network informed about your professional activities and achievements.
• If you’re looking for new job, you can prefer to keep changes to yourself since you don’t want your employer to understand you’re looking for a job.

Here’s how to do it;

• In the "Settings & Privacy" section, click on "Privacy" on the left-hand menu.
• Under the "How others see your LinkedIn activity" section, toggle the switch to choose whether to notify your connections when you make changes to your profile.

1. Access the Search Bar: On the LinkedIn homepage, you'll find the search bar at the top of the page. Click on it to expand the search options.
2. Click "All" and Select "People": By default, the search bar is set to "All." Click on it, and from the dropdown menu, select "People."
3. Click "All Filters": Next to the search bar, you'll see a "Filters" button. Click on it to access Advanced Search options.
4. Use Filters and Keywords: Now, you can use various filters and keywords to narrow down your search. Keywords: Enter keywords related to the type of people you're looking for, such as job titles, skills, or company names. Location: Specify a location to find people in a particular city, region, or country. Current Companies: Filter by the current company where people work. Past Companies: Filter by previous employers. Industries: Select specific industries that interest you. Connections: Choose to see only your 1st-degree connections, 2nd-degree connections, or everyone. Relationship: Filter by your existing relationships (connections) or potential relationships (2nd-degree connections). Schools: Find people who attended a specific school or university. Profile Language: Filter by the language of the profile. Nonprofit Interests: Identify professionals who are interested in nonprofit organizations. Interested In: Discover people who are open to job opportunities, seeking new connections, or following specific industries.
5. Apply Filters: After selecting your desired filters and keywords, click the "Apply" button to see the search results.
6. Review Search Results: LinkedIn will display a list of profiles that match your search criteria. You can scroll through these profiles to identify potential connections.

What You Can Get from LinkedIn Advanced Search: Using LinkedIn Advanced Search can provide you with several benefits:

• Targeted Networking: Connect with people who share your professional interests, whether it's for jobs, collaboration, mentoring, or business opportunities.
• Market Research: Find competitors, potential clients, or partners in a specific industry or location. This is helpful for market research and expanding your business.
• Information Gathering: Discover information about people's skills, career history, and connections. This can be useful for interview preparation, business development, or forming partnerships.
• Connecting with Alumni: Use the school filter to find and connect with fellow graduates from your alma mater.

You can find their LinkedIn profile or social media profile using Google. You can try the following options to find their email:

• Check their blog and social media profiles to see if they have already included their email address.
• If they didn’t share, use email finder tools. Here are several free options with limitations: "Hunter", "Finder", "Anymailfinder", "Skrapp", "Findemails".
• Verify the emails you obtain from the finder tools. It's better to verify emails before sending any emails. You can use the following tools for verification: "Hunter", "Verify", "Verifalia", "Neverbounce", "Emailhippo".

I'm sure you've heard of cold emails and probably received a lot of them, especially for sales purposes. But, cold emails are not just for selling. Basically, you send them to build connections and expand your network. They can lead to many things, including job opportunities, clients, mentors, and more.

Because cold emails typically involve asking for something from them, it can be really difficult to get a reply. However, there are several ways to make them more appealing to recipients. This way, they won't feel like you're just trying to sell or get something from them. Instead, they will naturally be inclined to help you.

Here are some quick tips:

1. Show admiration (if applicable): Particularly important for mentorship, advice, knowledge, and business partner goals. Just express some admiration for their work. This will make the email more about them and they will feel better.
2. Have a clear purpose: Why are you reaching out to them? What exactly are you trying to accomplish?
3. Be clear and concise: When you do this, you won't waste their time with unnecessary long emails.
4. Avoid asking simple questions: If you ask something that can easily be found on Google, it may make them a bit annoyed. Instead, do your research and ask valuable questions. This will show that you are serious about the subject.
5. Respect their time and effort: We all receive a lot of emails and don't have time to read and reply to each one. It's normal if they don't respond. Make them understand this perspective. Add a few sentences to show respect for their time and effort. Be understanding.

You need to compile a list of typical interview questions and prepare answers for each one. There are a lot of sample questions available on the internet. Based on the interviews I have had over the past ten years, I have curated the most frequently asked questions below. You can use them.

If you want to check company-specific possible questions, you can visit their page on Glassdoor. They often share past interview tips there.

If you're looking for example answers, I have detailed responses for those questions in the Career Hub.

Behavioral Questions

• How Do You Handle Stress or Pressure?
• What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? (There will be probably following questions based on your answer to this one.)
• Tell Me About a Challenging Situation at Work and How You Handled It
• Tell Me About a Time You Worked in a Team
• Tell Me About a Time You Faced a Difficult Decision
• How Would You Handle a Conflict with a Colleague?
• Can You Share a Specific Example of a Mistake or Failure in Your Career?
• Can You Share a Specific Example of a Professional Success?
• Describe a Situation Where You Demonstrated Leadership (Take Initiative, Lead Team)
• What Is Your Preferred Work Style or Work Environment?

Challenging Questions

• Why Do You Want to Work Here?
• Why Do You Want This Position?
• Why Did You Leave Your Last Job (or Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job)?
• Why Are You Looking For New Position?
• Why Do You Have a Gap in Your Career? (If you have)
• What Do You Know About Our Company and Role?
• Why Should We Hire You?
• What Can You Bring The Company?
• Can You Explain Why You Changed Career Paths? (If you changed)
• What Do You Think We Could Do Better or Differently?
• What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?
• What Are Your Salary Expectations?
• What’s Your Current Salary?

Knowledge-Skill Based Questions

• Can You Describe Your Work Experience?
• How Do You Stay Current in Your Field?
• How Would You Approach [Specific Task Relevant to the Role]?
• Can You Explain [Relevant Industry Concept or Technology]?
• What Experience Do You Have in [Specific Area or Skill]?
• Describe Your Familiarity with [Industry-Specific Software or Tools].
• What Do You Think Are the Most Important Trends in Our Industry?

When I’m curating my answers, I follow several methods. You can find them below and curate your own detailed answers.

The great thing about preparing your answers is that you only have to do it once. Then, you can use them many times during interviews. Plus, each time you use them, your articulation will improve significantly. It's a good investment.

Structure Your Responses: Use the STAR approach to frame your answers. Your overall answers will be more satisfying with this method. After one point, you mind will get used to that. It will become much more easier to apply. STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a popular and effective framework for answering interview questions.

• Situation: Describe the situation or context.
• Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you faced.
• Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation.
• Result: Summarize the positive outcome or what you learned.

Provide Specific Examples, Metrics: Our brain understands information better when we use examples, numbers, and results. Feel free to back up your answers with specific examples, measurable metrics, and results from your past experiences. This will help showcase your achievements, just like you did in your resume.

Be Concise: Keep your responses focused and concise. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Interviewers appreciate when you provide clear and brief answers.

Relevance: Make sure your responses specifically answer the question you were asked. Try not to include any information that isn't relevant to the question.

In the past, I thought they will only ask detailed questions about me, my experience. I didn't consider their perspective. However, it's a two-way process.

They will also ask questions about themselves, such as the company and the role. You need to do some research on them. According to a survey, almost half (47%) of recruiters would decline a candidate if they don’t have enough knowledge about the company. (Source)

For an efficient research, you can follow the steps below. Also, you can consider questions on "Possible Questions" section. The research will help support your answers to those questions.

Understanding Expectation: You need to understand what is expected in the role. You can refer to the key points from the job ad and share your experiences, focusing on these aspects.

Understanding Company: The second step is to get acquainted with the company. You can include company specific information in what you say during the interview. It will leave a positive impression. This shows that you have an interest in working there. You can find company specific information via following sources:

• Recent News and Press Releases: Check for any recent news articles or press releases related to the company. This will help you understand the company's recent achievements or challenges.
• Financial Health: If the company is publicly traded, review its financial statements and annual reports. These reports provide detailed insights.
• Industry and Market Position: Research the industry the company operates in and its market position. Understand the company's competitors and its unique selling points.
• Social Media Profiles: Visit the company's social media profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook). Check how they interact with their audience and any recent updates or announcements.
• Reviews and Ratings: Check employee reviews on websites like Glassdoor. It will help you to gain insights into the company's workplace culture and employee experiences.
• Clients or Customers: If applicable, find out who the company's major clients or customers are. This can give you an idea of the company's customer base and industry reach.
• Competitors: Research the company's competitors and how the company sets itself apart.
• Company's Products/Services: Familiarize yourself with the company's products or services. Check their unique features, and how they benefit customers.
• Recent Challenges or Opportunities: Try to find information on recent challenges or opportunities the company has faced. Then, you can consider how your skills and experience might be relevant.

Researching Interviewers: Check interviewers LinkedIn profiles to learn about their roles and backgrounds. Additionally, you can explore any shared connections or interests. Bringing up common topics during your interview can be helpful.

Connecting with Employees: If you have a contact in the company, it's a good chance to get information. They can give you helpful insights that can be useful during the interview.

The next step is to organize what you will say and prepare before the interview.

I create a presentation to manage my flow. I also use it during the job interview. Being a careful and organized person leaves a positive impression. You can find an example of this in the Career Hub.

• It's about crafting a concise story about your background, experiences, skills, experience and your decisions throughout your career.
• You need tailor your story to the job you're interviewing for. Give a pitch that is both brief and compelling, highlighting exactly why you're the right fit for the job.
• A relevant and effective 5 to 10-minute speech is enough.
• A presentation can guide your speech by providing key points to remember.

There is another important aspect to include in your presentation. It is a page highlighting the concrete value you can provide to the company. You have already covered this in the "Getting an Interview" section. If you haven't, you can do it here. Check that section for more details.

The most important tip regarding your flow is to avoid memorizing what you will say. Instead, practice until it becomes a natural conversation. You don't have to articulate your flow perfectly. What matters is achieving a certain level of clarity and fluency.

You can do mock interviews with a friend, family member, or career advisor. Alternatively, you can perform a mock interview by yourself using a recording device. This allows you to receive valuable feedback, assess your performance, and enhance your responses.

You can make mock interviews even more beneficial with following steps:

1. Introduce: Begin the mock interview by introducing yourself. Provide some background information about the position you are applying for. Then, kindly ask the interviewer to start asking questions.
2. Simulate: Create an environment that simulates a real interview setting. Sit at a table or desk, dress professionally, and minimize distractions to make the experience as authentic as possible.
3. Questions: Utilize the provided list of questions. You can select a few samples and craft your answers while referring to your resume.
4. Body: Pay attention to your body language and posture. Maintain eye contact and respond as you would in a real interview.
5. Feedback: Request feedback after each question or at the end of the interview. It is important to determine areas for improvement.
6. Review: Consider recording video or audio of your mock interviews. This way, you can review your performance and body language. Then, you can identify areas that need improvement and work on enhancing them.

I took a one year break when I was 30 because I was completely burnt out. I had been neglecting myself during those tough working days. I just needed some time to relax, clear my mind, and take care of myself.

After the break, it has always been a concern during interviews. They would always wonder why I took the break and what I did during that time. They were looking for any warning signs. After making a couple of mistakes, I figured out how to explain it in a helpful way. So, here's what you can do if you have a gap in your career.

1. Be Honest About It: I suggest not trying to hide it in your resume, cover letter, or during the interview. There's nothing to be ashamed of or hide. You don't have to feel bad when explaining it. It's a part of working life, and many people go through it. Explain it confidently. Maybe I'm biased about career breaks, but I respect those who have the courage to take a break.
2. It Doesn't Affect Your Expertise: Let's say you have 10 years of experience and a 2-year break. You still have 10 years of experience. You can focus on that during the interview and show them that you're an expert in your field.
3. Explain The Reason Clearly: Your reason can be similar to mine, just taking a rest and figuring out what's next. Or it can be education, pregnancy, family issues, illness, or other things. Regardless of the reason, explain it in detail. This way, you can assure them that there was a legitimate reason and it's in the past. It will put their minds at ease.
4. Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize any skills or experiences you gained during the gap that are relevant to the job you're interviewing for. Explain how these skills can benefit the employer. For example, if you used that time for entrepreneurship, you have a different kind of experience that they don't have. Share it with them.
5. Show Your Commitment: Make it clear that you're fully committed to getting back into the workforce and contributing to the success of the organization. Share your enthusiasm for the role.
6. Stay Positive: Keep a positive tone throughout the conversation. Don't dwell too much on the reasons for the gap if they were negative in nature.
7. Connect the Dots: Show how the gap, even though unrelated to your career, may have provided you with unique experiences or perspectives that could benefit the company. For instance, a career break could have improved your problem-solving skills or resilience.

After explaining all of this, if they;

• Still ask the same questions,
• Treat it as a negative thing,
• Act in an inconsiderate way, it means that this company is not the right fit for you.

Because if they behave like that during the interview, I can't imagine how they would behave once you start working.

Let’s finish with promising data. According to a LinkedIn study, resume gaps are no longer seen as a negative. In fact, 79% of hiring managers today are willing to hire candidates with career gaps. (Source)

I get anxious right before an interview. I've found a few things that actually help me relax. Basically, I do stuff that has nothing to do with the interview to calm myself down. Some of them might sound cliché, but they still work.

1. Ditch the Caffeine and Heavy Meals: Avoid having too much caffeine because it can make you feel all jittery. And don't eat heavy or greasy meals before the interview either, 'cause that can make you feel uncomfortable.
2. Get Moving a Bit: Do some light physical activity like stretching, yoga, or just take a short walk. It really helps to release some of that nervous energy.
3. Take Deep Breaths: Take slow, deep breaths to help calm those nerves. Breathe in deeply through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink water to stay hydrated. It's good for your brain. It helps you stay focused.
5. Remember, It's Just a Chat: Keep in mind that an interview is like having a chat with someone. It's not just them evaluating you, but you evaluating them too. You’re also trying to see if the company and role are a good fit for you.

In a typical hiring process, there are several stages. I have usually gone through three interviews before receiving an offer.

1. HR Interview: The first interview is usually with HR professional. It is primarily focused on behavioral questions. This interview can be done by phone or video call. I haven't had a fin person interview for this stage yet.
2. Team Interview: The second interview is with the team manager, your potential supervisor, and other team members. This interview focuses on technical skills and knowledge. The goal is to assess whether you have the required competencies. Since the Covid pandemic, this interview has always been done through video calls. Before the pandemic, it was always done in person at the office.
3. Final Interview: This interview is mainly for introducing you to the department head or another high-level manager for final approval. If you have reached this stage, it means you are most likely a strong candidate for the job. Sometimes, this interview is not required.

There are various types of interviews (Behavioral, technical, case, panel, etc.) which they apply during those three stage.

However, in my experience, it is not helpful to categorize interviews in this way. Instead, we can focus on the type of interface used for the interview, such as phone, video, or in-person. I will provide tips for each of these types.

1. Get Ready: Go through the steps above: "Possible Questions," "How to Answer Questions," "It's Also About Them," "Organizing Your Flow," "Chilling Before Interview"
2. Find a Quiet Spot: Look for a calm and private place without any distractions, background noise, or interruptions.
3. Test Your Gear: Check the call quality on your phone and make sure it's fully charged or connected to a power source.
4. Put on Headphones: I personally like using headphones for long calls. It allows you to move around comfortably if you need to find something on your computer or phone while you're talking.
5. Gather Your Stuff: Have a copy of your resume, the job, and your answers to possible questions ready.
6. Prepare Your Own Questions: You'll probably have a chance to ask questions towards the end of the call. This gives you an opportunity to learn more and impress the interviewer. You can ask about the next steps, more details about the role or the company. Here are a few things you can ask about:
   
   Questions About the Company: Ask about the company's products, culture, or recent accomplishments if there's anything interesting to you. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered with a quick Google search.
   
   Questions About the Role: The job posting and their explanations will give you a good idea, but you can still ask about specific responsibilities and expectations. This shows that you're dedicated to fully understanding the position.
   
   Insights from the Team: This is a great one. Ask about the team dynamics, the interviewer's personal experience with the company. It'll help you understand if they're happy with their job and create a personal connection. And personal connections always come in handy.
7. Stand Up or Sit Comfortably: You can talk while standing or find a comfy chair to sit on during the call. It's important to speak with more confidence and maintain better breathing during the interview.
8. Have a Glass of Water Nearby: Keep a glass of water close by in case your throat gets dry and you need to stay hydrated.
9. Grab a Pen and Paper: Take notes during the interview to write down important information or any follow-up questions you may have.
10. Mute Non-Essential Notifications: Silence or turn off notifications on your phone to avoid any interruptions during the interview.

1. Get Ready: Go through the steps above: "Possible Questions," "How to Answer Questions," "It's Also About Them," "Organizing Your Flow," "Chilling Before Interview"
2. Prepare Your Own Questions: You'll probably have a chance to ask questions towards the end of the call. This gives you an opportunity to learn more and impress the interviewer. You can ask about the next steps, more details about the role or the company. Here are a few things you can ask about:
   
   Questions About the Company: Ask about the company's products, culture, or recent accomplishments if there's anything interesting to you. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered with a quick Google search.
   
   Questions About the Role: The job posting and their explanations will give you a good idea, but you can still ask about specific responsibilities and expectations. This shows that you're dedicated to fully understanding the position.
   
   Insights from the Team: This is a great one. Ask about the team dynamics, the interviewer's personal experience with the company. It'll help you understand if they're happy with their job and create a personal connection. And personal connections always come in handy.
3. Test Your Equipment (Upgrade If necessary): Ensure your computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection are working properly. Test them in advance to avoid technical issues during the interview. After checking them, you can also upgrade your equipment especially your webcam and microphone. Latest laptops are pretty good in those areas. If you’re using not sufficient equipment it is worth to consider. It will directly affect your impression on interviewers. You don’t have to pay much for those ones. Reliable medium level equipment is more than enough.
4. Go for a Reliable Platform: Make sure to confirm the video conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams) that the interviewer will be using. Download and give it a test run beforehand.
5. Pick the Right Spot: Choose a quiet, well-lit, and clutter-free location for the interview. If needed, consider using a plain background or a virtual background.
6. Dress Professionally: Dress up just like you would for an in-person interview. It helps create a positive impression and shows off your professionalism. Based on a research, just 37% of employers would have expected men to wear a tie to a job interview. 26% of employers have a formal dress code for interviews, while 55% prefer smart-casual attire, and 19% have no specific dress code requirements.
7. Position Your Camera at Eye Level: Adjust your camera so that it is at eye level. This angle gives the interviewer a more natural and engaging view. Plus, it's important for you to have eye contact while talking. It will make it easier for you to pretend you're having a real conversation, face to face. It leaves a good impression on interviewers.
8. Check Your Camera Frame: Make sure your whole face and upper body are visible in the frame. Avoid having the camera too close or too far away.
9. Get Good Lighting: Make sure you have enough lighting in front of you, not behind you. Natural light is great, but you can also use desk lamps or ring lights to brighten up your face.
10. Minimize Distractions: Close any unnecessary tabs, apps, and notifications on your computer. Let your family members or roommates know about your interview to avoid interruptions.
11. Silence Notifications: Mute or turn off notifications on your computer to prevent distractions or sounds during the interview.
12. Set Up Your Environment: Remove any distracting or personal items from view. Make sure the room is clean and organized.
13. Prepare Your Materials: Have a copy of your resume, the job description, and any notes or questions you want to ask readily available on your computer.
14. Have a Backup Plan: Be prepared for technical glitches by having a backup device or contact information for technical support, just in case you need it.

1. Get Ready: Go through the steps above: "Possible Questions," "How to Answer Questions," "It's Also About Them," "Organizing Your Flow," "Chilling Before Interview"
2. Prepare Your Own Questions: You'll probably have a chance to ask questions towards the end of the call. This gives you an opportunity to learn more and impress the interviewer. You can ask about the next steps, more details about the role or the company. Here are a few things you can ask about:
   
   Questions About the Company: Ask about the company's products, culture, or recent accomplishments if there's anything interesting to you. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered with a quick Google search.
   
   Questions About the Role: The job posting and their explanations will give you a good idea, but you can still ask about specific responsibilities and expectations. This shows that you're dedicated to fully understanding the position.
   
   Insights from the Team: This is a great one. Ask about the team dynamics, the interviewer's personal experience with the company. It'll help you understand if they're happy with their job and create a personal connection. And personal connections always come in handy.
3. Plan Your Route: It would be helpful to plan your route in advance so that you can arrive on time. Take into account any potential traffic or delays that may occur.
4. Arrive Early: It's a good idea to aim to arrive at least 15-20 minutes early. This shows that you value punctuality and gives you some time to relax before the interview.
5. Dress Appropriately: Make sure to choose professional attire that is in line with the company's dress code. It's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Based on research, just 37% of employers would have expected men to wear a tie to a job interview. 26% of employers have a formal dress code for interviews, while 55% prefer smart-casual attire, and 19% have no specific dress code requirements.
6. Maintain Good Hygiene: It's important to ensure that you are well-groomed and practice good personal hygiene. Avoid using excessive cologne or perfume.
7. Bring Multiple Copies of Your Resume: It would be a good idea to bring extra printed copies of your resume just in case you need to provide them to the interviewers or panel members.
8. Bring Necessary Documents: If the employer has requested specific documents such as certifications or references, make sure that you have them with you.
9. Bring a Notepad and Pen: It would be helpful to carry a notepad and pen with you so that you can take notes during the interview and jot down any important information.
10. Mute Notifications: Remember to silence or turn off notifications on your phone to avoid any distractions or sounds during the interview.

At the beginning, it's great to;

• Start with a warm introduction,
• Ask about their well-being,
• Greet them with a friendly smile.

If it's an in-person meeting, you can offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and greet the interviewer with enthusiasm.

Once you've exchanged greetings, let the interviewer take the lead in the conversation. They usually introduce themselves and talk about their company and position. During this stage, don’t interrupt the conversation. They will give you the opportunity by saying "Now let's get to know you."

From the introduction to the end of the interview, you can apply the following elements:

1. Active Listening: Show that you're engaged in the conversation by nodding and acknowledging the interviewer's points.
2. Maintain Good Posture and Eye Contact: It's important to convey a natural and confident impression through your tone, body language, and eye contact. Sit up straight with good posture. Use eye contact appropriately during both video and in-person interviews.
3. Use Gestures Thoughtfully: Use appropriate hand gestures to emphasize points or enhance your communication. Avoid excessive or distracting movements.
4. Stay Calm and Composed: Stay calm and composed, even if you're feeling nervous. Taking deep breaths can help you stay centered.
5. Show Empathy and Respect: Treat the interviewer with empathy and respect. Be polite throughout the conversation.
6. Avoid Over-Talking: While it's important to provide thorough answers, avoid talking excessively or dominating the conversation.

They usually say "Tell me about yourself" or "Walk me through your resume" or something similar to give you the opportunity to speak.

They are interested in hearing about your background, experiences, and skills in your own words. Essentially, they want to hear your story.

That's when I usually say, "I have prepared a brief presentation for you," and proceed to display it on the screen. (You would have already created this during your interview preparation.) The presentation serves as a guide. I can ensure that I cover all the important points and don't forget anything crucial. It also prevents me to excessively express myself. You can find an example of this in the Career Hub.

When I’m telling my story, I include my important decisions, turning points, and significant experiences. Once I feel more relaxed, I talk about my personal qualities, hobbies, and so on. I finish by saying "I would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.".

After your talk about your career, they start asking questions. It can be about;

• What you shared,
• Or other questions they already have in mind to assess your knowledge, skills, etc.

This is the toughest part of interviews. They mostly make their decisions based on your answers.

That's why we need to be smart and careful when we're answering. Here are the key things you can apply when responding:

1. Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the interviewer's questions. Make sure you fully understand what they're asking before you reply.
2. Ask for Clarification if Needed: If a question is unclear or confusing, don't hesitate to ask the interviewer for more information. It shows your dedication to providing a thoughtful response.
3. Take Your Time: It's alright to take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering. Don't rush into your response.
4. Structure Your Responses: Use a structured approach to frame your answers. Your overall answers will be more satisfying for them. STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a popular and effective framework for answering interview questions; Situation: Describe the situation or context. Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you faced. Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation. Result: Summarize the positive outcome or what you learned.
5. Provide Specific Examples, Metrics: Our brain understands information better when we use examples, numbers, and results. Feel free to back up your answers with specific examples, measurable metrics, and results from your past experiences. This will help showcase your achievements, just like you did in your resume.
6. Be Concise: Keep your responses focused and concise. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Interviewers appreciate when you provide clear and brief answers.
7. Relevance: Make sure your responses specifically answer the question you were asked. Try not to include any information that isn't relevant to the question.
8. Be Honest: I answer questions with honesty. If I don't have a clear answer or if I lack a required skill or knowledge, I admit that I don't have it yet. I express that I’m willing to learning what is needed.
9. Be Patient: I never interrupt the other person. I always let them finish before responding. I explain until they are satisfied with my answers. If I don't know something, I simply say so without dragging on the conversation.
10. Stay Positive: Keep a positive and upbeat tone in all your responses. Avoid making negative comments about previous employers or experiences.
11. No Need to be Perfect: I don't try to speak too perfectly. Instead, I express myself in a way that's similar to how I talk on a normal day.
12. Summarize: If your response is long, you can summarize your key points to ensure clarity at the end of your reply.

After all those questions and explanations, they will finally be satisfied. They will probably ask if you have anything else to share. From that point, it's time to use that opportunity to leave a strong impression on them.

If there's anything you want to add or reiterate, you can take this chance to do so. If you don't have anything to add, don't just stay silent and miss out on this opportunity. Instead, you can summarize all the positive points from the interview. Then, you can draw a positive conclusion about your value for the company and team. Additionally, you can express your enthusiasm for the role.

Lastly, they'll ask if you have any questions for them. Even if they don't give you the opportunity, mention that you have questions. They'll appreciate it because it shows your genuine interest in the role.

We've already prepared our questions during the pre-interview phase, but let's go over them again here:

• Questions About the Company: Ask about the company's products, culture, or recent accomplishments if there's anything interesting to you. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered with a quick Google search.
• Questions About the Role: The job posting and their explanations will give you a good idea, but you can still ask about specific responsibilities and expectations. This shows that you're dedicated to fully understanding the position.
• Insights from the Team: This is a great one. Ask about the team dynamics, the interviewer's personal experience with the company. It'll help you understand if they're happy with their job and create a personal connection. And personal connections always come in handy.

Everything is done. It was a perfect interview. You answered with clarity and in great detail. Both parties are totally satisfied.

Now it's time to thank each other for their time and interest.

At this point, also don't forget to ask for their email. If it's an in-person meeting, ask for their business card. You'll need it for the thank you email and follow-up email.

You allow yourself to dream what you want to achieve in the long term. Use your imagination to create a vivid mental picture of yourself as you already did it. Then, write down your purpose.

It can be a new job which you want to pursue or it can be a more structured roadmap for current job.

Either way, you will feel better when you define the purpose behind it.

Examples can be like this;

1. "My purpose is to foster social justice and equality. Through my career in law and advocacy, I aspire to be a voice for the marginalized and underrepresented, working tirelessly to create a fair and just society.”
2. "My purpose is to innovate and drive technological advancements that enhance our daily lives. Through a career in engineering and product development, I aspire to create solutions that make the world more efficient, sustainable, and connected.”
3. "I am passionate about storytelling and the power of media. My purpose is to create thought-provoking content that entertains, educates, and inspires. I dream of a career in filmmaking where I can touch hearts and minds through storytelling.”
4. "My purpose is to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential by providing expert financial guidance. I aim to create financial stability and prosperity for myself and others through a successful career in financial planning.”
5. "I find fulfilment in nurturing young minds and fostering lifelong learning. My purpose is to inspire a love for education and personal growth. I dream of a career in teaching where I can positively influence the next generation and help them realize their potential.”

This stage is about translating your purpose into specific, actionable goal.

This goal should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).

For example;

• “I want to be a civil rights attorney in five years.”
• “I want to be a product manager in five years.”
• “I want to be a independent filmmaker in three years.”
• “I want to be financial advisor at [company] in two years.”
• “I want to be a teacher at respectable school in two years.”

Let’s breakdown one specific example based on SMART framework.

SMART Career Goal: Become a product manager within the next five years. (This is the second purpose in previous step.)

1. Specific: The goal is specific because it clearly defines the desired career outcome – becoming a product manager. It specifies the exact role the individual aims to achieve in their career.
2. Measurable: The goal is measurable as it involves a clear and quantifiable outcome – becoming a product manager. Progress toward this goal can be tracked by assessing whether the individual has secured a position as a product manager within the five-year timeframe.
3. Achievable: The goal is achievable if the individual possesses the relevant skills, experience, and qualifications or if they are willing to acquire them over the five-year period. Whether it's through education, gaining relevant experience, or networking, the goal can be attainable with proper planning and effort.
4. Relevant: The goal is relevant because it aligns with the individual's career aspirations and interests. Becoming a product manager is directly related to their career path and ambitions in the field of product management or technology.
5. Time-bound: The goal is time-bound as it includes a specific timeframe of "within the next five years." This sets a clear deadline for when the individual intends to achieve their goal of becoming a product manager, providing a sense of urgency and focus on their career progression.

When you examine your goal, it may appear detailed enough, but it still does not provide you with precise instructions on what exactly needs to be done.

That is why, in this stage, we will break down our goal into smaller, actionable tasks.

You can check "Example Plan" to see a plan which is prepared based on steps below.

Step 1 - Determining Necessary Skills and Knowledge: I figured out what to do with the help of LinkedIn. I took a deep dive into the profiles of experienced individuals in the job I aspired to pursue. I learned about the qualities I needed through real-life examples. I mean the trainings, knowledge, skills, and more that I needed to be successful. Next, I examined both domestic and international job postings related to my field. I discovered important information such as;

• Certifications,
• Educational requirements,
• Work experience,
• Language skills and many other details that were crucial for success.

I combined all of this valuable information. I have set a timeframe for myself. In other words, I defined my goals. Over the years, I gradually made progress towards achieving my desired position. This approach helped me avoid wasting time on things that wouldn't benefit my career or align with my interests.What you can do:

• Detailed Skill Assessment: Take a close look at job postings to identify the necessary technical and soft skills, qualifications, and more. Additionally, explore the LinkedIn profiles of successful individuals. This way, you can see which skills they possess and what kind of trainings they have completed.
• Discuss With Your Mentor or Superiors: You can also have a friendly discussion about the necessary skills with professionals in your company or in your close environment. They can provide you with valuable insights about the skills you need to acquire.

Step 2 - Creating Tasks: Create your tasks based on the required items considering SMART framework. You discovered those items in previous step. You can find them and guiding questions below.

• Skills: What kind of skills do you need? Which skills do you need to improve? How will you learn them? What kind of tools do you need to use? How quickly will you learn? (You can also refer to the section "Methods for Gaining Skills and Knowledge" when you are drafting your detailed tasks).
• Knowledge: What kind of knowledge will you need? How will you learn it? How quickly will you learn it? (You can also refer to the section "Methods for Gaining Skills and Knowledge" when you are drafting your detailed tasks).
• Education and Training: Based on the skill and knowledge requirements, you can determine what kind of education and training you need. You can add them as tasks.
• Certification or Portfolio: If there is any reputable certification related to your future job, you can learn about their prerequisites and add them as tasks. If you are pursuing artwork or a different kind of work, you can consider building a portfolio related to your future job. You can also include portfolio goals as tasks.
• Experience: You will need right experience to reach your goal. It can be internship, part time work, volunteer experience or entry level experience. You can ask yourself: Where can you start work? How can you get necessary experience? How does it serves your goal?
• Networking: You will need the right people to guide you, support you, and work with you. So, you can ask yourself: Who can guide you? Who can support you? Who can you work with in the future? How can you meet them? Don't forget to add tasks related to this aspect.
• Financial Sustainability: If you are changing your career path, you can ask yourself: How much money you will need as saving at the beginning? If you are already working in a job that you like, you can ask: How much can you save in this job? You need to add tasks related to savings in case of unexpected situations and financial stability.

Step 3 - Prioritization: Now, we have our tasks based on the SMART framework. However, attempting to tackle all of them simultaneously can be exhausting and confusing. We need to prioritize them. You can identify the tasks that are crucial for achieving your goal. Then, you can assign them a high level of importance. For example: High, Medium, Low.

This stage is where you put your plan into action. This is the most challenging and fun part amongst all others.

Here’s what you can do in this stage;

• Stay Updated: It's important to regularly review your progress and current position, for example on a quarterly basis. Take note of what is going well, what is improving, and what needs attention. You can also do this via journaling about the process. It will help you monitor yourself and relieve your emotions about the whole process.
• Embrace Change: Life is full of surprises and uncertainties. Your plan is likely to evolve over time, and that's perfectly normal. Allow flexibility in your plan and tasks. You may come across new opportunities that influence your path. Also, you might encounter obstacles or setbacks. You can be prepared to adapt your plan or explore alternative solutions.
• Celebrate Achievements: Take the time to celebrate your successes as you progress. You absolutely deserve it. Acknowledge your growth. Use these moments to show yourself appreciation and indulge in your favorite activities.

Let's assume that you have identified the skills you want to learn and develop. Whether it is to obtain a certificate or to learn a new language, the best way to gain a skill is through education. You can do this personally or seek external support.

What You Can Do:

1. Online Courses: My preferred method, and the one that suits me best, is taking online courses. This way, I can learn through trial-and-error with my personal time. It is great in terms of planning, cost, and accessibility.
2. Private Lessons: The most effective way for quickest results is to learn from someone who is expert about the subject. I mean taking private lessons on that subject. Especially when it comes to learning a language, this method is more effective. It may be more expensive and harder to plan, though.
3. Training Sessions: You can register for training sessions. It is very popular in the business environment. It can be an internal session or paid external sessions. It is important to select a respected organization when choosing external training.
4. Certification Programs: One of the best ways to acquire and demonstrate a skill is through certificates. However, there are now so many certificates in the online environment. Their value has become questionable. There is a solution to that. The organization of the certificate should have a well-known and widely accepted reputation. Otherwise, we can add many certificates to our profile, but they will not have any impact.

Additional Tips:

Of course, acquiring a skill or certification is only the first step. If you cannot actively use and reinforce that skill in your main work, your efforts may be in vain. Therefore, it is better to focus on topics relevant to your current or future work.

Another important point is to acquire skills that are compatible and supportive of each other. This makes the learning process fast and easy. It also improves your skills and knowledge in a logical manner.

Let's continue with one of our examples: "Become a product manager within the next five years."

We can create the following tasks for this goal:

High - Task 1: Enrol in a Product Management Training Program within the Next Year

• Specific: Enrolling in a training program focused on product management.
• Measurable: Completion of the enrollment process and participation in courses.
• Achievable: Research and select a reputable product management training program that fits your schedule and budget.
• Relevant: Relevant because it provides formal education in product management.
• Time-bound: To be completed within the next year.

High - Task 2: Volunteer to Lead Cross-Functional Product Development Projects at Your Current Job within the Next Year

• Specific: Volunteering to lead cross-functional product development projects.
• Measurable: Successful leadership of at least one cross-functional project within six months.
• Achievable: Seek out opportunities within your current role and express your interest in taking the lead.
• Relevant: Relevant for gaining hands-on product management experience.
• Time-bound: To lead a project within the next year.

Low - Task 3: Attend Product Management Meetups and Conferences Quarterly for the Next 2 Years

• Specific: Attending product management meetups and conferences regularly.
• Measurable: Attend at least four meetups or conferences each year.
• Achievable: Find local and virtual events and schedule them in your calendar in advance.
• Relevant: Relevant for networking and staying updated on industry trends.
• Time-bound: Attend these events for the next 2 years.

Medium - Task 4: Develop a Product Management Portfolio Showcasing Personal Projects within the Next 18 Months

• Specific: Creating a portfolio of personal product management projects.
• Measurable: Completion of the portfolio with documented project details.
• Achievable: Initiate and complete personal projects that demonstrate your product management skills.
• Relevant: Relevant for showcasing your ability to manage and deliver products.
• Time-bound: Complete the portfolio within the next 18 months.

Medium - Task 5: Seek Mentorship from a Senior Product Manager within the Next 3 Months

• Specific: Identifying and securing a mentorship relationship with a senior product manager.
• Measurable: Successful establishment of mentorship and regular mentorship meetings.
• Achievable: Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in being mentored.
• Relevant: Relevant for gaining guidance from an experienced professional.
• Time-bound: Secure a mentor within the next 3 months.

High - Task 6: Apply for Entry-Level Product Manager Positions at a Minimum of 10 Companies within the Next 2 Years

• Specific: Applying for entry-level product manager roles at multiple companies.
• Measurable: Submission of applications to at least 10 different companies.
• Achievable: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application and keep a record of your applications.
• Relevant: Relevant because it's a concrete step toward the career goal.
• Time-bound: Apply to these positions within the next 2 years.

Low - Task 7: Join Online Product Management Communities and Engage Regularly for the Next 2 Years

• Specific: Becoming an active member of online product management communities.
• Measurable: Regular participation in discussions, sharing insights, and networking.
• Achievable: Join relevant online forums, groups, or platforms and allocate time for participation.
• Relevant: Relevant for connecting with professionals and staying informed.
• Time-bound: Engage in online communities for the next 2 years.

Medium - Task 8: Attend Product Management Workshops and Seminars to Build Skills and Knowledge Every Quarter

• Specific: Attending workshops and seminars focused on product management.
• Measurable: Attend at least one workshop or seminar every quarter.
• Achievable: Research and register for relevant events well in advance.
• Relevant: Relevant for continuous skill development.
• Time-bound: Attend workshops and seminars quarterly over the next 5 years.

High - Task 9: Establish a Personal Budget and Financial Plan to Sustain Your Career Pursuits

• Specific: This task entails creating a budget and financial plan to manage your expenses and ensure financial sustainability in pursuing your career.
• Measurable: Success can be measured by adhering to your budget and achieving financial stability.
• Achievable: Establishing a budget and financial plan is achievable by analysing your income, expenses, and financial goals.
• Relevant: Relevant for managing finances and sustaining your career.
• Time-bound: Ongoing financial planning and budgeting to ensure sustainability.

I get it, you're eager to prove yourself, take the fast and challenging route, and achieve success as quickly as possible. But, you'll end up feeling completely drained in the long run. Eventually, you'll have zero energy or motivation to do anything.

Been there, done that. That's why I had to take a whole year off from the professional world. I seriously recommend you consider burnout before it hits you.

It can be quite draining if you don't give it your attention. I've got some suggestions for this challenge.

Here's what you can do:

Set Boundaries:

• Make it crystal clear when you're working and when it's your personal time.
• Don't check work emails outside of work hours.
• Keep work and personal life separate.
• Say "no" to requests that will only contribute to your burnout.
• Decline commitments when you need to prioritize your well-being and your own projects.

Take Regular Breaks: Plan some extended breaks from all the stress, like one week or more. Disconnect from anything work-related and just relax. When you give your mind a break, you'll see things in a whole new light. That's how you can figure out what's really causing your burnout.

Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that help you feel good, like exercise, hobbies, or hanging out with loved ones. Every day, set aside some time to do things that help you unwind, like meditation, exercise, yoga, or reading. Pick activities that resonate with you and can help you lower stress levels.

Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust about your burnout, whether it's a friend, family member, or professional. Sharing your concerns and seeking guidance can give you new perspectives and emotional support. You can also consider getting therapy for this. Online platforms like betterhelp.com can be useful.

The media has been promoting the idea of working hard excessively. Some work cultures pressure us to prioritize work above everything else. This is what the capitalist system encourages. It is not good for our mental and physical well-being.

During my time at a consulting firm, they expected me to dedicate almost all of my time to work. It was quite overwhelming. However, I took that opportunity to learn how to protect myself and establish a healthy work-life balance.

Here are the steps I am taking to achieve that balance:

Step 1 - Mastering Your Time and Energy: Effectively managing your time and energy is the key to finding that sweet spot between work and personal life.

• Craft a schedule that carves out dedicated moments for both your professional and personal pursuits.
• Strive to stick to this schedule as closely as possible to ensure you can give each area the attention it deserves.

Step 2 - Prioritize What Matters Most: Start by pinpointing what truly matters. Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle every single task or obsessing over every tiny detail at work. Instead, focus on completing the most important tasks. By doing this, you'll not only free up more time but also achieve better results.

Step 3 - Embrace Delegation: Whenever you can, consider entrusting tasks to others or seeking assistance with shared responsibilities. Delegation not only eases your workload but also offers others a chance to contribute and develop their skills.

Step 4 - Open Up to Your Employer: Keep the lines of communication with your employer wide open. Engage in honest discussions about the potential for flexible work arrangements. Nowadays, many workplaces understand the value of work-life balance. They may be eager to accommodate your needs.

Step 5 - Set Clear Boundaries: Clearly define the starting and ending points of your workday. Make every effort to uphold these boundaries. Communicate your work hours to colleagues and supervisors to minimize disruptions during your personal time.

Step 6 - Harness Technology Wisely: We’re hyper-connected. It’s important to unplug from work-related devices when you're off the clock. Set clear limits on when and how you interact with work-related emails, messages, and notifications outside of your regular working hours.

Step 7 - Cherish Quality Time: Regular breaks and vacations are more than just a luxury; they're essential for recharging and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Schedule these moments well in advance, and treat them with the same commitment as any work obligation. Use this time to unwind, pursue your hobbies, connect with loved ones, or simply relax.

I've changed jobs three times. Each one was a different kind of challenge. Because every company and role have pros and cons that are unique to them.

In one of them, I didn't know the company culture. I went through some tough times because of that.

In another one, I wasn't fully prepared in terms of skills. I couldn't handle that role right from the start and it made me really nervous.

So, changing jobs can be quite a challenge. There are several things you can do to make the process easier:

• Do Some Research: When transitioning into a new role or industry, it's crucial to do some thorough research. This will help you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of your new position. By investing time and effort into research, you'll gain valuable insights and knowledge. They will enable you to make informed decisions and perform well in your new job. So, make sure to dig deep and get to know the challenges, trends, and best practices in your industry.
• Upgrade Your Skills: Depending on your industry or profession, you might face some unique challenges during your job change. This could include getting specialized certifications, developing your portfolio, or networking within your industry. So, take the time to address these specific challenges with dedication and persistence. If needed, acquire new skills or certifications to make sure you're well-prepared for the transition.
• Get Advice from Mentors: Seek guidance from mentors or professionals who have experience in your new field. Their advice can be really valuable during this transition.
• Embrace the Uncertainty: Starting a new job can bring about a sense of uncertainty. You might question if you're making the right choice or worry about fitting into the new work environment. It's completely normal to feel this way, but remember that uncertainty is a part of any big change. But, it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
• Don't Doubt Yourself: When starting a new job, you may feel like you don't belong or doubt your qualifications. But remember, you were chosen for a reason. Acknowledge your strengths and be kind to yourself. As time passes, your confidence will increase.

Are you contemplating a midlife career change? I totally understand! The longing for a fresh beginning, new challenges, and professional fulfillment is entirely natural. Yet, it can feel quite overwhelming.

You might encounter some unique challenges along the way. It's important to be aware of them and have strategies ready to tackle them head-on.

I'm on a similar path. At 34, I'm in the process of making a career change. I've dedicated a section to this journey titled "How to Successfully Change Career Path When You've No Idea" but I also want to share some insights here.

When I reflect on it, the first set of challenges that come to mind are as follows:

1. Financial Concerns: One of the most significant worries when contemplating a career change later in life is financial stability. You might be concerned about how to support yourself and your family during the transition.
2. Skill Gap: Technology and industries evolve rapidly. You might feel like your current skillset is becoming outdated and less relevant in your desired field.
3. Fear of the Unknown: It's perfectly normal to fear the uncertainty that accompanies a career change. You might wonder if you're making the right decision and if you'll find success in your new path.
4. Age Bias: Unfortunately, age bias can be a real obstacle when switching careers later in life. Some employers may prefer younger candidates. It makes challenging to secure interviews and job offers.

You might also be pondering these same challenges. Here are several solutions I can recommend to overcome them:

1. Financial Planning: Before taking the leap, it's a good idea to create a solid financial plan. Start saving and budgeting to ensure you have a financial cushion during the transition period. Consider exploring part-time work or freelancing in your new field to gain experience while still earning income.
2. Skills Development: Include goals related to upgrading your skills. Such as: enrolling in courses, attending workshops, or earning certifications that are relevant to your desired career.
3. Networking: Connect with professionals who have successfully made midlife career changes. Seek their advice and mentorship. Networking can also help you uncover hidden job opportunities that might not be publicly advertised.
4. Embrace Learning: Be open to continuous learning and personal growth if you’re going to pursue career change.
5. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to discuss your career change plans with family and friends. They can provide emotional support and valuable insights. Consider seeking career counseling or coaching to navigate your transition effectively.

Feeling overwhelmed by a stressful work environment? I've been there. I can understand how it can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being.

It can be a heavy workload. It can be conflicts with colleagues or a hostile work atmosphere. Also, if you're unsure about your role or what's expected of you, it can create a constant sense of uncertainty and stress.

All of these and many other factors can contribute to your stress levels and have a negative impact on your health.

Here are some strategies to help you manage a stressful work environment:

• Break Tasks into Bite-Sized Pieces: We all know how daunting big, complex tasks can be. To keep stress at bay, try breaking your projects into smaller, more manageable chunks. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in short, focused bursts, can help you conquer demanding tasks one step at a time.
• Art of Delegation: Identifying your top-priority tasks and delegating whenever possible is a game-changer. Concentrate on completing those high-priority projects.
• Time Management Magic: Enhance your time management skills with tricks like the Pomodoro method. It involves working intently for brief intervals, followed by short breaks, which boosts productivity while reducing stress.
• Get Organized: Organizational skills are your trusty stress-busters. Dedicate time at the start and end of your day to organize tasks, emails, and your schedule. This practice puts you back in the driver's seat. It allows you to prioritize efficiently and quell chaos-induced stress.
• Open Up the Lines of Communication: If you spot individuals contributing to a toxic environment, consider having a chat with them. Address your concerns privately and constructively. Sometimes, effective communication can solve misunderstandings or issues.
• Set Healthy Boundaries: Establish boundaries between work and personal life. Resist the urge to check work emails outside of your work hours. Make room for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Cherish Self-Care: Elevate your mental and physical well-being to the top of your list. Cultivate healthy coping mechanisms beyond the workplace, such as exercise, meditation, and confiding in friends or family to alleviate stress. Dedicate time before and after work to indulge in hobbies or activities you love. Whether it's a sport, reading, writing, or creative pursuits, hobbies offer a balanced counterpoint to your day. They bring creativity and relaxation into your life, giving you the energy to tackle the workday and unwind effectively.
• Take Regular Breaks and Time Off: Don't let yourself burn out. Even with a hectic schedule, regular breaks and time off are non-negotiable. They're your secret weapons for sustained productivity and mental well-being over the long haul.
• Reach Out for Support: Don't hesitate to contact your HR department or supervisor to share your concerns. They may offer resources or solutions to alleviate your stress. If necessary, consider seeking professional guidance from a therapist or counselor.
• Explore New Opportunities: Unfortunately, not every toxic work environment can be turned around. If communication and self-care don't lead to improvement, it may be time to start exploring new job options. Life is too short to endure poor working conditions indefinitely. Your well-being should always come first.

I guess this is the most common one. Many jobs don't really satisfy us enough. There are a couple of reasons for that. It starts with selecting the right job for you, but in today's world, mostly we're just trying to earn our money, and sometimes we don't have too many choices.

When it comes to job dissatisfaction, there are plenty of reasons that can be identified. In fact, almost every challenge mentioned in this section can play a part in causing job dissatisfaction. So, here I will mention several reasons, while also recognizing that other factors, like a stressful environment, have been discussed in other sections.

• Feeling unfulfilled with your current role.
• Feeling undervalued or unappreciated at work.
• Feeling stuck in your current position with no career growth.

Here are the solutions for those ones:

• Take Some Time to Reflect: Take a moment to think about what's making you unhappy at work. Is it the tasks you have to do, the people you work with, the environment, or something else? Identifying the root causes can help you come up with a plan to make things better. Then, you can check out the detailed section.
• Have a Chat with Your Boss: Consider having a casual and honest conversation with your boss. Talk about your concerns (feeling undervalued, being stuck, unfulfilled, etc.) and see if you can find a solution together.
• Be Realistic: Sometimes, our dissatisfaction at work comes from having unrealistic expectations. Understand that no job is perfect, and every role comes with its challenges. It's important to have realistic expectations about your job and career path.
• Invest in Your Growth: Sometimes, learning new skills or gaining knowledge can reignite your passion for your current job. Look for opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, courses, or certifications that can make your job more interesting. Additionally, this will make you more marketable and ready for new opportunities.
• Hang out with Coworkers: Building good relationships with your colleagues can really make a difference in how much you enjoy your job. Make an effort to create a supportive network at work, participate in team-building activities, and find chances to collaborate and bond with your coworkers.
• Get Some Help: If you're feeling down about your job and it's affecting your mental health, don't be afraid to reach out for professional guidance. A therapist or career counselor can assist you in understanding your emotions, exploring different career paths, developing ways to handle stress related to your job.
• Self-Promotion: Show off your achievements to your bosses. Make sure your contributions are visible and get noticed by the people who count.
• Explore New Opportunities: If you're still not happy with your job despite trying to fix it, it might be time to check out new career options. Update your resume, connect with professionals in your industry, and start looking for a job that fits your interests and values better. Explore opportunities outside your current company. Sometimes growing your career means changing your work surroundings.
• Give Meaning to Your Job: If you ever feel like your job lacks meaning or fulfillment, there are ways you can create that sense of purpose for yourself. For instance, if you find that the job you're earning money from seems meaningless, you can consider donating a portion of your salary to a charitable cause or helping those in need. These acts can give your job a deeper sense of meaning and impact.

Hating can be an exaggerating term, but you know, it happens sometimes. Also, it's totally possible to dislike our job.

I felt that at one particular company. It was quite a pain to start each day.

During that time, I had a chance to understand the reasons and explore possible solutions.

Here's what we can do:

Identify the Source of Discontent: Take a moment to think about what's making you feel unhappy in your job. Is it the tasks you're given, your coworkers, your boss, the work environment, or something else? Figuring out the main reason will help you tackle the problems more effectively. Once you've pinpointed the source, you can explore the relevant sections for potential solutions.

Seek Internal Solutions:

• Talk to Your Supervisor: Have an open and honest conversation with your manager about your concerns. They may not be aware of your situation and could offer support or make changes to improve it.
• Set Clear Goals: Set some clear and doable professional goals within your current role. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your work.
• Seek Variety: If your job feels monotonous, look for opportunities to diversify your tasks. Also, you can take on additional responsibilities that align with your interests.
• Improve Skills: Consider acquiring new skills or certifications. That can make your current job more enjoyable or open up new career opportunities for you.

Work on Your Mindset: Take a moment to enjoy the good parts of your job, like the new things you're learning or the money you're making. Come up with ways to handle stress and keep a good balance between your work and personal life.

Network and Seek Feedback: Reach out to coworkers or mentors from both inside and outside your organization. They can give you helpful advice, feedback, and even job opportunities. Ask for feedback on your performance to find areas where you can improve. Focusing on those areas can keep you motivated.

Explore Internal Job Opportunities: Check if there are any openings within your organization that better align with your skills and interests. Internal transfers can be a smoother transition than starting over at a new company.

Side Hustle or Freelancing: Think about trying part-time jobs, freelancing, or side gigs that match what you like or are good at. This can let you pursue your interests and might lead to new career opportunities.

Seek Professional Guidance: If you're not sure about your career goals, talk to a career counselor or therapist. They can help you understand what you want to achieve, what matters to you, and what drives you.

Finding a New Job: If you have tried everything else and concluded that your current job cannot be saved, it might be a good idea to search for new opportunities.

Financial Preparation: Before changing careers, ensure you have enough money saved up to support yourself during the transition.

Plan Your Exit Strategically: If you choose to leave your current job, do it in a professional and respectful manner. Give sufficient notice and maintain good relationships with your coworkers and supervisors.

A couple of years ago, my company went through a reorganization. They didn't give us a clear idea of what was happening. Because of this, it was unclear if I would still have a job or not.

Both my coworkers and I felt uncertain and stressed because of this situation.

During that time, I tried the following actions to feel more secure:

1. Assess the Situation: Take time to understand why job security is uncertain. Is it because of industry trends, economic conditions, or specific issues within your company? Assess the level of job security by considering your company's financial health, recent layoffs, and any other relevant information.
2. Improve Your Skills and Knowledge: Find areas where you can improve your skills or learn new ones to make yourself more attractive to employers in your current job or in the job market. Think about taking classes, getting certifications, or going to workshops to stay competitive.
3. Check Your Network: Connect with people in your field, like colleagues, mentors, and professionals. Networking can help you find job opportunities and get support when things are uncertain.
4. Update Your Resume and Online Presence: Keep your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional documents up-to-date. Highlight your achievements and skills that are relevant to your desired career path.
5. Emergency Fund and Financial Planning: If possible, establish an emergency fund to provide a financial safety net in case of sudden job loss or reduced income. Review and adjust your budget to prepare for potential financial challenges.
6. Explore Additional Income Sources: Consider exploring side gigs, freelance work, or part-time opportunities to supplement your income. This can provide stability during uncertain times.
7. Stay Informed About Job Market Trends: Stay updated on job market trends and industries that are more stable or growing. If necessary, consider pivoting your career to align with these trends. Keep an eye on job postings and opportunities in your desired field.
8. Have a Conversation with Your Manager: Have an open and honest conversation with your supervisor about your concerns. They may provide insights into the company's plans or offer reassurances.
9. Seek Legal Advice (if applicable): If your job insecurity is related to potential legal issues or violations, it may be helpful to consult with an employment attorney to understand your rights and options.
10. Take Care of Your Mental Well-being: Use stress-reduction techniques like meditation, exercise, or therapy to help cope with the emotional impact of job insecurity. Rely on your support system, like friends and family, for emotional support.

Everything changes so rapidly. When you first started working, your business line may have been popular with plenty of job opportunities. However, things have since changed, and you may now be feeling stuck or restricted.

If you find yourself in this situation, consider the following options:

• Relocation: Consider moving to an area with more job opportunities to improve your chances of finding suitable employment.
• Skills Diversification: Expand your skill set by continuously learning and training to make yourself more marketable and open up new opportunities.
• Entrepreneurship: Explore the possibility of starting your own business or doing freelance work, using your expertise and creativity.
• Networking: Utilize your personal and professional connections for job leads and insights into potential opportunities, as networking can be a powerful tool in the job search process.
• Consider Career Change: Explore the option of switching to a different career or industry if your current one has limited job opportunities. Assess your transferable skills and interests to identify new career paths.

I think this is the toughest challenge among others, but it happens. You can get fired, your company can go bankrupt due to financials. There can be extraordinary situations like a financial crisis.

If you have a family and responsibilities, it becomes way more stressful.

I guess you already know the following actions, but I just wanna share them here:

1. Apply for Unemployment Benefits: This should be your first step to get some financial support during your job search. The process and eligibility criteria may vary depending on where you are. Reach out to your local unemployment office or visit their website to apply.
2. Assess Your Financial Situation: Take a look at your finances and create a budget to manage your expenses. Focus on essential bills and try to cut back on non-essential spending to stretch your savings.
3. Update Your Resume and Start Job Searching: Tweak your resume, cover letter, and online profiles to highlight your most recent experience and skills. Start actively searching and applying for job openings that match your qualifications. You can find some tips in the “Getting What You Want” section. That whole section is all about getting a decent job.
4. Stay Connected with Your Network: Keep in touch with your network and let them know you’re open to new job opportunities. Who knows, maybe they have some leads and can help you out.
5. Stay Positive and Persistent: This is super important. Try to maintain a positive attitude and keep pushing forward in your job search. It can be tough, and rejection is part of the game. Believe in yourself and stay motivated to find new opportunities.
6. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself: Many people go through job loss. It's a common thing. Don’t beat yourself up and let your morale drop. Just keep living your life and moving forward.

When I took a one-year break, I was free from all work responsibilities. I created a whole new lifestyle during that time. It was completely different from my old work routine.

But when my savings started running low, I made the decision to go back to work. It was not easy - both practically and mentally.

So, I had to do some preparation and take concrete steps to handle that process. Here's what I did, and what you can do:

• Self-Assessment: Take a moment to think about your skills, interests, and career goals. This can help you figure out if you wanna go back to your previous job or explore new possibilities. Reflect on what inspired you to take the break and whether those reasons still hold true.
• Enhance Your Skills: Depending on your industry, your skills may need a little boost after your break. Take some time to invest in updating your knowledge and acquiring new skills. You can do it through courses, workshops, or online resources. Consider building a portfolio or updating your resume to show off your skills and accomplishments.
• Networking: Make sure to get in touch with your old colleagues, mentors, or professional contacts. They can give you useful tips, job leads, and the support you need while you're looking for a job.
• Keep it Real: Set realistic expectations. It might take a while to find the ideal job. Don't be too hard on yourself and don't let rejection bring you down. If finding a full-time job feels like too much, you can always consider part-time or freelance work to get yourself back into the workforce.
• Get in the Right Mindset: Rebuild your confidence by reminding yourself of your strengths and past successes. It's normal to feel a bit nervous or unsure about going back to work. Be kind to yourself and reach out to friends, family, or a therapist if you need some extra support.
• Lean on Others: Let your loved ones know what you're going through. Ask for their help as you get back into the swing of things at work. They can be a great source of motivation and encouragement.
• Time Management: Start by tweaking your daily schedule to match work hours. This can help you ease into the routine and minimize the impact of a sudden change. Use smart time management techniques like prioritizing tasks and making to-do lists to keep things organized.
• Job Searching: Check out the useful tips in the "Getting What You Want" section. It covers different aspects of finding a job, such as polishing your resume and acing interviews, among other things.

Workplace discrimination is against the law in many countries. I hope that no one has to go through any form of discrimination. It can have significant negative consequences for both individuals and organizations.

If you experience workplace discrimination, here are some actions you can take:

• Keep a Record of Discrimination Incidents: Document any instances of discrimination, noting the date, time, location, people involved, and any witnesses. Collect any supporting documents, emails, or evidence.
• Understand Company Policies: Read and understand your company's policies on discrimination, harassment, and reporting grievances. These policies are typically found in the employee handbook or on the company's website.
• Use Internal Complaint Procedures: Follow your company's complaint process, if available. This might include submitting a written complaint, meeting with HR, or taking part in an investigation. If you're worried about retaliation, ask for confidentiality.
• Speak to HR or a Supervisor: If you're comfortable, talk to your HR department or a trusted supervisor about the issue. They might be able to handle the situation internally. Make sure to have your documentation and evidence ready during the conversation.
• Get Legal Advice: If internal procedures do not resolve the issue or if you face retaliation for reporting discrimination, it's a good idea to consult with an employment attorney. They can provide guidance on your rights and legal options, ensuring you are protected.
• Report to a Government Agency: Depending on your location, there may be government agencies responsible for addressing workplace discrimination. In the United States, for instance, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Remember to act promptly, as there is usually a limited timeframe to file a complaint.
• Seek Support and Guidance: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or colleagues and share your experiences. Having emotional support during this difficult time can be incredibly helpful. Additionally, consider seeking advice from advocacy groups or organizations that specialize in workplace discrimination issues.
• Be Professional: While it's important to stand up for your rights, try to be professional and avoid making conflicts worse than they need to be. This can help protect your reputation.
• Consider Other Jobs: If things don't get better and your workplace becomes toxic or harmful, think about finding a new job while also addressing the discrimination.

I guess this is the most common one. There can be many reasons for that. Personal issues, work related problems, not having good routines etc.

I also experienced many of them. Because we’re all human. We can’t stay motivated all the time.

Luckily, we have several methods to keep our motivation up. Here are some ways I used to boost my motivation:

• Find What Motivates You: Figure out what motivates you on a personal level. It could be a sense of accomplishment, the chance to learn new skills, or simply enjoying the work itself. Once you've identified it, try incorporating it into your work.
• Create a Routine: Establishing a daily or weekly routine can help you stay consistent and disciplined. Knowing what to expect can reduce uncertainty and make your work more manageable. You can also consider your natural body rhythm when planning your routine. For example, tackle complex, mentally-demanding tasks in the morning when you're most alert and save easier, repetitive tasks for the afternoon.
• Get Your Priorities Straight: Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important) to prioritize tasks. Start your day by tackling high-priority tasks first. Not only will this help you reduce stress, but it will also keep you motivated.
• Take It One Step at a Time: Big or complicated tasks can feel daunting. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. As you complete each step, you'll gain momentum and feel more motivated to keep going.
• Get Some Goodies: Treat yourself after completing tasks or hitting goals. Rewards can be as easy as taking a short break, indulging in a treat, or finding a personal incentive that gets you going. Giving yourself a pat on the back recharges you for the next one.
• Do First, Polish Later: Beat perfectionism by starting with a rough draft or first attempt. Save the editing and refining for when you're in the zone and feeling more motivated. It's often more effective than obsessing over perfection right from the get-go. This especially applies to tasks like writing or anything that takes a while to complete.
• Create a Positive Workspace: Set up a workspace that's perfect for getting things done. Add personal touches that inspire and make you feel at ease. This will make it so much easier to get into the groove of work.
• Spice Things Up: Doing the same thing over and over can kill your motivation. Inject some variety into your tasks or mix up your day with different activities to keep things fresh. For instance, instead of tackling a single task all day long, break it down into smaller parts and spread them out over five days.
• Keep in Touch: Stay connected with your coworkers. Building relationships and having a good time together at work can boost your motivation.
• Take Care of Yourself: Make sure to prioritize self-care activities like exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will give you the energy you need for work.
• Keep Learning and Growing: Look for opportunities to develop new skills and grow personally. Exploring new knowledge and taking on challenges can reignite your motivation. I personally find that the feeling of learning makes me more energized.
• Explore New Roles or Projects: If your current job doesn’t give you a chance to do different things, discuss with your supervisor the possibility of taking on new roles or projects that align better with your interests and strengths.
• Take a Step Back and Evaluate: Goals have a big impact on keeping us motivated. Sometimes, we may not have any goals or our existing goals may no longer be relevant. In such cases, it's helpful to regularly assess our goals and progress. If you notice that your motivation is diminishing, think about making adjustments to your goals or strategies so they better align with your current needs and interests.
• Get Support: If you continue to struggle with motivation and it starts affecting your work and well-being, it might be a good idea to seek guidance and support from a mental health professional.
• Find and Accountability Partner: Find a coworker or friend who shares similar productivity goals and become accountability partners. Share your objectives, deadlines, and progress with each other to keep each other on track and hold each other accountable.

When I first graduated from university and entered the workforce, I was a pretty shy and unconfident guy. The funny thing is, I ended up getting a job that required a lot of self-confidence and communication right from the start. Life has a way of throwing situations at us, right?

So, I had a tough couple of years until I finally gained some confidence. During that time, I tried out a few things to boost my confidence and feel more secure:

• Know yourself and grow yourself: This is the best and most practical solution. Take a good look at your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving areas where you feel less confident. Over time, you'll see a significant increase in your self-confidence.
• Positive self-talk: That little voice in your head can make things a lot harder when it comes to confidence. Try to quiet that voice and replace it with positive affirmations. Believe in your abilities and remind yourself of your past successes. I know, it sounds cliche, but just try it out.
• Get feedback: Ask your colleagues and supervisors for feedback. Their input can help you find areas to improve and boost your confidence.
• Be patient: Change takes time. Give yourself time to grow, learn, and apply what you've learned.

If I had a cool mentor in my early 20s, my life would probably be much better. And the same goes for you too.

But in the real world, it's hard to find a good mentor because of tight budgets or lack of mentorship in organizations.

If you don't have enough guidance in your work life, you can consider doing the following things:

• Connect with potential mentors: Don't be shy to reach out to people you admire. You can find them on social media or try to contact them via email in a respectful way.
• Join online groups: There are tons of online groups for almost everything. They share lots of tips and knowledge. You can use online platforms, forums, and courses to access the wisdom and advice of experts in your field.
• Look for mentorship programs: Explore organizations that offer mentorship opportunities. It could be your current organization or another paid program if you have the budget.
• Engage in peer mentoring: Build mentoring relationships with colleagues who are at a similar stage in their careers. You can learn from each other's experiences and provide support to one another. It's a win-win situation.
• Be your own mentor: If you can't find anyone or any program, you can be your own mentor. I believe this is the best option in the long run. You can clearly define your career goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. This self-guided approach will help you stay on track even without a formal mentor. You can refer to the "How to Set and Achieve Any Career Goals: 4D Framework" section for guidance on that.

We live in an unstable economic world with many crises. Money usually poses a problem in our lives. Especially when we're not earning a significant amount. This could be due to being in the early stages of our careers, having a low-paying job, or being unemployed.

At the beginning of my career, managing my finances was quite challenging and caused me a lot of stress. However, I eventually learned a few valuable lessons;

• Financial Education: This is really important. Take some time to learn about personal finance. Understanding investments, saving strategies, and managing debt can help you make good financial choices in the long run.
• Budgeting: Make a detailed budget to manage your money better. Knowing where your money goes can help you make informed financial decisions.
• Emergency Fund: Save some money for emergencies. Having savings can reduce financial stress.
• Seek Assistance: If you're feeling overwhelmed by money stress, consider talking to a financial advisor or a friend who's good with money. They can help you make a plan that works for you.
• Consider Additional Income Sources: Try freelancing or starting a side job while you have your regular job.
• Consider Changing Your Job: If you can, look for companies that pay better. You can also explore other business opportunities to make more money.

Health comes first. I mean if you don't take care of your body and mind, everything just becomes meaningless. It's like a no-brainer and everyone knows it.

You already know many of them, but here's what you can do:

Keep a Balanced Lifestyle: Having a balanced lifestyle is like the key to managing health challenges. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Work-Life Balance: Try to find a good balance between work and personal life. It's important to set boundaries and clearly define when work starts and ends so you don't get stressed out or burned out.
• Get Regular Exercise: Make sure you incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Exercise not only keeps you physically healthy but also boosts your mental well-being. It makes easier to deal with all the challenges that come your way.
• Get Enough Sleep: Don't forget to prioritize quality sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is important for your brain, emotions, and overall health.
• Manage Stress: Try out stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help you handle stress in a healthier way.

Medical Support: Make sure to get medical support to address any health challenges you may have. Here's how you can approach it:

• Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular health check-ups to keep an eye on your condition. Catching any issues early and getting the right treatment can help prevent them from getting worse.
• Treatment Plan: Work together with healthcare professionals to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. Follow their advice and take any prescribed medications or therapies.

Mental Health: Dealing with mental health stuff can be just as big of a deal as physical health problems at work. Here's what you can do about it:

• Therapeutic Support: Think about talking to a therapist or counselor to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, or whatever else you're going through. These pros can give you advice and help you cope.
• Work-Life Integration: Find ways to fit mental health practices into your everyday routine. Taking short breaks for mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques can make you feel better overall.
• Ergonomic Workspace: Make sure your workspace is comfy and set up in a way that's good for your mental health. A nice and organized workspace can boost your mood and make you more productive.

Flexible Work Options: If your health challenges are affecting your ability to work in a traditional office setting, consider talking to your employer about more flexible work arrangements:

• Working from Home: If possible, explore the option of working remotely, even if it's just part-time. Working from home can provide a more comfortable environment for managing health issues.
• Adjustable Hours: Discuss the possibility of having flexible working hours to accommodate medical appointments or periods of reduced energy or focus due to health challenges.
• Taking a Break: In more severe cases, talk about the possibility of taking a temporary leave of absence to focus on your health and recovery.

When people talk about remote work, I immediately think of covid. It became a part of our lives because of that.

Remote work has many benefits like flexibility, but it also has its own challenges. You start to feel its effects especially in the long term.

Sometimes it can be hard to work remotely due to motivation problems or the lack of routines, and so on.

I'm sure we all face these challenges occasionally. Here are some things you can do:

1. Get into a routine: This is the most effective one. You can create a daily schedule to structure your remote work. Setting boundaries between work and personal life is a key.
2. Optimize your workspace: Design a dedicated workspace that is comfy and helps you get stuff done. Keep distractions to a minimum so you can stay focused.
3. Stay connected: Keep in touch with your colleagues through video calls, chats, and regular updates. Good communication is key to feeling like a team.
4. Manage your time: Use time management techniques, like the Pomodoro technique, to stay productive and prevent burnout when working remotely.

Short answer:

I did almost everything in the "Getting What You Want" section.

Long answer:

It spans across a considerable period of time.

In order to secure a job overseas, I needed to focus on obtaining the necessary resources and acquiring the skills that are valued there. Throughout the years, I have taken actions accordingly.

1. I have gained work experience in internationally recognized and respected organizations, which enhances the effectiveness of my experiences when discussing them.
2. I have also pursued courses and obtained certifications from internationally recognized and accredited institutions, providing evidence of my skills.
3. Lastly, and most importantly, I have made it a priority to improve my proficiency in English. While different countries may require different languages, having a strong command of English is particularly important if you are targeting America and Europe.

During the implementation phase:

1. I applied all the strategies outlined in the "Getting What You Want" section.
2. I meticulously crafted my CV, cover letters, and applications, ensuring that they were comprehensive and tailored to each opportunity. I approached interviews and other stages of the process with the same level of attention to detail.
3. I closely monitored the entire process, learning from any mistakes and continuously making improvements.

However, when looking at the bigger picture, the process shares many similarities with finding a job in your own country. The main difference lies in the language and platforms used during the process. You can find information about these platforms in the "Finding and Applying to Jobs" section.

The key to finding a job abroad is to overcome the language barrier, depending on the country you are going to. I focused on improving my English skills and specifically applied to countries and job postings where I could communicate solely in English.

To enhance my English, I tried out different methods. As you may be aware, mastering a language requires a dedicated approach. Allow me to briefly explain what I did:

• I watched TV shows and movies with English subtitles.
• I indulged in reading English novels.
• I tried to start thinking in English.
• I took English lessons with native speakers on platforms like Cambly.

Hundreds of people apply for job positions abroad. It can sometimes be challenging to make yourself stand out and secure an interview among all these applications. This is where human resources companies and headhunters can be really helpful.

They have strong connections with companies and can represent you effectively. They can give you an advantage. That's why they play an important role.

You can search for those companies. I recommend you to find companies directly related to your business line. Then, you can connect with their employees on LinkedIn. You can send them messages and obtain their email addresses to reach out to them via email. While this may not have an immediate impact, over time they may start to contact you for opportunities and offer interviews.

While they can be helpful, the ultimate decision about your acceptance lies with the decision makers. Such as your potential team managers. It's also a good idea to find their email addresses and connect with them on LinkedIn. I mean networking. I explain this process in more detail in the "Effective Networking" section.

The answer to this question can vary depending on your field of work. If you are in a highly sought-after profession, like software development, the process may move more quickly. However, if you work in a saturated industry with few job openings, it may take longer. To understand this, you can search for jobs in Europe or America that are related to your field. Then, you can interpret them based on the number of listings that are related to your field.

It took me about 2 months to get a result, which is actually a short time. Some of my friends took 6 months, and others took a year to get results. One thing I can assure you is that even if you have a highly sought-after profile, the process can still take a while. It's good to be prepared to wait at least six months. Having reasonable expectations will make it easier to be patient during the process.

Also, it is important to do thorough research, follow up regularly, and make an effort to increase your chances. These actions can greatly expedite the process.

The answer to this question, just like the previous one, can vary depending on;

• Your field, experience, and skills,
• Trends in job markets,
• Specific needs in foreign countries,
• Language requirements.

For instance, nowadays, jobs in technology are very popular, but there are also many outdated fields. These can be quite difficult to find a job abroad.

In summary, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You can do some research on your field to find an answer. Here’s what you can do to determine difficulty;

• Check job listings on LinkedIn and other popular platforms in the countries where you want to work,
• Identify the language requirements for those jobs,
• Analyze the approximate number of applicants for those jobs,
• Determine if you have or can learn the skills and knowledge they are looking for,
• Review industry research reports to identify trends,
• Check visa requirements and see if the jobs offer sponsorships.

Based on answers to questions above, you can shape your career path or maybe completely change it.

If you are interested in finding a job overseas, there are a few important details to consider right from the start when reviewing job postings. By paying attention to these details, you can streamline your job search and be more efficient.

• The first thing to look for is whether the job posting mentions sponsorship. This means that you will need the company to support your work permit application in order to work in a foreign country, unless you are already a citizen of that country.
• The second important detail is whether the local language is required in addition to English. If the job requires knowledge of a specific language and you don't have it, it's likely that your application will not be successful and it may be a waste of effort.
• Lastly, it's important to consider the salary range. Many job postings abroad provide this information, which is crucial for determining whether the salary will be sufficient to support yourself in the new location. None of us want to face financial difficulties along with the other challenges of moving to a different country.

The requirements can vary from country to country. Typically, there are many documents to deal with if you don't have citizenship from a favorable country.

You may need to visit government offices and the consulate of the country you want to go to multiple times. On average, this process takes about 3 months, although sometimes it can be a little slower. As a result, you can expect to start working within an average of 3-4 months after receiving an offer.

If you want to find out details for Netherlands specific, you can check “Moving Abroad Guide (Netherlands in Detail)”.