Resume Storyteller with Virginia Franco

3 LinkedIn Tools to Help You Show Up More in Search  LinkedIn and its LinkedIn Recruiter solution are both platforms used by hiring professionals to search for qualified candidates. With the rise of AI and the fact that there are close to 800M users on the platform, the platform has become increasingly algorithm-driven as a way to “whittle down” search.  Keywords (in this case Key Skills) are a critical factor in how LinkedIn’s algorithm ranks candidates. In plain speak, this means to increase your visibility, profile optimization is more important than ever and is a bit part of my LinkedIn writing service. In this week’s podcast, I walk through 3 of my favorite tools for helping ensure my client’s profile are search-optimized.  Be sure to check out my April 2023 blog post that contains step-by-step screenshots designed to help you use these 3 tools. 

With summer around the corner, it felt like a great time to reflect on my career journey and path to accidental entrepreneurship -- and hopefully provide some solace, comfort and inspiration for those struggling with what feels like a non-linear path.  In this week’s podcast, I walk through my career job-by-job . . .  how I got it, what worked and what didn’t, and strategies for explaining it all during job search.  4 TAKEAWAYS: − Careers can be twisty and turny and that’s OK.  − Don’t be afraid to make bold asks. They can say no but might say yes. − It’s OK to take a job that meets a short-term goal.  − Strive for roles that work in the moment, recognizing that as your life evolves so might your jobs.

ABOUT DAWN: Dawn is an Author, TEDx Speaker and LinkedIn Learning Instructor who talks about Career Moblity, the Talent Marketplace, Reskilling & Rebranding and more.  For 6 years, she hosted the live weekly call-in show "Dr. Dawn on Careers" on SIRIUSXM's Business Radio (132) where she interviewed talent experts and company leaders around the world to broadcast the latest market/talent trends and career insights to a live national audience.  She is also a regular contributor to Forbes.com’s leadership channel and a Director of Talent Management at KPMG.  Her book “Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success” combines her experience as a Career Coach, Licensed Psychologist, and Corporate Recruiter to give career switchers the strategies to break through obstacles and land the job they want. LEARN MORE:  Linkedin.com/in/drdawngraham Dr. Dawn on Careers Podcast  Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers - and Seize Success

About Colleen Beginning with her career as an engineer, then production manager and pricing analyst for 2 Fortune 50 companies (Procter & Gamble and FedEx), it’s safe to state that Colleen is an expert in career pivots.  Colleen launched her writing business in 2006 and has served a wide range of corporate clients including The Motley Fool and Investopedia.  She has written and reviewed thousands of resumes during her work as a resume writer and MBA Admissions Consultant for Carnegie Mellon University. Our Chat We discussed the pitfalls and challenges faced by “older workers” – which now spans 3 generations (Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and even older Millennials)!  Colleen shared several tips and best practices to help these job seekers maintain their confidence, position themselves optimally for targeted roles and advance in their search. LEARN MORE: LinkedIn Profile | Colleen Paulson Consulting

David is a career coach and has been involved in the resilience field for over 30 years. A 3X career changer himself, he is the Founder of Soul Satisfying work.  His diverse background includes work in the addictions field as a counselor, and he is passionate about physical fitness, healthy nutrition and the application of wisdom traditions and mindfulness practices in today’s complex world.  He has presented at conferences and association meetings throughout North America and Australia and is the author of 100+ articles and book chapters on individual and organizational performance.   OUR CHAT We discussed the importance of not going it alone, techniques to shift mindset, and how changes to our physical state can impact our mental state, strengthen our resilience and improve job search ROI! LEARN MORE: LinkedIn Profile  Soul Satisfying Work David@soulsatisfyingwork.com 5 Rs for Resiliency – first podcast with David and Virginia 

OUR CHAT  Nicole pulled back the curtain to discuss her process for finding and vetting candidates.  We discussed how she uses Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) plays, online and niche job boards, what she looks, red flags and much more.   She also shared insights on navigating ghosting and staying top of mind.  ABOUT NICOLE Nicole Reyes has spent more than 20 years in the Department of Energy industry as a technical recruiter – where she recruits engineers and scientists with active security clearances.  Her experience also includes recruiting for Department of Defense contracts.  Passionate about recruiting – she considers it a calling – Nicole regularly shares insights on the complexities of job search, interviewing and recruiters on LinkedIn.  LEARN MORE:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nsreyestechrecruiter

OUR CHAT Discussion Highlights:  The strong similarities between job search and sales processes.  How your attitude and emotional state can make or break a job search. 3 questions to ask yourself when figuring out your next best move.  Messaging is everything! It informs what you say to others during outreach, interviews, and in your resume and LinkedIn profile.   . . . and much more.  ABOUT BOB Bob Goodwin is the Founder and President of Career Club, a unique service that uses proven sales and marketing methods to help clients land a career that matters to them.   The inspiration for Career Club was born from his experience leading client engagements for global brands like Coca-Cola, Samsung and P&G – where he saw the opportunity to blend marketing principles with sales technology to conduct effective job search campaigns.  LEARN MORE:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bobgoodwincareerclub Website: career.club Email: bob@career.club Podcast: Career Club LinkedIn Live

OUR CHAT Lisa and Adam broke down:  Core differences between service on nonprofit, startup and public boards. Key messaging to include in board marketing collateral (hint: it’s different than what you share as a job seeker on your resume) The skills you must possess to serve on a public board.  Who and how to network to identify board opportunities.  ABOUT LISA As a Senior Partner with JamesDruryPartners, Lisa’s experience includes decades of performing board director search assignments, corporate governance consulting projects and support to Private Equity Clients. Sectors of expertise include consumer goods, healthcare products and industrial manufacturing.  ABOUT ADAM As Head Writer & Editor for JamesDruryPartners, Adam is a certified resume writer and career branding expert who has written career marketing collateral for America’s premier business leaders and Fortune 500 C-level executives.  He shares his expertise with universities, nonprofits and business associations – and serves on the Board of Directors for The National Resumes Writers Association.  ABOUT JAMESDRURYPARTNERS JamesDruryPartners is one of America’s foremost board advisory services firms with clients that span industry and range in size from $100M to $260B in revenue.  They’ve advised the boards of major corporations regarding governance policy, director evaluation, best practices and CEO succession, and introduced qualified candidates for IPOs and spinouts, to replace retiring directors and reinvigorate legacy boards.  LEARN MORE:  Website: www.jdrurypartners.com JamesDruryPartners LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/james-drury-partners Adam Zajac LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adamzajac Lisa Ward LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catladychicago

OUR CHAT Cassie shared the ins and outs of her job search – including big wins and lessons learned – that helped her make a major career transition within 5 months and then recover from a setback in a matter of days.   ABOUT CASSIE Cassie began her career as a corporate trainer, then made her first career transition in 2007 when she earned her Master of Education and pivoted into teaching.  After 15 years of teaching high school English, publishing yearbooks and sponsoring every type of student club that you can imagine, she decided to make another big career change.  In May 2022, she resigned from her teaching position and pivoted for the second time. Today she is a Customer Success Manager at boodleAI.  LEARN MORE:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cassiepiggott

OUR CHAT As a Brazilian immigrant who has been in the U.S. for 10+ years, Ana and I discussed:  Mindset adjustments to overcome language barriers Effective methods to understand the U.S. job market. Strategies to glean intel in a new industry. The importance of setting boundaries when striving to make a name for yourself as a newcomer to Corporate America.   . . . and much more. ABOUT ANA As the Founder of Digital Butterfly Communications, Ana helps achievers say YES to themselves, to set boundaries and find healthy work environments.  She spent more than 10 years working for small organizations and Fortune 500 companies where, as an HR and career professional, she reviewed hundreds of resumes.  Today Ana teaches successful career strategies to her clients and provides resume and LinkedIn reviews as she motivates and empowers professionals to seek change.  Ana has been featured in Time Magazine, LinkedIn News, and more.  LEARN MORE:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anagoehner Website: anagoehner.com YouTube Channel

OUR CHAT Cathy and I chatted about obstacles “mature” workers put in their own way (job search success starts in your head!) and those others placed on us (hello age discrimination) during job search.  She also shared strategies for identifying a new career target, launching a career change and best practices for resume and LinkedIn writing. ABOUT CATHY Cathy is CEO of Inspire Careers, a full-service career marketing firm based in Buffalo, NY who serves job seekers across the country.  Inspire Careers specializes in career launches for new college graduates and career marketing strategies for executives and career-minded professionals.  A 3X career changer with 18 years of experience in human resources, Cathy provides insights and strategies that help her clients land jobs and create careers they love in less time than going it alone. LEARN MORE:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cathylanzalaco Website: inspirecareers.com/  Email: cathy@inspirecareers.com

OUR CHAT We broke down Erick’s 3-step approach to job search that has helped people land meaningful work that aligns with what they love. Erick also shared proven techniques and approaches to outreach, networking and testing the waters to ensure your next career move is in the right direction.  ABOUT ERICK As a husband, father and engineer turned career coach, Erick has been helping people find and land jobs for 5+ years. As an expert in job search Dos and Don’ts, his mission is to help parents take ownership of their careers and always be prepared – so they don't have to fear the job hunt – both for their own sakes and that of their family's!" LEARN MORE:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erick-cuentas Website: eccoaching22.wixsite.com/ec-coaching

OUR CHAT Alicia is on a mission to incorporate mindfulness into job search and career management – and it’s clear she knows her stuff! We discussed:  Methods for identifying our career energy drainers v. givers Easy-to-deploy techniques for calming nerves in stressful career situations A 5-step process for interviewing conversations to advance your job search. . . . and much more!   ABOUT ALICIA As the Founder & CEO of Mindful Career Path, Alicia collaborates with her clients to help them achieve career fulfillment.  She brings to the table over 15-years’ experience in Corporate America, where she mindfully pivoted from roles in Accounting to Career Development.  She is a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), and holds a certificate in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction techniques.  Alicia brings insight around best practices in career development strategies and how to leverage stress to elevate your life’s work.  LEARN MORE:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aliciaramsdell Website: mindfulcareerpath.com Email: aliciaramsdell@mindfulcareerpath.com

OUR CHAT Matt and I discussed his favorite roles, how colleges are missing the mark in terms of preparing kids for job search and career success, and how this gap might get closed. He shared his observations on mistakes he sees kids making on the job search front, and shared advice he wish he’d have heard himself when he was first starting out! ABOUT MATT Matt is co-founder and CEO of National Service Group (NSG), which operates College Works Painting, Empire Community Construction, Home Genius Exteriors, and SMJJ Investments.  Under his leadership, NSG grew from a small Southern California-based business into an international company. Matt serves on the Board of multiple organizations and is past chairman of Entrepreneur’s Organization, a worldwide-business network. His accolades include the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award from the Orange County Business Journal, the OC Metro 40 Under 40 and EY Entrepreneur of The Year Awards Finalist.  Passionate about mentoring millennials and gen Z, Matt shares entrepreneurial insight with high-profile publications including the Wall Street Journal, Inc., ABC, CBS and more, and as the host of “The Edge of Excellence” Podcast. LEARN MORE:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-stewart-5257314/ Website: collegeworks.com/ Podcast: Edge of Excellence

Our Chat Every day, for over 2 years, we have all wondered and worried about what to say and what to do in the new world of work OR when we are applying for a new job. To help navigate interviews of all kinds -- whether informational, phone screens or final rounds, I invited the woman who wrote the book, The NEW Hello: What to Say and What to Do in The New World of Work.  We discussed techniques and skills to boost confidence – from word choice to facial expressions and much more.   About Tracy Tracy brings a wealth of experience in broadcast TV news as a reporter and anchor. She also built a successful voice-over business with clients including Disney, Marriott and NFL Films.  Recognizing that while part of confidence is genetic, the rest can be learned, developed and strengthened by taking action. She founded The Confidence Project in 2013 to help leaders practice skills to feel confident in any situation, connect with positive impact and access the best of themselves and others. Her Confidence Project clients include Intel, NIKE and Microsoft.  Learn More: Website: confidenceproject.com Video Series: confidenceproject.com/blog

OUR CHAT Dan shared his non-traditional approach to his own job search and career change, that led him to go from long-term unemployed to a recruiter at Amazon and catalyst for a virtual job search community that has been seen by MILLIONS. We also covered: What he looks for (and looks at) when searching for talent.  His take on sharing/oversharing on LinkedIn. Actionable advice for salary negotiations and tackling wage gap disparities. ABOUT DAN With an emphasis on narrowing the gender & racial wealth gap, Women's Empowerment and neurodiversity awareness, Dan is a disruptor looking to make the world a better place for traditionally marginalized communities.  His weekly “Job Connection Tuesdays” has put job seekers that span levels, roles and industries in front of over 3 million eyes, and as a recruiter his focus has been on sourcing candidates in tech, cyber security and healthcare. Dan joined Amazon in 2021 as a Technical Recruiter, has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Job Search Experts to Follow on LinkedIn by JobScan and currently ranks #1 on the Meller Marketing Rockstar list for Non-Linkedin Coaches. LEARN MORE:   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danroth4/

OUR CHAT We discussed the chemicals released in our brains that make us enjoy and remember stories, and why storytelling is so important whether you are looking to land a new job, sell a product or service, lead teams or influence others. Mark broke down key storytelling elements, and shared techniques on how even those born without the gift can become master storytellers.  ABOUT MARK Mark Carpenter is a serial storyteller. Telling stories since childhood, Mark leveraged his ability into a career in marketing communications and public relations and later as a college professor and corporate facilitator.  His storytelling became even more purposeful and effective after researching and writing the best-selling book “Master Storytelling: How to Turn Your Experiences Into Stories that Teach, Lead, and Inspire.”  Now, as a facilitator, consultant, and speaker, he teaches others what he learned in the process.  LEARN MORE:  Free e-book: master-storytelling.com/podcastgift Website: master-storytelling.com Email: mark@master-storytelling.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/master-storytelling/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjUZRg9IxkejFioE2mnDr6w

Our Chat I’m dubbing this our “Recruiter 101” discussion! We chatted about: The different types of recruiters on the job search scene What goes on behind-the-scenes when there’s a hiring need  How exactly Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) systems work  . . .  and much more. About Tabitha Tabitha Cavanagh (aka Tab the Recruiter) is first and foremost a human that cares about other humans. She’s a cancer survivor turned recruiter turned talent strategist – who cares deeply about building meaningful connections that last.  After getting laid off when she was 6 months pregnant and earning her last 4 positions without applying, Tabitha wants to make sure every job seeker can land a fulfilling role.  From Healthcare to Tech, Tabitha works to help teams recruit better while putting a strong emphasis on the candidate experience. Today, she wears many hats as a Senior Corporate Recruiter for Syndigo, Founding Member of Talent Champions and the Never Too Young Advisory Co-Chair for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.  Follow Tabitha: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tabtherecruiter/ 

Our Chat Topics discussed:  Unique challenges faced by military professionals when writing their resumes for corporate audiences. Similarities and differences of resume and LinkedIn writing styles in the U.S. and India.  . . . and much more!  About Varshaa Varshaa specializes in resume writing for military professionals and their families looking to transition into the corporate world.  As a military spouse with a decade of corporate experience spanning Operations, Quality and Client Services, she has seen up close the challenges those leaving the military face during this career transition.  She jumped full-time into the world of resume writing after years of witnessing veterans struggle to articulate their experience and accomplishments on paper – and today is passionate about helping them reach the interview stage through powerfully written resumes, LinkedIn profiles and much more. Learn More Email: varshaaresumes@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/varshaaresumes

OUR CHAT This was a jam-packed interview. Highlights include: The importance of creating a career roadmap together with a plan for implementing it. Actionable strategies job seekers can take to salary negotiations when applying online, during a phone screen and when an offer gets made.  Techniques to maximize compensation at your current company. . . . and much more. ABOUT SONJA As the CEO of Dynamo Careers, Sonja brings to the table 15+ years of experience in Career and Leadership consulting with a wide range of industry clients including Amazon, AT&T, Facebook, Google, HBO, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and more. She holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership & Organizational Development and is a Certified Career and Executive Coach. Sonja is passionate about empowering professionals to accelerate their career success, become financially free and make a positive impact around the world.  LEARN MORE:  Website: dynamocareers.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sonjaprice Free Salary Calculator: dynamocareers.com/calculator