Do Your Homework!

Here is the question: “Why do you want this job?’  It’s a common interview question used by employers across all industries and it sounds as though it should be simple enough to answer; however, like so many others, your response can quickly deflate your chances of landing the job.

When presented with this opportunity during the interview, you should see it as your (brief) opportunity to sell yourself.  It’s a great chance to talk about why your skills are an ideal match for the needs of the company and, assuming you have done your homework, you should also mention what you love about the organization and how you can help them to reach continued success. 

The best advice I can offer is to go into the interview prepared with an answer.  The worst response would be, “I just need a job.”  This does not tell the hiring manager why he/she should offer THIS job to YOU.  Employers want those who are excited about their company and the potential it holds, not someone who is simply there for a paycheck. 

Another important question generally comes during the final portion of the process: “Do you have any questions?”  Please do not allow your answer to be “no”.  Instead, go into the interview with at least three to four questions in mind.  A portion of them may come up earlier in the interview so it is important to plan for that.  Acceptable examples might include queries about the workplace culture or atmosphere, dress code, or where they see the company in five years.  I’ve always loved the idea of asking the interviewer THEIR favorite part of working for the company.  This is often a great way to learn more about what it might truly be like to work for this employer. 

While preparation is your greatest chance at success during the interview process, there are, of course, those crazy, off-the-wall questions that will come up.  I have heard of interviewers asking such things as: “What’s your favorite cereal and why?” and “If you were a superhero, what would your special power be?”  Another one to be prepared for: “What was the last book you read?”  Some of these are meant to see how you handle things on the spot, so try not to let them bother you too much.  There is really no way to prep for this, but just remind yourself to remain calm and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you answer.

A bad interview rarely results in a job offer, so control what you’re able.  Do your research, prepare your answers, and go in with confidence.  Next time we’ll talk about two other essential ingredients…the handshake and the follow-up.

Until then,

Kristie L. Cross

Unemployment: Use the Time Wisely

For most of us, being without work is a devastating experience and, in today’s market, the time it takes to land a job can be lengthy and discouraging.  While it’s easy to crumble under the stress, it is essential to stay positive and active during this time.

Aside from the business of submitting resumes, there is plenty to be done that can open doors down the road.  Perhaps the most important is that of networking.  Today’s technology allows connections to be made across timelines and industries.  While not everyone will prove to be beneficial, it only takes one to open the door to your future. 

Social media is a great tool for networking and I highly recommend a completed LinkedIn account to get started.  This network of professionals is a place to touch base with former colleagues, as well as to extend your reach through their connections.  While it‘s ok to make it known that you’re looking for work, it is essential that you use the medium to showcase your expertise and experience.    Do not be afraid to brag about yourself a bit because if you don’t, who will?  Just be certain to keep it professional and accurate. 

Other social media sites should be utilized with great caution during this time.  Being jobless can be discouraging and the temptation to vent that frustration online can be dangerous.  Keep your posts positive and productive.  It’s great to let your network of friends know that you’re searching for work because they may have an important connection for you; however, they will be hesitant to recommend you to a friend if your recent posts have rambled about how horrible and depressing your life is at the moment.  Keep it positive or step away from the keyboard!

Blogging is another important tool that can be intimidating when you first get started, but can truly pay off in the search for employment.  Use the free time you have to get up-to-date on anything and everything involving your industry.  This can include the study of journal articles and polls to conducting some research on your own.  The goal here is to establish your credibility and to become known as a reliable source of information for others in your field.  Just be certain that you source properly and give credit where it’s due. 

Another great use of time is attending classes or webinars to stay current on industry trends.  I know many of you are probably thinking you cannot afford this while you’re unemployed, and I respect and agree with you.  However, there are great online resources available that are offered at no charge.  Take advantage of them!  The more you can learn and grow during this time, the shorter the journey may be.

While you’ll probably never look back on times of unemployment as times of joy, it is the goal to make it as productive as possible.  Anything you can do (even on a volunteer basis) that furthers your knowledge and experience in an industry should be viewed as grand opportunities not to be overlooked.  Many hiring managers will forgive your gap in employment if you can show that you used it to gain knowledge that will make you a more valuable member of their team. 

As difficult as it may be, keep working towards your goals and establishing new ones.  The moment of opportunity may arrive when you least expect it and from the most unlikely of sources!

The Art of the Resume

In a world where fast-food restaurants are never fast enough and the competition for greater speed in technology is never-ending, we demand the easiest, quickest process in all we do and recruiters/hiring managers are no exception to this rule. 

We recently accepted resumes for a direct hire position with a longstanding company that offered great pay and benefits.  As you can imagine in today’s job market, our recruiters were overwhelmed with applicants.  I truly wish those applying could have seen the process because it would have been a valuable learning experience for any job seeker. 

There were, of course, those who simply did not have the qualifications. They were the first to be eliminated and set aside.  Next to go were those who did not follow the instructions when submitting their information.  This is a sign to recruiters that they may fail in the same way once on the job.  True or not, this is a process of elimination and that’s part of the game.

This left the recruiters with those who held the minimum education and on-the-job experience qualifications and the stack was still quite high. So, now what?  Did you choose a fancy font that forces the recruiter to squint in an attempt to read your information?  Or perhaps the format is so confusing that the recruiter gives up and tosses you aside.  Either way, the pile will be shortened and a select few will remain.

While none of this may seem fair, it is the way of the hiring world.  There is no magic bullet in landing a position, but there are some simple mistakes that will take you out of the running before the race even begins. 

1.      Use a basic font and format.  Simple and easy-to-read is the name of the game here.  The only possible exception to this rule would be if you are applying for a creative position and, even then, try to remain within limits.

2.      Use keywords when describing your former positions.  A resume is not the place to ramble, but rather to catch the attention of the recruiter. 

3.      Make certain your contact details are accurate.  Often times, the recruiter will try your number once.  If there is no answer and no way to leave a message, your resume goes directly to the dreaded elimination pile.  Again, this is about speed and ease.  There are few exceptions.

4.      When possible, keep the resume to one page.  If your experience requires more space, don’t shortchange yourself.  Use the second page, but fill the majority of it.  A two-page resume with only one line on the second page gives a bad impression.  So, fill it or skip it. 

5.      Do not list references on your resume.  This is not the place for that information.  A simple line reading “References available upon request” is fine.  A hiring manager will assume this to be the case.

6.      Use the cover letter to sell yourself.  Tell them why your past experience makes you the perfect candidate for their position and what you can do for their company.  Again, do not ramble, but rather be concise and to the point.

7.      A common rule of thumb is to have no fewer than four people review both your resume and cover letter prior to its submission.  More eyes generally result in fewer grammatical and spelling errors that will get you tossed in the first round. 

Still not totally convinced of the importance of this single document?  Consider these quotations taken from actual resumes across the county provided by Rinkworks:

“"I am very detail-oreinted."

"Special skills: I've got a Ph.D. in human feelings."

"Objectives: 10-year goal: Total obliteration of sales and federal income taxes and tax laws."

"Thank you for your consideration. Hope to hear from you shorty!"

"Although I am seeking an accounting job, the fact that I have no actual experience in accounting may seem discouraging. However..."

A full list can be found here for your reading entertainment. 

Being passed over for a job due to lack of experience or education is disappointing but acceptable.  Losing an opportunity because of a bad choice on a resume is gut wrenching.  Slow down, review the suggestions above, and make a stellar impression that will keep you in the pile until the end. 

Above all else, it’s important to keep improving and growing even when you’re unemployed. We’ll talk more about that next time and how you can make the gaps in your employment history less damaging to your future opportunities.

Talk soon,

Kristie

A Little Relief, Please!

I am a runner.  Not the fast, speedy-Gonzalez type, but rather the slow, hitting-the-streets-everyday type.  I have never won a race (and never will), but I love this sport more than I can ever express to you through simple words.

This love affair began more than eight years ago when I got the urge to throw on my shoes and head out the door.  Two miles later, I was collapsed on my kitchen floor, struggling for breath, and smiling from ear to ear. 

What I did not know in that moment was how much joy this sport would bring to my life over the following years.  It has helped me through the rough days and allowed me to celebrate the good ones.  I have made friends that I would not have made otherwise and, most importantly, I have been reminded that I am capable of nearly anything if I have faith and determination in myself.

The world in which we live is a busy, stress-filled place and can easily cause one to become discouraged and overwhelmed.  No matter if we are employed, searching for work, or awaiting a promotion, there are just times when one needs to be able to vent and refocus their efforts.  For me, this is where running enters the scene.  I can be a mess when I leave and come back with a new outlook on life and ready to conquer the world!

None of us have perfect lives and we all require some form of relief and some way of coming back to center.  The world is a tough place and often calls for a solid line of defense.  If you do not currently have this plan in place, I urge you to take a moment now, step away from the computer, and develop a few ideas.  For some it is biking, yoga, or swimming while for others it may be gardening, building, or drawing.  The possibilities are truly limitless and you must find what works for you.

So often, we put these type of activities last.  I certainly did this with running during the early months.  I would hit the road once or twice a week because that’s all the time I thought I had.  So untrue!  I now realize there is always time for a run and that something else may just have to wait.  Running makes me a better woman and certainly a more hospitable resident here on Earth.  I am more successful at my job and a stronger part of our work environment when my runs are regular and consistent.

Find what brings you joy and peace and you will forever be thankful.  I can promise that it will give you a whole new outlook on yourself and your life.  The little things will seem smaller and you’ll begin to see what truly matters and how big of a difference you can make. 

Until next time,

Kristie

To Post or Not to Post…

With the boom of social media in recent years, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find someone who doesn’t have some sort of online presence in at least one social network site and you can be assured that employers are taking notice.  While we love the connections and interactions the medium provides, it’s a practice that many are still learning to navigate properly.

I recently had the opportunity to spend time with employees of an NFL team where the organization has created rules regarding their social media usage.  This is a tricky road to travel for employers because their employees’ online communication can greatly benefit the organization, but it also has the ability to send it tumbling. 

It was interesting to hear the employees discuss the issue as they were not upset or discouraged by the guidelines, but rather dedicated to following them without fail.  When asked what might happen if there was a violation, there seemed to be little doubt that serious consequences would occur in any situation.  I was told of an employee who was photographed with fans during a game last season and then tagged in the photo on Facebook.  This individual had failed to properly adjust her settings so that others were not allowed to tag her in their photos.  The group did not share with me the repercussions of her mistake, but left little doubt that there were consequences.

So, what does all of this mean for you?  Should you simply avoid social networking sites to protect yourself?  Absolutely not.  You should, however, take great care to protect your online presence and make certain that it represents the best possible image of yourself to both present and future employers. 

Making the decision of what is appropriate and what falls short can be a challenge because you must determine what OTHERS will deem appropriate and what might cause them hesitation when making a decision on your character.   I spoke with an acquaintance last week who could not understand why a joke he recently shared was offending some of his online friends. The important thing to remember here is that it doesn’t matter WHY, but only simply that it DOES. 

Another common mistake is thinking you don’t have to worry about a co-worker or employer seeing your posts due to privacy settings.  I beg of you never to assume this!  If something you post gets “shared” or “liked” by others, it then goes into their newsfeed and can be viewed by anyone in their network.  At this point, you have lost control over who sees the information and with whom they share it.  This is just one example of how you can slip into a dangerous situation very quickly with one simple post. 

No matter if you’re happily employed or searching for a job, one must be aware and conscious of their online profile and the type of message it is sending to others.  Social media is an amazing networking tool that has the ability to open doors to new opportunities if used correctly, but be warned: It can also slam doors shut that may never re-open. 

If you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at kcross@flexible-staffing.com.