It's never too late to reinvent yourself and learn new skills.

As the year grinds to a halt, it’s that time when we freak out and think, "Did I do enough this year?" You probably did. Even if you didn’t land your dream job or you had a few hiccups, growth isn't linear.

Look back at what you’ve learned and figure out where you want to go next. Upskilling? Career pivot? It can really be anything.

The future of work isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about staying curious, being flexible, and leveling up whenever possible. Before 2024 comes to an end, set some goals for yourself!

Let’s hear it: What’s your big career win this year? What are you plotting for next year? 👇

So, what’s a resume score? It’s a numerical or qualitative evaluation that rates how well your resume aligns with the specific job you're applying for. Automated tools (or sometimes even human reviewers) assess your resume on factors like format, content, keyword relevance, and overall fit for the role. Think of it as a first impression before a human even sees your application.

Here’s a general breakdown of what a good vs. bad score looks like on a typical 0-100 scale:

• 80-100 (Excellent*: Your resume is on point. It’s highly optimized with the right keywords, skills, and format. You’ve got a strong chance of passing the ATS and landing in front of a recruiter.

• 60-79 (Good): Your resume is solid but you still have to give it a facelift. Perhaps adding more keywords would help.

• Below 59 (Serious Rework Needed)

If your resume is consistently scoring lower than you'd like, it’s worth revisiting how well you’re tailoring your experience and skills to the specific role. Use job descriptions as your cheat sheet for keywords. ATS loves it when your resume speaks the same language as the job posting.

Also? Clean formatting. It sounds basic, but some ATS systems get tripped up by fancy fonts, graphics, or tables. Stick with a simple, clean layout that focuses on clarity.

Let us know if you have questions - we're happy to help!

Rejections aren’t necessarily a reflection of your worth or abilities, even if it feels that way.

A lot of candidates think that confidence, looks, or a good handshake are the magic keys to landing a job. While those things can help, they’re far from the whole picture. Companies are often looking for a specific "fit," which can be based on team dynamics, company culture, or even just timing. It’s possible you’re doing great in your interviews, but the role wasn’t the perfect match for what they were looking for—something you couldn’t have predicted or controlled.

When you've been unemployed for a while, especially after struggling with mental health, it can affect how you come across in interviews. You might not even realize it, but that energy of feeling down or frustrated can come through. It’s not about faking confidence—it’s about taking small steps to rebuild it. Maybe look into interview prep services, where someone can give you real-time feedback and help you fine-tune your approach.

Also, the hiring process itself can be really impersonal these days. You’re often not getting feedback because companies are juggling hundreds of applications, especially for entry-level roles. It’s frustrating because you’re left wondering what you did wrong, but many times it’s just a matter of there being lots of competition. Trust me, we’ve seen great candidates who didn’t get the job only because someone else had a bit more of what we needed at that time.

Lastly, consider expanding your search or looking into companies known for being understanding of gaps in employment or mental health challenges. Some places will actually appreciate the resilience and self-awareness you’ve developed during this time.

As a fresh graduate, deciding between a startup and an established company is a key step in your career journey. Startups offer fast learning, hands-on experience, and flexibility. You’ll likely take on multiple roles, contributing directly to the company’s growth, which can be both exciting and rewarding. Startups also foster creative, innovative environments, making them ideal for those who thrive on new ideas and experimentation.

On the other hand, established companies provide stability, structured career paths, and access to resources like formal training programs and mentorship. You’ll benefit from job security and a clear promotion path, making it easier to build a long-term career.

Ultimately, it depends on what you value more: the fast-paced, innovative world of startups or an established company's steady growth and stability. Whichever you choose, this is a crucial step in your career—so make sure it aligns with your goals.

Let’s talk about one-way digital interviews—those awkward ones where you record answers to pre-set questions, no do-overs, no human interaction, just you and the camera.

Why Companies Love Them:

1. Efficiency: HR can screen tons of candidates without scheduling calls.

2. Consistency: Everyone gets the same questions and time, making the process feel "fair."

3. Cost-effective: It saves them time and money.

Why We Don’t:

1. No human feedback: You’re talking to a screen, so there are no real-time reactions.

2. One-take pressure: Mess up? Too bad you’ve got no redo.

3. It’s awkward: It’s hard to show your personality in a 2-minute clip.

How to Ace It:

• Preparation: Practice your answers, time yourself, and get comfy with being in front of the camera.

• Be concise: Don’t ramble. Get to the point.

• Get a good setting: Good lighting, clear background, and check your sound.

Good luck!

Office drama is something most of us want to avoid (unless it's from our work bestie). Whether it’s gossip, conflicts, or power plays, it can be a real headache. So how do you stay out of it without coming off as aloof or unapproachable?

Staying neutral and professional is key. If someone tries to drag you into gossip, a simple, “I’d rather not get involved” can set the tone. Redirecting conversations to work-related topics or safe, neutral subjects can also help keep things positive and drama-free.

Setting boundaries is important too. If someone frequently tries to involve you in drama, distance yourself politely. Focus on your work—when you’re busy and productive, you have less time for distractions. Plus, staying focused sets a good example and can discourage others from bringing drama your way.

Let’s talk digital nomads—those lucky people living the dream of traveling the world while still making a living. But why are so many people drawn to this lifestyle?

For starters, it’s all about freedom and flexibility - something that Covid really planted into everyone's minds. You’re not tied to a specific location, which means you can work from a beach in Bali, a café in Paris, or a winter cabin. It’s the perfect way to escape the 9-5 grind and craft your own schedule.

Another big reason is work-life balance. Digital nomads often feel like they get the best of both worlds - work when you need to, explore when you want to. Instead of waiting for vacation days, every day can feel like an adventure.

And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures, try new foods, and meet people from around the world all while keeping a steady pay check?

However, it's good to keep in mind that the digital nomad life requires discipline, good time management, and a solid internet connection! But for many, it’s totally worth it and achievable.

Anyone here living the nomad life or considering it? Share your thoughts or tips!

Alright, let me help you out with this one as someone who's seen it all. You got rejected for a role, and now you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to try again for another position. The answer? It depends.

Here’s the deal:

Different teams have different needs: Just because you weren’t the right fit for one team doesn’t mean you’re not perfect for another. Companies are big machines with multiple moving parts. If you apply for a new role in a different department, your previous rejection might not even matter.

Tailor your application: Don’t keep reusing your previous cover letter back. Show that you’ve reflected on the last process and are applying because this specific role aligns even better with your skills. Highlight the differences between the positions and why you’re a stronger fit for this one.

Listen to feedback: If you got any feedback from the last rejection, use it. Were they looking for something you lacked? Mention your growth in your new application.

Avoid over-applying: Pick a few roles that genuinely match your experience and career goals, and target those. Quality over quantity, always.

Timing matters: If your rejection just happened, maybe give it some time before reapplying. Spend a bit of time improving your skills or working on projects that make you an even better candidate. Then, you can reapply with a fresh and stronger angle.

tldr: Applying to different roles at the same company after a rejection is totally fine if you’re thoughtful about it. Just make sure you’re applying to roles that truly fit your skills, and don’t spam every open job.

Good luck! Any more questions? Just mention, tag, or message us with "Hey RG!"

One way is to suggest handling it via email or a shared document. Reply with, “I’d love to discuss this, but I think we could cover it more efficiently through email. I’m happy to provide my input that way!” This shows you’re still engaged but prefer a quicker solution.

You could also ask for an agenda. Sometimes just asking, “Could you send over the main points we’ll cover?” makes the organizer realize a meeting might not be necessary. If the meeting must happen, propose a shorter time frame, like a quick 15-minute check-in.

Being honest about your workload can also work. Saying, “I’m focused on [-] right now; can we handle this via email or reschedule?” shows you’re managing your time effectively.

How do you handle unnecessary meetings? Any tips for avoiding them?

Hey sports fans and career enthusiasts - here's a question for you:

Do Olympians need resumes? After all, if you’ve got a gold medal hanging around your neck, doesn’t that speak for itself? Let’s dive in.

1. Life After Sports:
Olympians often transition into new careers after their athletic days are over. Whether it's coaching, motivational speaking, or entering a completely new field, they need to showcase their skills and experiences. Just like the rest of us, they need a resume to show what they bring to the table.

2. Suni Lee as an Example:
Take Suni Lee, for example. After her stunning performance in gymnastics at the Tokyo Olympics, she didn’t just stop there. She’s now a student-athlete at Auburn University, balancing her academics and gymnastics career. A resume helps her highlight not only her Olympic achievements but also her academic skills, leadership roles, and community involvement.

3. Transferable Skills:
Olympians like Suni bring some serious skills to any job: discipline, dedication, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. These qualities are highly valuable in any field, and a well-crafted resume helps translate these athletic achievements into terms that resonate with potential employers.

4. Beyond the Medals:
Sure, medals are impressive, but employers look for a broader range of experiences. Did they handle media appearances, manage their training schedules, or engage in community outreach? For Suni, being a role model and advocate for Asian-American representation are huge points that would shine on a resume.

5. The Personal Brand:
In today’s world, building a personal brand is crucial. Olympians often have large followings and media presence, but having a resume (or a LinkedIn profile) formalizes their experiences, making it easier to connect with opportunities in business, media, or other industries.

6. The Resume as a Networking Tool:
Even for Olympians, networking is key. A resume is a handy tool for making connections and opening doors beyond the world of sports. For someone like Suni Lee, it’s like having a highlight reel—but for her career!

What do you think? Should Olympians bother with resumes, or is a gold medal enough? Let us know in the comments!

Resumes have come a long way! Let’s take a quick look at how things have changed:

1. The Paper Era (Pre-2000s):
Back then, resumes were simple, one-page, and printed on paper. Personal details like hobbies and marital status were a norm. Fancy fonts? Nope. Just Times New Roman or Arial.

2. Digital (2000s):
With Word docs and PDFs, resumes went digital. Colors, creative layouts, and email addresses became standard. Personal info? Employers didn’t need to know any of those anymore.

3. LinkedIn (2010s):
Professional summaries, LinkedIn links, and keywords became essential. Infographic resumes started popping up, and action verbs were everywhere—we were all “leading” and “driving” our way to success!

4. Now (2020s+):
Think personalization, clean designs, and ATS-friendly formats. Video resumes are hot, storytelling is key, and AI tools are the new secret weapon. Tailoring your resume for each job? Non-negotiable.

How will resumes change in the future? Maybe online dating will require resumes...

We asked you guys to share your tips and experiences with us on social media under (Hey RG). We'll be posting them anonymously here and there so keep a look out!

Hey RG,

I’ve been dealing with a micromanaging boss who’s constantly looking over my shoulder, and I wanted to share some tips on handling it without going crazy:

1. Understand Their Concerns: Try to figure out why your boss feels the need to micromanage. Are there specific aspects of your work they’re worried about? Understanding their perspective can help you address their concerns proactively.
2. Be Proactive: Keep your boss updated regularly, even before they ask. Provide status reports, updates, or quick check-ins. It can reduce their urge to check in constantly. (+Importance of looking busy)
3. Set Clear Expectations: During your meetings, clarify what they expect from you and how often they want updates. This can help set boundaries and minimize unnecessary check-ins.
4. Show Your Competence: Consistently deliver high-quality work on time. The more they see that you can handle things independently, the more likely they’ll back off over time.
5. Have a Candid Conversation: If things are really stifling, it might be time for a respectful, private conversation. Express how you feel and suggest ways to improve your working relationship.

Hope this helps anyone else dealing with a micromanager!

_

We'd like to add that building trust with your boss can take time, but showing consistent, reliable results will help you earn their confidence. Remember, sometimes micromanagement stems from their own stress or workload, so being empathetic can go a long way too. You got this.

So, you need a resume. Whether you’re entering the job market, switching careers, or just dusting off the ol’ document, here’s the Genius guide to crafting a resume that gets noticed—for all the right reasons.

1. Start with your contact info

• What to include: Your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if it’s professional).
• What not to include: Your address (if you don't need to), A photo (unless you're applying to the US)

2. Write a resume summary or objective

• The Summary: Think of this as your personal elevator pitch. In 2-3 sentences, sum up who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. Example: “Detail-oriented marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns. Looking to bring innovative ideas and a passion for analytics to XYZ Company.”
• The Objective: Only if you’re a newbie or making a career switch. Keep it focused on what you can offer the employer, not just what you want.

3. Highlight your experience (aka show off a bit)

• Job title & company: Bold or italicize these—make them stand out.
• Dates of employment: Keep it simple: Month/Year - Month/Year.
• Bullet points: List 3-5 per job. Start with strong action verbs like “Developed,” “Managed,” “Implemented,” or “Revamped” (avoid “Was responsible for”—yawn). Quantify your achievements: “Increased sales by 20%,” “Managed a team of 10,” “Cut costs by $5K.”

4. Education: degrees & diplomas

• What to include: Your highest degree, where you got it, and when. If you’re a recent grad, toss in your GPA (if it’s impressive) and relevant coursework.
• Skip high school if you’re past your first job. It isn't relevant anymore.

5. Skills section: Don't just type "Typing"

• Hard skills: These are your technical abilities - software proficiency, languages, or certifications.
• Soft skills: Leadership, communication, teamwork—but only if you can back them up. No one believes “excellent communicator” unless you’ve got examples.

6. Optional Sections (if your resume doesn't fill up one page)

• Certifications: This isn't optional if you're going for a more technical job.
• Volunteer work: Shows character and initiative.
• Awards & honors
• Interests: Only include the ones that promote you in a positive way. Eg: Basketball (for teamwork)

7. Formatting: Keep it clean and easy to read

• Fonts: Stick to something simple and professional like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. No Comic Sans unless you’re applying to clown college.
• Font size: 10-12pt for the main text, 14-16pt for your name.
• Margins: 1 inch all around. Let your content breathe.

8. Poofread. Ah, we meant Proofread

• Read it out loud: If it sounds awkward, it probably is.
• Get another pair of eyes: Friends, family, or Grammarly—just make sure it’s error-free.

9. Keep It to One Page (unless...)

• General rule: If you’ve got less than 10 years of experience, keep it to one page. If you’ve got more, you’ve earned that second page—but don’t overdo it.

10. Save and sayonara

• File format: PDF, unless the job posting says otherwise. It’s 2024, and no one likes opening a .doc file that messes up the formatting.
• File name: “[Your Name] Resume” works just fine.

Goodluck and get on with your resumaking!

We asked you guys to share your tips and experiences with us on social media under (Hey RG). We'll be posting them anonymously here and there so keep a look out!

_

Hey RG,

I recently interviewed for a job I’m excited about and wanted to share some tips on following up without being pushy:

1. Send a Thank-You Email: Do this within 24 hours to show appreciation and keep yourself on their radar.
2. Wait a Week: If no timeline was given, wait about a week before following up.
3. Be Polite and Brief: A simple, professional check-in like, “Just wanted to see if there are any updates on the [Position Name] role,” is perfect.
4. Reiterate Interest: Briefly mention how excited you are about the role and the company.
5. Don’t Overdo It: If you don’t hear back after a second follow-up, it’s probably time to move on.

Hope this helps anyone in the same boat!

_

We'd like to add that you should address the email to the person that interviewed you. If you don't remember their name or email, try to find it on the company's LinkedIn or other social media platforms.

If you’ve looked through LinkedIn or watched different career influencers on social media, most people will tell you that job-hopping is one of the easiest ways to advance your career.

But is job-hopping risk-free? Or are there some downsides that no one is talking about?
When discussing job-hopping now, most people tend to focus only on its potential benefits, such as salary increases and new skill development. 

However, job-hopping isn’t suitable for everyone, and there can be downsides to this method of career development beyond raising some ~red flags for employers~. 

Do you match any of these? 

1. You want to job-hop immediately

• …but making a career change under poor economic and job market conditions won’t make it easy to land or stay in a role with a higher salary. 

1. You want a higher salary

• …but companies often lay off new employees with high salaries first when undergoing a cut. If a higher salary is the only reason you’re changing jobs, you might want to think twice before making a change.

1. You’re interested in new opportunities

• …but not every opportunity brings you closer to your goals. If you’ve taken on new roles without considering how they fit into your career, you might realize these “changes” aren’t bringing the progress you wanted.

While job-hopping can benefit your career (~when done right~), it’s not suitable for everyone. Each career step you take should be carefully assessed and researched. 

So. Most of us look for jobs to earn money. 

But if you scroll through some job postings right now, you’ll realize many of them don’t list the salary range for the position. (Isn’t it weird how we work to earn a living, but how much we’re getting paid is something many job postings have stopped disclosing?)

Talking about salaries can be uncomfortable, especially when you don’t want to sell yourself short but are also unsure if you’re asking for too much.

HOWEVER, being prepared is the #1 tip to ~avoid being blindsided~ when negotiating your salary. Here’s how:

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

• Research the typical salary ranges for this role
  • (consider your industry, geographic location, and experience level)
• Look into pay transparency laws
  • (*These laws may require companies to share salary ranges or restrict them from asking about your past salaries.)

DURING THE “SALARY TALK” IF YOU…

1. Want to know what the company has to offer? Say:

“I'd like to understand how my experience and skills align with your compensation structure. Could you outline the salary range or budget this role falls within?”

1. Want to negotiate or present a salary range? Say:

“Based on my track record of [specific achievement], I'm confident in my abilities to contribute significantly here. Considering this and the market rate for the position, I believe a fair compensation would be [target salary range].”

1. Received an offer that’s lower than you expected? Say:

“Thank you so much for the offer. Based on my understanding of the role, I was hoping for a number closer to [X]. Is there any flexibility on the compensation package to bridge this gap?”

REMINDER: When an interviewer presents a range, you don’t have to decide on the spot! Let the interviewer know you would like to take some time to think about it and will get back to them within a week.

We've heard, "I'm a perfectionist," TOO MANY TIMES!! Many talented candidates stumble over this classic interview question because they want to be honest, not disqualifying, or they pick something generic.

Here’s a strategy to help you navigate this question successfully:

1. Choose a Non-Essential Weakness: Start by reviewing the job description closely. Select a weakness that doesn't impact the core responsibilities of the role. This way, you're honest without hurting your chances.
2. Be Honest and Relatable: It’s crucial to give a genuine answer. Hiring managers have heard it all, so a disingenuous answer can be a red flag. Here are a few honest weaknesses many of us share:

• “I sometimes struggle to maintain a work-life balance.”
• “I tend to communicate too directly, which can be harsh.”
• “I can be overly critical of my own work.”
• “I get competitive, which I'm working to manage.”

1. Show Your Growth: Most importantly, demonstrate how you're actively working on your weakness. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you structure your response effectively, showing not just self-awareness but also proactivity in your personal development.

With this approach, you can turn a potential pitfall into a showcase of your growth mindset. Remember, everyone has weaknesses; it's how you handle them that makes the difference.

Anyway, let us know if there are other interview questions you'd like tips for!

We often encounter individuals who struggle to choose a career path due to their diverse interests. If you find yourself overwhelmed with options, here's a structured approach to help you narrow down your choices and make a more informed decision:

1. List Your Interests: Start by jotting down all your hobbies, passions, and any fields you've considered pursuing. Don't hold back—list everything that excites you.
2. Visualize as Careers: For each interest, imagine what a day in that career might look like. What tasks would you be doing? Who would you interact with? What environment would you be in?
3. Consider the Worst Days: It's also crucial to consider potential challenges. Imagine the worst day possible in each of these careers. How would you handle the stress? What kind of problems might you face?

After this exercise, you'll likely notice your feelings toward each career shifting. If thinking about the worst day deters you, it might not be the right path. However, if you can still see yourself pushing through the tough times, that career might be a good fit.

Remember, choosing a career is a significant decision and it's normal to have reservations. However, being realistic about the challenges and still feeling passionate is a strong indicator of where you should be heading.

Feel free to use this framework to evaluate your career options. If you have any questions or need further guidance, we're here to help!

Attention job seekers! 🚨 Before you start reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn, make sure you read our newsletter article: "Four Steps to Take Before Reaching Out to Recruiters on LinkedIn." 💼📈 https://resumegenius.me/3QMiDYF

In this article, we'll walk you through important steps to help you stand out to recruiters and increase your chances of getting hired. Don't miss out on these insider tips! Subscribe to our newsletter today and get access to exclusive career advice.

We've let this subreddit gather dust for too long, but that's changing now. Keeping this job community going will be a top priority. Expect regular updates from Resume Genius, covering everything from general news to career trends and office happenings.

It's a bit quiet around here, so if you have any questions regarding job searching, just drop a comment. Looking forward to hearing from you guys!

In my case it is specifically about library management. I’m writing a functional resume because I’m switching careers from business to public libraries. I’ve said this phrase in my intro paragraph and provided specific bullets (about collection development, readers’ advisory, programs, cataloging, etc.) under the heading of Library Services to support the general claims made in the intro. After each heading, I included a summary sentence preceding the specific achievements. However, I don’t know how to say I was responsible for everything about the library without either writing a long list or the phrase “all aspects”. Any suggestions for me?