Job Seekers

Don’t Let an Interview Stump You! Prepare for These Difficult Questions You Might be Asked During an Interview

HMG Success on September 16, 2011

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You’ve sent off your resume and cover letter, anxiously awaiting that elusive call from a company you’ve always wanted to work for. Then the call comes, and you start getting butterflies thinking about the pending interview. Before you start daydreaming about your corner office, be prepared for your interview with answers to the difficult questions you may be asked.

What are your goals five years from now? This is becoming a more commonplace question with interviewers, but it still is a difficult one for most candidates to answer. This is the time to respond with a prepared, yet truthful answer. The best course of action is to let the interviewer know you are hoping to be in a position where you can manage more responsibilities alongside an efficient team, in a company that provides growth opportunities and a modern work environment.

Explain your relationship with your previous boss? While it can seem tempting to start trashing your previous supervisor, ignore the urge and keep things positive instead. No hiring managers want to hear negative things about the people you used to work for. That’s a big red flag and could cost you a great job. Instead, think of several things you enjoyed about working with your old boss and explain how this helped you grow as an individual.

Have you ever been terminated from a job? This can be a real “sticky wicket” as they say, but employers have the right to ask you this question. This question is generally triggered by frequent job changes, a job marked as termination on your application, or if you have recently lost a job. Don’t be afraid to answer with an honest answer here, as most recruiters will appreciate this. However, if you were let go due to violation of company policy, be sure to add in what you have learned from this lesson.

Why do you want to work for our company? While this question may seem a little bold, hiring managers use this to screen out people who are just looking for short-term work, or those who did not take the time to research the company a little before coming in to interview. Learn as much as you can about the company beforehand and respond with some ways you see yourself as a valuable addition to the corporate team.

What do you think is a fair salary for you? Answer with caution, as you can easily eliminate yourself by quoting too high, or lower your perceived value by saying a rate too low. Use your preparation time to research current salaries for the job you are interviewing for, and stick to that range. Make sure to emphasize your unique skills and credentials too.

And remember, breathe and make plenty of positive eye contact while you are interviewing. You’ll easily impress the hiring manager and get offered a great new job!

If you need more support with finding a great career or you want more interview preparation tips, be sure to visit Advance Temporary Services today!

Turn Temporary Assignments into Permanent Positions

HMG Success on August 31, 2011

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Looking for a permanent position with a great company? Try temporary staffing assignments! There are many reasons why you will want to consider accepting temporary work while you search for a more stable career option. In an effort to cut costs, many more companies are turning to temporary workers to maintain productivity, without the long-term commitment until the economy picks up. At this point, temps will be in the prime spot to be offered perm positions. A recent article in USA Today indicated that as many as 5% of new positions with big firms will be temporary assignments while the economy recovers.

Staffing agencies abound with many part time and full time temporary assignments that can help you stay abreast of career openings, give you plenty of real work experience and provide a nice income while you search for the perfect career. Here are some ways to turn temporary jobs into permanent roles.

Communicate your desire for permanent placement. One of the best ways to position yourself for a permanent opportunity is to speak up and let your staffing representative know. Since there are many candidates who are happy to work for a temporary time frame, recruiters do not automatically know that you are looking for more permanent placement. Never assume that your temp job will become a perm one. Communicate and often that you want a long-term job and most likely you will be thought of when the contract is up.

Become part of the corporate culture fast. A great way to land yourself a full time permanent assignment from a temporary work arrangement is to blend into the company culture that you are working in. Get to know as many people at the company as you can, offer to take on more responsibilities, and learn what makes the company tick. Take the mission statement on as your personal motto and become the go-to person in your area of expertise. Then when your contract comes up for renewal, you will already be a valuable part of the team the company will want to keep on board.

Respect your temporary assignment. From your very first day onward, be sure to follow the rules at your temporary assignment for the best chances of getting hired on. This means, showing up for work on time every shift, dressing for success, and following all instructions as given. Don’t try to test the waters early on, rather get to know the people you will be working with by observing and asking plenty of relevant questions. Show interest and pride in your work daily. Treat all others with respect, especially customers. You want to be remembered for your positive qualities if you want to get hired permanently.

Keep learning new skills. Being a temporary worker means being in the best possible position to learn all you can about new things. Take this time to learn as much as you can about your role, the industry you are working in, and the people you work for. Take classes in any area you may feel weak in as many staffing companies offer additional training opportunities both online and in the office. Seek out mentors and earn insight from more experienced employees. The more you know, the more valuable you will be when it comes time to hire people.

Need more career tips and access to great temporary assignments to launch your career? Please feel free to explore our Job Seeker’s portal at Advance Staffing Solutions today.

How a Staffing Company Can Help You Stand Out to Employers Who Overlook Unemployed Candidates

HMG Success on August 13, 2011

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Unfortunately, it’s a phenomenon that some recruiters rule out potential employees that are currently without a job. While it may not seem fair, it’s a common school of thought in the world of human resources. There are several reasons for this practice, that may include the misguided ideas that unemployed people may not seem as “reliable”. There can also be an assumption that candidates are unemployed for good reason.

These attitudes make landing a job difficult for anyone who has been unemployed for any length of time. However, there are ways around this issue. With the help of the right staffing company, you can find potential employers that will look past your unemployment all together. They will work with you to find a job that is a perfect fit. With the economy the way it is it can be difficult to stand out to employers, especially if you are currently without a job.

Here are ways a staffing company can help you find a job, even if you have been unemployed for a while.

Free Training

Several staffing companies will pay for training. This will definitely help potential employees look past you being unemployed. Many jobs will require a certain amount of training or knowledge before they will even consider a candidate. If you held a similar job with a staffing agency you already have the training and some experience under your belt. This automatically puts you ahead of those without the skills. If a permanent positions open at a company that you are currently doing temp work for you will be considered over applicants with no experience, so this works to your advantage as well.

Use as Reference

If needed, you can use your staffing company as a reference. Instead of leaving a time period open on your resume you have the staffing agency information. Even if you worked several temporary jobs, if they were all with the same staffing company you have a single entry for that time period. If you performed multiple tasks with the staffing company this can be included as well. Not only do you get out of having to leave an area open on your resume, you’ll have a professional reference to back up the work period.

Shows Willingness to Work

The problem that a lot of employers have with unemployed potential employees is whether or not they are willing to work. However, when you are working with a staffing company it shows you are working towards getting a job. This initiative is often enough of a boost for the potential employer to look past any periods of unemployment. If you were willing to do what you needed to do to stay afloat you’ll be light years ahead of other applicants that were unemployed for any length of time.

Works to Find You a Good Fit

One of the best things about a staffing company is they know how to find you the job that you want. While they have a lot of temp jobs there are permanent jobs available you can get through a staffing company. Because they focus primarily on finding you a good fit a potential employer will focus more on your credentials and experience rather than whether or not you have a job already. When you go searching by yourself for any job you can find employers are more likely to focus on your lack of employment. A staffing company knows what each potential employer wants in their staff and will therefore have the ability to direct the employer’s attention towards your strengths.

Not as Picky

When it comes down to it, an employer that is using a staffing company is ready for some help. This means they will be less likely to worry about a potential employee’s lack of current employment. They will take you more seriously as an applicant when you were sent to them by a company they are working with to find employees. There usually isn’t an interview process since they are relying on the staffing agency to take care of this part for them.

Need help finding a suitable work assignment to escape unemployment? Contact Advance Staffing Solutions today and get started in a great new career!

For Candidates: Temping Dos and Don’ts

HMG Success on July 27, 2011

Becoming a temporary worker can be an ideal solution for candidates who are either unable to find a permanent position or for those who are “trying on” jobs before settling on a specific career. Temporary workers can enjoy above average wages, flexible work hours and a wide variety of different tasks to be found at each assignment. Additionally, many companies choose to keep down hiring costs by only hiring candidates through temporary staffing agencies.

There are some temping dos and don’ts for handling this correctly so that it will be a positive experience for all. Here are some tips for temping the right way.

Do – Apply to the Best Temporary Staffing Agencies

It’s always a good idea to have several options in your employment by registering for work with several quality temporary staffing agencies, such as Advance Staffing Solutions. That’s because the best staffing companies are contacted by upper level companies and can offer a wider variety of assignments at higher pay scales. The larger staffing companies take the time to get to know you, your needs to match you up with the best assignment. They also very often offer employee benefits and bonus programs.

Don’t – Go Overboard and Register for Every Employment Agency in Town

You may think you should apply everywhere, but this will backfire. This is because you may find yourself being offered below average wages by staffing companies that don’t have a solid reputation in the business. Remember that the smaller agencies are usually competing with each other for business and so they will take any and all assignments to try to place people in roles that they may not be 100% suitable for. You could find yourself in an assignment you don’t like with little pay going this route.

Do – Keep in Touch with Your Agent at the Temporary Services Company

The person to whom you will be reporting to, as a temporary worker can be your best ally if you know how and when to communicate. Be sure to touch base with your agent at least once per week, and always respond quickly to phone calls or emails for the best chance of getting great assignments. If your personal information or work status changes, be courteous and let your agent know as soon as possible.

Don’t – Call Your Agent Daily To Nag Them for Work

This tactic has been used in the past by ill-fated temporary workers. If you call your temporary agent daily, all you do is annoy them and you most likely will never get called for an assignment, Remember that you are not the only person looking for work and that for every minute you are on the phone trying to make the recruiter feel guilty about your lack of work could be a minute spent contacting companies looking for more assignments. Be kind and respect the time of the recruiter you are working with.

Do – Arrive at Your Assignment on Time, Dressed and Ready for Work

This is actually a grave mistake that new temporary workers have made. The key to being successful in a temp job is to show up for work at the agreed upon time, in fact be early for your shift! Make sure you find out what the dress code of the assignment calls for, whether it is business casual or steel toes boots. Be dressed and ready to work on the morning of your assignment. Have your notebook and pen ready to take notes, and leave the personal business behind when you get to the temp assignment.

Don’t – Lie About Your Background

The vast majority of temporary staffing agencies make a concerted effort to always check the background of all of their candidates. This can mean checking past work references, educational and training credentials, and running a criminal background check and drug test. If you think you can get an assignment by not revealing something shameful in your past, think again. Lying will not only waste the recruiter’s time, it can also cost you in the form of background and drug test fees which some agencies are passing along to candidates who try to fool them.

Do – Take Advantage of the Training and Resources at the Staffing Company

Along with placing candidates into rewarding temporary assignments, many staffing companies offer a wide range of other training and information services for job seekers. This is to help candidates to put their best foot forward, to brush up on work skills and ace interviews. Some agencies even offer resume and cover letter help, skills testing and job search counseling. Take advantage of these services and you will be more successful in your job search.

If you would like to learn more about great temporary assignments, be sure to visit the Job Seekers portal we offer at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

5 Types of People Who Might be Interviewing You, and How to Prepare

HMG Success on July 9, 2011

If the big interview day is coming up, you are likely preparing to meet the person who may be deciding if you will be a good fit for the company. While this can be a nerve-wracking time, it can also be an opportunity to get inside the minds of the interviewers to gain the best possible advantage. It’s easy to do this when you understand the 5 types of people who might be interviewing you. Let’s review who these people are and how you can prepare.

The Recruiter

Most often, when interviewing for a new job, you will generally meet with a recruiter first. This is either someone who works in an entry level screening position within a large human resources department or someone who has been contracted with to seek out quality job candidates. Recruiters can be intimidating, especially if they are “jaded” by meeting so many people. However, they can also work in your favor if you understand the goals of an interview at this stage in the game.

Even in this initial interview, you can be fairly certain that you’ve been called in for an interview because you meet the minimum requirements of the open assignment. After combing through hundreds of resumes on job boards all day, a recruiter will be pleased to find a handful of people who have the right work skills, employment backgrounds and education level for the job. Win this person over by pointing out how you are the best match for the assignment, and your recruiter will be your biggest cheerleader. This is because recruiter success (and their paycheck) is measured by the number of placements they make.

The Replacement

When you are interviewing for a job with a company that is going through “transitions”, it’s very likely that you will be meeting with the person who you may be replacing or someone who is moving on to bigger things. Tread carefully and present your best side when meeting with someone like this. You will be judged for not only your credentials, but also for how well you may fit in with the rest of the team.

A good way to handle an interviewer with a possible replacement role is to develop report as soon as possible in the conversation. Try to match your body language and your verbal responses with those of the interviewer. Make plenty of direct eye contact and keep the conversation positive with the interviewer. Finding a common ground with this person will help convince him or her that you will be a good addition to the existing network of professionals.

The Gatekeeper

This can be a tough person to impress, because the “gatekeeper” is usually someone who doesn’t appreciate change or new people in general. However, companies oftentimes use gatekeepers to further screen out job candidates during the second or third wave of interviews, or in group interviews as a type of “control” measure.

To succeed in an interview with those who are acting as gatekeepers, use plenty of positive verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Listen very carefully to what is being asked throughout the interview and answer succinctly and professionally, while noticing queues from the interviewer. Make sure to convey how your skills will benefit the company for the best results.

The Department Head

Regardless of what you may think, interviewing with the head of a department is not always as stress-inducing as you may expect. However, don’t let this fool you. The department head is going to try everything possible to get to the bottom of who you are and how your skills can help the company to achieve important goals by hiring you. This is when all the sales skills you have ever learned must be employed.

You can ace this type of interview situation by doing your research about the company before the meeting day. Spend a nice chunk of time on the corporate website, look for industry articles and information about the types of clients the company has. Use this information to answer and ask questions during the interview to really impress the department head.

The Top Chief

Think meeting the big boss is a scary thing? Think again. If you have reached this point in the interview process, even if it’s a casual greeting in the hallway on the way in, you have already met much of the criteria the company is looking for. If you didn’t have what it takes, there’s no way the recruiter or secretary would even let you meet the top chief in the first place. But don’t get too cocky. You still have work to do to impress your future boss.

In order to succeed in an interview with the head of the company, you must be able to demonstrate several things. These include a go-getter attitude, a record of progression in your career history, and an ability to adapt to the needs of the new company. Keep these aspects in mind as you talk with the owner of the company and you will find a common ground, which will help you land a great new job.

Advance Temporary Services helps candidates put their very best foot forward with candidate resources and support. Find out more by visiting our candidate resource center today!

Enhance your resume by volunteering

HMG Success on May 19, 2011

Interning isn’t just for college kids anymore. In today’s workforce, time between jobs can be turned to your advantage if you hone your skills or develop new ones, by volunteering. True, you won’t get college credit (or a salary) but the benefits include some valuable ones:

Learn New Skills: Perhaps your old job as a Marketing Copywriter only required you to write the texts to company brochures. Volunteering at an internet company gives you a chance to learn graphic design, web content management, and keyword analytics. These skills will expand your opportunities when you next apply for a position in your field.

Try A New Field: Maybe you’ve always wanted to use that degree in History you earned? Volunteer as a docent at a museum and perhaps you can parlay it into a paid guide position. Or act as a playground aid at a local park and use the experience to get a job on the staff of that new daycare center that is opening near you.

Make Contact: Networking shouldn’t be confined to just Chamber of Commerce meetings or job fairs. Let everyone you know–and those you meet volunteering–that you are actively looking for a job. Be ready to give them a short spiel about what you’ve done (and can do) and don’t forget to hand out those business cards.

See the World: Organizations in this country and the world over offer volunteers real-life experiences (some expense paid, some fee-based) in teaching, healthcare, management, agriculture and many other fields that provide talking points for that big interview with a global company.

Fill Your Day: Rather than hanging around the house in your pajamas, get up, get dressed, have somewhere to be (and on time). Keep from getting rusty. Spend only part of every day sending resumes and the rest swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity.

Be An Object In Motion: That adage about staying in motion applies to job seekers, too. When the interviewer asks, “What have you been doing?” you need a better answer than just “looking for a job.”

Do A Little Good: Volunteering at a blood bank might let you hear about not-yet-announced openings at the hospital and helping stuff envelopes at the Humane Society might get you an administrative position at a veterinary office. Such work is also good for keeping your spirits up.

Make every day a good day by helping others while you look for your next job and let the professionals at Advance Staffing Solutions help make that time go by quickly.