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4 Ways to Tell if You’re Not Getting the Customer Service Job

Raza Rauf on July 3, 2017

 

While it’s wise to always be optimistic during your customer service job search, not every opportunity is going to result in an offer. In an ideal world, the company or hiring manager will clearly let you know when you aren’t going to be selected, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, they choose not to reach out to every applicant regarding the status, or they just prefer to avoid the awkward conversation about the decision.

However, even when you aren’t explicitly told “no,” there are often signs that it is time to pursue other positions. Here are four ways to tell you’re not getting the customer service job.

1. The Disappearing Act

If the hiring manager was previously highly accessible and then suddenly won’t return your calls, it’s a sign that they are no longer pursuing you for the position. While it can be frustrating, the change in behavior is often caused by their priorities, such as filling the position. If they don’t think you’re the right fit, then they have likely turned their attention to evaluating other candidates and may not extend the courtesy of letting you know.

2. Contradicting Statements

Sometimes, a hiring manager, after failing to follow up in a timely manner, will provide an excuse for their sudden absence, like an illness. However, a check on their social media feed or other information source doesn’t match up to their story. When that happens, it’s best to assume that they are no longer interested in you as a candidate and just don’t have the nerve to tell you directly.

3. Constant Interruptions

Even if you do get the hiring manager on the phone, that doesn’t mean they are set to move forward with you. If there always seems to be an urgent manner that has them jumping off the phone when you call, it could be an indication that something else is happening. While everyone has an emergency from time to time, repeated instances suggest they are trying to avoid the conversation, which is often a sign they are no longer interested.

4. Evaluating Other Candidates

While there may be other interviews already scheduled after yours, actually hearing that the hiring manager “wants” to meet with other candidates first typically doesn’t bode well. Generally, if they think you’re a great fit for the position, they won’t say they “want” to see other applicants. That particular word suggests something isn’t sitting right with the interviewer and that they think that can find someone more suitable. While it isn’t a guarantee you’re out of the running, consider it an open invitation to continue your search.

If you are interested in pursuing a new customer service job, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you find the right position for you. Schedule an appointment to speak with one of our recruiters and see how our services can move your job search forward.

 

 

June is National Safety Month …

HMG Success on June 1, 2017

11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping …  Click here

We are trying to work to raise awareness of what it takes to keep each other safe. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities.

June is National Safety Month …

Raza Rauf on June 1, 2017

11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping …  Click here

We are trying to work to raise awareness of what it takes to keep each other safe. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities.

Why Happier Job Seekers Are Successful Job Seekers

HMG Success on May 22, 2017

 

While there is no guarantee that success can breed happiness, happiness often leads to success. And when it comes to finding a new position, happy job seekers have a leg up on the competition. But why does being happy make it easier to find a new job? Here are just a few of the ways it can make a difference.

Focused on Goals

People who are happier often have an easier time focusing on their goals. It could be that their optimism about the future that helps them move forward, and may even make the idea of taking a risk feel less intimidating. Regardless of the reason, understanding your goals and making active strides towards reaching them can make you a happier job seeker while also making the entire process feel like an opportunity instead of a challenge.

Understanding Their Strengths

People who describe themselves as happy often have a solid idea regarding their strengths. And, when it comes to finding a new job, knowing what you have to offer can make the task feel easier. It also gives them a sense of confidence in what they have to offer, and confidence can make a great impression on hiring managers during interviews.

In some cases, happy job seekers will also see a new position as an opportunity to do more of what they enjoy, making the idea of landing something new even more enticing. When you are excited about what a prospect has to offer, it often shows when you are invited to interview as well.

Making Connections

A new job means a chance to meet new people, build a stronger network, and even make new friends. For people who consider themselves to be happy, the idea of expanding their social connections can be just as exciting as the job itself. This means the entire process has more to offer than a new workplace or potential pay raise; it actually has the ability to make positive changes in other areas of their life as well.

Shaping Their Lives

Being a happy job seeker means you see a position as more than just a chance to earn more money, but a chance to shape their lives into something better. They often have a better understanding of everything an opportunity has to offer and how it fits into the bigger picture of their current situation and potentially their future. The idea of building a more fulfilling life can be enticing on its own, but a happier person may be more likely to see that part of the opportunity than another.

If you are interested in exploring a new job opportunity, The Advance Group has experience helping other job seekers find their ideal position. Contact us today to see how our services can work for you.

 

 

Why Happier Job Seekers Are Successful Job Seekers

Raza Rauf on May 22, 2017

 

While there is no guarantee that success can breed happiness, happiness often leads to success. And when it comes to finding a new position, happy job seekers have a leg up on the competition. But why does being happy make it easier to find a new job? Here are just a few of the ways it can make a difference.

Focused on Goals

People who are happier often have an easier time focusing on their goals. It could be that their optimism about the future that helps them move forward, and may even make the idea of taking a risk feel less intimidating. Regardless of the reason, understanding your goals and making active strides towards reaching them can make you a happier job seeker while also making the entire process feel like an opportunity instead of a challenge.

Understanding Their Strengths

People who describe themselves as happy often have a solid idea regarding their strengths. And, when it comes to finding a new job, knowing what you have to offer can make the task feel easier. It also gives them a sense of confidence in what they have to offer, and confidence can make a great impression on hiring managers during interviews.

In some cases, happy job seekers will also see a new position as an opportunity to do more of what they enjoy, making the idea of landing something new even more enticing. When you are excited about what a prospect has to offer, it often shows when you are invited to interview as well.

Making Connections

A new job means a chance to meet new people, build a stronger network, and even make new friends. For people who consider themselves to be happy, the idea of expanding their social connections can be just as exciting as the job itself. This means the entire process has more to offer than a new workplace or potential pay raise; it actually has the ability to make positive changes in other areas of their life as well.

Shaping Their Lives

Being a happy job seeker means you see a position as more than just a chance to earn more money, but a chance to shape their lives into something better. They often have a better understanding of everything an opportunity has to offer and how it fits into the bigger picture of their current situation and potentially their future. The idea of building a more fulfilling life can be enticing on its own, but a happier person may be more likely to see that part of the opportunity than another.

If you are interested in exploring a new job opportunity, The Advance Group has experience helping other job seekers find their ideal position. Contact us today to see how our services can work for you.

 

 

Want to Find a Management Position? Use These Tips to Move On Up

HMG Success on May 19, 2017

 

Every leader has one thing in common, at one point they were in a management position for the first time.  But breaking into the leadership ranks isn’t always easy. Often, companies prefer to hire people into these positions who already have management experience, making it hard for those hoping to make a move up.

However, there are certain things you can do to help improve your odds of finding that management position for which you are looking. To help you on your way, here are some tips you can use today.

Become a Top Performer

If you want a chance to lead, then you need to show you can do your current job well. While you don’t have to be the absolute best at your position, you do need to demonstrate competence and reliability. This means you need to give your duties your all, meeting your deadlines and handling your responsibilities. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a positive attitude about your tasks, even if they aren’t your favorite activities to do.

Learn About the Job

Many employees don’t have a full grasp on what their managers actually do during their day. While you might not be able to find out all of the information, learning as much as you can about being part of a leadership team in the company will help you prepare to take the leap. Observe the activities of the managers working around you and take the time to read some books on subjects like management and leadership. And, if you have the opportunity to talk to a manager directly about what they do, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.

Get Involved

Getting a chance to become a manager often requires going above and beyond your standard duties. Leaders are often responsible for significant amounts of planning, so finding opportunities to get involved in this area can help you establish yourself as a management candidate. See if your manager could use a hand organizing information or collecting data for a project or join any internal planning committees within your organization.

If there aren’t any opportunities available in your company, consider looking for volunteer positions with local non-profits. You may have the chance to function in a leadership role with one of these organizations, giving you the experience you need to find a position at your job down the road.

Ask for It

Most people aren’t promoted into management spontaneously. Instead, they apply for positions and ask for opportunities. If you are interested in moving up in your current company, talk to your manager about your goals. Then they will know you are interested and can help you gain the experience you need along the way. And, when a position comes available, they may be more likely to think of you.

If you are interested in management opportunities outside of your current company, The Advance Group can help you explore options in your area. Contact us to speak about your career goals today and see how our services can get you there.

 

 

Want to Find a Management Position? Use These Tips to Move On Up

Raza Rauf on May 19, 2017

 

Every leader has one thing in common, at one point they were in a management position for the first time.  But breaking into the leadership ranks isn’t always easy. Often, companies prefer to hire people into these positions who already have management experience, making it hard for those hoping to make a move up.

However, there are certain things you can do to help improve your odds of finding that management position for which you are looking. To help you on your way, here are some tips you can use today.

Become a Top Performer

If you want a chance to lead, then you need to show you can do your current job well. While you don’t have to be the absolute best at your position, you do need to demonstrate competence and reliability. This means you need to give your duties your all, meeting your deadlines and handling your responsibilities. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a positive attitude about your tasks, even if they aren’t your favorite activities to do.

Learn About the Job

Many employees don’t have a full grasp on what their managers actually do during their day. While you might not be able to find out all of the information, learning as much as you can about being part of a leadership team in the company will help you prepare to take the leap. Observe the activities of the managers working around you and take the time to read some books on subjects like management and leadership. And, if you have the opportunity to talk to a manager directly about what they do, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.

Get Involved

Getting a chance to become a manager often requires going above and beyond your standard duties. Leaders are often responsible for significant amounts of planning, so finding opportunities to get involved in this area can help you establish yourself as a management candidate. See if your manager could use a hand organizing information or collecting data for a project or join any internal planning committees within your organization.

If there aren’t any opportunities available in your company, consider looking for volunteer positions with local non-profits. You may have the chance to function in a leadership role with one of these organizations, giving you the experience you need to find a position at your job down the road.

Ask for It

Most people aren’t promoted into management spontaneously. Instead, they apply for positions and ask for opportunities. If you are interested in moving up in your current company, talk to your manager about your goals. Then they will know you are interested and can help you gain the experience you need along the way. And, when a position comes available, they may be more likely to think of you.

If you are interested in management opportunities outside of your current company, The Advance Group can help you explore options in your area. Contact us to speak about your career goals today and see how our services can get you there.

 

 

How to Decide If Someone Is a Strong Career Reference

HMG Success on May 8, 2017

 

Choosing whom to list as employment references is a critical part of the job application process and often requires more thought than some job seekers realize. You are relying on these individuals to present you in a favorable light, so you don’t want to list people haphazardly. This means evaluating each potential reference to determine if they are actually someone you should list or if you should move on to someone else. To help weigh your options more effectively, here are some tips for deciding if someone is actually a strong career reference for you.

When You Were Last in Contact

When it comes to references, the more recently you worked with the person, the better. This ensures they can speak towards your skills and abilities today, and not just what you were like earlier in your career. They can also attest to you being up-to-date in regards to industry knowledge as well as associated technologies.

However, if you do need to choose a reference from a prior experience, it is important that you are certain they are comfortable with the task. If you haven’t been in contact for some time, you will want to reconnect prior to requesting they act as a reference. That way, you can make sure your relationship is sound and that they will provide the kind of information you want the hiring manager to hear.

Your Current Relationship

As mentioned above, choosing someone with whom you haven’t had recent contact isn’t ideal. Typically, you will want to reestablish the relationship before asking them to act as a reference. However, if you are considering requesting a reference from someone you don’t know or don’t know well, it is best to reconsider.

Someone who isn’t overly familiar with your work may be challenged when it comes to answering the kinds of questions a hiring manager may ask. And, if they are forced to use generalities and can’t provide examples, it can leave the hiring manager concerned you don’t have stronger references to offer.

You also want to avoid a purely personal reference, unless one is specifically requested. Generally, you need to list people with whom you’ve worked. This can be based on traditional employment, volunteer experiences, or even as students as long as you actually worked together in some capacity. Otherwise, their ability to speak to your skills and abilities in that capacity could be lacking.

Their Reputation

When considering a person who works at your target company to be a reference, then their reputation is a factor. If they aren’t well respected in the workplace, them speaking on your behalf may actually do more harm than good. While you might not know the details of their reputation, you can often make an intelligent guess. If they talk about work in a negative light, have stories about confrontational events, or generally complain, then they might not be the ideal reference.

If you are looking for more tips about choosing references or about new job opportunities in your field, The Advance Group can help. Contact us today and see what our services have to offer.

 

 

How to Decide If Someone Is a Strong Career Reference

Raza Rauf on May 8, 2017

 

Choosing whom to list as employment references is a critical part of the job application process and often requires more thought than some job seekers realize. You are relying on these individuals to present you in a favorable light, so you don’t want to list people haphazardly. This means evaluating each potential reference to determine if they are actually someone you should list or if you should move on to someone else. To help weigh your options more effectively, here are some tips for deciding if someone is actually a strong career reference for you.

When You Were Last in Contact

When it comes to references, the more recently you worked with the person, the better. This ensures they can speak towards your skills and abilities today, and not just what you were like earlier in your career. They can also attest to you being up-to-date in regards to industry knowledge as well as associated technologies.

However, if you do need to choose a reference from a prior experience, it is important that you are certain they are comfortable with the task. If you haven’t been in contact for some time, you will want to reconnect prior to requesting they act as a reference. That way, you can make sure your relationship is sound and that they will provide the kind of information you want the hiring manager to hear.

Your Current Relationship

As mentioned above, choosing someone with whom you haven’t had recent contact isn’t ideal. Typically, you will want to reestablish the relationship before asking them to act as a reference. However, if you are considering requesting a reference from someone you don’t know or don’t know well, it is best to reconsider.

Someone who isn’t overly familiar with your work may be challenged when it comes to answering the kinds of questions a hiring manager may ask. And, if they are forced to use generalities and can’t provide examples, it can leave the hiring manager concerned you don’t have stronger references to offer.

You also want to avoid a purely personal reference, unless one is specifically requested. Generally, you need to list people with whom you’ve worked. This can be based on traditional employment, volunteer experiences, or even as students as long as you actually worked together in some capacity. Otherwise, their ability to speak to your skills and abilities in that capacity could be lacking.

Their Reputation

When considering a person who works at your target company to be a reference, then their reputation is a factor. If they aren’t well respected in the workplace, them speaking on your behalf may actually do more harm than good. While you might not know the details of their reputation, you can often make an intelligent guess. If they talk about work in a negative light, have stories about confrontational events, or generally complain, then they might not be the ideal reference.

If you are looking for more tips about choosing references or about new job opportunities in your field, The Advance Group can help. Contact us today and see what our services have to offer.

 

 

Don’t Let These Phrases Ruin Your Job Interview

Raza Rauf on May 5, 2017

 

It isn’t easy to sit across from a hiring manager and talk about your experience. Often, you have a variety of talking points you’ve reviewed in advance that you are trying to remember while also being ready to answer any question that wasn’t as expected. Add to that at least a bit of nervousness, and it’s easy to see how some things might not go to plan.

However, there are certain phrases that can take you from being a top candidate to quickly being passed over. So, the next time you find yourself in the hot seat, make sure you don’t let these ruin your job interview.

“I don’t see myself here long-term.”

Regardless of where you see yourself in the next few years, you never want to give the impression that this job is just a quick stopping point along your career path. The hiring manager is looking at you as a potential investment, in time, money, and even training. Suggesting you won’t be around long enough for them to benefit from their investment is an easy way to get passed over.

Even if you don’t intend to stay for long, it is best to keep that information to yourself. Additionally, the position may offer the potential for future growth which does fit into your long-term planning, meaning you’ll have blown a great opportunity right out of the gate.

“Can you tell me what this company does?”

Anyone can get basic information on what a company does with some basic internet-based research. Failing to get these details on your own suggests you aren’t as interested in the company as you claim to be. Before going into an interview, look through the organization’s website and get an overview. Then, if you want more details, phrase the question in a way that suggests you understand the basics but want to dig deeper. That approach can actually work in your favor, instead of to your detriment.

“What are the important skills for this position?”

This is another area that should be researched prior to the interview and not during. The more critical skills will be outlined in the job announcement, and asking about them suggests you didn’t really read through the posting. However, if the advertisement was fairly general, it is appropriate to ask more targeted questions to fill in the gaps, such as those related to the kinds of projects one could expect to encounter or what an average day in the position entails.

“Can you tell me about the salary?”

While salary is an important topic to cover before accepting a position, it is inappropriate to broach the subject during the initial interview. If you are deemed to be a top candidate, and an offer is potentially in the future, the company will likely start this conversation as part of the process. However, if you ask the question too early, it can make it appear that the only thing that matters to you is the money.

“I don’t have any questions.”

Most interviews end with the opportunity to ask questions. In reality, this opportunity is actually a reflection of an expectation to do so. Not having any questions may look as though you aren’t as interested in the position since you aren’t looking to learn anything additional. Instead of letting this moment pass you by, take it as an invitation to explore areas about which you are curious including those associated with the specifics of job duties, work environment, or the team.

By properly preparing for an interview and avoiding some of the phrases above, you can position yourself to be more successful along the way. If you are looking for more tips or are exploring new job opportunities, The Advance Group can help you keep your career moving forward. Contact us to speak about your employment goals today.

 

 

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