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Are You a Job Hopper? Here’s how to Optimize Your Job Search

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

There are plenty of workers out there who can be considered “job hoppers”. These are folks who, for whatever reason, do not stay in one job or company for an extended length of time. While this can be detrimental for a job search, it does not have to stand in your way of getting a great job. There are plenty of things you can do to optimize your job search if you have a penchant for job hopping.

Here, we’ll discuss several ways to overcome a history of short-term jobs with some helpful tips.

Explain Temporary Jobs on a Resume

When you prepare to search for a new job and have worked quite a few different jobs over the past handful of years, you need to explain why this has happened. One of the reasons for the job hopping could be that you were working in temporary jobs to gain as much experience as possible or to meet as many different people as possible. When you explain that you have been working temporary jobs, employers will be more likely to hire you since you have been trying to improve your career as much as possible.

Use Time Wisely

The next thing you need to do is use your time wisely when unemployed. If you are between jobs, it is best to perform business-related activities so that you can put these activities on your resume. These activities include attending business events, training sessions, networking events and much more. You will be able to meet various people within your industry, gain new contacts and even pick up some references along the way. This will help potential employers see how well you have used your time and that you stayed dedicated to improving your career.

Remove Older Jobs

An excellent way to optimize your job search if you are a job hopper is to remove older jobs from your resume. For the most part, your resume should only go back 10 years, 15 years at the most. If you have seven years of experience or more in your career, make sure you remove any internships listed on your resume. By removing older jobs from a resume, you can help with the idea that you are a job hopper.

Lump Contract Jobs Together

If you worked a lot of contract jobs during your career, lump them into one job listing on your resume in order to remove the idea of being a job hopper. For example, if you have worked on multiple contracts as a freelance writer, list all of these contracts under one heading and mention the skills you used and the responsibilities of the jobs performed.

If you are in the middle of a job search and are worried you may appear to be a job hopper, then you should follow the tips outlined in this post to optimize your search as much as possible. When you remove the stigma of being a job hopper, then you should have no trouble obtaining an offer of employment. For more help on your job search, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Are your References Actually a Hindrance to Your Job Search?

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Believe it or not, a person’s job references could end up being a hindrance in the search for a new job. When this happens, the candidate could struggle to land the new job they’re applying for. Candidates should consider examining their current references and making some changes in order to impress potential employers. Any negative items influencing your job search, including poor references, could automatically disqualify you from your dream job.

Read on to learn how to avoid making your references work against your job search efforts.

Common problems:

  • References Cannot be Reached
    One of the first signs that a reference is hindering your job search is that the person cannot be reached. This is a very bad sign on your part. Before you list someone as a reference on your resume, make sure they will return a phone call or an email within 24 to 48 hours to the potential employer. If they do not wish to be named as a reference, do not put them on your resume. Avoid the issue altogether – right up front.
  • References Are Not Credible
    Another way references could negatively impact your job search is if they are not credible themselves. This could mean that she is a peer in the workplace, friend, or mere acquaintance. You really should limit your references to managers and supervisors for whom you have worked. References should never be co-workers or other office peers. This will hinder your job search immensely.
  • References Cannot Speak About Your Work
    The next potential way your references could hinder your job search is by being unable to speak about your work. It is understandable that it looks very strong to have a director or vice president listed as a reference on your resume, but these people might not be able to speak to the strength of your work if you come from a large company. When references cannot speak to your work, they can hinder your job search more than you might think.
  • Failure to Notify References in Advance
    When you list someone on a resume as a reference, be sure you let them know that they will be contacted soon, and tell them the name of the company and the person who will be contacting them. If you fail to notify the references that they will be contacted, this can lead to them being surprised by the reference-checking phone call. Do not let this happen because it will reflect poorly on your part.Avoid having these things happen when a hiring manager tries to reach one of your work references. Have a list of people as a backup and routinely check your own references as you search for a job.
  • References Don’t Remember You
    One of the biggest hindrances with references is when they do not remember you. If this happens, it means that you have not spoken to the reference in quite some time or they are from a job you held years ago. Stay in touch with the people who are your references – even when you are not actively looking for a job – because you want them to remember you.

For more information on how to choose and utilize the best references for your job search, contact the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions. We know everything it takes to prepare for an interview, and can help you find a perfect placement!

6 Things to Include in Your Interview Follow up Email

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Once you have had your job interview with a dream company, the next logical step is to follow-up with the company representative soon afterwards. Very often, the preferred method for accomplishing this is by sending a friendly and professional email to check in a few days later. After all, email is the way that millions of people communicate on the go today, and it’s no secret that emails are used by job seekers to connect with hiring managers.

What to Include in Your Interview Follow Up Email

Now that you are ready to write your interview follow-up email, you may be stuck wondering what exactly you need to include? An email like this should be brief, but get the desired results. Therefore you need to include the elements to accomplish this. Read on to learn what not to leave out of your email follow-up when you are seeking work with a Michigan Employment Agency.

#1 – Use a professional sounding email address.

Before you zip off an email to the company, consider what your current email address says about you. Is it immature, bizarre, or unprofessional? If so, register a free email address and use your name in it. Leave out the cuteness and go for an email that gives you a better image.

#2 – Start with a warm greeting to the person who interviewed you.

Open up your email with a sincere and friendly greeting, addressed to the person who took the time to interview you. Let them know what job you interviewed for and when. Let them know the reason you are writing, such as to make yourself available for the next steps in the hiring process.

#3 – Appreciation is always a great way to start things off.

Let the reader know that it was a pleasure to meet with them personally and that you appreciate their time to go over the company culture and job duties in detail. Showing appreciation goes a long way to an already busy recruitment professional who deals with a lot of rude people all week.

#4 – Include the reasons you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Now it’s time to reinforce why the hiring manager should consider you for the job or at least a second interview. Briefly write a sentence that outlines your unique skills that match the job requirements, followed by a short list of skills you bring to the table. Much like your cover letter, this is the meat and potatoes of your email follow-up. If there was anything you needed to send to the interviewing person, attach it as a document too.

#5 – Wrap up the email with a call to action.

Smart sales people always tie their emails up with a call to action. This is a specific action that you would like the recruiter to take once they have read your email. You can easily include this element by asking the recruiter to please respond by email or by phone. Give them some times when you will be available in the coming week.

#6 – Give full contact information.

Despite sending in your resume and having an interview, sometimes your contact information can be hard to find for a recruiter. Make their life easier by including complete contact information in your signature, such as your home, cell or work phone number.

If you are looking for an employment agency in Detroit, contact our team today.

How “Thank You” Notes Could Hinder Your Interview Process

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

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We have all heard the saying, “It can’t hurt,” when it comes to applying for a job. There is no harm in submitting a cover letter with a resume, connecting with the interviewer on LinkedIn or even sending a “thank you” letter. But, before you make a mistake, you need to know that sending a thank you letter can actually harm your chances at receiving an offer of employment.

But, you’ll want to pay attention because in today’s post, we will discuss how a thank you note can actually hurt your job search.

Sending it Too Late

There is nothing worse than sending a thank you note to the interviewer well after the interview actually took place. Waiting until a week later to send the note shows the interviewer that it was an after-thought and that you are not interested in the position. It is best to send the note the same day of the interview or no later than 48 hours afterwards.

Full of Typos

If your thank you note is littered with typos or poor grammar, then you will have no shot at receiving an offer of employment. You might still get a second interview, especially if it was scheduled prior to the note arriving, but you probably will not make it further than round two. Since you likely had someone proofread your resume and cover letter, it is a good idea to do the same with the thank you letter. It will take two minutes and can save you from embarrassment.

Generic Messages

If you are going to send a thank you note, make sure it is not a generic one. This will hurt your chances of finding a job. You must personalize every single thank you note you write following a job interview, no matter how many people you met during the process. Scribbling five generic notes shows that you did not take the time to write these notes. Instead, personalize each note using something you learned from each person when you interviewed.

Inappropriate Content

It is never a good idea to include any type of inappropriate content in the thank you note, no matter how confident you are that you nailed the interview. Do not get chummy with the reader of the note or use first names. Also avoid any use of foul language. This really should not be an issue, but it still needs to be said.

Too Much Information

When a job candidate uses the thank you note to brag about him or herself even more, it can hurt their chances at securing the job. Never use the thank you note to conduct a second interview. The note should be short, sweet and to the point. Do not ramble on and take up the entire page. Do not even consider mentioning something you forgot to discuss in the interview when writing the thank you note. Stay away from it at all costs.

Take these items into consideration the next time you sit down to write a thank you note following a job interview and you should be able to secure an offer of employment.

 

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Top 3 Interview Questions to Prep for and How to Answer Them

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Despite a large number of hiring companies turning to social media recruiting, online application pre-screens, and temporary agencies; there’s still one factor that remains an expectation for millions of job seekers – the job interview. Candidates often do their best to answer the most frequently asked job interview questions and then focus on coming up with good responses to more unusual interviewing techniques. If you’ve been interviewing for a while, then you know that many interview questions center around behavioral aspects with some industry focused questions thrown in for good measure.

From a recruiting standpoint, there is a good chance that most interviewers will stick to the basics in the interview—due to time constraints and hiring deadlines. This is especially true in first interviews. To give you a good shot at a new job, here are the top 3 interview questions to prep for with answers for handling them with ease.

#1 – Tell Me Something About You?

One of the ways that many recruiters will try to break the ice with candidates is to ask them point blank questions such as, “Please tell me more about you (your career and educational background)?” or “Where would you like to be in 5-10 years?” These are fairly common. The best way to answer these types of ice-breaker interview questions is by being honest, but tactful with your answers. For example, you may answer with a brief overview of your career and educational history and your goals for the next few years as they relate to the job or industry you are interviewing in.

Recruiters don’t want to hear you say something about wanting to retire in 5 years or that you plan to take a trip to the Antarctic to become a fur trapper. Maintain a focus on your career goals and say something to the effect that you see yourself leading a team on some great projects to support the business innovation and growth at the company.

#2 – What Ifs and Situational Questions

These are the interview questions that are called behavioral, and for good reason. They require you to use your creative and problem-solving skills. You may hear something like, “What if you had an angry customer on the phone – how would you handle this?” or maybe even “ “If you had a customer call up and ask you to do something unethical, would you do it to keep the customer happy, or not?” Listen for the word “IF” in these questions to let you know what you are hearing and how to respond.

To answer the IF questions, simply take a deep breath and imagine yourself in the specific situation. Then carefully answer the question by explaining your thought process and how you will handle this professionally. You can draw from a past similar experience if you wish. Try something like, “I listened to the customer and then tried to offer a solution that followed company policy” and if this didn’t work then “I asked a manager for help.”

#3 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?

This interview question is often asked by bold hiring managers and executives to test how badly you want the job, and if you are just in it for the fame or the money. Often reserved for the last few minutes of the interview, it can catch even the experienced job seeker off guard. You may hear something like “Just why do you want to work here?” or “What appeals to you about working for our company or this industry?” This is your chance to shine!

A good answer always starts by revealing your passion for the industry and the market this company serves. Then go into a brief review of your career history and relate it to the job you are interviewing for. Provide a direct link to the job requirements and duties and how your skills are a great match. This should impress even the best recruiters out there.

If you are looking for temp jobs in Monroe MI, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today.

8 Interview Questions to Always be Prepared For | Job Search Tips

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

When it comes to getting the job, interview preparation is everything. Having a good picture of what the hiring company is about, and being able to confidently answer the questions thrown at you by the recruiter and management team can help you to stand out as the preferred candidate. Yet, how do you prepare to answer questions without sounding too rehearsed? The answer lies in being able to understand the most common interview questions and then developing an answer that sounds natural.

Here are some interview questions you always want to be prepared for as you get geared up for your next interview.

Tell me more about…YOU? This is generally an ice-breaker question that gives the recruiter a “picture” of who you are. Develop a brief elevator pitch that tells your story in 30-seconds or less. Start with where you are from, how you got into the industry, and where you’d like to see yourself in a year.

Why do you want to work here? When asked this, the recruiter is looking for what you know about the company and how this ties into your career goals. You may want to talk about your skill sets and how the company offers challenging assignments that are relating to these skills.

How do you handle difficult situations? Having the ability to manage difficult people and situations is a plus in most hiring managers’ eyes. Give a clear example of a past challenge that you were able to solve as an indication of the problem solving skills.

Why did you leave (or want to leave) your last job? This can be a somewhat uncomfortable question, but the key is to be honest…with tact. If you were let go, simply indicate that the company did not offer you the career opportunities you had expected.

What are your strengths/weaknesses? This is a common question that many recruiters lean on. Just give some relevant examples of your top three strengths and one weakness. Play up your strengths.

What would your previous employers say about you? When a potential employer asks this question, they may be either cross-tracking employment verification or hoping you’ll provide more information so they can skip this step. Acknowledge the question and then provide some reference letters to review.

Can you give me the salary you are looking for? While awkward, this question needs a good answer. Determine general salary ranges for the assignment you are applying for by visiting Payscale.com and O*Net to look them up in advance, then give a salary range instead of a specific number.

Why should we hire you? If you’ve gotten to the final round of interview questions, or have been invited back for more interviews, you’ll be asked this very bold question at some point. Be sure to focus on your background, your strengths, and your skills as they relate to the assignment and the company objectives to “sell” yourself to the hiring manager.

For support with your career search, consider the benefits of registering with a proactive staffing agency like Advance Temporary Staffing Solutions. You can get access to a wide range of temporary and contract assignments, and you’ll get plenty of interviewing practice too.

 

It’s Scary – How to Build Confidence Before Your Job Interview

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

If you have been called in for a job interview that is a great first step. Just having your resume chosen over dozens of other candidates is a good sign. But now you have to get through the interview. This is usually the most nerve-wracking part of the hiring process.

In order to build your confidence before the interview, you need to take some important steps to prepare. The better prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you will feel during the interview.

Research the Company

Your first step when you get an interview should always be researching the company. The more you know about the company, the better your interview is going to be. Most likely, the interviewer will ask you what you know about them. The last thing you want to do is tell them you don’t know anything. This is going to look bad when they’re deciding between you and someone who did their research, and the remainder of the interview will be very stressful. Take time to look at their website and research the company as much as possible.

Practice Answering Interview Questions

Look up a list of the most commonly asked interview questions and practice answering them. You can practice them while you’re alone at first, but it is helpful to practice answering them in front of someone else. Hand a friend or loved one the list of questions, and tell them to ask you them at random. By practicing answering questions, you get a handle on what you’re going to say and feel much more confident when it comes time for the actual interview.

Do Your Own Background Check

You aren’t going to pay for a background check on yourself, but you should find out if you have any skeletons that might come up. If you have a printout from a previous background check an employer ran, look through it so see what is there. Consider things the employer might do to learn more about you, such as looking at any public social media accounts you have. Remove anything that isn’t appropriate for a prospective employer to read.

Drive to the Site Beforehand

If you have never been to this company before, drive or get a ride to their business beforehand. Make sure you know the easiest route and are aware of what traffic might be like on the day. If you take public transportation, always arrange a ride on the day of the interview. Be sure you arrive plenty early, without having to rely on buses or trains that might get you there late.

Be Prepared

Have everything you need days before the interview. Get your outfit out and have it cleaned if you have not done so already. Make sure to print multiple copies of your resume and bring with you a paper listing your references for their job application. Wake up earlier than necessary to have everything ready before you leave.

If you are looking for jobs in southeastern Michigan, contact the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

How to Have a Proactive Interview this Spring

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Are you ready for your job interview? Whether this is your first interview or you have had dozens of them before, you need to be well prepared and proactive. Getting chosen for an interview is a great first step, but it doesn’t guarantee you the job.

The next process is preparing for and going through the interview stage. During this time, you should be proactive and take the initiative, in order to stand out and give the interviewer a reason to consider you above others.

Get the Details Right

Being proactive with your interviews starts before you even have the interview. You should always call or email ahead of time to verify the interview details. This means confirming your interview date and time, making sure you have the interview person’s name and contact information, and that you can arrive on time.

If you have a car, drive to the company before the interview to make sure you get there without getting lost. If you usually take public transportation, ask for a ride on the day of the interview so you don’t risk not having proper transportation.

Ask Intelligent Questions

Not only should you be answering questions in the right manner, but asking questions as well. This is one of the best ways to be proactive during your interview. Think of intelligent and insightful questions to ask the company. It shows you have more interest in the company, and that is isn’t just a “job.”

When the interviewer ask if you have any questions, be sure to have a few lined up in wait. Avoid questions about benefits or salary. Instead, ask questions about the company itself.

Show Your Interest in the Company

To further show interest in the company you may be working for, request a tour of the facilities. Even a small office has several areas to be shown. This is great incentive toward showing your honest interest in their establishment.

While on the tour, ask questions about their products or services, or even offer your own insight into what you have learned so far about their company. Researching them beforehand gives you the upper hand when you go on your tour.

Send a Thank-you letter

You should always send a thank-you letter within 48 hours of your interview. It can be a professionally-worded email sent to the person who interviewed you, or a handwritten note send to their offices.

Now that you know how to be proactive, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to be noticed and recognized as someone willing to go the extra mile. While these may seem like small things, every detail and initiative you take, is one step closer to the job you want.

 

Ways to Approach an Interview Perfectly

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

After searching for months for a new job, you’ve just received an invitation to interview for a great new assignment with a dream company. So, how do you prepare for what could be the opportunity of a lifetime?

The way in which you approach the interview process can be the difference between being asked back for a second interview and being disqualified from consideration. Have you ever heard the expression “The first impression you make is a lasting one”? This means you need to walk into the interview with the confidence and right approach to the questions you may encounter.

Perfect Approach to Interviewing for the Best Impression

Here are some ways to approach an interview in the most perfect way, to impress the interviewer and make a positive impression the first time.

  • Arrive early and dressed for success. People often make their judgments by the way they see others, and recruiters are no exception to this fact. Therefore, you will want to approach any interview with tact by dressing professionally and conservative for the corporate culture you may be working in. You’ll also want to arrive at least 15-minutes early for the interview so you can appear to be punctual and get acclimated beforehand.
  • Bring a printed copy of your resume and references. Recruiters often see multiple people each day for interviews, especially those who conduct the initial screening sessions. Therefore, you can make their job easier by bringing a copy of your resume and your references with you. In some cases, they may be calling your references before you even leave the building.
  • Provide access to your work portfolio. Today’s hiring managers are more concerned with seeing results than hearing about your former job duties. While you are explaining your achievements, have visual representations of your portfolio in a “show and tell” style.
  • Have a shortlist of questions prepared. During an interview, the company is getting to know more about you. However, very few people use this time to find out more about the company too. Prepare yourself and show more interest in the company as a whole by having a list of at least 3-5 questions relevant to the type of company, projects, clients and work you may be dealing with.
  • Talk in a positive and focused manner. Keep all your answers and comments positive, even when talking about former employers. This bodes favorably with recruiters who are looking for people with positive attitudes and smiles. Keep your conversation going in a focused manner, and find out all you can about the position you may be offered, such as salary, growth opportunities, and corporate objectives.

No interview is 100 percent perfect, but it can be a lot more productive if you understand how to best approach it. Get prepared for interviews by working with the caring experts at Advance Staffing Solutions in Ohio and Michigan.

Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Anyone competing for one of the limited jobs available today understands the dilemma that arises when a less than favorable job offer comes your way. But there are times when it definitely is in your best interest to turn down a job offer that makes you uneasy.

Here are a few times when it’s actually a good idea to pass on the job offer that has been presented.

1)   An unfavorable commute. Commutes can be the bane or bonus of a job, depending on the circumstances. Some people enjoy long commutes. It’s their opportunity to listen to music or audio books, and mentally prepare for the day ahead. But other people view the commute as yet another hour on the clock. Make sure that your commute is not going to prove to be problematic for you and directly impact your overall job satisfaction before you take the job.

2)   The company and/or the job offer itself seems to be disorganized. Unless you’re the type of person who thrives in a chaotic work environment, it’s unlikely that this is going to be a good situation for very long. More importantly, it’s a sign that there are problems within the organization that go much deeper than the hole you’re going in to fill.

3)   The pay isn’t going to be adequate to meet your needs or worthy of the demands of the position. Sometimes companies want to see how little they can get away with offering, and are expecting the first offer to be turned down. However there are times when the company isn’t willing to raise the initial offer. It’s a risk, to some degree, to turn down a job because of an inadequate salary—especially in the current job market, but it can be an even greater risk to find yourself stuck in a job that doesn’t meet your basic financial needs.

4)   The company tries to make changes just before you sign the offer or come on board. This is a huge red flag no matter how desperate your need for a job may feel. It’s important to know what’s going to be expected of you before you take the job. Otherwise you may find yourself unskilled in the job specifics or stuck in a job that’s hard to fill because it’s tedious or miserably boring.

5)   When the job offer feels wrong for you. There are countless reasons a job offer may feel wrong to you. It’s time to learn to trust your “gut” on matters such as this. You can’t always put your finger on what is wrong, but if the job feels wrong at the interview stage, it’s unlikely that things will change for the better once you’re gainfully employed.

The fact that this is a highly competitive job market doesn’t mean you have to take the first offer that comes your way. As tough as it seems, there are times when it’s better to continue the job search than to take a job that’s going to cause more harm for your health and frame of mind than good.  For support with finding a job offer that will lead to a great career, be sure to check out the latest contract jobs at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Haven’t Hired in a While? Advice for Recruiting New Hires

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

After a period filled with economic uncertainty, many companies are facing a new dilemma. They now need to fill positions that were either vacated or eliminated over the past several years. The problem is that many companies have had a freeze on hiring for long enough that they’ve gotten out of the practice of hiring altogether.

Here are a few tips that are sure to get you back in the habit of effective recruiting before you know it.

Know What You’re Looking For

Before you can come up with a proper recruitment plan you need to know exactly what kind of employee you’re looking to hire. What positions need to be filled? What qualities or traits make a prospect a good fit with your corporate culture? Are you willing to take big risks in order to find truly innovative staff or do you prefer to stick with traditional characteristics and experience for the position in question?

These are all important questions that can really shape the hiring and interview processes. Once you’ve identified the kind of employee you need or want to hire then you can begin the search in earnest.

Set Deadlines to Find Qualified Candidates

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of maybe and tomorrow. Time is a luxury you don’t have when you need someone to pick up slack or start making changes now. Give yourself a hard deadline to find a group of solid candidates and set up interviews.

Once you have a deadline in place you can tailor your search process to get the fast results you need. An added sense of urgency can serve as a huge motivation and help keep you on target for the “less glamorous” aspects of looking for new hires.

Utilize Every Available Recruiting Option

You are no longer relegated to a time when the Sunday paper was your best recruitment tool. The rules have changed and technology is changing them even more. Don’t forget to place notices of positions on your company website. Make sure you’ve made it mobile device friendly as well as many people are conducting their job searches on the go these days.

Take advantage of recruitment services, like Advance Temporary Services. You’ll be surprised at how effective they can be (and cost effective) by eliminating the daily grind of finding new, highly skilled candidates for the positions you have available. More importantly, they can do the hard work of prequalifying candidates for the positions you have available so that you’re only seeing the best of the best available and not forced to sift through many unqualified applicants that aren’t likely to be a good fit for the culture of your company.

Social media is another excellent tool you can put at your disposal to find a sea of applicants for your positions. You just might find the perfect choice in short order. More importantly, you’ll have a list of qualified people the next time a position becomes available.

Recruiting new hires doesn’t have to be a painful prospect – even after a long absence. This is cause for celebration; not dread. Just keep these tips in mind and you’ll have the cream of the crop knocking on your door before you know it. For help finding the best employees this year, contact Advance Temporary Services!

Photo Credit: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

6 Reasons You Might Not Have Gotten a Call After Your Job Interview

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

It happens to everyone from time to time. You go on an interview that went spectacularly well, and then no phone call inviting you back ever comes. When you need a job this can be more than disheartening and make you want to give up. Understanding why you never got the call will actually help you in your job hunt. So don’t despair. Pick yourself up, brush it off your shoulder, and learn from the experience.

Reason #1- They hired someone else (unfortunately).

The climate for job-seekers is much different today than it was a decade ago. Unemployment rates are at all-time highs, and the number of people applying for positions is unreal. In most cases you should expect at least 3-4 dozen people applying for every open position. Some positions will have much higher competition. Even if your interview was great there may be someone else who was more qualified. Don’t let this get you down. Be persistent.

Reason #2- They filled the position internally.

Most companies will post open positions internally before they start interviewing applicants outside. However, people can be on vacation or busy with projects that forces them to miss the deadline for the internal posting. This means they go into the open job pool. Companies would prefer to hire within for open positions.

Reason #3- The position was eliminated.

This happens far more often than you may think.  A company decides they need to hire someone, then they find a way to cut costs and fill the requirements using other people inside. Hiring freezes may have also gone into effect as a cost saving measure. This is nothing personal, and there’s not much you can do about it.

Reason #4- The job description or need changed.

Similar to reason #3, a lot of companies will end up changing the job description after it was posted. Or the actual needs of the job may have changed after the fact. You may have been a perfect candidate for the original position, but lack the skills necessary for the new description.

Reason #5- Someone else made a better impression.

The way to get the attention of a company is much different today than it was before. Focusing less on what you get out of it and more on what you can bring to the table is the new thinking. If another candidate displayed this more than you they may have been chosen over you. The employer wants to employ people who show enthusiasm.

Reason #6- Talking about money too soon.

Yes, you need a job that will pay you. However, the initial interview isn’t the time to discuss this unless the interviewer brings it up first. If you walk in with demands regarding your salary and benefits you’re showing the interviewer that you’re more interested in money than the actual job.

With this short list you can go back and rethink your interview strategy.  Learn to follow up after the interviews to stay fresh in their minds. And above all else, remember to stay positive! There IS an employer out there who wants and needs you, it’s all just a matter of time.

Looking for a great new job opportunity? Check out the career openings at Advance Temporary here.

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