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.

Holiday Job Searching

Posted by matt at 11:20 pm

The holidays are a time to relax, take a break from the responsibilities of life and enjoy family and friends. But wait, companies still need to hire people during these times, therefore they will still be posting openings online and elsewhere. If you are a job seeker, this might just be the perfect time to find a job! Most people are putting their job search on pause during the holidays, so your chances of getting noticed greatly increase. Here are some holiday job searching tips:

• Attend holiday parties to mingle and network
• Send out holiday cards to recruiters you might have just interviewed with
• Use your down time to search for jobs online
• Use your time off from work to volunteer and possibly connect with other professionals
• Make use of LinkedIn and other social networking sites

Remember to also continually check the job boards and company websites for job openings in your field. Between the slow season and your time off, the holidays might just be the best time to find that perfect opportunity. After all, what’s a better present than a new job just in time for the new year!

For more job searching information, visit the StratStaff blog.

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.

How to Land a Sales Job

Posted by Krista at 8:11 pm

So you are looking to land a sales job. Well whether you are looking to get your first job in sales, or are a sales veteran, there are certain tips you might want to keep in mind to get that sales job. Below are some steps you can add to your plan of attack.

It’s a numbers game. In sales, it’s about the numbers. Anytime you can quantify your success at a position, you want to show that on your resume. Numbers can tell an employer how well you improved, how much you sold, if you met your goals, etc. What better way to sell yourself than to paint a picture of your success?

The cold call. Cold calling is very much a part of sales, so why not cold call a company you want to work for? Instead of emailing a resume and waiting around, try bringing a copy of your resume directly to the office. If you are not comfortable doing that, call the office to set up an interview. You do not want to let your ego get the best of you here, but you do want to come across as self-confident.

Study, study, study. You probably already know to prepare for an interview by studying up on the company. Well, with a sales interview, study even harder. You should know their company, company’s history, partners, products and services like the back of your hand. You are showing the employer that you know your stuff, and that you really want the job.

Make the ask. Go ahead, ask for the job. You do it with sales so why not a job? You could just say something like, “I am definitely interested, so where do we go from here?”. If an offer is not made at that time, following up is always a good way to remind companies how interested you are.

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

Social Media: Finding a Job on LinkedIn

Posted by Krista at 7:06 pm

Finding a job in these times can be stressful. Searching on job boards, Craigslist and networking through your close friends might not be enough. To really become a job hunter you should take advantage of all your resources, including LinkedIn. So where do you begin?

Inform your connections. Telling people you are looking for a job, either by messaging them or updated your status, could lead to potential opportunities.The more people that know, the more likely it is you will get a job.

Research where people came from. If you find someone that has your dream job, find out where they worked before. Chances are if you’re on a similar career path, you may be able to land that job. If you are not on a similar path, then you know what you need to do to get there.

Connect with the right people. If you see a company you want to work for, hiring managers and HR professionals would be the people you want to connect with in that company. Make sure you get introduced through a connection, and that you are not more than 2 connections apart.

There are several things you can do to improve your chances of getting a job through LinkedIn and other social media outlets. No matter where you put your job search efforts, remember to never give up. Finding a job takes time; finding a good job takes even longer.

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

Maintaining a Relationship With Your Recruiter

Posted by Krista at 9:48 pm

As a recruiter myself, I would say my number one advice is to always maintain a great relationship with your recruiter. We can assist you in the process of finding a job, interviewing and closing the deal. Below I have listed a few tips to help you build that relationship.

Always follow-up. Follow-up with your recruiter before and after an interview. Recruiters will help you prepare for the interview as well as give you feedback after. Another benefit to following up is if a position is not the best fit, we may have other opportunities available.

Listen and apply. Recruiters are experienced professionals; it is best to listen, take our advice and apply it. Also, if you have any questions, your recruiter should have the answer so don’t be afraid to speak up.

Keep in contact. Whether you landed the job of your dreams or did not find the right opportunity, you might want to keep in contact with your recruiter. You do not need to check in every time something happens in your life, but sending them an email update about the job or job search is just fine.

You never know when you or a friend will need a recruiter in the future (I have actually gotten a person hired at two different companies, 2 years apart). Therefore, you want to make sure you leave everything on a positive note.

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

Interviewing Tip: Presentation

Posted by Krista at 10:32 pm

For job seekers, the interviewing process can be the most nerve-racking. How you present yourself is crucial and you need to be prepared. Below are some tips that will help you present yourself in the best possible light.

The Handshake

You don’t want to break anyone’s hand but make sure your handshake is firm when you meet the interviewer(s). A limp handshake is frowned upon and may give the wrong impression.

Make Eye Contact

Eye contact not only is a sign of respect, but also shows that you are paying attention and actively listening to what a person is saying. Shifty eyes and darting glances can make the interviewer uncomfortable and even a bit frustrated. If there are multiple people in the interview, you want to make eye contact with all of them when answering a question. You need to make everyone feel like they are a part of the interview and that you acknowledge them.

Come Equipped

Bring a notepad, pen and copies of your resume with you. If you need to take notes, or someone did not print off your resume, you are prepared. Have your resume, notepad and pen easily accessible.

First impression, eye contact and coming prepared are just some of the ways you can present yourself professionally in an interview. For more interviewing and job searching tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

Job Searching: Staying Away from Scams

Posted by Krista at 12:07 am

While searching for a job, you might come across an opportunity that is too good to be true. Most likely, it is. With unemployment on the rise, so are scams and identity theft. Some things to look out for if you are searching for a job on the Internet would be:

Job opportunities sent through email. Some jobs sent through email, especially when you have not given anyone your information, could be a scam. Jobs that promise you $1,000 dollars a week (no experience needed) or part-time work with a six-figure salary are usually scams. Do not give anyone information until you do your research.

Job services with fees. Most recruiting firms, staffing agencies or any other job services will not charge the job seeker. If any service requires a fee or any personal information up front, you might want to think twice.

Fake online job search sites. We are all familiar with Monster, CareerBuilder and Craigslist but there are new job search site popping up every day, some of which are just looking for your personal information. Before uploading your resume you might want to check out the site. Does it look legitimate? Has anyone you know used it? If you are not 100 percent sure the site is not a scam, you should avoid giving them any information.

These are just a few of the scams that are out there. As long as people are looking for jobs, more and more scams will continue to pop up. Just remember to do your research on any person, company or website before sending your resume or personal information. Also, do not pay for anything if you have not received anything or if you have your doubts.

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

Trends in Job Searching: Blogs

Posted by Krista at 12:08 am

If you are an active job seeker, you might feel as  though you have exhausted all of your resources for finding employment. As new trends in job searching emerge you will find that there are always things you haven’t tried and places you haven’t looked.

Take for example a company’s blog. If there is a company you are particularly interested in, you may find that subscribing to their blog is a great way to gain insight into company culture, stay current with recent news and potentially separate yourself from other candidates.

You might also want to check out any career-related blogs. Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends may help you stay ahead of the game in a job-hungry economy. Career-related blogs may offer you insight to job searching, interviewing, resume and cover letter tips and even some job leads. A few good career blogs to subscribe to would be the Monster blog, Jibber Jobber, Personal Branding Blog, and of course, the StratStaff blog.

These are just some examples of how blogs can help while job hunting. Try to not overload yourself with too many blogs; too much information can get confusing and frustrating to manage. Remember to chose the blogs that fit your situation best.

Interviewing Tip: Body Language

Posted by Krista at 8:54 pm

An interviewer may be able to read what you are thinking based on your body language. While you may be saying all the right things, your body language may be saying otherwise. So what can you do to make sure you are not sending any negative vibes?

Give a good first impression. You have probably heard it a thousand times before, but the handshake can say a lot. Remember that your handshake should be firm, but not so firm that you leave them with possible broken bones!

Sit up straight. Slouching in your chair or getting too comfortable can be a sign of laziness and disrespect. Sit up with your back straight in your chair and try not to fidget constantly; you might be nervous, but you want to portray confidence.

Make eye contact. You want to look the interviewer in the eye during the conversation. It shows that you are attentive and that you respect the person speaking.

Speak up and be positive. When you are asked a question, make sure you speak up and sound confident. Speaking too softly can give someone the impression that you are shy and might not be able to take the initiative when needed. On the other hand, you do not want to be too overbearing, loud and obnoxious so don’t overdo it.  Also remember to say positive things and to smile.

For more information on interviewing tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

The Video Resume

Posted by Krista at 10:09 pm

With new technology allowing us to replace our old paper-pushing habits, the way you apply to jobs is starting to evolve as well. Video resumes, podcasts and even web cam interviews are just some of the latest trends in job searching.

While the video resume is not meant to replace the paper resume (at least not yet), it does let an employer get a feel for who you are, what you have accomplished and what you can do for the company. When preparing your video resume, remember to treat it just as you would an interview and follow these helpful tips:

• Dress professionally
• Introduce yourself (first and last name) at the beginning of the video
• The background should be simple and clean
• Talk about your professional experience
• Exclude personal information that does not pertain to the job
• Prepare an “elevator pitch”
• Keep it short; about 1-2 minutes
• Speak clearly
• Do not eat or chew gum
• Make sure there is no background noise
• It should relate directly to a certain industry or company
• Practice what you are going to say
• View other video resumes for examples
• Have friends or family review your video resume before sending it out

Once your video resume is all ready to go, you may add a link to it on your web site and your paper resume. You also can upload your video resume on some job boards, such as CareerBuilder or Jobster.

For more job searching tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

A Career vs. a Job

Posted by Krista at 10:16 pm

If you recently graduated college or are just looking for a change, you are most likely an active job seeker. But are you looking for a job just to pay the bills? Or are you looking for a career? Well, you might not even know the difference. While a career and a job are generally used in the same context, they actually have quite different meanings.

A job can be anything you do in exchange for a payment. A job is usually something that you take on for extra spending money, to acquire skills needed for a career, to develop work ethic, to buy your first car or to discover your end goals. You work jobs in high school and college, and even a short time after college. Jobs are not meant to be long term and most do not require a lot of special training or a degree.

A career on the other hand, is something that is long term. It can require commitment, motivation, special training and education. Your personal goals are generally integrated into your career, and your career is created by you.

So if you are searching for work, keep in mind what it is you want in the long run. That job you are applying to, may just turn into the career you have always wanted.

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

Phone Etiquette

Posted by Krista at 8:13 pm

If you are an active job seeker, you are probably speaking with everyone from recruiters to the employers themselves about possible opportunities. So when exactly does the interviewing process start? The first time you meet in person with Human Resources? Or maybe the first time you meet with the hiring manager? Believe it or not, it starts the first time you speak with anyone considered a stakeholder in the process.  This does NOT exclude conversations over the phone.

Attitude. Staying upbeat while on the phone with a recruiter or potential employer will project a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the position. Don’t miss this opportunity to separate yourself from other candidates by projecting a negative or deflated attitude. It could diminish your chances.

Leave a message. When you inquire about a job opportunity, remember to leave a message. When you leave your message, remember to speak slowly and clearly, say your name and leave your number, twice.

Return the call, asap. As an active job seeker, check your phone periodically for calls from potential employers. If you see that someone has called about an opportunity, return the call promptly.

Along with keeping a positive attitude, leaving a message and returning a phone call, you should also follow-up with a recruiter or employer about available opportunities. If you really want a position, it’s up to you to get it.

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

Resumes: How Much is Too Much?

Posted by Krista at 9:23 pm

Listing every place of employment on your resume might sound like a good idea; it’s not. an employer does not need to know every place you have ever worked, or that you had two jobs at once. Whatever the position is that you are applying for, there are a couple of resume guidelines you should keep in mind:

Keep it 1-2 pages. If you have more experience and need space on your resume to demonstrate it, 2 pages is acceptable. Anything more than that is too much. If you are an entry-level job seeker, you should keep your resume to 1 page.

Limit the amount of positions. Thinking about putting that summer job at the pool snack bar on your resume? Well, it is probably not needed. You should stick to listing your professional jobs (if you have had any) or internships you have had in college.

Make sure it’s relevant. When listing your experience on a resume, keep in mind the position you are applying for. Do all of the positions listed pertain to the skills required? Could any of the positions listed keep you from getting an interview? As long as there are no large gaps in employment, you can leave an irrelevant position off of your resume (especially if you need the extra space).

For more information on resume writing, visit the StratStaff blog.

Interviewing Tip: The Thank You Letter

Posted by Krista at 7:13 pm

Following up after an interview with a thank you letter or thank you email is a must. Without it, the potential employer may think that you are not serious about the job. It also gives you a chance to remind them why you are a great fit for the position. The thank you letter should provide the following:

• Appreciation for the interviewer’s interest in you as a candidate
• Express your interest in the position and company
• Show that you have attention to detail and good manners
• Remind them of your qualifications
• The chance to tell the employer something you forgot to mention in the interview

The thank you letter or email (email is usually fine) should be sent within 24-48 hours after the interview. If you were interviewed by multiple people, you should send a customized thank you to each individual.

For more interviewing tips, visit the StratStaff blog.

Google Yourself

Posted by Krista at 10:36 pm

In today’s tech savvy world, it’s common for employers to search a candidate online. This means that negative information about you on the internet could be the deciding factor in getting an interview or landing a position. So what can you do to manage your online reputation?

Google yourself. Type your name into the Google search bar and find out what information about you is public. An easy way to manage this is to set up a Google alert for your name. That way, every time a new piece of information concerning you appears on the web, an email is sent.

Aside from checking to see if a Google search portrays your conservative, or more liberal side, you might also want to adjust the settings on your social networks to private. If there is something that anyone can have access to (including a profile picture or a blog) make sure the content is something you wouldn’t mind a potential employer viewing.

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

The Monster iPhone App

Posted by Krista at 8:59 pm

Do you feel like you don’t have time for job searching? Are you always on the go but want to look for that perfect job? With the release of the Monster.com iPhone application, searching and applying for jobs has never been easier.

To apply for jobs from your iPhone, you first will need to set up a Monster account. Then you can download the free mobile version of Monster.com here. Now you have access to the latest job postings anywhere, anytime.

For more information on job searching, click here.

Dress for Success: Presenting Yourself Professionally

Posted by Krista at 8:30 pm

Does it make a difference how you dress for an interview? For the majority of jobs, it does. Never more true than in an interview, people rely on first impressions.  Having a good resume, good follow-up and the right characteristics should be accompanied by a professional look. Check out the list below for how to look the part:

Men

• Dark color, conservative suit
• White collared shirt
• Conservative tie
• Dark socks
• Black or dark brown professional shoes
• Light or no aftershave/cologne
• Clean looking hairstyle
• Clean and trimmed nails
• No visible piercings or tattoos

Women

• Two piece conservative suit
• Pants or conservative skirt
• White button-up shirt
• Closed-toe shoes, professional
• Light or no perfume
• Clean hair and hairstyle
• Clean nails
• Conservative nail and hair color
• One pair of earrings
• Limited jewelry
• No visible piercings or tattoos

If you are not sure about the environment of the company and what to wear, always err on the side of conservatism. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed, so use your best judgment.

For more information on job searching, click here.