The Pre-Interview Screening Call

Posted by Krista at 12:11 am

The pre-interview screening call, or the interview before the interview is something a lot of companies are doing to cut down time wasted on unqualified candidates. This is your chance to land the in-person interview.

With the screening call only lasting about 10-20 minutes, you want to make sure you make a good impression.

Have a pen and paper ready. Be prepared to take notes, write down questions you might have, as well as any information given to you by the interviewer.

Be available. If you have a time scheduled, make sure you are by your phone to answer it! Also, you want to be in a quiet room where you will be uninterrupted. If you do not have anything scheduled, make sure to call the employer back as soon as possible.

Prepare ahead of time. As you would with the interview, prepare for a few minutes ahead of time. Having the job description and a copy of your resume will help you tremendously.

Anything you can do to practice your phone screen can help. This includes making sure you smile when you are talking and being careful not to interrupt the speaker. If you want to get your foot in the door, the pre-interview screening call is your chance.

For more interviewing tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

Is the Opportunity Legitimate?

Posted by Krista at 12:08 am

While the economy is slow to recover the unemployed continue to be a target for scams and illegitimate job opportunities.   Job seekers need to be on the lookout for these types of ads. So how do you know if the opportunity is legitimate, or just a scam?

Google it. First and foremost you should Google any information you can about the ad, such as the company name or position title. If there seems to be an excessive amount of negative press, you might want to take a pass. If you want to get straight to the point, try researching the company on sites like ripoffreport.com, or checking the Better Business Bureau.

Too good to be true. If it sounds too good to be true, there is a good chance it is! If the job promises you will make a tremendous amount of money in a small amount of time, or with only a few hours a month from home, it’s probably not legitimate. These types of jobs sound great – we all want to work from home and be rich – but unfortunately are very unlikely.

Money is due upfront. Some people might ask for fees for services or down payments for a business opportunity. Either way, if someone asks you for money before providing any service, be weary. Just because you pay someone, doesn’t mean an opportunity is a good one.

They ask for personal information. Asking for your social security number, or worse your credit card info, could be a big red flag. Most jobs don’t require your social security number until they have made an offer or requested a background check. If you are concerned about the information a company is asking from you, make sure you get all of your questions answered first.

For more tips on job searching, visit the StratStaff blog.

How Good is Your Recruiter?

Posted by Krista at 9:06 pm

A recruiter can be a great asset to your job search strategy. Whether pitching you a position hidden from your online searches to resume and interviewing advice, recruiters can be often be another effective (and free) iron in the fire. This said, a lot of job seekers actually don’t know how to best utilize recruiters.

So what should you look for in determining how good your recruiter is? You can start by asking questions about the available positions they have mentioned. A good recruiter will be able to tell you more than just the salary range and position title. They fully understand their clients’ needs and will be able to go into depth about what they are looking for. In addition, they might be able to tell you the benefits and what to really expect for salary (depending on the client).

A good recruiter is also your personal sales person, therefore, they need to get a total picture of who you are. Expect them to ask you questions, some of which might be a bit personal including:  career history, salary, if you are interviewing anywhere else and where you see yourself in 5 years. With the right information your recruiter can do a better job matching you with the opportunity and presenting you to a client.

Furthermore, a good recruiter will put finding quality candidates over just meeting placement goals. Most recruiters have goals to meet, and they work hard to do so. However, if your recruiter seems to be pushing you into an interview you don’t want or are not prepared for, they might only care about their quota.

Keep in mind that it does not matter how experienced the recruiter is, it matters how  professional they are. Knowing their clients, matching candidates to the right companies and putting your needs first are just a few things to look for in a good recruiter.

For more information on job searching and recruiters, visit the StratStaff blog.

The Webcam Interview

Posted by Krista at 8:52 pm

If you’ve recently been scheduled for a webcam interview you may have a few questions about how best to approach this type of interview. We’ve included some emerging best practices below.

Dress the Part. Make sure that you dress exactly the same way you would for the in-person interview. The purpose of any interview is to make a good first impression. Make sure you don’t miss the mark here.

Make sure it’s quiet. If you own a Mac or have your own internal or external camera you need to control the environment around you. This includes shutting off your TV and phones, taking the dog outside and making sure there is no one in the house who will interrupt you.

(FYI, the price range for a web cam can be as low as $30 if you are thinking about purchasing one.)

If you DO NOT have a web cam and don’t plan to buy one you’ll need to make arrangements to borrow one. You may also use a video conferencing room at a local office supply and business service chain like Kinkos. A simple Google search for “video conferencing” in your area should also help you locate all options.

Set up an account. Your interviewer may have sent you a link to a service like Skype. Set up your account prior to the interview so that all you need to do is log in. Your interviewer will most likely provide you with their user name. Make sure you add them to your account.

Have a clean, subtle background. You are the focus of the interview. There should not be any offensive posters or potentially distracting background images. Also, make sure the area is well lit.

Make eye contact, just as you would in an in-person interview. Instead of looking at the screen, look at the camera when speaking.

Speak up. The recruiter or hiring manager needs to hear you clearly, so make sure your voice is at an appropriate level beforehand. (Also not a bad idea to confirm that the level of your voice

Webcam interviews should not be treated differently than any other interview; you still should dress professionally and do your homework. If you are not familiar with webcams, or technology for that matter, learning how to operate everything in advance might be a good idea.

Fore more interviewing tips, visit the Stratstaff blog.

Job Searching Tip: Volunteering

Posted by Krista at 10:52 pm

We all know that volunteering is a great way to give back. What you may not have known is that volunteer work can return the favor when it comes to your job search by:

Adding experience to your resume. Whatever career you imagine for yourself, you can start gaining skills by volunteering in a closely related field. If you already have the skills you need for the job/career you want, then you can work on strengthening your skills. Either way, volunteer experience on your resume is always a plus.

Networking. In any situation where you are working closely with people (e.g. charity events, community outreach) you have the opportunity to network. Use the connections you make during volunteering to leverage your job search. This is a great opportunity to get references, job referrals, or even network your way into a new position!

Helping you decide on a career. If you’re confused about the next step, volunteer with a company or organization that interests you. Instead of hopping from one job to the next trying to figure it all out, you can spend your free time trying to decide.

Keeping active and  involved. If you are unemployed – whether that be because you were laid off or you are a recent college grad looking for your first job – volunteering is a great way to occupy your time. Let’s face it, waiting for the phone to ring with that dream job interview can be an exercise in patience. Get out! Get out of the house, get involved and you might just get something out of it too!

For more information on job searching, visit the Stratstaff blog.

Interviewing Tip: Practice Makes Perfect

Posted by Krista at 6:57 pm

Interviewing can be very nerve-racking. You have one chance to show the hiring manager what you are all about and what you can bring to the table. Practicing your interview technique will not only make you more confident, but it can allow you to make mistakes before they count. There are a few ways you can practice interviewing:

Mock Interview

If you are still in school, your department should have free mock interviews you can participate in. This way you can get tips and advice on how to improve and what your strengths are from someone a little more experienced.

You can also ask some of your closest friends or family to come over and interview you (especially if they are in HR). The most important thing here is that you take it seriously and respect them as you would any interviewer.

Prepare Answers and Questions

Look up the most commonly asked interview questions and prepare answers for them. Practicing your answers in the mirror is a great way to make sure you are not making any facial expressions that could come off as negative or uninterested.

You may also prepare some questions you have for the hiring manager about the company, position or environment.

Record Yourself

You can do this with any video camera. Just pretend you are interviewing and record how you answer. You can critique yourself and also get a feel for how you look and sound during an interview.

Whatever you decide to do to practice, you will go into the interview feeling more confident and one step ahead of the competition!

For more interviewing tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

The Mid-level Candidate: 3 Things You Must Know

Posted by Krista at 10:48 pm

As a mid-level candidate you probably already know the basics of job searching. You have experience, you know how to act in an interview  and you know what an objective is. Now comes the challenge; stepping up your game.

You need to one-up every tip you received as an entry level candidate. But how exactly do you go about doing this? Below are 3 things you must know if you are serious about landing a higher position.

Do your research, thoroughly. Yes, we all know that researching a company is key to having a great interview. But don’t just browse their web site and look at their history. You need to really do your research. Find out what the company’s accomplishments have been and what their biggest challenges are. Be prepared to answer questions in more detail than you might be used to.

Your resume. Your resume is the golden ticket to getting an interview. You want to show what you did at your last job, not just what your duties were. Were you a leader? How many people did you supervise? Did you create any programs, training, or projects? Include anything you did to go above and beyond that might show your leadership qualities. You also want to make sure it relates to the position you are applying to.

The brag book. This can’t be stressed enough; you must have a brag book! What could be more fun that putting together a book about your accomplishments, awards and anything that documents your success. You literally get to show off.  A brag book should include anything from your previous positions such as awards, certificates, letters of recommendation, praises from customers or clients, anything that shows you met your goals or were ranked highly, etc. Make sure it looks professional and practice presenting it before your interview.

You might also want to ask for advice from someone who has had a similar position to the one you are looking for. If you want a higher position that you are qualified for, you are going to have to put in more time and effort. It’s that simple.

For more tips on job searching, visit the StratStaff blog.

Interviewing the Interviewer: The Best Questions to Ask

Posted by Krista at 9:24 pm

When preparing for an interviewing don’t forget the hiring manager is not only interviewing you, but you are also interviewing the hiring manager. It is best to have questions written down ahead of time. So what questions should you even ask?

You do not want to ask questions just to ask questions. Start off by thinking of some things you want to know about the position. For example:

• What is the career path of this position?
• What happened to the last person that held this position?
• What are the major challenges of this position?
• What are you looking for in a candidate for this position?
• Could you describe a typical day or week in this position?

Another subject you will want to hit on is questions about the company. This will show that you have not only done your homework, but that you have a genuine interest in working for this particular company. Some questions might include:

• What is the workplace environment like?
• What is the company’s 5 year plan?
• How do you see the future for this industry?
• What is the structure of the company?
• How do you rate your competitors?

And as always, you should close the interview with a follow-up question, such as:

• What are the next steps?

These are just a few samples of what you can ask during an interview. You want to keep the number of questions limited but remember that you can always follow-up with more questions in an email after the interview.

For more interview tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

Job Boards: A Guide to Using Monster

Posted by Krista at 11:17 pm

Monster is one of the most popular and useful job boards for your job hunt. On the site, different searches can produce different results so knowing your way around is a definite plus. Below are a few different ways to utilize all Monster offers.

Use the site map. Monster has a site map that you can use too navigate your way around the web site. If you are new to using Monster, or just need to know where something is, this tool can be very helpful.

Job search resources. It’s not just about job ads; Monster offers anything from career services and career mapping to tips on interviewing and resumes. You can find this information at the top of the home page under the Career Tools and Advice headings.

Keyword searches. Searching for a type of industry? Or maybe an outside sales job? The search box at the top of the page allows you to type in any keywords or locations, making it easier to narrow down your search. If you come across a search that produces a lot of good results, you can save that search to your account. If finding a good position in your search results is like digging for gold, try using the advanced search located at the top right of the page (under location).

Post your resume. Let the jobs come to you! Yes, you still should be actively pursuing opportunities, but allowing companies and recruiting firms to view your resume in the process is not such a bad idea. Many recruiters search job boards for a good part of their day, so why not showcase what you have to offer.

For more job searching tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

Is Your Recruiter Unprofessional?

Posted by Krista at 10:43 pm

When looking for a recruiter, honesty, professionalism and relevant opportunities should be at the top of your list. Unfortunately these qualities don’t always go hand-in-hand. If a recruiter does not know what they are doing, or doesn’t care, you could be wasting your time. But how do you know what to look for? Here are some clues that your recruiter is unprofessional.

They don’t call you back. So you’ve tried and tried but your recruiter doesn’t seem to be around, ever. Well while recruiters have several candidates and are often very busy, they should at least return your phone call if they have been working with you on a position. If not, this could mean that the recruiter is unorganized and it might be time to move on.

They promise you a job. Being that the recruiter is not actually the one who has the final say, or even the one that conducts all of the interviews, they cannot promise you will get an offer from anyone. They can coach you through the interview(s), let you know what the client is looking for in a candidate and update you throughout the process but promising you a job only gets your hopes up. After all, you should never make a promise you can’t keep!

They are pushy. Some recruiters you can’t get to call you back, some call you too much. If a recruiter is calling you so much they are pushing stalker status, they might be too desperate. This could meant he recruiter will try and talk you into any position, even if you don’t want it, just to make themselves look better. Problem is, this does not help you or the client they are hiring for. Try and avoid recruiters that are willing to throw anyone into a company.

For more job search tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

Online Job Searching: Going Local

Posted by Krista at 8:36 pm

Searching for jobs can be a bit overwhelming with the plentiful listings of openings online. You have to dig through ads that don’t apply to you, and that might not even be in the location you want. So how do you narrow down your job search to only search the positions that are relevant to you?

Well if you aren’t looking to move anytime soon, then searching local job sites might be in your best interest. Sites like Craigslist and Indeed have made it easier to look for jobs in a specific location. You can search by category or by keywords. Monster and CareerBuilder also give you the advantage of searching by location, however you might want to make sure you are only searching jobs posted in the last few days.

Another source for local job searching is the newspaper, something you might have thought was on the way out. I don’t mean you should actually physically go and pick up a paper, but you should try the online version. All papers have a job section online, and some are even linked to career sites such as hotjobs. Do not underestimate anything print, most local magazines, papers and newsletters have a web site these days so it might not hurt to look for job postings there as well.

For more information on job searching, visit the StratStaff blog.

Interviewing Tip: Attitude

Posted by Krista at 6:48 pm

So your cover letter and resume have gotten you through the door? Make sure you don’t blow the opportunity by showing up with a less than sparkling attitude. First impressions really do count, so StratStaff has provided a few tips to make the best of what can be a stressful situation.

Find the upside: Most employers are looking for serious, professional employees but they’re also looking for individuals that can find the positive in difficult situations. These are the types of employees that often persevere during tough times. If you’ve found yourself working for a tough employer or on a tough project or initiative, be able to communicate a lesson learned or positive spin to avoid a dead-end dark spot in the conversation.

Articulate through Body Language: Always sit up straight and be mindful of your body language.   Make sure you are looking the interviewer in the eye and listening to what they are saying. Affirmative responses like head nodding and short affirmative verbal responses demonstrate you are engaged and listening. Conservatively using hand gestures when you are speaking can add to the dynamics of your presentation as well. (Practice makes perfect here)

Don’t forget manners. Shake the interviewer’s hand before and after the interview. Thank them for the interview and ask for a business card so that you can send a thank you note. Always refrain from eating or drinking during the interview unless offered a glass of water or coffee. (No chewing gum!)

Remember above all else that a positive attitude and respect for the interviewer’s time can go a long way to separating you from other candidates during the interview process.

For more tips on interviewing, visit the StratStaff blog.

What to do if You Become Unemployed

Posted by Krista at 9:01 pm

Whether you were laid off, got fired, or quit, being unemployed is probably not a situation you want to be in. So how can you quickly get back in the game? Rather than sulking you may be better served by quickly regrouping and coming up with a game plan.

1^st Step: Re-budget. This is the time to get your ducks in a row financially. Find out how you’re going to make ends meet until you’ve found a new job. This can include elementary steps like filing for unemployment (can be a drawn out process, so get started early) and/or cutting out non-essential luxuries, or can be as complicated as making new arrangements for child-care.

2^nd Step: Aside from the obvious – searching and applying to jobs online – you should start by tapping your network. Friends, relatives and colleagues just may be sitting on an opportunity. This is “low hanging fruit” and usually the quickest track to finding a new job.

While you’re waiting to hear back from people in your network, start contacting as many recruiters. LinkedIn is a great way to get find recruiters and connect with them. Recruiters are full of opportunities and might just have one you qualify for. You could also apply on their web site then give them a follow-up call. It never hurts.

3^rd Step: Start your search online.  Make sure that your resume is up to date and start your search.

Any way you can make it known that you are a professional, qualified individual on the hunt for a job, do it. Networking events, social media and cold calling businesses are some great ways to find opportunities that might not be in your normal job search routine.

For more tips on job searching, visit the StratStaff blog.

Career Advice for the Recent Graduate

Posted by Krista at 8:45 pm

Congratulations, you have just graduated from college! Now you are ready for a steady paycheck, benefits, an “adult” apartment and maybe even the challenge of a new city. But what positions are really available for recent college graduates?

Honestly, a lot of positions that are available to recent college graduates are below entry-level. These would be the customer service rep positions, receptionist positions, file clerks, bookkeepers, some sales positions, etc. Most entry-level jobs these days require at least 1 year experience, and sometimes up to 5.

So how do you get into the field of your choice? Or even land that dream job? Well, it definitely takes time, and hard work. If you are a recent college grad, you might have to take a position as a customer service rep or file clerk, to get to where you want to be.  You won’t be stuck there forever, but you do need a starting point.

So now you know the options for most recent college graduates. Now here’s some advice; figure out what what field you want to work in, then choose the position. If you work as a receptionist in a law firm, and you want to become a lawyer, you are headed in the right direction. Once you have experience paired with that college degree, you will be able to carve your own career path.

For more information on job searching, visit the StratStaff blog.

The Best Blogs for Your Job Search

Posted by Krista at 11:15 pm

As a job seeker, you might feel like you have exhausted all of the avenues of job hunting. You need something new whether that be career and job searching advice or just some insight into who is hiring. Well don’t worry, blogs are a great resource for all of the above.

If you want a broad range of topics, try The Monster Blog. Not only do they offer great tips and advice on anything from career development to resumes, but you can also utilize their site to search and apply for jobs. With such a credible reputation as a career site, Monster must know a little bit about job searching.

Another option is to look at the company or companies you are interested in. Most should have a blog on topics related to the business, job openings or even upcoming events. Even if you do not come across an opportunity through their blogs, you at least gain some insight about the company. Hopefully come interview time, you will be able to impress the hiring manager with your knowledge.

These are just two types of blogs you can follow to help you in your job search. You might also want to look into blogs that are related to your industry and even recruiting or staffing firms. You never know what valuable information you could come across.

For more job searching information, visit the StratStaff blog.

Starting Your New Year Job Search

Posted by Krista at 9:19 pm

It’s finally a new year; you are ready for a change and a new job sounds just right! The only problem is you have been searching and searching but still cannot find the right fit. Well, maybe it’s time to change up your strategy. Get started with a few tips below.

Refresh your resume. It’s always good to take a step back and reevaluate your resume. What can you do to vamp it up? What keywords are specific to your industry that you can add? Are there any skills you have not listed? Your skills and qualifications should sound professional and you should be communicating your job responsibilities in the best possible way.

Set realistic goals. If you are looking for a job that does not currently match your skills set, chances are you will have a hard time landing that job. Instead, apply for a job that can teach you those skills and that might be a stepping stone to a higher position.

Reevaluate your approach. Are you only applying online? Are you relying solely on posting your resume? Well, maybe it’s time to incorporate everything you know into your job search. Applying online is great, but you should also be networking via events, social media and/or friends. Looking for a job is a full-time commitment. If you are only putting in a small amount of effort, you will only see a small amount of return.

For more job searching tips. visit the StratStaff blog.

The Recruiting Insider: A Guide to Using a Recruiting Firm

Posted by Krista at 11:41 pm

Most of you are probably pretty familiar with what recruiters do and how to apply to a recruiting firm. While that may be true, some might still have some questions on exactly how to use a recruiting firm. Below are some FAQ’s answered by the experts themselves.

A recruiter just presented me with an opportunity and has gone into great detail regarding the position and the company culture. In addition should I now also apply directly to the company to better my chances?

No. One of the biggest advantages to using a recruiter is the direct relationship a recruiter has with the hiring manager and the insight your recruiter has into the interviewing process. If you do apply directly to the company after hearing about the opportunity from your recruiter, there is a good chance that your recruiter will have to step out of the process and you could lose a valuable ally in the job hunt.

How many recruiters should I use at a time?

That is really up to you. If you feel comfortable working with 2-3 recruiters at the same time, that is OK. Just do not overwhelm yourself by working with a variety of different recruiters that you can’t even keep track of.  Also keep in mind that if you are looking for jobs in a specific industry, some recruiting firms may represent the same clients.

After I apply, do I call to set up an appointment with a recruiter?

It all depends on the company. Some recruiters have the resources and staff to meet with every candidate, some recruiters will contact the candidate when an opportunity matches the applicants background. Either way, in most cases, recruiters will call you within a few business days if they find you are a good fit for a position.

Where can I connect with recruiters and recruiting firms?

Google is always good for this. But if you are looking to really build a relationship with a recruiter or recruiting firms, social media site LinkedIn is a great way to get connected. Recruiters are always looking for candidates on LinkdedIn. Having a professional profile with all of your previous experience and education listed for recruiters to see is a great way to show your talent and get connected. You can search by industry, name, job openings, company, etc. You could start off with a Google search to see what recruiting firms either recruit locally or nationwide, then find them on LinkedIn and connect. This not only could help you find a job now, but might also present you with an opportunity in the future.

*The Recruiting Insider is a monthly publication that allows you access into the world of recruiters and the recruiting industry. If you are a job seeker, and would like to work with top-notch recruiters, visit StratStaff.com/jobs.

Keeping a Career Journal

Posted by Krista at 4:41 pm

Do you want to become an activist for a nonprofit? Be a hunter in an outside sales environment? Work in an office or corporate setting? Whatever your dream is, keeping a career journal just might be the answer to carving that path. You can start by writing down a few simple things:

• What your current situation is like
• Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years
• What things you like about your current situation
• What things you would change about your current situation
• Daily/weekly/monthly goals to move forward in your current career or start a new career
• A weekly list of your progress
• An action plan to achieve your choice career
• Any research such as education/experience needed and salary information

Anything else you want to include about your career, schooling or research is good. Just remember to keep if professionally focused and follow your action plan. It is never to early to start planning, and never too late to reach your goals.

For more career advice, please visit the StratStaff blog.

Interviewing Tip: 3 Questions to Prepare for

Posted by Krista at 6:48 pm

The interview can be the most nerve-racking part of the job search. You need to make a good impression, present yourself professionally and one of the most common fears, answer the interview questions correctly. But, what questions might they ask you? How well should you prepare? What answers are they looking for? Well, below are 3 of the most frequently asked interview questions and tips on how to answer them.

Tell me about yourself. Hiring managers do not want to hear your life story. Keep it professional and talk about your experience and how it relates to the job.

Why should we hire you? Hmm, good question. Now ask yourself why you want the job and what you think you can bring to the table. Of course they should hire you because you are the best, but follow-up with examples as to why you are the best.

What are your long-term career goals? You probably shouldn’t mention that you are planning on going to law school in 2014, or that you are not sure what you want to do yet so it depends what opportunities open up. When you are asked this question, potential employers are looking for you to give them some sort of clue that you want to stay in one place, preferably with their company. Your could say, “I am looking for a company that has growth opportunities where I can contribute my skills and qualifications and create a meaningful career…”, or something along those lines. You might also want to add something specifically related to the position you are interviewing for. Just remember not to say you hope you are in the same position, as that gives the impression you are not motivated to improve your career, or life for that matter.

Preparation is the key to a great interview. There are several questions that could be asked during an interview; it would be best to make a list of all possible questions and have an answer prepared for each. That way, you are not caught off-guard when a hiring manager asks you a question that you have no answer to.

For more information on job searching, visit the StratStaff blog.

Resumes: Make Yours Stand Out

Posted by Krista at 11:08 pm

In these economic times, hiring managers and HR personnel are receiving more and more resumes than ever before. As a job seeker, your resume is much like a needle in a haystack. So how do you stand out from the crowd?

The Objective

Not including an objective on your resume could land it in the trash pile. Remember that this is the first thing that an employer will see and you have about 60 seconds to catch their eye. Your objective should be located at the top of your resume, it should be brief and relevant to the position you are applying to.

Keywords

Tracking systems are becoming increasingly popular with hiring managers these days. In order to get your resume through to an actual human being, you might want to make use of keywords. You can review the job posting to see exactly what they are looking for in a candidate. Pick out some of the keywords, phrases or word-for-word qualifications that match your skills and apply them to your resume. Even if they do not use a tracking system, using the same language as a potential employer never hurts.

Relevant Experience

If you are applying to a mid-level sales job, they most likely do not need to know that you have experience answering phones. Keep all of your skills and job duties relevant to the position you are applying for. You want your message to come across clear and concise; you do not want your resume to be over-whelmed with skills that do not qualify you for the job.

These are just some tips to make your resume stand out. If you do not have experience in an industry you are applying to, try and be creative by adding relevant volunteer or collegiate experience. Make the best of what you have, but never lie on your resume: nothing positive will come of it.

For more resume and job searching tips, visit the StratStaff blog.