In this issue: templates for asking to work remotely, the Metaverse, questions to ask if interviewing for a senior role at a startup, should you use “Open to Work” on LinkedIn ….. and more!

Dear Reader:

More so than in previous years, January 2022 seems to be neverending. Post holidays and year-end celebrations, this month just seems cold and gray. Often, job seekers feel the same way about their job search—especially this time of year. Due to the nature of the job search market, compliments of many factors, job searches are taking longer to close – both for businesses and job seekers.

It can be hard to maintain enthusiasm for something that seems like it will never come to fruition. To keep a bright light shining on your search, I recommend sticking to your job search strategy, network (virtually or in-person – there are some great tips in this newsletter for virtual networking), find an accountability partner, and keep pushing forward. Don’t lose sight of your goals and value in the workplace.

Spring is around the corner, and I can’t wait. I love being outside and around people. I enjoy the reset of spring. Does your attitude towards your job search need a fresh reset? Keep your head up and stay your course. Spring is coming!

Rooting for you,

Sarah

Ps. I would love to brighten a reader’s day. I am giving away a free (4-pack) box of Jeni’s ice cream (the world’s most splendid ice cream) to one lucky reader this week. If you are interested in winning, all you have to do is share my newsletter on social media and tag me. I’ll randomly select one person on Sunday as the winner. The winner must live in the United States (sorry–ice cream doesn’t ship well over across borders).

Finding Job Search Success

Why it’s sometimes harder to get a job you’re ‘overqualified’ for — www.fastcompany.com

“When I quit my job, I didn’t think about the challenges of moving down the career ladder.” Emily McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza explores whose decision should it be whether to step into a job overqualified.

Is Using #OpenToWork Negatively Impacting Your Job Search? — www.linkedin.com

Angela Watts asked four hiring experts to weigh in on this topic. The article discusses unemployment biases, when “Open to Work” makes sense and how you as a job seeker can lead with value

Early Stage Startups

Fantastic Tweet by Susan Su on questions to ask if evaluating a senior-level role in a startup. Highly recommend!

[tweet https://twitter.com/susanfsu/status/1481332788859064322]

Remote Work

Formal Request to Work Remotely: Sample Letters — careersidekick.com

Biron Clark of Career Sidekick tells us how to write a request to work remotely, examples/templates for asking your boss to work from home, email subject lines, and more.

12 interview questions you should be prepared to answer in 2022 — www.hrmonline.com.au

This article was published in an Australian HR newsletter as questions for hiring managers to use to evaluate remote/hybrid job seekers. Even though you aren’t the target audience for the article, it’s gold. The questions are thoughtful and should be reviewed/practiced before interviewing for a job interview,

Latest Job Search Trends

The Next In-Demand Job Title: Head Of The Future Of Work — www.forbes.com

Companies are adding job titles focused on remote or hybrid work experiences as the shift to work from home becomes a lasting phenomenon that will require more accountability and greater attention from its leadership ranks. Jenna McGregor explains.

Welcome to 2022: Too Many Jobs, Not Enough People — joshbersin.com

In 2022 the job market will dramatically change, Josh Bersin explores how and why. Wage growth, new careers, industry convergence, and lots of new careers ahead.

The Power of Networking

How to network in a remote world — www.siliconrepublic.com
Hays’ Barney Ely shares his tips on networking remotely, from establishing a connection online to taking part in virtual volunteering.

Employee referrals  – still a key way to get a job? — dorothydalton.com

Dorothy Dalton looks at the constantly changing stats on the importance of employee referrals. But there is no doubt they can make a difference to your job search.

The Cold Email Guide – by Sahil Bloom — sahilbloom.substack.com

A highly effective job search strikes a balance between warm conversations and cold emails. How can you successfully land a job with a cold email? Sahil Bloom provides a framework for effective cold outreach.

Hot Topic: The Metaverse

Here's What Execs Are Saying About the 'Metaverse' in Earnings Calls — www.businessinsider.com

Business Insider reports on recent comments made in recent earning calls by companies including Disney, Bumble, and Coinbase that they plan to make investments in metaverse technology.

Meta-what? A Primer for Executives — www.kornferry.com

Many leaders are still a little foggy about the metaverse, KornFerry reports —even as more firms dive into this intriguing corner of the digital world.

Featured

Career Progressions Podcast with special guest Sarah Johnston — www.linkedin.com

I enjoyed spending my afternoon talking with Mark Allred and sharing expert tips I have used to successfully help hundreds of job seekers from all levels get chosen for their dream roles.

Best Blogs (and Other Media) for In-House Counsel – a New "Ten Things You Need to Know as In-House Counsel"​ Blog — www.linkedin.com

Sterling Miller‘s annual list of best blogs and other media for in-house counsel. Honored to be included on this list.

Can you do me a favor?

I’m on a mission to help job seekers land amazing jobs. Would you consider doing one of the following:

• Forward this newsletter to your job searching friends or post about it on social media. This small act really helps!
• Recommend me as a paid speaker for your company events on networking, job searching, or leveraging LinkedIn
• Share the link to my marketplace, Job Search Journey, with your friends who are unemployed or underemployed. We have hundreds of low-cost templates and scripts designed to help people land jobs faster.
• Recommend my resume and interview coaching services to high performers wanting to work one-on-one with an executive resume writer / or experienced interview coach