End Long-Term Unemployment

How To End Long-Term Unemployment.

Long-term unemployment can potentially wreck a person’s sense of self-worth and happiness. Unfortunately, some recruiters and employers discredit job seekers who have been out of work for a while, assuming something must be wrong and viewed as undesirable. 

Here are some tools to end long-term unemployment.

Stay Up To Date With Your Industry.

You must prove to potential employers that you’re still working even though you’re not employed. Staying current with new trends in your field will show you are as qualified as someone currently employed. Take an online course, enroll in school, or volunteer. Be sure to use the additional education to your advantage during your interview to explain your long-term unemployment gaps. 

Be Open To Change.

If you’ve been waiting for your dream job for over six months, it’s time to change tactics and consider positions you would not have had. Be willing to look outside your city for jobs, even if this means entering a new career field or taking a lower-level job. While you may not want to relocate for a job, you go to them if the jobs are not coming to you. How To End Long-Term Unemployment.

Continue to stay active in your professional and personal networks. Tell people you are looking for a new job; you never know who may have information on a position, and be open to every lead you get. 

Update Your Resume and Sharpen Your Interview Skills.

Tailor your resume to show your value. You want potential employers or recruiters to see the results you have produced. As previously mentioned, you can also use the time gap to your advantage and fill it with any additional education or courses you have taken and volunteer work. Don’t forget to customize your resume for the job you are applying to. One simple trick is changing up your skills. Highlight the most relevant ones to help you stand out. 

Interview skills are necessary when you have been unemployed for a long time. The best way to set yourself apart from the other applicants is to show that you came prepared, focused, and had a positive attitude.

Stay Positive.

Dealing with long-term unemployment is challenging. Staying positive and hopeful will help you stay strong and ready when a job opportunity comes. 

Some ways to maintain positivity are meditation and mindfulness. Both are great ways to reduce your nerves and focus your mind. You can also increase your positivity by practising gratitude. Being grateful for what you have will help you remember all the good things in your life. 

Ending long-term unemployment could be challenging initially, but following these tools will make the process much more manageable.

Looking for more?

Check out this blog for five things successful people never say.

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Choosing the Right Job for You

Choosing the right job means so much more than obtaining a paycheck. Here are some top tips on choosing the right job for you.

Choosing the right job means so much more than obtaining a paycheck.

Here are some top tips on choosing the right job for you.

Compensation is more than the base salary.

The base salary is precisely how it sounds: the very base. On top of that, there is total compensation and benefits. Make sure to think about these all together. You may need to consider your taxes if you’re working out of state. Calculate the total time and gas spent commuting. Is there a 401k match? Are you eligible for bonuses or commissions? Is there capacity for career advancement opportunities; do you have a chance to receive more considerable compensation in the future? Is the work-life balance fitting for your lifestyle? How many hours of paid time off will you be eligible for? Does the company offer tuition reimbursement for continued education?

Company culture is important.

Reading employer reviews will provide you with valuable insight into the company culture. You can find online reviews on sites like Glassdoor®, which share employee insights. Research the company’s website, social media, blog, or press releases to review its priorities, future, and overall tone. If you go through with the interview, be sure to inquire about the company mission, hierarchy, and reward structure.

Visualize yourself working there.

Consider your day-to-day responsibilities and see if you can visualize yourself there. Will your daily job duties make you excited or bore you? Can you see yourself being motivated in the role, driven to succeed, and happy in your position? While it’s easy to be dazzled by money, try to consider if you will exceed and be fulfilled in the role. Remember, the price of happiness is worth so much more than wealth.

Are you looking for a new job? Check out our blog about a resignation letter. 

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How To Turn Down A Job Offer

Client interviewing for a job, Heartland Resumes, Omaha, NE

You have spent countless hours searching for a job, messaging recruiters, preparing for interviews, and finally, it happened! You were offered a job! But it’s not your dream job, and you are unsure if you want to take it. What can you do? Below are some helpful tips for turning down a job offer. 

Is calling, emailing, or sending a letter the best way to reject a job offer?

The easiest way to refuse a job is by email. It’s convenient and straightforward, but it’s not the most professional. A phone call is the best way to handle turning down a job. However, a letter is the way to go if you cannot reach the hiring manager or recruiter.

Timing is key

After reviewing the job offer, you realize that the position is not for you, or maybe you received a better offer from another company. It’s always better to reach out immediately once you have decided. Delaying your response could inconvenience the employer and damage your reputation on the job market. When you have a job offer that doesn’t suit you, inform them immediately so you and the employer can move on.

Explain yourself.

 You can’t do without an explanation when you decide to turn down a job offer. You don’t need to talk much about your thoughts and decisions. The best way to handle this is to explain that you decided to go with another offer that is more in line with your career goals. By explaining this, you are respectful to yourself and the company. 

Never forget to say thank you.

When rejecting an employer, never forget to thank them for the offer. Keep it simple and thoughtful. Show appreciation for the time they spent looking to fill the position and leave the door open for possible employment in the future.

Think about what is most important.

 It’s not easy to reject a job offer, but you always need to think about yourself and your career goals. If it’s not a good fit, that’s ok. Let the employer know as soon as you decide. Want more tips on this or have a question? Use the Contact Us form, and we’ll get back to you! 

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How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Career

How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Career

Are You Using LinkedIn to Grow Your Career?

Are you using all that LinkedIn has to offer? LinkedIn is more than just another social networking website. It’s not just for career seekers. LinkedIn can help you grow your career in numerous ways. You can use it to meet like-minded people in your industry, attract recruiters, find potential business partners, connect with former co-workers, locate a mentor, establish your personal brand, gain notoriety, and so much more. 

If you’re not using LinkedIn to grow your career, you miss out on great opportunities! Here are some features you can start using now to help you in your career!

Join LinkedIn Groups

You can join an existing group or create a brand-new one! Using groups is a great way to connect with other like-minded professionals. You can share tips and tricks of the trade, develop a name for yourself, and more. This is a great way to share, connect, and learn from others.

Use your LinkedIn Profile to attract employers.

Your LinkedIn profile says a lot about you to current and future employers. Use your profile to create your personal brand and showcase your achievements.

LinkedIn Recommendations 

You can ask for recommendations from those who know you well. They post to your profile’s main page to be viewable to recruiters and future employers. This is an excellent way to build your reputation and gain public promoters.

LinkedIn can feel strange to those new to it, but we are here to help! Contact us today, and we will help create a compelling profile that will build your personal brand!

This article was originally published in November 2020 and has been recently updated. 

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3 Reasons to Hire a Resume Writing Expert

Lincoln Resume Help

Have you ever tried to do something on your own and then had to hire a professional? By enlisting an expert from the beginning, you save yourself time and energy and be much happier with the results. Choose a Resume Writing Expert at Heartland Resumes. You can be confident in their skills, and they guarantee their results.

Job searching is stressful and time-consuming. A resume writing expert helps. 

Spending hours every day searching for a job is not ideal. That is only the beginning of the process. Have you ever thought about the time it takes to prepare for job hunting? Getting the outfit just right to research, attend networking events, and practice interview questions takes away valuable time that could be used for anything else. By hiring a resume professional to do all the heavy lifting, you will spend time doing what you want and getting a complete and effective professional resume. 

A professional resume writer is certified and up-to-date on the latest guidelines.

The rules of resume writing are always evolving. Do you know what keywords the applicant tracking system (ATS) searches for? Have you ever questioned what information should be on your resume or what format you should use? Don’t worry. You are not alone. Most people have no idea how to create their perfect resume. That is why hiring a resume writing expert is the best option. 

Your experience is unique. Heartland Resume Writers know how to showcase you. 

Do you want to change careers and show how your skills could be transferrable? Do you have employment gaps or temp jobs within your employment history? Have you ever been laid off or fired from a company? A resume writing expert knows how to polish a rough work history. Our writers can call attention to the right things that will attract employers, lead to interviews, and, eventually, that perfect job and career. 

Call (402) 215-8238 or contact Heartland Resumes today to hire a certified resume writer who guarantees your satisfaction.

This article was originally published in October 2020 and has been recently updated. 

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5 Ways To Create A More Positive Work Environment

positive work environment

Work takes up most of our daily lives, causing more challenges and stress. Some companies have taken notice and increased company morale by offering more perks. But not every business is equal, so how can we create a positive work environment?

Our attitude at work plays a significant role in the people around us. The suggestions below can help improve workplace behavior by influencing others to make positive changes by modeling the behavior we want to see.

Here are 5 Ways to Create A More Positive Work Environment

Give lots of encouragement

  • I truly appreciate the way you…
  • I’m so impressed with…
  • You’re great at…

Show appreciation

Thanking a colleague for something they did is a great way to boost people’s moods. Be specific about why you are thanking them, and be sure to copy their boss as well. 

Spread kindness

Smiling and saying “Hello” to twice as many people as usual will instantly brighten everyone’s day. 

Change the way you react.

When someone opposes you about something at work, think about their perspective first instead of instantly getting defensive.

Be Active

Get your blood pumping. If you primarily sit all day for your job, get up and outside or walk around the building. This will help keep your mind and body happy. 

Attitudes are contagious. Staying positive and spreading positivity within the workplace will increase office morale and encourage everyone to create a more positive work environment. 

If work is still giving you negative vibes after trying out these five tips, it’s time to move on. But make sure your next move is the right one. Contact the certified resume writers at Heartland Resumes to review your resume so you can find a job that better suits your positive attitude.

This article was originally published in September 2020 and has been recently updated. 

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Does Your Resume Represent You?

Your resume should represent you. With Heartland Resumes it will!

A first impression is everything when searching for a job. Does your resume represent who you are to employers? A professional resume should reflect your experience, areas of expertise, education, ambition, and purpose. 

No matter what type of position you are applying for, entry-level, executive, or anywhere in between, your resume needs to stand out from the crowd. Our certified resume writers will create a resume that accurately represents you and everything you have to offer. 

Your Resume is your Marketing Tool!

Your resume is your very own marketing tool. It allows potential employers and recruiters to get to know and feel who you are. Trying to summarize all your years of experience and accomplishments in a couple of pages can be difficult; however, it’s an essential part of getting hired for your dream job. On the other hand, if you are newly out of college and have limited professional experience, your resume should focus on what you can do if you are offered the job. 

Our expertly trained Certified Professional Resume Writers will create a resume representing who you are and what you can do. We always provide a tailored resume that makes a great first impression on potential employers. Want to see some of our work? You can request it by contacting us today! Ready to stop taking chances with your chances? Fill out the Contact Us form, and one of our local certified resume writers will contact you to start your individualized, move-it-to-the-top-of-the-pile resume today! 

This article was originally published in September 2020 and has been recently updated.

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What Should I Include In A Resignation Letter?

What to include in a good resigation letter from the people who know how to get you your next great position. Heartland Resumes, Omaha, NE

Are you ready to move on to a new chapter in your life? Whether climbing the career ladder or taking time away from work, you should write a professional resignation letter. It’s always best to inform your employer that you’re resigning, ensuring you leave positively and professionally.

Writing down your reasons for why you are leaving can be stressful. If you’re struggling with what to write, don’t stress, we are here to help guide you on how to write a professional resignation letter.

Stay professional when writing a Resignation Letter.

 Even if your current company is exceptionally informal and you’re on excellent terms with your boss, your resignation letter should be acknowledged. Use professional language and a formal tone when writing your resignation letter.

Keep your letter short and sweet.

 A resignation letter is not the place for in-depth explanations as to why you’re leaving the role. If you want to provide your supervisor or employer with a reason, do it in person. Keep your resignation letter brief and to the point.

Always be polite when writing your Resignation Letter. 

If you resign due to unsavory matters, we advise that you approach the resignation with manners.

Thank your employer for the position.

Find a positive way to thank your direct report and your boss for the opportunity to work at the business. Negativity can harm your future prospects. 

Offer to help in the transition phase.

To help make the process of leaving go smoothly for your current employer, offer your assistance with any handover duties.

Avoid personal criticism.

Steer clear from criticizing your current employer, even if the reasons why you’re leaving are not favorable. You may need to reach out to your past employer for a reference in the future. Don’t burn a bridge you may need to get you to another place in your career.

End your resignation letter on a positive note.

You may have to dig a bit deep for this, but be sure to provide a kind comment for your current employer upon completing your resignation letter. Leave your position with a good attitude to start a new position with a good attitude. 

The reason for your resignation could be entirely different from why another person left his or her company; therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all resignation letter. If you are still looking for guidance on how to write a letter of resignation, shoot us an email. 

This article was originally published in September 2020 and has been recently updated. 

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Career Advice We Wish We Had Sooner

Career Advice we wish we had sooner and now you do! From the experts in building careers in Omaha.

Have you ever thought about being able to give your younger professional self career advice? Many of us have. We can’t go back in time, but you can pay it forward. Hindsight is 20/20, and some of the best insights come from past experiences.

Here is some advice from well-established professionals on what they didn’t know then and what they’d pass on to their younger selves now.

The Best Career Advice is to Love What You Do

You will be more successful if you like what you do. Your passion will show through your work, and you will inevitably be more engaged in your career.

Start Saving Your Pay Immediately

When you start your career, Saving consistently will offer you more financial freedom in the future. 

Never Work For Horrible Bosses

Life is way too short to tolerate terrible bosses. If you find yourself working for one unless you are starving or desperate, start looking for a new job. Immediately.

Recognize That Failure Is Learning 

As strange as it might sound, failing is not a failure. Sometimes failing is the best indication that we are alive, human, and passionate about aspiring for the amazing. There is no value in being ordinary when you can be extraordinary.

For more career advice, click here.

This article was originally published in September 2020 and has been recently updated. 

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Best Way to Answer The Most Common Interview Questions

interview question

One of the most common interview questions is, “Tell me about yourself.”

Open-ended questions like this frequently trip people up. It’s a somewhat vague question, and it’s hard to understand what the interviewer is asking. Don’t find yourself unprepared in an interview. Use this question as an opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

Practice your answers to the questions.

Ask yourself the following questions:

What is different about my life that qualifies me for this position?
Why am I interested in this role?
Are my passions & interests aligned with this position?
How do my hobbies & community engagement relate to this role?
Is there anything about my previous career experience or education that would help me excel in this position?
Are the company’s values and vision aligned with my own?

Remember that this question can set the mood for the rest of the interview since it’s usually one of the first questions asked. Be positive and passionate in your response.

Utilize interview coaching

You only get one chance with an interview. Don’t take chances with your chances. Invest in yourself and have more confidence going into the interview. Hire an interview coach to assist you with going through these open-ended questions and what your answers are and should be. Familiarizing yourself with the questions and your answers will help you communicate more confidently and increase your chances of continuing in the hiring process.

For help answering this and all interview questions, contact Heartland Resumes for interview coaching and assistance with your outdated resume!

This article was originally published in September 2020 and has been recently updated. 

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