Ep 452: Land Your Dream Job in 2025 with “Advice With Erin”
HerMoney with Jean Chatzky
Deep Dive
Why has pay transparency become more important in job interviews since 2020?
Pay transparency has become crucial due to varying wage trends across industries. Some industries have seen significant wage increases, while others have remained stagnant. Laws now require job descriptions to include salary ranges, making it essential to align on salary early in the interview process.
What is the best way to bring up salary during a job interview?
The best approach is to ask for the salary range early in the interview process. You can say, 'I noticed there wasn’t a salary range listed in the job description. I just want to make sure we’re aligned moving forward. Do you know the salary range for this position?'
Why should you avoid using creative designs on your resume?
Resumes are often scanned by computers using applicant tracking systems (ATS), which prefer simple, straightforward designs. Bright colors, photos, and complex formatting can confuse these systems, reducing your chances of being noticed by recruiters.
What type of resume is recommended for midlife career changes or career breaks?
A functional resume is recommended for midlife career changes or career breaks. This type of resume focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than chronological work history, making it easier to highlight relevant abilities and downplay gaps in employment.
How can AI tools like ChatGPT be used effectively in job applications?
AI tools like ChatGPT can be used to draft cover letters and add keywords to resumes quickly. However, it’s important to edit the outputs to ensure authenticity and relevance to the specific job you’re applying for.
Why is networking more effective than simply applying to jobs online?
Networking provides a direct connection to hiring managers or recruiters, which is far more effective than submitting generic applications online. Internal referrals or recommendations carry much more weight than any resume or cover letter.
What is a 'ghost job' and how can you identify one?
A ghost job is a fraudulent job posting that companies post without any intention of filling. Red flags include vague job descriptions, a high number of applicants, or postings that have been up for more than 30 or 60 days.
How should you respond to the question about your greatest weakness in an interview?
Choose a genuine weakness and focus 90% of your answer on how you’re actively working to improve it. For example, 'I’ve been working on improving my active listening skills by practicing mindfulness techniques during meetings.'
What is the best way to follow up after a job interview?
Send a follow-up email within 12 to 48 hours, expressing enthusiasm for the role and reiterating why you’re a great fit. Mention specific points from the interview and ask about the next steps in the process.
Why is leading with skills important for older job seekers?
Leading with skills is crucial for older job seekers because recruiters are increasingly prioritizing what you can do over where you’ve worked or your education. This approach helps combat ageism by focusing on tangible, quantifiable abilities.
Shownotes Transcript