Skimm Money: Job Hunting Tips, a Resume Hack, and Robot Mop Vacuums

Unemployment is low, but layoffs in industries like tech, finance, and media have been making headlines recently. Needless to say, job hunting can be difficult, but it can be especially challenging if you’ve just been laid off. Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster, shares her tips for landing a new job.

What's your advice for people working in volatile industries who may be susceptible to layoffs?

Keep your resume current. Even if you don't work in a volatile industry, you shouldn’t assume that your job will be there tomorrow. Make a monthly calendar update to remind you to tweak your resume. Also, set up online job alerts so they land in your inbox, and make sure that you apply within hours of seeing a job that seems interesting. Don’t talk yourself out of it.

What words of wisdom can you share for how to explain a gap in your resume during a job interview?

It's important to have a succinct sentence or two about it prepared for prospective employers. The first part should explain what happened, and the second part should be about why you’re excited about this new opportunity. That way, you're shifting the tone of the conversation to something positive. For example, you could say, “You know, I enjoyed what I did, but unfortunately my group was laid off. I'm so excited about this opportunity because I didn’t utilize some of my skills in the last position.”

And finally, what are your top three job-hunting tips?

1. Cast a wide net, but be specific. This sounds like an oxymoron, but if you say, “I'm looking for a job in marketing,” people won't be able to help you. However, if you say, “I’m looking for a global marketing position for a consumer goods company that distributes to Canada and Mexico,” that will help you gain more traction with networking.

2. Be consistent. What you’re looking for is a job offer, but there are a lot of incremental steps that lead up to landing a job. It’s setting up job alerts, revising your resume, having meaningful conversations, and learning new skills. 

3. Don’t hunt 24/7. Get time away from the screen. When I was a recruiter, the candidates I interviewed always did better when they were more relaxed and confident. If you’re immersed in it 24/7, you won’t necessarily get the results you’re looking for. 

Answers are edited and condensed for clarity.

There have been a lot of headlines about an impending recession…

But by some measures, the US economy is looking pretty good. 

This summer has been a scorcher, especially for the Lone Star State…

In fact, it’s gotten so hot that it may cost Texas’ economy around $9.5 billion this year, according to one economist.

Landing a job interview isn’t easy…

But this 10-second resume hack might make it easier.

Yesterday was Black Women’s Equal Pay Day…  

Here’s how you can help close the gap.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle of everyday cleaning? Jessica Maple, an interior designer and content creator, recently bought a pricey device to try and break that routine. Below, she shares the investment she made to buy back her time and keep her home clean. 

What’s a recent purchase you made that felt like an investment? 

A few years ago, I got my hands on a fancy robot mop vacuum, which has proven to be an extraordinary investment. Specifically, I opted for the Narwal brand. It’s known for features like its self-cleaning mop function, which automatically returns to its home base and cleans itself periodically.

How much did it cost?

$1,049.

Why do you consider it a good investment?

I have come to appreciate the value of time as the ultimate asset. By eliminating the need for regular vacuuming and mopping, this gadget has granted me the gift of time, while also alleviating my stress and conserving my energy.

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