How to Write a Networking Email to Land Your First Job Out of College

The old saying “It's not what you know, it's who you know” might hold more truth than new college graduates realize. 

One study revealed that about 85% of jobs are filled through networking and referrals. And even with millions of …

By Firsthand
We help applicants, students, job-seekers and professionals like you find the right career path using the power of firsthand experiences.
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The 8 Negotiation Skills You Need—Whether You’re Job Searching or Not

Let’s say you’re conducting a job search and aiming for an annual salary of $100,000, but a company you’ve interviewed with offers you $87,000. You could grudgingly accept it, walk away, or try to negotiate.

You decide to negotiate and …

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The Essential Guide to Negotiating a Job Offer

Your contract with a new employer defines your position, earning potential, and career trajectory within an organization. It attaches expectations to the role and establishes your position within the corporate hierarchy. From the job title to the compensation package and …

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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Negotiating Salary? Know Your BATNA

You’ve just finished interviewing for your dream role and you’re confident that an offer is in your future. This is an exciting time! And while it may feel like you’re in the home stretch, there’s still one big step before …

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How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation (with Samples)

Are recommendations on LinkedIn important? It’s true that the final hiring decision will not be made based on what a past client or coworker says about you. But your goal is to grab the attention of a recruiter way earlier …

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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“You’re on Mute” These Are the Most Common Mistakes Hiring Managers Make During Video Interviews

Since the pandemic began, video interviews have transformed the hiring process. And while this technology has the potential to streamline the interview process, reduce costs, and broaden the candidate pool, it is also fraught with challenges and hurdles.

In the …

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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Why Hiring Managers Ask About Your Career Goals

I constantly make hiring decisions. One of the critical questions I ask as the closure of the interview is – “What are your career goals?” 

The answer to this question reveals a lot about a candidate. For example, one time …

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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How to Decline a Job Offer via Email | Template Toolbox

Illustration by Marian Blair

If, after getting a job offer you decide to turn it down, it’s important that you do it in a way that comes across as professional and appreciative. If you’re considering declining an offer via email, …

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13 Tips for Networking at Holiday Parties and Events

The holidays present many opportunities to pursue job opportunities and expand your network. Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, here are several things you can do to make holiday job searching and networking easier and more enjoyable.

1. Enter events thinking, …

By Firsthand
We help applicants, students, job-seekers and professionals like you find the right career path using the power of firsthand experiences.
Read more

The 10 Types of People You Need In Your Mentorship Circle

Do you know who’s on your personal board of directors? 

As a successful executive, whether you’re conscious of it or not, you likely have one. Your personal board of directors is the circle of mentors who’ve helped shape and guide …

By Ivy Exec
Ivy Exec is your dedicated career development resource.
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