Violet Nickalls’ Post

I'm reaching out today with a heavy heart and a sense of frustration. I have been unemployed for nearly 10 months, despite having all the hard and soft skills necessary for the positions I apply to. As a successful retail leader with a proven track record of delivering amazing results, it's disheartening to be overlooked without even a screening. In today's challenging job market, I urge recruiters and hiring managers to be TRANSPARENT with all applicants about the process. Whether you're still considering internal candidates or if the role isn't a good fit, communicate openly and honestly. The constant cycle of rejection without explanation is taking a toll on many of us. Remember, everyone is fighting a battle you may know nothing about. Let's strive to be kind and supportive in our professional interactions. #JobSearch #Unemployed #RetailLeadership #Transparency #RecruitmentProcess #KindnessMatters #JobHunting #CareerFrustration #ProfessionalGrowth

⚠ WARNING: vulnerable LONG post! ⚠ Rejection is undeniably tough. It feels deeply personal because, in many ways, it is. It's never easy to hear that you're not the right fit for a specific role, but it's important to remind yourself that it's just that—a role. Your value as a person extends far beyond a single job application, although acknowledging this doesn't make the sting any less painful. The anticipation you feel when applying for a role, eagerly awaiting that initial phone call from the recruiter, and holding onto hope as you meet with the hiring manager, only to face disappointment in the end, is a familiar experience for many. As someone accustomed to delivering rejection as a recruiter, finding myself on the receiving end of constant rejection during my current job search has been a humbling experience. It's disheartening to hear phrases like "we're pursuing other candidates" or "another applicant has been chosen to proceed." Especially when you know, you would be the best candidate if given the opportunity to succeed. However, amidst this phase in my career, I'm embracing the opportunity for personal growth. Though I may feel disheartened in this moment, I maintain optimism that one day, I'll receive that email or call with an offer in hand. What I am looking for... A #fulltime role as a #Recruiter, #SrRecruiter, #TalentAquisition or #HRSpecialist working for an amazing company that utilizes my strengths. See my recommendations! With nearly 9 years of experience in Talent Acquisition across #Entertainment, #Tech, and #Retail sectors, I bring invaluable insights gleaned from esteemed organizations such as Disney General Entertainment Content, Apple, Nordstrom and Walmart. I'm realistic with my compensation expectations and I know my value. #Remote or #Hybrid in #LosAngeles. Come on network, let's help get me #HIRED! #opentowork #hireme #hr #recruiter #morethanmyresume #fulltime

Your Gaps Do Not Define You 🙌 It’s all too common for a recruiter or hiring manager to ask about gaps in your employment history, and it can feel discouraging. But let me tell you something important: Your gaps do not define you. Too many people have faced unnecessary shame or been unfairly labeled because of a career gap. But the reality is, there are countless valid reasons for a gap: 🔸 Layoffs 🔸 Taking a break for personal growth 🔸 Escaping toxic work culture 🔸 Relocation 🔸 Caring for family 🔸 Health or illness 🔸 Pandemic-related setbacks 🔸 Unrealistic role expectations Remember, we're not meant to work continuously without breaks. These gaps don't diminish your skills, your worth, or your potential. They’re part of your journey, and they don't determine your ability to excel in a role. You are more than any gap on your resume. Keep pushing forward with confidence. ❤️ #JobSearch #CareerGrowth #ResumeTips #EmploymentGap #ProfessionalDevelopment #Hiring #CareerConfidence #JobOpportunities #BreaksAreOkay #CareerTips

Proud Recruiter moment Seeing people I've hired succeed makes me really happy. I am so proud to see them grow and make an impact in their roles. I am so lucky to have chosen to work in a field that directly affects people's lives. Yes, recruiters can find that needle in a haystack, but our real magic lies in understanding needs, nurturing relationships, and making connections that matter. 👩🏻💻Hi, I'm Ximena, a Talent Acquisition Professional advocating for DEI and candidate experience. 💪🏻 I specialize in elevating recruiting processes and transforming career journeys ☕ I'm always open to meeting or chatting with other Talent Professionals! Drop me a DM, and we'll schedule a coffee chat #JobSeekers #Recruiting #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveHiring #HumanResources 

I am writing to express my concern regarding potential age discrimination encountered during my recent job search. Following a layoff from a prominent healthcare organization in August, my job search has yielded numerous rejections, the justifications for which often seem inconsistent with my extensive experience. In one specific instance, I was a finalist for a position, remaining under consideration for a considerable period. The eventual selection of a significantly younger candidate, despite my superior experience and institutional knowledge, raises serious questions about the fairness of the hiring process. This, along with similar experiences, suggests a concerning pattern. My personal life choices, such as starting a family prior to completing my associate's degree, were made years ago and should not impede my professional progress, particularly given my substantial accomplishments and proven track record. My career demonstrates a consistent commitment to professional development, including a deliberate decision to leave a long-term position to pursue advancement opportunities. This decision, made after careful consideration, unfortunately culminated in my recent layoff. While I understand the imperative for organizations to select the most suitable candidates, I believe it's crucial to address potential unconscious biases that might unduly favor younger applicants. Overlooking the invaluable expertise and contributions of experienced professionals is detrimental to organizations. My skills and dedication remain undiminished, and I am confident that prioritizing experience and proven success would ultimately benefit companies. I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to a forward-thinking organization that values the contributions of seasoned professionals

Shifting our focus from quantity to quality: Dear Clients, Regarding experience requirements: Requesting 10 years of experience for roles outside of executive leadership can be unrealistic. Three years of stable, focused work experience can often equal or surpass the value of five years elsewhere. Don't let arbitrary numbers limit your access to talented candidates. Dear Candidates, Regarding job hopping: While sometimes unavoidable, can create a pattern that doesn't translate to quality experience. Before making your next move, ask yourself: What do I truly want and need in my next opportunity? If you're simply aiming for the next fit rather than the right fit, you might find yourself repeating the same cycle. By aligning expectations and priorities, both candidates and clients can unlock greater success and satisfaction in their professional journeys and hiring objectives. #CareerAdvice #Hiring #JobHunting #Experience #QualityOverQuantity

In today's job market, it's often perceived that companies hold all the power in the hiring process. However, my experience has taught me that being selective about the company I choose to work for is equally important. Throughout my career, I've learned that the right fit is not just about the skills and qualifications I bring to the table, but also about the company's culture, values, and vision. It's about finding a place where I can grow, be challenged, and feel valued. I've realized that when I am picky about the company I join, I end up in roles that are more fulfilling and align better with my professional goals. It’s not just about landing a job; it's about finding a workplace where I can truly thrive and contribute meaningfully. So, to all job seekers out there: remember that the hiring process is a two-way street. Evaluate potential employers just as they evaluate you. Your career journey deserves a destination where both you and the company can succeed together. #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkCulture

Sharing this comes with a mix of emotions—humility, pride, and a bit of vulnerability. I've hesitated because, honestly, I've felt a tinge of shame about being on the job hunt once again. Yet, here I am, eager to take the next step in my career journey. Despite the impact and experience I've garnered in talent and people operations, the job-search journey has been humbling, marked by countless rejected applications. 🤰This marks my second pregnancy and, unfortunately, my second stint of unemployment. While this should be a time of celebration, it's been overshadowed by the stress of supporting my growing family and the fear of career stagnation. But amidst the challenges, I'm reminded of my resilience and determination to carve out a path forward. I understand that publicly disclosing my pregnancy and job search may seem risky. However, I'm on the lookout for a company that not only supports families but also invests in future generations. ⚙️Since my first layoff in 2022, I've embraced two impactful yet short-lived roles. In these positions, I've focused on crafting playbooks and guiding companies through periods of transition. I seek an opportunity where I can plant my roots and amplify the impact that I have previously made for years to come. I'm drawn to roles in People Operations/HR Leadership in smaller organizations or strategic, senior IC roles within larger firms, specializing in HRBP, Employee Engagement, or Total Rewards. 🙏I'm not accustomed to asking for help; in fact, I much prefer being the go-to person to offer support. But today, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone to seek your assistance. Whether it's a simple like or comment, a share with someone in your network who's hiring, or a valuable tip to navigate career challenges, your support would mean the world to me. And in return, if there's anything I can do to reciprocate—be it making introductions, reviewing resumes, or lending a sympathetic ear—please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's connect, collaborate, and pave the way for a brighter future together. Thank you for being a part of my journey. 🚀 #Openforwork #PeopleOperations #CareerTransition #HR

Job hopping shouldn't be a red flag. It's surprising to see hiring managers judge based solely on tenure. I've encountered skepticism about my judgment and decision-making abilities because of it. A brief stint on a resume doesn't reveal the full story: • Companies acquired • Toxic work environments • Roles misrepresented • Companies hiring hastily and laying off quickly • Missed opportunities for candidates to ask tough questions For instance, I worked for a chemical company (which I won't name) but left due to poor management practices. Within just two months, I witnessed 15-18 new hires depart because of inadequate delegation and mismanagement. This experience underscores the importance of considering the context behind job changes. In the past 4 years, we've witnessed resume gaps, job changes, and layoffs. Talented individuals have faced challenges beyond their control. Moreover, there's a strong incentive to change roles every 2-3 years rather than accepting minimal salary increases. Leaving an unhappy environment, taking a sabbatical, or recovering from a layoff isn't a reflection of character or work ethic. Let's move beyond snap judgments based on tenure. Sure, here are some relevant hashtags for the post: #JobHopping #CareerTransitions #TalentRecognition #EmploymentTrends #WorkplaceCulture #JobMarket #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeExperience #JobSearchTips #JobSeekers #HRInsights #JobChanges #CareerGrowth