Thomas Powner, NCOPE, CPRW, CCMC’s Post

Things in Corporate America That Are Hard to Understand as a Gen Z Person  1. Why do we have to lie so much just to get an opportunity?  • Exaggerate achievements on your resume.  • Avoid sharing the real, valid reason for leaving your previous job.    2. It seems like you always have to be in a good mood or ready to make small talk—or talk about very abstract things during work time. And if you don’t, people start to judge you.  3. Why do we have to play pretend and engage in corporate games, like constantly talking about your achievements just to be noticed?  4. Higher-ups are quick to criticize or micromanage, but when you do a good job or something outstanding, all you get is a casual “good job”?  5. Why can’t there be straightforward conversations about what’s expected and what needs fixing? It would be so much easier to address and resolve things. Why can’t we just come to work, do our jobs well and on time, and then go home to live our lives—without all the games? I know I might need to be more flexible to survive in this world, but what if I just don’t want to play pretend for 8 hours almost every day?

How’s Your Resume – Part Three The next section of your resume that you will really need to focus on is the Professional Experience section. This will take the most work because you will be reviewing each bullet point to make sure it’s up to date on writing your experience as accomplishment NOT your daily job duties. Really? Yes, really. All employers want to know is what you did to help the business reach or exceed their goals, how you lead a team, what did you do to streamline processes or solve a complex problem. Let’s look at a couple of examples: ·  Partnered with numerous business leaders on business simplification roadmaps.  ·  Managing, assessing, and collaborating on various graphics for the 5th largest pizza chain ranging in all forms of media from print signage to social media ·  Partner with account managers and client relationship managers in branch offices These all read like tasks instead of accomplishments. Would you be interested in interviewing these folks? Let’s rework this: · Partnered with business leaders in marketing, accounting, operations and product to align and simplify the day-to-day road maps which resulted in better output and directions to guide each team. · Responsible for various graphic design projects including print signage to social media campaigns by assessing current collateral, managing messaging and collaborating with team members to layout the quarterly marketing goals. · Worked alongside account managers and client relationships teams in 3 branch offices to drive the quarterly business goals of increasing renewals, upselling new products, and threading up within the clients’ organization. Now, how does that sound? Better! Good, let’s get working on updating your resume before you apply to your next role. Interested in updating your resume? Send me a note, let’s talk.

Here are my 7 RED flags to watch out for in the hiring process 🔴 🛑 🚩 1. Unclear job role and responsibilities 2. The phrase 'we work hard, play hard' in the job ad/ interview 3. High turn over of staff with no clarity on why 4. No transparency throughout the process on what to expect, or the renumeration on offer 5. Lack of diversity in the hiring panel 6. An interrogation rather than an interview (i.e. quick fire questions, with no room for conversation) 7. A rushed process and a pile on of pressure to respond to an offer 'immediately' Your gut instinct is often right, so if you're feeling uncertain: 💚 Ask direct questions with the hiring team, there should be no issue in asking for a follow up conversation, ideally f2f- Things such as; 'what do you like about working here?' 'what do you wish you'd known when joining the company?' 💚 Get things in writing, if an offer has been made, until its in writing and a contract is in your inbox, its not official. Respond with contractual questions via email to ensure a chain of comms 💚 Reach out to people who've recently left the company, especially if you are already connected. Find out about their experience (this isn't a sure sign, but it can certainly give you an indication of why people are leaving the organisation) P.S CLEARLY I am no editor, I hope you appreciate my photoshop attempt, my make shift red flag wasn't cutting it 😂

What Does Your Headshot Say About You? Our headshot is our first handshake with potential clients, employers, or collaborators. It’s the image that sets the tone before you even say a word. Too often, we scramble through our phones to find a “decent enough” photo for our profile. But let’s be honest, how often does that photo truly represent who we are or what we want to communicate? In 2024, we had the privilege of collaborating with FindJobSG, helping jobseekers enhance their resumes with professional headshots. It was incredible to see how a great photo could boost confidence and play a small yet significant role in their journey toward new opportunities. Your headshot should tell a story—your story. It should capture your personality, your professionalism, and the energy you bring to the table. Let’s create one that resonates 😉

Ever feel like you need a decoder ring to understand a job description? You're not alone. Companies often pack descriptions with fancy jargon and Responsibilities that make the role seem way more complex than it actually is. In reality, the day-to-day tasks can be much more straightforward. The truth is a lot of jobs involve problem-solving, communication, and using common sense. The fancy lingo is there to attract specific skillsets, but it doesn't always paint the whole picture. If a role sounds interesting, don't be discouraged by a complicated description. Do your research, reach out to people in the industry, and focus on showcasing your transferable skills. What are your experiences with job descriptions? Have you ever landed a job that seemed more intimidating on paper? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Many of us have asked this same question at some point. The difference is, we (Gen-X) didn’t think we had the power to change it. We accepted the games as part of the deal. Gen Z’s unwillingness to conform could lead to a transformation in workplace culture. If this generation can push for streamlined processes and healthier work-life boundaries, everyone wins. Gen Z’s fresh perspective on corporate America isn’t just a critique—it’s an invitation to rethink how we work. While Gen X has learned to adapt and play the game, we can also appreciate the call for a workplace that values honesty, clarity, and meaningful connection. Maybe together, we can build a work culture where no one feels the need to “play pretend” just to survive. What do you think? Do these challenges resonate with your experience?

📸 Boost Your Profile with a High-Quality Headshot! 🚀 First impressions matter! A professional headshot is your key to standing out and making connections. Whether it’s for your resume, LinkedIn, or any professional profile, a polished photo speaks volumes. 💡 Download Now and use code LEARN to get a $10 bonus toward your first headshot session! Start upgrading your profile today. 🙌 #ProfessionalHeadshot #FirstImpressions #LevelUpYourProfile #DownloadNow #BonusOffer #Networking #SuccessStartsHere

Finding the right people for your team can be a bit of a puzzle. Your job description? That's their first peek into what you're all about. This is where you can set your company apart! A killer job description doesn't just snag top talent—it makes them excited to join you. When your vibe matches theirs, trust us, they'll come knocking! So, are you ready to reel in the best? We spill some industry secrets in this course that will help you create the best job description and have your buckets filled with people. Remember, crafting a job description isn't just about filling that position—it's about painting a picture of your company's culture and values. It’s an invitation to individuals to join your community where they can grow and excel! Ready to get the right people on your team? https://buff.ly/3JyMC2e

New blog post: Can a New Custom Headshot Really Help Your Job Search? Do you feel like your headshot helped with your job search? https://lnkd.in/gtX-MDue

#WedensdayWorkplace It's Picture Day! 📸 Do you have an updated headshot? First impressions matter, especially in the workplace. Remember, your personal brand is more than just your resume—it's also about how you present yourself visually. Make sure your headshot reflects the professional image you want to convey!