Sarah Johnston’s The “Briefs” Job Search Newsletter | www.briefcasecoach.com

In this issue my tips to modernize your resume, remote work, is your LinkedIn profile disclosing confidential data, Edelman trust barometer, Great Reshuffle, and more….

Dear Reader:

I just returned from the Career Thought Leaders Conference in Philadelphia. I loved being back in person, surrounded by a wonderful group of professionals who all share the common goal of improving people’s lives through supporting career moves.

After two years of the event being virtual, I enjoyed putting faces with names and meeting people who I had only met through email and LinkedIn exchanges.

I came home with many professional takeaways but also a few personal ones as well. This was my first conference since 2019. If you know me in real life, you know that I am an off-the-charts extrovert. Historically, I have never struggled to engage people or make small talk. But there were times this week that I felt rusty and tired. I am out of practice. 

As the conditions of the global pandemic change and you resume “normalcy,” you too may find yourself a bit rusty in social or professional situations. While it’s important to give yourself plenty of grace, it’s also a good idea to prepare for high-stakes social situations like an interview or networking event. Even if conversation skills come “naturally” to you, it might be a good idea to read about the individuals you will meet, think through conversation starters, and visualize the scene.

I hope that you have some fun plans ahead.

Rooting for you,

Sarah


Actionable Job Search Advice

The Best Job Candidates Are the Best Storytellers
The Best Job Candidates Are the Best Storytellershbr.org

HBR’s Kesley Schurer explains why job seekers need to stop Googling “job interview tips” and master the skill of storytelling instead.

Is Your LinkedIn Profile Disclosing Confidential Data?
Is Your LinkedIn Profile Disclosing Confidential Data?anexpertresume.com

Laura Smith-Proulx writes about why you shouldn’t share confidential data on LinkedIn and gives practical advice on ways to avoid oversharing employer data on LinkedIn and other social media.

How Falling Behind Can Get You Ahead | David Epstein | TEDxManchester
How Falling Behind Can Get You Ahead | David Epstein | TEDxManchesterwww.youtube.com

“Jack of all trades, master of none,” the saying goes. But it is culturally telling that we have chopped off the ending: “…but oftentimes better than master of one.” Many thanks to my colleague Joe Jacobi for sharing this video this week.

Lessons in Leadership

You Have To Have The Courage To Just Make The Decision And Move Forward
You Have To Have The Courage To Just Make The Decision And Move Forwardwww.linkedin.com

Ryan Roslansky, the CEO of LinkedIn, shared key leadership insights in his latest “Art of Leading” interview.

2022 Edelman Trust Barometer Reveals Even Greater Expectations of Business to Lead
2022 Edelman Trust Barometer Reveals Even Greater Expectations of Business to Leadwww.edelman.com

The 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals that business holds onto its position as the most trusted institution, with even greater expectations due to the government’s failure to lead during the pandemic. Spoiler alert: By an average of five-to-one margin, respondents in the 28 countries surveyed want business to play a larger role on climate change, economic inequality, workforce reskilling and addressing racial injustice.

Changes in the Workforce

In a First, Remote Jobs Attract a Majority of Applications on LinkedIn
In a First, Remote Jobs Attract a Majority of Applications on LinkedInwww.linkedin.com

Greg Lewis, Content Marketing Manager at LinkedIn reports that in a first for LinkedIn, remote jobs received 50% of all applications in February 2022 — despite representing less than 20% of all jobs posted.

Welcome back! Employers rush to hire talent that left just 17 months ago
Welcome back! Employers rush to hire talent that left just 17 months agowww.linkedin.com

George Anders, a LinkedIn news editor, shared interesting insights on “boomerang” employees. Spoiler: the percentage of employees returning to prior employers is on the rise. It amounted to 4.3% of all job switches last year, up from less than 2% in 2010.

How is The Great Reshuffle affecting job seekers?
How is The Great Reshuffle affecting job seekers?www.linkedin.com

LinkedIn Job Search Editor, Andrew Seaman, interviewed me last week on the #GreatReshuffle and my advice for job seekers. My advice is that now is a great time to identify your priorities and search for more than just a new title or higher paycheck. Just because there are “lots of jobs”, it’s still a highly competitive market and you need to put forth the effort to stand out.

Lessons From The Amazon Labor Union. Are Workers Now In Charge? – JOSH BERSINjoshbersin.com

Worker power is on the rise. What does the Amazon Labor Union win teach us about leadership, management, and HR?

Mental Health

Anxiety, PTSD Drive Rise in Mental Health Employment Bias Claims
Anxiety, PTSD Drive Rise in Mental Health Employment Bias Claimsnews.bloomberglaw.com

Accusations of mental health discrimination accounted for about 30% of Americans with Disabilities Act-related charges in fiscal year 2021, according to newly released statistics from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. That’s an increase from the 20% reported in FY 2010. This is a must-read article for people leaders.

A final thought…

How often in a day, week or month do you find yourself thinking “if only…”, do you think it would actually have made a difference for you? A difference for the better? Would you actually be in a better place?

“If only I could get to the next level in my career…”

“If only my kids will sleep through the night…”

“If only I could finish my MBA…”

“If only I had a bigger house”

“If only I were _______”.

The irony of life is that often once you reach the “if only” destination you just want to go back to the time before you got there.

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
  • Recommend my services to high performers wanting to work one-on-one with an executive resume writer / or experienced interview coach

Author

  • Sarah Johnston

    I’m a former corporate recruiter and industry “insider” who got tired of seeing talented high-achievers get passed over for opportunities because they did not have the right marketing documents or know how to position themselves in interviews. I have relocated multiple times across the country as a “trailing spouse” and have had to execute job searches in completely cold markets (where I literally knew no one!) I have been named a LinkedIn Top Voice in the career space in 2019, HR Weekly’s Top 100 Most Influential People in HR, named the owner of the “best resume writing firm for experienced executives” by Balance Careers and a “top follow” by JobScan in 2019 and 2020.

Sarah Johnston

Sarah Johnston is a former corporate recruiter and industry "insider" with a passion for empowering high-achievers in their career journeys. Frustrated by talented individuals being overlooked due to ineffective marketing documents and interview strategies, Sarah made it her mission to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge to succeed. As a seasoned "trailing spouse" who relocated multiple times, she understands the challenges of executing job searches in unfamiliar markets. Sarah's expertise and impact have earned her recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2019 and a spot on HR Weekly's Top 100 Most Influential People in HR. Her resume writing firm has been acclaimed as the best for experienced executives by Balance Careers, while JobScan listed her as a top follow in 2019 and 2020.

Need focused coaching time?

Let’s get started