Virtual Career Fairs

Your emails say more about you than you think. 👇 Here’s how to make every email polished and professional. Acknowledge Delays Gracefully ✘ "Sorry for the late response." ✔ "Thank you for your patience." Be Clear with Requests ✘ "Let me know what works for you." ✔ "Could you confirm if this works for you?" Own Your Mistakes ✘ "Sorry, I missed that." ✔ "Thanks for pointing that out—I’ll fix it right away." Close Emails Effectively ✘ "Let me know if you need anything." ✔ "Feel free to reach out if you have any questions." Make Follow-Ups Professional ✘ "Just following up on this." ✔ "When can I expect an update on this?" Show Respect for Their Time ✘ "Can we talk about this soon?" ✔ "Would you have 15 minutes this week to discuss this?" Be Confident, Not Tentative ✘ "I think we should consider…" ✔ "Here’s what I propose we do." Avoid Wordy Explanations ✘ "I spent a lot of time rewriting this to make it perfect." ✔ "This email outlines the key points—we can discuss more in person." Offer Solutions, Not Problems ✘ "I’m not sure what to do here." ✔ "Here’s what I suggest as the next step—what are your thoughts?" Set Clear Expectations ✘ "Does this make sense?" ✔ "Let me know if this aligns with your expectations." Be Polite When Asking for Help ✘ "I need this ASAP." ✔ "Would you be able to assist me with this by [specific deadline]?" Keep It Professional When Scheduling ✘ "What time works for you?" ✔ "Are you available at [specific time and date]? If not, let me know what works instead." Emails reflect your professionalism. Get them right, and you’ll always leave a great impression. ➞ Start today by refining your communication style. -- Think this could help someone? Share it to improve the way they communicate. ♻️

The 'Remote-Ready Resume' strategy that's helped my clients land remote jobs in weeks, not months…👇🏼 Most job seekers are still using resumes designed for office roles while wondering why their resumes disappear into the void. After helping 100’s of people escape their cubicles, I've discovered that a few strategic resume shifts can dramatically increase your remote interview rate. Here's the exact Remote-Ready Resume framework that's working in 2025: ✅ 1 // Lead with location-independent signals Remote hiring managers look for specific indicators that you can thrive outside an office. Transform your resume summary into a "remote readiness statement" that explicitly addresses: • Your self-management capabilities • Your digital communication strengths • Your experience with asynchronous collaboration • Your results-focused work style This immediately differentiates you from candidates who simply say they "want to work remotely." ✅ 2 // Showcase digital collaboration Don't just list random tech skills. Create a dedicated "Remote Collaboration Stack" section that details: • Async communication tools (Slack, Loom, email management) • Project management systems (Asana, ClickUp, Trello) • Documentation platforms (Notion, Confluence, Google Workspace) • Virtual meeting facilitation (Zoom, Teams, presenting remotely) This signals that you're already equipped for distributed teamwork. ✅ 3 // Reframe achievements through a remote lens For each role, highlight achievements that specifically translate to remote value: BEFORE: "Managed a team of 5 and increased productivity by 20%" AFTER: "Led a cross-functional team to 20% productivity increase while coordinating across 3 time zones using asynchronous communication" This simple reframing shows you understand what matters in remote environments. ✅ 4 // Address hidden remote concerns Most remote applications fail because they don't proactively address the hiring manager's unspoken worries: • How do I know you'll actually work without supervision? • Can you solve problems independently? • Will you communicate proactively? Include a brief "Remote Work Approach" section that directly addresses these concerns with specific examples. My client James implemented these changes and went from 0 responses in 30+ applications to 5 interview requests in his next 8 submissions. The remote job market isn't actually oversaturated - there's just an oversaturation of candidates who haven't adapted their approach to what remote companies actually need. 📌 What's been your biggest challenge in landing remote interviews? 🎥 (alrasyidlettering)

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻… 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘆. After working closely with top coaches and consultants, I’ve realized something: It’s not that you fear visibility. You fear irrelevance. And worse, 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲. Here’s what no one tells you: Personal branding isn’t about shouting louder online. It’s about 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁. And you don’t have to “show up everywhere” to make it work. Here’s how I explain personal branding to seasoned consultants/coaches: ✔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. Your brand is the 3 sentences people remember when you’re not in the room. ✔️ 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲. Strategic, professional, authoritative—but human. ✔️ 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴. You’re creating a network that already trusts your competence—but sees you more often. ✔️ 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. You don’t need to share your life to build a brand. You need to share your thoughts. If you’re holding back because you're worried about protecting your reputation— 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿: silence online doesn’t protect authority anymore. It erodes it. The market now respects leaders they can see and hear consistently. 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝘀𝗼, 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟴𝟲/𝟯𝟱𝟬. 𝗣.𝗦. 𝗜 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗖𝗫𝗢𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗗𝗠 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻

Here's a 5-step counteroffer structure that got my client an extra $50,000 in salary (with an example template): 1. Confirm your interest and gratitude for the role. 2. Reframe their pain points as goals to achieve. 3. Reiterate your experience fixing pain points. 4. Make the ask (salary, bonus, vacation, etc). 5. Close them (most people fail to do this). EXAMPLE: "Hi Jane, Thank you for sending this offer to join [company] – I'm grateful to be considered for the role and remain excited to join the team. Throughout the interview process, I was impressed with what I learned about the role and the exciting opportunities to help grow the recruitment team, double hiring numbers, and bring recruitment in-house. This aligns closely with my experience at Babylon, where I led a team of 5 and helped hire over 500 clinical and non-clinical staff in less than 2 years while maintaining a $0 agency spend. Having reviewed the offer, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the salary, bonus, and vacation. Would [Company] be able to offer $220,000 with an increased bonus of 18%? Additionally, I currently enjoy 5 weeks of vacation, and I would prefer to maintain this amount. This overall compensation reflects market research and insights gained from discussions with similar-sized companies for comparable positions. If [company] could consider this, I would feel more comfortable formally withdrawing from other interview processes and prepare to provide notice at my current company. I understand this may require some time to review, so please let me know if you'd like to discuss this further. Sincerely, Your Name" Pro tip: Never say: "Would 'you' be able to offer $X?" Instead, say: "Would [Company] be able to offer $X?" This DEPERSONALIZES the negotiation by positioning the company as a 3rd party in the conversation. Follow for résumé + salary negotiation tips 🤝 Repost if this will help your network 🙌 P.S. do you have any negotiation tips that might help others?

Elevate Your Job Search: The Power of Personal Branding on LinkedIn In the competitive landscape of job hunting, it's not just about what's on your CV; it's about how you present yourself. Personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn has become a game-changer for professionals seeking career opportunities. A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior (Johnson et al., 2020) underscores the importance of proactive self-presentation, highlighting that individuals who actively manage their personal brand are more likely to attract opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations. My personal journey on LinkedIn reflects this paradigm shift. Instead of merely posting my CV, I focused on sharing insights, knowledge, and achievements. This strategic approach resulted in a myriad of opportunities knocking on my virtual door. Prospects, both internal and external, reached out for collaborations and career advancements. This not only resonates with the findings of a Harvard Business Review article (2019) emphasizing the impact of personal branding on career trajectories but also illustrates that showcasing expertise and accomplishments fosters meaningful connections. Consider this: when hiring managers and recruiters peruse LinkedIn, they're not just scanning for qualifications. They're looking for individuals who stand out, who bring something extra to the table. A Forbes article (Smith, 2021) highlights that a robust personal brand not only makes you memorable but also positions you as an industry expert. Through strategic content sharing, I not only communicated my skills but also demonstrated my passion for knowledge sharing. The result? A stream of opportunities that align with my values and professional goals. To all the fresh graduates and young professionals out there, take note: your LinkedIn profile is more than an online resume; it's your digital footprint. By actively curating content that showcases your expertise and sharing your successes, you're not just job hunting; you're positioning yourself as a valuable asset. In a world where connections matter, your personal brand could be the key that unlocks doors to unforeseen possibilities. So, step into the spotlight, share your journey, and let your personal brand be your strongest advocate. #PersonalBranding #CareerOpportunities #LinkedInStrategies #ProfessionalGrowth #JobSearchTips #Rishare

I’ve never spoken about this properly before. And yet my entire business runs on this framework. Last year, I refined a methodology to help absolutely anyone wanting to build their personal brand - without missing out on the essential tasks, and not forgoing the minor (but important!) details in their brand build. I call it the DACA Method. (Trademark pending but keep this between us, okay LinkedIn?) It breaks down the 4 important chapters of building your personal brand with purpose. Without reading through tens of blogposts and step-by-step carousels to structure WHO you are. 1. DEFINE Your personal brand is not simply what you do, it’s WHO you are. Defining how you show up in your relationships is going to be crucial to embracing your unique, authentic self. Broken down into: - Activities of self-reflection - Articulating your purpose - Finding your unique gift - A SWOT analysis of who you are 2. ALIGN Your brand needs to reflect two things: Who you are AND Who you want to speak to Without alignment with both, it won’t create the results you’re seeking. - Creating clear goals - Defining your audience persona - Understanding your tone of voice - Matchmaking your values to your customers 3. COMMUNICATE Strategising what exactly your digital footprint is going to look like. - Visual branding identity - Brand, identity and service positioning - Content strategy & storytelling - Social media platforms 4. AMPLIFY Multiplying your communication efforts to create brand advocacy. Through the mediums of: - Expanding your circle of influence - Creating meaningful engagement through lead magnets, podcasts, public speaking gigs, newsletters and community-building. This methodology has worked with practically everyone I’ve shown it to. - Members of Undefinable Community - Retreat guests of The Seychelles Retreats - Online workshops with corporate teams - My 1:1 consultancy and one-off strategy project clients (ranging from socially conscious tech CEOs, leadership and mindset coaches, career wellbeing consultants and leaders in the positive impact space.) It works. And far better than throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. Want me to take you through the same? Pop me a message.

If you don’t want a 30% hike in your CTC at your next job, scroll past. But if you’re tired of hearing “This is our final offer” and settling for less then this is for you. Your negotiation doesn’t start when HR asks about your expectations. It starts the moment you know your worth. Here’s what most people get wrong: ✖️ They accept the first number without question. ✖️ They’re afraid to “seem greedy.” ✖️ They haven’t researched what the market pays for their skills. Here’s what I teach my students to do differently: ✔️ Research like a pro: Don’t just Google “average salary.” Dig deeper. Use real-time data, talk to peers, and know the exact range for your role in your city. Use platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, and industry forums to know the real numbers for your role and experience. ✔️ Lead with results, not requests: Instead of “I want a higher salary,” say “I’ve increased team efficiency by 25% in my last role, and industry data shows my profile commands ₹X–₹Y in this market.” ✔️ Let HR speak first: Don’t rush to reveal your number. Listen, then counter with data and confidence. ✔️ Be ready for a ‘no’ and have a backup: If the number can’t move, negotiate for bonuses, extra leave, or learning opportunities. Sometimes, the real value is in the benefits package. ✔️ Never apologize for asking: You’re not being difficult. You’re being professional. Employers expect negotiation from top talent. If you’re preparing for interviews this month, don’t just focus on clearing rounds. Prepare for the conversation that determines your true worth. Because while everyone else is accepting what they’re given, you’ll be the one walking out with the offer you actually deserve. #salarynegotation #knowyourworth #jobsearch #interviewpreparation #careergrowth #hike

How to avoid losing your chance on LinkedIn As someone who regularly receives messages from job seekers, I recently came across a message that started with the wrong name. While mistakes happen, such errors can harm your chances, especially when making a first impression in a professional context. Here are some tips to craft the perfect LinkedIn message when reaching out for a job: 1. Research and personalize. Always verify the recipient’s name, designation, and company. A well-researched message shows effort and professionalism. 2. Include the Job ID. If you’re inquiring about a specific role, mention the Job ID and title. It shows you’re clear about the opportunity and helps the recipient provide focused assistance. 3. Be clear and concise. Introduce yourself briefly, explain why you’re reaching out, and make your request specific (e.g., asking for guidance, advice, or a referral). 4. Show genuine interest. Mention something you admire about their work, the company, or a shared professional area. 5. Proofread before sending. Typos, misspelled names, or overly generic messages can leave a negative impression. 6. Be respectful of time. Keep the message polite and to the point, acknowledging that they may have a busy schedule. Here’s an example of a strong outreach message: Hi [Correct Name], I’m [Your Name], a [Your Profession/Background], and I admire your journey at [Company Name]. I noticed an opening for [Job Title] (Job ID: XYZ123) and believe my skills in [Skill/Field] align well with the role. Could you kindly guide me on how to position myself for this opportunity, or let me know if there’s someone on your team I can reach out to? I’d truly value your insights. Thank you so much for your time! Remember, LinkedIn is a platform to build meaningful connections, and a little extra effort in your approach can make all the difference. What’s the most memorable outreach message you’ve received? Let me know in the comments. #LinkedInTips #JobSearch #ProfessionalNetworking

Basic Etiquette for Working in Cybersecurity Technical skills matter in cybersecurity, but how you communicate, collaborate, and conduct yourself professionally can make or break your career and reputation. Here are essential etiquette tips to keep in mind: 🔹 Email & Communication Matters. * Use proper spelling and grammar—this isn’t a WhatsApp group. “ur,” “thx,” and “pls advise” don’t belong in professional emails. * Subject lines should be clear (not just "Help!!" or "Urgent!!"). * Write clearly & concisely. Don’t send long, unreadable paragraphs—get to the point and proofread before hitting send. * Reply promptly, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt. Don’t ghost emails. * Address people professionally with appropriate salutations—start with “Hi [Name]” instead of “Yo” or “Hey.” * Avoid unnecessary jargon—clear, simple language ensures non-technical stakeholders understand your points. 🔹 Respect People's Names, Titles & Pronouns * Write names correctly and capitalize the first letter. It is “Jonathan Ayodele,” not “jonathan ayodele” or “JONATHAN AYOLEDE.” * Use appropriate titles where needed. Some people prefer being addressed as Dr., Prof., or Engr. etc—when in doubt, ask. * If you're unsure, double-check—it’s a sign of respect. 🔹 Be Direct—Don't Ask to Ask 
Instead of: "Who knows AWS IAM here?"
Say: "I need help with setting up AWS IAM role permissions. How do you attach a policy?" 
Being specific saves time and gets you the help you need faster. 🔹 Know When & How to Report Issues * Security alerts? Follow escalation protocols. Don't just slack it away * Phishing email? Report it properly, don’t just forward it without context. * Found a vulnerability? Document it clearly—avoid vague messages like "This is not working". 🔹 Meetings & Slack Etiquette * If you're going to be late, communicate ahead and don’t ask for a recap immediately—check meeting notes or recordings first. * Don’t flood Slack/Teams with “Good morning” messages—go straight to the point. This also applies to LinkedIn. When you DM people, go straight to the point Others; * If you share knowledge from someone else, credit them. Don’t pass off someone’s research or insight as your own. * If a junior colleague makes a mistake, correct them privately—not in front of the whole team. * When receiving feedback, listen first, respond second. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field. How you communicate and interact professionally can impact your reputation as much as your technical skills. #CybersecurityCareers #WorkplaceEtiquette #CybersecurityCareerGrowth #Cybersecurity

Do you understand your prospective employers? Coaching leaders at higher management levels, and consistently understanding their expectations from their teams, has prompted me to question whether jobseekers are aware of their prospective employers' criteria. 1. Curiosity and Interest We are past the era where leaders prefer their teams to simply follow instructions; many now value alternative perspectives. However, it is crucial for jobseekers to ensure relevance by understanding both contextual and content-related work questions before expressing their opinions. 2. Follow-Up and Follow-Through The leaders I've coached utilize various team management tools to monitor project progress. Yet, nothing surpasses the satisfaction they derive when their teams proactively seek clarification, raise potential issues, or address concerns before deadlines. This showcases qualities of ownership and accountability among team members. 3. Pressure and Conflict The ability to work and deliver under pressure is non-negotiable, but seeking support and collaboration is equally vital. Conflicts inevitably arise during high-pressure situations, and senior leaders expect their team members to defuse conflicts and maintain focus on work priorities. Effectively communicating under pressure and through conflicts is a skill and practice demanded by all the leaders I've coached. To be candid, some of these senior leaders are still refining and developing their own communication skills. Communication encompasses not only spoken words but also unspoken cues conveyed through our bodies, facial expressions, and emotions. In the current era of AI and advanced technology, focusing on human strengths, such as building trust and safety, provides us with a competitive edge. #job #skills #leaders #humanresources #cassandracoach