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Alex I'm so happy you've found a positive change from what sounds like a very difficult time. I can imagine it takes a great deal of strength to remain open and be able to see new opportunities and a new life when you're navigating PTSD and the loss of an important relationship. Very very well done (and thanks!). Raj 🙂 I'm cheering you on buddy!

Hi @jakubzontek2681, these are all good questions. For me, there's a clear answer - never compromise on the hook. The details about your potential start dates and your specific A levels are more interesting when they've got a reason to be invested in you. Never compromise the hook buddy. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions. Raj :-)

@@rajsidhu Thank you! You've helped me so much.

I am so happy to hear this @MrWeThePeople23 ... thank you for sharing and I'll be cheering you on in your goal of aerospace roles :-) Raj

I'm so glad to hear this @MrWeThePeople23! Formatting is wildly important and I'm glad you've seen the impact. Good luck with those aerospace roles buddy 🙂

Thank you Obi!! Much obliged sir and I hope life is treating you well :-) Raj

@quezabitheone4457 I entirely agree. That said, I feel the genie is out of the bottle? I've heard or research suggesting a 35% increase in productivity for software engineers. I think the only way that particular wave gets held back is if research can show the harms that come from it too (e.g. skill regression and more)

Too late for that...

@@gabriel-mckee Fasho. The gates of hell have been opened.

Ahh that's great @elxsadra9000 :-) Let me know how it goes - and if you have any questions. I'm wishing you - and your jobhunting group - all the very best :-) Raj

Good luck to you in your journey Carolina 🙂 I hope you have people around you who can listen, as you make that choice. Thank you for your kind words! Raj

Thanks @scna4653! I appreciate that :-) Raj

Hello Raj Sidhu! I would love to see a comprehensive video guide on building a successful career as a recent university graduate, especially for those of us in fields like Digital Marketing, Marketing Innovation/International Marketing, PR and Communications, the corporate world, international trade, international business, international logistics, and supply chain management. It would be incredibly helpful if the guide could cover specific steps to take as a new graduate to advance quickly and strategically, including tips on acing interviews, choosing the right companies and employers, and becoming an ideal candidate for roles in multinational corporations. Additionally, as a recent graduate in International Relations, I’m seeking guidance on how to build a thriving career without an existing professional network. I’d appreciate tips on where to connect with recruiters online and use resources to network effectively and secure the best career opportunities. Thank you so much for considering this video topic-it would be a game-changer for recent graduates like me!

Hi @karenidesoh5646 - thanks for sharing your really good points. I totally agree. One key aim I had in making this video was to show what an expert-level CV looks like so that viewers can aim for it if they wish - or alternatively - know how to optimise ChatGPT's output and stop there, knowing its strengths and limitations. I don't think there will ever be a substitute for deep-level human thought or help. Thanks for stopping by and sharing :-) Raj

@frankc1702 Yes! I know there are other opinions on this - and summaries can be done well - but generally they're still going to be slightly sub-optimal compared with putting the most relevant experience/education towards the top and using that to showcase the highest listed skills from the job description - it provides immediate context in a way that a summary can't. More fully/visually explained my thoughts here: th-cam.com/video/WOkCJYMvEDE/w-d-xo.html

Interesting. I will try this approach. I often have apprehensions with changing phrasing and keywords to match job descriptions because it can skew your experiences too much. I also find it very difficult to tailor a resume to a job outside your field or within the same field where your skills and experiences transfer well to. ATS systems often look for job titles or exact keyword matching. One thing is for certain this whole thing is a perfect example of how the technology does not make lives easier. It makes the job search not only more competitive but an arduous time consuming sometimes costly process.

Frank, I can totally understand your apprehension with keyword-matching and the skewing effect it can have. I guess the way I see it is that I’m optimising for getting an interview (via a tailored resume) - and it’s at the interview stage that the humanity and nuance of my experience can come through - also I can also get a feel for liking them or not. As for your point about technology not making life easier, I totally agree. It escalates how much work needs to be done on a resume in order to differentiate effectively. I’d make the argument, though, that it puts even more value on tailoring in terms of bang-for-your-buck conversions to interviews (even at the expense of the extra time). Thanks for sharing @frankc1702 buddy, and I’m wishing you the best. If you want to see how I’d tailor a resume to a job outside your field, I’ve got a video on career change CVs that hopefully makes this process way easier. Raj :-)

I'm sending you good vibes @thecliffolio - stick in there. I always like giving places the best chance of seeing my quality and it sounds like you're doing the same - so good on you. Their decision is their decision but at least you'll have done your part. I'd love to know how you get on :-) I'm wishing you the very best and cheering you on! Raj

@@rajsidhuRaj. Happy to continue this offline if you want. I wanted to send you: the ad, my old tired resume, the ai resume and cover letter to see what you think. I sent it off yesterday. As I said, I’m doing it more as a fun experiment to see if AI and a different approach can actually produce a different result!! Best Cliff

I wish I could Cliff but capacity-limits right now (start of the academic year etc) mean I might struggle to take a proper look in a reasonable timeframe. Please do let me know how you get on though... I'm hoping that by the time I have capacity, you'll have landed more interviews than you know what to do with!! Raj :-)

It's like they're embedded in the job description templates employers use! Good luck with the job hunt - Chem Eng is cool :-) Raj

@CommonSense9eleven I think I should be :-D

@@rajsidhu biggest red flag to not hire someone like you :-)

I'll take that :-)

@glennlindridge101 I would much prefer if you were right about this, rather than me!

Ha! @jaymayhoi be awkward! Don't let them get away with it :-DD

Ahh yes @raulsalaranjo6565 - total mismatch between expectations and reality, plus a clear indication of how much (how little) they actually value the role. Good one!

@mylittleossi1234 thanks!! The song you're after is "Dover" by The Westerlies. You can download it for free if you go to TH-cam Studio and then click on 'Audio Library". You'll find a few of their songs there :-) Raj

@@rajsidhuthank you!

@DonnieBosede I appreciate that!

Ahh this made my day!! I'm wishing you all the very best with the change buddy :-) Raj

Hey mate this is the second comment I've ever made on here but I needed to come back and give feedback, because of your videos, especially around CV creation I got accepted to work at Macquarie University in Sydney, which was the first place I have applied too. I cannot describe how much you have helped me, especially since I have lost alot this last year my old career was one of them. I really wish u had a donate button but if u have anywhere I can send a tip to buy you a coffee please let me know because I really want to show my appreciation for the work you have done. Thank you for everything, u have had a massive positive impact on a stranger who lives on the other side of the world. Regards Alex

Lol I just realised you do have a donate button disregard

@@MrDfult Alex this makes me incredibly happy to read. The fact you got into that Macquarie role at the first time of asking is a testament to the time and care you'll have taken. Very well done. I appreciate your appreciation - and the extraordinarily kind donation. Thank you ever so much. I'm going to keep your kind feedback as a record. Keep trucking buddy :-) All the very best at Macquarie! I'm thrilled for you, Raj 🙂

Thanks @filippobighiani! Regarding whether or not to include a LinkedIn profile URL... only include it if it shows something that your CV cannot... e.g. your impressive network, how many skills you've been upvoted for / industry discussions you've been part of etc. Good question! Raj :-)

It's a really good question Vara - I think it really depends on the sector and locations you're interested in. E.g. with the tech layoffs, there'd be zero stigma to having a visible "open to work" banner, but perhaps recruiters might see you as being easier to negotiate downwards on salary? I think the best bet is always to contact recruiters in the sector directly... essentially going upstream on where the jobs are released. I hope this helps - and if you want to give me an idea of what you're targeting I can give my specific thoughts :-) Cheers, Raj

Thanks for sharing!

Ahhh thanks chap! Most kind :-)

I really appreciate this @danielpabu5848. Good luck with those applications! :-) Raj

Thanks @jasoncolap! :-) Raj

Hi @stewiegriffin1938, this is hugely appreciated. I'm glad the videos are proving useful. I have 1-1 consultations via this link: calendly.com/raj-concorde/consultation - Cheers, Raj

Ah thanks! I appreciate it :-) Raj

I know right!! (and thanks, Jorge, you superstar!)

Really great video! I started changing my career through retraining but with not much success so far. At what point would you give in to a career change?

It's a really good question @preetizzle. I'd answer it in 2 ways. (1) I like the idea of building a ramp to a new career. Rather than it being an all-in type thing, it's more about getting that training, skilling up, making applications and seeing what the feedback from those applications is. If you get rejections, and you feel even more determined, that's a sign to carry on. If the rejections feel insurmountable or final, it may be worth drilling down into why you want that thing, and from that root point, seeing if other things may give you that same or similar satisfaction. Career change doesn't usually happen all at once. (2) When the benefits of potential change outweigh the costs. Of course this is super simplistic and ignores many of the complexities - including not necessarily being able to weigh the pros and cons, but I feel deep-down it's worth listening to that steer you're getting. How does this sound? Please know that I'm cheering you on @preetizzle. Raj :-)

Honestly, that's a fair comment @antonytanno. One counterpoint: money can act as a brake on career change as much as a facilitator, for some. But there's no doubt savings and other priveleges made my change a lot easier than it would otherwise be. Thanks for watching and I wish you all the very best. Raj

Thank you for letting me know this @maysielaftah7738 - I'm glad both the questions and the resources were helpful :-) I wish you all the best with your potential career change! Raj

Hi @maysielaftah7738, this is a great question! Would you be happy if I covered it in my next video? I think others might be interested in your question too! Raj :-)

I really appreciate this comment @jaymayhoi - and the insight. I think it's super tricky to be aware (in real time) that this judgement might be happening - but so valuable when you do see it. I hope you found another approach that worked for you?

@@rajsidhu yes, I eventually "took some risks" and dipped my feet in a few career pathways, some which I dismissed, and have now landed on one which I'm really enjoying

@@jaymayhoi I'm glad - and I also believe that's the best possible way... be guided by the experiences you have. I'm also a massive believer that sometimes the least risky option is to take the risk. Congratulations 🙂

Ahh thanks @hassansyed6087 I really appreciate this! The variable change really was the key and it was such a subtle - and unexpected thing. I agree - one thing really can pivot a whole perspective. I hope you find that, or have found it already :-) Raj

This is the nicest comment @KateWoods-qi9yk. THANK YOU!!! :-) Raj

Hey Brian, these are great questions, thank you for asking. I’ll try my best to answer each in turn: (i) as to why people become investment bankers, I’d say the financial rewards are the biggest reason (perhaps 80%+ of people). There will be other reasons too, e.g. a sense of prestige/accomplishment, or people not knowing what they want to do, so just earning money while they figure it out. (ii) I don’t think a person necessarily needs to be materialistic to become an investment banker, but I suppose most are… or they’re searching for something… perhaps to out-run a sense of financial security (insecurity is perhaps a driver too therefore). (iii) Honestly I’m not sure investment banking provides a great deal of social value at the moment. There’s an argument it provides markets for trades to occur, others might argue it allows capitalism to function more smoothly through facilitating mergers, me personally - I think it’s a bit of a stretch and perhaps the costs outweigh the benefits, societally (I’m thinking of bailouts and financial volatility etc). At the very least I think it could be less extractive and opqaue and just perform these functions in a more utilitarian way. I often spent time on the trading floor thinking these brilliant minds could be put to far better societal use. On money and happiness - and whether that equates more in youth, I think that’s a super interesting question. I think it’s going to be different for everyone. For me, earning money early on meant having more options later on, and I was conscious of that. Also, with the way compounding works, I figured it might be better to gather resources early- plus I felt more secure after growing up with not much money. I definitely saw a lot of people in investment banks who were totally stuck - or at least felt stuck - rather like that lawyer person in his 50s you mentioned…. That was always difficult to watch and be around. @briansmith2836 what makes you ask? (I'm genuinnely interested) and what things have been important to you in your career? And would you mind if I featured some of these awesome questions on a video I’m making that’ll be out in a month or so? Raj :-)

@@rajsidhu Hi, I should note the person I mentioned has a PhD in aeronautical engineering ( sorry for typos in previous post). I was interested in investment banking in general because I didn't really know what one does as an investment banker ( too lazy to use Google, I guess lol). I should note my late father's friend is best friend's with Gen Wes Clark and he went on to become an investment banker in NY after her ran for president. I was introduced years ago to the head trader for the George Soros family fund ( he made a ton of money for himself making money for Soros and his family- he has an MBA and I know his home is worth well over 10 million usd). I am interested to know what makes people happy so was always curious as to whether large amounts of wealth make people happy ( from everything I have read, including on Buddhism, large amts of wealth does not suddenly make one happy if one was not already happy ( not due to financial issues) before they amassed wealth). I was reading a book some time back where the writer mentioned how he knows the doorman of a building where billionaires live and the doorman mentioned to him how all he sees day in and day out are sour/ unhappy faces as these billionaires come and go and he wondered why they wouldn't walk around with smiles given how much wealth they have. He noted it was incredible how these billionaires constantly had unhappy looks on their faces. The writer also mentioned his very wealthy friend who took his huge yacht for 3 months to S America and came back in disbelief noting how he saw masses of incredibly poor people but they looked genuinely happy, smiles on their faces, friendly with others around them. I am getting off topic but just wanted to mention my interest in the relationship between wealth and happiness. I assume all investment bankers start with a degree in finance( I guess many don't have MBAs). As for me, I started in the sciences thinking I should try for medical school but that was what my parents wanted( I had very high marks in the sciences in high school and received early admission to the top universities here in Canada). I eventually completed 3 university degrees in social sciences( history, international relations and public administration), including a masters ( I was accepted to law school after writing my lsat but didn't have much interest so never went). My problem was that although I was good academically I never really knew what to do in life so ended up working for the Canadian federal government for years, even though the work was boring. I never had real interests in any one field as a kid so found it very difficult to pursue any area of study that I was really interested in, that could lead to a fulfilling career. I think the key to happiness is doing something that brings you joy ( if it is investment banking then that is great). If one does a job that does not bring them joy, regardless of how great the income, it makes for a much more difficult life. Before I ramble on and forget, yes go ahead and use anything I wrote to you in any upcoming video of yours. It sounds like you made the right decision to leave as you were aware that your job was not making you happy and if you stayed it would just stay that way until you retired or dropped dead. I think that goes for any job, if you are unhappy and feel unfulfilled doing what you do for a living you needed to look to make changes, even radical ones like quitting and pursuing something completely different. Most of the kids I went to high school with ended up as doctors, layers and/or professors of sciences with a couple that obtained MBAs. one friend is head of the department of engineering at a Canadian university and he told me how he has no time for his kids because he is so busy with work ( he used to be a professor and absolutely loved teaching students and doing biomedical research) so that must be difficult, as those years he misses out on being with his kids he will never get back, and no matter how great a reputation he has at university it won't really matter to his growing sons as they would rather have a father that spent time with them. But I envy him because he is doing something re work that brings him great satisfaction AND he is making a positive difference in the lives of his students. I know that if I had a great deal of money I would spend it on others that need help as that would bring me satisfaction ( I know that because I gave spent a lot of money over the years helping people that were worse off than I was); if I could have, I would have gone into investment banking or some area of finance for a number of years to try to make a ton of money with the intent to give most of the money away to help others. I wish back in high school I knew about finance and careers in finance ( I literally had no idea that there were finance degrees back in high school as my dad was an engineer and I just focused on sciences so was oblivious to the fact that people could actually get degrees in finance- we had no courses in economics or finance back in high school). I would be interested to hear more from you in a video about investment banking as in the previous the video you discussed investment banking, you only talked a few minutes ( or less) about what investment bankers do. I would also be curious to know whether you found many in the investment banking world to be selfish or whether there were a fair share of those who went out of their way to share some of their wealth with those less fortunate ( when I think of investment bankers I have an image of some miser who is only interested in amassing wealth, but that probably does not apply to many in the investment banking world, or at least I hope that is the case but you would know given you know so many investment bankers).Also, is it very stressful being an investment banker and how many hours per day do investment bankers work? Family physicians in Canada work incredibly long hours ( including weekends where they do paperwork) are very stressed from having so many patients ( with tons of paper work associated with each) and end of day the income is not that great, considering how much time they actually spend working at home ( they don't get paid for most paperwork) and in their office with patients. I should also ask what you did " on the trading floor" and also ask why you noted all the " brilliant minds" when referring to investment bankers you were with. By brilliant did you mean when it came to financial matters or would you say most/ many investment bankers have brilliant minds when it comes to more to just finance? I think I would say the most " brilliant" people I have known are doctors because the ones I know are very well rounded in that they have interests and knowledge that go far beyond "just" medicine. Would you say investment bankers are quite knowledgeable about many topics, beyond just the area of finance?

@@rajsidhu should have added in my reply to you that of the people I know or have known, I think the one with the best job in the world is that of my best friend since childhood. He has been writing for the Simpsons for over 20 years. He is surrounded by hilarious people, gets to make others laugh, is constantly laughing and gets a great income to do so. He also gets to meet all the famous celebrities that do the guest voices during various episodes. He got to meet Mick Jagger, amongst many other famous celebrities. I would kill for a job like that; he was always the class clown in school, but he did get a science degree and MBA before he broke through in LA; I should note that most of the writers for the Simpsons are highly educated and many with Harvard degrees. One more thing, how did you know you wanted to become an investment banker and did you already know in high school you would get a finance degree? Finally, did they offer finance courses in your high school? I guess maybe unlike when I went to high school the schools across N America now offer finance courses, at least as options.

Thank you @simonbillinton, I appreciate it!