Factors That Have Made the Job Market More Difficult in 2026:

 Factors That Have Made the Job Market More Difficult in 2026:

Technology Advancements:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Automation of Daily Tasks:  AI is automating tasks, threatening entry-level and administrative roles. This issues, coupled with the skills gap widening between the demands of the role and the skills offered by the talent pool, it is harder for those with limited tech skills to find work.

Solution - Job seekers should take time to enroll in classes / programs designed to advance tech skills. This is esp. necessary for older workers as well as those who are entering the workforce.

Advice for Anyone Who Graduated School Post Winter 2020:

 Advice for Anyone Who Graduated School Post Winter 2020:

This is the first posting of a new series designed to help those who have been most affected (from a career standpoint) by what I will call "The COVID ERA".

1. Make it a point to continually develop your business and technical skills, preferably in "real" classes and not "virtually". Place yourself in an environment where you can interact (1:1 or in a group) with other adult learners and teachers. You will benefit more than in-person exchanges as opposed to Google Meet, Zoom, etc.

Do not take the "virtual" way. It may be logistically easier but you are not getting the value you need / deserve.

The Value of Certifications:

 The Value of Certifications:

The article, from the pages of LI, is an example of word garble. Certifications and training classes have tremendous value, esp. for older workers. Professional development opens doors, esp. during a a candidate's job search. If the expectation is do complete a certification / training and secure more $$$ from you current employer, you need to re-assess your expectations. You only will make significantly more $$$ from you current employer if you get a big promotion or you go get your leverage from another employer.

To LinkedIn: Tell the whole story!!! You owe it to all of those who pay your silly price (LinkedIn Premium) for a substandard product.

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Job skill certificates don’t typically lead to more cash or measurable career advancement, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing a new study of more than 23,000 popular credentials. Increasingly, Americans are turning to nondegree programs on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to digital marketing in order to beef up their résumés. But within one year of completion, just one out of eight resulted in marked pay gains. Among the biggest winners, the study showed, were workers in medical professions, including nursing and radiology.

Advice for anyone who is managing an employee who graduated school post Winter 2020 (Part 3):

Advice for anyone who is managing an employee who graduated school post Winter 2020 (Part 3):

This is the third posting of a new series designed to help those who have been most affected (from a career standpoint) by what I will call "The COVID ERA".

If you are managing people from the COVID ERA, you need to accept the fact that you are not only a manager, but also a mentor. I know you mentorship is not in your job description and is unfair but facts are facts.

The group wants to succeed but it is, unfortunately, your responsibility to guide them by handling proper training for not just job functions but also for internal and external communications. You will have to teach protocols, processes, procedures and at times, political correctness.

This group of young people need guidance. They want to become great performers. It is our responsibility to help them achieve their goals. It is a win-win for everyone.

Professional Development

Professional development courses hold considerable weight, esp. for older workers who need to show that their skills are applicable for today's job market.

I recommend to all professionals to take 1- 2 training classes per year and had these classes (and dates) to your resume. After all, you do not want to be viewed as "ancient" or "out of touch".

Advice for Anyone Who Graduated School Post Winter 2020 (Part 2):

 Advice for Anyone Who Graduated School Post Winter 2020 (Part 2):

This is the second posting of a new series designed to help those who have been most affected (from a career standpoint) by what I will call "The COVID ERA".

1. Reading books can be correlated to not only improved knowledge but also high levels of professional achievement. For all "COVID ERA" professionals (see above), make it a point to read a book (paper, not kindle) related to your field of business or fundamental business practices (sociology books that are note too rooted in academia (Malcolm Gladwell books are perfect for this exercise).

Making reading of these type of books part of your professional persona will yield benefits for you now and later in your career.

Professional Development

 Professional development courses hold considerable weight, esp. for older workers who need to show that their skills are applicable for today's job market.

I recommend to all professionals to take 1- 2 training classes per year and had these classes (and dates) to your resume. After all, you do not want to be viewed as "ancient" or "out of touch".

Online Professional Development Course

 Thinking about taking a professional development course but not sure where to start.

Well, this link should provide you with some guidance:

Best Online Course Providers:

https://www.g2.com/categories/online-course-providers

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SPECIAL NOTE: I am now taking on speaking engagements to groups as well as accepting invitations to critique resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles at trade shows, workshops, seminars and various other events. Please contact me via ajbresumes@gmail.com or 415.519.9659 for more details.

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www.allan-brown.com

My LI Profile - https://lnkd.in/gshNVy5

Professional Development - Important Especially for Those Laid Off...

 Learning and Development - I was speaking to a younger professional today who, sadly, is having a hard time finding work. He is getting interviews with the new resume and has gotten to the final round only to be rejected.

The rationale provided by the hiring ,mgr / recruiter: You interview well but we opted to go with someone else.

Loosely translated (in my opinion), you have been looking for a while and we want some with more current experience.

We all know it is easier to get a job when we have a job. Candidates who have been out of the workforce need to combat this issue.

One solution: Take professional development courses and speak about how you have been able to advance skills you have AS WELL AS learning new skills that will make you better at what your chosen profession. Add the completed course to the resume and do not be afraid to speak about the experience in the interview.

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SPECIAL NOTE: I am now taking on speaking engagements to groups as well as accepting invitations to critique resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles at trade shows, workshops, seminars and various other events. Please contact me via ajbresumes@gmail.com or 415.519.9659 for more details.

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www.allan-brown.com
My LI Profile - https://lnkd.in/gshNVy5

#allanbrown #ProfessionalDevelopment #followme

Please review my TikTok account for a video representation of job hunting / career management advice.

NEW (August 2023) - https://lnkd.in/gsnCGmyq

Skills Aptitude Decreased Significantly During the Pandemic

 From today's Wall Street Journal (wsj.com):

The "pandemic" years of remote learning is gumming up workplaces around the country. It is one reason professional service jobs are going unfilled and goods aren’t making it to market. It also helps explain why national productivity has fallen for the past five quarters, the longest contraction since at least 1948, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

The shortcomings run the gamut from general knowledge, including how to make change at a register, to soft skills such as working with others. Employers are spending more time and resources searching for candidates and often lowering expectations when they hire. Then they are spending millions to fix new employees’ lack of basic skills.

https://lnkd.in/ehxHyiig

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Since 2020, when the pandemic began and remote learning moved students out of schools and into virtual classrooms, the pass rates on national certifications and assessment exams taken by engineers, office workers, soldiers and nurses have all fallen.

In Covid-19’s aftermath, many college professors restructured curricula for students who lack basic study skills. 
“Reading, writing and critical-thinking skills are not the same as they were in the past,” said Mike Altman, a religion professor at the University of Alabama who said he has narrowed his curriculum to give his students more time to master basics.

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SPECIAL NOTE: I am now taking on speaking engagements to groups as well as accepting invitations to critique resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles at trade shows, workshops, seminars and various other events. Please contact me via ajbresumes@gmail.com or 415.519.9659 for more details.

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http://www.allan-brown.com

My LI Profile - https://lnkd.in/gshNVy5