The Voice of Job Seekers

By: Mark Anthony Dyson
  • Summary

  • I write investigative job search and career articles with a practitioner's heart. I've written more than 1,000 articles on the topic. One thing for sure: The modern job search is a lifestyle now. If it isn't, you'll be light years behind should your job end today. Late starts suck, but you can change today! It's a mistake to disengage from managing your career. It will only land you light years behind your competition. My award-winning blog, "The Voice of Job Seekers," has offered job-search advice since 2011. I write a Substack blog called "The Job Scam Report." Join me at: markanthonydyson[dot]SubStack[dot}com. Here are a few things I've done through the years: I write for Lensa.com. I have bylines at The Financial Diet, BET, Payscale, Business Insider, and Fox Business. See my freelance writing portfolio at muckrack.com/mark-anthony-dyson! I spoke at Saint Xavier University, Black Enterprise, Bradley University, North Georgia University, the Career Thought Leaders Consortium conference, the National Career Development Association Conference, and more. I am quoted in Forbes, Business Insider, Fast Company publications, and dozens more. I've been on dozens of podcasts and radio shows, including SiriusXM, LinkedIn News, NTD News, Scripps News, and NPR. I received awards for top blogs and podcasts from organizations such as Flex Jobs, Mac's List, Jobscan, etc. email: markanthonydyson[at]gmail[dot]com to hire me for writing.
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Episodes
  • The Truth About Background Checks: What Job Seekers Must Know
    Dec 3 2024
    This episode explores the complexities of HR background checks with Ghislaine Knauff, who has worked in HR operations for a Fortune 100 company for the past 15 years. This discussion rarely takes place on podcasts and would help many job seekers understand background checks have many snares and nuances. I learned a lot, not realizing how much could happen along the way. As you'll see in the episode, it's not just what an employer says about a former employee. I've shared notes with you, but hearing them will add much context to my quick talking points.

    Highlights:

    Hiring Process Delays: - Hiring delays are common and frustrating for candidates. - Varies by industry; some are highly regulated (e.g., financial services), requiring extensive background checks. Factors contributing to delays: - Industry-specific regulatory requirements - Comprehensive background checks (e.g., criminal history) - Candidate responsiveness Role of HR in Hiring: - HR’s involvement begins after the resume review and initial interview. - HR checks applications for employment history, education, and criminal records. - Verification processes may include contacting previous employers and checking licensing databases. Employment and Background Checks: - Background checks vary by industry. - Common checks include employment history, education verification, and criminal background checks. - Performance issues noted in past employment may be considered but are only sometimes a dealbreaker. References: - The importance of references can vary. - References are only sometimes required in some industries. - Ideal references include supervisors or peers who can vouch for work ethic and teamwork. Challenges in the Hiring Process - Delays obtaining information from external sources (e.g., understaffed courts, previous employers without automated systems). - Differences in checks for industry-specific roles. - Potential application discrepancies (e.g., incorrect employment dates) can lead to distrust. Social Media and Hiring - Social media checks are handled separately, not as part of initial background checks. - The impact of social media presence can be significant if it is negative (e.g., hate speech). - It is essential to maintain a professional online presence. Industry Trends and Advice - Some industries are consistently hiring; consider exploring new fields if you need help finding a job. - Skills can be transferable across industries. - Research and understanding of where skills fit can broaden job opportunities. Conclusion - Encouragement to explore different career opportunities. - Contact Just Lane via LinkedIn for more insights. - Stay informed about upcoming job-related podcasts and resources.
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    30 mins
  • How to Find Value While Unveiling Non-Linear Career Paths
    Nov 12 2024

    I conducted another interview with Erica Madison of One Life Tools and EMCC at the National Career Development Association in San Diego.

    Erica is a career coach and workshop facilitator at her company, Erica Mattison Coaching & Consulting LLC. She just published a book, ": "Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career."

    Highlights:

    Erica discusses her journey into career coaching, which began through her job creation and advocacy for environmental practices at her university, leading to her role as a sustainability coordinator.

    She highlights the growing opportunities in climate tech and sustainability across various sectors.

    Erica emphasizes the importance of non-linear career paths and leveraging diverse backgrounds for sustainability roles.

    She shares that she aids job seekers and executives develop leadership through storytelling and personal insights, using tools like One Life Tools.

    Erica reveals insights from her forthcoming book, which guides navigating non-linear careers and achieving clarity.

    We underline the value of tapping into strengths and experiences for career development and encourage job seekers to explore the sustainability sector.

    Be sure you get my FREE Guide, "125 Practical Modern Job Search Tips 2024-25!"

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    13 mins
  • Are You Really Prepared To Unlock Job Search Success?
    Oct 29 2024

    This week's episode features a panel discussion with Porschia Parker-Griffin, Mher Mardoyan, and Kevin D Turner. We discuss the job market turbulence and its nuances, along with strategies for dealing with it.

    Mher is a Career Coach, LinkedIn Profile Strategist, and Job Search Coach. He hosts the YouTube show "Get Hired Show."

    Porschia is an Organizational Consultant and Business Coach who helps her clients with job search strategies. She is the host of "Career Podcast 101."

    Kevin helps clients with branding, LinkedIn Profile Optimization, and Career Coaching. His YouTube channel is "KeepRockinLinkedIn."

    Highlights:

    Porschia offers her perspective, noting that many clients find it more challenging to get responses from job applications, dubbing it a "September Slowdown" instead.

    Kevin further discusses the uncertainty in employment due to the political atmosphere and how AI makes the job market more competitive by helping job seekers optimize their applications.

    We agree building a solid presence on the platform is essential.

    Mher advises following and engaging with companies, while Kevin highlights the necessity of posting relevant content consistently and leveraging market value filters to appear higher in recruiter searches.

    Porschia underscores the significance of LinkedIn headlines and warns against sharing too much personal information during interviews.

    We also touch on the importance of networking. Mher and Kevin agree that building genuine, non-transactional relationships is crucial.

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    58 mins

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