Don’t Assume You Got the Job!

Don't Assume You Got the Job

 

It’s one thing to look forward to hearing back from an employer following an interview; it’s another to expect a job offer right away. These things take time. Therefore, it’s important not to get too wrapped up in a particular company until you have an offer of employment solidified. This is known as having a “job crush” and it can be detrimental to your career. Even if you had a fantastic interview where everything went perfect, you don’t want to sit back and do nothing.

The hard-fast rule in any job search is to never assume you got the job. Instead, here are some ways to make your job search count, and to check on the status of things after an interview.

Keep applying for jobs you are qualified for

Just because you just experienced an outstanding job interview or applied for a job that you are perfect for means you got the job yet. Keep up the effort of applying for new jobs and companies that you are qualified for and interested in. Remember that every job gets hundreds of applicants so you must do your best to stand out with a great cover letter, resume, and work history that highlights achievements.

Keep learning while you are looking

It’s always a good idea to continue to enhance your marketable skills while you are waiting for a job offer. You can do this a variety of ways, from taking community education courses and night classes at local colleges to free and low cost online classes. Focus on courses that add to your current skills or cater to the software and processes that you are finding employers are looking for.

Keep networking in your career search

Just because you think you may have a job offer soon doesn’t mean you should stop networking activities. In fact, now is the time to step things up in this effort. Keep connecting with people at your target companies, recruitment firms, and industry leaders. Use social networking, business events, and industry associations to seek other like-minded professionals.

Keep following up on all job applications

It’s a good idea to check back in with the recruiters and hiring companies you have contacted recently. Once you have applied for a job its ok to send an email or drop a note in the mail once. If you have interviewed for the job, check back in by phone and drop a note in the mail once per week until you know the outcome.

Keep active in your career

You don’t have to sit around waiting for the phone to ring. Instead, keep working and earning by taking temporary assignments in the meantime. There are multiple part time, full time, and contract jobs out there that have good hourly wages and help get your foot in the door with great companies. At the very least, you will look good to recruiters as you stay employed and active in your career. You may even land a great job with your dream company this way.

 

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Unemployed? Job Seeking? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Finding a job when currently employed is one thing; finding a job when unemployed is an entirely different experience. Studies have shown that it can be harder to find a job when unemployed, because some hiring managers view this as a negative mark for a candidate. An employed candidate is somehow more favorable than someone between jobs? It doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense.

Fortunately, these attitudes are changing. Today, hiring managers understand that sometimes people face periods of unemployment through no fault of their own. If you are currently in this predicament, take heart – there are some ways to make the most of this time in your career.

1. Don’t sit around waiting for a job offer – get out there and grab one!

As an unemployed person, you are actually in a unique position to be the master of your job search. Instead of having to sneak around a job trying to look for work and go to interviews, you can dedicate all your time to finding a great new job. Get up early every day and treat it like a job, searching for work, going to job fairs, volunteering in the community, heading to your local temporary staffing agency, and connecting with recruiters on social media accounts.

2. Good news – you can start working immediately.

The positive side of being unemployed while looking for a new job is that you can start immediately if an employer calls you up. Make sure to emphasize this at all interviews and when talking with the recruiters at your temporary agency. Check in frequently, and be sure to accept part-time and even one-day assignments while you look for something better.

3. Take on a temporary assignment in the meantime to stay active.

The best thing you can do for your career and spirits is to stay active in your career by taking on temporary assignments. Be open to trying assignments that may be somewhat outside your normal types of work tasks. Stay in good terms with local companies by accepting assignments, being punctual and professional at all times.

4. Make sure to get the support and guidance for your career.

Being unemployed, even for short periods of time, can be hard on the psyche. This means you will want to stay connected to others by attending unemployment benefit meetings, support groups, and remaining a part of the world. If you have a circle of friends and family around you, rooting you on, you will be better able to face the daily aspects of finding a job with a good outlook.

5. Try learning some new marketable skills or head back to school.

The other advantage you have as an unemployed job seeker is that now have the time to learn new marketable skills or to finally head back to school to earn that degree you’ve always dreamed of. Take careful inventory of the skills you have now, what’s lacking, and if training can close the gap so you can become more valuable in the workforce. Many states have workforce development programs that can include financial support for earning a certificate or degree in a certain industry that’s in need of skilled labor.

Use the above steps to launch your new career in a positive way. Do not despair. A new job is just around the corner.

 

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Massive Mistakes to Avoid While Job Seeking

Massive Mistakes to Avoid While Job Seeking

 

No matter how much of a “veteran” you are of the job market, a job search can still be filled with worries. Not only are you fighting possibly hundreds of people for the same job, but you could also be fighting against yourself. Those who make mistakes while searching for a job will find it difficult to land an offer. Today, we will discuss massive mistakes you should avoid while job seeking so you can be successful.

Providing Too Much Information Too Soon

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during a job search is to provide too much information. No matter how long you have been in the professional world, you do not need to provide every single detail to potential employers. This goes for writing your resume, your cover letter and answering questions on job applications. Employers want to know what you can do to help their company, so focus on how you helped previous employers when providing information. You need to make sure each piece of information on your resume tells employers why you are the right person for the job.

Failing to Have a Digital Footprint

Even though it has been discussed in the past that a digital footprint can be detrimental to your job search, because of what is included in it, it is still important to have one. You need to have a digital footprint, which includes Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. You should also search for your name online to find out what is posted about you on the Internet. You might come across content posted by you that is unsavory or content posted by others that is unsavory. Failing to clean up your social media profiles is also a massive mistake that can hurt your job search.

Treating a Job Search as a Battle

Another major mistake you need to avoid during a job search is treating it like a battle. How do people do this? They turn a job search into a battle by trying to outsmart recruiters or hiring managers during interviews or other discussions. Even though it might be a fight to find a job, you do not want to battle with a recruiter. A recruiter is someone who is looking out for you and trying to get you placed in a job that matches your skills and experience. This means you need an open mind to accept part-time and temporary assignments, if needed to get your foot in the door with a great company.

Failing to Request Help from Networks

Professional networking is very important today, so why would you fail to request help from your network when searching for a job? This is a massive mistake that must be avoided at all costs. Your network is there for a reason; to expand your professional knowledge and help you with career moves. Remember, your network also includes the temporary staffing agency that you choose to work with. Select one that is geared for your industry and ask for a recruiter who knows about the companies you are targeting in your job search.

If you avoid making at least some of the massive mistakes outlined above, you should have fewer troubles with your next job search.

 

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3 Good Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

As a job seeker, it can be easy to jump at a job offer as soon as possible. After all, you’ve been applying and interviewing everywhere and it’s taking a long time to get one. However, not every job offer is lined in gold. Some may lead to disaster for your personal life and for your career.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of every job offer before you accept it. Why is this important? There are several reasons, and today we will talk about the three valid reasons you may want to turn down a job offer that you’ve received.

#1 – The company has a history of failing

A job offer may seem wonderful at first, until you dig a little deeper into the company itself. A huge red flag would be a company that has a history of failing in many ways. This could be a high turnover rate among employees due to no work life balance, or it could be a company that has a shoddy financial history of layoffs and being bought out by other companies. If the company has posted financial earnings and stock reports in the last quarter or two, you can review this to see how the company is performing. Take the time to review company ratings online and you may see a pattern of problems.

#2 – The money isn’t even close to being enough

If the job offer has come with a very disappointing salary attached to it, take the time to negotiate for a higher compensation now before you accept it. Failure to do so could lock you into a job that pays a lot less than you need to support yourself and your family. This will lead to resentment and financial stress. It’s possible to go online and research salaries before walking into an interview so that you can discuss this before the job offer comes. Follow your gut on this and do not accept a job offer that pays far below what you deserve. A better job that pays more is out there.

#3 – The job is another dead end road

When people get desperate for any job they often accept a job offer that does not offer much room for advancement. Don’t get caught in this trap. Find out from the recruiter what the career path looks like for this job. Get the job description in writing during an interview or when the offer is made. Let the recruiter know that you are looking for long-term career success and the opportunity to learn more in the industry. Find out how this job will enable you to grow in your career. If it looks like it will be a dead-end job, run in the other direction.

Perhaps one of the best ways to get a great job offer is to work through a staffing agency with caring representatives who will be focused on helping you land a job that is well matched to your skills and aspirations. Often times, a staffing agency can negotiate a much better job offer then if you tried to do this on your own. You can even work temporary assignments until a better job offer comes. So, never settle for a bad job offer – instead connect with Advance Staffing Solutions for career support.

Kick 2015 Off Right — With 6 Job Hunting Tips

Kick 2015 Off Right -- With 6 Job Hunting Tips

 

A New Year might mean a new job for some folks who are looking for upward mobility. Whether you are preparing to enter the workforce after winter graduation, looking to switch careers or trying to find employment after a long layoff; you will want to have a strong job search in place. In today’s post, we will discuss six important job hunting tips for those who want to kick 2015 off right.

#1 Expand Your Network

One of the most important things you can do in 2015 when looking for a job is to expand your network. A professional network is one of the best ways to find a new job, or a lead, which is why you need to expand it as much as possible. Connect with more people on LinkedIn, attend career fairs and attend conferences within your industry to meet new people.

#2 Have a Plan in Place

Another tip for searching for a new job in 2015 is to have a plan in place. You should never search for a job without a goal or a plan. Set aside time each day to send out resumes and have a weekly quota for how many you want to submit to potential employers. Edit your cover letter for each job so that it is addressed to the hiring manager for that job.

#3 Learn New Skills

It might be a good idea to learn a new skill or two in 2015 if you want to find a new job. Adding to your current pool of skills will only improve your chances of landing a job. The more skills you have, the more appealing you will be to employers. Whether you enroll in courses at a college campus or take an online training program, consider adding a new skill to your repertoire to improve your job search.

#4 Keep LinkedIn Profile Current

Even if you are unemployed, you need to keep your LinkedIn profile current. Post relevant content to your LinkedIn profile that asserts your knowledge within your industry. The content should be articles and videos and they need to include pertinent information. You should also use keywords within your LinkedIn profile that can get it noticed by potential employers.

#5 Work Temp Jobs

Another important job hunting tip for 2015 is to work temporary jobs while in-between full-time jobs. Temporary jobs are a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and expand your network. Temporary jobs could also turn into full-time work with the same company. You might also meet someone who might hire you at their new place of employment down the road.

#6 Make Applications Personal

When you are applying for a job, make sure it is personal. Find out the name of the hiring manager or department head and address the message to that person. Write the message as if you are speaking to them on the phone, not like you are form-filling hundreds of resumes for the sake of doing so.

To be successful in your job hunt in 2015, it will take a lot of work. Make sure you follow the tips outlined in this post so you are offered employment. And if you need more help in your hunt for a new job this year, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

 

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Effective vs. Ineffective Methods – How to Approach Your Job Search

At the beginning of the Great Recession, when the tides turned for the job market, suddenly there were more candidates for jobs than there were jobs available. The small business market got hit the worst. For the first time in a very long time, it became a buyer’s market.

Despite improvements and signs of recovery on the horizon this year, it seems the changes of yesterday have forever changed the way hiring is conducted. That is why it’s so important to avoid using outdated and ineffective methods and tools to assist in your job search.

As a job seeker, here are the most effective and ineffective ways to conduct a job search, to help you make the most of your efforts to land a great job.

Sending Resumes

  • Ineffective Method: Sending out a single, stock resume to all jobs you apply for. While it is the simplest solution when there are so many jobs available, it’s not the most effective use of your five-second resume “pitch” to get the attention of potential employers.
  • Effective Method: Instead of sending out a standard, one-size-fits-all resume to companies interested in hiring you, consider making a few changes that personalize and customize the resume before sending it each time. It doesn’t take a major investment of time and it can provide a great return on investment for your job search efforts.

Applying for Jobs

  • Ineffective Method: The simple way to apply for jobs, with most businesses, is through mass job boards or company websites. The bad news for job seekers is that this puts them competing with the other thousands of candidates in need of a job who have seen, and responded to, the same advertisements.
  • Effective Method: Invest a little time to find out who the hiring manager for the company happens to be and send a personalized resume complete with cover letter to that person. It shows ingenuity on your part and ensures the right eyes find your resume so that it isn’t lost in the shuffle of so many others. Contact local staffing agencies and get support with finding assignments in the organizations you want to work with. Connect with hiring companies using social networks.

If these methods are so ineffective, why is it that people are still using them by the thousands? The answer comes down to a few primary factors.

1) Not so blissful ignorance – Until recently, this is the way people were taught in business school, and beyond, to conduct job searches. The problem is that these methods were perfected in a different world when it comes to businesses hiring employees.

2)  The path of least resistance – Most people today will opt for the simple solution every time – even if they know it’s not the right one. In their minds, they are at least accomplishing something in an effort to find employment.

3)  They haven’t evolved to the new job search reality – some people are simply old school with their job search. They haven’t faced facts and really come to terms with the fact that the job search process has changed forever.

Keep these things in mind as you conduct your job search and you should have few problems securing the job you want.

For access to a wide range of temporary and contract employment opportunities in the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan areas, be sure to visit Advance Staffing Solutions’ career portal today.

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.

Interview the Company! The Most Important Questions to Ask Your Interviewer to Convey Your Interest

As you work through the interview process, chances are good you will be answering many questions from the potential employer. You should be asking questions, too. By doing so, you will not only get your career needs met, but you will also show the potential employer your true interest in the position. Those candidates that come in and do not say or interact in any way beyond just answer questions often appear to be uninterested. On the other hand, you do not want to come off as if you are only interested in money. The question is, then, what questions should you ask?

Top Questions You Should Ask of the Company

Look at the following questions. Employers and HR managers almost expect candidates to ask questions like these, as it is a key way of gauging their interest in the position. When it comes time to go on that final interview, ensure you are asking the right questions to land the position.

  • Why is the position vacant? It can help you to know what is going on with the company (is it growing or having staffing retention problems) and it can help the company to know you are interested in it.
  • Find out what those that came before you in this position did and what the past expectations were. In short, you will want to know what the company is looking for in a new candidate. This tells you the expectations of the position as well as any challenges you may encounter.
  • Be open and ask if you have the qualifications the company is looking for to fill this position. You want to know if they have any objections to hiring you (so you can counter those concerns) as well, as if the company is considering you.
  • Ask which contracts you may be responsible for being a part of if you are hired. This will give you an idea of the importance of your position and it shows the company you are knowledgeable about the company’s workings.
  • Determine the hierarchy within the company. Will you lead others and if so, who? Who will you report to? This tells you the structure of the organization as well as potentially what type of personality you could end up working with when on the job.

The interview process is typically one in which you expect to be asked questions so the company can determine if you are right for their company. However, you need to ask the same types of questions to ensure the company is right for you. It may not always be these questions that you need to ask, but do participate. Ask questions that help you to get better insight into the company and the position you plan to hold. By doing so, you will open the door for additional opportunities for the company to interact with you, too.

Treat Every Event as a Networking Opportunity

Every event you attend, personal and business related, is an opportunity to network. Do not be the person that just shakes his head. Be the person that shakes hands, smiles and learns about the other person. Doing so could help you to find your next position. It may pay more, provide better benefits and serve your long-term needs better. The more people you meet, the more likely it is for you to find someone that needs your talents.

Positive Opportunities to Build Your Network

Putting yourself into a variety of positions will allow you to find the employment you are looking for and need. There are various ways that you can use your everyday event to get attention from prospective hiring managers, business owners or others who could be in the know.

  • Set out to make new friends and colleagues. Rather than waiting for your friends to show up, set out to meet others. Doing so could help you to build a network that is more versatile. It shows you are interested in others too.
  • Give back to those who you meet. As you start talking to new people, find a way to stay in contact with them. For example, if they had trouble with their vehicle on the way to the event, offer to send them a text message with your mechanic’s name. If they are interested in a news piece you were speaking about, ask for an email address to send them the article.
  • Keep your job description to a limit. Even if you are out of work, keep things simple and straightforward. Instead of spending a full minute discussing where you work, say something like “I’m currently helping a small business succeed online.” That gets them interested.
  • Keep some business cards in your pocket, along with a pen. Though it is easy enough to add someone’s contact information to your phone right onsite, some people are hesitant to give this out. Rather, be sure you can hand them a business card in case they are in town and want to together.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make within an event is not making an impression. Sitting on the sidelines and not participating may be the easy road to take but it will not help you to grow your business or help you to land a new job. Rather, be active. Smile and look people in the eyes. Be memorable in a positive way. When you step away after a few minutes, thank the individual for talking to you. Invite them to contact you at any time. Allow the other person to feel that you gave them something during that initial few minutes.

By taking these steps, you grow your network. It does not matter if you are at your friend’s wedding or a corporate event in your industry. There are connections to be made in virtually any situation. If you make the connections, you could land the position of a lifetime. You can also use Advance Temporary as an opportunity to work with more companies this year, further expanding your network to find a great job.

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.

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.

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.