job search Archives - Page 5 of 7

Don’t Let Your Social Media Accounts Keep You From Getting Hired

p dir=”ltr”>Everyone knows that job hunting is constantly changing. This change has been particularly accelerated because of increased use of online tools from both job seekers and employers. One outlet that is becoming more prevalent is social media. Companies and recruiters make no secret of screening a candidate’s personal profiles during the hiring process, and they do so frequently. While some may be uncomfortable with the thought of a future employer looking at their personal sites, it is a good way to indicate whether or not the candidate’s personality will be a good fit with the company as a whole. Now that you know your personal social media accounts may be under the microscope, don’t let them keep from getting a job!

Content: Make sure what you post is professional, or at least appropriate. Choose your shares, retweets, and status updates wisely. Try talking about information related to the field or company you are interested in. Sharing directly from the company’s profile also helps!

Bio: This information is often forgotten, but equally as important as your content. Even if your content is great, a sloppy or inappropriate biography/interests section can hurt you. Think of this section as your personal resume. Have a concise description of yourself, include some traits and interests, and ‘Like’ or follow good pages. This will be the place where a company can quickly get an idea of your own personality, so make it count!

Photos: A picture says a thousand words. Maybe it’s time to take down those photos from college that you would not even want your parents to see. Don’t have inappropriate pictures lurking around your profile that could damage a future employer’s perception of you! Have a clean profile picture, and clear out any pictures you would rather have out of your employer’s reach.

We hope this helps you in your job search. What are your thoughts on social media and the hiring processes?

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Interview Questions You Are Guaranteed To Hear

Every job is different, and each company you interview with is unique. However, there are some things that you can expect every time you sit down with an interviewer. We would like to give a cheat sheet of what you can expect to hear (and how to respond).

What attracted you to this company?

Companies like to hear you brag about them! Do your research before the interview and make a list of services offered or values held by the company to bring up during the interview. This shows you interviewer that you cared enough about the company and position to take the time to get to know about them.

When can you start?

You need to be able to answer this question on the spot, not sit and think about it in front of the interviewer. If you are unemployed and available immediately, tell them so. If you are trying to change jobs, you need to be sure to have time to get your affairs in order before switching. Set yourself a good time frame to accommodate whatever your situation is.

Tell me about yourself.

We often focus so much on preparing to answer questions about the company that we forget to think about ourselves. This is such an important question because it is a chance for your interviewer to see who you are off the page. We actually have gone in depth with this question here.

Do you have any relevant previous experience?

Your interviewer already knows you do. You would not be sitting in the interview if the company did not think you were at least somewhat qualified for this position. This is an opportunity to expand on the limited space on your resume and give some examples. Think of three specific projects or accomplishments to talk about to show how your skills in this field were put into action.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Interviewers wants to make sure that you are seeking a long term commitment with the company, and not simply jumping from one job to the next. However, it is important to emphasize that you want to grow in this position and not remain stagnant. Think about specific goals you have for the position, or even a desire to move up to some type of leadership role. This will demonstrate that you want to stay within the company, but you will be actively working to do so.

We hope that these tips will guide you in your job search during your interviews! Let us know how they’ve helped you! For more updates about The Wilson Group and advice for job seekers, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Get the Most Out of Your Job Search

The last thing you want to do in a job search is waste time. Here are some tips to make sure you stay productive!

1. Set Goals.
This is the best way to help you stay focused on the big picture: getting you a job! Create daily, short-term and long-term goals to help you stay motivated and encouraged.

2. Create a Written Schedule.

Create a written schedule that lists when applications are due, and what you need to do each day to stay on track. Write in when you need to follow-up and you’ll be on time and ready to impress your potential employers.

3. Change Up Your Approach.

Try ways to keep the job search interesting, whether that means using snail mail instead of email for sending in your resume and cover letter or going to more networking events. Sitting at your computer for hours on end sending out applications will make you go crazy!

4. Do Some Research.

Research thoroughly to find the address, phone number and name of the hiring manager. This may seem like a pain, but it’s worth the effort!

Don’t get discouraged in your job search! What do you do to stay motivated? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

How to Answer the Dreaded Question: “Tell Me About Yourself”

Any person interviewing for a job will tell you that the first question is usually the hardest:

“Tell me about yourself.”

Now, before you panic and spout off information about your love for snow skiing or old movies, make sure you are prepared so you can definitely wow your potential employer.

For our first tip, keep it professional. The person interviewing you is trying to get a broad overview of who you are, professionally speaking. Feel free to give an overview of your professional background, or any information that you consider relevant to the job. Typically avoid mentioning your spouse, children, family or hometown, unless relevant. For example, if the job involves relocation to an area where you previously resided, then it is perfectly acceptable to mention that you had lived in that area before. Including that information shows that you would not be fickle in regard to relocation.

Secondly, be sure to practice your answer out loud and repeat it frequently to make sure you know it well and you will be prepared for your interview. Start with a strong, simple statement related to the job and then follow up with a description of your work history that shows how perfect you are for that job opening!

Don’t stress about the job interview. Make sure you are prepared, and you’ll be feeling confident and ready! Want more help preparing for your interview? We have coaches that can provide you with the help you need to feel comfortable and confident in your interviews. Be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and read more blog posts for great job tips and suggestions.

The Skype Interview: How to Prepare and Succeed

Interviews can be nerve-wracking enough when you have to interview over the phone or in person, but what do you do when you have to interview over Skype? First, take a deep breath. Second, check out these tips on how to have a successful interview over video chat:

1. Get to know Skype.
Make sure you are familiar with Skype and how it works. Practice with a friend who has Skype to make sure you have a strong internet connection and your audio is clear and you are easily understood.

2. Dress like you would for an in-person interview.
Even though you don’t have to walk into an office, definitely dress professionally for a Skype interview. This will show your potential employer that you can present yourself in a professional manner. And please wear something appropriate from top to bottom because you may think that you can just look professional up top, but say your computer falls and you have to pick it up, you don’t want them to see your pajama pants or cut-off shorts.

3. Analyze your setting.
Make sure the lighting is good and that there is nothing in the background that could reflect poorly on you. Also be sure to pick a quiet environment. You don’t want to have to repeat yourself multiple times if you’re at a busy Starbucks or at home with kids running around. You want to be focused and relaxed so find an environment that allows you to be that way.

4. Keep eye contact.
You definitely don’t want to seem distracted in the interview and one way to look focused and stay focused is to make eye contact. The only way to keep eye contact on Skype is by looking directly into the camera. If you find the tiny video box that shows yourself distracting, cover it with a post-it note.

5. Plan for technological difficulties.
Have your computer plugged in the whole time and have your phone handy in case the internet becomes unreliable. Take a lesson from the boy scouts and always be prepared!

For more tips on job searching, resumes and interviews, “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Freelancing And Your Resume

One question that often arises for job seekers is how to go about listing freelance jobs on their resume. This can be a confusing process, because improperly listing freelance jobs can give the appearance of instability in a position. Here are some tips on how to organize your freelance jobs on your resume in a way that will highlight your work and knowledge you can bring to a company.

The most important thing to remember is that freelancing is an important part of your career; you are someone who has been self-employed. Organize all of your freelance work into one section of your resume under the heading “freelance.” List all of your achievements, roles and projects in chronological order just as you would for a full-time position. This also applies to freelance work that you have done while also holding a full-time position. If you alternate between your full-time positions and freelance work on your resume, you will risk confusing employers into thinking each freelance job was a change in employment. You can also be selective in the freelance assignments you choose put on your resume. If you have worked on several assignments, pick the two or three that best showcase your overall skills or that applicable to the job you’re applying for.

A clean, well organized resume will help you stand out to potential employers. It is important to keep the information on your resume as up-to-date as possible. If you need help getting your resume in check or any other job-related queries, visit our website and set up an appointment. We’ve got you covered!

Reasons to Relocate

In today’s market, more and more people have to relocate to new cities to find the jobs. While many are reluctant to moving and up rooting their family, there are benefits to taking a job in a new city. Here are some reasons to take the plunge and relocate.

1. A New Opportunity
The best reason to relocate is really simple. You were offered a position at a new company. By accepting the job offer, you have the opportunity to try something new and add to your resume. If it’s a job that meets all the ticks on the checklist, it could be hard to pass up.

2. Broaden Your Horizons
Moving to a new city can open a lot of doors. You get to learn about and become part of a new culture and experience a different way to living. Each city has its own personality; get to know it! New friends, new hobbies and activities, and new lifestyles are waiting to be discovered!

3. Professional Growth
Taking the new job could mean growth professionally. A new job presents many new opportunities, including the enhancement of your skill set and professional knowledge. By taking the risk of moving for a new job, you will be more open to taking risks in other aspects of your career.

Whatever your reasons are for considering relocation, it’s important to keep in mind your finances, family situation, and the job itself. If all of those aspects line up, why not take the plunge? If you are looking for a new opportunity, we can help! Visit our website and find us on LinkedIn in our group and company page.

Follow-Up or Be Forgotten

Following up on an interview can be tricky business. You want to ensure you stand out among the other applicants, but not for the wrong reasons. Here are three ways to follow-up after an interview that won’t get you on the block list.

1. Send a thank-you note. – This should be done no matter what. Whether it is a handwritten note sent the next day or an email immediately following the interview, a thank-you note goes a long way. It shows you are interested and thankful for their time. Keep it brief and sincere.

2. Share a relevant industry article. – In order to keep up the engagement and help the recruiter remember you, try sending him or her a relevant article. Make sure the article is from a credible source, is current, and pertains to something discussed during the interview. This keeps the lines of communication open and shows you have industry knowledge.

3. Ask to connect on LinkedIn. – You’re looking to be part of this organization. Connecting on LinkedIn shows you are ready to take the next step. When you send the request, be sure to write a customized note so they know who you are and what your purpose is. If you can, provide an incentive for them as well by offering to connect them with a relevant industry contact of yours. It’s all about who you know.

While doing these follow-ups doesn’t guarantee a job, they can help set you apart from the rest. Showing you are eager to be part of their team as well as knowledgeable about their industry is imperative in the job-hunting process. If you need help with finding the right career match for you, visit our website and set up an appointment. We can help you every step of the way!

New Approach for 2013

With the approach of the New Year, it is time to look back, analyze and re-evaluate your job searching methods from 2012. With a new year comes new opportunity, and it is imperative for job seekers to “think outside the box” when planning for a job search in 2013. Here are a few ways to think in macro, outside the box terms when seeking new opportunities:

Show The Real You

Think about how you treat the best people you know. Whether these are family members or close friends, analyze how you interact and show them the respect you believe they deserve. Take this method of interaction and apply it to those who are conducting your interviews. This will allow the potential employer to see the real, genuine you, and perhaps, a position based on your actions towards the employer in the interview.

Research Research Research

Turn up the heat on the level of research you perform when seeking out potential employers. You can never know too much about one company, and you never know what small detail or fact you mention might land you a position you otherwise would not have received. You can never know too much information about a potential employer.

Maintain You Network of Contacts

Even after you land that dream position, continue to network and maintain the contacts you made during the job seeking process; you never know when these contacts might come in handy again. You might also be able to use them when helping a fellow job seeker in their search for permanent employment.

If you are looking to revamp you job search in the New Year, be sure and contact us via our website. Don’t forget to also check out our updated list of job opportunities and send us a resume if you believe you are qualified for one of our many open positions.

New Year, New Career Goals

Tablet PC computer with 2013 New Year counter isolated on white background. Vector illustration.

This is the time of year when everyone resolves to shed bad habits and adopts healthy new ones. It’s also a good time to adopt some healthy new habits for your career. Whether you want to find a new job or just move up the ladder, here are some career tips for the new year.

Spruce up your LinkedIn profile
Whether or not you’re seeking a new job, your LinkedIn profile should be complete and current. Even if you aren’t currently in the market, it will help you make connections and network with people in your industry
One word of caution: if you are making several changes to your profile at once, you might want to go into your settings and turn off your activity feed so your current boss doesn’t see your edits. Even if you’re just updating and not job searching, it might be misinterpreted!

Freshen up your resume
It’s always good idea to have your resume ready to go, even if you’re not in the job market. You never know when opportunity might knock and you’ll need a current resume to send out.

Take some time to add your current or last job to your resume. It will be easier to remember key achievements and accomplishments now while they’re fresh in your mind.

Think about your career goals
It’s easy to get complacent in your job, especially if you’ve been there a number of years. The new year is a good time to make some goals for your professional development. Whether it’s taking a class, attending a seminar or simply committing to reading an article a day about your industry, it all helps.

If you’d like some advice on updating your resume, your LinkedIn profile, or general career planning assistance, please contact us. Also, please be sure to check out our latest list of job opportunities and send us your resume if you see something that looks like a good match.