KD Vocational Services LLC

07/03/2025

26/02/2025

According to the Office of Financial Research, each month approximately 2% of U.S. workers change jobs. Many of the career changers and job seekers that I work with are seeking a better work-life balance, job satisfaction, and/or salary increase in a new position or career.

When thinking about a career change consider:
💡Interests and Values- what are your interests and work values? Identifying these can lead to identifying potential career choices. What occupations match those interests and values?
💡Transferable Skills- what skills do you have that can transfer easily to other careers?
💡Research- Understand the labor market and typical job requirements. Onetonline.org can be a great starting place for this.
What are employers requiring from new hires in your field of interest? A specific degree? A certificate? Experience? Conduct informational interviews- ask employers. This is a great way to build your network in a new field.
💡Experience- if you are light on or have no experience in your new chosen field, consider volunteering or being a subcontractor to gain experience. Again, while gaining experience you will also be building your network.

I don’t advocate choosing a new career based on the advice of someone else’s experience. What works for one person may not work for someone else. We all have different personal, work, and life experiences that shape our preferences, work and learning styles, and values. Incorporate the experience of others into your own research and choose the best career path for you.

Have you successfully transitioned to a new career? Let us know what helped you the most!

My passion lies in empowering clients across various industries and salary levels, whether they’re returning to work or pivoting into a new career. If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation:
https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation.

Book a FREE Consultation KD Vocational Services LLC was created under the realization that life presents us with many challenges, one of the largest being how to find and secure employment in a job or career that is a good fit. Many individuals struggle with the challenges of what, where, why, and h...

21/02/2025

Give someone a shoutout. Who inspired you this week?

19/02/2025

I’ve spoken with some potential clients recently who are changing careers and have asked if I can write them a resume targeting positions in their newly identified field. The best resume likely will not help you get an interview if you are not qualified for the job.
When you are thinking about a career change, I strongly suggest that you research the career, the geographic area you will be targeting, and speak with recruiters/ hiring managers/ HR personnel in those areas. What are they looking for in candidates that they hire? Look at job postings to see the requirements and expectations. Is the market flooded? What is the competition like? Did you get a certificate and are you competing with individuals with degrees, certifications, and experience in the field?
A career coach can help you explore potential career options, requirements, labor market, and guide you in setting up appropriate informational interviews, before you make the decision to change careers.

My passion lies in empowering clients across various industries and salary levels, whether they’re returning to work or pivoting into a new career. If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation: https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation.

15/02/2025

It has been a great month so far, with several clients starting fantastic new jobs! One client found a wonderful remote position, and two clients returned to work after several years out of the workforce. Another found clarity in direction.

I’m honored to have been nominated for Top Career Coach, and greatly appreciate all who have voted! If you’d like to cast your vote for me, you can do so at https://themoderncoach.co/kristin-dhayer.

If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation: https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation/.
Stay safe out there—another winter storm is making its way across the country!

15/02/2025

It has been a great month so far, with several clients starting fantastic new jobs! One client found a wonderful remote position, and two clients returned to work after several years out of the workforce. Another found clarity in direction.
I’m honored to have been nominated for Top Career Coach, and greatly appreciate all who have voted! If you’d like to cast your vote for me, you can do so at https://themoderncoach.co/kristin-dhayer.
If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation: https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation.
Stay safe out there—another winter storm is making its way across the country!

14/02/2025

12/02/2025

There are so many job scams out there. Job seekers, please be careful and protect yourselves.

I follow JAY JONES on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesdoyoucopy/), who has done a magnificent job in getting fake job postings and fake career professionals removed from the platform.

What tips do you use to protect yourself from job scams? Add a tip in the comments!

My passion lies in empowering clients across various industries and salary levels, whether they’re returning to work or pivoting into a new career. If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation: https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation/.

08/02/2025

Wow! I'm incredibly honored to have been nominated for a Momentum Award for Top Career Coach! I truly love what I do and am blessed to be recognized among such an amazing group of professionals! If you would like to vote for me you can do so at this link: https://themoderncoach.co/kristin-dhayer

Thank you to everyone who votes, and to all of my amazing clients with whom I have the pleasure of working!

05/02/2025

Some think that searching for a new job means updating the resume, clicking the ‘apply’ button, and then waiting. However, an effective job search strategy goes well beyond that.

Here are some components of a strong strategy to assist you with your job search:

1️⃣ Clear and Focused Goals - Know what you want. Set clear expectations and aim for roles that align with your career trajectory.

2️⃣ Tailored and Compelling Resume - Customize your resume. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Show how you add value.

3️⃣ Persuasive Cover Letter - Let your personality shine and demonstrate your passion for the role and the company.

4️⃣ Networking - Remember, many times it is about who you know. Engage with professionals in your field, attend events, and don't underestimate the power of a coffee chat.

5️⃣ Diverse Job Search Methods -Don't rely solely on job boards. Explore company websites, recruitment agencies, and referrals.

6️⃣ Research - Knowledge is power. Understand the company culture, recent news, and industry trends.

7️⃣ Interviewing Skills - Practice common interview questions, showcase your strengths, and ask insightful questions at the end of the interview.

8️⃣ Time Management - Organize your day. Dedicate specific hours for job searching, networking, and upskilling.

9️⃣ Follow-up - A simple 'thank you' email post-interview can make a difference. Show your appreciation and interest.

*Be open to feedback and be willing to pivot. The job market is ever-evolving; flexibility can be your strongest asset.

What else would you add to this list? How have you been navigating your job search journey? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

My passion lies in empowering clients across various industries and salary levels, whether they’re returning to work or pivoting into a new career. If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation: https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation/.

29/01/2025

Does spending time with your pet make you feel calmer? According to hopkinsmedicine.org, “Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol, while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies)".

I handle stress by both spending time with my dogs and exercise. I start my workday by walking on the treadmill and then I move to the rowing machine. After work, I play with and exercise with my dogs.

A job search can be a stressful process. What tips do you have for handling stress during job search?

Pictured is one of my office helpers!

My passion lies in empowering clients across various industries and salary levels, whether they’re returning to work or pivoting into a new career. If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation: https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation/.

22/01/2025

It’s Wednesday! Are you struggling to get over the workweek hump? If you are at the point where you are struggling to stay motivated at work or in your job search, below are some tips to keep you moving forward:

🔥 Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like in your current role or during your job search. Break those goals into manageable tasks so that each day brings you a step closer to your objectives.

🔥 Take Breaks: Don’t underestimate the power of a short break. I love taking walks outside! Whether it's a walk, a coffee break, or just a few minutes of downtime, breaks can refresh your mind and enhance your productivity.

🔥 Keep Learning: In your current job, seek out new skills or training opportunities. If job hunting, enhance your resume with new certifications or skills—staying updated helps make you a competitive candidate.

🔥 Actively Network: Engage with your professional network for support and new opportunities. Regular interaction can open doors and provide essential insights, both in your current role and in your job search.

What are your top tips for staying motivated? Share your thoughts in the comments!

My passion lies in empowering clients across various industries and salary levels, whether they’re returning to work or pivoting into a new career. If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation: https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation/.

15/01/2025

Now, more than ever, networking should be an integral part of your job search plan.

Do the people in your network know that you are looking for work and the type of work you are seeking? Have you asked those in your inner circle to introduce you to people they may know in your target companies to help you begin building other connections?

Don’t underestimate the importance your network can play in your job search! Networking can result in referrals, which can significantly increase your chances of being hired.

Below are some excerpts from an article by Jobvite:

1. Employee Referrals Decrease Hiring Times
“Employee referrals can reduce hire times by 40 percent. Many companies prefer employee referrals over posting ads on job boards.”

2. Employee Referrals Have a Higher Conversion Rate
“Employee referrals only make up about 7 percent of potential candidates, but these referrals are the most beneficial for employers. While the percentages of employee referrals are low, their conversation rates rank at nearly 40 percent.”

3. Referral Hires Stay With The Company Longer
“About 14 percent of job board hires last after three years compared to 47 percent of employee referrals.”

4. Employee Referrals Are Less Costly
“About 51 percent of employers saw less recruiting costs with employee referrals. Recruiters are changing the way they select candidates. Employee referrals provide more benefits to the company and to their workforce. These qualified referrals are often a better fit than candidates selected from a job board.”

Here is the link to the full article: https://www.jobvite.com/blog/4-reasons-to-invest-in-employee-referrals/ #:~:text=Employee%20referrals%20can%20reduce%20hire,within%2039%20to%2055%20days.

What did you do today to grow and nurture your network?

My passion lies in empowering clients across various industries and salary levels, whether they’re returning to work or pivoting into a new career. If you are interested in hearing more about how I can help you in your career transition or job search, click this link to schedule a free 20-minute consultation: https://kdvservices.com/free-consultation/.