Some hot tips to kick off 2024!

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Four Great Job Search Resources!

I did a poll 2 issues ago seeking out your input on what you wanted more of in this newsletter! And the top pick was "more tips/resources”. So I’m going to make sure each issue starts with this.

1. I recently partnered with an organization called “We Are Distributed” trying to provide resources and supports to jobseekers looking for remote roles. Totally free for jobseekers - check it out!

2. Came across this post from Jamie Neubeck with tips for standing out in a saturated job market. Thought this would be helpful to folks!!

3. My colleague, Auriel Oates, provided this great example of responding to a question many jobseekers hate.

4. And here’s a video I made with some rapid-fire resume upgrades!

Some Personal Updates/Fun Stuff

<repost from last week!>
Has my content been useful to you over the last few years? One of these days, I am going to get around to building a website, and would love to have some testimonials. I created a quick form to collect input (and I used Visme which I am currently OBSESSED with to do this…so even if you don’t complete the form, enjoy the fun animation. 😀)

I recently shared an update that I’m collaborating more closely with the team at Teal as a Career Advisor! And that’s in part due to all the positive feedback as well as suggestions I’ve gotten from all of you! So I’ll be sharing more insights for their blog and trying to do more to help make the platform even more effective for jobseekers. If you’re not using the platform, you can check it out here (and do almost everything on a free account!)

I talked with the Financial Times about using features like scheduling to make work fit around my life. And because it’s behind a paywall, the headlines are:
Work blends more into my life than for many people…I’m naturally an early riser so I often wake up early and get some work done, and I might wrap things up at night. This is also why I may run errands in the afternoon or wrap work up as soon as my kiddo wakes up from nap. So I schedule emails and slacks to land at times they are most likely to be seen by the person on the receiving end without feeling the need to modify my own schedule to be online at those times.
At the same time, I also think company culture matters…working for a more asynchronous global company, I don’t think me being online at 5 am and offline at 2 pm is odd to anyone. That might not fit the company culture elsewhere. So of course that matters too!

🙋Answering Your Questions🙋

Each week, I’ll answer a few of your questions in this section. You can submit your questions here.

This can always be a tricky situation when searching shortly after accepting a role.

In terms of accomplishments, I would highlight things you’re working on, even if you don’t have strong results. If there are others who started at a similar time, you could provide relative accomplishments (like “ranked in top quartile of new sales reps in Q4” or something like that.) And plan to update your resume regularly as you do gain more firm achievements.

On your resume, you could potentially down play this a bit by just listing 2023-present vs months (and do this for previous roles as well. I think most folks prefer to see months included (and its often required on platforms that ask you to enter previous info) but you could test this out for your resume.

In terms of your why, I would honestly be honest! Let them know that you enjoy the role and are doing well, but that you took a pay cut with the job and again with the relocation, and are targeting roles that will get you back to where you were.

At the same time, if you need a remote job, I know you are aware it’s a TOUGH market, so I would try to make a case for an increase during the next review cycle at your current role and see if there are any options on that front.

I would not put “career break” on your resume (sometimes the ATS will pick that up as your current job title and that can be confusing). You could use your summary/cover letter to note this though I would probably leave it off for now unless you feel like it’s hurting you in your search. Since you’re in tech, I think companies are more used to these breaks and it’s less of a flag than in more legacy positions.

When asked, I’d say something like, “After what felt like a X-year sprint at a rapidly growing tech company, I was fortunate to be able to step away and focus on some personal priorities. I’m now ready to jump back in, and this role excites me because XYZ.”

If asked what you did in that break, honestly, they have no idea! So you can share that you did whatever person projects you did, and you can always stretch a little. I mean maybe you gave marketing advice to a local nonprofit on their facebook group - so you can say you “volunteered with a local nonprofit on their marketing strategy.”

But many employers in 2024 are aware that folks need to step away from work and I wouldn’t stress about this too much! If you have a great resume otherwise, then I don’t think taking a career break is going to hurt you much.

🛫 Community Connections 🛬

Products/services that I think will support you in your job search.*

Looking for jobs in marketing? Check out Mako Remote Marketing Jobs - totally free, and delivering remote marketing jobs in your inbox!

Motion helps you get more done by leveraging AI to organize your calendar and tasks, schedule meetings, and maximize your productivity. Start your trial for free.

*This section may include ads/affiliate links

The In-Flight Amenities 🍱

Each week, I share job openings within my network (with a recruiter or hiring manager as a direct content) and jobseekers that I hope we can all support in their job search.

Jobs you need to check out
Zapier has added a few roles this week!!
Here’s a post for marketing roles in the beauty industry (looks like they do have some travel, but remote otherwise!)
Several roles related to client services here (varying from 3-12 years of experience).
Remote cyber security opportunity with Cloud Strike (posted by a future colleague that seems like they could share great insights on the role!)
Remote bookkeeper opportunity!
And Geovisions is looking for a new remote Partner Account Manager!
And here’s a remote B2B content strategist role.
Marketing Ops opportunity - seems to have some location flexibility but unclear if it’s remote!
If you’re an employer who is hiring, you can share jobs with us as well!

Jobseekers who need support
_{Each week, I highlight a few folks who are open to work - please consider giving these posts a like/comment/share to support them in their journey!}

Please check out this post and article from Susan Mills about her journey as an “open to work” PM!

More layoffs at Twitch - Tristan Wiley is seeking a new SWE role.

Fernando Bolivar was also impacted by a layoff and is looking for petroleum or production engineering roles.

Ashton Brellenthin is seeking new opportunities in marketing!

Sarah Jackson is looking for a new leadership opportunity in partnerships.

_{For more resources to support you in your search, check out my Linktree.}
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