Robin's Resumes (r)

Adding value to your Career Documentation | Career Coaching

Call or Text Today: 404-875-2688

job search

How Gender May Affect Your Job Search

We have all become much more sensitive to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Yet gender differences still exist and can influence your job search and career.

Gender influences the traits society values most—and by extension, the careers of men and women. Honesty and morality, professional or financial success, and leadership are the top traits admired in men, according to Pew Research. The same research found that physical attractiveness is the quality most admired in women, closely followed by nurturing and empathy.

It should not be surprising, then, that men are “expected” to be leaders and women to be nurturers. The result of that expectation was very apparent during COVID, when home-schooling affected the careers of women far more than men. A third of women considered leaving the workforce or changing in their careers because of their childcare responsibilities.

McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace study (which celebrated its sixth year in 2020) had some good news about gender: the presence of women in executive positions continues to grow, although it is still far below a 50/50 split. The study also showed that women are more likely to mentor and promote women and to champion gender and racial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Despite efforts by companies to embrace the LGBTQ+ community, up to 50% of LGBTQ+ employees still decide to remain closeted at work. LGBTQ+ women, according to another McKinsey report, have even less representation in management than LGBTQ+ men. The barriers to trans people are even higher.

By understanding these gender forces, you have a chance to consider ahead of time how you will handle DEI issues before, during, and after your job search; how you will respond to gender stereotypes; and how you will approach gender and DEI in your resume and interview. Robin’s Resumes® is a proponent of diversity, equity, and inclusion and will work with you to make sure  your resume represents you the way you want—while showing hiring managers and recruiters the value you bring to their company.

The Fear of Changing Jobs: Part 3

Q. Everyone tells me I should look for a new job now that the pandemic has eased up and companies in my field are hiring. They are right about that. I have been stuck in the same position without any chance of advancement for 5 years; I do not like the boss they recently promoted over me, and I am earning less than I should for someone with my experience. But I cannot seem to move. I am clinging to my job when I should let go. How do your other resume clients motivate themselves to go job seeking?

A. Many people cling to a job that no longer works for them. Some of them refuse to move on because they are comfortable; they know the people, routine, and expectations at their current company. Some doubt their abilities. Worries about finances also play a part—will they command more money, and will the new commute eat up the difference in salary? Some individuals feel a stigma about “giving up,” even if their current situation is causing them stress and unhappiness.

But the biggest reason people fear changing jobs is that they do not know where to begin a job search. A job search may require skills that they lack or have not used in a long time, including online searches, video and in-person interviews, deciding where to apply and what compensation they want, and writing a resume.

These four techniques will help motivate you to begin your job search:

  • Set an achievable goal and direction. Here is where research shows its value. What is the next logical step in your career, and what routes can you take there? For example, you might move to a larger or smaller company, transfer your skills and accomplishments to a new industry, or move from an established company to a startup. If you are unsure about the direction you want your career to take, now is an excellent time to consult a career coach.
  • Set up a process. You must keep track of where and when you sent each resume; any responses you receive; the dates and times of interviews; and the names and contact information of people you speak or write to. Whether you keep the information online or on paper, you must be able to find it quickly when companies call or email you.
  • Fill in the blanks. Does your resume feel lackluster? It may be time to partner with a professional resume writer. Are you frightened of interviews? You may benefit from working with a career coach. Are job listings or advertisements asking for certifications or other credentials you lack? You may want to investigate training opportunities within or outside your current company.
  • Allow yourself time to breathe. For someone who is already employed, a job search cannot be a 365/24/7 effort; live your life and devote just a little time each day to your search. You want to go to an interview feeling relaxed and confident, with the support of your family and friends—not desperate and beaten down. One day away from your job search is not the same as abandoning it, but a chance to rejuvenate and reconnect.

When you are ready for that first step, Robin’s Resumes® is prepared to join your team. We take pride in helping job seekers with professional coaching, resume writing, and advice.

When Is Changing Jobs a Good Thing?

Changing jobs can bring you several advantages if you do it right. The right way includes:

  • Keeping your current job while you search
  • Knowing what employers are looking for by researching job opportunities and companies
  • Updating your resume to cover your most recent accomplishments and to match the keywords in job postings and advertisements
  • Networking in person and online as well as responding to postings and advertisements.

In addition, you want to avoid changing jobs too frequently, although the definition of “frequent” might change with the industry. For example, a 2018 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that, on average, men and women both tend to stay at a job for just over 4 years, with older employees staying longer than younger employees.

What are the advantages of changing jobs?

  • More income: A report by ADP revealed that job switchers’ wages increased 5.8% in June versus 3.1% for jobholders.
  • More knowledge and skills: New bosses and a new environment present you with new challenges and opportunities. Changing jobs, especially early in your career, allows you to broaden your experience and become more attractive to your next employer—plus, you avoid boredom.
  • Advancement: Unfortunately, many companies fail to recognize their talent or provide opportunities for talent to advance. Changing jobs may be your best path if you want more responsibility, training, or other professional growth.
  • Fit: If you are uncomfortable at your current job, courting burnout or boredom, or struggle with the company culture, you have an incentive to change jobs and find a company where you can be as comfortable, challenged, and happy as you deserve.

In the next few blog posts, we will explore why you may be afraid to change jobs and give practical advice on overcoming those fears, finding an appreciative company, and motivating yourself for a job search. Robin’s Resumes® has helped individuals at every level of success, from recent college graduates to CEO, as they embark on the process of changing jobs. Let us help you.

Resume Q&A: Will Vaccination Help My Job Search?

Q. I have many reasons to hesitate about being vaccinated for Covid, but I wonder: Will vaccination help my job search? How important is it to be vaccinated? As long as I wear a mask, wash my hands, and keep that 6-foot distance, why should anyone care?

A. I do not want to debate your reasons for getting or not getting vaccinated. However, I would like to share some facts. The CDC has stated that, if you are vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask, you cannot pass Covid to others, and you are protected from serious illness from Covid. A job search exposes you to many people (and germs) you have not had contact with before. More than one person may interview you in small, enclosed offices. You do not know anyone else’s medical history and whether your lack of vaccination could harm them—or vice versa.

If knowing those facts, you are still hesitant, then consider:

  • According to Eagle Hill Consulting, 49% of working Americans believe vaccination should be required for working on site.
  • Moreover, 35% believe that nonvaccinated employees should not be permitted to work in person with co-workers.

Currently, employers can mandate that you take the vaccine. As long as they do not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and as long as you do not have proof of a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief, they can fire you for not complying. However, first, the employer should try to make accommodations for the nonvaccinated employee. If that is impossible, vaccination is considered one way companies provide a safe workplace, something they are legally required to do. Safety in the workplace takes priority over your doubts.

Vaccination may help your job search, keep you from being isolated from your co-workers, and help your career progression by allowing you to work in more locations.

Some companies offer employee incentives, like covering costs associated with vaccination, providing paid time off for dealing with the vaccine and any aftereffects, and even paying employees to be vaccinated. Among those companies are Amtrak, Dollar General, Target, and Aldi’s chain—quite a range.

You might be tempted to lie about your vaccination status, but your employer may request that you bring in your CDC card or a letter from your medical provider confirming vaccination. Lying to an employer is always one of the quickest routes to being fired.

Your decision whether or not to be vaccinated is your decision alone. However, you need to know how that decision might affect your chances of being hired and keeping your job. We at Robin’s Resumes® are closely monitoring the situation regarding vaccination to keep our clients apprised.

Do You Know When and Where to Submit Your Resume?

You may be convinced that the only sure road to a job interview is submitting to every job you see posted anywhere. Recent research says it takes more than 100 job applications—and often more than 200—to get one job offer. So it sounds like a sheer numbers game, right?

However, those numbers assume that you know when and where to submit your resume. You should submit your resume for:

  • Jobs you are qualified for. If you insist on trying for every position regardless of fit, your numbers will soar. Only submit a resume if you can meet at least 90 percent of the criteria and can learn the rest.
  • Industries and companies you understand. Your resume should demonstrate a clear understanding of the industry and company: knowledge of keywords, acronyms, customers, and issues facing the industry or company.
  • Positions you want. Hiring managers and recruiters look for enthusiasm, a growth mindset, engagement, skills, education, and experience.
  • Networking opportunities. Even if you are qualified for a job and submit a perfect resume for the job, some studies have shown that you have an 80% better chance to get a job if you network for a job. If you find a job you want, see if someone in your network has a connection to the company or hiring manager.

You will increase your chances of finding a job when you submit your resume for jobs you are qualified for, in industries and companies you understand, and for positions that excite you. Where will you find those jobs? You should submit your resume:

  • On LinkedIn as well as online job websites.
  • At networking events. Some experts suggest you spend as much as 50 percent of your job search networking in person.
  • In industry bulletins and newspapers. Yes, job postings still appear in print.
  • At college career centers. Undergraduates and graduate students should use the career center’s links to networking groups and possible job opportunities.
  • At job fairs. Check out the job fair ahead of time to make sure it includes companies you are interested in. Treat each conversation as a micro-interview.
  • At company websites. If you are certain of your geographic area and industry, research appropriate companies and go directly to their websites to read about job openings.
  • For temporary or part-time positions. You may take a temporary or part-time job to weather unemployment or get a foot in the door of a company or industry. Make sure your employers know you are looking for a permanent, full-time position.
  • During a cold call. You can call or write (snail mail is better than email) to a targeted company to briefly introduce yourself—you may receive a brush off, but you may be rewarded for your enterprise.

Robin’s Resumes® offers career coaching, LinkedIn profile writing, and other services to ensure that your resume hits the desk of recruiters and hiring managers and sparks their interest. We help you find the best when and where to submit your resume.

Skip to content