Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

036 | Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills - What are they, and how you're assessed on them during interviews

Do you have the right soft skills for the job? What about hard skills, do you have those? Soft? Hard? Whaaaa? What exactly are hard and soft skills?

In today's episode I define the difference between hard skills and soft skills, how companies measure whether or not you have them, and some ways on how to showcase you do when interviewing!

A lot of what I share in today's show are things I learned from a breakout session I attended during the HR Star Conference in San Francisco. It was presented by Michelle Reed from SkillSurvey and she ROCKED IT. I took 3 pages of notes during this breakout! Hope you enjoy, thanks so much for listening.

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

035 | Phone Screen Strategies pt. 2 - How to use emotional intelligence to create human connection

As a follow up to last week's episode, tune in today to hear the next 5 strategies around expressing not only the WHAT YOU DO, but the how and WHY behind it.

Why does this matter? 99% of interviews start out with a phone screen as the first step in the interview process. It is critical to show the value you bring to the role and responsibilities at hand, but ALSO super important to share WHO YOU ARE. After all, we're not just the technical skills, or software programs we use day to day - WE ARE HUMANS.

Enter: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. It's a hot topic in the hiring world right now so it's important for me to share with you these tips. This is going to be a key topic in upcoming weeks for the show.

The question is...How do you showcase the value you bring in work experience, AND the value being the unique amazing person you are? The true authentic you that's unlike anyone else.

YOUR:
- Personality
- Character
- Energy
- Values
- ETC.

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

034 | Phone Screen Strategies - How to use emotional intelligence to create a true human connection

Let's face it, when you're out there in the big world of job hunting it can be intimidating to think about all the other people interviewing for the same job you're up for. But that's why you're here, and I'm SO glad you are!

You've probably noticed, but 99% of interviews start out with a phone screen as the first step in the interview process. It is critical to show the value you bring to the role and responsibilities at hand, but ALSO super important to share WHO YOU ARE. After all, we're not just the technical skills, or software programs we use day to day - WE ARE HUMANS.

The question is...How do you showcase the value you bring in work experience, AND the value being the unique amazing person you are? The true authentic you that's unlike anyone else.

YOUR:
- Personality
- Character
- Energy
- Values
- ETC.

In this episode you will learn how to cultivate a human to human connection when speaking to someone over the phone. I go over my top five strategies for expressing the human part of you. In other words, not just the WHAT YOU DO, but the how and WHY behind it.

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

033 | The Perfect Job - Flipping everything you thought you wanted in a dream job upside-down

In today's episode we're talking about something I think many of us struggle with, and think about when it comes to job hunting....FINDING THE PERFECT JOB. From a young age we're constantly being asked what we want to do when we grow up, what's next, and what our dream job looks like. We set out on a mission to find it, sometimes being left more confused than anything.

I've spoken to 100s of people in numerous industries, and what I've found is that not having a clear picture of what that perfect job looks like is something that isn't uncommon. If you're in this situation now, NOT TO WORRY!

Tune in to today's episode to hear about a new concept sweeping the world of career coaching with jessness. After listening you will find comfort in this change of perspective and not feel so pressured to find that ultimate dream job. This episode will help you focus your time on a career path that not only will you LOVE, but you'll excel in and advance quickly.

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

032 | Time pt. 2 - Specific suggestions to help maximize work performance and career advancement

Time, and the way we spend it, is important! What do on our days off is just as important as the days we spend working. In last week's episode I invited you to notice how you're spending your free time. Becoming aware to what activities and groups of people support you in your personal and professional aspirations.

Last week was more about you assessing what's working and not working in your life. In today's episode I dive into specific suggestions and ideas I've found helpful in maximizing work performance for increased career advancement.

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

031 | Time - Taking a closer look at how we spend it, and the ways it can affect work performance

Time, and the way we spend it, is important! What do on our days off is just as important as the days we spend working. In today's episode I invite you to notice how you're spending your free time.

I want you to, without judgement, bring attention to which activities (and people) uplift and leave you feeling refreshed. But also, take a closer look at what you might be doing to drain your energy, and bring you down.

Tune in to this show to learn more my strategy for getting rid of the 'Case of the Mondays' for GOOD! It all starts with (YOU GUESSED IT)...How and where we spend our time...

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

030 | LinkedIn pt. 2 - Where to begin when creating a LinkedIn profile for the first time

What up, what up! As promised, here is part 2 in the LinkedIn Show Series. In episode 027 we went over ways to creativity use LinkedIn for career advancement, networking, and to ensure you're creating a strong personal brand. But in today's episode we are going to back up a bit and start from square one!

Tune in for a step by step overview of where to begin when creating a LinkedIn profile. I share what information to include, which sections are best for your specific career path, and more. Even if you opened a LinkedIn account TODAY, this episode is going to help you tremendously.

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

029 | Stand Out - The easiest way to separate yourself from the pack (NO ONE is doing this)

I start of the show today with a classic Jessness rant, but hey you and I both know when I'm ranting, it means I'm passionate about it! In the first couple minutes I share with you some of my favorite podcasts hosted by Pat Flynn, Katie Dalebout, and Val Geisler from ConvertKit's new show. I have learned a ton through my headphones, and so many amazing podcast shows out there, I encourage you to utilize these free resources that are available!

In today's episode I share with you the NUMBER ONE thing you can do to set yourself apart. Stand out from every other candidate applying to the job you are. You're already interviewing? This easy tip applies to you too!

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

028 | Tough Convos - Conversations required to advance your career and land the one you want

Tough convos are going to happen in any job, career path, and at every company you find yourself. But here's the thing, tough convos aren't a BAD thing.

Let's break this down a little bit so we're all on the same page. When I refer to tough convos I'm talking about the conversations that are necessary in order to help get you to the next step in your career! Maybe it's promotion? Or a new job? Or a change in role responsibilities? Doesn't matter, you have to be courageous in putting yourself out there and asking for what you want!

In this episode you will learn what steps you need to take for a straight-forward, and honest conversation with someone at work. Whether it be a hiring manager, a recruiter, your boss, or a fellow colleague - doesn't matter! Tune in for tangible steps on how to boost confidence, prepare for the meeting, and walk away feeling successful and proud you had the tough conversation needed to advance your career!

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

027 | LinkedIn - Using it for career advancement, networking, and to create a dynamic personal brand

LinkedIn is the #1 thing every person should have these days, whether your looking for new gig or not, you have to have one!

Many think all there is to having a LinkedIn is to have the information on your resume listed online on this platform. WRONG. There are many creative ways use LinkedIn which I go over in this episode. From networking opportunities with people, and companies to learning more about an industry you're looking to get into, tune in for today's show to learn about some of the ways you can enhance the way you're using this worldwide career-based platform.

I will do an additional episode on the types of information to include in your profile, and best practices for showcasing all the amazing skills and experience you have. I wanted to break it down so both episodes are bite size enough for you to TAKE ACTION with the tips and strategies I share.

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

026 | Life Lessons - Reflecting on something I revisit daily with direct impact on career success

First off, thanks all for sending feedback my way, I appreciate each and every one of you!

Today's we're going to switch it up just a little bit and talk about a personal life lesson I continuously look to improve in my life. I think many of you will relate to this topic, especially when facing challenges and obstacles that are part of every day life. It shows up everyday, especially when striving for success in our careers.

I always tell my clients, we're never going to wake up one day, and just be DONE. How boring would that be? Life will continue to give us the same lesson over and over and...OVER. As annoying as that may seem at times, it's for a reason. Chances are, you may have more to learn around what keeps showing up! Tune in and reflect with me on a life lesson I find myself working thru time and time again.

 

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

025 | Finding Work You Love, UPDATE 1/17 - 10 Questions to figuring out the best career path for YOU

What to do with your life? What's next? Why are you choosing that career? Sound familiar? Not only are these questions tough, but they are EVEN tougher when we don't even know the answers ourselves!

In today's episode tune in for some practical tips on how to identify a career YOU WOULD LOVE! We'll also go over ways to begin thinking about which job and industry might be right for you.

STEPS TO LAND YOUR NEXT CAREER
- My FREE webinar which takes you thru the 5 phases for landing your next job: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsvjC-kfBms

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

024 | Recruiting - How to pursue recruiting as a career with no experience at all

In today's episode I dive in to another listener question, and it goes like this: "I was wondering if you have any tips and tricks for someone getting into the recruitment industry at entry level with no actual experience?" GREAT question - one that's near and dear to my heart, and one I could talk about for days. (seriously!)

Tune in for tips from my own experience, suggestions on where to start, and my opinion on the best way to begin to carve out a recruiting career for yourself!

********** MENTIONS IN THE SHOW ***********

STEPS TO LAND YOUR NEXT CAREER
- My FREE webinar which takes you thru the 5 phases for landing your next job: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsvjC-kfBms

RECRUITING AGENCIES
- Aerotek: www.aerotek.com/
- LaSalle Network: thelasallenetwork.com/
- Recruiting Social: recruitingsocial.com/life/
- Robert Half: www.roberthalf.com/
- TekSystems: www.teksystems.com/en

 

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

023 | Switching Industries - How to creatively align your experience for a job outside your industry

So there you are, in the middle of your job hunt...You've been a welder for the last TWENTY years, but you're super interested in an open role at a brewery within their marketing department. But you're not sure if you should even bother applying for the position at the brewery - How do you brand yourself to be a good fit? What skills do you highlight to help your resume stand out?

All fantastic questions...

Today's episode was inspired by a listen question. The example I share with you above IS this listeners situation. Tune in to the show to learn about creative ways you can align your skills and experience to match ANY job you seek. Regardless of if it's a new department, position, industry, or even skill-set. It's not the most obvious, and does require you thinking outside the box, but why not? Isn't your job worth it?

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

SPECIAL | Looking for a career change? On the job hunt right now? You don't want to miss this!

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF JUNE! Today I have a special mini show for you. Whether you're thinking about a career change or on the job hunt right now, this is not an episode you want to miss!

Access the Free Land Your Dream Job Webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsvjC-kfBms

*** Don't forget to pay it forward by sharing it with someone who might also need it!

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

022 | Rejection - How to handle not getting the job you thought was perfect

In today's episode I think you'll find it's a bit of a pep talk, but you will also learn some key things to keep in mind when out there in the wild wild west. AKA, out in the job hunting world!

Truth is, you're not going to get every job you interview for, but that doesn't mean you throw in the towel and give up right then and there. Listen in to today's episode to learn how to keep your head in the game while riding the ups and downs when interviewing.

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

021 | Answering Questions Effectively - What you think you're saying vs what hiring managers hear

So you've had over three different phone screens with three different companies, but yet no invite for the next round. You're frustrated, you don't understand why you're not getting called back!

Reason could very well be because of they way you're answering questions. What you THINK you're saying and what the hiring manager or recruiter is ACTUALLY hearing are sometimes two very different things. In today's episode tune in to find out which phrases to keep out of phone screens and ensure you're branding yourself in the best possible way!

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

020 | Negotiations - Own your worth, and feel CONFIDENT speaking with companies about pay

A topic that comes up time and time again, PAY. When you're going thru interviews with companies this question will come up time and time again, "What salary are you seeking for your next role?" It can seem overwhelming if you haven't had those conversations before. But even if it's your 10th time having a negotiation around what you believe you should be paid verses what the company interviewing you is seeking to pay you.

What you focus on, and give energy to, expands. In today's episode I talk about breaking down the tangible aspects of a salary, and how to verify what you're saying for makes sense for the company, but also allows you to own your worth with confidence!

Marianne Williamson's book mentioned in the beginning of the show: amzn.to/1WluJGs

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

019 | Branding - Career advancement strategies featuring Brandon Maslan

Let’s talk branding! My company hosted Brandon Maslan recently to put on a corporate training session for the woman in our organization. Brandon’s work is amazing! He’s a Member Advisor at AWE (Advancing Women Executives), coaches individuals around branding advancement strategies, and inspires people to take action in creating a career they feel fulfilled to do. When it comes to branding - Brandon and I have a lot in common when it comes to best career practices. Within the first five minutes of him presenting, my head was nodding so much, it might have fallen off.

Brandon’s mission is to support AWE members in developing their own unique professional brand. Tune in for today’s episode where I share with you my top takeaways from Brandon’s presentation on how to professionally brand yourself. I think you’ll find some of the statistic he shared with us shocking!

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Jessica Smith Jessica Smith

018 | Career Highs and Lows - The importance of evaluating your day to day at work

How do you know when it’s time to leave your job? How do you know when you’re truly ready for a career change? Let’s face it, there are going to be highs and lows in every career! Shoot, there are going to be highs in lows in everything we do!

In today’s episode I share an important realization I had recently, and something I’ve been working thru in my recruiting career. It’s a lesson I learned by having Chris, one of the local high school students, work in our office once a week. It was powerful, and impactful for me, so naturally I want to share it with you….listen in for my latest career aha moment!

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