Horizon Point Consulting

Author: Taylor Simmons

  • Benefits of Remote Work for Employees

    Benefits of Remote Work for Employees

    Ahh, remote work! Work as we know it will never be the same. At Horizon Point, remote work has always been part of our daily grind, so we definitely know the benefits. 

    Check out these Key Remote Work Statistics (as they relate to employees) from Small Biz Genius.

    • 40% of people feel the greatest benefit of remote work is the flexible schedule.
    • 76% of workers would be more willing to stay with their current employer if they could work flexible hours.
    • People who work remotely at least once a month are 24% more likely to be happy and productive.

     

    Read the entire list & article: The Ultimate List of Remote Work Statistics – 2021 Edition.

    My personal stats: I’m 99% more likely to get everything complete on my work to-do list if I have the flexibility to work from home or from wherever. I do occasionally miss former work besties, but we can always catch up over lunch!

    Here are a few of my favorite benefits of remote work:

    1. I’m present for my family. I love that I can help my kids with virtual assignments if they are schooling from home. 
    2. I can throw in a load of laundry or prep for dinner in between Zoom calls.
    3. I can wear comfy clothes while I plug away at whatever project is a priority for the week.

    Has your employer transitioned staff to remote work? Do you love it or hate it? Stay tuned for more insight on remote work from The Point Blog!

  • What does Pixar’s Soul have to do with your Job Search?

    What does Pixar’s Soul have to do with your Job Search?

    Over the Christmas break, my family and I watched Soul, a Disney Pixar film. It was an interesting little movie. But what does Pixar’s Soul have to do with your job search? 

    “Pixar’s “Soul” is about a jazz pianist who has a near-death experience and gets stuck in the afterlife, contemplating his choices and regretting the existence that he mostly took for granted.”  – RobertEbert.com (Check out the full review here: Soul Movie Review)

    In the movie, the main character, Joe, helps Number 22 find her spark! Other career buzz words like passion and flow were found throughout the show. 

    As I watched the movie, I immediately correlated what was happening to real life, specifically a job search. Just like 22, there are so many people who can’t find their spark & drift through their adult lives unfulfilled, feeling as though something is missing in their “work” life.

    So, what does Pixar’s Soul have to do with your job search? Here are three key takeaways:

    1. Explore different paths – take assessments, job shadow, conduct informational interviews, utilize websites like O*Net to find out more about careers.
    2. Enjoy life as you search for your spark. Don’t be so laser-focused on a job search that you don’t enjoy the other parts of life that make you happy! Spend time with family and friends, enjoy hobbies like biking or scrapbooking, listen to inspiring podcasts, or read books on your favorite topics.
    3. Don’t give up! Eventually, you will find just the right career fit. In the meantime, volunteer, work part-time jobs to try different career fields, or take classes that interest you.

    We offer career coaching packages at Horizon Point Consulting, Inc. If you could benefit from an assessment & coaching session to help with finding your spark, contact us!

  • Will your Current Resume Bypass an Applicant Tracking System?

    Will your Current Resume Bypass an Applicant Tracking System?

    Will your Current Resume Bypass an Applicant Tracking System?

    As most of you know, I am a Certified Professional Resume Writer. I do my best to stay abreast of current trends in resume writing. I recently viewed a webinar regarding developing a resume for today’s market. One hot topic discussed was Applicant Tracking Systems. Did you know 90% of resumes are going through some type of online Applicant Tracking System? Will your resume make it through an ATS?

    Here are 3 Tips to Develop an Applicant Tracking System friendly resume: 

    1. Use Key Words (include a Summary or Skills Section) – Check out JobScan.co; it’s a great tool!
    2. Use Simple Formatting (avoid columns and text boxes).
    3. Use common names for the headings (Professional Experience, Education, Skills, etc.).

    Resume Writing Academy offers free resources on their website! Check out this site for more tips on current resume trends.

    If you are a career development professional, check out our continuing education courses! We have a resume writing basics course beginning in early 2021. Here is a link to register: https://horizonpointconsulting.com/continued-education/.

    Check back often as we continue to post more course offerings.

  • How Can Assessments Benefit You & Your Team?

    How Can Assessments Benefit You & Your Team?

    I spoke with a young man recently who was in limbo regarding his career path. He had completed his bachelor’s degree and wasn’t sure where to go from there. He was in need of a little affirmation and direction. After our initial conversation, we started with an interest inventory. It confirmed the initial career path he had always considered. He had gotten a little side-tracked and just needed some assurance of his path and next steps. After we discussed the assessment results, I provided the next steps and contacts to set up appointments for his continuing education to pursue his dream job.

    Assessments are a great tool for providing insight and direction for individuals of all ages who are unsure of career direction. Interest inventories, skills assessments, values-based assessments & even personality assessments can be valuable in assisting students and adults with career development and career decisions. There are so many options out there. Here are a few free options I use often:

    1. Interest: My Next Move 
    2. Personality: 16 Personalities 
    3. Values: Work Values Matcher 

    Check out these articles for more insight into assessments & their value:

    Your Guide to Understanding Career Assessments (via Indeed)

    Reasons to Learn More About Your Personality Type (via Very Well Mind)

    Clarifying Your Work Values Leads to Job Satisfaction (via The Balance Careers)

    Assessments can be used in many other ways – hiring, team building, discovering leadership potential, and the list goes on! Did you know we offer assessments at Horizon Point? We can help you with career direction, hiring for fit, building your team as well as identifying and coaching your high potential employees. Let us know if we can help!

  • Interview Prep for Today’s Job Market

    Interview Prep for Today’s Job Market

    I’ve received several requests over the past few months in regard to preparing for an interview. Interviewing can be tricky. It varies from job to job and from employer to employer. Throw in a pandemic with virtual interviews and it gets even trickier!

    Just last week, I received a text from a wonderful client who was unsure of how well she did in a recent interview. She (jokingly) asked, “is there a class for interview anxiety?” If you don’t get anxious during an interview, please share your secret with the rest of us! On a side note, I’m sure she did amazing!

    Also last week, a colleague shared a few fabulous resources that are great for interview prep. One of the resources was specifically about what to do during the interview. Here are my favorite takeaways:

    • Ask the Right Questions: Come with prepared questions and ask questions during the interview. Ask informed, open-ended questions to show your interest in the company and position. (examples include: What is your vision for this department? What challenges do you expect in the next six months?) On a side note, don’t ask the wrong questions (avoid questions about vacation time, benefits, or salary).
    • Sell Your Skills: Match your skills to the skills sought by the company. You can usually determine this from the job posting’s “required and preferred skills” section. Share a concise description of your experience that matches the company’s needs.
    • Keep Responses to the Point: Be a good listener. Stay on track and be direct with your responses. Keep your answers to a two-minute maximum. To prepare/practice, try the S.T.A.R. prep tool. Check out The STAR Method: The Secret to Acing Your Next Job Interview to find out how to use the S.T.A.R method.

    If you are preparing for a virtual interview, check out 20 Video Interview Tips to Help You Dazzle the Hiring Manager and Get the Job.

    Stay tuned, maybe we will offer an interview class soon!