Popular Why White-Collar Workers Are Struggling To Find Jobs In 2024 J.T. O'DonnellJune 24, 2024 Bigstock

If you're looking for a white-collar job in this competitive job market, specifically if you're in your 30s or 40s and wondering why it's suddenly so hard to get a job, I want to walk you through the evolution of job search and the dramatic change that is happening. As a job seeker, if you understand this, you will get in front of recruiters and hiring managers faster and beat out your competition.

Back before there were any online applications, you applied for an office job by walking in and giving the company your resume. Then, that eventually wasn't enough to differentiate you from the competition, so along came the cover letter. Fast forward a handful of years and companies didn't like job candidates stopping in anymore to submit their applications, so job boards became the primary way to find a job. Then, LinkedIn came on the scene.

LinkedIn is more than an online application; it's a place for recruiters to proactively look for job candidates. Instead of soliciting applications or waiting for resumes to come in, they now have this tool where they can put in a few keywords of skill sets they're looking for in a certain location, hit search, and find profiles that are a match. So, everyone today knows you need a resume, a cover letter, and a LinkedIn profile for a successful job search. But now, there's a new thing you need as well.

You Need An Optimized LinkedIn Profile & Strong LinkedIn Feed To Stand Out

LinkedIn has become a social media platform. The new algorithm puts way more emphasis on what you're putting in your LinkedIn feed, not your profile. So, if you want to be found by recruiters and hiring managers, you need to have a LinkedIn posting strategy. LinkedIn is a social media platform for individuals like you to share your knowledge and expertise so that you can be found.

The new algorithm is the reason why the people who used to get contacted all the time on LinkedIn are not getting contacted anymore. It's simply because they don't have the right strategy. The algorithm is based on frequency and relevancy, so you have to strategize on what you're putting in your LinkedIn feed so that you get found by recruiters and hiring managers so that they will go to your LinkedIn profile.

Most people aren't doing this, so the moment you start to change your strategy on your LinkedIn feed, you'll dramatically improve your chances of getting found by recruiters. It's all about the impact evidence—showing employers that you have the skills and expertise to do the job. With an optimized LinkedIn profile and strong LinkedIn feed, you'll stand out as a great candidate for the most desirable white-collar jobs.

Good luck, my friends. Go get 'em!

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job search Partner Boost 11 Ways To Enjoy Summer When You’re Working A Full-Time Job Ariella CoombsJenna ArcandJune 13, 2024 Bigstock

There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.

When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.

1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs

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Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.

2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car​

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Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.

3. Plan An Office Outing

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Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!

4. Organize Group Walks

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Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

5. Eat Lunch At The Park

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When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.

6. Organize Office Sports

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Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.

7. Join A Professional Group

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During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.

8. Have An Office BBQ

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Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.

9. Wake Up Early

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Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!

10. Strategically Use Your Time Off

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Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.

11. Bike To Work

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If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!

There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!

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Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

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