 One of the best ways to position yourself to land a great job is to make sure that you’re in the right place at the right time—and that includes making sure that your resume is in the right place at the right time.
Recruiters and hiring managers routinely use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to source candidates in their database for open positions. When they conduct a search for candidates in that system, they typically give priority to those candidates that come up first in the search results. As you might guess, you want to be in those search results. Below are 10 ways that you can “beat” the applicant tracking system with your resume. #1—Use generic headings, such as “Work Experience.” Using headings like “Career Achievements” or “Professional Experience” may cause the system to skip over your work experience completely. #2—Don’t limit the length of your resume. The ATS does not put a limit on how long your resume can be. If you lengthen your resume to include more work experience and credentials, there’s a better chance that the system will rank you higher. #3—Do not start your work experience section with dates. The ATS does not look for dates; it looks for the names of the employers first. Make sure to put the name of your employer first, followed by the date. #4—Do not use tables and/or graphics. The system can’t read tables and graphics, so be sure to omit them from your resume before submitting it. #5—Use relevant keywords and phrases. The system is designed to look for keywords and phrases associated with the job, so include those that might be found in the job listing. #6—Do not try to “mimic” the applicant tracking system. Keywords are important, but don’t repeat those phrases throughout your entire resume. Recruiters and hiring managers do not like it when your resume looks like you tailored it to accommodate the ATS. #7—Make your resume easy and quick to read. The system scans for keywords, but it’s still advisable that your paragraphs are clean and legible. Put plenty of spaces in between paragraphs and don’t jumble them together. #8—Research the company’s corporate culture. Researching the company’s culture gives you more of an idea of what the company is seeking. Incorporate some keywords and phrases associated with the culture into your resume. #9—Use bullet points. This helps to ensure that your resume is easy to read, since it eliminates long sentences and paragraphs. However, keep in mind that applicant tracking systems prefer asterisks. #10—Add a cover letter. Adding a cover letter is a great way to further show that you fit into the company’s culture. Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact us today to find out more about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field! Your personality in an interview can manifest itself in every little detail, but don’t let this stress you out. Otherwise, your anxiety and nervousness will show.
Remember to stay focused and calm, and follow the following five guidelines for displaying positive energy and enhancing your personal development.
You may not know everything the interviewer asks, but this is a great opportunity to show your personal side, especially your desire to learn and contribute as much value as possible. Showing professional development There are two main components in this area: research and practice. Below are four tips for conducting research prior to the interview.
Practice is also key. Be able to describe a situation, the task at hand, what you did, and then the result. Practice what you are going to say by looking at yourself in a mirror and saying it. Say it again in the shower. Say it again before you go to sleep. Be explicit and concise and emphasize the skills and topics that relate most to the job for which you are applying. Then practice some more. Dress: where personal and professional collide When it comes to dress, put aside personal preferences (for the time being) and err on the side of dressing better than what you think is necessary.
A professional appearance signals that you are focused and ready to work, respectful of the interviewer’s time, and you will take the job seriously. And that’s what it takes to ace the interview and get an offer of employment! Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact us today to find out more about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field! You’ve probably asked yourself, “How do I make the perfect resume so that employers notice me?”
Well, making the perfect resume is a myth, because nothing is perfect. However, there are things that you can do to bring your resume closer to perfection. Below are 10 tips for achieving not perfection, but resume success: #1—Check spelling and grammar. Proofread. And proofread again. Yes, spelling and grammar seem quite elementary, but you won’t believe how many people make these mistakes in their resume. After reading your own resume multiple times, you will probably develop a “blind spot” for errors and overlook small mistakes like spelling and punctuation. To avoid this, ask somebody to review your resume. An outsider’s eye is often keener in spotting mistakes than your own. #2—Print your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a quick 30-second summary of yourself, your ambitions, and your skills. You should be able to reel it off to a potential employer in a brief introduction. Not only does it help your employer, but it also helps you understand yourself and what you want to be able to achieve. Once you’ve crafted your self-summary, paste it into the top of your resume. Most employers don’t want to read your life story, but if they can understand you in three lines, you have a better chance of securing the job. #3—Strive for quality, not quantity. As mentioned above, don’t write your life story. Only include experience and interests that you think are relevant to the job. If you’ve worked as an intern for a competitor, that’s more relevant than the fact you worked weekend shifts at Walmart (nothing against Walmart). #4—Include experience, aims, and achievements. So you’ve got some personality and your experience is listed. However, most people forget to include their aims, goals, and ambitions on their resume. A company not only wants to know if you’re right for them, but also if the company is right for you. #5—Go “back in time.” Write your experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Your employer is more concerned with the job you just had then something you did five or 10 years ago. In fact, do this for all forms of time scale throughout your resume. Consistency is key. #6—Remove your older work experiences. Most experts agree that the last 15 years of your career are enough. Cut everything before that unless it deals directly with the position for which you’re interviewing. #7—Pair it with a “killer” cover letter. Use your cover letter as your initial opportunity to make a great impression. Do more than recap what's on your resume. Highlight some of your proudest professional accomplishments, provide a window into who you are as an employee, and really delve into your unique skills. #8—Use social media to your advantage. In this day and age of social media and quick Internet searches, be certain that hiring managers WILL view your social media pages. Is your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and ready? Make sure that your work history is current and that your profile headline and summary are optimized. #9—Be honest. Reference checks and Google searches are easier than ever. Lying on your resume is never worth it. It’s just wrong—and any lie you tell will follow you around. An old lie can get you fired later in your career. #10—Keep it short. The ideal length for a resume is a controversial subject. Most employers and recruiting specialists say that it should contain one or two pages at most. However, provided that all of the necessary information is there, the shorter your resume, the better. Remember: short, detailed, and truthful are the keys to resume success! Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact us today to find out more about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field! When you were young, you were probably asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
You might have answered that you wanted to become a doctor, so you could heal the sick. Or maybe an engineer like your Dad, so you could build the tallest skyscrapers. Or perhaps a lawyer, so you could defend those who can’t defend themselves. However, adolescent dreams often dissipate in the face of reality. As a result, finding a great job is tougher than you imagined. At some point, you might have taken a job just so you can cover the bills. (And that’s something that just about everybody has done.) But can you really find—and enjoy—the job of your dreams? You can, but you must plan carefully and then execute your plan. With that in mind, below are five steps to start your career planning NOW: #1—Choose an occupation (if you haven’t done so already). Everything flows from this critical first step. Deciding your specific career path will allow you to focus on your next steps, so give this careful thought and solicit the input of others if you believe it will help you make the correct decision. #2—Research fields of specialization. Every industry has a field of specialization, so explore those that exist within your chosen profession. A good idea would be to explore those in which you have an interest and/or a proficiency. As a general rule, the more you like something or like to do something, the better you will become at that something. Select the specialization that you’ll have a passion for in the long run. #3—Plan your short-term and long-term goals. Short-term and long-term goals apply to just about any endeavor, and this includes the plan that you have for your career. The first step in getting where you want to go is knowing where you want to go. The second step is knowing how you’re going to get there. #4—Equip yourself with skills so you can climb the career ladder. Most employers promote staff to managerial posts when they are ready to take on the role of management. This, of course, requires skills acquired over time. The earlier you hone your craft, the earlier your efforts will be recognized. #5—Always think with the end in mind. This means paying attention to how today will affect your ultimate goals. Every action you take and each relationship you build will have an impact on your future, so make sure those actions and relationships are positive in nature. Planning a career is comparable to saving money and investing early. The earlier you put aside savings for rainy days, the more your money will grow. The earlier you start planning for your career, the more time you have to invest in that career . . . and the more it will grow, too. Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact us today to find out more about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field! You’ve probably asked yourself this question at some point in your career: “Why do I need a resume? I have a LinkedIn profile, after all. Can’t I just direct people to my LinkedIn profile and forget about my resume?” (Actually, that’s more than one question . . . but you get the idea.)
While it might be tempting to believe that the resume is outdated in this new and modern employment marketplace, it simply is not the case. The resume is as important as ever in terms of helping employers screen candidates during the hiring process. What has happened, though, is that LinkedIn has “joined the party,” so to speak. This means that as a professional, you must pay ample amounts of attention to both your resume and your LinkedIn profile. That’s probably not the answer for which you were hoping, but it is the one that is the most firmly rooted in reality. Let’s start with the issue of how often you should keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated. The answer is as often as you can! However, it’s unrealistic to think that you’re going to update both every month or so. What’s more likely is updating them once every quarter or once every six months. There are some obvious times when you should update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Those times include the following:
While those are the obvious times to update your resume and LinkedIn profile, it’s a good idea to update during other times, as well. These updates don’t have to be very big. However, in the interest of making yourself look as good as possible, small tweaks here and there can go a long way. You should also update your resume and LinkedIn profile when you want to:
And then we have the reason that nobody really likes to discuss. You should keep your resume and LinkedIn profile consistently up-to-date in the unlikely event that you are laid off. Yes, we’re currently in a candidates’ market and we’re light-years away from the Great Recession. But things happen. In this world of mergers and acquisitions, you never know what the future will bring. And in case it brings unexpected unemployment, you’ll have the twin weapons of your updated resume and LinkedIn profile to help you rejoin the workforce. And there’s another reason that you should update and use both your resume and your LinkedIn profile. That reason is this: because hiring managers use both. Specifically, a hiring manager will look at your resume. Then they will go to LinkedIn and find your profile. What’s important to them is that your resume and the profile reflect the same information. If there are discrepancies, then that might signify a “red flag” in their mind. (And of course, they’ll also probably try to find you on other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. But that’s a story for another day.) So the bottom line is that when it comes to your resume vs. your LinkedIn profile, both are important. So don’t fool yourself into thinking that the resume is an outdated tool. You need it—and your LinkedIn profile—to reach your career goals and potential. Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact Time Staffing today to find out more about our placement services for employers! While it’s true that the economy is good overall and we’re in a candidates’ market right now, there are still things that candidates must do during the hiring process to stand out.
Yes, job seekers have more employment options at their disposal. However, as a candidate, you still want to be hired by an organization that is offering a premium employment opportunity. To receive an offer from that organization, though, there is a certain protocol involved. Those job seekers and candidates who recognize that protocol and follow it give themselves a much better chance of receiving an offer of employment and enjoying professional success. Now, of course, employers want the requisite amount of experience and the proper skills in the candidates they’re considering. That should go without saying. (Although we’re going to say it, anyway.) No, what we’re talking about here is what they’re looking for beyond that. Let’s assume for the moment that the candidates in question already have what is necessary in terms of skills and experience. With that in mind, below are five things that employers really want from job seekers and candidates during the hiring process: #1—Honesty It all starts here, and honesty starts on your resume. And keep in mind that exaggerations are a form of dishonesty. Don’t be tempted to make yourself look better than you are. But be sure to state your value and also quantify it. This also applies to the face-to-face interview. It’s all about value. Tell the truth about yours and enhance your candidacy. Don’t lie about it and derail your candidacy. #2—The ability (and willingness) to communicate You want the hiring manager to communicate well with you during the hiring process, so can you really blame the hiring manager for wanting the same from you? No, you can not. If something changes with your situation or there’s information that the hiring manager should know, then you should communicate that information as quickly as you can. This is professional courtesy. Even if it could be considered bad news, you should communicate it! #3—Follow-up Once again, you want follow-up from the hiring manager, and they want the same from you. If you say that you’re going to do something, they expect you to actually do it. This includes showing up for a phone screening or a face-to-face interview. Doing what you say you’re going to do is very important during the hiring process. #4—Decisiveness This is a trait that employers look for in potential new employees. As a result, they also look for it in the job seekers and candidates that they interview. Being decisive is a valuable characteristic, while being indecisive is not. That’s why you should do more than just say that you’re decisive. You’re going to have to show it, as well, and this includes the offer of employment. If an offer is made, the employer expects you to be decisive about it. #5—Commitment Speaking of the offer of employment, if you accept it, then you’re making a commitment to the organization that offered it. If you accept an offer, you should not accept an offer from another employer if they extend one to you after the fact. A commitment is just that: a commitment. It’s the equivalent of giving your word. Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact us today to find out more about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field! Believe it or not, we’re halfway through 2022. (That happened rather quickly, didn’t it?)
This is a good time to take stock of your employment situation and also your career. It’s a time to reflect on what has happened during the past six months and contemplate the rest of the year. It’s only human nature to do so. However, this should not be a “head in the clouds” day-dreaming type of endeavor. It should be taken seriously if you’d like it to have a positive impact on your life, both personally and professionally. (Because they’re not exactly separate—your professional life definitely has an impact on your personal life.) We’ve addressed the topic of being and feeling comfortable before and how being comfortable and clinging to the status quo can actually be a hindrance to your career. There is a difference between being comfortable and being satisfied. Being comfortable means you don’t have to put forth maximum effort to maintain your employment or the way of life that your employment provides for you. Being satisfied, on the other hand, is reflective of a feeling of achievement, the knowledge that you’ve accomplished something that you wanted to accomplish. Being comfortable is based in the status quo and basically doing what you’ve always done and staying right where you are. Being satisfied is rooted in achievement and moving forward in the pursuit of greater things. So the question, as we sit here hallway through the year, is this one: how satisfied are you in your current position and with your current employer? It’s a valid question, one that many people are asking themselves right now. But how you answer the question is even more important than the simple act of asking it in the first place. Your beliefs and your feelings shape your attitude about your job and employer. In other words, they affect your satisfaction. In turn, there are six factors that directly affect your beliefs and your feelings . . . which as we’ve pointed out, affect your satisfaction. Below are the six factors by which you should gauge your job satisfaction before the end of the year: #1—Job security Is the organization on sound financial footing? Is there the possibility there might be a merger or acquisition? These are valid questions. Even if the economy is good, thing happen outside of your control that can jeopardize your job security. #2—Work-life balance This has become increasingly important during the last few years. In fact, for some professionals, it’s even more important than starting salary and benefits. Do you work to live . . . or live to work? #3—Relationship with boss or supervisor You’re probably heard the expression, “People don’t quit their job; they quit their boss.” By and large, that expression is true. #4—The level to which your contributions are recognized If you provide value and contribute to the organization in a positive fashion, how are your contributions recognized? Are they recognized at all? Are you satisfied with that level of recognition? #5—Compensation and benefits For many people, this is not #1 on the list. That’s why we have it here. These days, people crave a lot more than just money and benefits. However, it is a consideration and has a place in this analysis. #6—Company culture This has also become increasingly more important in recent years. This includes both how you interact with colleagues and co-workers and what the organization itself does to foster a positive company culture. What are your beliefs and feelings regarding these six factors? Are you satisfied with all six as they pertain to your current employment situation? Do they prove that you’re merely comfortable and perhaps not truly satisfied? Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact Time Staffing today to find out more about our placement services for employers! Any job interview is NOT a one-way street. In other words, it’s not just the hiring manager who should be asking questions.
You, as the job seeker and potential top candidate for the position, should also be asking questions. And not just basic, standard questions, either . . . but compelling, thought-provoking inquires that illustrate your interest and prove your seriousness. Below are 12 questions you should consider asking during your interview. Keep in mind that you don’t have to ask all of these questions. Select the ones that you believe are most relevant to you and the position for which you’re applying. #1--What does a typical day look like in this position? #2--What are the skills and experiences you’re looking for in an ideal candidate? #3--What do you like most about working here? #4--How long have you been with the company? #5--What’s your favorite part about working here? #6--How long does someone typically stay in this job? #7--How often is this job open? #8--What is the toughest time of (day, week, month, or year) for a person in this job? Why? #9--What is the key thing someone does to be successful in this job? #10--What are the most important skills of the person who does this job? #11--What is the biggest challenge someone in this job faces on a daily (or weekly or monthly) basis? #12--If anyone has failed at this job, why did they fail? Have you ever asked any of these questions during a face-to-face interview? If not, which questions did you ask? The questions you ask during an interview can have a profound effect on your candidacy. In fact, they can “make or break” it. Do NOT take this part of the interview lightly. Prepare to ask questions just as much as you prepare to answer them. It could mean the difference between not getting a call back . . . and not hearing anything at all. Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact us today to find out more about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field! During your job interview, hiring managers will ask you a variety of questions in order to determine your accomplishments, personality, desires, and habits. While there are entire books devoted to listing hundreds of interview questions, below are a few that you should be prepared to answer:
There are also some very sophisticated behavioral interviewing techniques in use today. The idea is to examine your past behavior patterns in specific situations. Sometimes, it only takes one situation to establish the pattern. Sometimes, it takes several situations. The interviewer assumes that behavior repeats itself. An example of a behavioral interview question is, “Have you ever made a mistake at work?” The answer better be “Yes,” since anybody who tries to do anything makes mistakes. Next, the interviewer asks probing follow-up questions about the mistake. Their real agenda is to find out if the person being interviewed learns from mistakes. Another example is, “Tell me about a time you were frustrated,” with a follow-up question of “What happened?” This one usually goes through several instances to establish a pattern. The interviewer is looking for the following data:
If you’re asked, “Tell me about a time when . . .” or another philosophical, open-ended, or simulated situation question, take a moment or two to think about the question, then refocus your attention back to the interviewer before you speak. Answer the question as directly and concisely as possible. Do not try to give the finer details. If the interviewer wants elaboration, they will ask. By asking for further details, they’ll probably give clues as to the information being sought. Be prepared for the questions you’re likely to be asked during your interview, no matter the type, and you’ll be better able to answer them with confidence! Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact us today to find out more about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field! Social media “stalking” has now become a commonplace practice for employers. Researching job candidates through social networks makes hiring decisions a little easier in the competitive job market.
People’s “ghosts from the past” can now be easily pulled up during a job interview or screening process. Social media mistakes can also be the reason why someone did not get an interview in the first place. However, you shouldn’t be quick to delete all of your social media presence just because of the nerve-racking job process. That’s because having such a presence has become commonplace, as well. NOT having one could cast you under suspicion. (“What are they hiding?”) So what’s the answer? Not deleting your social media accounts completely, but editing them or “cleaning them up.” There are simple things that can be done to prepare your profile(s) to be viewed by a potential employer. Below are five tips for avoiding social media profile mistakes: Tip #1—Use your real name. Your name is one of two components that a person sees upon opening your page (the other being your profile photo). While using a cute nickname or a name that has resulted from an inside joke might have cut it in high school, it simply will not do within the professional realm. Tip #2—Use an appropriate profile photo. It’s typically the first thing that catches a person’s eye, and it creates the first impression. Obviously, that wild party photo from last Friday night should not be someone’s first choice as a profile picture. While “selfies” have become the norm, using a duck-face “selfie” for your profile picture is simply a poor move. It’s easier to select a photo for Facebook, since it’s more of a social site compared to others, and employers seem to understand this. LinkedIn is another type of social media site, but slightly more unique, as it’s devoted to the art of networking. For LinkedIn, your profile photo should NOT be like Facebook or Instagram. A “selfie” simply does not look professional. One needs to invest in a decent headshot in order to receive the respect of potential employers. Tip #3—Do a “virtual cleanse” every few months. Find photographs or posts (which might not have been added by you, but by your friends) that involve drama or indicate immaturity. Delete them or make them only accessible to you, the owner of the account. However, if cleaning one’s accounts seems too overwhelming, consider making personal social media accounts private. Tip #4—Follow institutions and/or causes. According to Forbes, intellectual curiosity is one of the five traits important to most employers. Therefore, following such institutions and causes will help keep you well informed. Employers want employees who can adapt to change. Change is easier for people who are passionate about learning new information. Tip #5—Tailor your profile to employers’ needs. Look through the websites of companies for which you’d like to work. What is important to the companies? What are their core values? What kind of employees do they typically like to hire? Incorporate this information into your profile in a way that makes sense. You’ll be more confident during interviews, which will show in your performance. Living in the digital age has brought many conveniences for both job seekers and employers. Regardless, social media—when used properly—can bring great success to both parties. Last year, Time Staffing won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates. ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the United States and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service and quality based entirely upon ratings provided by their clients and job candidates. Time Staffing received satisfaction scores of 9 out of 10 or 10 out of 10 from 75.4% of their placed talent, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 45%. Contact us today to find out more about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field! |
