The Importance of Hiring a Social Candidate – Who Doesn’t Just Look Good on Paper

Hiring the right candidate takes more than just looking at what the professional can do based on his or her paper application. Many employers are spending time researching and learning about candidates more fully, outside of the standard resume. Recruiters want to know if a candidate is social and what their social skills are doing for them. After all, in a globally connected world, it is critical to communicate at the best level and that means being a socially active person, both online and offline.

What Is a Social Candidate?

The right candidate for any position needs to have the proper technical skills and the experience necessary to do the job. However, soft skills, including communication skills, are just as vital. Those who have limited social skills often lack the ability to use the knowledge they have to do their job properly. Turnover is higher. They often struggle with relationships within the workplace. Some never move from lower level positions due to their inability to communicate. They can even contribute to a poor morale among employees.

On the other side, a social candidate is one that does embrace working with others and has good communication skills to back it up. These professionals may stand out in an interview but they also stand out when researching them online. Here are some of the features to look for in the social candidate.

  • Choose someone that understands and monitors the way his or her actions affect those around them.
  • Does the candidate show concern for others through their actions and words? Do they understand how to manage other people’s feelings?
  • Does the individual have good control over him or herself in terms of communication? When expressing emotions, do they do so in a negative, abusive or destructive manner? You do not want these traits in your workplace.
  • Are they socially active? Often times, just noticing if a candidate is active in communicating with others (usually in a positive manner) helps indicate how effective communication skills are. Comparatively, a candidate that is not social active could be a factor.
  • Is the individual highly judgmental? Does he or she describe others in a negative light or in a positive one? Those candidates that do not express positive insight but only negative information are often problematic in the workplace.

Why do social skills like these really matter to you?

As a business professional, every detail of the way a person looks, acts and speaks reflects directly on your business. A person that dresses inappropriately, for example, does not represent your company well. Likewise, hiring a candidate that has poor communication and social skills can mean that person’s interactions with your clients and business partners, as well as employees, can be negative. Rather, hire a social candidate with the skills to communicate properly and you could score a candidate you want to work with long term.

Best Ways to Use Social Media for Your Job Search

Want a new or better job this year? Social media is perhaps one of the best ways to locate and network your way to a new career. It’s a known fact that recruiters have been using social media to check out candidates behind the scenes for a while now, but they did so without candidate’s knowing for the most part. Now, this has changed drastically, with the addition of new applications such as LinkedIn’s recruiting portal and Facebook recruiting apps making their way onto the scene.

Recruiters are coming “out of the shadows” to connect with candidates on social networking sites, so as a job seeker it’s to your advantage to put yourself in the best possible position to do the same. Here’s what you need to know about social media for your job search, so you can do this successfully.

  • Create a professional profile. The personal profiles you have been using are not going to cut it with a serious job search. Too many posts and embarrassing photos are the norm with personal profiles. Instead, start from scratch with a professional profile that includes a business headshot photo (get a friend to do this for you), a copy of your resume, a link to your professional portfolio or blog, all tied together in a business-worthy looking template. Add in a phrase that describes you and what you want – much like your resume objective statement.
  • Show off your accomplishments. Your social networking profile should be the spot where you showcase your talent, so make it work for you. Include intelligent posts, with links to your published articles, blog posts, artwork, and projects. Make sure to promote these across many channels by adding them to popular sharing formats like Digg and Sharethis for starters. Write interesting posts in industry forums and link back to them in your social media networks.
  • Do your research on companies. Social media can be a great way to scope out potential companies you might like to work for. Simply go to each company website and become a follower on all social networks. Then take the time to learn more about the company culture, objectives and people there. Be sure to “like” or follow posts that appeal to you to show your support. Never use social media to blatantly self-promote, but rather to encourage others to get to know you by befriending them.
  • Participate in social network groups. Social networking is fun because it allows you to go directly to industry specific groups and get to know your peers – oftentimes from around the world. If you are hoping to get into a specific career industry, or if you are about to graduate with a new degree, this insight can be invaluable. Besides, many recruiters visit these groups and post job opportunities on a frequent basis, so you may put yourself in the right place at the right time simply by participating.
  • Connect with people who count. If you want to land a job, very often you must pass the “gatekeepers” to get in to certain companies or industries. These are people who look at candidates to determine if they have what it takes to join them. Find out who these gatekeepers are and get to know them on social media networks by politely asking for introductions from peers who know them, or inviting them to become your friend. Then take the time to thank each person individually and asking them to share something about themselves first, before launching into your career aspirations. Use this very effective targeted approach, and you may just end up with an invitation to interview for a new job.

Need more tips to be successful with your job search in 2012? Be sure to come back often to the Advance Temporary blog for great job search ideas and support with your career through our temporary staffing services.

Real Job Search Tips for 2012

2012 is your chance to seize the opportunities and get a job or launch the career you have always wanted. It is time to make a change. The economy is still rough, with an 8.5 unemployment rate nationwide. There are positions available, but there are also many more applicants vying for those same assignments. To land a career this year, you will need to put your best foot forward, resume in hand and win over the prospective employer with your skills and experience. With the right tools, you will find the process easier to accomplish.

Create a Job Search Strategy

As you gear up for your job search, plan a strategy. Only apply to positions you are truly qualified for; not those that you lack experience or training in. You are wasting your time (and that of the HR staff). Instead of applying to everything under the sun, apply to positions you have true skills in that are most likely to land you a position. Tailor your existing skills to fit the job requirements of the position. This means spending more time preparing a killer resume and cover letter.

At the same time, diversify your search. Employers are using job-posting boards, but many are using other tools as well. Consider local and online networking opportunities. Use social media to help you to connect to the right people. Some agencies still want you to apply in person, but far more are expecting an application through the online resume links on their website. Do not wait for the prospective employer to post a job ad, either. Apply to companies that posts positions right on their website.

Stand Out from Other Job Seekers

There are many ways to do this. For example, when you do get to an interview, avoid the standard or trained answers to questions. Answer in a way that is going to make it look like you did your homework. Be sure to research positions and the company culture before you apply. Often, you can learn a great deal by networking through sites like LinkedIn. Hiring managers may post information there that is helpful to you.

When you are searching or scrambling for a job, it is easy to see an opportunity and shoot off an email right away prior to reading it in full. You want to get in before everyone else does. However, you may be missing the real opportunities because you are not listening to what the prospective employer is looking for in this position. Communication, through words written or spoken, is critical to get right.

Take the time to set your goals, too. As you work your job search, give yourself goals along the way. Possible goals may be the number of jobs you apply to each day. You may join a professional organization, sign up with a contract-staffing agency, or even do some volunteer work to boost your resume. Ensure that you are working towards finding the ideal job for you one-step at a time. You can do this better with goals laid out in front of you.

Get back out there! Rejoining the work force and restarting the job search

If you’ve been out of the workforce for a period of time, either by choice or as a result of an unexpected lapse in employment, then you may be facing the daunting task of getting back out there to rejoin the rest of the working world. It’s natural for anyone to feel intimidated, especially if you have not been working outside the home for a while. This is a tough one for parents who have chosen to stop working to raise children, and even for those who have retired but need to go back to work now.

Take heart that this can be done and you can be successful with your job search, if you create a strategy for job search success. Here are some tips from Advance to get you back out there in the workforce sooner.

  • Create a killer resume – The very first step in any successful job search is to create an effective resume and cover letter. You will spend a lot of time applying for jobs and sending email inquiries to companies, so make sure this time counts with a resume that captures your skills and attributes.
  • Start networking – As the old saying goes, you often need to be “in the right place at the right time”, so networking should be a the top of your list. By networking on popular social media sites, business networks and forums, and community networking groups – you can put yourself in the right place. Let others know you are actively seeking employment and get ready for the referrals.
  • Research companies – This is your job search for the perfect career, so you want to work for the best employers. Take the time to research the types of companies that best match your unique skills and needs. Find companies that offer excellent compensation packages and other perks. Focus on companies that have the values you hold dear. Never settle for anything less.
  • Get a new look – If you’ve been out of the workforce for a number of years, you will want to give yourself a makeover so you can look great for upcoming interviews. Pick out a new hairstyle, get yourself a “power outfit “and you’ll be able to walk into any interview with 100% confidence and a great attitude that will earn you more job offers.
  • Take temp assignments – Many good companies rely on the services of temporary agencies to find suitable candidates for unadvertised assignments. This means you can be in a better position to get onboard with a highly respected company by taking on temp assignments as often as possible. You may even be able to learn a few new skills along the way, which will further make you a prime candidate for a new job.

Ready to take the leap and land the perfect job? Contact the recruitment specialists at Advance Staffing Solutions today and get noticed by the right employers now.

How to Become a Valuable Employee and Keep Your Job Safe

In an employment market where there is a large pool of potential employees to replace you, it becomes very important for individuals to ensure they are on the same page with employers. To make sure that your job remains yours, be a team player and be a part of the company’s success. Now more than ever it is critical to do the best job you can and to always ensure you are one-step ahead of the game.

Be a Positive Professional

People like to work with others who have a positive attitude. Even if people around you are being laid off, keep your head up and keep being positive about your position. It pays to show your commitment to the company. You also need to ensure that the layoffs happening around you do not do anything to affect your performance on the job. You want your employer to see you as a solid employee.

Ensure You Are Visible

One of the easiest things for an employer to do is to cut the job of an employee that is not as important as other employees are. If you want to ensure your position remains safe, work to increase your visibility. You do not want to try to become invisible when layoffs are out there. Rather, you need to ensure that you have a great relationship with your superiors and that you are always helping the company in some way. This gives the employer the ability to think, “That Joe, he’s always working hard.” They should know you and trust you as an important asset to the team.

Work to Improve

In addition to doing the best job you can, always look for ways to improve your value. If you can do your job and do the job of someone else well, that means you are more valuable to the company. It is important to ensure you have the strongest skill set possible when it comes to doing your job. When there is a new assignment, it pays to be the one that can step forward to take it on rather than being the one that fades into the background.

Polish Up Your Job Performance

It is always a good idea to do your job properly. Don’t be late for work. Do stay late if you need to. Don’t use your work computer for non-work activities. Don’t be the reason for an argument in your office but be the solution instead. Don’t add to the expenses of a business, but find ways to reduce them. It pays to show your superiors that you know things are tough and that you are doing your best to help the company.

It is impossible to protect yourself from all job losses. However, the more important and valuable you are to a company, the more likely the company is to keep you around. Don’t be anything less than a team player who is working to benefit the company’s bottom line. Doing so could help your employer look over you when job layoffs have to happen. Keep your job safe by being a valuable employee.

4 Job Search Stalls to Watch Out For

What is stalling out your job search? Today’s economic conditions and bad unemployment numbers mirror the frustrations that many job seekers have. However, by some expert’s calculations, people are often sabotaging themselves out of jobs. As you are applying for various positions, ask yourself if you could be doing anything that could be hurting your chances of success. Would you call you back for an interview? Knowing what the most common job search stalls are can help you to avoid them.

#1: Being a Passive Seeker

One of the biggest mistakes you will make is being a passive job seeker. For example, do you network locally? Do you get out of the house and talk to people in professional organizations associated with your field? Even more so, when someone gives you information about a potential job, do you follow through? If you are making these types of mistakes, you are missing opportunities that could land you the career you want. Ask yourself if you are doing anything that could reduce your success here.

#2: You Aren’t Taking All The Chances

Another common problem that can stall a job search is simply not taking those changes. Misinformation or assumptions can lead you down the wrong path. Realize there are plenty of opportunities for you to land the type of job you want and need even if you do not think you are qualified for the position. In short, just because you do not meet all of the qualifications listed doesn’t mean you won’t land the job. Apply – it cannot hurt.

#3: You Have A Bad Attitude

It is hard to stay motivated and pushing towards success when you are struggling to keep your head above water. However, when you walk into a job interview or talk to someone that may know of a position for you, they are not going to go any further if they can see that bad attitude on your face. Keep yourself positive. Keep striving to stay motivated throughout the process, too.

#4: You Are Holding Out

Are you the type of person that is holding out for that perfect job with the corner office or with that big firm you just want to be a part of? Chances are good holding out like this is going to hurt you in the long term. You can always wait for that ideal job after you are hired and working for another firm now. Employers with the better jobs are more likely to consider you if you are working in the field anyway. Sometimes, taking a job that is in the field, even if it is not the ideal position, is the route to take.

Job seekers can easily become frustrated. Instead of making every day about finding a job, do give yourself one day a week at least where you walk away from it all to clear your head. Most importantly, give yourself the opportunity to succeed by always staying the course. You may find it a bit difficult to these things, but doing so can help you to find the right job sooner rather than later.

What is an Interviewer REALLY Asking When They Say “Tell me About Yourself”?

You are in an important interview for a job you really want at a company that gets you really excited about your career. As you sit across from the potential employer, you smile and know things are going well. Then, they ask the question, “Tell me about yourself?” What do you say to that?

The common answer that interviewees give is about their work experience. Some will discuss their personal lives. Others will answer with comments about what they like to do and what they did last night. None of these answers is the right one from the perspective of the person giving the interview.

What’s He Really Saying?

When heading to an interview, realize that the person asking you questions is not always going to be looking for the answer to that question. In other words, he or she may ask one question but is probing for a completely different one. It is up to you to understand the true meaning of any question prior to answering it. This is not always an easy process, though.

In order to know what the interviewer is really saying, you need to do two big things: listen to the entire question and notice any cues he is giving you. If you can do those things, you will be able to answer any question, including this one accurately.

What Is the Interviewer Looking for in Those Questions?

In most situations, a job interviewer is looking for the best candidate to fill a specific position. To learn if the person sitting across from them at the desk is that person, he needs to find the answers to some very specific questions, including these.

  • Can you do the job? Will you do the job?
  • What special skills do you have that others do not have that makes you a better choice?
  • What experiences do you have that makes you a better choice over other applicants?
  • What do you have to offer to me that is something the company is lacking?

Knowing what information the interviewer is after, you can provide a better answer to the question asked to you. Ask yourself, how you can answer these questions in a way that provides the information the interviewer is really looking for you to provide.

Know the Cues

Secondly, notice any cues that the interviewer is putting out there. These can be key indications of what information is necessary and what may not be. More so, the cues are often signals to you as to how you should answer questions. For example, the following are some cues you may see.

  • The interviewer is distracted by something else in the room.
  • The interviewer is interrupting your replies, which shows he or she is impatient.
  • He keeps looking at the wall.
  • He is slouching.
  • He is listening intently to what you are saying.

If the interviewer seems distracted, he or she may be annoyed with how long your answers are. If he is interrupting, you may not be answering in the right manner.

Tell Me About Yourself

Keeping all of this in mind, the answer to this question comes down to just a few things. Can you communicate well with others? Do you have the ability to set goals and to stay on track? Can you handle rejections? In other words, are you able to answer these questions in a way that delivers the responses he or she needs?

Get ready for a great new part time or full time career when you work with Advance  Staffing Solutions. Let us help you get ready for those upcoming interviews so you can be successful in your quest for the right job.

Want to work somewhere FUN? Prepare for an interview at an employer with a unique company culture.

In many companies today there is a focus on providing not only a great salary and benefits package, but also on giving employees a fun atmosphere to work in. This movement started with the first company that decided a casual, fun workplace was more conducive to happy and productive employees—and for good reason. Studies have consistently shown that happy employees lead to higher levels of productivity, which translates to more revenues and greater creativity. This leads to innovation like never before seen. Just think Google and Apple and you get the general idea.

As you start interviewing for new assignments, you may encounter companies that promote this “fun” workplace. In order to put the best foot forward, it’s best to prepare in advance for a different style of interviewing you may experience. Here are some ways to get ready for an interview at the next funhouse company.

Before the interview, review the corporate website and any articles that pertain to the company as a whole. You will generally be able to learn much about a company by reviewing any press that the company has received, including the executive leadership. Try to understand what the company stands for by reading the mission statement. This will come in handy when you are asked to come in personally for an interview.

If you have the opportunity, speak with the direct hiring recruiter to find out what the general corporate culture is like. Ask what the inside of the building is like, what are some of the events that the company has, and what the general population of the existing staff are like. Does the workplace include any on-site perks like a café, coffee shop, exercise center, a skateboard or bike path, entertainment spaces or other aspects of a fun environment?

Check with your staffing agent to find out what the dress code will be for the initial interview, because he or she has been inside the company. If the agent tells you business casual, be prepared to dress smartly for the interview, but not too over the top with a suit and tie, or too casual with jeans and flip flops. If this fun work environment includes ultra-casual attire, wear at least khakis and a collared shirt to avoid appearing too “stuffy”. Dress codes do vary from one fun workplace to another, so don’t assume to know what will be expected of you.

Ask around to see if any of your personal contacts know anyone who works at your target company currently. If you normally associate with people in the particular industry you are trying to get employed in, chances are someone knows a little more about the company than you, or has had a chance to visit there for an interview. Friends within the company can also shed more light on what it’s really like to work in that environment, which can give you more to go on as you interview. You’ll likely get a more accurate picture of what the fun environment is about, rather than a somewhat biased view from a recruiter who is trying to court you for a job there.

Remember, that you only get one chance to make a positive impression, and that the company has one shot to entice you to want to work there. Sometimes what seems like a “fun” environment to others may not be the right environment for you to work in. On the other hand, it may be the perfect place for you to grow in your career.

 

Why it’s Important to Conduct Background Checks, and How to Do It the Right Way

There are many good reasons why it’s important to conduct background checks for all potential new hires. For one, people are not always who they say they are in the interview process. People will very often say anything to get a job, especially when there is an average of 10% unemployment rate in the country as of this article. Conducting a background check protects not only the company, but also the existing and future staff at the company, from possible issues such as workplace violence, theft and property damage.

Did you know that in just 2009, there were nearly 572,000 non-fatal crimes that occurred in workplaces around the USA? These figures were released by the Justice Department Bureau of Justice Statistics’ newly released publication, Workplace Violence, 1993-2009. Those figures may seem staggering, but more and more cases of workplace violence and crime are making the news daily. It’s important to reduce the chance of workplace crime by conducting thorough background checks as part of the new hire process.

A best practice for conducting background checks is to use a reputable employment background check company to objectively provide information on candidates before an offer of employment is made. This information can be obtained within a matter of days by a good background check company, but keep in mind that all candidates must give their written consent to this check. Require each candidate to sign a background release form, which gives you permission.

Another best new hire practice is to check employee references, from past employers. Find out if the candidate is being truthful about his or her work titles, duties, dates of employment, and reason(s) for termination. While sometimes a candidate may use an incorrect date or embellish actual work duties on a resume, look for glaring differences in the information provided by the candidate vs. the actual information received by references.

You will also want to require a drug test as part of the background check. You would be surprised at the types of people who are actively engaged in drug usage in this country – an epidemic that has spread to all socio-economic communities. Again, do this before making any offer of employment, and make sure to consistently check all candidates regardless of the job itself.

Lastly, work with a quality staffing company that can conduct background checks for all your candidates. This can save you a great deal of time and money with your recruiting efforts. Any candidates will have already been checked for criminal histories, drug use, false information, and more before they have a check to become part of your corporate environment.

Want more information on how using a staffing agency to conduct your background checks can best work for your company? Consult with the career experts at Advance Temporaries today!

 

 

 

4 Tips for a Long-Distance Job Search that Get Results

Several areas of the country have faced worse economic conditions than others. Some areas have been so depressed there is little prospect for opportunities for job seekers. As a result, many people have decided to conduct a long-distance job search to try and find employment in other communities. Trying to conduct a long distance job search can be a daunting task. The areas are unfamiliar. Following the right steps can make the job search easier.

Focus On Options

One of the surprising aspects of conducting a job search in another area is the greater competition with other candidates. It can also be a more time consuming process.  It is necessary to focus and concentrate on the jobs being sought after in this job search, which may be different depending on the locale.  For this reason, start by limiting the number of locations to search in. Take into account your personal situation and apply it to these areas. Look at cost of living, local schools, and quality of life. Many areas try to advertise to people moving to their areas by showing what their areas have to offer. Look into what areas have the best job prospects in your industry. Limit the search to twenty positions get a better idea of prospects in each area.

Access Your Network

Having a well-developed network can help uncover  long-distance career opportunities. Friends and family who have relocated can be consulted regarding job opportunities. Professional contacts can also be utilized to learn of new job openings. Use online searches for terms like “telecommute”, “relocation assistance” and “remote” for the best results when looking for a long-distance job. Consider joining a nationwide professional association in your industry. These organizations offer job search assistance to members and direct access to unadvertised openings in different parts of the country within the industry.

Social Media

The use of social media has enhanced the ability to research information and communicate with others remotely. Sites like Facebook and Twitter allow more people to communicate from other parts of the country. Developing a professional profile and a strategic business network through these sites can help enhance job prospects. People very often share information on who is hiring and what kinds of jobs may be available. Sites like Digg and Stumble upon may give news and information about employment in several locations.

Register With Employment Firms

It is a good idea to register with a national staffing firm, like Advance Temporary Services, to access openings across the country. Getting involved with the local office of a national company gives access to resources for openings throughout the country. Representatives should be aware that you are willing to relocate to assist your job search. Contacting recruiters and search firms in the areas of interest can give information about employment markets.

 

A long-distance job search can be challenging, but not impossible if you follow the above tips. Using the proper resources can make it easier.  Get a job start on your long-distance job search by working with the career experts at Advance Temporary Services today.

Pay Attention To Your Body Language: How Non-verbal Communication Can Make Or Break Your Interview

Did you know that it may be what you don’t say that makes an interview successful? It’s a fact that you can often learn more about a person from what they do not say.  How someone expresses themself non-verbally tells a lot about them. Facial features, posture, and eye-contact can reveal much about someone. People may not even realize this as it works on a subconscious level.

Non-verbal communication consists of physical characteristics and behavioral aspects of individuals that are communicated in face-to-face interactions. Perception is based on sensory action. Certain cues and messages can be sent based on how an individual acts without saying anything. This can be especially true when in a job interview situation — the most important part of the hiring process. Decisions on appointments can be made on just a short time in this meeting. Awareness of the proper non-verbal  prompts can make an impact.

In some cases, non-verbal actions can be a more reliable indicator of an applicant than verbal conversation. People may not be aware of their posture or demeanor. In a sense they let their guard down with these cues. Facial reactions to questions can tell a lot. A candidate who is slumping in their chair during a lengthy interview can indicate boredom and disinterest. Applicants should not underestimate how powerful non-verbal communication can be.

In order to have the best possible results, it is important to appear professional for the interview. First impressions are important in the interview. Making eye contact and the firmness of the grip in the initial handshake can say much about an applicant. These can be a mark of confidence  and self- assurance in a candidate.

Maintaining attention and interest are important aspects in the interview. When sitting during the interview, do not slouch or lean back. This may give the impression of being too relaxed. Sit up straight and lean forward slightly. Smile and nod to responses to show you understand what is being told to you. Listen and maintain interest.  Keep hands at your sides and avoid actions that may distract like parting hair or scratching your forehead.  Maintain eye contact throughout the interview.

Demeanor in non-verbal communication can be as important as actions. It is important to be calm and patient. Try to avoid perspiring even if you are nervous.  Try to mirror the tone and conduct of the interviewer. If your interviewer is friendly and casual, react in the same manner. If the interview feels serious and to the point, act the same way.

There is an old saying that the eyes are mirrors to the soul. The way we act through our actions says as much about us without even realizing it. Recognizing these features can help make an interview a success.

For more tips on successful interviewing, please be sure to visit Advance Temporary’s job seeker’s resources today!

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

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.