Do you see the way I strategically placed your children as an enemy against your job search? There is a reason for that. They don't, and should never, mix. I can sympathize with a single parent and I can understand how hard it must be, but if you cannot find a baby sitter for one hour while you fill out an application, what kind of message do you think that sends to the employer? Another very obvious but apparently not so common fact is that it is very VERY unprofessional to bring your children as tag-a-longs. Do something, anything, to avoid bringing your children with you. TRUST ME!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Application Pet Peeve
Helloooo again.
I feel the need to share a pet peeve of mine regarding the application process. A crucial piece of information that employers want to know is your employment history for previous jobs. A resume that contains fewer, longer lasting jobs looks much better than a resume with several short term jobs. Of course we all know the economy is not in tip top shape at the moment, so if you’ve been laid off from several jobs due to lack of work, an employer is more likely to understand that than if you quit your last seven jobs in the past two years. The latter scenario will make you appear unreliable to an employer. Also, make sure you include the dates of employment. I can’t even begin to tell you how annoyed I become when that field is left blank on an application. My annoyance level rises when I inquire about the dates and an applicant says, “I don’t know. I can’t remember.” Well…if you don’t know, I can’t help you. You may not realize it, but that is a key factor that employers look at. If you know you are going to be filling out an application, show up prepared. Contact your previous employers for your dates of employment if you don’t remember.
All of this information brings me to another important point: if you can’t seem to remember your dates of employment to put on an application, you obviously do not have a resume. MAKE ONE. Before you begin the process of looking for a job, take some time to contact your previous employers to get the necessary information (current telephone number and contact name in case references are checked and dates of employment). Compile all the information on a resume and include it with every application you fill out. This will ensure that you have all the information you need to complete an application, and the interviewer will not be left wondering if you are going to quit after a few weeks. Easy enough, right?!
I feel the need to share a pet peeve of mine regarding the application process. A crucial piece of information that employers want to know is your employment history for previous jobs. A resume that contains fewer, longer lasting jobs looks much better than a resume with several short term jobs. Of course we all know the economy is not in tip top shape at the moment, so if you’ve been laid off from several jobs due to lack of work, an employer is more likely to understand that than if you quit your last seven jobs in the past two years. The latter scenario will make you appear unreliable to an employer. Also, make sure you include the dates of employment. I can’t even begin to tell you how annoyed I become when that field is left blank on an application. My annoyance level rises when I inquire about the dates and an applicant says, “I don’t know. I can’t remember.” Well…if you don’t know, I can’t help you. You may not realize it, but that is a key factor that employers look at. If you know you are going to be filling out an application, show up prepared. Contact your previous employers for your dates of employment if you don’t remember.
All of this information brings me to another important point: if you can’t seem to remember your dates of employment to put on an application, you obviously do not have a resume. MAKE ONE. Before you begin the process of looking for a job, take some time to contact your previous employers to get the necessary information (current telephone number and contact name in case references are checked and dates of employment). Compile all the information on a resume and include it with every application you fill out. This will ensure that you have all the information you need to complete an application, and the interviewer will not be left wondering if you are going to quit after a few weeks. Easy enough, right?!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Keep it Clean!
Folks - no matter how much you despise your current or former employer, it is not recommended that you talk badly about them to a prospective employer. You may feel that they have done you wrong and treated you unfairly blah blah blah - but still...don't do it! An employer will understand if there is a conflict of interest, or if things are just not working out, but keep it clean and civil. If you are currently employed but looking for a new position due to a conflict of interest with your present employer, keep the details to yourself and simply say you would like to broaden your horizons. An employer wants to know that you want to specifically work for their company, not just that you don't want to work at your current place of employment. It's all in the wording!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Pay Attention!
One quick note - LISTEN to what your potential employer says. If they tell you to report for an interview at 9:30, do not, I repeat DO NOT show up at 9 on the dot. You were scheduled for a 9:30 interview for a reason, and the employer probably has other things going on. It is ok to be a few minutes early, but don't show up more than 5-10 minutes early.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Resume Facts and Myths
Recently, I read a completely ridiculous article online that was supposed to put an end to old resume myths. From a professional standpoint, the author failed miserably. The article claimed it was ok to "stalk" or "cyber-stalk" so to speak your potential employer when they ask not to be contacted regarding an open application. I don't know about you but if an applicant found out where I hang out and showed up there just to ask me about a job, I'd be severely creeped out. News flash guys...that is NOT ok!
That article has been on my mind since I read it, and now I feel compelled to give my side of the story. Here goes!
1. Resumes should be no longer than one page.
Myth! While it is true that you do not want to bore the person reading your resume by making it too long, you want to be sure to include all the pertinent information regarding your professional experience. Your resumes main purpose is to highlight your work experience and the skills you have learned during your working career. If you’ve been in the game for over a decade, a good rule of thumb is to only include work experience dating back ten years. A fact you may not know is that it is ok to leave off references! A simple “References available upon request” will suffice.
2. An objective statement is crucial.
Myth! Objective statements are out and summary of qualifications are in. After all, isn’t your objective obvious…to find a job?! A quick summary of qualifications allows the employer to gain a brief overview of what you are experienced in, what you have learned, and what you are bringing to the table. Of course you still need to include your employment history as a way of detailing your professional experience as well as showcasing your length of employment at each location, but the summary of qualifications will catch the eye of the “resume skimmer”.
3. It is ok to leave off previous jobs that are not relevant to the position you are applying for.
Myth! Excluding irrelevant jobs may seem like a smart idea, but the only thing the employer will see is a gap in work history. You don’t need to spend a lot of time outlining the duties you performed, but you definitely want to include it. Keep the focus where it will serve you best.
4. Cover letters are optional.
Myth! A cover letter is an employer’s first impression of you. It is a way of introducing yourself and your resume. Employers do not want to hire just anyone for the job; they are looking for an applicant who is specifically interested in their company. Your cover letter is a marketing tool that explains why you want to work for that specific company, not just any company that will hand over a paycheck. But what if a cover letter is not requested? Provide one anyway! If you are savvy on your job searching skills, you should know never to apply for a job without a resume, whether or not it is requested, so why should a cover letter be any different?
A few quick cover letter tips:
My next blog will go into more detail regarding the formatting of a cover letter so check back for that.
A sample resume is attached. This resume is concise and to the point, but very detailed.
That article has been on my mind since I read it, and now I feel compelled to give my side of the story. Here goes!
1. Resumes should be no longer than one page.
Myth! While it is true that you do not want to bore the person reading your resume by making it too long, you want to be sure to include all the pertinent information regarding your professional experience. Your resumes main purpose is to highlight your work experience and the skills you have learned during your working career. If you’ve been in the game for over a decade, a good rule of thumb is to only include work experience dating back ten years. A fact you may not know is that it is ok to leave off references! A simple “References available upon request” will suffice.
2. An objective statement is crucial.
Myth! Objective statements are out and summary of qualifications are in. After all, isn’t your objective obvious…to find a job?! A quick summary of qualifications allows the employer to gain a brief overview of what you are experienced in, what you have learned, and what you are bringing to the table. Of course you still need to include your employment history as a way of detailing your professional experience as well as showcasing your length of employment at each location, but the summary of qualifications will catch the eye of the “resume skimmer”.
3. It is ok to leave off previous jobs that are not relevant to the position you are applying for.
Myth! Excluding irrelevant jobs may seem like a smart idea, but the only thing the employer will see is a gap in work history. You don’t need to spend a lot of time outlining the duties you performed, but you definitely want to include it. Keep the focus where it will serve you best.
4. Cover letters are optional.
Myth! A cover letter is an employer’s first impression of you. It is a way of introducing yourself and your resume. Employers do not want to hire just anyone for the job; they are looking for an applicant who is specifically interested in their company. Your cover letter is a marketing tool that explains why you want to work for that specific company, not just any company that will hand over a paycheck. But what if a cover letter is not requested? Provide one anyway! If you are savvy on your job searching skills, you should know never to apply for a job without a resume, whether or not it is requested, so why should a cover letter be any different?
A few quick cover letter tips:
1. It should only be one page in length
2. Use a business format for dating and addressing your cover letter to the appropriate person. List his/her correct position.
3. Only 3 paragraphs are needed:
a. Introduction
b. Job-matching paragraph
c. Conclusion
Monday, August 8, 2011
What NOT to do...
Dear Job-Hunters of the world:
The list of things you should not do while looking for a job is probably just as long as the list of things you should be doing. If the blunders below do not phase you, you need to keep reading my blog!
1. DON'T show up looking like you just got out of bed. Countless times I have seen people walk through the front door wearing what looks like their pajamas. Also, I've seen a lot of men with dirty ripped clothes ask to fill out an application. When I inquired about their appearance, most of them said they were in the middle of doing something and just stopped in quick on their break to fill out an application. Ok really...if you can't take the time to clean up and put nice CLEAN SMELLING clothes on and take this seriously, why should I take YOU seriously? You only have one chance to make a first impression.
2. DON'T ever, EVER flirt with the person who takes your application or conducts the interview. You are there in the hopes of getting a job, not a date. Creeping out a potential employer will most likely not get you a call back. Also, the "unemployed" part of your application is a deal breaker!
3. DON'T call and check in if they tell you not to. There are a lot of steps to the hiring process. The employer must first screen all applications to see if they even meet the qualifications. Once they've picked the ones they are interested in, they must begin running a background check and verifying references. These two steps alone can take several days. Nothing is more annoying than having to tell someone who only applied 3 days ago that their application is under review and that WE will be doing call backs when we are ready to interview. Trust me, I know how it feels to put in an application and then wait. Time seems to go slower. But you do not want to annoy the people that you hope to work for one day. If you are too antsy to wait for a call back, there are other things you can try instead of calling. For example, if the position was posted on a labor board or website, keep a constant check on it. When you don't see it listed anymore, it has more than likely been filled.
Friends, these are just a few of the things I've encountered recently. Most interviewers will not tell you these things; they will simply skip over your application and never think about you again. I want to help you by giving you a look inside the interviewers mind. Consider this "tough love".
Until next time!
The list of things you should not do while looking for a job is probably just as long as the list of things you should be doing. If the blunders below do not phase you, you need to keep reading my blog!
1. DON'T show up looking like you just got out of bed. Countless times I have seen people walk through the front door wearing what looks like their pajamas. Also, I've seen a lot of men with dirty ripped clothes ask to fill out an application. When I inquired about their appearance, most of them said they were in the middle of doing something and just stopped in quick on their break to fill out an application. Ok really...if you can't take the time to clean up and put nice CLEAN SMELLING clothes on and take this seriously, why should I take YOU seriously? You only have one chance to make a first impression.
2. DON'T ever, EVER flirt with the person who takes your application or conducts the interview. You are there in the hopes of getting a job, not a date. Creeping out a potential employer will most likely not get you a call back. Also, the "unemployed" part of your application is a deal breaker!
3. DON'T call and check in if they tell you not to. There are a lot of steps to the hiring process. The employer must first screen all applications to see if they even meet the qualifications. Once they've picked the ones they are interested in, they must begin running a background check and verifying references. These two steps alone can take several days. Nothing is more annoying than having to tell someone who only applied 3 days ago that their application is under review and that WE will be doing call backs when we are ready to interview. Trust me, I know how it feels to put in an application and then wait. Time seems to go slower. But you do not want to annoy the people that you hope to work for one day. If you are too antsy to wait for a call back, there are other things you can try instead of calling. For example, if the position was posted on a labor board or website, keep a constant check on it. When you don't see it listed anymore, it has more than likely been filled.
Friends, these are just a few of the things I've encountered recently. Most interviewers will not tell you these things; they will simply skip over your application and never think about you again. I want to help you by giving you a look inside the interviewers mind. Consider this "tough love".
Until next time!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Getting Started...
Why I am doing this...
Since beginning my endeavour in the staffing and recruiting industry, I have experienced situations that have made my jaw drop to the floor in disbelief. I have always believed that a certain "job etiquette" existed, but apparently it is not widely known. After each occurance, I think, "It is official. I have now seen it all." And much to my dismay, I continue to be surprised! I usually LOVE surprises, but when it comes to my job, they tend to be unpleasant.
I have started this blog to share some of my experiences with you and point out what went wrong in each situation. It is my hope that through my blog, I will shed some light on what should be common knowledge about the process of job searching, but sadly, is not.
Stay tuned as I share with you some of my grueling experiences and please...take heed and learn from them!
Since beginning my endeavour in the staffing and recruiting industry, I have experienced situations that have made my jaw drop to the floor in disbelief. I have always believed that a certain "job etiquette" existed, but apparently it is not widely known. After each occurance, I think, "It is official. I have now seen it all." And much to my dismay, I continue to be surprised! I usually LOVE surprises, but when it comes to my job, they tend to be unpleasant.
I have started this blog to share some of my experiences with you and point out what went wrong in each situation. It is my hope that through my blog, I will shed some light on what should be common knowledge about the process of job searching, but sadly, is not.
Stay tuned as I share with you some of my grueling experiences and please...take heed and learn from them!
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