Is My Age Affecting My Job Search

Is My Age Affecting My Job SearchQ Im 55, and I think my age is affecting my job search. Is it keeping me from getting an interview?A As a former HR manager who has screened, recruited, and interviewed thousands of candidates for positions at all levels across multiple industries, I never once viewed someone who was 55 or any other age in a discriminating manner. I cannot speak for every person who ever hired someoneor whether they do or do not discriminate. I am sure that out there somewhere there are those who do. What I can tell you is, that when someone is reviewing your resume as the sole deciding factor for scheduling an interview, he or she should not be able to determine your age.Unless you date yourself, that is. You shouldnt go back more than 10-15 years on your resume or LinkedIn profile. If youre only showing your last 15 years of employment on your resume, no one is going to be able to determine your age by that. Additionally, they would call to schedule an interviewand rarely can you ever tell a persons true age by a telephone conversation. Sure, you might be able to differentiate between a child, adult, and senior citizen but to be able to say This person sounds 30 or that person sounds 40? I dont see that happening.Chances are your age is not affecting your ability to get an interview since the means by which a hiring manager determines whether to interview a candidate or not are usually wrapped up in a resume, cover letter and/or prescreened telephone call.Yes, I realize there are instances when you submit an application verbunden and it requests your birth date but very rarelyif everhave I seen this while scanning a candidates application. Nor would I use it as a means for determining whether to interview a candidate.So whether youre 45, 55, or 65, chances are your age is not affecting whether you get the interview. Once youre in the interview, however, whether true age discrimination comes into play or not will depend on the person(s) interv iewing you. My two cents is, if the person and/or company is that shallow as to reject a candidate based on their age versus evaluating them based on their skills and the valuable benefits they can bring to the organization, then theyre not the kind of company you want to be employed with anywayWouldnt you rather work for an organization that values the wisdom that comes with life experiencesand age? A company that is open-minded enough to want to utilize your wisdom, experience, and expertise? I know that I would.

I Walked Out During the Middle of an Interview Heres Why I Dont Regret It

I Walked Out During the Middle of an Interview Heres Why I Dont Regret It Have you ever felt like walking out of an vorstellungsgesprch? I certainly have my very first job interview, in fact, when my interviewer spent the bulk of our time together verbally harassing me and assuring me that I wasnt cut out for the job. Part of me wishes Id walked out before his comments got creepier.And Im not the only one whos wanted to get up and leave an interview. In fact, one anonymous FGBer shared with the community that she actually did up and go.Today I went to an interview and I did the unthinkable... I walked out... yes, just like that, she writes. (Obviously, I apologized and thanked them for their time.) Anyone that knows me knows this is out of character for me. Im what others would consider a respectable career woman who is always professional. Maybe it was the lack of connection with the interviewer or my disinterest in the job sector. One thing is clear today, I need to be genuinely interested in the job if I go in for an interview.She asks the community motherboard if anyone else out there has ever done the same. And, perhaps shockingly, shes not alone.Many other FGBers are chiming in to congratulate her for standing up for herself and leaving when she realized it wouldnt be worth it.Good for you one FGBer, Jamilla Rages, comments. I havent done this in particular, but I can respect that you stood up for yourself in this situation.Ive never walked out on an interview but, at the same time, Ive been pretty selective with where I have interviewed, writes Lea Fichter. If you realize halfway through that this is not the right place for you, I think it is OK to politely tell the interviewer that, and end the interview. They may get offended or may appreciate your honesty.Ive never done this, but kudos to you for being strong enough to know how to not waste anyones time (including your own), says AliceJohnson.Others are encouraging the move, though insisting that p olitely thanking the interviewer for their time is still necessary.If you made your mind up right then and there that you really werent into this job, then I feel like that was the best move, says O Orellano. Honestly, since you did it politely and professionally it saved both you and the interviewer time, so, no harm no foul right? Good luck on job searchingNo point in wasting anyones time Good for you girl an annonymous FGBer says.Some FGBers are even admitting to walking out of interviews, themselves.Yes, I have Nancie Shuman responds. When the interviewer, who was the CEO of the company, kept telling me how hard the job was, and how challenged the company was financially, and described the position in mora detail as a front office person as opposed to an actual executive assistant post, I had an Ah, ha moment. I looked at him and said, Thank you for your time. Unfortunately, I dont believe this is going to be a fit. Among other consideration, I dont believe that you can afford m e. He stuttered and asked me how much I expected to make. I gave him my last salary and the averages of the three previous to that. The look on his face told the story. I thanked him for his time, got my parking validated and left. Wasnt going to be worth it.I walked out of an interview one time it was very bizarre, an anonymous FGBer shares. Basically I had had a phone interview and we clarified the role, but when I walked in it was a completely different role. I didnt want to waste anyones time - so I just got up and left.I once left an interview crying, Ari Nez, M.S. admits. The manager interviewing me was so nasty and obviously didnt want me or was just interviewing me out of courtesy. I tried to wrap up the interview so I can get the heck out of there before they saw the tears in my eyes. The last thing she yelled at me as I walked out was a sarcastic, thanks for your resumeMoral of the story Many FGBers agree that its indeed OK to save everyone the time and effort by walking o ut of an interview if youre not interested in the job. But maintaining professionalism is important, as you never want to burn bridges.--AnnaMarie Houlis is a feminist, a freelance journalist and an adventure aficionado with an affinity for impulsive solo travel. She spends her days writing about womens empowerment from around the world. You can follow her work on her blog, HerReport.org, and follow her journeys on Instagram her_report,Twitterherreport and Facebook.

What Needs to be Done About Writing a Resume Is Helpful

What Needs to be Done About Writing a Resume Is Helpful Writing a Resume Is Helpful - Is it a Scam? A frequent mistake that numerous applicants make is writing many pages and seeking to enumerate everything. Know the purpose of your resume Some individuals write a resume like the use of the document welches supposed to land work. Everything in your resume ought to be simple to read and simple to comprehend. Up in Arms About Writing a Resume Is Helpful? Your own personal information needs to be listed on top of your resume. You can begin to make a list of all of the responsibilities you had. Tailoring your resume also enables you to receive rid of unnecessary information that may distract the business from the vital things that you want them to concentrate on. Youre a personal services business. There are lots of advantages to a freelance writing career. Resume writers say you should refresh your resume every couple of months even if youre not on the lookout for employment , so that its always an accurate reflection of your abilities and experiences. Okay, so youve resolved to be a freelance writer. Qualified writers are able to help you get the job that you desire. Employing bullet points is a significant method to highlight your experience and qualifications in a simple to read format. Bear in mind there are unique kinds of resumes. Resumes generally are not outdated, but should you havent looked at yours for years, its probable that it requires a refresh. The Fight Against Writing a Resume Is Helpful A career objective is a short bewertung that expresses your professional objective. Showcase your organization analysis accomplishments to ensure it is crystal clear that youre an ideal candidate for the job that youre applying for. The very first step to compiling a thorough collection of your previous accomplishments is to ask yourself some questions regarding your previous career experiences and your career targets. A good resume should a lso revolve around providing your possible employer with information thats pertinent to the job and your career targets. Finding the Best Writing a Resume Is Helpful In truth, its far better leave your reader with a couple questions theyd love to ask you. So as to compose a good resume the very first thing youve got to think about is your audience. When writing a resume, it helps to review resume examples that are linked to your occupation. If you take a close look at all our free resume writing examples, you will see they employ clear, succinct sentences that get right to the point. There are a number of unique tactics to organize the info on your resume, but the excellent old reverse chronological (where your latest experience is listed first) is still your best option. Attempt to know the market of the organization youre asking for work, and identify what type of difficulties they may be going through. You may also execute an internet job search or earn a price of living comparison through its online offerings. A simple online search can result in a huge volume of knowledge about ways to compose a resume, the best way to design a resume, the best way to amaze employers.

ASME Selects Thomas Costabile as Executive Director

ASME Selects Thomas Costabile as Executive Director ASME Selects Thomas Costabile as Executive Director ASME Selects Thomas Costabile as Executive DirectorMay 25, 2018 Thomas Costabile, ASMEs new executive directorASME has named Thomas Costabile as executive director.Costabile, who began in the position on May 18, will work to guide the Societys programs in codes and standards development, membership, conferences, technical publishing, education and professional development, and public policy. Costabile will also be responsible for implementing an organizational strategy focused on the creation of products, services and programs around ASMEs initial five key technologies manufacturing, bioengineering, robotics, clean energy, and pressure technology.Tom is an accomplished executive with a strong track record for delivering results in large, global organizations, said Charla K. Wise, the president of ASME. He arrives at ASME in the midst of exciting organizational changes and growth, and I, along with the entire mainboard of Governors, believe ASME has chosen an experienced leader to help the Society move forward.Costabile worked most recently as a business consultant for Carlan Advisors and also as a partner at 3essential LLC, where he advised boards, senior executives, private equity sponsors and investors. In these roles, he was successful in analyzing businesses and developing strategic initiatives to ensure profitability as well as implementing and monitoring projects to profitability.A trained mechanical engineer who began his career in the nuclear power industry, Costabile also worked at CBS Records, where he played a central role in the development of the firms compact disc manufacturing and distribution operations. Other leadership roles in industry include senior vice president, Operations for SONY, and president, WEA Manufacturing-Warner Music Group.Costabile has served on several not-for-profit boards, including Board Chair of the Montgomery Academy and Board Member Emeriti of the University of Oregon Foundation. He received his B.S.M.E. from Manhattan College and an M.B.A. in finance from Long Island University.

10 Legal Skills That Are Great for Any Job

10 Legal Skills That Are Great for Any Job10 Legal Skills That Are Great for Any JobLegal skills can come in handy in any job. If youre considering a careerchange, and youre concerned that your background as a lawyer has made your skill set too specialized, you will want to think more broadly about what you can actually do. As a lawyer, youve developed many skills that you can put to non-legal use. Here are ten skills you will want to capitalize on for your career change. Clear Thinking The biggest advantage of a legal education for non-legal work is that it taught you to think more clearly. Yes, all those hours suffering through theSocratic methodwere good for something. Its easy to forget when you spend time with other attorneys, but most people havent been trained to focus intently on the facts of a situation, research options, and make specific, reasonable arguments about what to do. Focus intently on facts through disciplined clear thinkingResearch options for actionsMake sp ecific, reasonable arguments in favor of a course of action Where You Can Apply This Skill Disciplined, clear thinking is valuable across the board, from business situations to government deliberations and more. Clear Writing Although you wouldnt believe it from some legal briefs, lawyers are typically fairly clear writers. They need to write clearly, factually, unemotionally, logically, and Able to write clear, straightforward, factual sentencesMake arguments that are logical and evidence-basedPut forth information unemotionallyDeliver grammatically accurate and appropriately spelled sentences Where You Can Apply This Skill This is a skill that you can use in many contexts, including traditional marketing, content marketing, technical documentation, PR, freelance writing, and many other career paths. Attention to Detail Lawyers can be a bit pedantic, but that attention to detail is valuable Rather than glossing over things, lawyers are trained to focus on the details (and, hopefully, identify the most salient details from a sea of information). Able to focus on detailsIdentify the most significant detailsUse these details to generate solutions to problems Where You Can Apply This Skill If youre tired of focusing on legal details, consider other areas where this skill set might come in handy. A few ideas QA testing, product management, copy editing, and so on. Dealing with Difficult People and Situations One reason many lawyers burn out is that theyre constantly dealing with conflict. Even if you want to leave all of this conflict behind, the reality is that youve probably developed some useful coping skills and techniques. Dealing with conflictCan listen deeply so the participants feel heard out and listened toCoping with difficult people and situationsAble to initiate conflict when necessaryAble to focus on the real issues of a conflictAble to resolve issues with difficult people and situations Where You Can Apply This Skill These are skills that you can apply in any job as a manager or as a corporate attorney specializing in company-specific issues. Youll be the calm one in a corporate meeting when everyone else is stressing out over a minor personality conflict between coworkers. A Great Work Ethic Lawyers (and law students) work longer hours in more stressful conditionsthan many other jobs. If you survived law school, passed the bar exam, and practiced as a lawyer, youve probably got (or developed) a very good work ethic. Able to work long hoursAble to overcome stressful situationsAble to concentrate, focus, and get the job done Where You Can Apply This Skill A very good work ethic will serve you well in any career that you ultimately choose to pursue. Examples include management, professional researcher, training and education, administrative law judge for state, local, or Federal civil tafelgeschirr positions, and university administration positions. Identifying and Solving aufgabes From the earliest days of a 1L (first-year law student) year, when you started issue spotting, your legal education has trained you to spot potential problems. In certain contexts, this trait is annoying, but its also useful Any new undertaking is bound to face bumps in the road. Spot potential problemsCome up with appropriate solutionsShare problems and potential solutions with others in a non-threatening, nonconfrontational way Where You Can Apply This Skill As long as you can focus onproductivelypointing out potential problems and offering solutions, your legal risk-radar can be put to good use in a variety of contexts. Problem identification and solving problems are key, for example, to succeed in any management role. Research Skills Lawyers are very good at tracking down answers- its what you get paid to do as an attorney. Excellent research abilities come in handy in almost all jobs these days, whether you need to track down the ingredients for a fancy cupcake recipe or figure out if the name of your companys new product is offensive in a foreign language. Identify needed facts, information, and sourcesVerify facts, information, and sourcesApply the necessary facts, information, and sources to solving problems and providing answers Where You Can Apply This Skill Queries that might stump the average person are nothing to an attorney. Youve been looking for obscure precedents for yearss of careers that can use your research skills include librarian, professional researcher, college professor or administrator, menschlich Resources Manager or Corporate Council. You will also find opportunities in state, local, and Federal jobs. Public Speaking Skills Part of being a practicing attorney is speaking in front of people, so it is definitely something that you learn in law school and likely already had in your skill set before you decided to go to law school. Gather and organize supporting information to deliver to an audienceDeliver the information coherently to a groupExude confid ence and collectedness when sharing information with a groupPrepare any visuals or video needed to illustrate your key points. Where You Can Apply This Skill In any position in which you are managing other people, you will have the opportunity to speak publicly, even if your audience is relatively small. Knowing how to be confident and collected while delivering information to a group of people is a skill that many people struggle with, and definitely, public speaking is a skill that belongs on your resume. Synthesizing Ideas The logical reasoning that was stressed so much on the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and in law school will come in handy in the future, whether you end up in a legal role or not. Having the ability to figure out how to take something from an idea to an actual product or service is crucial, and not everyone is blessed with understanding how to get from point A to point B. Exhibit logical reasoningConnect related and unrelated pieces of information to a w hole situationTake an idea and make it into a product or a serviceSee the possibilities inherent in any situation Where You Can Apply This Skill The logical reasoning that you likely fought with and learned will help you see the possibilities, and youll be the one laying out concrete solutions. As with others of these ten skills, careers that can use your synthesizing skills include librarian, professional researcher, college professor or administrator, management and other professional roles, and Corporate Council. You will also find opportunities in state, local, and Federal government jobs. Working Well With Other People More than anything, law school taught you how to work with other people. Whether it was in study groups, on the law review, in moot court, or in an internship or externship, you likely had to continuously work alongside others. Listen to carefully understandSpeak courteously, tactfully, and clearlyRead nonverbal communication by understanding body language, t one of voice, and posture signalsParaphrase and share feedback to ascertain understandingAsk questions to clarify content and context Where You Can Apply This Skill This skill is crucialin the realm of any job, and likely something that is listed on most of the job postings youll come across. All of those hours that you spent working closely with others will definitely pay off down the line.?? You can work well with other people in careers such as education and training, management, Human Resources, state, Federal, and local government professions, college or university admissions, administration, and professor roles. The Bottom Line If youre feeling trapped in your legal career and youre not sure how to make a change, inventory the legal skills youve developed that can be applied in other contexts. Youll likely find you have a plethora of useful skills, which employers would be happy to have you employ on their behalf.

Jobs That Put Your Taxes to Work

Jobs That Put Your Taxes to WorkJobs That Put Your Taxes to WorkJobs That Put Your Taxes to WorkYour taxes make good things happen.Nobody likes dealing with their taxes. It seems that every time you look at your finances, more and more money is going to taxes. Sales tax, property tax, and state and federal income taxes are the biggest culprits. The worst part? That money leaves and you never see it again. What does it ever do for you?Believe it or elend a lot, and right in your hometown.There are many people out there every day working to make your life better whose jobs are paid for, or at least made possible by, your tax dollars. They keep you safe, help you get around, and even work diligently for your childrens future. Its extremely difficult to determine exactly how each of your tax dollars goes to any one job the system is complex. But we still know what jobs that your taxes bring to life. Here are seven jobs that your taxes help pay for that are making your life better each day.1. PoliceIf you think people are inherently good, you get rid of the police for 24 hours see what happens. Sylvester StallonePolice patrol your streets and highways, hoping to keep everyone safe. Its a tougher job in some cities than in others, but make no mistake, theyre putting their lives on the line every day. From protecting your home to helping you when your car stalls out at an intersection, police provide services that are crucial to your neighborhood.Tax dollars from local property and sales taxes help to pay those wages. Federal and state income tax dollars are used to help recruit and train officers and provide them with the equipment they need to do their job effectively.2. Public School TeachersIn a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else. Lee IacoccaTeachers spend hours with our nations children every day. They shape their learning from first reading lessons to complex trigonometry and physics. Yet, they make less than fruchtwein other professionals, and pay increases lag behind the pack.Public schools derive much of their funding from local tax dollars as well as federal programs that are created to help them continue to educate our youth without tuition costs to parents. Property taxes play a big role in keeping public schools afloat, but as much as 2% of the total federal tax budget is directed to education as well.3. FirefightersOne thing thats great about firefighters If they dont have the equipment they desperately need, they dont have the help, they dont care. Theyll do it on their own. Denis LearyIs there anything more horrifying than the thought of your home going up in flames with your possessions, your memories, and your loved ones inside? When the unthinkable happens, firefighters jump into action. They put their own lives at risk to protect the things that mean the most to you. Each year, a number of these brave public servants lose their lives a s they try to save others.Its your tax dollars that help them do just that. From funding for equipment to salaries for professional firefighters, its a no-brainer that local, state, and federal tax dollars are well spent on their services.4. Public Library WorkersFor those without money, the road to that treasure house of the imagination begins at the public library. Pete HamillUnderutilized, underappreciated, and underfunded Thats the story of todays public libraries. From great books to online resources and electronic media, public libraries offer a wealth of information and assistance to anyone who needs it. Librarians and staff at your local public library are largely paid by public funds gained through taxes and levies. If you havent checked out the library in awhile, you may be surprised at how many great services they offer to the public. Far from being a dinosaur, public libraries now have more to offer than ever before. If you dont like the idea of your hard-earned money h elping to pay for the people who keep it up and running, stop by and see for yourself just how many people benefit from a good public library.5. Public OfficialsWhen the burdens of the presidency seem unusually heavy, I always remind myself it could be worse. I could be a mayor. Lyndon B. JohnsonFrom your local mayor to judges to your state congress, your tax money is used to pay their wages. The amount of money each one makes can vary greatly depending on where they are. Even the 50 state governors earn varying amounts, and its probably less than youd expect. Like it or notlage, the people we elect to run our towns, states, and country deserve to be paid for their time and efforts, and your tax dollars are the pool from which they draw.6. Road MaintenanceIn New York, there are so many potholes, theyre like craters on the moon. Thats another traffic thing. Jimmy FallonYou know that pothole in your neighborhood? You know the one. Its the one that makes you spill coffee on yourself at least once a week as you swerve to avoid it. Well, quit swerving and do something about it. While the crews that work on streets may be private companies, the contracts they work on stem from local and state tax money. You have a right to call in and get that pothole fixed before they owe you a new blazer without coffee stains.The same goes for sidewalks and bike trails. If you walk, run, bike, or drive on it, chances are your tax dollars are paying to maintain it.7. Public Defense AttorneysMost criminal defendants do not get adequate representation because there are not enough public defenders to represent them. There is a lot that is wrong. John GrishamYou hear it all the time on those television cop shows If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. You didnt think these guardians of the unfortunate were working pro bono, did you? Public defenders get paid a salary that is comparable to other attorneys in the same area with similar experience, but instead of being paid directly by a client, they are paid using public funding. It can be an expensive, but important part of your tax dollars work.As you sign your income tax papers, add a few dollars for sales tax, or wince at the number on your property tax bill, it may help to know that your money is not going into thin air. Most of these jobs are funded by a mixture of those three kinds of taxes and the funds and grants that come from them. If you want nice streets, dependable law enforcement and firefighters, and even a good public school for your kids, its your tax money that makes it possible. No one wants to pay more taxes than necessary, but to keep your community running the way you expect it to, your dollars have to go to work. Of course, that doesnt mean you should feel guilty if you get a refund. Enjoy itInterested in one of these careers? Submit for a free resume review to find out how your resume stacks upRecommended ReadingHow to Include Your Job Search on Your Tax ReturnEx ecutive Resume Makeovers for the ObamasHow to Write a Federal Resume

6 victim mentalities to fight during your job search

6 victim mentalities to fight during your job search6 victim mentalities to fight during your job searchEveryone looks at the world through different filters based on their upbringing, environment, experience, and attitude. The victim mentality is one of those unfortunate lenses that even experienced professionals sometimes play into when searching for a job.When youre on a job hunt, dont chase your tail by giving in to victim mentalities. Outside circumstances work against you. Layoffs happen. You mess up on the job. You need to gain more skills. No positions are open. Its typically a mixed bag of happenings that land you where you are now, and it doesnt mean that youre not good enough or that there are no opportunities to be had.You need to recast yourself as the hero of your career journey, while remaining honest with yourself, and lead your job search in a positive and proactive direction. Realize that you can take charge of your career journey, rather than playing into these six victim mentalities.1. Rejected too many timesVictim Mentality Everywhere Ive applied turned me down. No one wants me.Rejection stings and too much rejection can make you feel like giving up. Its easier to give up on the job hunt. Think of it from the perspective of a fisherman. Being out in the hot sun with only so much food, energy and bait can wear you down after a while. When your resources drain, its common to reach a burnout point. Leave the line in as you fish for your job, but take it easy on yourself. Focus on taking care of your mind, heart and body.You may rest more easily knowing that only 2% of applicants get an interview, and remember to apply for the job as its outlined. Your career objective should match the role.2. Not good enoughVictim Mentality My experience and education arent good enough for this role.People typically dislike uncertainty. So, they shortchange themselves instead of facing change and risk.Counteract negative self-talk by focusing on times when you excelled, exceeded expectations and were more than good enough. Challenge your inner bully by laughing and probing the suggested illogical fallacies by asking a question like What evidence do I have for and against this?3. The bad appleVictim Mentality Ive been laid off or fired too many times. No one will hire me.Folks say that one bad apple will turn the whole batch, rotting every good apple around. Thats simple oxidation. Its not the apples fault. Consider the circumstances, and be honest with yourself. If you were previously late to work, and thats a parte of why you were laid off or terminated, focus on how you that experience helped you grow as a professional. Perhaps, you freed up stress from your life and developed a bedtime ritual before going to sleep, which signals your body that its time to sleep.Polish your resume, and prepare yourself to tell the positive side of the story. Explain how you arrived at a solution and what you decided to do with your time.Look at times w hen you walked away because your expectations differed from an employers expectations. You changed the situation by redirecting your energies. Many people wait too long to leave a job when theyre unhappy and get fired in the end. Was that you?4. Taking whatever comesVictim Mentality I must take whatever job offers I get, even if they treat me poorly or pay me poorly. Thats the way of it, and I have to consider myself fortunate.Too many people work too hard, without recognition, only to burn out. When they leave a toxic work environment, theyre likely to enter another one if they dont stop the pattern in advance. Weigh the pros and cons. Accepting poor treatment, unfair wages and inadequate benefits devalues you as a person and a professional. Does it get you where you want to be five years from now? Instead of counting yourself lucky, aim for companies that genuinely value their team members. Read employee reviews. Research the companies. Find out if youre a fit, and the results wil l be better for everyone involved.If a potential employer offers you low pay, counter with a better but fair wage, and be prepared to explain why they should take you up on the counteroffer. Look at your needs, and come to the table with confidence in your skills. If the company isnt wealthy, counter with alternatives they can afford, such as flextime that allows you to work from home on certain days.5. Lack of appreciationVictim Mentality No one appreciates my accomplishments or talents.Too much rejection and feeling invisible at previous jobs makes you feel unappreciated and undervalued as a professional. You spent time and money to develop your education and experience, and your accomplishments and talents are a reflection of that.You reach a point where you realize its time to move on, but consider this Did you speak up for yourself?You put your nose to the grindstone, sacrificing your time and talents, but you need to practice self-respect as a professional. You can say no with grace and say yes with confidence when you only agree to take on tasks that are truly worthwhile and reasonable. Ask for feedback. Reward yourself. Toot your horn on paper and in person, ask for what you deserve and trust that youll find the right fit when you keep speaking up for yourself.6. Dry desertVictim Mentality No one is hiring. Its a desert out there.How big is the job pool youre fishing in again? Give yourself a reality check and get creative if statistics support your claim of a desert marketplace. Deserts are dry, yes, but dwelling on that fact wont help you in your job search.Turn to other job boards. Get on social media, and search for open roles with relevant hashtags. Reach out to your networks from college and professional associations. Get creative and consider career path alternatives, such as other industries or running your own business as a consultant or freelancer.Experts expect freelancers to make up 34% of the gig economy by 2020, and that doesnt mean self- employed professionals live off of pennies. Many successfully leverage their skills and experience in a niche market for a living wage.Dont fall into these victim mentality traps, or you will stay stuck and never find the right fit. Know that you deserve better. Take action to shift the negative narrative, and become a career hero.This article first appeared on Punched Clocks.