Tip That Scale: Recent Episodes
Hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley
Corporate layoffs and RIFs are affecting everyone, whether you were laid off, bracing for one, or considering your options to avoid it happening to you.
Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley are going to talk about it. Why them? For one, they have been working in and around recruiting, talent acquisition, and Human Resources for years. They have the behind-the-scenes expertise to help guide you in your career search. And now, more than ever, you want to hear from industry experts.
Tune in weekly to hear how you can tip that scale, in your favor: like, subscribe, and follow.
Webinars are a great way to learn from subject matter experts.
In today's episode, Nichole shares a profound statement she heard from author, professor, and activist, Dr. Shawn Ginwright.
You know Nichole's not going to talk about it if it didn't speak to her. Hopefully it will speak to you and you can use it to tip that scale in your favor.
If I included the word extension in the description, would you listen? Especially if you already know you will either love it or hate it?
Welcome to a new episode of Tip That Scale.
Nichole scratches the surface with this particular word extension. And, to be honest, she could have gone much deeper.
You've heard the quote. If you haven't, Nichole shares it along with insights on the personal and professional impact of assumptions.
Welcome to Tip That Scale, hosted by Nichole Wesson.
Don't let the four walls we live in limit us. There is a solution. There is a cure.
Go Outside!
In this episode, Nichole encourages you to explore what's on the other side of the door. Think nature and so much more.
It seems like a simple questions to ask but one we may not ask when we need to.
Welcome to episode 2 of Tip That Scale with Nichole Wesson.
How do you define success?
Nichole explores the question and shares some thoughts on how you can define it for yourself.
The Tip That Scale podcast is back with a new direction.
And even though it's a new direction, we are still helping you tip that scale in your favor.
It's August and the summer is almost over. Where did the time go?
We are taking a hiatus from the podcast to enjoy the rest of August before everyone starts to embrace all things Fall that comes with September.
What can you do while we are relaxing? Catch up on Tip That Scale and listen to any podcast you may have missed.
See you soon!
We know our skills, talents, and expertise can transfer to many roles and departments. Hooray for flexibility and options. Unfortunately, it's not always easy for others to see and understand how your experience is transferrable to another role. So you have to paint the picture and tell your story. It starts with your elevator pitch and personal branding statement.
Nichole and AJ are giving you a new way to answer the question, "What do you do?"
Find Tip That Scale (@tipthatscale) on Instagram and Twitter.
Job scams and scams, in general, are becoming more and more prevalent. High unemployment due to layoffs and an unequal number of jobs has given rise to job scams targeting those searching for new opportunities.
But job scams are nothing new; however, how scammers reach victims gets more sophisticated as technologies improve. Don't be a victim.
Resources:
- Job Scams (Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice)
- Common Scams and Crimes (Federal Bureau of Investigations)
- Fake Job Scams Are Becoming More Common—Here’s How To Protect Yourself (Forbes)
- Job scams powered by ChatGPT could try to rob you. How to protect yourself (ZDNET)
- Fake Job Scams Are Exploding. Here's How to Catch an HR Impostor (YouTube, NBC Bay Area)
- LinkedIn, Indeed users are getting targeted with job scams (Los Angeles Times)
The conversation Nichole and AJ had in Episode 29 began with differing positions on capitalism and socialism, but there was much more to discuss.
Listen to the 2nd part of Opposing Views and consider your thoughts on these hot topics. How do you feel?
Nichole and AJ, while often on the same page about some topics, find themselves in opposite corners on many topics discussed in this episode. Brought to you by capitalism and socialism, both of which are at the heart of this conversation.
Resources:
- Statistics of Income for 1933 (IRS)
- CPI Inflation Calculator (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Guide to Capitalism: 4 Characteristics of Capitalism (MasterClass)
- Socialism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
- Socialism vs. Capitalism: What's the Difference? (MasterClass)
- COVID-19 pandemic massively set back learning, especially for high-poverty areas (PBS)
- The Impact of the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Recession on Families With Low Incomes (ASPE)
- Digital and Economic Divides Put U.S. Children at Greater Educational Risk During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Population Reference Bureau)
- What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (WebMD)
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Uses and criticisms (Medical News Today)
- Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs In Your Organization: How To Support Your Employees At Every Stage (Forbes)
To be prepared, you don't have to be a boy or girl scout.
We learn from an early age that there are some things you need to know before you go. It's mostly research, but sometimes, it requires us to go deeper, depending on the situation. Inflation and its effect on your standard of living, salary expectations, opportunities for promotion, and a company's plan for the future are just a few things you should know before you go.
Tip That Scale co-hosts are Nichole Wesson and Amit (AJ) Modi.
Employers are calling employees back to the office, and many employees are not happy about it.
After several years of remote work as an option, it seems to slowly being going the way of the dodo bird, but why? We share our thoughts on what companies are doing and breakdown the possible reasons for these new policies.
Resources:
- Remote Work Statistics and Trends in 2023 (Forbes)
- How Remote Work Can Impact Employees' Mental Health (Forbes)
- Micromanaging Your Remote Workers? Own It, Then Fix It (Gartner)
- Building Social Capital When You Work Remotely (Harvard Business Review)
- The 10 U.S. Cities with the Worst Traffic (U.S. News and World Report)
- GaryVee - "Employees Are Not Supposed to Work as Hard as Their Bosses" (YouTube)
It's time to hear a new voice. That's why PR and publicity are in the world of communications.
Claire Wilbanks, a recent university graduate with a degree in Communications, visits Tip That Scale to talk with Nichole about her current journey to a career in PR. Claire shares where she started, why smart PR is essential, and why this career path is so important to her. She also shares some insight on the entertainment industry, some of the world's biggest "stars," and a "did you know" about the happiest place on earth.
Resources:
- About Public Relations (PRSA)
- Nepotism's Impact in the Job Market (Harvard Magazine)
- Through the Front Door: Why Do Organizations (Still) Prefer Legacy Applicants? (American Sociological Review)
- CSU Fullerton
- Research Your Options: Community College (EducationUSA)
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Sometimes you have to get into it, no matter the outcome. In this episode, we are sharing some straight talk and covering several topics that hinge on some of our personal feelings about what's going on right now.
It's less about layoffs, although it's mentioned. Instead, we discuss contributing factors to where we are today and who may be responsible.
Resources:
- Undercover Boss (CBS.com)
- Estimated value of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh (Christie's)
- TikTok star meticulously lays out grains of rice to depict Jeff Bezos' obscene wealth (Mashable)
- Misinformation and disinformation (American Psychological Association)
- What is Generational Wealth? (Investopedia)
- U.S. Money Supply Hasn't Done This Since the Great Depression, and It Implies Something Big for Stocks (The Motley Fool)
[ Please note, some curse words are used in this episode, but it's not that bad. ]
We are exploring career shifts, transitions, and changes. Don't think this is a replay of Episode 7: Career Transitions and Changes (Feb 3, 2023).
In this episode, we are giving you a new spin and insights about career shifts from a new perspective, with a glimpse into our personal journey.
Resources:
- 4 Steps to Making a Successful Career Change (HBR)
-
How to Prepare for a Career Change: Step-By-Step Guide (Coursera)
-
StrengthFinders 2.0 from Gallup by Tom Rath
- What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles
- Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
A business function that flooded the job market because of layoffs is talent acquisition and recruiting. Six to nine months in, what's available for recruiting professionals?
Most would believe this group has an inside scoop on hiring, but is that reality?
RESOURCES:
- SHRM - The Society of Human Resources Management
- SHRM HR Jobs
- The U.S. added 339,000 jobs in May. It's a stunningly strong number
talentacquisition #recruiting #HRBP #HRfunction
Sometimes we need help, and that help comes in many forms. For some, it's a tribe that will hype you up. For others, it's breaking through barriers of shame and embarrassments. For all, it's making sure we protect ourselves with the tools to overcome.
Let's talk about vulnerability, success, self-awareness, and being honest with ourselves about what we need.
RESOURCES:
- George Carlin - Stuff (YouTube)
- Happiness Study (Princeton University)
- The Science of Well-being (Coursera & Yale University)
- The Power of Vulnerability | Brené Brown (TED)
- The Call to Courage | Brené Brown (Netflix)
- The Autobiography of a Yogi (Amazon)
- Sapiens (Yuval Noah Harari)
- Homo Deus (Yuval Noah Harari)
- Dare to Lead (Brené Brown)
- Start with Why (Simon Sinek)
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (Mark Manson)
Tip That Scale, hosted by Nichole Wesson, Ron Brantley, and AJ Modi.
Prioritize your mental health. Maintain mental clarity. Use meditation to help you cope with stress and anxiety. Breathe.
Enjoy this bonus episode, a meditation experience from Amy Reedman, Wellness Coach and Consultant.
Be sure to listen to our conversations with Amy in Episode 21: Prioritizing self-care in stressful times
meditation #meditationexercise #breathe #mindfulness #wellness #selfcare #MentalHealthAwareness
Navigating emotional well-being post-layoff and self-care strategies for job seekers are vital components of mental health.
We're talking to Amy Reedman, Wellness Coach and Consultant, on this episode of Tip That Scale. Amy has over 20 years of experience in wellness and self-care. Her work and instruction can help us all to better manage our mental health in times of stress and uncertainty.
Episode 21 -Bonus: Meditation Experience**RESOURCES:
- Meet Amy Reedman
- The Blending Bar (Website)
- The Blending Bar (Instagram)
- Essential Oil Supports for Better Sleep
- What are the Best Essential Oils?Mental Health Awareness Month
MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare
Since we launched Tip That Scale, we've wanted to hear and share layoff stories. Not to cause more harm but to empower you and to help others.
Well, we're finally doing it. And it makes sense the first layoff story we share is one of ours.
You can share your layoff story with us, and we will share it on a future episode of Tip That Scale.
Please DM us on Instagram or Twitter or email us the subject line, My Layoff Story.
There's a lot of chatter on the web about networking. We are often encouraged to network when we experience a layoff or when we want to change career direction, but are we doing it right?
Is it networking or is it just more work? Listen to Nichole Wesson, Ron Brantley, and AJ Modi as they uncover the answer.
Resources:
- The secret to great opportunities? The person you haven't met yet (TED)
- How to ask for help -- and get a "yes" (TED)
- Learn to Love Networking (HBR)
- Networking: What It Is and How to Do It Successfully (Investopedia)
Book Recommendations:
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know, by Malcolm Gladwell
Search for Local Networking Events
- Meetup - We are what we do
- Eventbrite
One thing we all have in common whether you are in a junior role, mid-career, or an executive is that we all have a LinkedIn profile. To be more specific, LinkedIn has over 900M members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide (About LinkedIn). You can only imagine how challenging it can be to be everything to everybody with those numbers.
Ron, AJ, and Nichole are talking about some of the challenges of LinkedIn as a platform for job seekers and recruiters.
Resources:
- LinkedIn - Company Page
- LinkedIn - Job Search
- LinkedIn Learning
Few job seekers know the ins and outs of applicant tracking systems or ATS, but almost every organization has one. They can help a recruiting team manage candidate submissions. They can also be challenging to get around, through, over, and under.
In this episode of Tip That Scale, Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley talk about the ATS and share their thoughts and experiences with this area of recruiting and talent acquisition.
Resources:
- 8 Things You Need To Know About Applicant Tracking Systems
- Adam Grant
- What is ATS?Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems
James Alire is someone you want to know.
James owns 5J Media, a media company that offers video production and editing, audio engineering, web services, and motion graphics. And, like so many, he was laid off from a corporate position in 2022.
In this episode, Nichole and AJ talk with James about his passion for IT and media production and how freelancing while working in a corporate role helped him navigate a layoff and stay focused on what he loves doing.
Tip That Scale, hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley, offers insight and guidance on how to survive a layoff, the job market, and how we can improve the world of work. It's a podcast for anyone laid off, bracing for one, or anyone thinking about a career change or shift.
Resources:
- 8 in-demand creative skills for freelancers―many can pay more than $100 per hour (CNBC)
- US Freelancing Surges to Record as 60 Million Americans Go Solo (Bloomberg)
- The Ultimate Guide to Freelancing (HubSpot)
- How to get an LLC (LegalZoom)
- Try ChatGPT (OpenAI)
- Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)
- Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (2005)
You can't turn anywhere without hearing about AI (and ChatGPT), and it's only the beginning.
Nichole and AJ have some thoughts about AI. The discussion was prompted by how job seekers are using ChatGPT in their job search. From there, the conversations expanded to include personal feelings, hope, some concerns. and questions on the impact of AI on the labor market.
How do you feel about AI and ChatGPT?
Resources:
- GPTs are GPTs: An early look at the labor market impact potential of large language models
- What is ChatGPT and why does it matter? Here's what you need to know
- Artificial Intelligence: What it is and why it matters
- Are AI Recruitment Tools Ethical And Efficient? The Pros And Cons Of ATS
- AI & ATS: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
- Is AI really everything folks want it to be?
Tip That Scale is back* this week after a much-needed break. Guess what we are talking about? You guessed it. We are talking about downtime and what it means to take a break.
It doesn't matter if you were laid off or are currently working. Everyone needs time to rest and reset.
Welcome to Tip That Scale, hosted byNichole Wesson,AJ Modi, andRon Brantley. TTS is the podcast where our hosts help you tip that scale in your favor.
*Please note you will hear a few audio issues in this episode. The tech wasn't tech'ing.
What is Nichole saying about a break this week?
A lot of good things can come from a break. Let's take one and not be afraid to do what's best for us, whether in our personal lives, at a job, or from a podcast.
Resources:
- Need a Break? 52 Ways to Do It--When You Need It Most
- 40 Ways to Give Yourself a Break
- How to Take a Break from Work (and Why You Need To)
- 7 Ways to Recharge When You Need a Break
Racism is hard to deal with on any day. Consider what it feels like during a job search? It's one thing to be rejected because you aren't qualified. It's another level when your qualifications aren't the issue.
Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley, your Tip That Scale co-hosts are discussing racism and what the experience looks like in the hiring process.
Resources for Candidates:
- Glassdoor
- The Complete Guide to Researching a Company
- America’s Best Employers For Diversity*
- 2022 Top 50 Companies For Diversity*
Resources for Recruiters and Employers:
- EEOC: Race/Color Discrimination
- 7 Practical Ways to Reduce Bias in Your Hiring Process
- 5 Anti-Racist Hiring Practices Every Workplace Should Adopt
A younger workforce is influencing several factors in the job market. Whether it's remote and hybrid over in-office or the flexibility of the gig economy, younger workers are contributing to some significant changes in today's work environment and hiring.
This is bonus content and what didn't make it into Episode 12: Ageism and Your Job Search.
Tip That Scale is hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "ageism has serious and wide-ranging consequences for people's health and well-being." Now, add ageism as an issue and barrier to financial security and the ability to manage day-to-day needs. An older workforce barred from the hiring process because of age is a major problem with significant repercussions.
Nichole, Ron, and AJ talk about ageism, how it shows up in the hiring process, and ways an older workforce can prevail against it.
Resources:
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Age Discrimination
- Generational Differences in the Workplace [Infographic]
- I Was a Manager in an Ageist Workplace
- 7 Ways to Spot a Company That Values Older Workers
"We want to schedule an interview."
Getting invited to an interview can be a long process. Unfortunately, due to the current market, it’s challenging to gain stats for how many applications submitted end up with an interview invitation. The market is that uncertain; nevertheless, we can always prepare and plan for when we get the interview invite.
Nichole, Ron, and AJ talk about interviews, what you should know, how to prepare, and how recruiters prepare.
Resources:
What is an Applicant Tracking Systems?
Boolean Search
- Google Search Help
- Using Boolean Search on LinkedIn
- Boolean Search In Recruitment: 11 Operators to Know
- Boolean Search: A Comprehensive Guide for Recruiters Looking to Excel at Hiring
Recent layoffs have done more than affect the job market. It's affecting salaries and challenging many salary expectations.
The topic of salaries and pay stems from one of AJ's recent conversations. We're sure others are experiencing the same frustration and questions as they head into job pre-screens and interviews with recruiters. Does the advertised pay align with the requested requirements, responsibilities, and experience? We talk about it.
Tip That Scale is hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley.
Resources:
- Salary.com
- Salary Data & Career Research Center
- Cost of Living Calculator
- Consumer Price Index
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
One day you are working 40 hours or more, and the next, your daily calendar is wide open after the layoff.
How are Ron, AJ, and Nichole, the hosts of Tip That Scale, navigating their life after their layoff? Yes, they were laid off, too. Each has a unique approach to what they are doing now and their plans for the future. You may hear some tips that are perfect for you.
Like, rate, follow, and subscribe to Tip That Scale on your favorite podcast platform.
Tip That Scale is social! Follow @tipthatscale on Instagram and Twitter.
References:
- Google Career Certificates
- edX - Continuing Education
- Top Freelance Jobs in Demand for 2023 and How to Get Hired
- Shawshank Redemption - The Escape
- Jim Carrey and learning a lesson from his father
We can only hope the current downturn in the market that's influencing so many layoffs ends soon. But so much rests with corporate leadership.
Sometimes you can be too close to the problem that you can't see a solution. Ron, AJ, and Nichole discuss options for corporations and what they can do to prepare for the future.
Episode References:
- Coach Carter (movie)
- Three Differences Between Managers and Leaders (Harvard Business Review)
- Health Action Alliance
Now may be the right time to consider a career transition or change. Your skills and experience may be ideal in other positions and departments outside of where you were previously. But where?
Nichole, Ron, and AJ share some ideas for Sales, Marketing, Talent Acquisition, and Technology professionals in approaching your job search. It may be time to pivot and look at other job opportunities that can benefit from your background and expertise.
Will you consider a career transition or change?
Resources:
- Article: Why are so many tech companies laying people off right now?
- Where to Search Infographic
Are you flexing and expanding your job search?
We've seen even more layoffs in greater numbers in the last month. It can be discouraging for the most optimistic job seeker, but we know companies are still hiring. Finding a new gig will require job seekers to expand their job search. We can't search for jobs in the same way anymore.
In Episode 6 - Expanding Your Job Search, Nichole, AJ, and Ron discuss ways to take your job search to the next level. You won't believe how much our hosts pack into this episode. General job boards like LinkedIn, niche sites, groups, and professional associations are discussed. And take advantage of the bonus resources Nichole mentions at the end of the episode.
Resources
- Where to Search Infographic from your hosts
Follow Tip That Scale on Instagram and Twitter for additional resources related to this episode and future ones.
Part 2 of Behind the Scenes: A Recruiter's View, but make sure you listen to Episode 4, Part 1.
In this episode, you learn more from AJ and Ron about the recruiter's responsibilities and challenges. Hear what they have to say about interviewing, how they approach it and what they look for in that interview screen. What role does a recruiter play as an ambassador of the organization? And, what are some of the specific issues facing recruiters today in light of layoffs and increased applicant responses?
Remember to rate, like, follow, and subscribe to Tip That Scale. Your hosts, Nichole, AJ, and Ron, have so much more to share.
Have you ever wondered about what recruiters think about the hiring process?
As seasoned professionals in Talent Acquisition and Recruiting, Ron and AJ have seen it all and they share a bit about the process from their role in recruiting. It's not always what it's cracked up to be. Hearing from Ron and AJ will help you, as a candidate, understand what you are up against and how to navigate the hiring landscape. Topics from this discuss include job requisitions, job descriptions, interviews, and metrics.
This episode is Behind the Scenes: A Recruiter's View - Part 1.
Tip That Scale, hosted by Nichole Wesson, Ron Brantley, and AJ Modi. The podcast for those who have been laid off, bracing for one, or simply preparing for their next career move. Let's tip that scale in your favor.
It's 2023, a new year, and it's time to hustle!
Things tend to be slower at the end of the year, especially with hiring and job searches. Recruiters and hiring managers take time off during the holidays to enjoy time with their families, so typically, you can only expect a few job postings or initial interviews. But it's a new year, and it's time to hustle after recharging over the break.
In this episode, AJ, Nichole, and Ron share some options available to you as you reinvigorate your job search for the new year. Some questions answered in this episode include:
- How can you stand out with a personal brand?
- Should you consider different employment types?
- Is it time to start a business?
- Time management and creating a schedule?
- What other resources are available for finding a new job?
And much more...
Plus, you will hear references to the following books and assessments that can help you tip the scale in your favor:
- StengthFinders 2.0 by Gallup and Tom Rath
- To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink
- 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
We'd love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review Tip That Scale**. Share on your socials and tell a friend.
The number of layoffs we've seen over the last year is overwhelming. But why is it happening? What's the current landscape with hiring and what more can we expect?
AJ, Ron, and Nichole are talking about the "why" and share some actions you can take to learn more about your current employer and future ones. They also share some tips on how you can prepare.
Statistics mentioned in this episode:
-
5.1% increase in IT spend 2023 (Security and Risk Management, Cloud Migrations, Analytics, Automation, Customer Experience)
-
20% of all IT jobs are still open with massive migration from corporate IT to Tech Providers and don't see an end to that for at least the next 5 years
-
In November 2022, there were 52,711 job cuts in Tech Sector and 80,978 for the entire year
-
Contractor roles in January 2021 made up 5.7% of tech listings. In October 2022 the number was 19.9%
Tip That Scale is LIVE! In this inaugural episode, learn more about Ron, AJ, and Nichole, the podcast hosts and why they decided to collaborate to launch a podcast. Hear their initial thoughts on the current market, what value they want to bring, and what's planned for for future episodes.
Welcome to the Tip That Scale podcast.
Hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley, Tip That Scale will help you tip that scale in your favor as we all navigate layoffs, career transitions, and the inevitable career and job pivot.