After applying, interviewing, and waiting, you got a job offer. But the written offer notes it’s contingent on your professional references, and you have no idea who to ask or how to get started. Whether you’re a student who’s never worked before or someone with several jobs under your belt, searching for professional references can …
Rachel Pelta is the Head Writer at Forage. She was a Content Specialist at FlexJobs, writing articles for job seekers and employers who wanted to learn more about the world of flexible and remote work.
Before changing careers, Rachel worked in social services, helping ex-offenders find jobs. She conducted outreach to employers, taught clients how to search for jobs, and assisted with resume writing. As a supervisor she led a team of 15 direct reports, hired new staff, and collaborated with internal and external stakeholders.
Her work has been featured in Fast Company, HR News, The Ladders, MSN, and Money Talks News.
Favorite Career Advice
Your job can have a major impact on your life. While salary is important, don't forget about things like learning new skills, career growth, and having enough time outside of work to do the things that matter to you.
Experience Highlights
- 5+ years hiring and managerial experience
- 7+ years direct experience helping job seekers find work
Latest Articles
When you think about your performance at work, you might think about it as good or bad, strong or weak. This is a simple way to consider it, but how well you perform (or don’t) indicates your work ethic. When you have a good work ethic, people know they can count on you. And when …
You may think that a successful career is equal parts hard work and being in the right place at the right time. And while hard work often plays a role, having the career you want is less about luck and more about career planning. Crafting a career plan allows you to set the course you …
If you’ve ever applied for a job or internship, you were probably asked for a copy of your resume as either part of the application or during your interview. And while you may have one, have you ever asked yourself, “What is a resume, anyway?” In addition to being an indispensable part of your job …
What Is a Resume? (Definition, Function, and More) Read More »
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re wondering how to “pass” a job interview. Or, in other words, how to kill it during an interview and get the job. Well, believe it or not, most of the tried and true interview tips are tried and true for a reason. They work! But why do …
The interview is a crucial step in the hiring process. It’s your chance to explain why you’re the right person for the role and wow the interviewer with your skills and abilities. And though the type of interview questions you’ll encounter vary by industry, the company’s culture, and the specifics of the role (technical interviews …
A resume summarizes your professional work history and achievements and is the primary document you’ll use during your job search. As you’re writing your resume, you may wonder what the best skills to put on a resume are to help you land the job. Do you list all your skills or just a few of …
Whether you’re applying for an internship, a summer job, or your first post-college role, you may have wondered how long a resume should be. Some advice says a resume should always be one-page long and no longer. Other experts claim a resume can be two pages long some of the time but never one-and-a-half pages …
After your final interview, you cross your fingers, hold your breath, and hope you’ll receive good news. But despite all of your preparation and hard work, the company has “decided to go with another candidate.“ Sigh. It’s tough to come so close and not get the job. But you may be able to make lemonade …
How to Ask for Feedback After Being Rejected for the Job Read More »
Though a college education can help you land a job, it’s not the only thing recruiters and hiring managers look for. More companies are using skills-based hiring to assess candidates, prioritizing skills over formal education. A survey by Test Gorilla found that 76% of employers use skills-based hiring to identify and recruit new talent they …