The Voice of Job Seekers

Mark Anthony Dyson
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The Voice of Job Seekers

My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am a career consultant who is always hacking and re-imagining the job search process for you! This podcast is for the unemployed, underemployed, and underappreciated job seekers who are looking employment. I bring you relatable and relevant voices to help bring you modern job search tactics. Go and download my free eGuide, "118 Job Search Tips for the Modern Job Seeker in 2018" at TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com. If you need help with your job search, feel free to call or text me at 708-362-9822! Please leave an honest review here about the show! Let me know what you think.

  1. JAN 23

    Simplified Evergreen Resume Tips For Any Year That Wins

    Companies want qualified people to do the job, and stories that combine the company’s heartbeat with the unique narratives of the candidates win.   This is the most robust resume discussion I’ve had in the 12+ years of this podcast.  In this episode, we discuss trends in resume writing, which help you write more purposefully, tell a story, and move employers to call you. More resume writers and career professionals, including myself and my guest, Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, advise your resume, along with your LinkedIn profile, tell a complete story. We discuss storytelling everywhere, the importance of focus, and social media. Do your resume and social profiles tell a story that helps your knowledge, skills, and abilities stand out? Here are three ways to provide feedback: * Call and leave a voicemail at 708.365.9822 * Email: mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com * Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com/72, press the Send Voicemail button on the left, activate your laptop microphone, and leave a message. Jacqui (@ValueIntoWords) is one of the 37 Master Resume Writers quoted in many national publications, including TIME, Forbes.com, and FOX Business. She blogs for U.S. News, Glassdoor.com, and her  blog CareerTrend.com As a resume writer, I was reminded how important the process of ascertaining the job seeker. Jacqui loves the journalistic approach of the who, when, why, what, and how. I wanted to talk with Jacqui about trends, not necessarily how to write a resume. These days, employers are looking to shorten the time they review resumes and what gives them the most information in minimal time. Here are some of the highlights of our discussion: * We discuss the significance of the visual resume “The Resume Infographic” by Hannah Morgan and how the resume has evolved since 2009. * Jacqui stated that storytelling had gained a drumbeat as a mantra, reaching epic proportions in social media circles. * With headlines and subheadlines, content has become more affluent, detailed, and brief, but the words matter the most. Jacqui tries to add texture to clients by identifying the who, what, when, why, and how. * The visual element enhances the content since words are the most critical element. Charts and graphs illustrate a snapshot view of some of the content. They condense content or give condensed content a top for skimmers or readers who want dashes of excitement. * Jacqui stated that a visual resume shouldn’t be your primary resume, but there is an audience for “visual” as a part of your web portfolio. * People need to slow down and think through the foundational stories behind visuals to become more meaningful and know they have roots – understanding who you’ve become and why that matters. * LinkedIn has become a channel that can model the value shown on a resume. Jacqui says that 90% of her clients will have a LinkedIn profile and a resume. * LinkedIn has expanded from an acceptable static profile to a more dynamic one. Job seekers must consider their audience and customize their participation. * Social media can now be used to view or preview the epilog of your resume. Although it’s an old term, it says so much. We should expand our view of a resume. * Everyone should know their story from the beginning to today and into the future. * I asked Jacqui to share how the stories will differ between the resume and social media. In your process,

    1h 22m

  2. 12/03/2024

    The Truth About Background Checks: What Job Seekers Must Know

    This episode explores the complexities of HR background checks with Ghislaine Knauff, who has worked in HR operations for a Fortune 100 company for the past 15 years. This discussion rarely occurs on podcasts and would help many job seekers understand background checks have many snares and nuances.  I learned a lot, not realizing how much could happen along the way. As you’ll see in the episode, it’s not just what an employer says about a former employee. I’ve shared notes with you, but hearing them will add much context to my quick talking points.  Highlights:  Hiring Process Delays: – Hiring delays are common and frustrating for candidates. – Varies by industry; some are highly regulated (e.g., financial services), requiring extensive background checks. Factors contributing to delays:   – Industry-specific regulatory requirements   – Comprehensive background checks (e.g., criminal history)   – Candidate responsiveness Role of HR in Hiring: – HR’s involvement begins after the resume review and initial interview. – HR checks applications for employment history, education, and criminal records. – Verification processes may include contacting previous employers and checking licensing databases. Employment and Background Checks: – Background checks vary by industry. – Common checks include employment history, education verification, and criminal background checks. – Performance issues noted in past employment may be considered but are only sometimes a dealbreaker. References: – The importance of references can vary. – References are only sometimes required in some industries. – Ideal references include supervisors or peers who can vouch for work ethic and teamwork. Challenges in the Hiring Process – Delays obtaining information from external sources (e.g., understaffed courts, previous employers without automated systems). – Differences in checks for industry-specific roles. – Potential application discrepancies (e.g., incorrect employment dates) can lead to distrust.  Social Media and Hiring – Social media checks are handled separately, not as part of initial background checks. – The impact of social media presence can be significant if it is negative (e.g., hate speech). – It is essential to maintain a professional online presence. Industry Trends and Advice – Some industries are consistently hiring; consider exploring new fields if you need help finding a job. – Skills can be transferable across industries. – Research and understanding of where skills fit can broaden job opportunities.  Conclusion – Encouragement to explore different career opportunities. – Contact Just Lane via LinkedIn for more insights. – Stay informed about upcoming job-related podcasts and resources.

    30 min

  3. 11/12/2024

    How to Find Value While Unveiling Non-Linear Career Paths

    I conducted another interview with Erica Madison of One Life Tools and EMCC at the National Career Development Association in San Diego. Erica is a career coach and workshop facilitator at her company, Erica Mattison Coaching & Consulting LLC. She just published a book, “: “Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career.” Highlights: Erica discusses her journey into career coaching, which began through her job creation and advocacy for environmental practices at her university, leading to her role as a sustainability coordinator. She highlights the growing opportunities in climate tech and sustainability across various sectors. Erica emphasizes the importance of non-linear career paths and leveraging diverse backgrounds for sustainability roles. She shares that she aids job seekers and executives develop leadership through storytelling and personal insights, using tools like One Life Tools. Erica reveals insights from her forthcoming book, which guides navigating non-linear careers and achieving clarity. We underline the value of tapping into strengths and experiences for career development and encourage job seekers to explore the sustainability sector.  Be sure you get my FREE eGuide, “125 Practical Modern Job Search Tips 2024-25!” Tired of seeing job scams? Don’t know how to tell between an actual job ad or a fake one? Join my newsletter and community on Substack at markanthonydyson.substack.com!

    13 min

  4. 10/29/2024

    Are You Really Prepared To Unlock Job Search Success?

    This week’s episode features a panel discussion with Porschia Parker-Griffin, Mher Mardoyan, and Kevin D Turner. We discuss the job market turbulence and its nuances, along with strategies for dealing with it.  Mher is a Career Coach, LinkedIn Profile Strategist, and Job Search Coach. He hosts the YouTube show “Get Hired Show.” Porschia is an Organizational Consultant and Business Coach who helps her clients with job search strategies. She is the host of “Career Podcast 101.”  Kevin helps clients with branding, LinkedIn Profile Optimization, and Career Coaching. His YouTube channel is “KeepRockinLinkedIn.” Get my FREE Guide, “125 Practical Modern Job Search Tips 2024-25!! Highlights:   Porschia offers her perspective, noting that many clients find it more challenging to get responses from job applications, dubbing it a “September Slowdown” instead. Kevin further discusses the uncertainty in employment due to the political atmosphere and how AI makes the job market more competitive by helping job seekers optimize their applications. We agree building a solid presence on the platform is essential. Mher advises following and engaging with companies, while Kevin highlights the necessity of posting relevant content consistently and leveraging market value filters to appear higher in recruiter searches. Porschia underscores the significance of LinkedIn headlines and warns against sharing too much personal information during interviews. We also touch on the importance of networking. Mher and Kevin agree that building genuine, non-transactional relationships is crucial.  If you haven’t already, subscribe to my “The Job Scam Report” on Substack to stay apprised of the latest job scam news and solutions you can use to avoid and defend against them!

    58 min

  5. 10/15/2024

    Fascinating AI Tools for Career Development and Exploration

    Dr. Dan Greenwood founded Best Fit Career Finder, an AI tool to help students explore compatible career options. Dan is a Career and Educational Consultant. Greenwood Associates West Inc., Best Fit Career Finder, and Pacific Rim Education and Consulting Inc. are his companies. Highlights: Dan explains how their AI tool, powered by ChatGPT, assists students in understanding their strengths, values, interests, and abilities. This AI makes the career exploration process interactive and tailored, tracking user interaction to provide personalized guidance.  Dan says while AI is a helpful supplement, working with a career counselor remains crucial. We discuss how career counselors may require pre-work from clients. The Best Fit Career Finder can aid this process by providing clarity before counseling. Dan elaborates on his counseling method, integrating assessments with personalized action plans, and mentions that his model has been well-regarded in professional publications.  You can find The Greenwood System and encouragement for the audience to try the tool for additional career exploration insights. Don’t forget to subscribe to “The Job Scam Report” on Substack! Get my FREE 125 Practical Modern Job Search Tips 2024-25 Guide!!

    9 min

  6. 10/01/2024

    How To Deploy Job Scam Awareness in 2024

    I was a guest on the podcast “Young Professionals Career Catalyst,” Shelley Mailey of Dreamcatcher Career Coaching interviewed me. Be sure you subscribe to Shelley’s podcast. Job scams affect younger and older generations differently. Shelley and I discuss the severity of job scams, noting a Better Business Bureau statistic of $2 billion in annual losses. Job scams affect younger and older generations differently. Younger people frequently fall for scams due to desperation for career opportunities, while older adults tend to lose more money per scam. I describe the tactics scammers use, emphasizing the importance of being strategic and cautious about personal information. Scammers often employ social engineering to exploit job seekers’ vulnerabilities, tricking them through seemingly legitimate offers. Recent scam tactics, like “resume looting,” where scammers hack job portals to steal massive amounts of personal data, urge job seekers to apply directly on company websites and verify the legitimacy of job offers. I give examples of sophisticated scams, such as fake emails from “recruiters” with perfect grammar and spelling, possibly crafted using AI. I advise scrutinizing the personal tone of such emails, checking company websites, and reporting suspicious communications to confirm their authenticity. Dyson lists red flags and warning signs of job scams, like unsolicited calls, seemingly perfect job offers, and requests for personal information too early. I recommend using tools like Google Voice or YouMail to protect one’s phone number. He also advises running regular security scans on computers and using a VPN, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi.  In terms of recently observed job scams,  “resume looters” who hacked job portals to steal personal data, and how international scams often precede similar schemes in the U.S. He urges job seekers to be vigilant in verifying company legitimacy and to report scams immediately, detailing how to protect oneself by notifying relevant entities, running security scans, and monitoring credit reports. I offer tips on spotting and avoiding scams, emphasizing the need for thorough research, verification of email addresses, and understanding common tactics scammers use. He discusses the role of AI in these scams, noting that while AI can craft convincing communications, it can’t yet replace the need for personal verification of job offers and recruiter identities.  I wrap up with practical steps for job seekers if they become scam victims. Dyson advises reporting scams to ic3.gov, notifying entities where personal information was shared, and running security scans on affected devices. Proactively monitor one’s financial and digital footprints to prevent further damage.  Here are three ways you can join the conversation: – Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number – Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message – Send email feedback to mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com a href="https://thevoiceofjobseekers.

    37 min

  7. 09/17/2024

    Jim Peacock Coaching Other Career Coaches

    In this episode, I delve into the profound insights of Jim Peacock, a seasoned career coach. We explore Jim’s transformative journey from a school counselor to a pivotal figure in career coaching training. His work’s impact on a broader audience and the delicate balance between career coaching and mental health counseling are also discussed, offering a wealth of knowledge to our listeners. Jim owns Peak Careers, which provides professional development for career practitioners. He is currently an NCDA Board member and the author of A Field Guide For Career Practitioners. Jim’s Beginnings and Philosophy. Maximizing Impact. Jim and I also discuss the crucial process of selecting the right coaching for job seekers, underscoring its value in guiding individuals toward the right career paths. The need for mental health in career coaching has become more pronounced after the pandemic, making our discussion particularly relevant and timely. Here are three ways you can join the conversation: – Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number – Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message – Send email feedback to mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com If you haven’t already subscribed, be sure you Join “The Job Scam Report community!

    9 min

  8. 09/03/2024

    How Are Gen Z Really Connecting To Employers?

    Brad Minton and I recorded this conversation at the National Career Development Association (NCDA) conference. Highlights:  The conversation focuses on job search trends, particularly challenges faced by Gen Z and recent college graduates. Brad shares insights about the importance of starting career development early, the role of networking, and embedding internships into college curriculums. We discuss using new platforms like Riverside for podcasting and reflect on helping students navigate the tumultuous job market, emphasizing the importance of human connection and proactive career planning. – Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number – Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen, and leave a message – Send email feedback to mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com Join “The Job Scam Report community if you haven’t already. We are helping thousands with identifying, avoiding, and reporting job scams.

    20 min
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3.6
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am a career consultant who is always hacking and re-imagining the job search process for you! This podcast is for the unemployed, underemployed, and underappreciated job seekers who are looking employment. I bring you relatable and relevant voices to help bring you modern job search tactics. Go and download my free eGuide, "118 Job Search Tips for the Modern Job Seeker in 2018" at TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com. If you need help with your job search, feel free to call or text me at 708-362-9822! Please leave an honest review here about the show! Let me know what you think.

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