The best career advice: just go for it

 

HOW ONE CAREERBUILDER TEAM MEMBER TOOK INSPIRATION FROM PEERS AND LEADERS TO SHAPE HER PATH.

In an effort to share the stories of the CareerBuilder employees who are hard at work #BuildingForYou, we continue our employee feature series, from celebrating individuality and lending personal experience to their insight on industry trends and everything in between.

Since joining the team in 2019, Emma has been an invaluable asset to the CareerBuilder marketing team. From establishing lead generation processes to navigating our B2B pandemic response, she has led many team members through every challenge along the way. Continue reading to learn more about Emma's work at CareerBuilder - and what she learned from working behind a deli counter.

How have you grown professionally during your time at CareerBuilder?

When I joined CareerBuilder, I helped build up the demand generation marketing team from ground zero. Contributing to this new function allowed me to work with multiple teams across the organization and taught me how a business operates, while providing me with the necessary vantage point to aid in breaking down silos.
While I started at CareerBuilder as an individual contributor, I now manage a team of five direct reports and oversee our e-commerce channel. While I can attribute a lot of that to my hard work and dedication, I wouldn’t have been able to get to this place without the support and mentorship of the leaders I’ve worked with along the way.

What do you enjoy most about working at CareerBuilder?

What I enjoy most about working at CareerBuilder is being part of a group of strong, powerful and uplifting women. I’ve learned so much from my direct and indirect leaders about business, professionalism, and being a great leader. Even better, they’ve taken the time to nurture my potential and maintain patience while I learn my way around new responsibilities.

What is your favorite project that you have worked on during your time at CareerBuilder?

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding, moments in my career occurred in the first few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world went into shut-down, CareerBuilder had a huge mountain to climb to get past the increasing unemployment rate and jobs decrease. The way the entire business came together in support of our response to the pandemic was inspiring and a huge testament to what people can do when they come together.

It was not only an honor to contribute to CareerBuilder’s response but a fantastic learning experience for myself. During this time, my business acumen, presentation skills, and leadership skills improved ten-fold.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Be vocal about what you want and prove it. While this wasn’t necessarily direct advice from one person, it is something that I have learned through my career from my own experiences, as well as from my peers. It’s easy to get overlooked for opportunities when you’re not vocal about wanting them. It’s also not enough to say you want it; you also prove that you can do it because, after all, “actions speak louder than words.”

What was your first job, and what were your biggest takeaways from the experience?

My first job was behind the deli counter of a Mariano’s. While working there, I learned a lot about my work ethic and uncovered my passion for driving efficiencies through process improvements. I specifically recall a time when I typed a two-page letter to my manager, kindly suggesting improvements to the night- and morning-shift responsibilities that would allow us to save time and money.

Who inspires you and why?

I’ve always been inspired by people who choose to have a positive spirit despite the hardships in their lives. It’s a testament to being grateful for the small things that life gives us, which is something to always strive to achieve.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

There’s this eco-park in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico called Xcaret; it is where I go to in my mind when people say, “go to your happy place.” Experiencing a trip around the park’s lazy river is literally like heaven as it weaves in and out of caves, forest, and large “cenotes” or sinkholes. I’ve been thinking about this place a lot during the pandemic.

---

Jobs available this week as food and retail stores increase hiring

EVERY WEEK, CAREERBUILDER SHARES REAL-TIME HIRING DATA TO PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO THE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE.

CareerBuilder job insights

Find a job near you and in companies and industries that are hiring right now.

The coronavirus pandemic is far from over, including its impact on employment. Keep up to date with who’s hiring each week, and make sure your resume is uploaded to the CareerBuilder job board to get in front of thousands of employers.

Companies hiring now

These 10 companies are hiring for more than 92,000 jobs. They include:

1. Jobs at Amazon
2. Jobs at Dollar Tree
3. Jobs at C.R. England
4. Jobs at Pizza Hut

Top job openings

These roles continue to grow, week after week. Build a resume in minutes and use the CareerBuilder salary tool to check out what these positions pay.

1. Truck driver jobs
2. Registered nurse jobs
3. Retail sales jobs
4. Retail supervisor jobs
5. Software developer jobs
6. Customer service rep jobs
7. Stock clerk jobs
8. Food service supervisor jobs

Industries that are hiring

The top 10 industries that are hiring right now include:

1. Administrative jobs
   • Virtual assistants and in-office administrative assistants keep things running. Every industry needs administrative assistants.
   • If you're interesting in flexing a wide set of skills, consider working as an administrative assistant - an excellent choice for generalists.
2. Waste management jobs
3. Retail industry jobs
   • Interested in working retail? Learn more about the career of a retail sales manager.
   • 8 tips for the perfect retail resume.
4. Healthcare industry jobs
   • What do travel nurses do? The top 6 required skills for travel nurses.
   • 6 reasons to become a physician assistant, a top in-demand job
5. Transportation industry jobs
   • Thinking about a truck driving career? 8 facts about the truck driver way of life.
   • Job growth in transportation is expected to outpace the national average, post-pandemic. 10 of the fastest growing transportation jobs.
6. Warehouse jobs
7. Manufacturing jobs
8. Food service industry jobs
9. Finance industry jobs
10. Insurance jobs

Companies hiring this week

CareerBuilder job insights

Find a job near you and in companies and industries that are hiring right now.

Companies with available jobs

The top five include Crete Carrier, US Xpress, Marten Transport, Hunt Transportation and Drive LLC. Search by employer and industry at careerbuilder

Industries that are hiring

Transportation jobs and warehouse positions are still widely available as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic, making sure shelves stay stocked and goods are delivered. Look for administrative and support roles, and healthcare, professional and technical services are all in high-demand.

---

6 tips for landing a summer job

IF YOU WANT TO LAND A GOOD JOB, FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO MAKE THE RIGHT KIND OF IMPRESSION WITH EMPLOYERS.

If you’re in the market for a summer job, your prospects are looking hot. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, 41 percent of employers plan to hire seasonal workers for the summer. The vast majority (88 percent) expect to transition some summer hires into permanent roles, up from 79 percent last year.

Even better news? These summer jobs will pay well, too. The majority of employers hiring this summer (87 percent) plan to pay $10 or more per hour on average, 56 percent expect to pay $12 or more per hour and 25 percent plan to pay $15 or more per hour. Considering the federal minimum wage is $7.25, a majority of these jobs will pay well over minimum wage.

Who are companies looking to hire?According to the survey, employers are targeting both younger and more mature workers to fill their summertime roles. Nearly 3 in 4 (73 percent) say they plan to recruit college students, 39 percent say high school students and 26 percent say retirees. Two in five employers hiring for the summer are looking to hire veterans for their summer positions.

What positions are companies hiring for?When you think summer job, you probably think lifeguard, camp counselor or something related to the outdoors. Yet, many positions are available in (air-conditioned) stores or corporate settings. Areas where employers are hiring include customer service (25 percent), warehouse (25 percent), office support (25 percent) and retail (18 percent).

Advice for your seasonal job searchWhile summer workers may be in demand, you can’t just slack on your job search. If you want to land a good job – and potentially make it permanent – you’ll need to follow these tips to make the right kind of impression with employers.

1. Apply ASAP. Employers have already started recruiting for summer positions, so now is the time to submit your applications. While it’s important to customize your application materials as much as possible, tools such as CareerBuilder’s Quick Apply All let you apply to multiple similar positions simultaneously, saving you time and getting you closer to landing your summer job.

2. Take the opportunity seriously. While movies may depict summer jobs as a temporary gig where you can put in the minimum amount of effort, if you want to get your foot in the door at an organization, you need to take the job seriously. Treat it as you would any full-time role by thoroughly researching the position and company, preparing for interviews and following up to show your interest. And let the hiring manager know up front if you’d like a permanent role down the line – it will help you stand out as a candidate.

3. Be flexible. If you’re up for working any shift, you’ll up your chances of getting hired, and you’ll make your manager happy once you’re on the job. Also, be willing to take on responsibilities that may not have been in the original job description – by showing you’ll go above and beyond, you’ll prove you’re worth keeping around.

4. Dress appropriately. You may be tempted to wear more casual attire when interviewing for a summer job, but it’s important to dress for the role and the company, not for the season in which the job is offered. Check out this handy guide for what to wear to different types of job interviews.

5. Apply for the right reasons. When searching for summer jobs, don’t just apply for the ones with the best employee discounts. Seek out jobs that will be a stepping stone on your career path. Speaking of employee discounts – don’t ask about them during the interview; that’s a surefire way to leave a bad impression.

6. Show you’re excited. Sure, the summer gig may not be your dream job, but you should still act like it is during the interview and once you’re on the job. A little enthusiasm can go a long way especially when employers are assessing whether you can provide good service to internal or external customers.

Companies hiring this week

EVERY WEEK, CAREERBUILDER SHARES REAL-TIME HIRING DATA TO PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO THE CORONAVIRUS EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE.

CareerBuilder job insights

Find a job near you and in companies and industries that are hiring right now.

What companies are hiring now?

Thousands of jobs are available at CRST International, Pegasus Transportation, Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Home Instead, among others.

What jobs are available?

The top five in-demand positions include truck drivers, registered nurses, software developers, customer service reps and retail associates.

What industries are hiring?

There are thousands of open positions in a variety of support services industries, as well as transportation, warehousing, healthcare, social assistance, retail and manufacturing.

Tips to find a job after college and during a recession

THREE CAREERBUILDER EMPLOYEES WHO GRADUATED COLLEGE IN 2008 SHARE ADVICE FOR RECENT GRADS

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many college graduates nervous about what the future has in store for them. Their fears may be similar to those of college graduates who were entering the workforce during the Great Recession in 2008.

We pulled together some CareerBuilder employees who lived through that time and asked them to share their experience and offer advice to this year's graduating class. We sat down with Jessica Ribish (Marketing Automation Manager), Brandi Frattini (Talent Acquisition Team Lead) and Timothy Kincade (Senior Account Executive) to hear about how they stayed positive, worked towards their professional goals and advice they have for the next generation entering the workforce.

What were your initial thoughts as you graduated college and during your initial job hunt?

Jess: When I graduated college, I felt a mix of emotions: scared, uncertain and excited. The economy wasn’t great, I didn’t know if there would be a job out there for me, and I had $700 monthly college loan payments to start making on top of paying the rent of my first apartment. Yet, at the same time, I was looking forward to my post-college life, and I couldn’t wait to see where it took me.

Brandi: Even when there isn’t a recession, almost all new grads have challenges looking for employment in their field of study. Knowing this, I remained committed to my job search and looked for roles that provided me with experience in the field of HR, even if the location or pay was not ideal.

Tim: Fortunately, I had a job lined up, so I didn’t panic or get discouraged after graduating like many others. When I graduated, I was a bank teller and shortly later took on another job as a sales associate with a gym. This helped me gain invaluable experience that helped me continue building a resume within sales.

Did you have to pivot your career ambitions to find a job? What advice do you have for expectant college grads who are now looking for a job?

Jess: Yes, I was a double major in Graphic Design and Marketing, cum laude and honors graduate – so I thought I would apply to the first few design and marketing roles I saw and have job offers just lining up out the door. Entry-level positions weren’t available when I was looking, and every position required at least 3-5 years of experience. Understanding that I needed to get some real-world experience, I applied for a sales role. During my interview process, I asked about lateral movements within the company since marketing was really my passion and the hiring manager said that if I worked hard and met my sales goals consistently that those types of moves could be possible. I took the job, put everything I had into it, survived a layoff, gained a massive amount of B2B knowledge, and earned a role in marketing two years later.

Brandi: I doubled down on making sure I got as much experience in HR as I could. Naturally when you finish college you are hoping for a paid job or internship, I didn’t have that kind of luck. I took unpaid internships, I volunteered my extra time with HR associations, and dealt with long commutes to get the experience I wanted.

Tim: While I had a job lined up, I still had to pivot. Originally, I was planning to move to Atlanta and start my professional career there, but I decided to stay local and take some additional courses. This was ultimately the best decision for me, because after spending a few years working within sales in Chicago I was able to make the move to Atlanta in 2011.

What advice do you have for this group of college grads?

Jess: Now is not the time to be picky. If the exact position you want isn’t available right now, try to find a company you like, whose values align with yours, within an industry you care about or find interesting. I have no doubt that you have transferable skills that would be relevant for an opening they have now. Although the position may not be your ideal at the moment, take it as an opportunity to learn, work hard, gain experience in new areas, and make strong connections with people – all of that will help you for years to come as your career path takes new twists and turns. One more piece of advice, start investing in your 401k now!

Brandi: Be flexible and patient! All the activities, side jobs and volunteer opportunities you are doing during this time are building your resume and giving you experience to speak to at your next interview. Take this time to build your network and online brand.

Tim: Always have a backup plan. If you don’t have one, make sure you utilize the tools and resources to help you (i.e. career center at your school, academic advisor). Do not panic, this is not the end of the world - you will get through it. Technology sales is very popular, and companies are always hiring recent grads with no or minimum sales experience. A large percentage of employees in that profession do not have degrees in business related fields. It’s a great way to work in an amazing environment and earn a good living while you’re still pursuing your dream.

Companies that are hiring and in these locations (June 3)

EVERY WEEK, CAREERBUILDER SHARES REAL-TIME HIRING DATA TO PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO THE CORONAVIRUS EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE.

CareerBuilder job insights

Find a job near you and in companies and industries that are hiring right now. Utilize careerbuilder.com/salary to learn what you should be earning, at what job title and in your city.

What companies are hiring and where?

The top employers with open jobs include Pegasus Transportation, CRST International, Amazon, Nomad Health and Home Instead, among others. Click here to find a job at Amazon.

And almost every state in the U.S. is seeing positive job growth. Use location filters to find a job near you on careerbuilder.com/jobs.

Top jobs available

Insurance sales agents:
267% increase in jobs posted
National average salary of $90,500

Hairdressers, hair stylists and cosmetologists:
109% increase in jobs posted
National salary of $46,000

Plus, these roles are becoming more in-demand: physical therapists, medical secretaries, critical care nurses, sales reps, general practitioners, transportation supervisors, truck drivers and licensed practical nurses.

Top industries that are hiring

The finance industry and insurance industry have remained relatively stable throughout the pandemic, and with most businesses starting to slowly re-open, hiring in these industries is on the rise. Transportation and warehousing continue to be top industries for finding employment. Find a transportation job here or apply to available warehouse positions.