Almost Hired... with Jackie Ducci

018 - Listener Questions, Vol. 2 - Salary Negotiation, Counter-Offers, & Going Negative

018 - Listener Questions, Vol. 2 - Salary Negotiation, Counter-Offers, & Going Negative Jackie and Alexis answer questions from our listeners the following topics: Salary Negotiation - how to negotiate salary as an entry level candidate without much experience.  Is it ever appropriate to do so?  Is it worth the gamble? Counter-Offers - what to do if offered a position with a new employer, but then receiving a counter-offer from the current company trying to convince you to stay.  What's the best way to decide which offer is best, and navigate this messy situation with as much finesse as possible? Going Negative - is it ever ok to be honest in an interview about past negative experiences at work?  How to handle it when pressed for information about a bad situation from the past. www.ducciassociates.com/contact Jackie Ducci, CEO:  jackie@ducciassociates.com Alexis Baldwin, COO: alexis @ducciassociates.com

Be Your Best Self to Attract the Best Opportunities

017 - Be Your Best Self to Attract the Best Opportunities “Be the best version of yourself” is a phrase that’s thrown around a lot these days.  It’s a concept that is embraced by many, but thought to be a little hokey by others.  Whichever category you fall into, it’s important to know that there is actually a lot of merit behind this idea when it comes to getting hired, or advancing your career in general.  People who know who they are and project it confidently are the ones who stand out in hiring processes.  Why?  They are more real, believable, sure of themselves, and convincing.  They connect on a deeper level, and can more easily express why they are the fit for a job.  It’s all very attractive to employers.  So what exactly does it mean to be your best self?  And HOW do you do it? Joining the show to discuss is Erin Lombardi.  Erin is the owner & founder of EL Strategic, a boutique firm specializing in business development, brand engagement, and broker services for small to mid-size businesses.  She lives in Loudoun, VA and is intimately involved in her community as an Ambassador for the local Chamber of Commerce, a mentor for the Young Entrepreneur Academy, a member of the Chamber Public Policy and Economic Policy Development Committees, and more. Erin has won multiple awards including being named to Loudoun County's 40 under 40 in 2019, and Young Professional of the Year in 2020.  She is also a former pageant competitor, and holds the title of Mrs. Loudoun County.

Public Sector Jobs - Could One Be the Right Move for You?

016 - Public Sector Jobs - Could One Be the Right Move for You? Have you ever seriously considered a career in the public sector?  Most people haven’t (but probably should!)  Sure, government work isn’t for everyone.  But the truth is, public sector jobs have a reputation for offering unparalleled stability, excellent benefits, and more.  Whether you’re just coming out of school and starting your career, or looking for a change at any point along your professional path, opportunities abound to work in state and local government – particularly right now.  And, in fact, the number of those openings will only be increasing in the months ahead. Here to discuss the ins and outs of applying to (and working in) the public sector is Ryan Bingham.  Ryan’s own career launched to an exciting start in 2005 when he ran for mayor of his hometown – and won!  At age 22 he became the youngest mayor in Connecticut’s history, managing a $70M+ municipal government enterprise.  After serving 3 consecutive terms as mayor, Ryan went on to work in corporate and government relations at a leading environmental management company.  Currently, he works for Sullivan & LeShane where his focus is lobbying state and municipal leaders on behalf of clients in the energy, environment and government administration sectors, as well as expanding opportunities for client growth within Connecticut.  Ryan holds a BA degree in Political Science from Marist College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. He has been honored with Connecticut Magazine’s “40 Under 40” Award and also received Marist College’s Distinguished Alumni Medal. Guest Contact Info: Ryan Bingham Senior Government Relations Director/Lobbyist, Sullivan & LeShane www.ctlobby.com [http://www.ctlobby.com] email: rbingham@ctlobby.com [rbingham@ctlobby.com] Social media handle: @ryanjbingham

Listener Questions, Vol. 1 - References, Attire, & Follow-Up

015 - Listener Questions, Vol. 1 - References, Attire, & Follow-Up Jackie and Alexis answer questions from our listeners on the following topics: References - how to determine who to put on your reference list, what to do if you don't have much work experience, and what distinguishes a great reference from a mediocre (or bad!) one. Interview attire - how to know what's best to wear, particularly when interviewing with a more casual company or for a casual non-office position. Appropriate follow-up - how to follow-up throughout the hiring process in a way that will actually be appreciated by hiring managers.  Showing enthusiasm is important, but nobody wants to be irritating.  So, where's the line? We hope that you enjoy our first edition of this new format!  To submit a question for the next one, please use any of the options below: www.ducciassociates.com/contact Jackie Ducci, CEO:  jackie@ducciassociates.com Alexis Baldwin, COO:  alexis@ducciassociates.com

Entry-Level Job Search Hacks

014 - Entry Level Job Search Hacks Entering the “real world” is a stressful, overwhelming time for young adults and their parents.  Most graduating seniors come out of school well-educated, but without any idea how to actually land a job, let alone the RIGHT job.  While they lack basic job search skills, they also make mistakes at all stages of the hiring process that instantly disqualify them from consideration – without ever realizing it.  But believe it or not, it’s actually easy to make a great impression on hiring managers at the entry level.  You just need to know how.  So, what exactly can recent graduates do to secure their dream jobs as quickly as possible? For answers, we’re turning to John Del Vecchio.  Professionally, John has been in the insurance business for three decades, and has been an Owner/Partner with Park City Insurance Group in Connecticut for the past twenty years.  John is also the father of two boys, both of whom are perfect examples of young adults who landed on their feet and launched bright careers right out of the gate upon graduating from college.  Much of their success was due to John’s excellent parental guidance and support.  Today, John shares some sage advice for other parents who might be feeling confused about how best to set their own kids up for success.  If your child has recently graduated or will be graduating soon (or if you yourself are a 20-something looking for some help landing in a great job!), this episode is for you. Guest Contact Info: John Del Vecchio Owner/Partner, Park City Insurance Group, LLC www.parkcityinsurancegroup.com email: john@parkcityinsurancegroup.com