How to Properly Accept a Job Offer

by | Aug 15, 2022 | Job Search Tips, Negotiation Tips

As a leading resume writing and career services agency, ResumeSpice gets it – you’ve spent months writing and revising your resume, going on interviews, and repeating that cycle continually. So it’s tempting to want to say yes right away once you receive a job offer.

But before you answer, you should take some time to really think about the opportunity and the full compensation package.

Here’s what you should do when considering a job offer.

Show Your Gratitude

Even if you plan to accept the offer “as is,” your first step should be to express appreciation and excitement for the job offer, which will set a positive tone for conversations going forward.

Get It In Writing

Ask for the job offer in writing, which should include the job title, start date, and salary at the very least. This makes the offer official.

Sleep On It

Ask when they want a decision by. Most companies understand that you may need a day or two to think about the offer, but don’t wait too long. If they don’t give you a hard deadline, tell them you’ll have an answer within a few business days. If you’re planning to negotiate the offer, set up a phone or in-person meeting to talk through the details.

Say Yes! In Writing

The last step is to say yes! If you countered their offer, make sure you receive a revised offer in writing as well, to ensure everyone’s on the same page.

Are you ready to negotiate yourself into a new job opportunity or do you need help developing a great resume to get you the interview? Call the experts at ResumeSpice. As one of the leading career services agencies, we can assist you with crafting a strong resume, preparing for interviews, and/or career coaching.

Ready to get started? Call us today!

Remote Work. Is it Right for You?

by | Mar 22, 2022 | Job Search Tips

While the pandemic took a toll on nearly every aspect of life and work, one area that got a big boost was telecommuting. If you could work from home, chances were you did – and for a long time. Since then, a PwC survey found that 72% of workers who worked remotely during the pandemic would like to continue working remotely.

While remote work certainly has its benefits, it’s not right for everyone in the long run. For instance, it can impact:

  • When you work from home, there are a range of distractions that can pull you away from the task at hand or interrupt your focus. In the office, on the other hand, you can often simply roll up your sleeves and get to work in a quiet, professional space.
  • If your job requires collaboration, this kind of interaction is often best in person. While Zoom and other online meeting spaces were a lifesaver during the pandemic, these aren’t always ideal going forward. When you’re able to see and talk to those you work with, in person, you’ll find it easier to communicate, innovate and create
  • Face it. Working from home can get lonely. When you go into the office, though, you’re around your other team members, building relationships that improve your quality of life overall.
  • It’s easier to have an office life and a home life that are separate and distinct when you work in an outside office. Working from home blurs these boundaries, making it difficult to stay organized and maintain a healthy work life balance.

That said, for some people, some jobs and some companies, remote work makes sense. They can build teams of people from all over the world, increasing diversity and innovation. They can also offer workers the flexibility they need to set their own schedule, attracting talented individuals who want this perk.

The question is: is remote work right for you in the long run? If you’re looking for a new job, or are considering whether or not to head back into the office in person, there are some different considerations to keep in mind. Here’s a look at a few of them to help you make the best choice for you and your career.

Think about your work habits and personality.

Remote work might be more convenient at times. However, is it the right fit for your personality, the nature of the work you do, and your habits? You might be extremely self-directed and have the kind of job where working independently makes sense. But if you have a hard time staying motivated and need the buzz and energy of an office setting, then it’s time to make a move back where you belong.

Identify an ideal day for you.

How do you work best? If your ideal day includes brainstorming, collaborating and sharing ideas, then being in the office is a better fit for you. It’s likely where you get your energy and where you feel more productive. If, however, working in relative quiet and checking tasks off your list without interruption is your best day, then working from home is the place to be for you. 

Consider how you like to be managed.

If you prefer a hands-off style and check-ins once in a while, then remote work can deliver. However, if you need more feedback, like to touch base with your boss in person, and enjoy being a part of a close-knit team, then working in the office is likely a better match for your personality and work needs.

Take work-life balance into account.

If you’ve worked from home during the pandemic and struggled to keep a clear boundary between work and home life, then perhaps it’s time to head back into the office. The same is true if working from home is triggering a tendency for workaholism and burnout.

On the other hand, perhaps virtual work has actually enhanced your life and enabled you to achieve a better balance. Everyone has a different situation in their personal life and it’s important to take this into account when you’re considering virtual work.

Keep in mind, there’s no right or wrong way to work. However, the pandemic has brought to light the fact that remote work and hybrid schedules are no longer just trend, but a viable work option for many employers and workers.

At the same time, though, it’s not for everyone. For many people, being in the office is where they thrive and how they reach their productivity goals. So, before you make your next career move, make sure you think through what’s the best fit for you.

Do you need help writing a resume for a remote or in-person job?

Whatever type of opportunity you’re looking for, ResumeSpice can help you craft a solid resume that helps you get your foot in the door with our resume writing service. We can assist if you simply need a little editing or polishing, or a total re-write. Once we’re done, you’ll get the persuasive resume you need to land the in-person or work-from-home job you want. Simply reach out at 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.

12 Steps to Speed Up Your Job Search

by | Mar 8, 2022 | Job Search Tips

This is a candidate’s market and a great time to be looking for a new job. Pay is up. There’s a huge increase in job openings. And employers desperately need good people. So, if you’re interested in making a career move, then now’s the time to do it. Here are 12 steps you can take to speed up the process.

Step #1: Identify your career goals.

Before you launch your job search, take a minute to think about what you’re looking for in your next job. Do you want to make a lateral career move to an employer with more flexibility and better compensation? Or are you looking to take a step up in your career, or make a change and go into a different industry?

Whatever the case, don’t just dive into a job search. Think about your goals and your future career path, so you have a clear vision of where you want to go. It will make your job search easier and faster.

Step #2: Take stock of your resume.   

This is your ticket into the hiring process, so you want to ensure yours is as strong as possible. One simple way to give it a boost is to ditch the generic phrases like “team player” and “self-starter” and instead include specific accomplishments and results. Whenever you can quantify your abilities with facts and figures, you’ll bring them to life and stand out among other candidates.

Step #3: Polish your LinkedIn profile.

Once you’re resume is employer-ready, work on your LinkedIn profile next. You can enhance it with work samples, recommendations and skills, so you can further showcase your skills and abilities to hiring managers. Also, while your LinkedIn profile and resume don’t need to be the same, make sure there aren’t any discrepancies that could cause confusion with a hiring manager.

Step #4: Network whenever you can.

Even in today’s tech-driven world, networking is still the best way to find out about new jobs – especially those not always advertised. So, put “networking” at the top of your to-do list. You can do this in any number of ways, from attending business mixers to seminars, conferences, and alumni events. Even when you’re attending a personal social event, like a wedding, bring business cards. You never know who you’ll meet. And the more you network, the faster you’ll find that next new job.

Step #5: Search for job openings.

There are many ways to search for openings, from online job boards to industry trade groups, social media and searching directly on a company’s website. One way to make this process go a little faster is to set up alerts on job search sites. That way, you’ll find out as soon as a new job is posted that fits your search parameters.

Step #6: Do your homework on each company.

Don’t apply to every job you find out about that sounds good. Instead, do some quick research on the company to learn more about them, so you can decide whether they’re a good fit for what you’re looking for in your career. Also, verify they have a positive track record and a solid reputation.

Step #7: Customize your resume.

Each time you apply to a new opening, tailor your resume around it. To do that, review the job posting and make a note of the skills and specifications they are looking for. Then, edit your resume in a way that focuses on your most relevant abilities. Not only will this make your background more appealing for the hiring manager, but increase the chance of making it through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Step #8: Prepare for interviews.

Once you get a call for an interview, do your homework. This includes researching the company and finding as much as you can about who they are, what they do and the customers they serve. Then think about specific areas in your background that are a natural fit for what they are looking for. Also, create a list of your own questions to ask during the interview.

Step #9: Tell a story.

Research commonly asked interview questions and be prepared to answer them. You don’t need to sound like you’re reading from a script, but you do want to have a well thought out answer in mind.

Another way to answer a question is to tell a story. When you tell a story about an experience or skill you have, you’ll be able to give concrete examples and also make yourself more memorable during the interview process.

Step #10: Show up on time and dress the part.

Don’t let a poorly chosen outfit or a late start sabotage your chance for a great job. Make sure you have all the basics covered. Pick out what you’re wearing ahead of time and leave early, with some extra time built in, just in case you hit traffic.

Step #11: Avoid any negative talk.

During the interview, keep the conversation positive. Don’t say anything negative about a past employer, co-worker or boss. You never know if the manager interviewing you knows that person. Even if they don’t, talking this way makes you look bad.

Step #12: Follow up with a thank you after the interview.

Within the next 24 hours, after the interview, send a thank you note or email to the hiring manager. Re-iterate your interest in the job and why you think you are a good fit. Also, thank them for their time and let them know you’re looking forward to hearing from them.

Looking for help making your job search go faster?

At ResumeSpice, we know every job search is stressful and we can help speed yours up. We offer everything from resume writing services to LinkedIn profile writing and interview preparation. We can even offer career coaching and more. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.

10 Top Online Prep Tests

by | Nov 19, 2021 | Job Search Tips, New Grad Tips

Are you a professional interested in grad school or a career change? Or perhaps you’re interested in going to college for the first time? Or maybe you’re a high schooler looking to get into your dream university. 

Whatever the case, an online prep test can help you prepare for actual college admissions and professional certification tests. And fortunately, there are a number of online test prep options that provide valuable practice, example test scores, and identify areas that need extra review. (more…)

Should You Add Color to Your Resume?

by | Oct 14, 2021 | Job Search Tips, Resume Writing

It’s not uncommon for job seekers to seek out tips and tricks to make their resume stand out. A question that applicants most often ask is, “Should I add color to my resume?”

Some websites will tell you “yes,” that color is advisable. Then detail how to apply the pizzaz to your resume.

We’re here to tell you that color is usually not the answer, even in 2021. The team at ResumeSpice shares some of the top reasons why (and which types of resumes CAN have color).

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How to Write a Resignation Letter (Including 5 Examples)

by | Oct 5, 2021 | Job Search Tips

While resigning from a position can be stressful, it can also mean you’ve found another (hopefully better) opportunity to grow and learn. But that doesn’t make informing your current employer any easier. 

While it’s not necessarily a formal requirement to give two weeks’ notice (unless it’s written into your employment contract), it is traditional to do so as an act of professionalism and good faith. We recommend doing so by arranging a face-to-face meeting to inform your boss. 

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