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Navigating the Application Process

Posted on February 2, 2024February 2, 2024 by Avenica

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Navigating the Application Process

Avenica

When it comes to applying for jobs, the process can be overwhelming and tiresome. It can be discouraging and difficult to find the motivation to apply when you feel lost in your search. However, applying for jobs is a crucial step in the hiring process. It not only shows your interest in the position, but it informs the employer of your skills and experience. Knowing how to apply for jobs is a key factor that will help to improve your chances of receiving an invitation to interview. To help you successfully navigate the application process, try these tips:

Be Organized – It is important to be organized when it comes to applying for jobs. It is easy to forget what you have applied for and soon everything starts to blend together. One easy way to avoid this is by having a system to document your progress. Create an excel sheet listing the name of the company, job title, date you applied, or any other information that may be important for you to remember. If you prefer writing things down, use a notebook to help keep track of your progress. There are countless apps and platforms online to help your job tracking, too!
Research – Before applying to a position, make sure you have fully read the job description and taken a look at the company’s website. You want to ensure that the position you are applying for is something that you are not only a fit for, but interested in as well. Be curious -, research and have an interest inat the roles you are looking into!
Be Yourself – The application process is designed for the employer to get to know you better. It is important to be your true, authentic self when applying for jobs. Remember that the employer also wants you to do well and wants to see you for who you are as a person, not just an employee.

Tailor Your Application – Customizing your resume or cover letter for the position you are applying for is a great way to catch the attention of the hiring manager. Use keywords from the job description and desired skills listed. Adjusting the phrasing of these skills and accomplishments can help your application land on top.
Use Multiple Platforms – Explore online job boards, company websites, and professional networking platforms to find suitable job openings. You can also leverage your professional network by informing your friends, family, and colleagues about your job search. In addition, attend networking events or industry-related gatherings.Not only is self-care important, but so is setting boundaries for yourself. Work is only one aspect of your life – don’t let it overtake other parts! To create these boundaries, define what your specific work hours are and stick to those, even confirming your hours with your manager so that you are both in agreement with your expectations. We all know there are times when overtime is needed, but try not to let that become the norm if possible.

Remember to be persistent, patient, and adaptable throughout the job search process. Each application and interview is a learning opportunity that can contribute to your overall success. Good luck!

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If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, browse jobs today! We help entry-level and mid-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals. Find more advice to help you in your job search.

The Dos and Don’ts of Interview Small Talk

Posted on December 20, 2023December 20, 2023 by Avenica

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The Dos and Don’ts of Interview Small Talk

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Small talk is a form of conversation that helps people establish rapport, build relationships, and create a comfortable atmosphere in various social or professional settings. Utilizing small talk in a job interview is a way to establish rapport before diving into the more formal aspects of the interview such as your interest, qualifications, and fit for a position, and allows an employer to see your personality and communication skills.

It’s a skill that can be developed with practice, and the more you engage in it, the more natural it will become. Here are some dos and don’ts for incorporating small talk into a job interview:

DO’S:

1. Do Be Friendly and Approachable: Start with a warm and friendly demeanor to create a positive atmosphere.

2. Do Research: Before the interview, research the company and the interviewer, if possible, to find common ground for small talk.

3. Do Show Genuine Interest: Actively listen to the interviewer and respond with genuine interest in their comments.

4. Do Use Good Body Language: Maintain good eye contact, smile, and use open and relaxed body language to convey attentiveness.

5. Do Keep It Professional: While being friendly, remember you’re in a professional setting. Keep the conversation appropriate and respectful.

6. Do Stay Positive: Keep the conversation upbeat. Avoid complaining or bringing up negative topics.

DON’TS:

1. Don’t Overshare: Avoid sharing overly personal information. Keep the conversation focused on professional and neutral topics.

2. Don’t Interrupt: Let the interviewer finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can be seen as rude.

3. Don’t Get Off Track: While small talk is a way to build rapport, don’t let it derail the interview schedule or focus.

4. Don’t Bring Up Controversial Topics: Avoid discussing sensitive or controversial topics such as politics, religion, or personal problems.

5. Don’t Dominate the Conversation: Remember that small talk should be balanced. Avoid dominating the conversation or monopolizing the interviewer’s time.

6. Don’t Be Negative: Avoid negative comments about previous employers or colleagues, as this can reflect poorly on you.

In essence, small talk during an interview should be a tool to establish rapport and make a positive impression. It’s an opportunity to showcase your social skills and professionalism, so keep it light, positive, and relevant to the professional context.

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The Power of Feedback

Posted on November 29, 2023November 29, 2023 by Avenica

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The Power of Feedback

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Job searching can feel like a full-time job. It involves consistent dedication searching for roles, applying, interviewing, and overcoming rejection. Rejection is something many people encounter throughout their job search, but there’s one thing job seekers can do to help improve their chances of finding that perfect role.

That one thing is asking for feedback! Asking for feedback during or after an interview can be daunting. It can make us feel inadequate or like we performed poorly in the interview. However, the truth is that asking for feedback can help us in multiple ways. Feedback could be related to anything from specific interviewing skills (i.e. how you answered each question) to how you conducted yourself in the interview; it could even be feedback that helps identify your interests for future interviews.

Below are important reasons as to why asking for feedback is critical and how it can aid your job search:

1. It shows your willingness to learn and a growth mindset.

This is an important skill for a potential new employee to have as it shows that you are seeking to improve. It also demonstrates your ability to accept constructive criticism, another important trait employers seek in potential employees.

2. It demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement.

By receiving feedback from a professional you can identify areas where you struggle in interviews. This will allow you to work on specific areas for development, thus helping you might be considered for a similar one or one you might be better suited for in the future.

3. It creates potential new opportunities.

When you ask for feedback, you are making a positive impression on the interviewer. This can be beneficial; if you are not considered for the applied role, you might be considered for a similar one or one you might be better suited for in the future.

4. It clarifies ability and position in the process for the role.

Asking for feedback lets you see where you stand in the process. It also helps you understand the reasons for potentially not being considered. This could have been something like the role not aligning with your desired hours or something on the employer’s side. All this helps you feel better by having a conclusive answer as to why you may or may not have been selected for the role.

5. It helps reveal your interests.

When people apply for jobs, they apply to anything and everything that they could be capable of doing based on their skills and experience. However, just because you can do it doesn’t mean you want to do it. Job searching consumes your focus and limits your ability to think about what is right for you. Asking for feedback in an interview can allow the interviewer to point out the roles you may be better suited for based on interests you may have overlooked.

6. It establishes rapport and a relationship with the interviewer.

Job searching is difficult to do alone. By asking for feedback, you establish more rapport with the interviewer and could even build a professional relationship with them. This, in turn, gives you access to their network, which could lead to the opportunity you have been looking for. Utilizing connections and networks can go a long way and could lead you to find your perfect role.

All in all, asking for feedback may be intimidating, but it is something that can help you immensely in your job search and in your professional journey! It not only helps you improve your skills but also assists you in learning more about yourself than you would have without seeking feedback!

Managing Job Stress: Tips for Self Care and Staying Motivated

Posted on November 1, 2023November 1, 2023 by Avenica

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Managing Job Stress: Tips for Self Care and Staying Motivated

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At some point in our career, most of us feel the stress of our job. Maybe it’s from a fast-approaching project deadline, a manager who sets unattainable expectations, or simply just too much on your plate.

Job stress can take many forms. Some of us may feel exhausted after the workday – even after 3 cups of coffee. Others may feel anxious, have constant thoughts of work outside of office hours, or even lose sleep over this stress. While these job stressors can impact our overall well-being, the good news is that there are many ways to overcome the mental and physical tolls that job stress can bring.

Self-care is a great way to combat the work woes. Because it allows you to put yourself and your needs above pressures and stresses, self-care is a key to preventing burnout. Here are some examples of what self-care could look like for you:

Treat yourself to Starbucks or your favorite local coffee shop on the way to work.
Take a 5-minute stretch break away from your desk.
Keep water and healthy snacks nearby to maintain energy levels throughout your day.
Practice deep breathing exercises before a stressful call or task.
Build relationships with your colleagues and talk about some non-work-related topics to build positive relationships in the workspace, even invite someone to grab lunch with you!
Take a walk on your break and get some fresh air.

Not only is self-care important, but so is setting boundaries for yourself. Work is only one aspect of your life – don’t let it overtake other parts! To create these boundaries, define what your specific work hours are and stick to those, even confirming your hours with your manager so that you are both in agreement with your expectations. We all know there are times when overtime is needed, but try not to let that become the norm if possible.

To get your work done in those given hours, prioritize your tasks. This could be done with a pen and paper or by utilizing software like Microsoft OneNote if you prefer it to be digital. Prioritizing tasks is helpful but so is setting up a work regimen. Develop a routine that helps you know what to expect each day. If you set aside the same time for certain tasks or meetings each day, then your brain will know what to expect. We are creatures of habit, so find a routine that works for you and your role.

Navigating the demands of a job while maintaining well-being can be a challenge, though not impossible! Prioritizing self-care, establishing clear boundaries, and implementing effective strategies can be helpful in your journey to minimizing job stress. These tips can help find your way to a fulfilling career without invading your personal life.

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Professional Communication Tips

Posted on July 27, 2023August 2, 2023 by Avenica

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Professional Communication Tips

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At Avenica, we are passionate about our candidates’ professional development. A key part of professional development is your communication within the professional world. When starting a new role, communication begins with your application materials (resume and cover letter). It then progresses into your interview and follow-up communication. It doesn’t end when you land the job though; your professional communication style will stay with you throughout your entire career! We are going to share some tips, from our hiring experts, to make a positive impact on your career communication.

First things first, your tone. There is a time and place for casual loose conversations—writing an email to a hiring manager is not one of them. You are representing yourself and your professional abilities when communicating with hiring managers, which requires a level of professionalism that might not be standard in your day-to-day life. You might typically say “LOL” when forwarding an email to your friend, but this is definitely not something to send over to your potential boss! That being said, injecting your own unique personality can help you establish a genuine connection with your audience. Remember, being professional doesn’t mean being robotic or devoid of personality. It means presenting yourself in a respectful manner while still allowing your individuality to shine through.

Next to consider within your professional communication style, is your salutation and closing. It’s crucial to make a strong and concise first impression, and this is a great way to do so. In the salutation, begin with a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name].” It’s important to be respectful, polite, and avoid using overly casual language when communicating with a potential professional connection. In the conclusion of the email, express gratitude, offer follow-up if necessary, and provide appropriate contact information. Use a closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name, title, and any relevant details. By maintaining a professional tone throughout the email and ensuring a thoughtful introduction and conclusion, you show your ability to communicate effectively and leave a positive professional impression on your recipients. By doing this, you’re demonstrating your capabilities to communicate well if you land the role.

In addition to emails, there is email’s trendy hip sister: texting. Texting allows for a more relaxed and informal communication style, but it’s important to remember that the context still calls for a level of professionalism. Keep your language clear, concise, and respectful, using proper grammar and punctuation to convey your message effectively. While you can incorporate a touch of informality, such as using contractions or emojis sparingly, it’s crucial to remain mindful of the appropriateness of the conversation and ensure that your tone aligns with the level of formality expected in your professional relationship. Ultimately, if it’s not a text you’d feel good about your future boss reading, you probably shouldn’t be hitting that send button.

To wrap up our professional communication tips, let’s dive into communication accountability. Communication accountability is crucial in the professional world, as it reflects one’s reliability and respect for others’ time. When it comes to accepting email invites, it’s essential to respond promptly, acknowledging the invitation and confirming your attendance or explaining that you cannot attend. If you cannot attend, respond clearly whether you would like to reschedule or not. This not only shows your professionalism but also helps the organizer make necessary arrangements. Additionally, sending a thank-you message after your interview demonstrates appreciation and is a great way to show your interest in the role. Keep your message specific and sincere, highlighting that you are grateful for their time and your continued interest in the role.

By being proactive, respectful, and considerate in your communication, you demonstrate accountability. In addition, you’ll foster positive professional relationships which are built on trust and reliability. These are traits that hiring managers are looking for in potential candidates!

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Breaking Down Core Values

Posted on July 5, 2022July 7, 2022 by Avenica

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Breaking Down Core Values

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What is a core value?

Core values represent a company’s deeply held beliefs. At Avenica, we say our core values are what drive our actions whether people are watching or not. They are impossible to fake and “core” to how individuals show up every day. If done correctly, core values can be the connecting force of teammates within a company.

Who comes up with core values? What does that process look like?

At Avenica, we implemented EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System®), to get better at defining our vision, to build a strong team, and instill clear focus and accountability. Understanding, communicating, and operating with core values is paramount to being a successful EOS company. Our EOS Implementor led us through an exercise that included listing out the qualities of strong performers and valued individuals within the organization. We narrowed in on commonalities to arrive at our list of core values. We revisit our core values quarterly to see if those values and our definition of those values still apply as the company matures.

How do core values play out in a company at a high level? What about day-to-day?

Core values should be at the heart of how a company operates day in and day out. They should be called out in meetings, listed as teammates are recognized for contributions, referenced when key decisions are being made, and “core” to the hiring, evaluating, and firing processes within a company.

Why do they matter when I am looking for a job?

Finding an authentic fit is important for an individual to be able to show up as their true self every day. We are paid to go to work for a reason. Work requires effort. Trying to be someone you’re not (but a company expects you to be) will require a great deal of time and energy. For many people, that takes more time and energy than simply doing their day job. A core values match allows an individual to focus on the work itself and drive results, instead of spending time and energy on “trying to fit in”.

How can I find a company that fits me?

When interviewing, ask questions about a company’s core values. Seek to understand what the values mean and if they speak to who you are and an environment you think will bring out the best in you. Also try to gauge how important the core values are within an organization. It’s telling if the interviewer needs to look up what the core values are, or if they speak freely about them. Ask the interviewer questions such as:

How are your core values demonstrated in day-to-day operations?
How are you evaluating me on whether I’m a core values fit?
How are your core values celebrated?
What happens when someone is deemed to not be a core values fit?

Career & Job Search Advice

Benefits Basics

Job Seekers

Hiring Managers

Information

Navigating the Application Process

The Dos and Don’ts of Interview Small Talk

The Power of Feedback

Managing Job Stress: Tips for Self Care and Staying Motivated

Professional Communication Tips

Breaking Down Core Values

What is a core value?

Who comes up with core values? What does that process look like?

How do core values play out in a company at a high level? What about day-to-day?

Why do they matter when I am looking for a job?

How can I find a company that fits me?

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3. Include AAPI in DE&I

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Is remote work right for you?

Refresh your resume and online profiles

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How To Find Entry-Level Remote Jobs

Is remote work right for you?

Refresh your resume and online profiles

Search for entry-level remote jobs

How To Find Entry-Level Remote Jobs

Is remote work right for you?

Refresh your resume and online profiles

Search for entry-level remote jobs

Job Seekers

Hiring Managers

Information