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How to Get a Job After a Big Career Gap: 10 Expert Tips

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Whether you were caring for an ailing family member, raising children, or traveling the world, getting employed after a gap in your resume can be a struggle. However, a few tips can help get you hired quickly.

Advice for Career Gaps

What is one tip on how to get a job after a big career gap?

To help you get employed after a break in your career, we asked recruiters and HR professionals this question for their insights. From reaching out to recruiters to starting with part-time employment, there are several things you can do today to improve your chances of jumpstarting your career after a long pause.

Here are 10 strategies that can help you stand out even with a big career gap:

  • Reach Out to Recruiters
  • Map Out Your Career
  • Utilize Your Cover Letter
  • Add Volunteer Experience
  • Focus on New Skills You Acquired
  • Network, Network, Network
  • Keep Up With Your Industry
  • Show Continued Growth
  • Start With Part-Time Employment
  • Explain the Gap

Reach Out to Recruiters

While it might be scary to dive back into the working world after taking a break, the one thing that you can do is be honest. This career break is more useful than you might initially assess. Update your CV or resume and be sure to add any new skills that you acquired — and be transparent about taking a break, as well.

Even though this time wasn’t spent on your career, you did spend it doing something to better yourself. There’s plenty that you’ve learned in the gap. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to recruiting platforms as they might be able to help match you easier with employers that will understand the gap. Just make sure all the information you hand off is accurate and updated.

Jon Schneider, Recruiterie

Map Out Your Career

Create a career road map to outline your transferable skills and gaps for your desired career. Use this road map to guide your next moves, whether that be getting a new certification, degree or taking an internship to learn a new tangible skill to fill any gaps you may have in your resume. By taking time to advance your knowledge and skillsets, you can add value to yourself and the company you wish to work for.

Rronniba Pemberton, Markitors

Utilize Your Cover Letter

Explain in your cover letter the reason for your big career gap. Did you take time to travel the world? Were you dealing with family members? Don’t shy away from this career gap, but rather lean into it and explain why you took some time off. Add what you learned from that time, so it’s seen as a benefit, not just a lack of traditional work. Doing so will help diffuse any questions that the employer may have about your work gap. Address them without fear and your employer will understand.

Darren Litt, MarketerHire

Add Volunteer Experience

Volunteer first. Join some professional groups. Attend some professional training sessions. Find ways to re-engage and then showcase these on your resume under a section on professional development. Make the most recent job a sabbatical and add a sentence as to why you took time off (i.e., caring for an elderly parent, stay-at-home parent, etc.).

Jennifer Holtz, Second Wind Career Strategies

Focus on New Skills You Acquired

Orient your resume, applications, and interview responses to focus on what you have learned during the career gap. It could be a new skill that you may have picked up or gained some new insight on your career — whatever it is, make that the highlight of your interactions, written or verbal. The goal is to indicate how you have managed to extract value from what is normally considered an obstacle. Be authentic in this response, and do not overshare.

Joe Flanagan, VelvetJobs

Network, Network, Network

Having a large career gap can seem like a huge problem when you are ready to re-enter the workforce, but it’s not the end of the world. Similar to when you first entered the workforce, you had to network. As you re-enter the workforce with a large career gap, networking will be key to finding a new position. Go hard with the networking efforts, and you will find a new position in no time.

Chris Cronin, KITANICA

Keep Up With Your Industry

No matter what your field of expertise is if you want to stay relevant and well-informed, familiarize yourself with current trends in your industry. This could be anything from attending conferences and virtual events to picking the brains of an acquaintance who is well established in your field. Not only does this prepare you for transitioning into a new role, but it can also help shed some light on where your skills are lacking and what you need to do to bridge the gap.

Riley Beam, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.

Show Continued Growth

Although you may have a large career gap, that doesn’t mean you cannot continue learning and growing professionally. As such, take advantage of the time you are not working by obtaining professional certificates within your profession. Whether it’s a technical, qualitative, or quantitative certificate, showing hiring managers that you are continuing to grow — even in the midst of a career gap — will only strengthen your chances of being hired.

Lori Price, PixieLane

Start With Part-Time Employment

There are usually more part-time positions available than salary or full-time. Look for part-time gigs that can ease you back into the career field. This way, you are able to quickly learn new systems, tools, and protocols without getting overwhelmed with 40-hour weeks. It is a great time to re-engage with your profession and get to know it again.

Tamara Mayne, Brooklyn Candle Studio

Explain the Gap

As a hiring manager, when I see career gaps or someone who jumps from job to job, it makes me nervous about hiring that candidate. I have seen a few resumes lately that have added an asterisk that explains the gap. Sometimes those jobs are contractor jobs that expire after a certain period of time. I would not have known that if I didn’t see it on a resume. I think it’s a great thing to add to the resume. It might prevent a hiring manager from passing over you as a candidate if you have that explanation presented.

Shelbey Grimes, Trinity Air Medical

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8/26/21 – Networking Anywhere

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Written By Susan Lamphiear

Erica McBeth Networking Anywhere

This doggone PANDEMIC. Now, doesn’t it just bring so many human basics into laser focus? Sort of in your face? Like the importance of making connections with people. Real connections. Meeting people. Looking people in the eye. Hearing the sound of the human voice. Hearing the voice of the human soul through connection. Listening, really listening to people. Not occasionally eyeing them as they speak, your real attention fixed on your iphone. Or your own attention focused on what YOU’RE going to say next, not on what they’re saying. In the present moment.

Career Connectors’ keynote speaker on August 26, 2021, day # “what seems a billion” of the Pandemic, brings added relevance to a little thing, often known in the context of the business world, as “networking.” But guess what. Networking is not just a means to a job, though it helps. It’s about so much more. Thus the title, “Networking Anywhere.”

Keynote

Whether you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert, do you ever find yourself in the throes of networking dread? When she was in her early twenties, our keynote speaker Erica McBeth admits she didn’t feel all that confident in the networking process. Walking back from an event, a friend reassured her, “You are the best at networking, Erica.”

“Why would you say that?’

“Well, I sat and watched you talk for an hour to someone you didn’t even know.”

“But we were just talking about his dog!”

“That’s what networking is!” her friend said.

Erica talked to an online audience of job seekers at Career Connectors recently, where she defined networking as “just talking.”

But first, Erica told her back story about a life-changing aha moment that centered on–you guessed it–just talking to people.

Turns out 2017 was rough–her heart had been broken, her health took a detour, and a lucrative job she thought would be easy–WASN’T.

Depression she’d battled her whole life came creeping back. Night after night she’d retreat to her condo with her three little dogs and watch Netflix.

By chance one day hearing about a suicide prevention walk in downtown Phoenix, Erica decided to invite her friend Katie, whose brother had died from suicide the year before.

In the midst of that crowd of 2000 people who gathered that day in Phoenix –because they felt passionate about preventing suicide–it dawned on Erica–“I bet a lot of people lost someone they loved because they felt sad and lonely and depressed.” Kind of like Erica was feeling right there in that moment.

“If there are this many people in the world lonely, and I’m lonely, then why aren’t we just talking to each other, ’cause that seems like the thing that could make us all feel better, right?” And suddenly she was filled with a desire to do something about it.

That’s how the idea emerged–to meet 52 people in one year–one per week. That seemed like a lot of people. So began Erica’s project which led to her book, 52 New Friends and her video series How to Make Friends and Beat Loneliness. Plus a whole lot more. It’s basically changed her whole life.

In 2018 Erica met people in all different ways. It wasn’t even hard, she says. She’d imagined having to wander throughout coffee shops pathetically begging strangers to talk to her. Instead, slowly but surely, people actually starting catching onto her ways. “They actually started coming to me, and I actually had a waiting list of people who wanted to sit down and talk to me–how crazy is that?”

“I’m not some big important person. I’m just a regular person they wanted to sit down with and it was only because I was willing to listen.”

“Three months into the project I suddenly realized–all of that depression I had in 2017–completely gone!”

“Six months into the project I realized it was changing me in ways I couldn’t explain.”

“You can change almost every aspect of your life in a positive way just by talking to people. And that includes finding a job.” Erica has lived the mantra.

When she was growing up, Erica honestly believed most mothers had the kind of information her mother had about the townspeople her mother ran into–their names and all about their families. “Everyone in that little Kentucky town loved my mother because she stopped to talk to them and made them feel important.”

“Networking is just an exercise in kindness that we give to ourselves and to other people,” Erica says.

Where to Find People

  • Old and Current Co-Workers
  • Your Current Friends
  • A Friend Referral
  • Social Media
  • Your Neighbors

Where Erica Has Found Jobs

  • Erica reached out to a former co-worker on social media she hadn’t seen in nine months who mentioned online she was going through a divorce. Erica knew this was a difficult situation and wanted her friend to know she supported her. Her friend mentioned she was working for a company she really liked and since friend Amy had really liked working with Erica, Amy invited her to apply. As it turned out it wasn’t the job for her, but Erica reminds everyone that because she showed genuine interest in her friend, it led to a job prospect and interview. You really never know where your job leads will come from
  • A current social media friend asked Erica to lunch and after Erica said yes to a specific time and day, she started to panic a little because she couldn’t remember how she originally connected with the friend. Turns out it didn’t matter because they had several things in common and now they really enjoy hanging out together. Friend Heather works in HR and since Heather knew Jessica Pierce of Career Connectors, that’s the reason Erica’s speaking to Career Connectors today. So, get to know people on the “fringe” of your circle, because you truly just never know.
  • A man she was dating invited Erica to his young daughter’s birthday party but no one at her job could take time off over the weekend. When Erica asked for an exception, they said “No” which quite frankly made her a little mad. The guy she was dating mentioned the issue to his co-worker who said she had a friend in Erica’s industry. That friend called Erica who ultimately got a different job through that referral!
  • She reached out to someone she didn’t know on social media because she thought they looked “cool.” At the time Erica thought the opportunity could lead to a side hustle but it turned into a marketing consulting company in its own right–all because of an opportunity someone gave her over social media. Again, you just never know where opportunities may come from.
  • Five years ago Erica lived across from Jen but hadn’t talked to her for six months. One day they had lunch and Erica mentioned she wasn’t all that happy with her current job. Jen said, “We’re hiring. Why don’t you come and work with me?” Erica thought Jen owned a daycare out of her home. But since they’d moved, Jen now worked in HR at a tech company. Shortly after that lunch, Erica applied and got that job, too.

What to say

  • I think you’re interesting.
  • I’d like to get to know you better.
  • Could I buy you a cup of coffee sometime? (Or during Covid: Could we do a Zoom call sometime?)
  • When would be a good time for you?
  • How can I contact you so we can get something set up?

Homework on The Art of Chit-Chat

Once you’ve set up a coffee OR Zoom, try this:

  1. Ask an open-ended question.
  2. Listen to the response and acknowledge.
  3. Ask another question.
  4. Repeat these steps.

Erica demonstrated these steps live by getting to know the new Executive Director of Career Connectors Joey Richardson. At the conclusion of the demo, Erica said, “Now, see how easy that was?”

Hiring Companies

Amkor Technology

Brenda Perry, VP HR and Privacy Officer

Amkor employs 33,0000 workers in nine countries. In business for 50 years, they are an innovative global semi-conductor processing company with headquarters in Tempe, Arizona, looking for equally innovative employees.

  • Recognized as a great place to work, the company offers many benefits including matching 401k and a diverse workforce.
  • Amkor prides itself on very little employee turnover; they emphasize work-life balance for all employees.
  • Award-winning Amkor Health Happenings (AHH). Medical premium costs can be offset by employees improving their lifestyle choices with a fitness tracking device.
  • Many opportunities are available.

Benefits

  • 401k with company match
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Supplemental life dependent insurance
  • Short/long term disability insurance
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Bonus vacation (after 5 years of service)
  • Employee assistance program
  • Pre-paid legal
  • Profit sharing
  • Service recognition
  • Skills development
  • Tuition reimbursement

Current Positions Open in Tempe, AZ

Engineering

  • Advanced Flip Chip Product Management
  • Director, Water Services Business Unit
  • Director, Advanced Product Development
  • Sr. Engineer/Software Developer, Design Automation
  • Sr. Manager, Power Product Line
  • Sr. Manager, Leadframe Products
  • Sr. Manager, MicroLeadframe Products
  • Sr. Manager, Business Enablement
  • Manager, Engineer Pricing
  • Manager, Leadframe Products

Accounting/Finance Position

  • Sr. Accountant, External Reporting

Legal/Human Resources

  • Director, Compliance
  • Manager, Human Resources

To apply, or for more information, visit their website.

Rogers Corporation

Bea Trembath, HR Manager

Rogers Corporation is a global leader in engineered materials headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. They manufacture advanced electronics and elastomeric solutions, elastomer components, and Durel drivers. They make material for computer chips. The company has been around many years but moved from their Arizona headquarters in 2016.

Known for their innovation and delivering results, they employ 5000 people worldwide.

The corporation offers much to its employees.

  • Competitive Salary
  • Annual Incentive Compensation Bonus Plans
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Health Savings Accounts
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Wellness Reimbursement Program
  • Paid Vacation Sick Time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Global Stock Ownership Plan
  • Matching gift program for charitable donations
  • Corporate Training

Current Openings

  • Production Operator (multiple openings/shifts)
  • Pricing Analyst
  • Tax Manager
  • Quality Engineer
  • Talent Acquisition Manager
  • Technical Service Engineer
  • Sr. SAP Solution Architect
  • Sr. Tax Accountant
  • Quality Director
  • Director Accounting Controls
  • Sr. Accountant

For more information or to apply visit their website.

WealthWave

Jason Wiseman, Senior Marketing Director

WealthWave, through its network of financial leaders, strives to create a financially literate world. Made up of independent business owners, WealthWave professionals seek to educate the masses and make investing and financial success easier for regular families all over the world.

Concerned because he wanted to know more about financial planning and retirement, Jason Wiseman talked with his wife about their need to educate themselves for their own financial health. At one point he turned to his CPA and said, “What does it take to do what you do?”

After several years in corporate America, when Jason transitioned into his current role at WealthWave, it helped him ease into the field by working part-time, something unheard of in the industry.

WealthWave strives to educate people and help them navigate the world of finance to have more peace of mind, including in their retirement plans.

Why Choose WealthWave?

  • Turnkey Solution
  • Licensed Profession
  • Ownership
  • Digital Marketing/Media
  • Start Part-time
  • No layoff or Furloughs
  • Hands on Training and Mentorship
  • A long history of helping families

Jason is currently looking to train either two full or part-time professionals. To apply, contact Jason Wiseman.

Resources and Closing

Founder/CEO of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce closed the first part of the meeting in preparation for online breakout sessions, turning that part of the meeting over to Sheila Coulam, Director of Operations at Career Connectors.

Jessica thanked all in attendance and referred everyone to the free resources available on the Career Connectors website. Among upcoming events include the Resume Mythbusters: Certified Resume Writer Panel September 9, 2021, and East Valley Job-A-Palooza, September 23, 2021. Click on the links to register for these online events.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a blogger for the events, click on this link.

4/8/21 – Networking vs Sales is there a difference?

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Submitted by: Keron Bowen, CPCC

Dave Sherman

Networking vs Sales is there a difference? If you are like most job seekers or maybe not, getting out and networking can be overwhelming or feel a bit uncomfortable. Who do you talk to? How much do you share? Where do you go to meet the “right” people? It can also feel a bit “salesy” if you are not prepared to communicate what it is that you want for a prospective new career. For example communicating the type of work and role, industry, and even identifying potential key employers can make the difference between a successful interaction or not. Then there is the issue of how do you ask for what you want without it seeming like you are pushing for the “sale”? Let’s start by taking a look to Merriam Webster for guidance in defining the difference between networking and sales. Merriam defines networking as: the interaction with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one’s own career. That seems perfect in what we are attempting to do. Merriam defines Sales as: an exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something.

During Dave Sherman’s keynote session he goes into more detail about how networking does not have to be “salesy”; he points out some similarities, and highlights the difference that makes networking effective and productive.

Dave Sherman was one of the first presenters at Career Connectors when the organization was just getting started. He is an entrepreneur, speaker, trainer, coach, and author of 3 bestselling books on networking and sales. He is known as the “Networking Guy” and guru. Dave is high energy, exudes positivity, and inspires with his wit and authenticity “keeping it real” as he shares personal and professional experiences and his own journey when he found himself in career transitions. His talk exudes a sense of urgency and gives clear reasons and encouragement to get up and keep going. Dave shares that his favorite place is Career Connectors and helping people in career transition. He loves Diet Mountain Dew, good red wine, and cigars.

Today Dave joins us to share his tips and tools for networking, by first outlining the 6 step process for Sales:

  1. Rapport Building
  2. Discovery
  3. Build Value
  4. Presenting Price
  5. Ask for the Sale
  6. Overcome Objectives

Now for Networking he shares the same process but removes items #4 and #6.

4 Step Process for Networking:

  1. Rapport Building
  2. Discovery
  3. Build Value
  4. Ask for the Sale

The time to start selling is now and the product is YOU! Networking is the #1 way to find a job. By doing lots of networking it will help you in finding a job faster.

Let’s break it down:

Rapport Building:
Here is where you want to increase your likeability and commonality with the individuals you meet. Finding a common interest or experience goes a long way in assisting you in connecting with your intended audience. Ways to accomplish this is by:

  1. Be Friendly: Put a smile on your face and be pleasant. First impressions go a long way and having a warm and welcoming demeanor can be a good first step to making that connection that will make a difference in your job search.
  2. Be Transparent: Let people see who you really are and be consistent. If you are outgoing and gregarious trying to be reserved may not come across as your authentic self and vice-versa being over gregarious when you are reserved will most likely not come across as being transparent either.
  3. Be Authentic: Be truthful. People want to know that this is the person they are talking to and it builds trust. People like to network with people who they know, like, and trust.
  4. Be interested, not just interesting: This is KEY. During networking take the time to get to know and learn more about the people you are talking to. What they want, who they are, their interests and not just the work stuff but what they enjoy personally. You never know through casual conversation you may find you have more in common than you thought and begin to build a foundation for your network for that next job.
  5. Discovery: Ask questions and be curious. Listen for the response and then ask more questions. What they need, what are they looking for, how they might be able to help you, and how you can help them. The key here is to be present. Maintain focus on what the person is saying and not think about the next great question you want to ask. Let it naturally unfold, you just might be surprised as to what you learn and discover. Do not interrupt or change the subject no matter how tempting it might be. A good rule of thumb here is: Talk less, Listen more, and Ask more questions = increased likeability. You are demonstrating that you are interested in the person you are speaking with and value what they have to say. A quote from Zig Ziegler: “If you help enough people get what they want out of life they will help you get what you want out of life.”
  6. Build Value: This is your time to talk about you. Share with people what your current reality is. “I am currently in career transition and looking for my next employment adventure”. Tell as many people as possible you are in transition. You never know that one person you least expected may be the person to put you in touch with your next awesome opportunity.
  7. Create an Elevator Speech: This is where you create a short “sound bite” that conveys what you are looking for. Be as specific as possible. For example: “I would like to get into Banking and I would like to work at Chase or B of A.” You have to tell people what you are looking for and identify as least 3 companies you want to work for. Then listen and ask if they know of anyone they can connect you with. The elevator speech is important to have prepared before you begin networking unless you are just going to the event to meet people. Remember not to ramble, do not share a resume, and stay positive! Humor is always a good equalizer to use in these situations too.
  8. Ask for the Sale: This is where you promote yourself without being salesy. What do you want from them? The 4 key words when networking are: “Who do you know that does this……” Keep in mind the 6 Degrees of separation. The individual you are talking with may not be able to help you but they may know someone they can put you in contact with who can put you in contact, etc. Ask if they would be willing to have a 15 min. info meeting to gather more information. If you don’t ask …you don’t get. It has been shown that if you do not ask for help it will take 2-3 times longer to get that job.

Important to remember: Know what you are looking for. Know what you want. Know the companies you would like to work for. Follow up with the people you speak with and be grateful, gracious, and appreciative.

In closing, do everything in your power to continue to work through this. Start networking, meet people, build and create friendships/relationships, talk about things that are not work related to develop commonality. Build rapport through: likeability and commonality be interested not just interesting, ask lots of questions and listen, build value. Know what you are looking for; it does not have to be the exact role. Finally, ask who do you know, can you make an introduction, and can we have 15 min for a brief meeting to share more information.

Final comments regarding networking in this virtual world we are in. Dave suggests using Zoom meetings. There are many special interest and hobby groups available; such as movies buffs, book groups, wine lovers groups, Facebook groups, the list goes on. If you are comfortable getting into the community, Volunteer opportunities are becoming more available. Get out of the house at least 1-2 times a week, create connections, join networking groups such as BNI, go to some of the meetings and introduce yourself and be prepared with your elevator speech. Check out the Phoenix Networking website for other opportunities and groups.

Hiring Companies

Community Medical Services
Megan Kennedy, Recruiter

Community Medical Services is on a growth trajectory and scheduled to open 10 additional clinics in the Phoenix area in 2021. Currently they have openings in both the Clinics and Corporate Center which is located in Scottsdale, AZ. Founded in 1980’s Community Medical Services is a group of Outpatient substance abuse and opioid abuse disorders clinics. They currently have 23 locations in AZ, in addition to the other locations nationwide. Services include a variety of approaches including medication, counseling, and outreach. The Corporate office is open 5:30a to 1:30p and the clinics are open 24/7. They are a growing and stable corporation with a full array of benefits and a culture that is fun and engaging. Candidates do not have to have healthcare or behavioral health experience to be considered. They currently have both clinical and non-clinical roles available in Glendale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. The application process is multi-step that includes: Application, phone interview with Megan, Video interview with Clinic Manager or hiring manager if at corporate, a tour of the facility (optional), offer or interview feedback as to why candidate was not selected. Onboarding takes place every 2 weeks. Next new employee orientation is scheduled for April 19, 2021 and May 3, 2021. Because they are a national company they follow the national guidelines for COVID-19 Precautions and pay practices. To explore open opportunities go to the website: https://communitymedicalservices.org then go to career opportunities. Submit your application online.

Hawaiian Airlines
Matthew Chimbos, Managing Director of IT

Hawaiian Airlines is 92 years old making it one of the oldest airline carriers in the business and the second oldest in the world. They are a strong company with 61 planes and 32 destinations. One unique feature about Hawaiian Airlines is that every flight originates and ends in Hawaii. They are in the process of expanding their routes. They currently have openings in their Tech Center in Tempe, AZ. and plan to hire 50+ IT positions by July 2021. They have both remote and office work available. Matthew shared that Hawaiian Airlines has a comprehensive benefits package and unlimited pass travel flights for you and your family. This includes you, your parents, and your children. In addition to pass travel to those you choose i.e. friends and additional family members. Current positions include but are not limited to: IT, Operations, Analyst, Revenue Management, and Loyalty. Please check their career page for a complete listing. If interested in a positon please apply and then reach out to Matthew Climbos via LinkedIn and mention Career Connectors and the position you are interested in he will do his best to answer any questions you may have and put you in touch with a hiring manager.

Logicalis- Architects of Change
Caleb Below, Sr. Talent Acquisition Specialist

Logicalis provides customer IT solutions. They are partnered with Cisco, IBM, HPE, Net App, VMware, Microsoft and AWS, to name a few. They currently have openings in Tempe, AZ. Service Desk Technician, Account Executive: for this position send resume to Caleb Below via LinkedIn. Additional positions include Sr. Program Manager Service Now, and Principal Architect Data Center; to name a few. Please visit the company career site for a complete list of opportunities. Apply on the company career site and put Career Connectors as your source.

Freedom Financial Network
Melissa Whitlatch, Sr. Recruiter

Freedom Financial Network is a financial services company that has been rated as a Best Place to work in Phoenix 17 times. If you have a passion for helping others in their financial planning needs they would like to talk to you. They currently have 150 positions open. Examples of some of these positions include but are not limited to: Customer Service and Sales and Shared Services to name a few. They provide a comprehensive benefits package. If interested please apply on line at www.FreedomFinancialNetwork.com. Message Melissa after you apply to let her know that you are interested.

The Entrepreneur Source
Anna Schulman Brambilla, Career Ownership Coach

The Entrepreneur Source specializes in matching prospective business owners with franchise opportunities. They provide a proven business system that allows you to be in business for yourself but not by yourself. Entrepreneur Source does all the marketing, legal, strategic planning so that you can focus on the work you want. All the startup work is done for you. They provide guidance from the franchise offers, establishment, and brand recognition. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn to learn more and to schedule a free informational meeting to learn more about franchise opportunities. Franchise investment can range from anywhere from $75K to $250K. They also have opportunities from $75K and below.

https://anabrambilla.youcanbook.me/.com
Website: https://abramilla.esourcecoach.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annabramilla

Closing

CEO/Founder of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce closed the formal part of the online meeting. She reminded all in attendance of the many resources available online including career advice, webinars of the online events since the Pandemic started, urging everyone to please visit the website where you can take the DISC assessment for free, receive free head shots courtesy of Gordon Murray Flash Photo and other free resources.
Jessica thanked the 125 Career Connectors volunteers and anyone who’s donated to Career Connectors. Bloggers are needed who attend events, take notes, and work with Sheila to get the recaps posted on the Career Connectors Website. Click for the Events Schedule for more information about special events.
Jessica turned it over to Director of Operations for Career Connectors Sheila Coulam to explain the Breakout Rooms process where attendees are welcome to meet in smaller online groups to chat with the keynote speaker, hiring companies, resume experts, and LinkedIn coaches.
Next event:
Thursday April 22, 2021 from 9a to noon on Zoom.

Featured Topic: “How to use LinkedIn in 15 min/day” presented by Brenda Cunningham.

  • Featured employers:
  • Terros Health
  • Mobile Mini
  • Liberty Mutual
  • WealthWave

Is It OK To Connect With a Potential Employer on LinkedIn? 9 Things To Consider

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Is It OK To Connect With a Potential Employer on LinkedIn? 9 Things To Consider

Is it OK to connect with a potential employer on LinkedIn? Why or why not?

Here are nine things to consider when connecting with a potential employer on LinkedIn:

  • Worst case scenario, you get ignored
  • Create a connection strategy
  • Is your LinkedIn profile up to date?
  • Always add a message 
  • Connecting is one of LinkedIn’s main purpose
  • Consider a thank you note
  • Know who you’re talking to
  • Explain your value and how you’re beneficial
  • Have you spent time cultivating your LinkedIn?

Worst case scenario, you get ignored

The worst-case scenario is the potential employer ignores your connection request. I don’t see a problem with making the connection request. Just know that when you press “Connect” and send the request, there’s a chance the request may be ignored. Try to avoid getting offended if that’s the case, as employers have hundreds of candidates applying to positions who may be doing the same thing. 

Carey Wilbur, Charter Capital

Create a connection strategy

It shows a keen interest in the company’s goals and puts you in a good position to stay in touch with them. It’s a good idea to carefully draft a connection strategy (beyond merely letting them know you’ve applied to an open job). You could engage with their posts, offer new ideas aligned with your career expertise, or like their updates. You can also follow companies on LinkedIn that interest you, which will be apparent to their hiring team if you apply to one of their posted openings on LinkedIn.

Laura Smith-Proulx, An Expert Resume

Is your LinkedIn profile up to date?

Extending a connection request on LinkedIn is like extending the job interview. Just like a candidate should be cognizant of their physical appearance in a job interview, candidates should accurately represent themselves through information on their profile. Before connecting, make sure that your profile contains a “summary” about yourself that reads like an objective statement on a resume. Make sure your headshot is professional, as you’ll be representing the company you’re applying to online. By taking the time to ensure your LinkedIn profile best represents you and your abilities, you’ll be able to continue to make a positive impression on your potential employer. 

Brett Farmiloe, Markitors

Always add a message 

Yes, you should connect with a future employer on LinkedIn! There are, however, a few caveats with that statement such as who you are connecting with, what you are saying, and the position. Only connect with someone who will be looking at your resume such as a recruiter or hiring manager. Additionally, when connecting always add a note. This can be as simple as, “Hi Katia, I have applied to your open recruitment role, and wanted to express my utmost interest and excitement. I would love to connect!”. Additional best practices for outreach includes reserving this only for roles you are truly excited about and that align with your career interests.

Katia Dillon, TechnologyAdvice

Connecting is one of LinkedIn’s main purposes

By all means yes! Remember, one of the main purposes of LinkedIn is to make new business connections. If you have targeted a company for hire and see that a Hiring Manager at that target company is advertising a role that you’re interested in then yes send a request to connect. If you do it in a professional (do not beg) manner then you could earn yourself a close look and possible interview. Certainly, make sure you use LinkedIn to its full potential in the job search!

Ronald Kubitz, Forms+Surfaces

Consider a thank you note

Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes for a second. She is interviewing not only you but many others, trying to determine who will be the best person for the job and the company. Connecting over LinkedIn before a decision has been made can come off as both pushy and over-confident—like you’re certain that you’ll be the one who’s working closely with the interviewer over all those other candidates. What should you do instead? Write the perfect thank you note. It’s still the best way to follow up and let the interviewer know how much you want the job. If you really want to grow your network on LinkedIn, it’s okay to request a connection with your interviewer, just wait until after a decision has been made.

Mark Christensen, People & Partnerships

Know who you’re talking to

It’s more than OK, that’s definitely a way to stand out from the crowd of resumes. I’m speaking here from the employer’s perspective and I hired many people that showed me the courage to approach me and talk to me. The most important thing is to show interest, know who and why you are speaking to. Personalize your message, show that you understand what the company does and how they can benefit from hiring you.

Tom Winter, Eye One

Explain your value and how you’re beneficial

Don’t connect with a potential employer on LinkedIn unless you have an irresistible offer to help the company. Otherwise, employers might get annoyed with you, which can lessen your chances of getting hired. Before connecting with a potential employer, create a proposal that is beneficial for the company. Doing so establishes your value right off the bat. If you connect with them without any concrete idea, you will be wasting your efforts since employers won’t even waste their limited time conversing with you.

Stephen Light, Nolah Mattress

Have you spent time cultivating your LinkedIn?

It is appropriate to connect with a potential employer on LinkedIn if you’ve spent time cultivating your LinkedIn content and brand and it gives insight to a potential future employer about your professional experience and approach to the position. It will give them access to your recommendations, digital resume, and your interactions and posts. If you’ve made it decently far into the recruiting process, I think it’s appropriate to connect. Also, even if you don’t receive the position, there’s value in keeping the dialogue going, because you never know what the connection will yield.

Eric Mochnacz, Red Clover

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How do you build connections? 9 ways to grow your network

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9 ways to grow your connections

For many, the term networking comes across as a generic and ingenious way of advancing one’s career. That is because too many professionals approach it in the wrong way! Growing your network is not about having the most connections on LinkedIn as much as it is about developing strong relationships with people who share the same interests and goals as you. The ultimate goal is to create meaningful connections with people who won’t hesitate to say your name in a room full of opportunities.

But how do you find those people? And how do you approach them in a meaningful way? We’re glad you asked! In fact, we asked the same question to nine extremely well-connected business leaders. To learn the tips to their effortless approach, read on!

“I’ve Never Met a Stranger”

The best way to grow your network is to be approachable and easy to reach. Take the time to respond to messages, and when possible schedule quick 15-minute virtual coffee meetings. I always remember one of my Dad’s favorite sayings, “I’ve never met a stranger.”

Nicole Spracale, Coaching and Consulting

Attend Online Events

The best way to build connections and grow your network during these changing times is to attend online events. This is a great time to attend virtual events that take place anywhere across the globe and explore new industries that you otherwise may not have invested time in being plugged into. Initiate 1:1 meetings from these larger events and go deeper with a small number of people for mutually beneficial connections.

Stephanie Thoma, Networking Career Coach

Connect Based on Common Interests

Approach networking as you would making new friends. Don’t try to ask for favors or grand gestures the first time you reach out. Connect with them based on common interests or industries and get to know the person before you begin making professional inquiries or requests.

Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional

The Network Effect

The best way to build connections and grow my network is to ask people in my existing network. The term, “the network effect,” exists for a reason. I’ve found that if I can get a few introductions from friends and colleagues, those introductions lead to more introductions, and so on. Plus, these relationships hit the ground running because they’re from warm referrals instead of cold outreach.

James Pollard, The Advisor Coach LLC

Company Retreats

Lake Rabun offers company retreats that are an excellent way to build and maintain relationships with people in your same industry. While the pandemic is in full swing, virtual company retreats have become the new normal, but once things subside, retreats are always an easy way to make new connections and see new faces in the industry. 

Gwen North, Lake Rabun Hotel

A Friend of a Friend

A friend of a friend is a powerful tool. Become acquainted with your friends’ coworkers and other friends to build a series of connections that you can reach out to if you ever need it. These connections become second degree, which means you don’t know them through your own experience but you have a common friend and get to know each other through them. These connections can be just as influential.

Ryan Nouis, TruPath

Don’t Be Afraid to Shoot Your Shot

Social networking sites are a fantastic way to meet new people! The key to finding success on them is to never be afraid to shoot your shot. If you come across someone interesting that you would like to connect with, send them a message. The worst-case scenario is that they don’t reply, but the best case is that you hit it off and develop a great connection that can open doors for you down the road. 

Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors

Offer a Consultation to Introduce Yourself

I have seen people offer a service for free such as a 15-minute consultation to introduce themselves. I think this way of connection is helpful for building trust. Others have asked who our clientele is, so they can refer them to us. I think that offering something without expecting anything in return is the key to good networking.

Sara Yusupov, iHeartRadio

Integrate Networking Into Your Business Plan

Make networking a regular part of your business plan, and spend time on this every week.  Seek out colleagues in similar businesses, professional associations, community associations, and other networks for new connections, and ask your connections for suggestions. LinkedIn and other networks are great for this!

Colleen McManus, Senior Consultant