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Congrats, You Graduated! Now It’s Time to Start Your Job Search

Raza Rauf on July 10, 2017

 

Congratulations! You did it; you finished college, and that is a major milestone. But now comes a new challenge, beginning your job search. While it can be tempting to consider postponing this next step and take a summer off before joining the professional workforce, now is actually the best time to get started with moving forward, if you haven’t already.

Why You Need to Start Now

While you might not want to feel this sort of pressure after completing years of studying and tests, taking time off before you start applying to jobs can actually hurt your chances. Employers like to see enthusiasm, and many companies are expecting an increase in applicants with each new graduation class (and some even plan to add positions as the newest graduates look for opportunities), so getting your resume in the running is often your best bet.

Sitting back and waiting means you could miss out on jobs designed specifically for those who’ve recently obtained a degree. As mentioned before, many large businesses look forward to the graduation season because it means an influx of new and eager talent is on the way. In some cases, they even plan their hiring based on the consistency of when students graduate, so you might not see the same number of open entry-level positions at any other time of year. So, take advantage of their excitement about new additions to the workforce and make sure to throw your hat in the ring.

How to Craft Your Resume

As a new graduate, the strongest part of your background is likely your education. That means you should highlight your education over jobs that aren’t necessarily relevant to the field you are trying to pursue. Make sure the information about your degree is placed high on the page and highlight any particularly relevant skills you acquired along the way, like specialized software, equipment, or similar experiences.

You can also include details about various work performed while in school. Internships, class projects, and practicums can all be treated similarly to regular previous employment listings and can help demonstrate that you’ve used some of your newly acquired skills in ways that directly relate to how they are applied in the working world. Volunteer work can also be listed, including participation in certain school organizations.

If you’ve had a job before, even if it doesn’t directly tie into your new career, you still want to add that information to your resume. However, it is important that the right details are in place. For jobs that aren’t specific to your target field, avoid over-describing your day-to-day responsibilities. Instead, focus on soft skill areas, like leadership and communication, and any tasks that clearly provide value to potential employers.

Once you’ve crafted your starting resume, make sure to customize it for each position to which you are applying by including relevant keywords and highlighting skills that match job descriptions. This ensures your resume is targeted to the job and can increase your odds of getting called in for an interview.

If you would like assistance during your post-college job search, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you find the right opportunities. Contact us to schedule time with one of your recruiters and see how our services can connect you with top employers in the area.

 

 

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 …

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

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

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

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.

 

 

Want a New Job? Start Building Your Personal Confidence

Raza Rauf on April 21, 2017

 

It seems like some people are just born confident; they move in and out of stressful situations, such as getting a new job, with relative ease. Sometimes that leaves the rest of us feeling as though we are lacking. But, just because not everyone is gifted with that level of confidence, that doesn’t mean it isn’t attainable.

For those of us not blessed with naturally high self confidence, it is important to realize you can learn that trait. Gaining confidence can be treated just like developing any other skills; with time, attention, and effort you can make improvements. So, if you think more confidence is just the thing you need to make landing a new job a reality, here are some tips to get you on your way.

Accept Yourself as You Are

A key to feeling confident is simply accepting who you are as a person, flaws and all. No one has a led a perfect life, but trying to hide facets of yourself from those around you can actually reinforce insecurities even if no one else knows they are there.

Instead, understand your journey through life has brought you to where you are today. And that makes every step along the way valuable. Consider how each mistake gave you a chance to learn, and how they have made you a stronger, more well-rounded individual. Then, embrace each idiosyncrasy for what it is; something that makes you special.

Get Uncomfortable

You can’t practice confidence if you never break from your routine. Often, to find opportunities to be confident you need to push yourself into something that scares you a bit. Understanding you can face a challenge and make it to the other side can be a key to a more confident you, so find ways to integrate more of those opportunities into your life.

Give new activities a try, even if it is only once, and don’t shy away from a challenge. As you become more aware of your true capabilities, you may find your confidence building naturally.

Be (Tactfully) Honest

Sometimes the easiest way to get past an insecurity is to acknowledge it is there. Giving yourself a chance to give that feeling its due opens the door to move beyond it. So, don’t try to push an insecurity down deeper into yourself. Instead, allow it to have a moment in the spotlight and then let it go.

It is important that this technique requires some tact. For example, you don’t necessarily want to announce your nervousness to a hiring manager during an interview as this may not reflect well on you after the fact. But, you can air out your concern when you are sitting in your car before you go in.

So, the next time you feel nerves building up before a big interview, consider giving a friend, family member, or even the recruiter who helped you get the interview a quick call. In fact, you might even want to set up a quick dialogue before your interview date. You can let them know how you are feeling and they can help you remind yourself about all of the reasons you have to be confident. Then, you can go into the interview with your head held high.

If you are interested in exploring new job opportunities, the recruiters at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us and see what may be available in your area today.

 

 

Don’t Let Co-Workers Ruin Your Workday

Raza Rauf on April 14, 2017

 

A workplace is a mix of individual personalities all trying to coexist in a single space. Sometimes, that means being around people who occasionally (or constantly) rub you the wrong way. But just because they aren’t your favorite people in the world, that doesn’t mean you have to let a poor interaction ruin your day or even your hour. There are ways to relieve the stress associated with an environment filled with people who don’t always see eye to eye. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some tips to help you reclaim your day.

You Can’t Change Them, But You Can Change Your Reaction

One of the most empowering things to understand is that, even if you can’t change anything about an interaction, you can change how you react to it. Instead of letting a small annoyance build up internal stress, simply aim to see the conversation for what it is: A brief moment of your day. You don’t have to let it take over your thoughts for the next few hours, or even the next few minutes. Just let it go and move on.

Besides, would you really want to give them so much power over you they can destroy your workday by simply speaking? If your answer is no, let it go and move on.

Find What You Do Like

Another important thing to realize is not everyone is going to get along; that’s simply a fact of life. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone can’t offer something positive even if you typically don’t have much in common.

Instead of focusing on the negative parts of the relationship, consider actively noticing the positive. Over time, you may be able to condition yourself to notice the challenging parts of the interactions less and the positive portions more. You may even build a fairly strong working relationship and a general rapport. In the end, that will make every workday more enjoyable knowing that, even if you wouldn’t traditionally choose to converse with them, you can when the job requires it.

Consider Starting a Conversation About It

Sometimes people simply aren’t aware that their habits disturb those around them. For example, a co-worker who is always using speaker phone or barges into your workspace for a chat even if you are busy might not actually know they are bothering you. Instead of letting the stress build up, consider expressing your frustrations in a constructive way. Additionally, make sure to offer solutions and not just complain about the problem.

For example, for a co-worker who interrupts your work, consider agreeing on a signal that lets them know when you are or are not available for a chat. That way you can create a system that works for you both without expressly placing blame.

Consider Moving On

In some cases, there isn’t much that can be done to manage a negative relationship. In cases where your best efforts aren’t yielding results, or the environment has gone from challenging to toxic, it could be time to look for new employment opportunities in your field. If you are interested in exploring new job option in your area, the professionals at The Advance Group are here to help. Contact us to see what is available in your field today and see if a new workplace is exactly what you need to get the joy back in your day.

 

 

Start Landing More Interviews Now!

Raza Rauf on March 31, 2017

 

Often, the first real step to getting a new position is to land an interview, and that relies heavily on the impression left by your resume. Whether you are just beginning your job hunt or are in the middle of your search, making a few tweaks to your resume can help increase your odds of getting called in for the next hiring step.

So, before you send that next resume out the door, consider these tips for getting noticed for all the right reasons.

Keep Formatting Simple

Unless you are looking for a position in a particularly creative field like graphic design, you are better served by keeping your formatting simple. Choose fonts that are easy to read, and limit yourself to just one or two styles. Additionally, keep the size of your font fairly consistent, and only add two or three different sizes to increase impact on key areas.

When in doubt, keep all text aligned to the left. This is how most of the text we view every day is aligned, so it is automatically more comfortable for the reader.

Additionally, once you make a formatting choice, stick with it. For example, if you use bullets in your resume, choose one type of bullet and use only that one throughout the entire document.

Quantify Your Qualifications

When it comes to resumes, numbers speak louder than words. So, if you can add a statistic or amount to the information about your achievements, feel free to do so. Often, it is more impactful to say you maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 98.2 percent than just to say it was a high rating.

Anytime you can back up a statement with concrete metrics, you are likely doing yourself a favor by including them.

Think Like the Hiring Manager

What you want to show and what the hiring manager wants to see may not automatically align. When it comes down to it, you need to put your preferences aside and try to think like the person who is reviewing your resume. Make sure you focus on any guidance you receive from the job announcement. Any skill or experience that is listed first in the announcement, or that is repeated, is likely a priority. Make sure to represent those points clearly.

Match Keywords

When a person is reviewing your resume quickly, you need to help them find out what they need to know even if they are skimming the content. Include any keywords that are also found in the job announcement (and relevant based on your skills) as those associated with critical points in the job announcement.

This approach can also help you make it through an applicant tracking system, increasing the likelihood that a person will see what you have to offer.

Focus

Review all of your resume content and ensure that every word is relevant to the position to which you are applying. If a bullet point or statement isn’t needed based on the requested skills or experience, consider cutting it.

By making sure every piece of your resume speaks directly to that job, you make yourself seem like a specialist in those areas. And being seen as an expert can certainly help your chances.

If you are looking for more information for improving your resume or are interested in finding a new position, The Advance Group is here to help you find new opportunities. Contact us today and see what we have to offer.

 

 

Facing Failure? Use These Tips to Head in the Right Direction

Raza Rauf on March 17, 2017

 

Everyone has heard the adages about using failure for growth. But those sayings don’t give you much insight regarding how to use failure to move forward. In fact, much of managing failure involves active decisions on your part. So, before you let a failure ruin your day, here are some tips to take that experience to get you moving in the right direction.

Don’t Punish Yourself

Most people are their own hardest critic, but beating yourself up over the outcome doesn’t help you move forward. In fact, it can make it practically impossible to learn from the experience at all. So, don’t take a failure as a reason to give yourself a hard time. Instead, look at what went right and how you can learn from the parts that didn’t. That way you get the most value from the failure without any of the guilt.

Manage Expectations

Sometimes we perceive an event as a failure simply because our expectations weren’t realistic. While it is perfectly fine to shoot for the stars in some situations, make sure that reach them is actually possible. Otherwise, you may be setting yourself for disappointment simply because what you had in mind wasn’t actually achievable under normal circumstances.

Reach Out

If you find yourself facing a failure, and you aren’t sure what to do, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Often, we find ourselves hesitant to bring in someone else when we think a project isn’t going well. However, getting a fresh perspective and new ideas on the table might find the path between failure and success.

Remember, in the vast majority of cases, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of intelligence and self-awareness.

Execute, Execute, Execute

It’s easy to talk about taking action, but spending more time discussing what to do than actually doing it won’t help turn a failure into a success. Once you have a plan in place, you have to move forward. Otherwise, you’ll never have the chance to see if a positive outcome was even possible.

Misery and Company

Surrounding yourself with people who are certain failure is on the horizon won’t help you find solutions, only problems. So, if you find that everyone around you is pulling you down, consider involving other people to keep yourself moving forward.

Trends and Talents

When a project focuses more on current trends than on your capabilities, you might find yourself in over your head. It is important to be realistic about what you know how to do and what you don’t. Then, if you find yourself lacking in a particular area, you can learn from the experience and build the skills that would have created a success. Or, you can bring in outside talent to help turn the failure into a success.

Often, failure is a mindset. If you decide that failure isn’t how you will define the outcome regardless of what happens, then you can find yourself embracing new opportunities for what they have to offer either way.

If you are interested in pursuing new employment opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you increase your chance of success no matter the outcome. Contact us today and see what is available in your area.

 

 

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