Don’t have enough experience? Here’s an idea!

As professioinal job coaches in Austin, we often have clients who focused on their studies and did not gather actual job experience. If this is you and you are still in school, quickly look about and apply for internships, student jobs at your school or even a job in a retail store. Any type of real-world experience lets a future employer know you have worked with clients, provided service, learned and used new platforms | databases, and so much more.

Another great idea is looking at this Catchafire website and applying to volunteer your skills to gain experience. Unpaid work is still real work! And it can gain you a great recommendation letter, or some work samples to show on future applications.

https://www.catchafire.org/volunteer?name_filter=&type_filter=1&type_filter=2&page=1&init=true.

How to stay positive during a job search!

I saw this terrific article and had to post it - taying positive during your job search is so critical. As difficult as it may seem, future employers are looking for the happy, positive candidate to hire. This article lists out some good ways to take care of yourself. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-stay-positive-when-unemployed-banashree-palit/ I will add two things: 1. You only have to work 2-3 hours a day, Monday to Friday, on job hunting. That is enough if you are doing it right. I can help with how to di it “right".” 2. Plan one really fun thing you get to look forward to everyday - whether it is to paint your nails, watch cartoons, play a video game, watch a movie, take a walk. Whatever is your thing. And you do not have to be guilty if you have done your 2-3 hours. The job will come. It always does if you are diligent and stay positive!

Re-entering the job force after incarceration

For those of you on this path, please know there is hope and a large number of jobs for you waiting to be filled. With the unemployment level right now in the US at a small 3.5% of the populations, when it has normally been at 6% or higher, companies are re-thinking their attitudes toward who to hire. The Second Chance Business Coalition has members such as Best Buy, Cisco, Deloitte, and others major nationals all working together to hire and provide career advancement to people with criminal records. Check them out here: https://www.google.com/search?q=the+second+chance+business+coalition&oq=the+second+chance+busine&aqs=chrome.0.0i512j69i57.5633j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

What you need to do is get a decent resume put together, listing all jobs you have done before and during incarceration, and listing your skills and abilities. Here is how to find a great template: Sign into your Google account. If you don't have one, you'll need to create a free Google account to access your favorite template. Head over to Google Drive, select "New," then click "Google Docs template." Scroll down to resume templates and choose your design.

Also work your network and the network of family and friends to see who knows of companies who are hiring, and check those websites for openings. Having a friend of family “refer” you will get you an automatic interview, and then you will be off and running!

Additionally, here is a bit of information that may prove useful on the path of finding a job after incarceration: https://www.intelligent.com/education-and-career-guide-after-incarceration

News for Adults On-Ramping Back Into the Workforce

The professional networking site LinkedIN has just added a new feature to its platform that allows users to pick “stay-at-home mom” or “stay-at-home dad as a job title on their profile. It is also adding “parental leave,” “family care,” and “sabbatical” options. This is terrific as it will explain perfectly normal gaps in people’s lives with a quick scan.

In addition to this good news for returning workers, many major companies are actively recruiting returning workers with special websites such as Dell Technologies “Restart” program: https://jobs.dell.com/restart. AARP also does a wonderful job with assisting workers over 50 on-ramp back into the workforce : https://www.aarp.org/work/job-search/job-seeker/.

With the Post-Covid job growth in full swing, now is an excellent time to be searching! Let’s write that resume, update LinkedIN and get you back out there!

Here are three answers to why you haven't gotten a job even after you have tried and tried:

1. Situation: You are not getting any replies to your applications, why? ANSWER: Your resume and LinkedIN (your branding!) are weak and not getting attention, and you are probably applying via LinkedIN and Indeed websites. I can re-write your branding so you start getting interviews and coach you on the proper way to apply to company’s - ON THEIR WEBSITES!!

2. Situation: You are getting interviews, but not getting the job, why? ANSWER: You are not representing yourself well and don’t have the answers companies want to hear from a candidate they will hire. I can completely change that by doing 2 hours of interview preparation and training.

3. Situation: You are new to Austin and lack a network to find out about open positions or get referrals, how can you change this? ANSWER: I am happy to assist by introducing you to hundreds of former clients here in Austin who will be happy to refer you.

Recently laid off? You are not alone. Covid-19 will not last forever.

To all the recent grads and first-time employees who recently got laid off I am saying to plan to pick up a temp job right away with the companies who are dying for help( pizza delivery, instacart, HEB etc) to be able to pay bills. It will also show “good hearted gumption” during a time of national need. Then in 2-4 months I believe we will be in a big upswing and the nation will right itself and companies will be looking to rehire their workers and do the right thing by them. The other thing I am telling people is to add any additional certifications that might make you more marketable in your industry: coding skills, social media certificates or any type of skill like that that will again show you were alive and looking to improve yourself while this national thing occurred.

Let me know if I can help.

Samantha Stevens, Job Coach

• Resume writing

• Interview Training

• Potential Employer identification

• Cover Letter Writing

• Your best Cheerleader and source of Empowerment

• Professional Head shot Photography

How do I give my graduate a deadline for the job hunt?

This can be a real time of bonding or contention. Before the graduate comes home talk candidly about what the expectations will be. Set a 4 month deadline with conditions. Agree together on what household responsibilities your grad will have to earn his “keep.” Ideas are cleaning, cooking, laundry, mowing lawn. Be clear 4 months of free room and board are all you are willing to allow before starting to charge rent. I suggest you agree that the graduate get a part-time job immediately such as driving Lyft or Favor, or working at Rudy’s or Dairy Queen (both pay $14 an hour!), etc. Because honestly there needs to be downtime from applying and writing resumes. I suggest they commit to doing 2 - 3 hours three times a week of job application work and then go do other things, including work part-time. Put your agreement in WRITING. This will help avoid misunderstandings AND fights. You can always renegotiate the agreement if you see fit.

MUST-DOs before starting your job search:

1. Make sure your voicemail message has your ACTUAL VOICE confidently saying “You’ve reached (first name last name) Please leave a message.” That’s all. We all know how to use voicemail by now, we don’t need instructions. Smile when you record so you sound strong and confident. Then plan to check voicemail every two hours minimum during business hours M-F, 8am – 6pm.

2. Make sure you have the email icon on the front of your phone with the alerts on and you are checking it every two hours minimum same as above.  This is how company’s will get in touch 99% of the time. If you miss it for a day, they will assume you would do the same while working in their job and will move on with other candidates.

3. Also check your email spam often - emails from new sources might slip in there (you’re favorite new job for instance!!) and you will have missed the opportunity

4. .Create a LinkedIN profile if you don’t have one yet – and make sure it is the exact same as your resume, same jobs, same dates, same bullet points.

5. LinkedIN is NOT Facebook. Use a professional looking headshot with a shirt and blazer, not some emo, hipster photo of you in a dark room. The first thing company’s do is Google you.

6. Make sure your email has an “auto signature” whenever you write a new email as follows: 

   1. First Name Last Name

   2.  (cell number)

   3. (email address)

   4.  (LinkedIn live link)  

Now you are ready to apply!

Resume before and after

A client’s job description on the resume prior to First Job Austin’s help:

May2014 - August 2014      Manual Laborer

Daigle Pool Servicing Co. Hudson, NH

●     Set up piping for both in ground and above ground pools

●     Performed various maintenance on pool pumps and piping

●     Constructed both above ground and in ground pools

After First Job Austin re-did it:

Daigle Pool Servicing Co., Londonderry, NH – Service Representative                                               Summer of 13 & 14

Privately owned company providing exceptional pool construction and servicing to over 3300 clients for 20+ years

•  Assisted with complex piping installation and pool construction for both in ground and above ground pools 

•  Ensured client satisfaction by listening and communicating while providing pool service and maintenance

•  Perfected discipline, stamina and time management skills working 10 hour days in the summer heat

Three top questions being asked in interviews!

Here are three questions you should be prepared to answer crisply and clearly for a job interview:

1. Why do you want this job? To answer this, do in-depth research on the company. Be able to tell them about what excites you about their product, service or market niche. List the challenges that excite you about the job, and how you plan to tackle them. Talk about how your past experiences give you the tools and know-how to do the job well.

2. How do we make money? This question is purely to see if you have done your research. Have the answer. If it is unclear exactly how they do make money, with some tech companies it is a bit challenging, do enough research to develop a theory or two and put those forward to the interviewer. Say you have gained some knowledge about potential revenue streams, and would love to hear the actual answer.

3. Why are you the best candidate? This is always tough, because it feels like the answer is bragging. What this question really means is “What are your top strengths and how will they help you do the best job?” So talk about how your top strengths (hint: These had better be pulled from among the job posting requirements) and experiences will have you quickly doing the job for them.

Note to Sam from a successful job client

Dear Sam, Yours is a the happiest “thank you” I’ve written lately! Without you, I would not have landed this job! I cannot thank you enough for helping me get my confidence back, for polishing me up on paper, and for holding my hand and helping with all of my cover letters. I won’t have you holding my hand in my new job, but just like a mom and toddler, you got me on my feet and now it is my turn to learn to stand on my own and walk “Forward”. God is so very constant. He put a Godly person my path to build me back up. I finally see a future beginning for me. Sincerely, Ann

Resume wording

OK, LOVED this post. While this one’s a BIIIT over the top, we each need to do the most with each skill or experience we have when writing a resume or updating a resume.

Michael gets a job in the hotel industry!

Dear Samantha, I wanted to take this moment to thank you immensely for the many hours you have dedicated to grooming me for professional success. Not only did you help me with my resume, but you taught me how to quickly draft and modify a cover letter and how to interview. You basically helped me in all aspects. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future and making you proud. Warm Regards, Michael

First Job Austin alumni party hosted by Samantha and Johnny Stevens

First Job Austin alumni party hosted by Samantha and Johnny Stevens.

What a great evening with these 19 lovely alumni of Samantha's job coaching service. All of them have been happily employed as a result of Samantha's dedication, empowerment and skillful interview training. From left to right - Katya, Bryan, Samantha herself, Nick, Hayden, Jessica, Iain, Thomas, Haley, Kayla, Tom, Lauren, Belle, Travis, Marlee, Kris, Taylor, Taylor, Bradner.

First Job Austin Alumni celebration

Thomas is HIRED!

Here is Thomas' experience:

After graduating from Auburn University, I returned to my hometown of Austin, Texas. Like many in their twenties, I believed I would be able to find a job relatively quickly and painlessly. Unfortunately, after filling out countless applications, I was getting no traction and beginning to get vey discouraged. It was in this moment that I came to Samantha for help. From resume building to interview preparation, I knew every day I spent with Sam was bringing me one step closer to finding that perfect job. Utilizing her incredible network here in Austin, Sam was able to secure me interviews at many amazing companies. Thanks to Sam's diligent preparation, I left every interview with a sense of accomplishment and positivity. In fact, through her help, I received a slew of offers and was actually able to pick which one I wanted the most. I can't thank Samantha enough for being an incredible mentor and a great friend as well. - Thomas

Nick is hired!

Nick decided he just had to move to Austin for a new adventure, but when he got here he remembered that he needed a job. He and I dug into his resume, got it out there and within 3 weeks he had 3 interviews. We prepped for those interviews and he ACED them!  He accepted an offer from Academic Works, based here in Austin. Academic Works (named top 50 fastest growing companies in Austin by the Austin Business Journal) has developed a tremendous scholarship management platform to improve student access to scholarships. The AcademicWorks Scholarship Management Platform serves as the catalyst to improve student access to scholarships, enhance donor engagement, and maximize fund utilization. AcademicWorks combines a unique blend of market experience, product innovation, outstanding customer service, and cloud-based software delivery to offer customers benefits that are unmatched in the industry.

Nick

Open Season on the job hunt

Normally I work one on one with my job hunters, but I thought this was sort of funny and unusual because on this day, as a function of viral texts from 2 clients, I ended up with these four plus 2 more around this table for an entire day. Sometimes it is valuable to have peers around to bounce ideas off of each other. I was on my feet all day. I slept well that night.

Samantha Stevens with a table full of new job hunters.