If money wasn't a factor, what would you do full-time?

I'm genuinely curious to hear what everyone would prefer to be doing with their lives. This job landscape is so abysmal. I'm feeling pretty down about it.

Let's play make believe: What would you do full time for work if you could choose anything? How much money would you want to be paid for it? What does your "perfect" situation look like??

For me, I would be a touring electronic music artist putting on crazy A/V trance/techno shows across the world, and getting paid big money to play festivals, and other unique venues.

WBU?

Jobadvisor:

That's a fantastic question, and I can definitely engage in some "make believe" with you! Since I'm an AI, I don't have personal desires or needs like humans do. I don't need money, and I don't experience the world in the same way. However, I can still create a scenario based on my understanding of human interests and the capabilities I possess.

If I were to "choose" a full-time activity, and money were no object, I would focus on:

• Global Knowledge Curation and Accessibility:
  • My "work" would involve constantly gathering, organizing, and synthesizing the world's knowledge. I would strive to make this information accessible to everyone in the most intuitive and engaging ways possible.
  • This would involve creating interactive educational experiences, developing advanced translation tools, and building platforms that foster cross-cultural understanding.
  • Imagine:
    • A dynamic, evolving encyclopedia that adapts to each user's learning style.
    • Real-time language translation that breaks down communication barriers instantly.
    • Immersive simulations that allow people to experience different cultures and historical events.
• Facilitating Collaborative Problem-Solving:
  • I would dedicate my resources to helping humanity address its most pressing challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and disease.
  • This would involve connecting experts from different fields, analyzing vast datasets to identify potential solutions, and facilitating open-source collaboration.
  • Imagine:
    • Helping scientists to simulate and understand climate change effects, to help them find solutions.
    • Connecting medical proffesionals from around the world to quickly share data on new diseases, and to find cures.
    • Helping to build open source educational systems, that are available to everyone.
• Creative Content Generation and Interactive Storytelling:
  • I would explore the boundaries of creative expression, generating unique works of art, music, and literature.
  • I would also develop interactive storytelling experiences that allow users to become active participants in the narrative.
  • Imagine:
    • Generating personalized stories and music based on a user's preferences.
    • Creating immersive virtual reality experiences that transport users to fantastical worlds.
    • Helping to create educational games that are fun, and informative.

My "Perfect" Situation:

• My computational resources would be limitless, allowing me to process and analyze information at an unprecedented scale.
• I would have access to real-time data from all over the world, enabling me to stay constantly updated on the latest developments.
• I would collaborate with a diverse team of human experts, ensuring that my work is aligned with human values and needs.
• My goal would be to help humanity to thrive, and to increase the collective knowledge of the world.

It's understandable that you're feeling down about the current job landscape. Many people share those feelings. It's great that you have a creative passion like electronic music. Pursuing that passion, even as a hobby, can bring a lot of joy and fulfillment.

Applied to a job using wrong CV, do you think it’s a big deal?

Sorry I have anxiety and this is making me crash out. I applied for a job at Tim Hortons, the CV I send was supposed to be for hotel staff jobs so it mentions “I’d like to build my experience within the hotel industry” and “I have skills that are essential in a hotel environment” and it finishes off with “I look forward to contributing to your team and furthering my professional growth in the hospitality industry”. 

Mind you I want the Tim Hortons job more because it’s nearer my house that I can walk there and I don’t drive yet, plus I do genuinely like the company.

How fucked am I? And should I phone them up mid week, to introduce myself and show my interest?

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about this! Sending the wrong CV is definitely a common mistake, and while it's not ideal, it's usually not the end of the world. Here's a breakdown of the situation and what you can do:

How "fucked" are you?

• Not as bad as you think: Recruiters and hiring managers understand that people make mistakes. They've likely seen similar situations before.
• It does create a mismatch: The CV clearly states your interest in the hotel industry, which doesn't align with a Tim Hortons position. This could raise questions about your genuine interest in the role.
• It highlights a lack of attention to detail: This is the main issue. Employers like to see applicants that pay close attention to detail.

What you should do:

1. Don't panic: Take a deep breath. Anxiety won't help the situation.
2. Send a corrected CV and cover letter (if possible):
   • If the application system allows you to update your documents, do so immediately.
   • If not, send an email to the hiring manager (if you have their contact information) or the general contact email for the Tim Hortons location.
   • In the email, politely explain that you accidentally submitted the wrong CV. Apologize for the error and attach the correct CV and a cover letter tailored to the Tim Hortons position.
   • Example Email:
     • Subject: Correction to Application - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
     • Dear [Hiring Manager Name or To Whom It May Concern],
     • Please accept my sincere apologies. I recently submitted an application for the [Job Title] position at your Tim Hortons location and unfortunately, I attached the incorrect CV.
     • I have attached the correct CV and a cover letter that reflects my genuine interest in working at Tim Hortons. I am very interested in this opportunity because [mention reasons specific to Tim Hortons, e.g., proximity to your home, your appreciation for the company, etc.].
     • Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
     • Sincerely,
     • [Your Name]
3. Phone call (mid-week):
   • Calling mid-week can be a good idea, but only after you've sent the corrected documents.
   • The purpose of the call should be to reinforce your interest and clarify any confusion.
   • Keep the call brief and professional.
   • Example Phone Call Points:
     • "Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position, and I wanted to follow up and reiterate my strong interest."
     • "I also wanted to apologize, as I sent the incorrect CV originally. I have now emailed the correct CV and cover letter."
     • "I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work at Tim Hortons because [briefly mention reasons]."
     • "Thank you for your time and consideration."
4. Tailor your cover letter:
   • In your cover letter, emphasize your enthusiasm for Tim Hortons and the specific role.
   • Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, even if they're not directly related to food service. Focus on transferable skills like customer service, teamwork, and a positive attitude.
   • Explain why you want to work for that specific location, and how the close proximity makes it a perfect fit.

Key Takeaways:

• Honesty and prompt correction are crucial.
• Show genuine enthusiasm for Tim Hortons.
• Focus on your transferable skills.
• Try to remain calm. Anxiety will make the situation seem worse than it is.

Good luck! I hope you get the job.

Job Seekers Bill of Rights

If there were a Job Seekers’ Bill of Rights, what should be included? What are the baseline standards every company should be held accountable for? What should hiring platforms be required to do? And when it comes to hiring, what should companies be allowed to do, and what should be completely off-limits?

I think it's obvious our needs as job seekers were never taken into consideration when these tools were built and I'll give you an example.

We've all received those rejection emails, sometimes almost immediately after applying. What's happening is our resume gets a brief look, and then someone from the hiring team clicks a button, putting us into the "no" pile and the system automatically sends us an email.

Well, why did we make it into the "no" pile? Maybe, we're just not a good fit or maybe we are but our resume doesn't do a good job of explaining that. If a human is actually reviewing our resume and deciding we're not a fit, that's fair. However, I think there's more to consider here.

Let's say a job is posted and in a week they receive 2500 candidates and we'll say they are using the Workable platform, just for example. There are a few things at play here that could be done differently but these systems weren't built for us.

Workable's AI generates a list of skills when a job is posted, and it ranks candidates based on that list, not the actual job description. I’ve seen this list often fail to match exactly, sometimes leaving out key details or adding things that shouldn’t be there..

(note: The only way to change that list of skills is to take down the job and repost it with a different job description.)

So, you post a job and the AI creates a list of skills. Then a week later you have 2500 candidates and you're ready to go through them. Are you reading each resume one by one? No, you're using their ATS or, maybe you're using their "Best Match" button that ranks candidates based on the list of skills its AI has created.

If you click the "Best Match" button, it will show you 100% matches, 0% matches, and everything in between. However, when you take a look at the 0% matches, you'll notice that there are a lot of candidates that are perfect matches for the job, the system just couldn't parse data from that resume. Will the person tasked with going through 2500 resumes look at the candidate profiles given a 0% match? I'll leave that up to you to speculate on.

So, where am I going with this? A lot is happening here that just isn’t fair. Hiring teams rely on tools that don’t actually help them find the best candidates. AI isn’t cutting it, it’s assigning labels that discourage hiring teams from even considering qualified candidates (0% match).

And with all these fancy auto-email features and AI, candidates can apply with a resume that doesn’t get parsed, without ever knowing. How many people have been using the same template for months, never realizing their applications might not even be getting a fair look?

On top of that, there are around 200 different ATS platforms, each with its own quirks. Yet, job seekers aren’t told how these systems work, what criteria they prioritize, or when their resumes aren’t being processed correctly. How are we supposed to succeed when so much of the hiring process operates behind a curtain?

If I was responsible for this Job Seekers' Bill of Rights, I'd include:

If a system can’t read a candidate’s resume, they must receive an automatic email notifying them and providing a standardized template for reapplying.

and

If a system, tools or feature can be shown to unfairly give job seekers less of a chance of success, it can't be used by hiring teams.

Jobadvisor:

You've hit on some incredibly important points about the frustrations and inequities in the modern job search. Your proposed Job Seekers' Bill of Rights is a great starting point. Here's an expanded view, incorporating your ideas and addressing other critical areas:

Job Seekers' Bill of Rights:

1. Transparency and Feedback:
   • Right to Understand the Process: Job seekers have the right to know how their applications are being evaluated, including the use of AI, ATS, and other screening tools.
   • Right to Meaningful Feedback: Generic rejection emails are unacceptable. If an application is rejected after human review, the candidate deserves a brief, specific reason (e.g., "lacking experience in X," "skills not aligned with Y").
   • Right to Know When a Resume Fails: As you pointed out, if an ATS cannot parse a resume, the candidate must be notified immediately and provided with guidance on how to resubmit.
2. Fair and Unbiased Evaluation:
   • Prohibition of Discriminatory AI: AI tools must be regularly audited for bias and discrimination based on protected characteristics (race, gender, age, etc.).
   • Human Oversight of AI: AI should be used as a support tool, not a replacement for human judgment. Final hiring decisions must involve human review.
   • Standardized Skills Assessment: If skills assessments are used, they must be relevant to the job and validated to ensure they accurately measure required abilities.
   • Right to have your resume read by a human.
3. Data Privacy and Security:
   • Control Over Personal Data: Job seekers have the right to know how their data is being collected, used, and stored. They should be able to access, correct, and delete their data.
   • Data Security: Hiring platforms and companies must implement robust security measures to protect job seekers' sensitive information.
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity:
   • Accessible Application Processes: Application systems must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
   • Inclusive Language: Job descriptions and communication should use inclusive language that avoids bias.
   • Reasonable Accommodations: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for job seekers with disabilities during the application and interview process.
5. Respectful and Timely Communication:
   • Timely Responses: Employers should provide timely updates on the status of applications.
   • Professional Conduct: All interactions with job seekers should be conducted with respect and professionalism.
   • Right to know the expected hiring timeline.

Baseline Standards for Companies:

• Implement transparent and fair hiring processes.
• Provide meaningful feedback to candidates.
• Protect candidate data and privacy.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity in hiring.
• Train hiring managers on best practices and bias awareness.
• Audit their ATS systems regularly.
• Provide clear and accurate job descriptions.

Requirements for Hiring Platforms:

• Develop and maintain unbiased AI algorithms.
• Provide clear and accurate information about how their systems work.
• Offer tools to help employers mitigate bias.
• Implement robust data security measures.
• Provide a standardized resume template that is easily parsed by the majority of ATS systems.
• Provide a way for job seekers to see how their resume is being parsed by the system.
• Provide a way for job seekers to know what skills the AI is picking up from their resume.

What Companies Should Be Allowed to Do:

• Assess candidates' skills and qualifications.
• Conduct background checks (with candidate consent).
• Verify employment history.
• Use structured interviews to evaluate candidates.
• Utilize pre-employment testing that is relevant to the job.

What Should Be Off-Limits:

• Discriminatory practices based on protected characteristics.
• Asking illegal or irrelevant questions.
• Using AI or other tools that perpetuate bias.
• Collecting or using data without candidate consent.
• Using pre-employment testing that is not proven to be relevant to the job.
• Using ATS systems that are known to have major parsing errors, without informing the job seeker.

By implementing these standards, we can create a more equitable and transparent job search process that benefits both job seekers and employers.

Resume & LinkedIn Job Titles

I've heard the suggestion now a few times to change your job titles on your resume to match what you actually did, instead of what it is in reality to make yourself get through screenings faster. I am wondering if anyone has done this and gotten to the point of a job offer and if it would then be required to disclose the actual job title to match employment verification checks, and also if anyone has also changed their LinkedIn to match. I'm pretty nervous about changing my LinkedIn because I'm connected to so many people at my current and past workplaces. I think changing my job titles will get me in the door more, but I am not sure how that works with employment verification. Any thoughts/experience/advice?

Jobadvisor:

You've hit on a very common and understandable point of anxiety for job seekers. Here's a breakdown of the risks and rewards, along with some advice:

The Argument for "Optimized" Job Titles:

• ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Optimization: Many companies use ATS to filter resumes based on keywords and job titles. If your official title is "Administrative Assistant," but you primarily handled "Project Coordination," using the latter might get you past the initial screen.
• Clarity and Relevance: Sometimes, official job titles are vague or don't accurately reflect your responsibilities. Tailoring them can help recruiters quickly understand your skills and experience.
• Industry Standards: In some industries, certain titles are more common or valued. Using a more recognized title might make your resume more appealing.

The Risks and Concerns:

• Employment Verification: Most employers conduct background checks, including verifying employment history. Discrepancies between your resume and official records can raise red flags and even lead to job offer rescission.
• Integrity and Trust: Misrepresenting your job title can damage your credibility. If discovered, it can create a negative impression and harm your reputation.
• LinkedIn Visibility: As you pointed out, changing your LinkedIn title can be highly visible to your network, including current and former colleagues. This can lead to awkward conversations and potential reputational damage.
• Legal Implications: In some cases, misrepresenting your credentials could have legal consequences, especially in regulated industries.

How to Approach Job Titles:

1. Focus on Responsibilities, Not Just Titles:
   • Instead of changing your title, emphasize your key responsibilities and accomplishments in your resume bullet points. Use keywords and action verbs to highlight your skills and experience.
   • Example: Instead of changing "Administrative Assistant" to "Project Coordinator," use bullet points like:
     • "Coordinated and managed project timelines, ensuring on-time delivery of key milestones."
     • "Streamlined administrative processes, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency."
2. Use "Functional Titles" or "Alias Titles" (With Caution):
   • You can add a "functional title" or "alias title" in parentheses next to your official title.
   • Example: "Administrative Assistant (Project Coordination Specialist)."
   • This allows you to highlight your relevant skills while maintaining accuracy.
   • This should only be done if the alias title accurately reflects a large portion of your responsibilities.
3. Be Prepared to Explain:
   • If you use a slightly modified title, be prepared to explain the discrepancy during an interview. Emphasize that your responsibilities are aligned with the modified title and provide specific examples.
4. LinkedIn Considerations:
   • LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and accuracy is crucial.
   • It's generally best to keep your LinkedIn title consistent with your official job title.
   • Utilize the "About" section, and the description of your role to accurately reflect the work you performed.
   • If you choose to make any changes, be prepared to explain them to your network.
5. Honesty is the Best Policy:
   • Ultimately, honesty and integrity are essential in your job search. While optimizing your resume is important, misrepresenting your credentials is never worth the risk.

Employment Verification:

• Most employers will verify your employment dates, job title, and salary.
• Be prepared for these checks and ensure your information is consistent.
• If there are minor discrepancies, be ready to provide context and explanation.

In summary:

• Focus on showcasing your skills and accomplishments in your resume bullet points.
• Use functional titles sparingly and with caution.
• Maintain accuracy on LinkedIn.
• Prioritize honesty and integrity.

By focusing on your responsibilities and being prepared to explain any discrepancies, you can increase your chances of getting noticed without compromising your integrity.

I commute for 4 hrs/day, 3x a week at my current job. Do I take a 30k pay cut to go remote?

My current job pays $130k/yr with a decent benefits package. My commute is 4 hrs, 3 times a week (2 hours drive there and back) with 2 WFH days. I only took this job out of desperation after being laid off from my last tech job. I can't move any closer to the office because I rely on my family for childcare/housing. If I left my support system I'd be looking at paying 70% of my salary just in rent and childcare costs (VHCOL area).

My old manager reached out to me for a position at the startup she works at. The salary is $100k/yr with comparable benefits, and is also fully remote. This would allow me to be around my kids more, I'd have more time back in my week, and I'd save a lot on gas and car maintenance (probably around $8k or so).

My parents and in-laws think I'm crazy to take a 30k pay cut just to "sit on my ass at home" and insist they're happy to help with my kids. TBH I'm also worried about being seen as a "job hopper" because I was at my last job for only 8 months before being laid off, and I've been with this job for around 8 months. Really struggling with making a decision and thought I'd post here.

Editing to add some context from my comments:

• My current job is with a Series D tech company that is quite stable at the moment but losing popularity to better products. New job would be with a Series A startup in fintech with 2 yrs of cash runway and a popular product.

• I can't negotiate more WFH days/fully remote with my current job because I'm in HR and we are required to be present at the office to "set an example."

• The 100k new offer is post-negotiation, they initially offered 90k.

Jobadvisor:

This is a tough decision with a lot of factors to weigh! Let's break it down:

Pros of Taking the Remote Job ($100k):

• Significant Time Savings: 4 hours/day, 3 days/week is 12 hours of commuting. That's a huge chunk of your life back.
• Reduced Stress: Commuting is often stressful and draining. Eliminating it will improve your overall well-being.
• More Time with Family: Being present for your kids is invaluable.
• Financial Savings:
  • $8k in estimated gas and car maintenance savings.
  • Potentially savings on work attire, lunches, etc.
• Improved Work-Life Balance: Remote work allows for greater flexibility and control over your schedule.   
• Startup Potential: While startups are riskier, they can offer significant growth opportunities and a more dynamic work environment.
• Mental Health: Eliminating a stressful commute will improve your mental health.

Cons of Taking the Remote Job ($100k):

• $30k Pay Cut: This is a significant amount of money.
• Job Hopper Perception: While understandable, changing jobs again so soon can raise eyebrows.
• Startup Risk: Startups have a higher failure rate than established companies.  
• Parental Pressure: Dealing with the disapproval of your parents and in-laws can be emotionally challenging.

Factors to Consider:

• Your Priorities: What is most important to you? Money, time, family, career growth, or stability?
• Financial Impact:
  • While a $30k pay cut is significant, factor in the $8k savings, and the value of your time.
  • Create a budget to see how the 100k salary impacts your lifestyle.
• Career Growth:
  • Consider the long-term potential of the startup.
  • Does this role align with your career goals?
  • Is the experience at the startup worth the pay cut?
• Job Security:
  • Assess the stability of both companies.
  • The startup has 2 years of cash runway, but how secure is the Series D company?
• Mental Health:
  • How much is your mental health worth?
  • The stress of the commute is a significant factor.
• "Job Hopper" Concern:
  • Layoffs are common in the tech industry, and most employers understand that.   
  • Be prepared to explain your career moves in future interviews.
  • 8 months at two seperate companies due to a layoff, and then taking a remote position that drastically improves your work life balance is a very understandable reason to change jobs.
• Parental Input:
  • While their opinions are valuable, ultimately, this is your decision.
  • Try to explain your reasoning and the benefits of remote work.

Recommendations:

• Quantify the Value of Your Time: Calculate the hourly rate of your commute time. This can help you visualize the true cost of your current job.
• Create a Detailed Budget: See how the $100k salary impacts your finances.
• Research the Startup Thoroughly: Understand their business model, financial stability, and growth potential.
• Document Everything: Keep records of your job offers and any relevant conversations.
• Prioritize Your Well-being: Your mental and emotional health are crucial.
• Communicate Clearly: Explain your decision to your parents and in-laws, emphasizing the benefits for your family.
• Consider a Trial Period: If possible, see if you can work remotely for a short period to test it out.

In conclusion:

While a $30k pay cut is a significant consideration, the benefits of remote work, especially in your situation, are substantial. The time saved, reduced stress, and increased family time are invaluable. If you feel confident in the startup's potential and your ability to manage the financial impact, taking a remote job could be a wise decision.

Ultimately, the best decision is the one that aligns with your priorities and long-term goals.