I am so thrilled to be bringing you this milestone of Leaving the Nest - the 50th episode! Today I am joined by fellow ROCS colleague Kaitlin Hawes as we take some time to reflect on the highlights of 2024 from career advancements to personal triumphs. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane discussing a year full of growth and change!

Kaitlin shares her own journey of Leaving the Nest and brings us up to date where she is currently thriving in her career here at ROCS! She’ll also open up about her rise in the company, moving from Recruiter to Associate Account Manager to Account Manager in just a matter of a few months!

It isn't just business that we discuss, though. We also get personal and reflect on the moments that shaped us, such as events out of the office and other major family moments. We even discuss some funny memories including our team celebrations and the balloons that almost ruined Kaitlin’s promotion moment!

I hope that you will join us for this fun and heartfelt conversation as we celebrate not only our professional growth but also the amazing people and memories that have made this year truly unforgettable for us here at ROCS. Thank you so much for being part of the journey, and here is to 2025!

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review wherever you are listening and share this episode with others you know who are just "Leaving the Nest."

Key Takeaways:

• We reflect on our career milestones over 2024, including major promotions.

• Hear about the success that ROCS Grad Staffing has seen over this year as a team!

• The ROCS team enjoyed summer Fridays, team events, and personal downtime.

• ROCS turns 21!

• 2024 was our biggest year yet!

Thanks again for listening to Leaving the Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 571-446-2819

Connect with Kaitlin:

Kaitlin@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 571-488-9805

What better time is there to talk about being ghosted by potential employers than during spooky season? Ghosting isn't just something that happens in the dating world; it can also occur after you've gone through multiple interviews and feel confident that the job is yours. Maybe you have discussed start dates or salary, only for the hiring manager to suddenly disappear, leaving you with no explanation.

Listen in as I break down why this might happen. While it’s frustrating and no one enjoys being ghosted, it’s important to remember that it’s rarely about you or your qualifications!

I also cover how to handle this situation and the importance of keeping a positive attitude. Remember to manage your own expectations as you continue to apply for other roles.

I ultimately want to remind you that ghosting is an unfortunate but very real part of the process, but it doesn’t define you or your worth as a candidate. Tune in for practical advice and tips on how to handle this situation.

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review wherever you are listening and share this episode with others you know who are just "Leaving the Nest."


Key Takeaways:

• Ghosting by employers is common, even after multiple interviews and discussions about job details.

• Ghosting may result from various factors such as hiring internally, budget changes, or emergencies.

• Don't take ghosting personally!

• Remain professional when following up with employers.

• Continue applying for jobs until you have a signed offer letter to avoid halting your job search prematurely.

• Remember, the right job will eventually come along, so focus on maintaining professionalism and managing expectations.

Thanks again for listening to Leaving the Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 571-446-2819

Join me for this episode as I take on the far too often overlooked but crucial aspect of job applications: providing professional references. As you approach the final stages of your job search, the right references can truly play a pivotal role in solidifying the positive impression that you have already made. You will learn how to select, prepare, and present your references effectively so that you can seal the deal!

Tune in as I discuss some of the common pitfalls, such as including unnecessary lines on your resume, and offer guidance on choosing the right types of references—academic, personal, and, most critically, professional. Learn why it's so essential to seek permission from your references beforehand, ensuring they're ready for that all-important phone call.

I also offer practical tips on how many references to provide and how to format your reference sheet so it complements your resume. We’ll explore the typical questions employers ask during reference checks so you can help your contacts highlight your strengths and skills. Finally, I emphasize the importance of maintaining relationships with past colleagues to build a robust network for future opportunities.

Whether you are just beginning your career or are looking to make a change, this episode will equip you with the tools to navigate the reference check process confidently, helping to ensure that you are ready when it really matters. Listen in for all the details!

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review wherever you are listening and share this episode with others you know who are just "Leaving the Nest."


Key Takeaways:

• Timing of References: References are typically requested later in the hiring process, indicating that you’re close to receiving an offer!

• Reference Types: Prioritize professional references (former supervisors), and consider academic or personal references as supplementary.

• Ask for Permission: Always obtain consent from your references before listing them to avoid catching them off guard.

• Quantity Matters: Provide at least three references, with five to six as a backup to help ensure availability.

• Presentation Format: Format your reference sheet similarly to your resume, including names, titles, relationships, and contact information for consistency!

Thanks again for listening to Leaving the Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 571-446-2819