Melissa Brooks


Career development 1d
Our company has already hired a third young guy without a college degree. I honestly don’t understand it, since I’m a certified economist (I completed a master’s degree).
Can you tell me, is higher (specialized) education really no longer important for a career nowadays? Thanks

5   

  • Crystal Thomas

    8h

    Honestly jobs are looking for staff eith the knowledge and experience instead of degrees. Why pay a person more money with out the experience but has... a degree when they can get the person with no degree for less and gain because that person has the knowledge. more

  • peter elweu

    10h

    Degrees are just an indicator that when you're given a job, you'll show up and deliver just like you did at school. They don't necessarily... differentiate you from those that lack them, what matters is whether or not you got one, can the employer bet on you to deliver based on your knowledge, skills and experience needed for the job. more

Load more...

Anonymous member


Career development 4d
Hi! I work in an all-women team and no one has a car. My husband picks me up every day and my coworkers often ask for a ride too. They got used to it and if I say no, they get upset. But I’m tired of driving everyone home. How can I stop this without arguments? Thanks

1   

  • Dr. Delores Thompson

    13h

    Explain to them that while you would love to offer a ride home you can no longer do it because it takes about from obligations that you need to... attend to right after work. This isn't a lie because your obligation os your families needs more

  • Amony Jackline

    1d

    You needn't be kind,do they buy fuel. When leaving, walk out alone and get your husband in unusual places

    1
Load more...

Career development

 14h

Eastern Florida State's Cybersecurity Program Serves as Pipeline for Space Coast's Thriving Information Technology industry - Space Coast Daily


By Casey Covel, Eastern Florida State College // April 11, 2026

Eastern Florida State College's Cybersecurity Program Upgrades Tomorrow's Professionals

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA - Blending foundational IT skills with hands-on operations, national competitions, and real-world internship experience, Eastern Florida State's Cybersecurity program serves as an employment pipeline for the Space Coast's... thriving Information Technology industry.

"Between L3Harris, Northrop, Health First, and other local employers, there are a lot of cool opportunities here on the Space Coast and beyond," said program assistant professor Nicole Dyess.

"As alumni enter hiring-management positions, we've built up this little Cyber Titans network. They're constantly asking me for my best students and their résumés."

With over 20 years of experience in systems engineering and network security, Dyess brings her diverse skill set to the classroom.

Students learn cryptography, network architecture, data extraction, malware identification, and phishing investigation in an environment where confidence- and community-building are as critical as real-time forensics simulations.

Laboratory Experiences Designed by Students

One of these immersive lab experiences, the Palm Bay Cyber Range Lab, features an air-gapped network where students can conduct penetration testing, run incident response drills, and simulate live attacks.

The Cyber Range Lab's gamer-style vibe takes inspiration from series like Mr. Robot, featuring LED lights, cutting-edge machinery, and even an arcade console.

"The students built much of our lab environment themselves. That sense of ownership gives them real résumé experience," said Dyess.

It's not the only lab designed by the program's students. Andrew Klinsic, who is completing his Cybersecurity & Network Systems A.S. degree before continuing to his Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Cybersecurity, contributed heavily to designing the College's Cyber Van.

This lab-on-wheels enables mobile outreach to the community, libraries, high schools, and middle schools.

"As we designed the Cyber Van, we had to consider constraints with power and equipment. It's all real experience we can put on a résumé," said Klinsic, who enjoys performing live demonstrations for public awareness.

"In the van, we demo phishing attacks -- what the victim sees versus what the attacker sees -- to help others become more aware of scams."

As students teach the public and youth about cybersecurity, they also build confidence and reinforce their skills.

"The technical documentation the students produced for the Cyber Van is some of the best I've ever seen," said Dyess.

In-Demand Certifications and Industry Training

Students interested in completing EFSC's BAS degree in Cybersecurity typically begin with the two-year A.S. in Cybersecurity & Network Systems, which provides a strong foundation and technical prerequisites for their four-year degree.

Additionally, students can consider beginning their academic journey with one of EFSC's six College Credit Certificates (Network Server Administration, Network Infrastructure, IP Communications, Network Support Technician, Network Virtualization, and Network Security), which can be used to build toward their two-year degree.

Although students can alternatively complete an Associate in Arts degree as part of their BAS pathway, Klinsic found the A.S. in Cybersecurity & Network Systems to be the right choice for him.

"I wanted to get technical classes before I went on to the bachelor's, so I swapped into the A.S. degree," he said. "If you do the A.A., you're doing more general education. I wanted the prerequisites that really matter for the bachelor's."

The program is designed so that certain courses articulate to certifications such as Security+, Linux+, or Network+, which are highly sought after by employers.

"Once students finish the required courses, they can complete the CompTIA Boot Camp prep and get a free voucher to sit for these important exams," said Dyess.

"For example, Security+ is an absolute requirement for cybersecurity roles, especially with DoD-compliant companies."

Klinsic is currently completing the Network Security Fundamentals course, which prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification, including applied questions in which students must demonstrate cybersecurity-related skills in real time.

"Security+ is legally required depending on the project you're working on," he said. "It's essential for many IT and federal roles. Employers expect you to have the certificate and be able to learn on the job."

Community Support & the Cybersecurity Club

Sponsored by Nicole Dyess, EFSC's Cybersecurity Club proudly upholds EFSC's prestigious Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation by the National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, while also providing students with access to exam preparation, peer support, and events like the National Cyber League competition.

For Klinsic, joining the club in his first semester and meeting other students interested in cybersecurity convinced him to switch his degree.

"The club's main purpose is helping you get your foot in the door through community events, professional networking, and skill building," said Klinsic.

"It's all about who you know -- especially in cybersecurity, where you work long hours in stressful environments. Your employers need to know they can work with you, trust you, rely on you."

"L3Harris hired three or four new grads straight from our club recently," added BAS Cybersecurity student Steven Lay. "Once you get into one of those companies, you can go anywhere -- especially if you get your security clearance."

The Cybersecurity Club provides access to both the National Cyber League and Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. In the CCDC, students troubleshoot real-world cybersecurity challenges, including malware, network traffic, log analysis, cryptography, and web applications -- all while competing against professional and volunteer hackers.

"When you're competing under pressure, it pushes you to figure things out," said Lay. "And after you solve the problem, it just feels amazing -- like 'I can't believe I got it!'"

The NCL competition, which takes place in the Fall and Spring semesters, involves more than 500 schools and 10,000 students. In 2025, the Cyber Titans competed in both individual and team-based events, earning an impressive 20th place in the Cyber Power Rankings.

"We remain tremendously proud of our Cyber Titans and the excellence they demonstrate year after year," said College President Dr. Jim Richey.

"Their success reflects their skill, determination, and strong commitment to their future careers in cybersecurity. None of this would be possible without the clear vision and dedication of Assistant Professor Nicole Dyess, whose leadership continues to be an example to others in this challenging and exciting field."

Entering the Field

EFSC's Cybersecurity program maintains strong relationships with local employers, providing students with built-in internship-for-credit opportunities as they enter the final year of their degree.

Trish Tackett, who is halfway through her BAS Cybersecurity degree and already employed as an engineering technician at L3Harris, looks forward to the opportunity to put her classroom experience to work in an internship.

"The internship component is optional, but I thought it would be a great thing to have," she said. "It will help me get into the cyber area at L3Harris if I've already completed an internship in that same department."

Additionally, Assistant Professor Dyess emphasizes student proactivity being key to future employment -- honing and implementing skills beyond classroom and laboratory hours, as well as taking time to meet others in the industry.

"Networking is one of the most important things students can do. A lot of our job placements come from meeting industry people at events," she said. "I always ask students: 'What are you building at home? Are you managing your home network? Are you the family's PC technician?'"

Graduates of the Cybersecurity program often begin with entry-level IT roles, such as help desk technicians or system administrators, before moving into more cybersecurity-related roles.

Lay, who has a background in computer programming, says it's been helpful in his transition to cybersecurity, which offers a wide range of career paths.

"Cybersecurity has like 20 niches inside of niches," he said. "There are different avenues one can go down. I know a person who went into compliance and another who went into forensics. It can appeal to all kinds of personalities, industries, and interests."

Justin Miller, a graduate of the Cybersecurity program and EFSC alum, had the honor of leading the Cybersecurity Club as Captain in the NCL competition during his second year.

He credits these hands-on experiences for pushing him to conduct further research and perform simulations that proved invaluable in finding employment.

"It taught me to be self-sufficient and independent in my job," said Miller. "I'm employed at TechRev Inc., where I do a lot of email investigations into phishing activity. I'm learning a lot on the job as I serve others and help them stay safe."

Looking Ahead: Growth & Emerging Technologies

EFSC continues to expand its cybersecurity program with enhanced labs, a new classroom setting in the newly opened Center for Innovative Technology Education building on the Melbourne Campus, and additional industry partnerships.

"The program keeps growing," said Dyess. "Cybersecurity isn't going away, and we're keeping up with industry trends. For example, we're training a local language model on our network so students can use AI safely in their labs. Students need to learn how to use AI well, not fear it."

EFSC alum Cheyenne Burkhart spent more than five years working in healthcare before choosing to pursue a lifelong passion for cybersecurity. Seeing a rise in ransomware and malware attacks on hospitals eventually brought her to EFSC's BAS program.

"Most colleges charged exorbitant tuition, but EFSC fit the criteria perfectly -- their BAS program is affordable and always had class availability for any day or time I needed," said Burkhart.

"Without this program, I would not have made it as far as I have in my professional career. My employers were highly impressed with the extracurricular work I did in addition to my classes."

Today, Burkhart works as a Security Operations Center Analyst for a local Department of Defense contractor, where daily tasks include detecting threats and ensuring protective measures are in place.

Whether students have a history of experience in the field or a newly budding interest, EFSC's Cybersecurity program provides innovative laboratories, industry connections, expert instruction, and community involvement to launch any future professional's career.

In Burkhart's own words: "EFSC's Cybersecurity program is one of the best around and will prepare anyone for a career in this field."

CLICK HERE to find out more about Eastern Florida State College's Cybersecurity program.

If you would like to help students achieve their cybersecurity career dreams, please consider donating to the EFSC Foundation to support the purchase of needed equipment or student scholarships. If interested, please contact the EFSC Foundation by calling 321-433-7094 or visiting their website at efscfoundation.org. more

Career development

 16h

How Ultra-Luxury Hotels Decide Who Gets a Key


Forget V.I.P. Are you P.L.U.? (That's People Like Us, rather than just one of them.) Select -- and selective -- five-star hotels are increasingly screening would-be guests for desirability rather than ability to pay. Jason Squatriglia, founder of Your Favorite Travel Agent, spends significant time filling out so-called pitch bios to persuade persnickety property managers that his clients would be... additive to the poolside scene. "They work hard to curate that environment, which they don't want to lose just because someone can pay $2,500 a night," he says.

These travel résumés detail everything from a client's board positions to whether they're accompanied by young, noisy children or less-disruptive older teens. If you're arriving by private jet, he'll add in that you require a transfer from the local fixed-base operator. "It already speaks volumes, whether you own or charter," he says.

Such dossiers are a near-essential for one world-famous, always-booked hotel in the south of France. And even when a booking is accepted, it's usually conditional: The exact rate per night will be determined at check-in, and guests must agree to accept whatever they're offered.

One general manager, who asked not to be named, admits he approaches reservations this way. "We are working on building a members'-club mindset at our place," he says. "They are not only booking a suite, but they want to be part of a community."

Cari Gray of Gray & Co., which focuses on trips for active travelers, frames these inquiries more like matchmaking. It's a natural evolution for lavish private villas. Owners of such houses are, unsurprisingly, keen to know what kind of people are sleeping under their roofs. Five Star Greece's founder and director Ileana von Hirsch works with a villa on the tony island of Antiparos. The art-filled home was built by a collector to be what she calls "a beacon of civilization in the dark of this world." The last time she booked it successfully? For a wealthy Swiss traveler who had a passion for collecting. He qualified with credibility, not credit score.

Still, there are always work-arounds. Take a name with the wrong kind of recognition, or digital footprint, for example. Squatriglia sometimes makes the booking request using a spouse's bio instead. "She can get a reservation, with a guest, but if he's coming? They have no availability," he says. "You just have to get creative." more

Career development

 18h

Unemployed recent college grad: I've applied to over 1,000 jobs


Business Insider tells the global tech, finance, stock market, media, economy, lifestyle, real estate, AI and innovative stories you want to know.

For most of my life, I believed in a very specific formula: work hard in school, build a strong résumé, study abroad, learn languages, get a master's degree, and be globally aware.

I studied journalism and... media, and I leaned into storytelling early on. I spent time abroad multiple times in Rome, Florence, Kuwait, and Scotland. I learned how to navigate new cultures, new systems, and new expectations. I became fluent in spaces that were not designed for a first-generation student like me.After graduating, I went on to earn my master's degree in international affairs as part of the inaugural cohort at John Cabot University in Rome . I focused on global justice, human rights, and representation. I contributed to research on the gig economy, attended UN conferences both in Italy and Azerbaijan, and built what I thought was a strong, competitive profile.I completed my MA degree early, believing I had done everything right. But I still can't find a job.Since graduating, I've applied to over 1,000 jobs.That includes roles in Rome with UN agencies, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations. It also includes jobs across the US -- in-person, hybrid, and remote roles. I applied to communications positions, research roles, media jobs, and anything that aligned with my background in storytelling and global affairs.I tailored résumés. I wrote cover letters that took hours. I researched organizations, memorized their missions, reached out to every connection, and prepared for interviews like they were exams.Out of all those applications, I've gotten 15 interviews. Only two of those moved me to a second round. Less than five of the roles I interviewed for were actually filled.For the rest, I watched the same job postings reappear weeks or months later. Were those even real positions?It started to feel like I wasn't competing for jobs. I was competing for the possibility of a job.Rejection is one thing. Uncertainty is another.When you don't get a job, you can usually point to something. Maybe someone had more experience. Maybe you didn't interview well. Maybe the role just wasn't the right fit.But what do you do when there's no outcome at all? When positions stay open indefinitely. When companies repost roles without hiring. When you make it through multiple steps and still hear nothing back.It creates this constant loop in your mind. You start questioning everything: your degree, your experience, and the choices you made.I did everything I was told would make me employable. Yet, I've never felt more unsure about where I stand.At some point, I had to shift my focus from waiting to building.During undergrad, I spent four years working in publicity and creative marketing. That became the one thing I could return to when the job market kept shutting me out.Now, I freelance as a creative director and marketing professional. I design campaigns, create visual content, and work with clients to build cohesive brand identities. I've worked on everything from social media strategy to email marketing to photoshoots to editorial visuals.It's not stable or the full-time role I desire for myself. But it's something I built myself.Freelancing has taught me how to trust my skills in a different way. It's shown me that I don't need permission to create meaningful work.Still, there's a difference between surviving and feeling secure. I'm still trying to figure out how to bridge that gap.For a long time, I was chasing stability as it was defined for me: a full time job, steady paycheck, and clear title. But not having that has pushed me to ask a different question. What kind of work do I actually want to be doing?The answer keeps bringing me back to storytelling.I want to be a creative director who focuses on telling BIPOC stories with care and accuracy. I want to create media that doesn't flatten people into stereotypes or reduce cultures into trends. I want to build projects that feel honest, layered, and intentional.That's the work I've been drawn to for years. It's also the work I kept putting off because I thought I needed something more "stable" first.Now, I'm starting to see that maybe the path I was following was never designed to lead me there.I don't have a clean ending to this story.I'm still applying for jobs while freelancing, and trying to make sense of a system that feels unpredictable and, at times, impossible to navigate.But I also know this: the effort I've put in hasn't been wasted. It just didn't lead me where I expected. Maybe that means I have to build something different instead.

College Education Careers Gen Z

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Career development

 1w

My Husband Can't Get a Job. Should I Divorce Him?


My husband is a very smart and capable person, but he became very sick in early 2020, and he has barely worked since then, despite tirelessly applying for positions. What can he do?

We recently moved so I could go to graduate school for music, but the stress of trying to make enough money to live on (even with help from my mom) has made it nearly impossible to focus and develop my skills. It's... literally ruining my life.

Currently he is doing an online master's program in computer science, but I worry that this will not improve his prospects. I don't really want to get divorced, but I think about it constantly. It's just too hard trying to support two adults as a nonprofit administrator. I can't live this way for the next 30-40 years.

Thanks for your help,

 more
1   

  • Alexis McLaughlin

    18h

    Divorce is expensive and emotional. You’ll drain yourself financially, emotionally and spiritually. I don’t think it’ll help

  • Ashley Philias

    1d

    no, because would want him divorce you if you were sick? sales or customer service position from home ....

Load more...

Career development

 20h

I've applied to 1,000 jobs since earning my master's and am still unemployed. I'm frustrated because I thought I did everything right.


I'm frustrated because I thought I did everything right, but I'm now focusing on freelancing.

For most of my life, I believed in a very specific formula: work hard in school, build a strong résumé, study abroad, learn languages, get a master's degree, and be globally aware.

I studied journalism and media, and I leaned into storytelling early on. I spent time abroad multiple times in Rome,... Florence, Kuwait, and Scotland. I learned how to navigate new cultures, new systems, and new expectations. I became fluent in spaces that were not designed for a first-generation student like me.

After graduating, I went on to earn my master's degree in international affairs as part of the inaugural cohort at John Cabot University in Rome (again). I focused on global justice, human rights, and representation. I contributed to research on the gig economy, attended UN conferences both in Italy and Azerbaijan, and built what I thought was a strong, competitive profile.

I completed my MA degree early, believing I had done everything right. But I still can't find a job.

Since graduating, I've applied to over 1,000 jobs.

That includes roles in Rome with UN agencies, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations. It also includes jobs across the US -- in-person, hybrid, and remote roles. I applied to communications positions, research roles, media jobs, and anything that aligned with my background in storytelling and global affairs.

I tailored résumés. I wrote cover letters that took hours. I researched organizations, memorized their missions, reached out to every connection, and prepared for interviews like they were exams.

Out of all those applications, I've gotten 15 interviews. Only two of those moved me to a second round. Less than five of the roles I interviewed for were actually filled.

For the rest, I watched the same job postings reappear weeks or months later. Were those even real positions?

It started to feel like I wasn't competing for jobs. I was competing for the possibility of a job.

Rejection is one thing. Uncertainty is another.

When you don't get a job, you can usually point to something. Maybe someone had more experience. Maybe you didn't interview well. Maybe the role just wasn't the right fit.

But what do you do when there's no outcome at all? When positions stay open indefinitely. When companies repost roles without hiring. When you make it through multiple steps and still hear nothing back.

It creates this constant loop in your mind. You start questioning everything: your degree, your experience, and the choices you made.

I did everything I was told would make me employable. Yet, I've never felt more unsure about where I stand.

At some point, I had to shift my focus from waiting to building.

During undergrad, I spent four years working in publicity and creative marketing. That became the one thing I could return to when the job market kept shutting me out.

Now, I freelance as a creative director and marketing professional. I design campaigns, create visual content, and work with clients to build cohesive brand identities. I've worked on everything from social media strategy to email marketing to photoshoots to editorial visuals.

It's not stable or the full-time role I desire for myself. But it's something I built myself.

Freelancing has taught me how to trust my skills in a different way. It's shown me that I don't need permission to create meaningful work.

Still, there's a difference between surviving and feeling secure. I'm still trying to figure out how to bridge that gap.

For a long time, I was chasing stability as it was defined for me: a full time job, steady paycheck, and clear title. But not having that has pushed me to ask a different question. What kind of work do I actually want to be doing?

The answer keeps bringing me back to storytelling.

I want to be a creative director who focuses on telling BIPOC stories with care and accuracy. I want to create media that doesn't flatten people into stereotypes or reduce cultures into trends. I want to build projects that feel honest, layered, and intentional.

That's the work I've been drawn to for years. It's also the work I kept putting off because I thought I needed something more "stable" first.

Now, I'm starting to see that maybe the path I was following was never designed to lead me there.

I don't have a clean ending to this story.

I'm still applying for jobs while freelancing, and trying to make sense of a system that feels unpredictable and, at times, impossible to navigate.

But I also know this: the effort I've put in hasn't been wasted. It just didn't lead me where I expected. Maybe that means I have to build something different instead. more

Career development

 20h

Academic Resume, Education Highlight


I need a concise, well-structured academic résumé that shines a spotlight on my Education section. My goal is to present degrees, coursework, honors, and any relevant certifications in a way that immediately signals academic strength and progression. I will supply raw details -- institutions, dates, GPAs, thesis titles, and awards. From there, please shape the content into a clean, professional... layout, choose appropriate headings, and ensure consistent formatting (Word or Google Docs is fine; a polished PDF export, too). While Education is the only section I must have, I'm open to your advice on adding brief placeholders for research experience or publications if you feel they would strengthen the overall document. Just keep the focus squarely on academic credentials. Deliverable * Editable résumé file plus final PDF, ready for submission. I value clear communication and quick turnaround, so let me know your timeline and any information you'll need right away. more

Career development

 21h

6 mistakes job seekers should avoid when using AI for résumés and more


Business Insider tells the global tech, finance, stock market, media, economy, lifestyle, real estate, AI and innovative stories you want to know.

Before throwing a résumé draft into ChatGPT or asking another AI tool to craft a message to hiring managers, job seekers should avoid a few things."I never used the wording ChatGPT spit out, but I definitely used it to figure out where I... was lacking in useful information and where I had too much," one person said in response to a Business Insider poll asking how job seekers are using AI.

Another person said they used it to create thank-you messages that draw on information from the company's website, like the employer's values. Another use was comparing résumés to job descriptions.Are you using AI in your job search, or a recruiter that uses AI to pick candidates? Are you vibe coding? Reach out to this reporter to share what it's been like at mhoff@businessinsider.com.In the US alone, over 7 million people are unemployed, and about a quarter have been actively seeking work for at least 27 weeks. "This is a moment to sort of adjust the playbook a little bit," said Pat Whelan, head of careers products at LinkedIn. "That's where AI can be a huge help."Still, he added, AI tools should be just a starting point in the job search process. Below are six examples of AI mistakes and overuse to avoid so you don't sabotage your chances. It's the human, not the AI, who ultimately needs to sign on the dotted line of a job offer and take on the new gig's duties.Priya Rathod, workplace trends editor at Indeed, finds that AI can help job seekers enhance their applications. However, she cautions against offloading all the responsibility for creating materials to AI; the job seeker should still personalize materials to tell their story."Use AI as a collaborator," Rathod said. "You potentially write your résumé out, and then you use AI to tweak it, strengthen it, make your existing bullets clearer."Meg Martin, a résumé writer and career coach, suggested avoiding telling the AI tool, "Here's a job description. Write me a résumé for this job that I want to apply to," without also talking about who you are and the experience that fits with what the employer is looking for. Without the personal spin, she said it's just a generic résumé that won't get far. If you want to use AI to help draft a résumé, Martin said to feed it written passages so it can match your voice.Before uploading your résumé to a job application, give it a look over to make sure the skills, experience, and any other AI-enhanced sections are actually about you.This is important if you reach the interview stage. "If you can't speak confidently to every single bullet point on that résumé, that will hurt you in the interviewing process," said career coach Lee Ann Chan.Rathod emphasized that employers are looking for cohesiveness throughout the process, so a cover letter or résumé made with the help of AI should be consistent with what you can elaborate on in the interview stage."AI sometimes exaggerates qualifications and hallucinates job responsibilities and doesn't have the timelines correct," Rathod said. "So you want to make sure that you are thoroughly reviewing whatever output AI creates for you.""The overarching line that I share with folks is there's no such thing as an AI résumé or a non-AI résumé," said Sam Wright, head of career strategy at AI résumé builder Huntr.co, and who also does one-on-one job search support. "It's a good résumé, or it's a bad résumé."Wright said that recruiters spend an average of just under 10 seconds on a résumé. If there are clear signs it's an AI-written résumé, "then it's probably going to be a bad résumé because what we're ultimately catering towards is the preferences and biases" of the person making job candidate decisions, he said. Wright said some signs of AI usage can be em dashes or contrasting language of "It's not X, it's Y."He said the main mistake AI-using job seekers make is thinking that these tools mean they can focus less attention and effort. Job seekers should research what should be included. "If you are not an expert or you don't know what is a good résumé to begin with, then using these AI tools, it's not going to really help you make a better résumé because you're already defaulting to what you already know and are prompting based off of that."Wright also said some AI users make the mistake of copy-pasting part of their conversation with the tool into their job application materials, so don't forget to double-check.Martin said garbage in equals garbage out, so job seekers should use detailed and strategic prompts to try to get useful output."If you give it a one-line prompt, you're going to get something very generic and different than if you give it all the details about your background, about your experience, about what you're looking for, how you see yourself fitting into the target job," she said.Career experts tend to advise making résumé details quantifiable. Chan said give AI tools some numbers and specifics about your work experience instead of simply uploading a résumé and telling it to tweak it to match the description."Tell them exactly, 'when I was working on this group project, I leveraged these resources, I worked with these people, I was able to get 20% increase,'" Chan gave as an example.After that, be clear on what you want AI to do with that data, such as creating a specific bullet point on a résumé that leverages the information. Also, let it know how long the point should be.One common part of the résumé is the professional summary at the top, which briefly explains the job seeker and their measurable achievements. Martin finds that AI tools tend to jam-pack the section with buzzwords or commonly used verbs."After a while, they all start to sound the same, and you've got to find ways to make yourself stand out," Martin said, adding that the key is to edit.For cover letters, she said people should guide the tool on their writing style and word choices to avoid it coming up with something more generic. "They usually start out with, 'I'm excited to apply for such and such job,' and that's a dead giveaway," she said. However, she said it should still feel human, so people could use the AI tool's outputs as a guide instead of the final result.Chan said candidates need to include numbers and demonstrate impact in their cover letters. She said common phrases that are used too often are "translated data into actionable insights, proven track record, results-oriented professionals.""It's not that you can't use those words, but you need to back it up with the results," Chan said. AI tools can also help with networking. Whelan said AI can save time when drafting messages, but job seekers still need to review and personalize them."Make sure you're communicating why you have some unique fit with that particular role so that you stand out to recruiters," he said.Chan said hiring managers get messages all the time from people who say they see they work for a certain company and would like to ask a few questions. She said, instead of telling AI you are going to or have already applied for a job and now want to write a short message to the hiring manager, tell the tool some specific details about the person, for example, that the hiring manager recently spoke at a certain event, or something that can help make the message less generic.How is your job search going? Reach out to share what it's been like with this reporter at mhoff@businessinsider.com.

Careers AI

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

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Career development

 22h

6 mistakes job seekers should avoid when using AI for résumés, cover letters, and networking


Before throwing a résumé draft into ChatGPT or asking another AI tool to craft a message to hiring managers, job seekers should avoid a few things.

"I never used the wording ChatGPT spit out, but I definitely used it to figure out where I was lacking in useful information and where I had too much," one person said in response to a Business Insider poll asking how job seekers are using AI. Another... person said they used it to create thank-you messages that draw on information from the company's website, like the employer's values. Another use was comparing résumés to job descriptions.

In the US alone, over 7 million people are unemployed, and about a quarter have been actively seeking work for at least 27 weeks. "This is a moment to sort of adjust the playbook a little bit," said Pat Whelan, head of careers products at LinkedIn. "That's where AI can be a huge help."

Still, he added, AI tools should be just a starting point in the job search process. Below are six examples of AI mistakes and overuse to avoid so you don't sabotage your chances.

It's the human, not the AI, who ultimately needs to sign on the dotted line of a job offer and take on the new gig's duties.

Priya Rathod, workplace trends editor at Indeed, finds that AI can help job seekers enhance their applications. However, she cautions against offloading all the responsibility for creating materials to AI; the job seeker should still personalize materials to tell their story.

"Use AI as a collaborator," Rathod said. "You potentially write your résumé out, and then you use AI to tweak it, strengthen it, make your existing bullets clearer."

Meg Martin, a résumé writer and career coach, suggested avoiding telling the AI tool, "Here's a job description. Write me a résumé for this job that I want to apply to," without also talking about who you are and the experience that fits with what the employer is looking for. Without the personal spin, she said it's just a generic résumé that won't get far. If you want to use AI to help draft a résumé, Martin said to feed it written passages so it can match your voice.

Before uploading your résumé to a job application, give it a look over to make sure the skills, experience, and any other AI-enhanced sections are actually about you.

This is important if you reach the interview stage. "If you can't speak confidently to every single bullet point on that résumé, that will hurt you in the interviewing process," said career coach Lee Ann Chan.

Rathod emphasized that employers are looking for cohesiveness throughout the process, so a cover letter or résumé made with the help of AI should be consistent with what you can elaborate on in the interview stage.

"AI sometimes exaggerates qualifications and hallucinates job responsibilities and doesn't have the timelines correct," Rathod said. "So you want to make sure that you are thoroughly reviewing whatever output AI creates for you."

"The overarching line that I share with folks is there's no such thing as an AI résumé or a non-AI résumé," said Sam Wright, head of career strategy at AI résumé builder Huntr.co, and who also does one-on-one job search support. "It's a good résumé, or it's a bad résumé."

Wright said that recruiters spend an average of just under 10 seconds on a résumé. If there are clear signs it's an AI-written résumé, "then it's probably going to be a bad résumé because what we're ultimately catering towards is the preferences and biases" of the person making job candidate decisions, he said. Wright said some signs of AI usage can be em dashes or contrasting language of "It's not X, it's Y."

He said the main mistake AI-using job seekers make is thinking that these tools mean they can focus less attention and effort. Job seekers should research what should be included. "If you are not an expert or you don't know what is a good résumé to begin with, then using these AI tools, it's not going to really help you make a better résumé because you're already defaulting to what you already know and are prompting based off of that."

Wright also said some AI users make the mistake of copy-pasting part of their conversation with the tool into their job application materials, so don't forget to double-check.

Martin said garbage in equals garbage out, so job seekers should use detailed and strategic prompts to try to get useful output.

"If you give it a one-line prompt, you're going to get something very generic and different than if you give it all the details about your background, about your experience, about what you're looking for, how you see yourself fitting into the target job," she said.

Career experts tend to advise making résumé details quantifiable. Chan said give AI tools some numbers and specifics about your work experience instead of simply uploading a résumé and telling it to tweak it to match the description.

"Tell them exactly, 'when I was working on this group project, I leveraged these resources, I worked with these people, I was able to get 20% increase,'" Chan gave as an example.

After that, be clear on what you want AI to do with that data, such as creating a specific bullet point on a résumé that leverages the information. Also, let it know how long the point should be.

One common part of the résumé is the professional summary at the top, which briefly explains the job seeker and their measurable achievements. Martin finds that AI tools tend to jam-pack the section with buzzwords or commonly used verbs.

"After a while, they all start to sound the same, and you've got to find ways to make yourself stand out," Martin said, adding that the key is to edit.

For cover letters, she said people should guide the tool on their writing style and word choices to avoid it coming up with something more generic. "They usually start out with, 'I'm excited to apply for such and such job,' and that's a dead giveaway," she said. However, she said it should still feel human, so people could use the AI tool's outputs as a guide instead of the final result.

Chan said candidates need to include numbers and demonstrate impact in their cover letters. She said common phrases that are used too often are "translated data into actionable insights, proven track record, results-oriented professionals."

"It's not that you can't use those words, but you need to back it up with the results," Chan said.

AI tools can also help with networking. Whelan said AI can save time when drafting messages, but job seekers still need to review and personalize them.

"Make sure you're communicating why you have some unique fit with that particular role so that you stand out to recruiters," he said.

Chan said hiring managers get messages all the time from people who say they see they work for a certain company and would like to ask a few questions. She said, instead of telling AI you are going to or have already applied for a job and now want to write a short message to the hiring manager, tell the tool some specific details about the person, for example, that the hiring manager recently spoke at a certain event, or something that can help make the message less generic. more

Career development

 1d

Healthcare Cover Letter Crafting


I need a polished, one-page cover letter that positions me as a strong candidate for a healthcare role. The letter must align with my résumé, spotlight my clinical knowledge, patient-focused mindset, and any compliance or regulatory experience I have, while also reflecting the specific language and values of the target employer. I will provide my current résumé, the job posting, and any key... achievements you should weave in. Please return: * A final, ready-to-send PDF * An editable Word or Google Docs version * A brief note (3-4 lines) explaining why each main paragraph was structured the way it is, so I can confidently adapt it for future applications. Tone: professional yet warm, evidence-driven, and clearly motivated by my passion for quality patient care. Length: no more than one page at standard margins (roughly 250-350 words). Deadline: first complete draft within three days, with one revision cycle included. more

Career development

 1d

ECP NetHappenings Gen Z workers are so fearful AI will take their job - CyberPlayGround Blog


❤️️ Sign Up ©2026 NetHappenings News Email List😄 🙂https://cyberplayground.org

©2026 Follow@CyberPlayGround

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BITCOIN 3:33 PM TODAY HITS 73,000

Mexico getting universal healthcare before America is embarrassing.

Israel has universal healthcare and... America doesn't.

Every major democracy around the world has some form of universal healthcare.

Not America.

Michael Saylor's Strategy could surpass BlackRock's BTC holdings in the next couple weeks

When HODLing becomes mortgage hacking

$40 BILLION STRATEGY CEO

JUST PUT HIS OWN MORTGAGE MONEY INTO $STRC

"INSTEAD OF PAYING DOWN MY MORTGAGE, I PUT IT INTO AN INSTRUMENT THAT PAYS ME 11.5%"

THAT'S 10X HIS MORTGAGE RATE

THIS IS HOW #BITCOIN EATS WALL STREET

https://x.com/pete_rizzo_/status/2042659718754091233

#BITCOIN BUYING DAY IN HISTORY 4/10/26

STRATEGY JUST BOUGHT 1,000 BTC IN 40 MINUTES HE IS BUYING 25 BTC A MINUTE NEW PARADIGM IS HERE

IRAN JUST BECAME THE BIGGEST BITCOIN BUYER ON EARTH

Iran charges $2M in Bitcoin per ship to cross Hormuz

At $72,000 per $BTC, each ship = 27.7 BTC

~130 ships cross daily

For context:

Miners produce 450 $BTC/day

Iran earns 3,601 $BTC/day

That's 8x the entire daily mining supply

MicroStrategy took 4 years to stack 500K $BTC

Iran could do it in 5 months... with a toll booth

ESSAY BY ANONYMOUS

I was at the library using their computers when a woman sat next to me. Opened her email. Started applying for jobs. I could see her screen. She'd been sending applications for months. Hundreds of them. All rejections or no response. She kept going. Indeed. LinkedIn. Company websites. Over and over.

After an hour she put her head down. Just sat there. I leaned over. "Job hunting?" She nodded. Didn't look up. "Six months unemployed. Savings gone. Living with my sister.

I have a master's degree and I can't get an interview." Her voice cracked. "I don't know what I'm doing wrong."

"Can I look at your resume?" She pulled it up. I saw the problem immediately. Formatted weird. Too long. Buried her best experience. "Mind if I help?" Spent an hour reformatting it. Tightening it. Making her skills pop. "Try this version."

She looked at it. "This is so much better. How did you" "I'm a recruiter. Was. Before I got laid off too." She looked at me. Really looked.

"You're unemployed?" "Four months. I get it. The rejection. The silence. It's brutal."

We became job hunting partners. Met at the library twice a week. Edited each other's resumes. Practiced interviews. Kept each other sane. She got a job first. Two months later. Called me crying happy tears. "I start Monday. And I told them about you. They want to interview you."

I got hired too. We work at the same company now. Different departments. Have lunch every week...

"Two unemployed strangers at the library," she says. "Now we're employed friends. Funny how that works."

Gen Z workers are so fearful AI will take their job they're intentionally sabotaging their company's Al rollout By Jake Angelo

April 8, 2026, 11:44 AM ET FORTUNE

All employees should do this. Every single one. Do not comply with AI rollouts. Everything you do with AI at your job is simply to train it to replace you. It's 100% a fact.

People really don't understand. AI is there to replace you. It can only do it if you use it in your job. It cannot replace you if you do not use (teach) it. AI is a scourge. It's a thinking machine that does zero thinking. We have demonstrated this several times already. Anything anyone can reasonably do to reverse course on this before our short-sighted overlords put us all out of jobs is worth it.

Bilderberg list leaked

https://x.com/DanDicksPFT/status/2041644938946081091

FYI

CFTC announces new Innovation Task Force to develop clear regulatory frameworks for crypto, AI, and prediction markets. The goal is to provide clear rules of the road for American innovators.

Lina Khan @linamkhan

Nobody should be stuck paying for a subscription they don't want because of how absurdly difficult firms make it to cancel.

I'm thrilled that @nycmayor is carrying forward a "click to cancel" rule to protect NYC from this misconduct.

More cities and states should follow suit.

In an antitrust settlement this week with farmers, John Deere agreed to provide software and digital tools necessary to repair tractors and other ag equipment to independent repair shops and customers. The suit credits Lina Khan's FTC case.

https://www.agri-pulse.com/ext/resources/pdfs/gov.uscourts.ilnd.415798.333.1.pdf

IF YOU INSERT A CHARGER OR CABLE INTO YOUR PHONE, YOUR PHONE RECORDS IT. Each time a phone is connected to or disconnected from a charging cable, the system records it. These logs are crucial for investigators because they provide precise timestamps of physical device interaction, helping reconstruct user activity, verify alibis, correlate movements, and establish timelines, making them reliable indicators of handling and behavior during digital forensic investigations. Another key fact: Charging logs can reveal interruptions or unusual patterns for example, frequent disconnects may indicate movement, tampering, or active device use, helping investigators detect inconsistencies in a suspect's timeline or behavior.

Tom DiNaploi has invested nearly half a billion dollars in Palantir.

https://x.com/sunrisemvmt/status/2042613655196307564

Despite powering Trump's deportation machine that has resulted in 33 detention facility deaths and the public deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, DiNapoli only cares if Palantir is profitable. The NYS pension fund shouldn't depend on the people's oppression.

J.P. Cooney @cooneycongress

I prosecuted the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, and then Donald Trump himself.

One week after he took office again, he fired me.

Now I'm running for Congress to defend our democracy and restore the rule of law.

George Conway @gtconway3d

A harebrained psychopath has control of the nuclear codes.

It has to stop.

Our country, our democracy, can't take another 33 months of what we've gone through over the last 15.

We must stop it.

Join the fight here:

http://georgeconwayforcongress.com more

Career development

 1d

Canadian Tech CV Rewrite


I need my existing résumé transformed so that it speaks directly to hiring managers in the Canadian tech scene -- particularly for Data Security and Document Control positions -- and also remains attractive to recruiters abroad. The content must be reorganised to match Canadian formatting conventions, integrate sector-relevant keywords for modern ATS screening, and clearly surface my achievements... in securing information assets and managing controlled documentation. You will start by reviewing my current CV, and pointing out the areas of improvement. Deliverables * A polished résumé in editable Word and print-ready PDF formats * A brief notes page explaining keyword strategy and any content you suggest I expand independently * A one-paragraph professional summary I can reuse on LinkedIn I will consider the project complete once the document passes an online ATS scan with strong scores for Data Security and Document Control keywords and the layout presents cleanly on both desktop and mobile previews. more

Career development

 1d

Career Specialist


Job Overview: Under the supervision of the Career Development Specialist, the Career Specialist will work together with the larger Youth and Economic Empowerment Team through an integrated approach to help refugees and other under-served populations to thrive financially in the U.S. The Career Specialist will be responsible for managing employer relations and ensuring job placements in the... Economic Empowerment programs, like CareerLink and BRIDGE youth programs, as well as other workforce development programming.

Major Responsibilities:

* Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with area employers to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.

* Conduct outreach to employers within the community to facilitate job placements, paid work experience, or on-the-job training.

* Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assist clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.

* Monitor job search activity to ensure that clients make sufficient contact with employers and are complying with Employment Services Program policies.

* Monitor job performance, wage level and employer/employee satisfaction.

* Assist clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.

* Work collaboratively with other team members to provide one-on-one career advising and coaching; this includes service planning, goal setting, resource mapping, job search activities, referrals to career training and connections with employers.

* Develop and maintain resource guides and materials on industry sector employment and training opportunities.

* Complete assessments to gauge client strengths, weaknesses, and proficiencies.

* Work with skilled volunteers, community members, and employer contacts to facilitate career development workshops on topics such as job search strategies, email correspondence, and interviewing.

* Facilitate trainings on U.S. business culture and workplace communication.

* Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements.

* Provide intake, assessment and pre-employment/job readiness orientation to clients eligible for employment services.

* Provide case management and document client participation and progress, adhering to grant requirements.

* Ensure accurate and timely reporting of career development services data to donors and all relevant parties

* Participate in all-staff/ program meetings.

* Other job related duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Career Development Supervisor

Indirect Reporting: Economic Empowerment Program Manager

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: WIOA***,*** Matching Grant Program, CareerLink program, County Program, community partners in financial and economic empowerment programs.

External: Community partners in housing organizations, employers of local businesses, as well as financial and economic empowerment programs.

Job Requirements:

* Undergraduate degree, ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study. Comparable related work experience may be substituted.

* Demonstrated work experience (in addition to the above) in human services field, preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment. Experience should include a minimum of 2 years providing direct services to underserved communities. Prior experience working with refugee populations preferred.

* Experience in a non-profit or social services setting is an advantage.

* Attention to detail and ability to organize and track large amounts of information efficiently and accurately.

* Familiarity with or association with employers and vocational training programs in San Jose highly desirable.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* Strong computer skills, particularly Word and Excel.

* Ability to work independently, be a self-starter and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks.

* Proficiency in a language other than English an asset.

* Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Working Environment***:***

* Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.

* Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends).

Union Eligible:

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $26.00 - $27.00) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

US Benefits: We offer the following benefits to short term employees in the US: 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, sick leave, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. more

Career development

 1d

Pressmaster DMCC: The Interview Room Podcast Launches: Redefining the Conversation Around Life, Work, and Growth


Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2026) - The Interview Room podcast, a new series designed to help job seekers and professionals navigate the complex world of interviews and career growth, has officially launched - and has already made its mark, ranking #72 on Apple Podcasts in the Business category. Hosted by Coach Annie, a seasoned leadership coach and HR strategist with over... 20 years of experience, the podcast offers expert insights, practical advice, and real-world strategies to help listeners succeed in the competitive job market.

The Interview Room featuring host, Coach Annie

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/291909_605051ee44c77afa_001full.jpg

"Interviews are often seen as a stressful hurdle, but with the right guidance, they can become a stepping stone toward career success," said Coach Annie. "The Interview Room is all about providing listeners with actionable tips, insider knowledge, and stories from industry leaders that empower them to ace any interview and elevate their professional trajectory."

Welcome to The Interview Room w/ Coach Annie, a safe, real, and judgment-free space for honest conversations about life, work, and everything in between.

Hosted by Coach Annie, an HR professional who has spent years listening to people's stories beyond titles and résumés, The Interview Room focuses on the human side of every journey - the moments, decisions, struggles, and wins.

In this room, conversations include:

Life experiences that shape identity and directionWork in all its forms, traditional, non-traditional, and self-createdPivots, purpose, burnout, confidence, relationships, and growthLessons learned through real life, not just careers

This is not a space for perfect stories or polished paths.

Since its launch, The Interview Room has quickly gained momentum, breaking into the Top 100 on Apple Podcasts in the Business category at #72 - a reflection of the growing demand for honest, practical career and life guidance. Each episode delves into the nuances of job interviews, covering topics such as crafting the perfect resume, mastering interview techniques, and negotiating job offers. The podcast also explores how to stand out in today's job market, leveraging personal branding, and building a career that aligns with individual passions and skills.

The show features interviews with business owners, hiring managers, career coaches, and high-performing professionals who share their experiences and advice. With an emphasis on real-world applications, The Interview Room Podcast aims to help listeners, whether they are building a career, leading a team, or growing a business, make clear, confident, and strategic decisions about work and people.

"After years of coaching professionals and guiding them to new opportunities, I wanted to create a platform that would help even more people feel confident and prepared for their career journey," added Coach Annie. "Through this podcast, I hope to bring clarity and confidence to job seekers, helping them approach their careers with purpose and strategic insight."

Listeners can access The Interview Room through its official website www.the-interview-room.com and on major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

About Coach Annie

Coach Annie has dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations navigate growth, transition, and transformation. Coach Annie has spent over 20 years in human resources and leadership, working behind the scenes of organizations and inside pivotal career moments. She has coached professionals into promotions and higher compensation while also advising business owners and organizations on building effective teams, improving retention, and making stronger people decisions. Her work sits at the intersection of career growth and business performance. As the author of Taking Your Dreams Off Life Support, The Promotion Trap, Before You Hire Again, and The Quiet Authority, Coach Annie brings a practical and unfiltered perspective on career growth, leadership, and building a life and career with intention.

Through her work, Coach Annie has helped professionals while supporting business owners and organizations in building stronger teams, improving retention, and making more effective people decisions.

Media Contact

Coach Annie

coachannie@elevateconsultingsllc.com

www.the-interview-room.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291909

Source: Pressmaster DMCC

© 2026 Newsfile Corp. more

Career development

 1d

The Interview Room Podcast Launches: Redefining the Conversation Around Life, Work, and Growth


Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2026) - The Interview Room podcast, a new series designed to help job seekers and professionals navigate the complex world of interviews and career growth, has officially launched -- and has already made its mark, ranking #72 on Apple Podcasts in the Business category. Hosted by Coach Annie, a seasoned leadership coach and HR strategist with over... 20 years of experience, the podcast offers expert insights, practical advice, and real-world strategies to help listeners succeed in the competitive job market.

The Interview Room featuring host, Coach Annie

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/291909_605051ee44c77afa_00 ...

"Interviews are often seen as a stressful hurdle, but with the right guidance, they can become a stepping stone toward career success," said Coach Annie. "The Interview Room is all about providing listeners with actionable tips, insider knowledge, and stories from industry leaders that empower them to ace any interview and elevate their professional trajectory."

Welcome to The Interview Room w/ Coach Annie, a safe, real, and judgment-free space for honest conversations about life, work, and everything in between.

Hosted by Coach Annie, an HR professional who has spent years listening to people's stories beyond titles and résumés, The Interview Room focuses on the human side of every journey -- the moments, decisions, struggles, and wins.

In this room, conversations include:

* Life experiences that shape identity and direction

* Work in all its forms, traditional, non-traditional, and self-created

* Pivots, purpose, burnout, confidence, relationships, and growth

* Lessons learned through real life, not just careers

This is not a space for perfect stories or polished paths.

Since its launch, The Interview Room has quickly gained momentum, breaking into the Top 100 on Apple Podcasts in the Business category at #72 -- a reflection of the growing demand for honest, practical career and life guidance. Each episode delves into the nuances of job interviews, covering topics such as crafting the perfect resume, mastering interview techniques, and negotiating job offers. The podcast also explores how to stand out in today's job market, leveraging personal branding, and building a career that aligns with individual passions and skills.

The show features interviews with business owners, hiring managers, career coaches, and high-performing professionals who share their experiences and advice. With an emphasis on real-world applications, The Interview Room Podcast aims to help listeners, whether they are building a career, leading a team, or growing a business, make clear, confident, and strategic decisions about work and people.

"After years of coaching professionals and guiding them to new opportunities, I wanted to create a platform that would help even more people feel confident and prepared for their career journey," added Coach Annie. "Through this podcast, I hope to bring clarity and confidence to job seekers, helping them approach their careers with purpose and strategic insight."

Listeners can access The Interview Room through its official website www.the-interview-room.com and on major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

About Coach Annie

Coach Annie has dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations navigate growth, transition, and transformation. Coach Annie has spent over 20 years in human resources and leadership, working behind the scenes of organizations and inside pivotal career moments. She has coached professionals into promotions and higher compensation while also advising business owners and organizations on building effective teams, improving retention, and making stronger people decisions. Her work sits at the intersection of career growth and business performance. As the author of Taking Your Dreams Off Life Support, The Promotion Trap, Before You Hire Again, and The Quiet Authority, Coach Annie brings a practical and unfiltered perspective on career growth, leadership, and building a life and career with intention.

Through her work, Coach Annie has helped professionals while supporting business owners and organizations in building stronger teams, improving retention, and making more effective people decisions.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291909 more

Career development

 1d

Interview becomes humiliation: Job candidate says panel laughed at his qualifications. 'I lost all confidence'


A job candidate's account of a distressing interview has gone viral on Reddit, where they claimed interviewers mocked their qualifications and undermined their confidence despite a strong academic background. The experience, which left the candidate feeling "completely broken," triggered widespread reactions online, with many users criticising the panel's behaviour as unprofessional and reflective... of a toxic hiring culture.

A job interview that was expected to be a turning point instead left one candidate shaken, raising fresh questions about how far interviewers can go while assessing applicants. The experience, shared on Reddit, has struck a chord with many users who say such behaviour is more common than it should be.

In the now-viral post, the candidate described preparing thoroughly for a researcher role linked to a museum project. They had cleared an initial screening round and received positive feedback on their profile, which included two master's degrees and several publications.

However, the final interview took an unexpected turn. According to the post, the panel, particularly one interviewer, began questioning the candidate's credentials in a way that felt dismissive rather than evaluative.

The candidate recalled how the interviewer challenged their identity as an art historian, saying, "Well, I AM an art historian, I'll see based on your answers if you are one." That remark, they said, threw them off balance and made it difficult to respond clearly to subsequent questions.

Despite trying to regain control by asking for feedback on missing skills, the response they received was discouraging. "The same guy scoffed, almost laughed," the candidate wrote, adding that they left feeling "completely broken" despite years of education and prior experience with the same institution.

The post quickly gained traction, with many users criticising the interviewer's conduct and offering support to the candidate.

One user commented that such behaviour reflects more on the interviewer than the applicant, suggesting that "someone's ego is gigantic and this is the only joy they get in a day." Another added that if this is how candidates are treated, the work environment would likely be worse, calling it a "huge bullet dodged."

Several users echoed the idea that the interviewer may have felt threatened. One comment read, "Someone sounds very threatened to know that there may be more than one art historian," while another said, "it sounds like you're so qualified that it made him insecure."

Beyond individual reactions, the discussion also touched on a broader issue, whether such interviews are deliberate stress tests or simply poor hiring practices.

Many users rejected the idea that humiliation is part of any legitimate evaluation process. One noted that even if interviewers have concerns, "there are professional ways to evaluate someone without breaking their confidence like that."

Others pointed out that the panel had already reviewed and shortlisted the candidate, which suggests their qualifications were not in doubt to begin with. "If you weren't qualified you wouldn't have gotten that far," a user wrote, questioning the inconsistency in feedback.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns around toxic workplace culture and power dynamics during hiring. Some users shared similar experiences, describing interviews where candidates were deliberately put under pressure or criticised harshly.

A recurring theme in the responses was the importance of recognising red flags early. As one comment put it, "Remember that in an interview, they'll treat you the best they'll ever treat you. Do you want to work for a place that bullies candidates?" more

Dana Hendrickson


Career development 2d
Can you tell me, did I fail the interview? Everything seemed fine, but my chair was wobbly. I just read that this can be a test to see if a candidate will ask for a better chair. Now I’m really worried.
Has anything like this ever happened to you in an interview?

  • idlehands knitworks

    1d

    I don't know if it was or wasn't a test...but consider if you actually want to work for a place willing to put you in that position to see if you are... "their kind of person". So, pass or fail doesn't matter - the next phase, if they call you back, is what you're willing to tolerate from such an opaque group of interviewers. ❤️ more

    2

  • Job Mayenga

    1d

    Do not be worried. This should not be part of the interview and if it was, then the interviewer was risking your life!

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Career development

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Why So Many Freshmen Feel Behind Before They've Even Begun


This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

By the second week of classes, the question starts floating around residence halls and dining commons: "What are you doing this summer?"

It sounds casual. Normal, even. But for many freshmen, it lands like a test they didn't know they were taking.

While they're still... adjusting to college-level coursework and learning how to balance independence with responsibility, conversations have already shifted to internships, networking and long-term career plans. Somewhere between syllabus week and their first club meeting, the pressure to "get ahead" creeps in.

Across campus, many first-year students say they feel like they're playing catch-up almost as soon as they arrive. The pressure isn't always spoken out loud, but it shows up in subtle ways: rushed club applications, early internship searches and late-night résumé edits fueled by comparison.

Part of the shift starts with visibility. In high school, achievements were mostly local. In college, they're public. Platforms like LinkedIn transform milestones into announcements, and those announcements are constant. A single scroll can make it seem like everyone else has a five-year plan mapped out. Titles like "Incoming Marketing Intern" or "Future Investment Banking Analyst" create the impression that careers are secured before freshman year is even halfway over.

But social media compresses time. Students are seeing curated highlights without context -- the rejected applications, the uncertainty and the changes in direction. What looks like early clarity is often just early branding.

There's also a broader cultural shift happening in higher education. College was once framed as a time to explore -- to sample classes outside your comfort zone, join clubs on a whim and slowly piece together who you wanted to become. Now, for many students, it feels like a race to optimize. Every choice can feel strategic. Every semester has to "count."

Certain industries recruit earlier than others, and information travels fast on a campus like Penn State. First-years hear from upperclassmen that "you need experience by sophomore year," which slowly morphs into "you should've started already." Advice meant to be helpful can unintentionally create urgency. A single comment in a lecture hall or group chat can spiral into the belief that there's a universal timeline everyone else has memorized.

That mindset can be especially intense at a large, high-achieving university. At Penn State, students juggle demanding academics, leadership positions, research labs, THON involvement, part-time jobs and full social calendars. When ambition surrounds you at every turn, it's easy to mistake normal growth for personal failure. If the person down the hall is balancing a 4.0, two executive boards and a summer offer, your own adjustment period can feel like falling short.

But proximity to excellence doesn't mean you're behind -- it often just means the bar is visible.

Upperclassmen frequently admit they felt the same way at first. Many say their freshman year was less about landing prestigious roles and more about learning how to write a college-level paper, manage their time without parental reminders and navigate roommate dynamics. It was about figuring out how to ask for help in office hours and how to recover from the first grade that didn't match their high school record. The polished résumés came later. The clarity did too.

What often gets lost in the conversation is how much invisible progress happens in a first semester. Learning to live independently. Budgeting your time between studying and socializing. Building friendships from scratch. Discovering what you don't want to major in. Developing resilience after rejection -- whether from a club, a committee or an internship application.

Those milestones don't trend on LinkedIn, but they shape everything that follows.

Ambition itself isn't the problem. Wanting to succeed, to build experience and to plan ahead can be motivating and empowering. The issue is comparison. When success becomes a public scoreboard, it's easy to forget that everyone's timeline is different -- and often nonlinear. The student announcing an internship might pivot industries next year. The quiet freshman still exploring clubs might stumble into a passion that redefines their goals entirely.

Freshman year isn't a final exam on your future. It's an introduction. And introductions are rarely seamless. They're awkward, exploratory and full of revision. They're meant to be spaces where questions outnumber answers.

In a culture that rewards early certainty, it can feel radical to admit you're still figuring it out. But uncertainty isn't evidence of failure -- it's evidence of growth. And growth, especially in the first year of college, is rarely as polished as it looks online. more

Career development

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8 Tips to Dazzle at a Job Interview - Blog By Donna


When you're preparing for a job interview, it's easy to feel the pressure. You want to say the right things, make a great impression, and stand out from other candidates, all while trying not to feel nervous. That pressure alone can sometimes make you second-guess yourself or forget what you wanted to say.

But here's the truth: a successful job interview today isn't about being perfect; it's... about being prepared, authentic, and intentional. In 2026, interviews are more dynamic than ever, often including virtual calls, AI screenings, and behavioral questions designed to see how you really think and communicate.

If you want to stand out, you need more than just a polished resume. You need the right mindset and a few smart strategies.

Contents

8 Tips to Dazzle at a Job Interview

Shift Your Mindset First

Before anything else, change how you view a job interview.

Instead of thinking, "What can I get from this job?" focus on, "What can I offer?" Employers are looking for solutions, not just qualifications. When you position yourself as someone who can bring value, solve problems, and contribute to their team, you immediately stand out.

Also, remind yourself that this isn't your only opportunity. Desperation can come across in subtle ways, even if you don't realize it. Confidence, on the other hand, is attractive. Knowing there are other opportunities out there helps you show up calmer and more self-assured.

Finally, treat the conversation like exactly that -- a conversation. A job interview is not meant to feel like an interrogation. It's a chance to connect, build rapport, and see if the role is a good fit for both sides.

Start Strong Before the Interview Even Happens

In today's hiring world, your first impression often happens before the actual job interview.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to each position. Generic applications are easy to spot and even easier to overlook. Take the time to:

* Research the company

* Understand their values and goals

* Align your experience with what they're looking for

If possible, find the hiring manager's name and personalize your communication. It shows effort, and effort still matters.

Also, don't underestimate platforms like LinkedIn. Many recruiters and hiring managers review profiles before scheduling a job interview, so make sure yours is updated and reflects your current experience and strengths.

Prepare, But Don't Over-Rehearse

Preparation is key, but sounding overly scripted can hurt you.

Think through common job interview questions like:

* Tell me about yourself

* What are your strengths and weaknesses?

* Describe a challenge you've overcome

Instead of memorizing answers, focus on key points and real-life examples. Stories are powerful. They help interviewers understand not just what you've done, but how you think and solve problems.

A great approach is the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), which helps you answer questions clearly without rambling.

Consider Making a Connection Early

If the opportunity presents itself, making a connection before your job interview can give you an advantage.

This might look like:

* Attending a company event

* Connecting with someone on LinkedIn

* Having a quick informational conversation

Even a small interaction can make you more memorable and help ease nerves when the actual interview happens. Familiarity builds comfort, and comfort builds confidence.

Manage Your Nerves the Smart Way

Feeling nervous before a job interview is completely normal. The goal isn't to eliminate nerves, it's to manage them.

One of the most effective techniques is visualization. Instead of imagining everything that could go wrong, picture yourself walking in confidently, answering questions clearly, and leaving the interview feeling proud of how you did.

Also, focus on preparation over perfection. When you know you've done the work, it's easier to trust yourself in the moment.

Set Yourself Up for Success the Day Before

The little things matter more than you think.

Before your job interview:

* Choose your outfit ahead of time

* Get a good night's sleep

* Plan your route (or test your tech for virtual interviews)

* Have copies of your resume ready

Rushing creates stress, and stress affects your performance. Giving yourself extra time allows you to show up calm, focused, and ready.

Show Up With Confidence (Even If You're Nervous)

First impressions still count -- a lot.

During your job interview:

* Make eye contact (even on video calls)

* Sit up straight and stay engaged

* Listen carefully before answering

* Speak clearly and confidently

And don't forget -- enthusiasm matters. Employers want someone who actually wants the role. Let that come through naturally.

Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

At its core, a job interview is about connection.

Yes, your skills and experience matter, but so does how you make people feel. Employers often choose candidates they feel comfortable with, not just the ones with the strongest resumes.

Be yourself. Be genuine. Ask thoughtful questions. Show interest in the company and the role.

Dazzling at a job interview in 2026 isn't about having all the right answers; it's about showing up prepared, confident, and real. When you shift your focus from impressing to connecting, everything changes.

Remember, you've already made it this far for a reason. Trust your experience, communicate your value, and approach each interview as an opportunity, not a test.

And most importantly, don't forget, this is just one opportunity of many. Walk in confident, be yourself, and give it your best. That's how you truly stand out. more