Your resume is being read for about 7 seconds, and most people make the decision before a recruiter ever gets to your experience.

Merete pulls back the curtain on the top 4 resume red flags recruiters see and rarely mention:

• The formatting flags that get a resume knocked out before anyone reads a word
• The content flags, from generic bullets to missing keywords that get you filtered by the ATS
• The timeline flags, including how recruiters really think about gaps
• Three quick fixes you can make today

Hire Learning question this week: "I keep hearing that resume gaps are automatically a red flag. Is that actually true, or does it depend?"

Send your Hire Learning question as a voice note: speakpipe.com/MereteFields

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Career Gems is back, and so is the straight talk. After 15 years in talent acquisition, Merete has been in the room when hiring decisions are made, and the real reason someone doesn't get the job is rarely what they think.

In this relaunch episode, she shares the top 3 things that actually get people hired:

• Why it's rarely the most qualified person who gets the offer
• How the informal moments around the interview matter as much as the interview itself
• Why being memorable for the right reason closes more offers than being perfect

The Hire Learning segment kicks off this week. What career or hiring question have you never gotten a straight answer to? Send it in, and it could make it on air.

Send your Hire Learning question as a voice note here.  

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Wondering how to stand out from the crowd, or what recruiters are looking for? Wonder no more!

This series is all about how to get a competitive edge in the job market. I sat down with Dionne Letts, an Amazon recruiter at the time of recording, who shares all the details on what recruiters look for in candidates.

Guest: Dionne Letts | @yepirecruit

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Sometimes the red flags are glaringly obvious, but we find a way to excuse terrible behavior and give someone the benefit of the doubt, even when they do not deserve it.

In this episode, I talk with Lauren Lake about how to recognize red flags and how to avoid them.

Guest: Lauren Lake @laurenlakeesq | Working With Lauren

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

The market is saturated with coaches, so how do you know which one is the right fit, or whether coaching is even beneficial for you?

I sat down with Cat Marte, who shares the benefits of coaching.

Guest: Cat Marte @iamcatmarte | https://linktr.ee/itsthegoodlifeco

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Fall is the time of year to reflect on whether you are truly professionally happy, and the first place most of us go is LinkedIn.

But how do you reach out to people you have not spoken to in years? And with all the daily updates and changes, are you even using LinkedIn correctly? I talk all things LinkedIn with Cynthia Pong.

Guest: Cynthia Pong @cynthiapong | https://www.embracechange.nyc/

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Companies are starting to realize they need to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, or they will be out of talent.

I had the privilege of interviewing Adriele Parker, a DEI thought partner with over 13 years of combined experience in DEI strategy, recruiting, learning and development, career development, and coaching. She specializes in agile DEI strategy, inclusive leadership development, employee resource groups (ERGs), and inclusive team dynamics, with a particular interest in building inclusive workplaces and reducing systemic barriers.

In our chat, she talks about why representation matters and what to do to push your organization when it is missing.

Guest: Adriele Parker @adrieleparker | https://linktr.ee/adrieleparker

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Working, working, and working, but not feeling fulfilled and need to keep your job? This episode is especially for you.

I spoke with Carolyn Pitt, an Intellectual Property and Entertainment Attorney with significant experience in Human Capital Management Consulting, Strategy, and Business Development. She previously practiced law at Alston & Bird LLP, earned her BS in Psychology from Vanderbilt University, and received her JD from American University's Washington College of Law.

Carolyn is also the Founder and CEO of Productions.com, a job marketplace for production professionals that connects studios, music labels, and corporate brands to vetted local production talent. She shares how she used all of her passions to pursue entrepreneurship while still working her 9-5. Learn how to work full time while also finding alignment with your passions.

Guest: Carolyn Pitt @pittesque | Work With Productions | @workwithproductions | Productions.com

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Ever wanted to change careers and start in a new industry but felt it was too late? There is no such thing.

I spoke with marketing professional Brandon Delesline about how he successfully transitioned careers, and he shares tips on how you can too. At the time of recording, Brandon was head of DEI Marketing at Twitch, building brand campaigns that reflect the diverse communities on the global streaming platform.

Guest: Brandon Delesline | LinkedIn: @brandondelesline

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

We are living in a world where entrepreneurship is highlighted so heavily that sometimes we forget a 9-5 is still poppin'!

I spoke with experienced HR professional Kirsten Norwood about just this topic. Kirsten is a journalist by trade, an HR professional by passion, and the host of the All Things Career podcast.

Guest: Kirsten Norwood | All Things Career podcast | @kirstendnorwood

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Why does representation matter, and how do you make sure you are focusing on it in your professional life?

I spoke with Dr. Antoinette Liles, a talented Doctor of Dental Medicine who opened her own dental practice in Pearl, MS. Dr. Liles takes great pride in her journey of becoming a dentist and owning her practice. She is a first-generation college student, a proud HBCU graduate, and the first doctor in her family.

Guest: Dr. Antoinette Liles

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

This is one of my favorite topics because there is something liberating about being vulnerable and getting ready for a difficult conversation.

In this episode, I walk you through how to have effective difficult conversations with anyone, including your manager.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Can you show up as your true self at work?

I got the pleasure of interviewing Kirsten Norwood, an experienced HR professional with a focus on recruiting, training, and inclusion. With a special ability to appeal to any audience, especially young professionals, Kirsten specializes in helping people walk in their true identity at work.

Guest: Kirsten Norwood | All Things Career podcast | @kirstendnorwood

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Sometimes you get through a routine and forget to ask whether what you are doing is actually what you want to be doing.

This episode is dedicated to helping you start thinking through what your career goals really are, aside from making money. I share three specific things that will help you get clarity.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

We all have to work, but do we all make an impact?

I interviewed Halleemah Nash, a speaker, author, and social entrepreneur, and the Founder of Rosecrans Ventures, a startup that provides coaching and career readiness to underrepresented Gen Z talent. She talks about how to make an impact in the work you do and how to hone in on your purpose.

Guest: Halleemah Nash

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Is there even a thing called balance?

Balance is an ever-evolving concept. Some days your all may mean only 65 percent, and some days your all is 100 percent. That is okay, because you are human. In this episode, I walk you through four ways to help you achieve balance.

Resources:

Daily Greatness Planner I use: https://dailygreatness.co/

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

What do you do when you are told no over and over?

I sat down with celebrity stylist and designer Raquel Smith, who kept hearing no and ended up working for Beyoncé. Raquel shares what it is like to work with Beyoncé and how her drive, tenacity, and passion for fashion helped her get to where she is today.

Guest: Raquel Smith

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

In our modern social media world, it is easy to focus on how many connections we have instead of how many real relationships.

In this episode, I walk through the top 4 steps to connect and build meaningful professional relationships.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

You do not have to choose just one career. You can have as many as you want.

I interviewed Miasha Coleman, who rocked the literary world with her debut novel Secret Society, which landed her a six-figure deal. Since then, she has written more than a dozen more books and has expanded into the film industry.

Guest: Miasha Coleman

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

You just started a new role and want to grow within the company. So how do you position yourself for leadership?

This episode is all about the top 4 ways to align yourself for a growth opportunity.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Grab a notebook, because you are going to want to take notes!

I sat down with Christal Ransom, an Emmy and NAACP Award-winning producer and casting director who continues to make history in the television industry. At the time of recording, she had gone from administrative assistant at E! Entertainment to producing and developing syndicated and cable shows for 18 years, continuing to evolve and grow within her career.

Guest: Christal Ransom

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

You see an amazing job you plan to apply for, and then they require the dreaded cover letter.

This episode is all things cover letters, including how to make sure yours stands out from the crowd.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Ready to leave an unfulfilling job? Do it strategically.

I spoke with Angela Watts, who was one of the only women of color in the IT world. She strategically left her unfulfilling job because she realized you only live once. She is now the creator and owner of her own publishing company, and she started Atlanta's very own Fashion Week. You are in for a treat!

Guest: Angela Watts

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

It may not have crossed your mind often, but it is definitely something you need to think about.

In this episode, you will understand the important distinction between compromising and settling.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

What if your very successful career is not the life you actually want?

I spoke with Kim Whitehead, a former patent and trademark attorney in DC who became the CEO and founder of LuxDream Group, a change management consulting group. Kim realized she was not aligned with her true desires, so she made the life she always dreamed of.

Guest: Kim Whitehead

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Stuck in a career rut and want to move into something completely different, but have no idea where to start? Or maybe you like your company but feel a little bored in your role.

In this episode, you will learn the top 3 ways to discover new and exciting career interests.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

If your key skills are not on the first page of your resume, you are likely to get passed over.

Recruiters want you to sell all of your skills in a simple, easy way. In this episode, I go into detail about how to craft an eye-catching resume that recruiters will take a second glance at.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Salary renegotiation is not rocket science. You just need a clear strategy.

I walk you through how to renegotiate your salary:

• How to numerically show your value
• How to know what you want ahead of time
• The best way to negotiate a win-win solution

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

There is no such thing as failure, only a lesson to sharpen your sword. This episode is for everyone who wants another source of income but has let fear keep them from moving forward, and for anyone struggling to know when the right time is to make a change. (Recorded in 2021, during COVID.)

Resource:

Therapy for Black Girls, for finding a therapist who understands what it feels like to be Black in America:  https://therapyforblackgirls.com/ 

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Looking for a change? Here is step-by-step guidance on preparing for a promotion or a new job.

Special guest Cassandra Rose shares her journey into HR and how she coupled her passion for helping people with a successful HR career. That led to her own consulting business, which encourages organizations to invest in their least served employees, often Black and Brown women.

Guest: Cassandra Rose

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Ever wonder how to use a job description to prepare for an interview?

In this episode, I show you how to connect the dots between a job description and your own experience.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Getting stumped by an interview question happens to all of us.

This episode covers the strategies to use when you get stumped and a foolproof method to get through interviews with ease. Here is a hint: do not panic!

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Interviewing formats keep changing, so practicing matters now more than ever.

In this episode, I share the 4 benefits of practicing for a job interview and how to build confidence before your next one.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Ready to slay any interview? Grab a pen and paper.

I share 4 keys to being fully prepared for your next interview:

1. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method
2. Prepare ahead of time
3. Know what to do when you do not know an answer
4. Stand out after the interview 

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Ever get an alert that someone viewed your LinkedIn profile, only to find out it was a recruiter who never reached out?

I share my top 4 tips for optimizing your LinkedIn profile and what to do when someone visits your page but does not reach out.

Episode Links

• Article reference: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-benefits-using-linkedin-sarah-rycraft/

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Statistically speaking, Black women are among the most educated and still earn less at work, and their managers are less likely to advocate for them.

This episode is all about how to prepare for salary negotiations. It arms you with specific strategies for asking for a pay increase and negotiating so everyone walks away happy.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Is it better to have experience or education?

I tackle the age-old question and share how to talk about your experience and your education to position yourself for a new job or a promotion.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

You researched a company you love and submitted your resume, but all you hear is crickets.

This episode explains how to get an interview when you do not know anyone at the company.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

It is time for a change. A BIG change. A change in your industry.

But where do you start? In this episode, we discuss the best tips for transitioning into a new career or industry that you can start right now.

Resources Links:
What are Transferable Skills?

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

You have been killing it all year. Your supervisor tells you how proud they are of your work, and you still do not get a raise. What is next?

I talk through how to advocate for yourself after an annual review so great feedback turns into real results.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

You just had a baby, and you are trying to wrap your head around going back to work. Where do you even start?

This episode covers what to do when you return to work after maternity leave, with a focus on boundaries, breaks, and breastfeeding at work.

Resource Links:

• Breastfeeding Schedule Article
• Pumping Mamas Law

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

You want to grow and expand your professional knowledge, but you are not getting it at your current company.

This episode focuses on how to get the support you need to grow professionally, including free courses and training you can start right away. Note: I use PD as short for Professional Development.

Resource Links:

• Free Courses: https://www.edx.org/
• Free Training: https://grow.google/ 

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Have you ever looked around and realized you’re the only Black face? 

Want to do something about it but not sure where to start? This episode details how to advocate for more representation at work.

Resource Links:

1. How White People Handle Diversity Training
2. Why Invest in DEI
3. What Black Employee Resource Groups Need Right Now

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Are you feeling unmotivated and uninspired? You may have outgrown your organization. 

In this episode, I walk you through how to evaluate whether it is time to leave, so you can make your next move with clarity instead of guesswork

Episode Reference:
Harvard Business Review Article 

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields

Welcome to the very first episode!

In this kickoff episode, I introduce the career advice column that started it all and share the first round of advice, all about salary negotiations.

Resource References: 

• Hire Learning: Have a career question? Send it in, and it could be answered on the show: speakpipe.com/MereteFields
• Free guide: 5 Signs You Are Ready for Your Next Move
• About Merete: Merete (pronounced Merit) is a SHRM-SCP certified HR leader with 15+ years of experience and the founder of Career Gems. Having worked as both a recruiter and an HR practitioner, she helps mid-career professional women, including women of color, make confident career moves and advocate for themselves. 

MereteFields.com | @meretefields