Monday, August 30, 2010

Top 10 Reasons Companies Want to Hire You

CNN and Careerbuilder had this great article in their living section.

Top 10 reasons employers want to hire you
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com

(CareerBuilder.com) -- When you apply for a job, you know exactly what you're looking for. You want a company you love, great co-workers, a decent salary, a culture where you fit in and, most importantly, you want to love what you'll be doing.

But do you ever consider what the employer is looking for in its employees?

These days, competition is steep among job seekers; it's important to know what employers want in an employee before going into an interview so candidates can sell how they would be an asset to the company.

"If the candidate doesn't know what the employer is looking for, [he or she] can't properly communicate why they are the most qualified candidate for the position," said Steven Rothberg, founder of CollegeRecruiter.com. "Understanding what the employer is looking for ahead of the interview is so that the candidate can be sure to communicate all of the information that is likely to be most relevant to the employer."

In a 2009 survey from CareerBuilder and Robert Half International, employers said that aside from having the basic job qualifications, multitasking (36 percent), initiative (31 percent) and creative thinking (21 percent) are the most important characteristics in a job applicant.

We asked six workplace experts to address 10 of the most common reasons employers hire employees, in no particular order. Hopefully, they can help you prepare to land your next job.

1. Long-term potential

Why it's important: Employees want to see their future within a company so they are motivated and excited about their career path, the company's future and their role in it, says Celia Santana, president of Personal Risk Management Solutions.

From the employer perspective, you want people in your organization to work their way up. It is best to have someone who is multidimensional and can grow with the company.

Tip: "Give a real-life example or ask questions that demonstrate that you have thought about this," Santana says. "For example, you can ask a question like, 'What type of career movement do you envision for the most successful candidate in this role? Are there any current examples within your company?'"

2. Ability to work well with others

Why it's important: "We spend a lot of time at work; there is nothing worse than someone who cannot get along with others," Santana says. "[It's] so important and involves being helpful, understanding the unwritten rules, being respectful, reliable and competent."

Tip: "Tell a story," Santana suggests. For example, "I was interviewing someone for a job and asked about a situation where he had experienced a challenging situation at work. He told me about a situation where the company had a major deadline and needed all hands on deck. He was able to pause what he was working on and pitch in, working late hours to help the team meet the deadline."

3. Ability to make money

Why it's important: Hiring managers want people who can prove that they will increase the organization's revenues or decrease its costs, Rothberg says.

"During a recession, revenues are difficult for organizations to generate and employers have typically already cut their costs about as much as they can. Their emphasis is on increasing their revenues."


Tip: "Employers love metrics. The more you can quantify your work, the better," Rothberg said. Some positions are easier to quantify than others, but it can be done. "If you're a filing clerk, estimate how many minutes a day your work has saved your previous employers by looking at how much faster it is for people to access the information they need," he said.

4. Impressive résumé

Why it's important: "A résumé is a person's billboard; a reflection of the applicant in the eyes of the reader," said Jay Meschke, president of EFL Associates. "First impressions are lasting ones and a résumé is often the vehicle to either make a good impression or a poor one."

Tip: "Make sure several people review the résumé for content, style and accuracy. Use a co-worker that might have a dose of skepticism in their gene pool to receive the most constructive criticism. If a person has no comments, try another, and another, to obtain the collective wisdom of peers," Meschke said.

5. Relevant work experience

Why it's important: "Experience levels generally allow a person to hit the ground running without a lot of hand-holding," Meschke said. "Managers do not have time to mentor and train people as in the past."

Tip: "Be prepared to offer up quality references to substantiate your background and experience. Many times, references are the critical key to landing a job when the hiring decision is a close horse race," he said.

6. Creative problem-solving skills

Why it's important: "Employers know that in business, the chessboard changes daily. As soon as we think all is fine, the economy changes or the competition makes a surprise move and the company's own strategy must change," said Mark Stevens, author of "Your Marketing Sucks" and CEO of MSCO, a global marketing firm. "A person who gets locked into a set way of doing things finds it difficult or impossible to adjust. They are a drag on the business as opposed to an asset for it."

Tip: "Know how to tackle challenges and opportunities in a way no one will find in a textbook. Einstein used to approach his theories by thinking of childlike fantasies and working backwards to reality. Talk about how an approach like this is built into your DNA. You will be marketing yourself as a one-of-a-kind," Stevens said.

7. Strong online presence

Why it's important: "Social networking has become the primary way that people communicate. But it is a double-edged sword. Employers have access to your personal life, likes and dislikes, political views, good and bad behavior. Because of that exposure and the speed at which information is distributed, it is important that you be digitally dirt-free, especially when job hunting," said Chris Laggini, vice president of human resources for DLT Solutions.

Tip: "Social networking doesn't have to be negative in your job hunt; you can use it to your advantage. Old-fashioned reference checks through past employers are passé; use your [social networking] pages to accumulate references and positive praise from professional peers and college professors. Find people within the company whom you know that could put a good word in for you," Laggini said.

8. Multitaskers who thrive on variety of projects

Why it's important: "Business today moves at supersonic speed, and effectively managing a variety of different projects simultaneously is essential," said Susan Stern, founder and president of Stern + Associates, a public relations and marketing communications agency. "If an individual demonstrates a passion for learning new things and enjoys a variety of work, chances are she is also ambitious and inquisitive -- two qualities that are critical to success and advancement."

Tip: "Don't be shy about asking for additional assignments and offering to handle other aspects of a project than you might usually handle. Make it clear to your manager that you have a passion for learning new things and volunteer to take on extra work, even if it means putting in additional hours," Stern said.

9. Enthusiasm and initiative

Why it's important: "If you show consistent enthusiasm and take initiative on the job, you can count on being noticed and rewarded. Every business looks to put their most enthusiastic people forward with important clients and customers," Stern said.

"By taking initiative, you convey a true team spirit and illustrate that you are not someone who simply meets the criteria of a job description, but who goes above and beyond what is required to help the business succeed."

Tip: "Don't forget to say, 'Good morning' with a lilt in your voice; when you pass someone in the hall, smile and say, 'Hello,'" Stern reminded. "It's easy to clam up around top management when you are new to the business world, but showing confidence and a comfort level with people more senior to you will lead to your being considered for more challenging work."

10. Good cultural fit

Why it's important: Recruiters are pressured to find the right match for a company; applicants are under pressure to creatively differentiate themselves and demonstrate a desire to succeed, said Jenny Floren, founder and CEO of Experience Inc., an online recruiting community. "Hiring managers are particularly interested in how a candidate is going to adapt to their unique organizational culture."

Tip: "Look for different ways -- a personal blog or Twitter -- to deliver your message about what makes you a great cultural fit. Find ways to incorporate specific examples that illustrate the cultural competencies they are looking for, like flexibility, leadership or teamwork, as this will help employers understand you're serious and excited about the position," Floren said.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Current Available Positions

DISCOVER STAFFING specializes in General Office Support and Light Industrial positions in Cobb, North Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Our opportunities are always changing, so please check back frequently for the newest listings.

Cobb County:

  • Tax Manager
  • Office Assistant
  • Software Sales
  • Executive Assistant

    North Fulton County:

  • Buyer
  • Marketing and Communications Specialist
  • Office Manager/Bookkeeper (Quickbooks)
  • Data Entry
  • Licensing Specialist
  • Project Coordinator
  • Customer Service
  • Administrative Support

    Gwinnett County:

  • Customer Service Representatives
  • Computer Repair and Fabrication
  • Bilingual Inside Sales
  • Bilingual Health Care Customer Service
  • Electronic Soldering Technician
  • Adminstrative Assistant/Bookkeeper


    Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Please include the job title and a short cover letter in your email.
  • Wednesday, August 25, 2010

    The Darndest Things

    I love when Careerbuilder puts out their list of craziest things said by interviewees. They are a good laugh, but also a cautionary tale. Keep in mind what not to do.

    Interviewees Say The Darndest Things
    By Rachel Farrell, CareerBuilder.com writer

    You can always depend on a young child to tell you exactly what they think, or precisely how they feel on any given topic. Want to know if your breath smells bad, if you should wear a different tie, or if you really look fat in that outfit? Find a five-year-old. They will give you an uncensored, honest answer.

    Needless to say, we expect more from adults. Especially adults who are interviewing for a job.

    For the second year in a row, we asked hiring managers everywhere to tell us the craziest thing they've ever heard in an interview. Keep reading for 37 hilarious (and true) statements from the job candidates:

    1. "I interviewed a gentleman who looked great on paper but said two things during the interview that made me think 'really?' When starting the interview I asked him what his hobbies were to lighten the mood. He replied 'I sometimes walk up to perfect strangers just to say hello. I also like to pick up trash if I see some when I'm walking around.' After I asked him how the position would contribute to his professional goals and future plans, he replied 'My main goal is to be a rock star; this is more of a backup plan.'" -- Jessica Harrington, marketing associate, Eastern Michigan University

    2. "I remember interviewing a secretary some years ago and asking her 'What is important to you in a job?' Her answer was: 'I want to work close to Bloomingdales.'" -- Bettina Seidman, career management coach, SEIDBET Associates

    3. "'When your work load is heavy and you are overwhelmed, how do you handle the stress?' 'I run in the bathroom and cry.'" -- Jessica Simko, Career Branding Guide

    4. "We performed mock interviews where our clients were put in an interview session using their real backgrounds, interests; etc. When asked why the client left her last job, which was in a family buffet style restaurant, her response was 'I was hungry and didn't know it would be a problem so I had pizza delivered to the restaurant while was on the clock.'" -- Jacqueline Lisenby, chief visionary officer and president, StatusJ Entertainment Group

    5. "I interviewed a senior engineer for one of our open positions. He demanded coffee and proceeded to spill coffee in his lap. Then he pointed to his groin area, laughed and said, 'It looks like I wet myself!' Needless to say, he didn't get the job." -- Lisa Hall, HR trainer and author, "Taking Charge of Your Own Health"

    6. "I recently had the craziest interviewee ever come into our offices for a copywriter position. I wanted enthusiastic but this guy was so over the top, I almost laughed in the middle of the interview. He high-fived someone on my team after hearing that my team member just got engaged. He talked about how terrible his boss was for a good 20 minutes. He said he felt like he was already working with us. And then he left something behind so that he could come back and get it. He called wondering when he could come back and we [saw] him prepping in the parking lot." -- Amanda Halm, senior copywriter, editor, Bridezilla.com

    7. "Without a doubt, the craziest thing I ever heard came from a candidate for an entry-level management position. He looked perfect on paper so we scheduled a phone interview for 3 p.m. He answered the phone and when I introduced myself he said, 'Hold on, I'm at a bar. Let me finish this shot and go outside.' Amidst the noise of an active game of pool and a rowdy bar crowd, he slipped outside and told me, 'You know what? I'm a little drunker than I thought. Can we reschedule?' Needless to say, we did not." -- Heather Lytle, senior partner, H&L Media Partners

    8. "While I am not the interviewer for a corporation, having been in many interviews for opportunities, I have actually heard a number of interesting, crazy, less-tactful things said from the interviewer side. The worst was, I drove two hours to do an in-person, one-hour interview and the interviewer was 30-40 minutes late to the interview, even though she walked by me in the lobby six or seven times with a bag of chips talking about her personal life to the receptionist. When she finally came out to get me, she didn't even act shocked or sorry for the delay, and just said, 'I was munching on a bag of chips and time flies when you're eating chips.' Let's just say I knew then it wouldn't be a good fit." -- Chris Perry, founder of Career Rocketeer

    9. "We recently asked a job candidate, 'what do you know about us?' He leaned back in his chair and replied, 'Not much. Why don't you fill me in?' He wasn't hired." -- John Kramb, Adams County Winery

    10. "We always include a casual lunch or dinner portion during an interview to continue our discussions in a more informal manner. This candidate let their guard down, falling out of their 'interview mode', during the friendly and casual mealtime discussions. They went so far as to share that they installed an illegal second network in their office with coworkers and would spend their afternoons gaming on the clock. They then went on to further share how regularly in the mornings and afternoons they would sleep at their desk during working hours. Bragging that they had never once been caught in either of these acts. Needless to say, this candidate was not hired. Prior to this meal time, more casual discussions they were likely to be made an offer. The lesson learned and to be shared is that you are on the interview from before you arrive at a location until you have returned home. I was truly surprised that such a smart individual would make such a stupid mistake by sharing such obviously unacceptable work practices with a potential new employer." -- Zachary Z. Zguris, chief technology officer, Lime Design, Inc.

    11. "The interview was for a highly visible administrative assistant position. Clearly, I was looking for someone who would exercise tact with top-caliber people who would come into our office. I opened the interview with a fairly standard question:
    'What is it that attracts you to this job the most?' Without hesitation, she replied, 'My mother thinks this will be the right job for me.'" -- Bill Lampton, president, Championship Communication

    12. "We have the standard lists of questions you'd expect to hear, but at any given moment, I'll interject with, 'If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?' The most shocking response was, 'I'd be a cat so I can lay around all day and not have to do anything.'" -- Efrain Ayala, account executive, Walt Denny Inc., The Home Products Agency

    13. "The man's phone kept ringing. Finally, he answered it and he said, 'Hello. No. I'm fine. OK.' Of course, it was rude and uncalled for in my opinion, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt and asked if everything was OK. He basically said nothing was wrong but that his wife was checking in. He had not flown in for the interview. He was local." -- T. Murray, author of "Stuck on Stupid: A Guide for Today's Professional Stuck in a Rut"

    14. "The most bizarre experience I ever had was regarding a candidate who was offered a position with my client. Because she had disclosed that she had a college degree, she was required to produce proof in the form of transcripts, diploma, etc. She told us that she was unable to produce the required documentation because her identity had been changed and that the information the firm was seeking was in her previous name. Due to safety reasons, she was unable to produce proof (in any name she had or was using)." -- Cathleen Faerber, managing director, The Wellesley Group, Inc.

    15. "I was interviewing an older women for a position in my company. I thought she had a great personality and was considering hiring her. Then at the end of the interview she asked if I would be able to give her a ride to work and then back home again everyday! Umm, no." -- Janice Celeste, president and CEO, Celeste Studios Film & Video

    16. "I had a women come in and tell me that she ran a business around the corner and that she would be working this job, as well as managing her business during business hours. I wanted to be sure that I understood her correctly -- that she would be taking time away from the position with me to 'check in' on her store periodically. But when I asked her a few questions to clarify, she became upset with me and ended up storming out of my office." -- Shay Olivarria, speaker and author of "Bigger Than Your Block"

    17. "One job candidate arrived late for the interview, in a not-so-gracious mood. 'The commute is terrible,' she said. 'I'm so glad I don't have to do this every day.'" -- Sammie Samuella Becker, CEO, TigressPR

    18. "I had a candidate in the final interview stages. He pretty much HAD the job. He was invited to interview with a couple of people who would become peers as last step in the process. One would-be peer asked my candidate to demonstrate to them his work ethic and drive, to which he replied, 'You can just strap a saddle on my a** and ride me!' Apparently, he was hoping to show what a work horse he is. As you might imagine, he did not get the job." -- Jenny Foss, recruiting agency owner, recruiter and job search consultant

    19. "I interviewed a candidate over the phone for a sales position. Less than five minutes into the call, I began to hear water swishing and realized that the candidate was taking a bath during the phone interview." -- Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR, owner, Xceptional HR

    20. "I had a candidate come into my office with her child and proceed to breast feed her baby boy during the interview. There was no acknowledgment or mention from the woman I was interviewing about the baby or him eating." -- Miller-Merrell

    21. "While interviewing a young lady who was wearing a revealing top, at the end of the interview, she leaned forward and said in a sultry voice, 'I'll do anything to get this job.' She got people's attention, but eliminated herself from getting hired." -- Ronald Kaufman consultant, author "Anatomy of Success"

    22. "One [candidate] came in dressed very professionally and really looked like she had made an effort to look the part. Some people assume because we are laid back and bring our pets to work, that we are extremely casual and will show up for an interview dressed in jeans, so this was a nice change. Toward the end of the interview, I complimented her on how professional she looked. She got this huge smile and looked down at her clothes and said, 'I know... I think I look like Mary Tyler Moore, that's why I wore this!' We ended up hiring her and she was such a quirky, fun, enthusiastic employee with a style all her own." -- Cindy Lukacevic, owner/vice president of marketing, Dinovite, Inc.

    23. "While wrapping up a seemingly decent interview with a young lady for an administrative assistant position, I asked her if she had any questions. She asked one or two default questions about the company then ... drum roll ... she says, 'I used my last bit of change to put gas in my car to make it here. Is there any way that you could help me out?' Needless to say, I was floored and the candidate did not get the job." -- Clorissa Wright, senior publicist, WrightWay Marketing and Consulting

    24. "'I like to date the young ones, is that bad?' and 'I love older women, do you really only have women working in your organization?' Those are the two I will never forget." -- Greg Palomino, CWP, CEP, CRE8AD8, LLC

    25. "I was working for a private investigator and interviewing applicants for a decoy position, in which they could possibly be confronted with various situations while investigating everyone from potentially cheating wives to drug dealers. I asked a guy in his early twenties, 'What would you do if you were working undercover and someone you were investigating starting using drugs?' He laughed, 'Oh, it wouldn't bother me. I mean, I have a medical marijuana card and all. You know, anxiety and stuff.' 'Oh, really?' I noticed his eyes were slightly glassy. 'Yep.' He grinned. 'So, are you high now?' I asked. A chuckle. 'Just a little!' 'Oh, just a little?' I replied. 'When did you last smoke?' 'Oh, before I left my place to come here.' He didn't get the job." --Lauren Gard, Infinite Public Relations, LLC

    26. "Over a nice dinner, the president of a company conducted a final interview with a vice president of sales candidate. At the end of the interview, the job was going to be offered to the candidate. The waiter brought the bill and the candidate, who was employed at the time, took it, pulled out his company credit card and said, 'Don't worry about this, I'll put it on my company's expense account.' The president later said he didn't know which shocked him more, the lack of ethics or the candidate's stupidity. Obviously the job offer was never extended." -- Brian Marchant-Calsyn, Health Career Agents

    27. "An executive search recruiter was explaining the qualities needed for the job: multi-tasking, hard-working, time management skills, attention to detail, etc. The candidate responded with 'I can't do that. I'm not a robot.'" --Andrea Friedman, public relations coordinator, The LaSalle Network, a Chicago professional staffing and recruiting company>

    28. "A recruiter was in the midst of an interview, when the candidate asked 'Do you mind if I use your kitchen to eat my turkey sandwich?'" -- Friedman

    29. "An executive search recruiter asked the candidate, who was previously an accounting manager, what their ideal job would be. The candidate responded with 'A playboy photographer.'" -- Friedman

    30. "I had to interview for a position that required organization, time management and attention to detail. My candidate was young, in his early 20s, and wore all black to the interview. We were a very casual office, so I thought nothing of it. But when I asked him to describe for me an instance when he had managed his time effectively, he cited managing his time in dungeon raids in the online game 'World of Warcraft.' When I said I knew the game and had even played it a bit, he took that as his cue to answer all my questions with 'World of Warcraft' examples. The word 'necromancer' came up far too many times. Needless to say, I was looking for real-world examples and he didn't get the position." -- Jennifer Escalona

    31. "One of the funniest things an applicant said to me was in response to my question, 'What do you like in an office environment?' The applicant said, 'I like 42nd and Broadway.' Needless to say, that wasn't what I was asking, and that wasn't anywhere near our office location." -- Sharon Armstrong, author of "The Essential Performance Review Handbook"

    32. "'I have a hunch that someone in your office is dating an ex-boyfriend/acquaintance of mine and I feel that's too awkward of a conflict of interest. I will not accept any job based on this kind of porkchop recommendation.' Especially amusing because no one in our office at the time was dating any men. We still have no idea where the candidate came up with this theory, or what exactly she means by 'porkchop recommendation,' for that matter." -- Anne Howard, Lynn Hazan & Associates

    33. "In an interview, the oddest thing has to be a candidate asking if we had any
    food that she could have." -- Howard

    34. "When I interview candidates I always ask the following questions in this order: What are you most proud of? What do you enjoy doing? Why did you leave your previous jobs? Here are the answers I received from one candidate: 'I am most proud of my wife and children.' 'The thing I enjoy most is spending time with my family.' 'I decided to quit. I had an affair with a co-worker and when we broke up there was too much tension in the office.' And he said it without batting an eye." -- Bruce, executive recruiter and career counselor, Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, Ltd.

    35. "One time during an interview, a candidate removed his flip-flops and literally stuck his foot in my face. Another time, I was interviewing a candidate who asked me out on a date three times in five minutes. I had to remind him that he was on an interview ... not speed dating." -- Heather Araneo, branch manger, Snelling Staffing - The Wyckoff Group

    36. "Interviewer (president of a mid-sized company): Do you plan on having children?
    Answer (me/candidate): Yes, at some point.
    Interviewer: Do you intend to continue working then?
    A: Yes.
    Interviewer: 'What are you going to do, be a like a cow and drop it in the middle of a field?'"-- Janice Warren, director, OneReport, SRI World Group

    37. "One day, I met with a candidate who, on his résumé, had good experience and education. I was going through the normal interview questions with him when I asked him which accounting system he had implemented. His response was immediate: 'PEACHTREE!' But then he started shaking his head and saying "No, no, no' and then he slapped himself across the face and said 'NO! QUICKBOOKS!'" -- Meghan Norman corporate recruiter

    Monday, August 23, 2010

    Keeping Your On-Line Job Search Safe

    Recently, I was the victim of computer hackers. For some reason, I never thought it would happen to me, but it did. My personal email address was taken over, the hackers sent a scam email to all of my contacts making it look like I emailed everyone to ask for help as I had been mugged in London and I needed money. My phone rang off the hook with friends and family calling to make sure I was safely at home in Atlanta. Even close friends seemed to believe the email even though I had spoken to them recently and hadn't mentioned a thing about a trip overseas. It was weeks before all of my on-line content was returned to me and the whole experience was a nightmare.

    Searching for jobs on-line can open you to similar issues, but ones that may be harder to determine their authenticity. This article from MSN Careers gives some scenarios and some ways to protect yourself.

    Keeping Your Online Job Search Safe

    By CareerBuilder

    Scenario: Imagine searching online for jobs one day, applying to a handful of them and hearing back from one of the employers. After an e-mail interview process, you are told that your new job as a finance manager requires you to transfer money deposits made to your personal bank account to a new account. You sign the contract and send it off via e-mail.

    You receive your first assignment: Transfer money overseas. Upon going to the bank to make the transfer, you are arrested on the spot and charged with grand felony theft because the money you were about to forward was stolen. You are indicted by a grand jury for the theft and now, you're awaiting trial and facing prison time if convicted.

    While the above situation is true, according to a report by the World Privacy Forum, it's also the worst case scenario to result from a job scam. Enticed by advertisements to work from home or make quick cash, more and more job seekers are falling prey to Internet employment hoaxes.

    "Job scams target job seekers searching for high-paying, convenient opportunities," says Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder. "They con workers into divulging personal information such as bank account or Social Security numbers. Instead of getting paid, the victim ends up losing their money, their identity or worse, they can end up in jail."

    Read on to get a crash course in (almost) everything you need to know about job scams, according to the World Privacy Forum, a California-based public interest research group and the Better Business Bureau.

    Types of scams

    The most common type of employment swindle is a payment-forwarding or payment-transfer scam, of which there are many variations. All of these stings involve forwarding or wiring money from a personal bank account, a PayPal account or from Western Union to another account, which is typically overseas. Usually, the con artist pretends to be an employer and, after he wins the job seeker's trust, he tricks job seeker into giving up his or her bank account number. For compensation, the job seeker is told to keep a small percentage of the money. While the amount of the transfer varies, almost always the money is stolen.

    Another typical ruse is reshipping. These scams begin with an employment offer, usually via e-mail, for a job forwarding packages. Victims receive packages at their homes and are instructed to repackage and reship the parcels to another location, usually abroad. Frequently, the packages are stolen property.

    A third set-up to be aware of is work-from-home opportunities, which generally promise quick cash and a lot of it. Victims have to pay a "registration fee" or a fee for training and/or equipment; often, the paid for materials aren't sent to the job seeker and refunds aren't available. Keep in mind that not all work-from-home opportunities are crooked, but take caution when applying for them.

    Warning signs
    Here are a few known "red flags" of phony job listings:

  • A request for bank account numbers.
  • A request for Social Security number.
  • A request to "scan the ID" of a job seeker, like a drivers' license. Scammers will say they need to "verify identity" -- this isn't a legitimate request.
  • A contact e-mail address that is not a primary domain. For example, an employer calling itself "Legacy Inc," will have a MSN hotmail e-mail address.
  • Misspellings and grammatical mistakes in the job ad.
  • A lack of interest in meeting the employee.

    Tips to avoid scams
    The following tips can help job seekers protect themselves from fraudulent job opportunities:

  • Never give personal bank account, PayPal or credit card numbers to an employer.
  • Do not transfer money and retain a portion of the payment.
  • Never forward, transfer or "wire" money to an employer.
  • Don't divulge private information such as a copy of your driver's license, passport or Social Security number. *
  • Do not re-ship products.
  • Don't partake in cross-border action.
  • Research the prospective company.

    If you have questions about the legitimacy of a job listing, contact your Better Business Bureau, your state or local consumer agency or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

    If you feel you have been a victim, file a complaint about fraudulent jobs posted on an online job search Web site by calling the FTC complaint line at (877) 382-4357. If you ever receive a suspicious request that mentions CareerBuilder.com, please do not respond and immediately contact CareerBuilder customer service at (866) 438-1485 or report the suspected fraud using our feedback form.

    To find a consumer agency near you, visit www.consumeraction.gov/state.shtml.

    *Remember, this advice only applies to work from home jobs where you have not actually met the company or completed paperwork such as the Form I-9. Legitimate companies, like DISCOVER STAFFING, are required to get this information for the Federal Government. We will not ask for it until you've completed the application process.
  • Thursday, August 19, 2010

    Office Manager/Bookkeeper

    DISCOVER STAFFING is currently staffing for two different Office Manager/Bookkeeper positions. One located in John's Creek, the other in Norcross.

    Peachtree and/or Quickbooks experience preferred. General office functions to include phones, customer service, invoicing, AP/AR. Must be an independent worker. Salary range $35+ depending on experience.

    Please send resumes to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Please include a brief cover letter in the body of the email. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

    Wednesday, August 18, 2010

    Licensing Specialist in Alpharetta

    We are currently seeking a Licensing and Privileging Specialist in Alpharetta. Will be responsible for processing applications of medical professionals to be submitted to providers before being approved by the state board. Qualified candidates will have Licensing and/or Privileging experience.

    Please submit your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

    Legal Secretary in Cobb County

    Provide traditional administrative support, i.e., calendar management, expense tracking, phones, copying, distribution and filing. Represent the General Counsel with professionalism and tact. Communication skills to include phone manners, accurate message taking, judgment on when to interrupt and prioritize calls. Managing, maintaining and coordinating the general counsel's meetings, correspondence, files and projects. Handling confidential and high level information with discretion and diplomacy. Creating, proofreading, and editing documents and presentations using Word, PowerPoint. Organization skills should include ability to organize extensive paper and electronic files. Maintain, update and distribute correspondence, reports and database information including data entry of contract and pricing information.

    Please submit your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

    Executive Assistant in Cobb County

    The Executive Secretary role is responsible for providing administrative/clerical support to assist a VP and Director to successfully carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position and to ensure the smooth and efficient management of the executives schedule and professional obligations.

    Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

    Monday, August 16, 2010

    One Simple Step: Research!

    As you've read here, there is a lot of advice for job seekers. Some of it is contradictory so it is difficult to figure out which to use to your advantage and which to follow. This article from MSN Careers provides a key piece to the job search puzzle - researching the company. This is a step not to be missed and it can be the difference between a rejection letter and an offer letter.

    Keys to Researching Your Next Employer
    By Beth Braccio Hering, CareerBuilder Writer

    "I know right away when a candidate doesn't know the current news about our company," states Chris Brabec, director of leadership talent acquisition for Western Union. "If you don't know the CEO is retiring, or if a company made a big acquisition recently, that's not a good sign. If a candidate can't tell me what the company does (or thinks Western Union still does telegrams), that's another sign she hasn't done her homework."

    In a job market where applicants frequently cast a wide net with the hope that anybody will respond, job seekers sometimes cut corners by not thoroughly checking out potential employers. But failure to know about the place you claim you want to work at can make you seem unprepared and disinterested -- and cost you a job offer.

    Here, experts weigh in on things you should learn before seeking employment and how to go about finding that information.

    What to know

    "Companies have told us that one of the things they use to weed out candidates is that the student didn't know anything about the company," says John M. Thompson, executive director of career services at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

    Among the things Thompson encourages his students to find out are:

  • What does the company do?
  • What are its products?
  • What is the company's mission?
  • Where are its offices located?
  • How big is the company in terms of employees/revenue?
  • How is it positioned in its industry?

    "Everyone (but particularly for more senior-level roles) should know our stock price," says Yolanda Bush, director of human resources for Western Union. "Research the company's leadership team and the company's efforts around corporate social responsibility. This will help candidates position themselves to discuss how their skills and experience will help us succeed in the marketplace."

    Julie Rulis, a senior recruiter for Western Union's talent acquisition team, agrees with her colleague's advice and adds, "If you are doing an interview at a company, find out if it's in the Fortune 500 and where it is on that list. Even better: Find out where it was a year ago, and if it's different, maybe ask why. It shows you've done your homework. A job candidate should know our products and services beyond just the basics. With all the tools available nowadays, there's no excuse not to know."

    How to play detective

    The "tools" Rulis is referring to are all the different ways a job seeker can go about finding information. Abby M. Locke, master résumé writer and personal brand strategist for Premier Writing Solutions in Seattle, Wash., offers these suggestions on how to find information on the company:

  • Review the company's website.
  • Read press releases.
  • Pay attention to industry publications.
  • Use Google alerts to stay on top of current company news.
  • Do an informational interview with past or current employees.
  • Talk to a representative at a career fair or trade show.
  • Follow key decision-makers on Twitter.
  • Utilize LinkedIn groups and other online social media tools.

    Online directories such as Bloomberg and Standard & Poor's also give information on many businesses. For additional help in finding appropriate databases, job seekers may want to consult their local library or the college career center of their alma mater.

    Show what you know

    Finally, while you don't need to be a walking fact book, be ready to incorporate your knowledge of the company into correspondence and conversation when opportunities arise.

    "I ask job candidates questions like what they know about the company beyond what's on the website, how they feel they fit in with our overall values and corporate culture, or what they found out about the company in their research that they didn't know before," Rulis says. "This is a great opportunity to show off your preparation -- talk about our competitors or the fact that you read that we're entering an entirely new business segment."

    Get to know your potential employers, and chances are they will want to get to know you!
  • Monday, August 2, 2010

    Auditor

    DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for an Auditing position. Must have a degree in English or a related field and experience as an editor, writer, journalist or similar. Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook as well as have excellent grammar, vocabulary and spelling skills. Must be available to work evening and weekend hours. Some of the work will be completed at home so must have a home phone line and reliable Internet access. $13 per hour. Candidates who speak French Canadian also encouraged to apply. Will be auditing reports submitted by secret shoppers and editing for grammar and spelling.

    Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.