Month: August 2024

Imagine a conversation with your reader—your writing should feel just as engaging.

Why it matters: Conversational writing draws readers in and makes your message more relatable…not to mention engaging.

Here are five tips:

• Use contractions: Words like “you’re” instead of “you are” or “can’t” instead of “cannot” feel more natural.
• Ask questions: Engage your readers by posing questions. It invites them to think and respond mentally. Does that make sense?
• Write like you speak: Imagine you’re talking to a friend. Use simple language. Shorter sentences. And avoid jargon.
• Add personal touches: Share anecdotes or personal stories to make your writing feel more human.
• Pick someone: Speak directly to your reader with words like “you” and “your.” It makes your writing feel more personal.

Pro tip: Read your writing out loud. If it sounds stiff or formal, tweak it until it sounds like something you’d say in a conversation.

Bottomline: The more conversational your writing, the more connected your readers will feel to your message.

Your first draft might have the right ideas, but without editing, it’ll turn into noise.

Why it matters: Effective writing isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you say it. Editing sharpens your message. It makes it clearer and more impactful.

Here’s how:

• Start with a strong draft: Get all your ideas down without worrying about perfection.
• Identify the clutter: Look for redundant phrases, unnecessary adjectives, or filler words.
• Simplify your sentences: Shorter sentences are easier to read. And more powerful.
• Cut the fluff: Ask yourself if each word adds value. If not, cut it out.
• Focus on clarity: Make sure your main point is clear and that each sentence supports it.
• Read it aloud: Hearing your writing can help you catch awkward phrasing.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to rewrite or remove entire sections. Sometimes, the best way to make an impact is by saying less.

Bottomline: Great writing is often more about what you leave out than what you put in.

We live in an information overload world. Your words need to cut through the noise.

Why it matters: In today’s fast-paced world, clarity and brevity are key to effective communication.

How to do it:

• Be clear: Know your main point and stick to it.
• Cut the fluff: Eliminate unnecessary words or details.
• Use strong verbs: They convey action and intent better.
• Be specific: Precision beats vague statements every time.
• Revise: Edit your work until only the essentials remain.

The bottom line: Say more with fewer words by focusing on what truly matters.

Pro tip: Practice daily. The more you refine your writing, the sharper it becomes.

The recent revision by the BLS shows that the U.S. added 818,000 fewer jobs between March 2023 and March 2024 than previously reported. That’s a big shift, especially for the professional services, leisure, and retail sectors.

This jobs report is like a political football—both sides will pick it up and run with it, twisting the data to score points for their narrative. But…

…here’s why it matters to you:

Salaries might take a hit: A cooler job market might make some employers less inclined to offer competitive salaries or raise wages. This could impact your salary negotiations as a new hire.

Premium on skills and experience: Employers will prioritize specific skills and relevant experience in a more competitive environment. That means you’ll need to highlight what makes you uniquely qualified.

Networking is crucial: Fewer job openings than initially reported make personal connections and referrals even more important in landing that next job.

Flexibility in your job search: You may need to be more open in your search. Consider positions that aren’t a perfect match, or explore industries you hadn’t previously considered.

Yeah, but: It’s true that this presents challenges. But it’s also true that the job market is still active, and opportunities exist across various sectors. Stay persistent, adaptable, and focused on showcasing your value.

Next Action 🎬: Take a moment to review your job search strategy. Fire up your networking. Optimized your resume for the roles.

Did you know that before your resume ever reaches a human, it often has to pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? These systems scan and rank resumes based on keywords and formatting. That means:

• If your resume isn’t optimized for the ATS, it could be filtered out before it even reaches a recruiter’s desk.

Why tailoring your resume for ATS matters:

• Keyword Optimization: ATS looks for specific keywords related to the job. If your resume doesn’t include these, it might be overlooked—even if you’re a great fit.
• Formatting is Key: Fancy fonts, images, and intricate layouts might look great, but they can confuse ATS. Stick to simple, clean formats to ensure your resume is properly scanned.
• Focus on Relevance: Tailoring your resume for each application is crucial. Highlight the experience and skills that match the job description, using the same language whenever possible.

How to “beat” the ATS:

• Use Standard Headings: Stick to headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” so the ATS can easily navigate your resume.
• Include Keywords: Analyze the job description and integrate the same keywords into your resume. This increases the chances of your resume being flagged as a strong match.
• Keep it Simple: Avoid tables, graphics, and columns. ATS might not interpret these correctly, leading to important information being missed.

Next Action 🎬:
Take a few minutes today to review your resume. Make sure it’s ATS-friendly and tailored to the jobs you’re applying for. It could be the difference between getting noticed and getting passed over.

Let your professional summary do the talking.

Why It Matters:

Your professional summary is the first impression recruiters have of you. It’s your chance to stand out.

Here’s a summary example:

Results-driven marketing strategist with 7+ years of experience, specializing in creating data-driven campaigns that increase brand awareness by 50% and drive 30% more leads. Thrives in dynamic environments and passionate about helping companies grow through innovative marketing solutions.

Here’s why this works:

Social Proof: Add specific achievements to your summary, and provide social proof. For example, “increasing brand awareness by 50%” demonstrates a proven track record that builds trust with recruiters.

Small Nudges, Big Impact: The summary is concise and contains lots of dynamic information. It makes it easy for recruiters to quickly see your value without feeling overwhelmed. Specific metrics like percentages make your accomplishments more tangible.

Strategic Language: The strategic use of action verbs and descriptors makes the summary powerful. Words like “specializing” and “thrives” convey ownership and confidence.

Take Action: Update your resume today with a professional summary that highlights your unique strengths. I am happy to help.

…does it make a sound if no one’s there to hear it?

The same goes for your resume. You could have a perfect resume, but if no one reads it, it doesn’t matter.

Here’s the truth:

A solid resume is essential, but it’s only part of the equation. Networking is the key to ensuring that your resume isn’t just seen but lands on the right desk.

Why networking matters:

• Opens doors: Connections can help you cut through the noise and get your resume in front of decision-makers.
• Builds trust: A referral or recommendation often carries more weight than a cold application.
• Creates opportunities: The more people you know, the more chances you have to hear about new opportunities.
  
• Bonus reason: It feels good to help someone, and it builds goodwill. someone.

Next action 🎬: Don’t let your resume fall silently in the woods. Start building your network today and make sure it’s heard where and when it counts.