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In this week’s episode…
In today’s digital job market, your LinkedIn profile serves as your online professional identity. It’s not just an online resume but a powerful tool that can help you stand out, make connections, and secure your dream job.
To maximize its impact, you need to ensure that the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile are carefully crafted and optimized. Here, I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to do to get your LinkedIn profile up to speed fast.
First, add a professional profile picture and a banner picture. Make sure both are high quality files – as in high definition, and be sure to smile. LinkedIn shows smiling candidates in interview-wear more than those who are not smiling or in casual wear, same goes high definition images versus low definition.
Second, get your Headline written and use all 220 characters, or as many as possible. Your headline is a brief, attention-grabbing statement that appears right below your name. Use it to convey the job title you want, as well as your transferable and niche skills – only those that are related to the job you want. And include a hobby at the end; something that humanizes you to the hiring manager who will not have your niche skills.
Third, get your About section written. This should be in the first person and start with which jobs you want and why you want them. You should talk about your skills and results you’ve achieved. The format should be short paragraphs with a maximum of 3 sentences, bullet points, and finally a statement about which types of companies you want to work for. End this section with your contact email and a link to your portfolio if relevant.
Fourth, rewrite your experience sections to include skills and results. Add at least 3 bullet points per section. Each section should provide a detailed account of your professional journey. Focus on accomplishments and results rather than just listing responsibilities. Use bullet points to make it easy for readers to scan your achievements quickly.
Fifth, write your education section. Highlight relevant degrees and list your educational background, emphasizing not only degrees but also certifications relevant to your career goals. Mention any academic honors or achievements. Include the name of the institution, your major, and graduation year.
Sixth, complete your skills and endorsement sections. This section allows you to showcase your key skills. Add skills relevant to your desired job, and encourage connections to endorse them. A strong list of endorsed skills can boost your credibility.
Seventh, gather testimonials for your Recommendations section. You can gather these from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Recommendations provide third-party validation of your qualifications and character.
Eighth, complete the “Accomplishments” section, by including publications, awards, certifications, languages spoken, and other noteworthy achievements. This adds depth to your profile and demonstrates your expertise.
Ninth, fill out the projects and volunteer experience sections to show your initiative. Here, include details about projects you’ve worked on or volunteer experiences. This demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile and contribute to causes or initiatives beyond your regular job.
Tenth and finally, customize your URL. Create a custom LinkedIn URL (such as, www.linkedin.com/in/yourname) to make your profile easier to share and remember. It adds a professional touch and makes your profile appear more polished.
A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can be a game-changer in your job search. By paying careful attention to these essential elements, you can create a compelling online presence that captures the attention of recruiters and potential employers.
The post Everything You Need To Update On Your LinkedIn Profile appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder, Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists here.
The post 3 Factors Contracting The Skilled Job Market & A New Reason Employers Are Posting Ghost Jobs appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
In this week’s episode…
In today’s digital job market, your LinkedIn profile serves as your online professional identity. It’s not just an online resume but a powerful tool that can help you stand out, make connections, and secure your dream job.
To maximize its impact, you need to ensure that the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile are carefully crafted and optimized. Here, I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to do to get your LinkedIn profile up to speed fast.
First, add a professional profile picture and a banner picture. Make sure both are high quality files – as in high definition, and be sure to smile. LinkedIn shows smiling candidates in interview-wear more than those who are not smiling or in casual wear, same goes high definition images versus low definition.
Second, get your Headline written and use all 220 characters, or as many as possible. Your headline is a brief, attention-grabbing statement that appears right below your name. Use it to convey the job title you want, as well as your transferable and niche skills – only those that are related to the job you want. And include a hobby at the end; something that humanizes you to the hiring manager who will not have your niche skills.
Third, get your About section written. This should be in the first person and start with which jobs you want and why you want them. You should talk about your skills and results you’ve achieved. The format should be short paragraphs with a maximum of 3 sentences, bullet points, and finally a statement about which types of companies you want to work for. End this section with your contact email and a link to your portfolio if relevant.
Fourth, rewrite your experience sections to include skills and results. Add at least 3 bullet points per section. Each section should provide a detailed account of your professional journey. Focus on accomplishments and results rather than just listing responsibilities. Use bullet points to make it easy for readers to scan your achievements quickly.
Fifth, write your education section. Highlight relevant degrees and list your educational background, emphasizing not only degrees but also certifications relevant to your career goals. Mention any academic honors or achievements. Include the name of the institution, your major, and graduation year.
Sixth, complete your skills and endorsement sections. This section allows you to showcase your key skills. Add skills relevant to your desired job, and encourage connections to endorse them. A strong list of endorsed skills can boost your credibility.
Seventh, gather testimonials for your Recommendations section. You can gather these from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Recommendations provide third-party validation of your qualifications and character.
Eighth, complete the “Accomplishments” section, by including publications, awards, certifications, languages spoken, and other noteworthy achievements. This adds depth to your profile and demonstrates your expertise.
Ninth, fill out the projects and volunteer experience sections to show your initiative. Here, include details about projects you’ve worked on or volunteer experiences. This demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile and contribute to causes or initiatives beyond your regular job.
Tenth and finally, customize your URL. Create a custom LinkedIn URL (such as, www.linkedin.com/in/yourname) to make your profile easier to share and remember. It adds a professional touch and makes your profile appear more polished.
A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can be a game-changer in your job search. By paying careful attention to these essential elements, you can create a compelling online presence that captures the attention of recruiters and potential employers.
The post Everything You Need To Update On Your LinkedIn Profile Copy appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
In this week’s episode…
Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview with a company you’re interested in, and now it’s time to prepare.
While rehearsing answers to common interview questions is essential, it’s equally important to research the company itself. Studies shared in media from Nature to Forbes to the Wall Street Journal have shown that your knowledge of the company will determine whether or not you get hired more than whether or not you have the right skills.
Did you hear that? Don’t be confused. When employers reject someone, they will always say the reason is because you didn’t have the right skills. This is one of the only legal reasons they can give you for not hiring you.
In reality, however, they’re not hiring you because you lack understanding of the role, the company and perhaps of business in general. In particular, demonstrating your knowledge about the organization can set you apart from other candidates and show your potential employer that you’re genuinely interested in the role. So, what should you research?
First and foremost, the company’s culture and values. Start by delving into the company’s culture, brand and values. Understanding the culture will help you determine if you’ll be a good fit for the organization and if the company aligns with your personal values. Make sure you can describe their brand and brand promise too? You can typically find this information on the company’s website, in their mission statement, or through employee informational interviews.
Second, review the company’s history and milestones. Knowing when the company was founded, its growth trajectory, and key achievements can demonstrate your genuine interest in its success. You can often find this information on the company’s “About Us” page or through news articles and press releases.
Third, familiarize yourself with their products and services. What’s their value proposition? What’s the benefit of what they offer? Who do they sell their products and services to? How much do they sell them for? Make sure you can name every product and service, or, depending on the size of the company, every category of product and services, in their portfolio.
This knowledge will help you discuss how your skills and experience can contribute to the company’s success. Browse through their product and service pages, watch product demos if available, and carefully gauge quality and reception of their offerings.
Fourth, study their competitors and industry trends. This information will enable you to speak intelligently about the company’s position in the market and how it differentiates itself from competitors. It also demonstrates your commitment to staying informed about the industry’s developments.
Fifth, get up-to-date with the company’s recent news and press releases. This can include financial reports, product launches, acquisitions, or any noteworthy events. Being aware of these developments will showcase your proactive approach to keeping informed about the company’s activities.
Sixth, learn about the company’s leadership team, including the CEO and key executives – as in, be able to name names. Familiarize yourself with their backgrounds and any recent contributions they’ve made to the company. Additionally, research your potential team members if this information is available. It can help you understand the dynamics of your future colleagues.
Seventh, examine the company’s mission and vision statements. These statements reveal the company’s long-term goals and purpose. Aligning your career aspirations with the company’s mission can impress interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to their vision.
Eighth and finally, review the company’s financial information and be ready to discuss it. This includes assessing their revenue, profit margins, and recent financial performance. Which products are creating the most financial returns? Where is their financial market expanding?
Thoroughly researching a company before an interview demonstrates your commitment, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the company’s culture, values, history, products, competitors, and leadership, you’ll be better equipped to answer interview questions and ask insightful ones of your own. Moreover, your knowledge of the company’s mission and vision will enable you to articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals
The post What To Research About A Company Before An Interview appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
In this week’s episode…
In today’s job market, your resume often has to pass through an initial screening process conducted by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These systems are designed to streamline the hiring process by automatically filtering out candidates who don’t meet certain criteria.
Filtering is the keyword here. AI is not selecting the best resumes; it’s filtering as many resumes as possible with the goal of streamlining. Employers know AI will miss some good or even great job candidates due to this bias, but they don’t care because they are getting hundreds to thousands of applicants per open position.
To increase your chances of getting past the AI gatekeepers, it’s crucial to write a simple, focused resume that resonates with both the machines and human employers. There are 12 important factors to consider here.
First, start with a resume format that is ATS-friendly. Stick to traditional formats such as chronological, functional or combination resumes. Avoid using fancy designs, complex tables, or graphics that may confuse the ATS and cause it to reject your resume.
Second, opt for standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Ensure consistent font sizes and formatting throughout your resume. Headings should be clearly defined, and bullet points should be used for easy readability. Make sure all bullets share the same indentation metrics.
Third, target your resume using verbatim keywords. Carefully read the job description and identify longtail keywords (ideally keywords that are in fact 2-3 words long) that describe the specific skills, qualifications, and experiences required for the position. Include these keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in your skills and experience sections.
Number four is related to this – tailor your resume for each job application. While it may be tempting to use a one-size-fits-all approach, customizing your resume to match the specific job requirements will significantly improve your chances of getting past the ATS.
Fifth, create a dedicated skills section near the end of your resume. List both hard and soft skills relevant to the job. This section not only makes it easier for the ATS to identify your qualifications but also gives recruiters a quick overview of your capabilities.
Sixth, add lots of numerical values related to your results. When detailing your work experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Use numbers, percentages, and specific results to highlight your accomplishments. ATS systems are more likely to recognize and favor concrete achievements.
Seventh, include your educational background and any relevant certifications. Be sure to mention the name of the institution, degree or certification earned, and graduation date.
Eighth, refrain from using special characters, symbols, or graphics in your resume. ATS systems may misinterpret them or be unable to process them correctly, potentially leading to rejection.
Ninth, submit the right file type. Most ATS systems prefer Word formats over PDFs which are harder to scan, though some ATS systems accept or even prefer PDFs. Check the job application guidelines to determine the preferred format. If it’s not specified, consider sending both formats to ensure compatibility.
Tenth, proof read very carefully and don’t include slashes, dashes or things like 10+ years of experience. Spelling and grammar errors, and misuse of characters can harm your chances of getting past both AI and human screeners. Thoroughly proofread your resume and consider seeking feedback from a friend or professional.
Eleventh and lastly, start your resume with a concise professional summary. AI prioritizes the top ⅓ of your resume, giving it up to 80% of the entire resume’s keyword strength. A professional summary at the top of your resume can provide a snapshot of your career and highlight your most valuable skills and experiences. Make sure to include relevant keywords here and limit it to 3 bullet points.
In a job market increasingly reliant on AI-driven ATS systems, crafting a resume that can successfully navigate this screening process is essential. By following these guidelines, you can optimize your resume to meet both the requirements of the machines and the expectations of human employers too.
The post Complete Guide To Writing An AI – Proof Resume appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
In this week’s episode…
Job seekers across the country are struggling to stand out among hundreds if not thousands of applicants for a single job and often receive no response after applying.
Many job seekers are starting to understand that AI is to blame and that things will only get worse. This is true. AI has given employers far more leverage than job candidates. Now, many job candidates are surprised to find out that today’s AI gives job candidates a reputation score.
Here’s how it works. Today’s AI recommendation systems prioritize factors other than qualifications. AI-driven job matching relies on historical data, including whom employers have typically contacted or liked, their past searches, which resumes they’ve rejected, which they’ve approved, the profiles they’ve clicked on, and more.
Not only this, but AI shares this information across platforms and across companies. In other words, if your resume has been rejected numerous times in ZipRecruiter by a handful of employers, this information can be shared not just across ZipRecruiter, but across Indeed, LinkedIn and even individual employers Applicant Tracking Systems.
The more you’re rejected, the more you’re likely to be rejected, to the point of being completely invisible in these systems. Those who try the shotgun approach of applying to hundreds of jobs with the same or nearly the same resume are the most likely to be completely sandboxed; as in, buried at the bottom of the ATS ecosystem.
Experts studying AI in recruitment acknowledge that the situation may become even more complicated as more advanced AI systems are implemented. Bias can emerge when AI algorithms favor certain groups based on historical patterns, and it can be challenging to identify and eliminate.
To address these issues, job sites claim that they take steps to combat algorithmic bias. For instance, ZipRecruiter continually retrains its systems with new data and scrubs personally identifiable information. LinkedIn has adjusted its recruiter search tool to reflect gender diversity among candidates. But this is just for improving public relations. I wouldn’t expect much here.
AI companies and employers want to share this information. They don’t want to waste time evaluating candidates who don’t even know how to create a proper resume. They don’t want to hire someone that everyone else has already rejected.
Job seekers are advised to prepare for increased AI integration in the hiring process. While AI can streamline and simplify job hunting, job seekers may need to adopt strategies such as contacting potential employers directly to complement their online job searches.
In short, you have a reputation score in the job market and you need to start taking it seriously. You’ll never find out what this score is, unless you can convince LinkedIn to share their proprietary algorithms with you. Good luck.
Instead, focus on only submitting quality resumes that are highly targeted to jobs. You can’t fix what you did in the past. You can’t know what your score is. But you can improve it by getting the knowledge you need to apply to companies correctly.
The post AI Is Giving Job Candidates A “Reputation Score” appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Strategy Call with our founder, Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Strategy Specialists here.
The post Ghost Job Listings Plague Job Seekers & Using AI To Skip The Line appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
In this week’s episode…
More and more people are starting to understand that employers are carefully reviewing job candidates’ digital footprints before hiring. But, too many people still believe that these footprints are limited to public, self-identifying posts.
This is not the case. Today’s Artificial Intelligence systems are focused heavily on identifying posts from people simply by the way the post is written. This has allowed hiring software programs to identify anonymous posts from potential job candidates in order to screen out risky candidates who might troll the company in the future.
In other words, employers are now looking at your linguistic footprint online. A linguistic footprint is often referred to as a “digital linguistic footprint” or “language footprint”. It’s a concept that pertains to the traces of one’s language and communication patterns left behind in various forms of digital communication and online interactions.
It encompasses the way individuals express themselves, communicate, and engage with others through written or spoken language in the digital realm. This footprint is created through a person’s interactions on social media, emails, blog posts, comments, and other online platforms.
The key elements of your linguistic footprint include, first, your writing style. Each person has a unique way of writing, characterized by their vocabulary, sentence structure, tone, and writing habits. These linguistic elements form part of a person’s linguistic footprint and can be used to identify or distinguish them online.
The second key is your topics of interest. The subjects and topics that an individual frequently discusses or engages with online contribute to their linguistic footprint. It reveals their interests, expertise, and the communities they are a part of.
The third key is language preferences, such as speaking more than one language, use of emojis and and use of emoticons: In particular, the use of emojis, emoticons, or other non-verbal symbols in digital communication can provide insights into a person’s emotional expression and communication style.
The fourth key is the frequency of communication: How often and how actively is someone engaging in online conversations, such as posting, commenting, or replying, is another aspect of their linguistic footprint. It can reflect their online presence and level of engagement.
Fifth and finally, your online identities. The usernames, handles, or pseudonyms people use online can also become part of their linguistic footprint and may reveal their online personas or affiliations.
At first glance, you may think this is impossible or a long way off. You may think you’re smart enough to know how to randomize the way you type or the handles you choose, or that a tech company has your best interests at heart and private really means private.
If so, you’re mistaken.
Some of the most sophisticated criminals have been brought down by the subtlest of accounting patterns. They used tools to randomize the numbers they were laundering but other online tools found that the footprint wasn’t truly random a the number 2 easy used just a few too many times, as an example.
In terms of privacy, AI tools can create accounts and get access to private Facebook groups, subReddits, private LinkedIn groups and more. Certainly an employer can just join these groups under a different name too. Employers are using these tools.
One such tool is called the “FLINT System” and it can identify authorship of anonymous posts online with 80% accuracy and climbing. An article posted in the LSE Impact Blog details how AI is being used to crack double blind studies. In the article, it shows how software can name all the authors of any abstract it’s given simply from the abstract itself and no other contextual information.
In summary, a linguistic footprint is the digital trail of one’s language and communication patterns left across various online platforms. It offers valuable insights into an individual’s online behavior, interests, and communication style, making it a significant aspect of digital identity and analysis.
As a job candidate, make sure you’re protecting your linguistic footprint in addition to your digital footprint by practicing good online etiquette. Don’t assume your posts are anonymous anymore or that a company’s privacy settings mean anything.
The post How Employers Find Your Anonymous Online Posts appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
In this week’s episode…
Reports by Forbes, Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal and even the New York Times have found that up to 90% of employers are rigorously reviewing job candidates’ digital footprints before hiring.
Maybe you’ve been uploading resumes and not hearing anything back. Or, maybe you were hearing back from employers but aren’t anymore. Or, perhaps you had an interview that you thought went well but then didn’t get a reply – instead, they ghosted you.
This is a common sign that your digital footprint may have been reviewed and the employer didn’t like what they saw.
In today’s digital age, the internet has become an indispensable tool not only for job seekers but also for employers. As job candidates, we invest significant time and effort into crafting our resumes and cover letters, but often underestimate the importance of our digital footprint.
Employers, on the other hand, have grown increasingly vigilant about scouring the web to learn more about potential hires. And, today’s rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence has made it easier than ever for employers to find and review not only your public online postings, but also your private postings and even your anonymous postings.
Did you bash a restaurant on Yelp for bad service – a potential employer will likely find out.
Did you post a comment on someone else’s social media post 3 years ago going off on a controversial topic and forgot the comment was there? AI will show employers exactly where it is.
Have you had very open conversations in a private Facebook or LinkedIn group thinking that no one else could access it? AI accounts or employer made accounts can access those groups and once in, review your activity.
Worse, new AI is able to identify your linguistic footprint to find your anonymous posts. Don’t think it’s possible? Think again.
An article posted in the LSE Impact Blog details how AI is being used to crack double blind studies. In the article, it shows how software can name all the authors of any abstract it’s given simply from the abstract itself and no other contextual information.
You might think it’s your right to post what you want on your own time, and today’s social environment may be encouraging you to speak your truth, cancel people you don’t like, and generally show offense as a certified contrarian ad nauseum, but employers don’t care.
They won’t say so publicly but they do not want an online troll working at their company. So, what can you do? Given the increasing scrutiny of your online presence by potential employers, it’s crucial to manage your digital footprint effectively.
First, audit your profiles. Regularly review your social media profiles and delete content that could be viewed negatively by employers.
Second, deprioritize any negative content you may have forgotten about or can’t find by professionally branding yourself. Craft a strong and professional online presence, especially on LinkedIn, to showcase your qualifications and achievements.
Third, Google yourself – that’s right, conduct regular Google searches on your name to see what potential employers might find. Use multiple keywords related to your name. Dig deeply into these searches. Address any concerning content or inaccuracies.
Fourth and most importantly, practice good online etiquette. Don’t assume your posts are anonymous anymore or that a company’s privacy settings mean anything.
Did you really think your Incognito Google Search was private? Think again. Instead, avoid sharing offensive or controversial content, avoid bashing other people, companies and institutions, and remember that once something is posted, it can be challenging to remove it completely, ever.
The post Employers Are Reviewing Your Digital Footprint appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
In this week’s episode…
Every time I tell a PhD that the only way to identify a ghost job listing is to reach out to a hiring manager at the company I’m met with groans. “Ugh, well I know that Isaiah” or “But I don’t know any hiring managers.” Of course you don’t know any hiring managers.
You haven’t done your research. You hate reaching out to strangers. Welcome to the club. Cold contact is painful. But that is where you win. Most people won’t face that pain.
I do have a few hacks you can try though. None are going to be as good as talking to someone at the company to get the indisputable inside information you need to know the job is open now and they’re trying to fill it now. Still, there is some value to these hacks.
First, look at the date the job was posted. If a listing has been up for a long time, it’s more likely to be a ghost listing. One report featured in Microsoft Careers found that 27% of managers keep inactive job listings up for over four months, often for reasons such as motivating employees or creating the impression of company growth or to feign growth to competitors, shareholders and investors.
To avoid wasting time, job seekers are advised to prioritize applying for roles posted within the past two weeks. Unfortunately, many job posting platforms including LinkedIn and Indeed now allow companies to automatically refresh jobs every week or two. So this hack is quickly becoming obsolete.
Another hack is to cross-reference the company’s career website. Many job boards scrape job listings from company websites, so a job may still appear on external platforms even if it’s no longer open on the company’s site. So be sure to try visiting the company’s website directly and applying through their official channels to ensure the listing is still active.
Some other hacks include setting up alerts on specific job board sites that can help job seekers tailor their search and be among the first to apply for new positions.
Additionally, applying on a Sunday may increase the chances of standing out to recruiters, as they often review fresh applications at the beginning of the week.
But, as I mentioned at the start, if you are genuinely interested in a role, the most effective path for screening out ghost job listings is to directly reach out to the hiring manager to inquire about the status of the listing, or potential hiring manager – don’t stress if you don’t get the right person right away.
This proactive approach can help establish a connection with the company, even if the position is no longer available. It may lead to future opportunities or informational conversations that can benefit the candidate.
In summary, looking at the posting date, cross-referencing the company’s website, setting up alerts, applying on specific days of the week, and directly reaching out to inquire about the status of a listing are all strategies that can help you identify ghost job listings.
Overall, the goal is to be strategic and selective in job applications to increase the chances of landing a job when it is genuinely available.
The post Hacks To Identify Ghost Jobs appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
