Discover Staffing

Bilingual Admin/Accounting in Suwanee

2012-01-26T15:41:00.001-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking a Bilingual (Spanish) Administrative Assistant for a company in Suwanee. A BA Degree is strongly preferred. Must have 2+ years prior administrative support experience as well as some general accounting. Must be proficient with MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. Temp to hire opportunity.

Candidates must be local to the Suwanee area and have reliable transportation. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Seven Job Search Rules to Break - Monster.com

2012-01-18T14:57:00.000-05:00

Seven Job Search Rules to Break - Monster.com

W2s will be mailed January 31st!

2012-01-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING will be mailing out the W2s on January 31st, 2012. If you have had a change in address, please contact the office as soon as possible with the new information. Please call us at (678) 393-9313 or email us at alpharetta@discoverstaffing.com to make any changes in your mailing address.

Current Available Positions

2011-12-20T15:01:00.005-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for the following positions.

CAD Operator - CAFM experience required.

Marketing Assistant

Field Services Specialist

Claims Processing/Scanning

General Ledger/Accounts Payable - Must have PeopleSoft V. 7.5 or newer

Enrollment Analyst

Part Time Bookkeeper

Machine Operator/Production

Please send your resume to alpharetta at discoverstaffing dot com.

Our positions change daily. Check back to this page to see the most up to date listings.

Multiple Skill Specific Positions Available in Gwinnett, North Fulton, and Cobb Counties

2011-12-07T12:35:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING has several open positions throughout our territory. Please review the available jobs and contact us for more information. Please include the title of the position for which you are inquiring in your email. Send your resume to alpharetta at discoverstaffing dot com.

Pre Sales Support (heavy telemarketing) in Alpharetta

New Business Processor (insurance or mortgage processing experience) in Norcross

Contracting Specialist (insurance or mortgage processing experience) in Norcross

Enrollment Analyst (insurance) in Alpharetta

Mailroom/Scanner in Alpharetta

Business/Quality Assurance Analyst (insurance) in Alpharetta

Insurance Customer Care Specialist in Alpharetta

Part Time Bookkeepers in Marietta and Alpharetta

Office Manager/Project Manager in Alpharetta

Office Administrator/Human Resources in Roswell

Sales and Marketing Analyst/Coordinator in Norcross

Accountant (construction and restoration) in Alpharetta

Inside Sales (medical devices) in Alpharetta

Fitness Customer Service Technician in Kennesaw

If your experience matches any of these available position, please send your resume for consideration. We will contact qualified candidates to move forward to the application process.

Please check back to this page regularly for updated postings.

Bilingual Administrative Support/Accounting

2011-10-24T09:50:00.000-04:00

HOT Positions at Discover Staffing

2011-10-11T12:46:00.005-04:00

We are currently staffing for these specific skill sets. If you or someone you know is experienced in any of these areas, please contact us.

~~Inventory Services - Kennesaw~~

~~Project Coordinator, Construction - Alpharetta~~

Administrative Assistant/Receptionist - Alpharetta

~~Accounts Payable, must have PeopleSoft V. 9.0 or 9.1 - Kennesaw~~

Executive Assistant/HR - Roswell

Insurance Contracting/Licensing Specialist - Norcross

Life Insurance Case Manager - Duluth

Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Please include the job title in your email.

Thank you for your interest in the above positions. Several of our opportunities have been filled. Please continue to check back to this blog for our most updated postings. We suggest you refer to the date of the posting to best determine if a position is likely still available. However, we always have new opportunities so please feel free to submit your resume.

Breaking Out of Long-Term Unemployment - Monster.com

2011-09-28T12:44:00.000-04:00

Breaking Out of Long-Term Unemployment - Monster.com

Current Available Positions

2011-09-26T09:50:00.003-04:00

Below are several currently available position with DISCOVER STAFFING. Please send your resume to alpharetta@discoverstaffing.com and include a short email indicating which position you are applying for. Each position requires different experience. We will review your resume and contact you for the next step of the process. If you have any additional questions about the experience required for each position, please email us.

Temporary Receptionists - All Areas

Customer Service/Light Warehouse - Alpharetta

Controller - Lawrenceville

Inventory Services/Warehouse - Kennesaw

New Business Case Manager - Norcross

Field Services Representative - Norcross

Part Time IT Support - Norcross

Technical Dispatcher - Roswell

Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist - Alpharetta

Data Entry - Duluth

Inside Sales - Alpharetta

Thank you for your interest in DISCOVER STAFFING.

How to Bounce Back from that Interviewing Mistake

2011-09-26T09:11:00.004-04:00

There is a lot of advice out there for how to conduct yourself during the interview process, but there is limited information on what to do if you make a mistake. No one is perfect and to expect yourself to be 100% perfect is a sure-fire way to set yourself up for failure. Mistakes are sure to happen, but it is how we handle ourselves in that situation that will set us apart from the competition.

Today's installment from MSN Careers give some great advice for the job seeker. Tuck this information in the back of your mind and recall it if and when the unthinkable happens.

Some of the advice includes:

Apologize

Don't dwell on the mistake

Think on your feet

Don't assume it's too late to act

Prepare

The easiest way to deal with a mistake, of course, is not to err in the first place. Researching the company beforehand can eliminate the embarrassment of not knowing what it produces or who its biggest competitors are. Practicing aloud the answers to likely questions can build confidence and help you remember pertinent information and names. And don't hesitate to confirm an appointment, ask for the spelling of someone's name or request clarification of procedures. Better to look detail-oriented and responsible than to make a preventable blunder.

Do check out the original posting for more information.

Hot Jobs Currently Avaliable

2011-09-14T13:36:00.007-04:00

Hot Jobs Currently Available

Inventory Services in Kennesaw
Accounting Assistant in Alpharetta
Administrative Support in Sandy Springs
Warehouse in Lawrenceville

Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for more information. Please which position you are applying for within your email.
Only qualified and local candidates will be considered.

Receptionist Position in Johns Creek

2011-08-26T09:29:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for a receptionist position with a company in Johns Creek. Will support the office manager and executive assistant. Will answer phones, work with MS Word, schedule meetings and travel in Outlook, and process FedEx shipments to the company home office in India. Temp to hire. $10-$12/hour.

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

Sales Support Analyst Position in Lawrenceville

2011-08-26T09:23:00.004-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for a Sales Support Analyst position in Lawrenceville. This is a long term temporary position while the need for this role is being assessed. $15. Will be responsible for creating reports, developing strategies, reviewing expenses, preparing budgets, maintaining the database. Will report to the national sales director and support the outside sales team. Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access experience required. SAP/Oracle and/or SQL helpful. Bachelors in business, accounting or information systems required. 3+ years experience in an industrial, manufacturing, food or chemical environment.

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

New Business Case Manager

2011-08-26T09:22:00.001-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is working with a financial services company in Norcross looking for a New Business Case Manager. This position is available due to growth. The perfect candidate will be very service oriented, able to work in a fast paced office environment and manage multiple projects at once. Must be good with data entry, MS Office and customer service. Life insurance and loan processing experience helpful. Ideal background would be from the mortgage or non-medical insurance processing field. $13/hour temporary to hire position.

Please send your resume to lauraATdiscoverstaffing.com for more information.

Teleboosting in Alpharetta

2011-08-26T09:21:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is working with a company in Alpharetta with an ongoing teleboosting position. Position is indefinite expected to last at least 4-6 weeks but may continue longer. Must have experience with outbound calling. Comfortable speaking with high level managers. This is not cold calling, but following up on information the managers have already received. $10.00. Great for extra income or while continuing to look for another position.

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

The single most important question and the best answer

2011-08-25T12:04:00.002-04:00

Every day, we ask people the question, "Why have you been out of work for so long?" or "What have you been doing since you were laid off?" The single most common answer to that question is, "I have been looking for work." As the market becomes more and more saturated with available candidates, this answer is no longer acceptable to most hiring managers. If you do not pre-plan any other interview question, be prepared to answer this one.

The Ladders, a website for job advice and job seekers offer this article by Tanjia M. Coleman: Why Have You Been Out of Work So Long?

Whatever you do, have an answer to the question — why have you been out of work so long? Whatever you say, don't answer, 'Looking for a job.'

Coleman offers a lot of great advice and some great ideas to tweak for your own answers.

■ I decided to start a business
■ I am an officer of XYZ organization
■ I took some college courses to stay current in my career
■ I am currently researching XYZ subject (ensure that it has business relevance)
■ I volunteer at a local mission
■ I started a networking organization to help those out of work
■ I decided to coach a season of my child’s baseball league

There is something you've done in your period of unemployment that you can talk that will be more impressive to the hiring manager than simply "looking for work."

Check out the entire article for more great ideas.

Advice for bouncing back after losing your job

2011-08-22T09:28:00.003-04:00

One of the most difficult part of my job is ending someone's assignment. One of the most difficult things anyone has to face is being let go from a job whether it is temporary or permanent. Today, MSN Career's posted an article from blogger Alina Dizik.

Rebuilding your confidence after a job loss can be difficult. It's easy to fall into the trap of feeling sorry for yourself, which can cause you to doubt your ability to land a new position. If that happens, make bouncing back your top priority.

In the article, she includes nine ways to pull yourself up, dust yourself off and get back to the work of finding employment. These tips include:
1. Develop a routine
2. Find a supportive network
3. Help others
4. Use positive affirmation
5. Take time to do something you love
6. Exercise
7. Allow time to heal
8. Meet other job seekers
9. Be ready for a tough road ahead

To read more about these tips, please check out the full article at MSN Careers.

Buyer

2011-08-16T08:24:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is working with a company in Alpharetta seeking a buyer with experience in government contracts and electronics. FAR and DFAR experience required. Must be proficient in MS Office, especially Excel and MRP. Must understand Quality Assurance regulations. Must have a degree or equivalent experience and 4 years in electronics or 8 years purchasing experience in a specific commodity discipline. CMP is desirable.

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

Dispatchers for Technicians

2011-08-16T08:22:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently working with a client in the Roswell area seeking candidates for a fast paced, high demand environment. Must be able to multi-task. Some technical experience including VOIP and Cisco Networking highly desirable.

Please send resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

Telemarketing

2011-08-16T08:19:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is working with a company in Alpharetta with an ongoing teleboosting position. Position is indefinite expected to last at least 4-6 weeks but may continue longer. Must have experience with outbound calling. Comfortable speaking with high level managers. This is not cold calling, but following up on information the managers have already received. $10.00.

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

Negotiating Your Salary

2011-08-15T15:32:00.003-04:00

Frequently, this does not apply in the staffing industry. When we get positions in, our clients are typcially telling us what the hourly salary would be. However, there is a time and a place for negotiation even with a temp-to-hire opportunity. Once you have been there on a temporaray basis doing a good job and the company is ready to make an offer, use your 3 months experience with the company to negotiate your permanent salary.

Selena Dehne writing for MSN Careers provides some great information in this feature about how not to let fear get in the way of the negotiations. Here is some of the "what not to do" advice.

Mistake #1: Assume that nothing is negotiable.
Mistake #2: Throw in the towel too quickly.
Mistake #3: Say "yes" too soon.
Mistake #4: Negotiate just for money.

Go here to read the full article.

Dress Code: When is Business Casual too Casual

2011-08-04T08:30:00.004-04:00

The topic of Dress Codes comes up for us all the time. With the wide variety of types of clients, dress codes are very different from place to place. What one company calls "Business Casual" another company would call "Professional" and another still considers jeans and t-shirts to be appropriate every day. DISCOVER STAFFING has even recently implemented a Casual Friday policy for our own office. However, when it comes to dress code there are always gray areas and boundary lines that should not be crossed. Yahoo Blogger Sarah B. Weir offers these insights into what bosses and co-workers really think when it comes to dressing for the office.

Kelly recommends that women have three separate wardrobes: one for the office, one for the weekend, and another for special occasions. While this might seem a little old school, she explains that fashion magazines like to mix casual and professional clothing, but the average person simply doesn't have the eye or the experience to combine styles in one outfit.

We talked to some managers and executives around the country about the worst wardrobe blunders, and bosses agree that conservative professional attire is still relevant today. It seems that looks can kill...your job prospects.

Go here to read the full article.

Cross Posted on our DISCOVER STAFFING Communications page.

Current Available Positions

2011-08-01T10:54:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is always seeking candidates for a variety of general office support and light warehouse positions. Please check back frequently for updated postings. We staff throughout the Gwinnett, North Fulton and Cobb County areas.

Currently available positions include.

~~Controller~~

Inventory Services

Temporary Receptionists

New Business Case Manager

Field Support Specialist

~~Part Time Computer and General Office Support~~

~~Collections Quality Assurance~~

Dispatchers HOT!

Telemarketers HOT!

Credentialing Analyst

Production - FDA and GMP Experience

Inside Sales

Part Time Collector

~~Part Time Accounting Assistant~~

For more information on any of these positions, please submit your resume to laura@discoverstaffing for consideration. Please include the position title in your email.

How to ask the hard questions in an interview

2011-08-01T10:38:00.002-04:00

Careerbuilder writer Anthony Balderrama is one of my favorite contributors on all things job related. Today, he posted an article about the things that job seekers are a little hesitant to discuss in the interview process.

Job-search etiquette dictates waiting for the employer to bring up salary, benefits and vacation. Conventional wisdom says that if you bring it up, you appear more focused on the perks than on doing the job, which sends a bad sign to employers. So you interview over the phone and in person, and after days or weeks of conversation about the job, you don't know how much it pays or if you would be able to leave early on occasion to pick up your son from school. These issues can be deal breakers for many job seekers, but they're taboo topics during the interview process.

Balderrama suggest that this shouldn't be the case and that there is a time and a place for every discussion. Check out the full article for more information.

Welcome to the 21st Century Job Search.

2011-07-25T15:17:00.002-04:00

As technology has changed the face of the workplace, it is incumbent upon job seekers to stay in touch with the latest advancements. Yahoo Finance has this great article about 10 outdated pieces of career advice. These are worthwhile things to keep in mind while sending resumes and interviewing for your next opportunity.

Read the full article for details, but check out the top ten things to ignore:

1. You must use a land line for a phone interview.
2. Your resume can only be one page.
3. Every job has to go on your resume to present a complete account of your professional history.
4. Include "references available upon request" on the bottom of your resume.
5. Include an objective at the top of your resume.
6. Invest in good resume paper.
7. Overnight your resume to get the hiring manager's attention.
8. When your interviewer asks about your weaknesses, offer up a positive framed as a weakness.
9. Your resume and cover letter should be written in formal language.
10. A few days after you submit your resume, call to schedule an interview.

Part Time IT Support and General Office

2011-07-21T10:55:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is seeking candidates for a part time office support, light IT position. Must be knowledgable about software packages, troubleshooting and some networking. Will also being doing some general office support. Must have 1+ years of general office experience. $13/hour approximately 20 hours per week.

Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Position located in Norcross. Candidates must be local to that area and have reliable transportation.

Inventory Services Specialist

2011-07-15T13:47:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is working with a medical research company in Kennesaw in need of a temporary Inventory Specialist for a project expected to last through the beginning of October. Candidates will be handling inventory of all raw materials. Assure accuracy and stock rotation. Experience with FDA and GMP strongly desired. Candidates must be able to lift up to 50lbs. Must have strong computer skills with MS Word and Excel. SAP or other inventory management software experience is required.

Please send your resume to lauraATdiscoverstaffing.com for consideration.

New Business Case Manager

2011-07-15T13:43:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is working with a financial services company in Norcross looking for a New Business Case Manager. This position is available due to growth. The perfect candidate will be very service oriented, able to work in a fast paced office environment and manage multiple projects at once. Must be good with data entry, MS Office and customer service. Life insurance and loan processing experience helpful. $13/hour temporary to hire position.

Please send your resume to lauraATdiscoverstaffing.com for more information.

Part Time Positions in Alpharetta

2011-07-12T09:45:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently working on two part time positions in the Alpharetta area.

We have an Inside Sales opportunity. Candidates must have experience with SalesForce. Will be talking to C-level and VP level executives to qualify leads and establish interest in the product. This position is expected to go 8 week, possibly longer depending on success. 20 hours a week (likely 1pm to 5pm). Only qualified candidates will be considered. Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

We have a Collections position. Experience with Skip Tracing strongly preferred. Will be calling both businesses and individuals for accounts that are 90 to 120 days past due. Preferred hours would be noon to 5pm or 1pm to 6pm. Length of the assignment will depend on success of the project. Only qualified candidates will be considered. Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

MSN Careers offers Advice

2011-07-11T11:06:00.003-04:00

It is no secret, I really like the information published on MSN Careers and I often pass it on here. Today, the site has two great articles for job seekers.

Rachel Farrell shares 5 things that can derail your interview and how to avoid them. This can include dressing inappropriately, dominating the interview, timeliness, and being forgetful about important information.

And staffing firm Robert Half International shares common interview questions.

Every hiring manager has a different set of go-to interview questions. In a recent survey by our company, we asked more than 650 managers in the United States and Canada to name the single question they ask that provides the most insight about a job applicant. Responses ranged from classic queries ("Where do you see yourself in five years?") to less-traditional ones ("How would you describe yourself in five words?").

Stay tuned for more job seeking advice and other useful information and job posts from DISCOVER STAFFING.

Current Available Positions

2011-07-06T13:45:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING always has opportunities available. Our job is to match the right candidate to each individual client request. Below are a list of open positions. Opportunities change daily so check back frequently for updates. We staff the Cobb County, North Fulton County, and Gwinnett County areas.

~~Project Coordinator - Construction Experience~~

Temporary Receptionists - as needed basis

Dispatchers for Technical Support

~~Account Manager - health care/insurance~~

Underwriting Assistant

Telemarketing - Immediate Need

Credentialing Analyst

Executive Assistant/Personal Assistant

Billing Specialist

Warehouse Associate

Production/Assembly - GMP and FDA Experience

Positions marked out are no longer available. Please be sure to check back to our blog on a regular basis to see the most up to date information.

Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for more information.

Bilingual Consumer Services

2011-06-22T10:30:00.001-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this position. Our client has made a hiring decision at this time. Please continue to check back to our Career Resource Center for the most up to date information.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently working with a major manufacturer in the Atlanta area for a Consumer Services specialist in their warranty division. Candidates must be fluent in English and Spanish. Will be responsible for communicating information regarding warranties to Spanish speaking markets, data entry of information and following up on all accounts. Inbound and outbound calling experience required.

Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for more information.

Account Manager in Alpharetta

2011-06-14T10:14:00.004-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this position. Our client has made a hiring decision at this time. Please continue to check back to our Career Resource Center for the most up to date information.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking an experienced Account Manager for a position in Alpharetta. Must have health care experience. Will be responsible for day to day client interactions. Will coordinate client implementations and lead project management of claims and client enrollments. Will be up selling new products and services to existing client base. Must have 2-5+ years experience as an Account Manager in the Healthcare Insurance industry. Position starts in the $50K range.

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

Project Coordinator for Construction Industry

2011-06-14T10:11:00.004-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this position. Our client has made a hiring decision at this time. Please continue to check back to our Career Resource Center for the most up to date information.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently working with a national commercial construction company in Roswell to find a Project Coordinator to join their team. Will assist the project managers with setting up and closing out projects in their system. Will be responsible for all administrative aspects of projects and job sites. Track vendors and sub contractor information. Assist with manuals and make travel arrangements. Qualified candidates must have experience as a project coordinator in the construction similar industry.

Position starts in the $30K range. Temp to hire. Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

Office Support in Kennesaw

2011-06-06T13:16:00.004-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this position. At this time our client has made a hiring decision. Please continue to check back for the most updated listings.

We are currently working with a client in Kennesaw looking for clerical support in one of their insurance processing departments. Must be comfortable with a paperless office environment and knowledgeable about MS Office programs. Position will start at $11.00 hour.

Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for more information.

Account Manager with Healthcare Background

2011-06-06T13:09:00.002-04:00

We are currently working with a company located in Alpharetta looking for an account manager with previous experience in the health care field.

Position is responsible for managing the day-to-day client interface with key internal departments, coordinating client implementation, optimizing savings performance, and up-selling new products and services. Must have Health care experience with claims processing group insurance

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

Production Position in Roswell

2011-06-06T13:06:00.003-04:00

We are currently working with a client in Roswell looking for someone with the following experience.

Job Profile: Production Environment. Experience in food or medical device where GMP (general manufacturing production) rules and/or FDA rules apply. 1/2 position requires standing for 4 hours the other 1/2 sitting. Managing paperwork - documents needs to be filled out accurately throughout the day -extreme attention to detail - critical. Work is very detailed and precise one small error could shut down the production line.

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

Customer Service and Order Entry in Alpharetta

2011-06-06T10:14:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently working with a client in the north Alpharetta area who is seeking candidates for an entry level customer service position. You will be responsible for taking client phone calls and inputting order information into the company computer system. Must have great attention to detail and ability to learn a large inventory of products. $9.00/hour to start, temporary to hire position. Company is looking for a good, career employee.

Candidates must be local to the north Alpharetta area and have reliable transportation. Punctuality and attendance is very important to this client. Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for more information.

We specialize in Administrative Office Support Positions

2011-05-25T10:19:00.001-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING provides staffing for business to business office support throughout the north Atlanta area including Cobb County, North Fulton County and Gwinnett County. Employees with DISCOVER STAFFING can be placed in short or long term temporary positions as well as possible Temporary to Hire opportunities depending on the needs of each candidate and company. You will have the ability to network, learn new skills with each assignment and have access to our resources. DISCOVER STAFFING is a locally owned and operated staffing company working with other medium to large size businesses in the local area. DISCOVER STAFFING strives to work with their clients to place the best qualified candidates for each position. Duties for assignments typically include:

Receptionist

Executive Level Assistant

Data Entry

Filing

Customer Service

Administrative Support

Accounting Support including AP/AR

And More!

To become an employee of DISCOVER STAFFING please send a resume to laura@discoverstaffing for consideration. Please include a cover letter indicating what type of position you are most interested in. Candidates must be local to the north Atlanta area and have reliable transportation.

Positions Currently Available in Cobb, North Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties

2011-05-11T13:55:00.004-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is always on the look out for professional candidates for available office positions. We staff throughout the Cobb, North Fulton, and Gwinnett counties. Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

Accounts Payable in Lawrenceville

Executive Assistant in Norcross

Administrative/Sales Support in Alpharetta

Executive Admin/Personal Assistant in Suwanee

Executive Assistant - Lawrenceville

Claims Administrator (Insurance or Legal) in Kennesaw

~~Showroom Associate (including weekends) in Alpharetta~~

Collections in Kennesaw

Temporary Receptionists in all territories (positions come in on an as needed basis)

Check back to our Career Resource Center regularly to see updated posts. Positions change on a daily basis.

The Value of LinkedIn

2011-05-03T08:31:00.002-04:00

Yahoo Finance posted a great article today about properly using LinkedIn. LinkedIn is one of the most valuable tools available for business networking and most of us are not using it to it's full potential.

The article includes information on creating the best headline, maintaining an active profile, trying new tools, and actively networking.

Check out the full article here.

Direct Marketing Manager in Kennesaw

2011-04-25T09:35:00.004-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this position. At this time, our client has made a hiring decision.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently assisting a client in Kennesaw in their search for a Direct Marketing Manager. This person will develop marketing strategies, execute marketing campaigns, coordinate implementation and tracking, and generate analysis and campaign metrics. A bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or related major and 5+ years experience in Marketing is required. The ideal candidate will possess the creative experience to succeed in marketing as well ans the analytical skills to understand the metrics and statistics. Salary considered based on candidate's experience.

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

Available Positions

2011-04-22T08:43:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING handles a wide range of general office support and light industrial positions. We staff in the North Atlanta Area including Gwinnett, North Fulton and Cobb Counties. Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing for consideration for any of the following opportunities. Prior experience will be required and skills testing will be performed as part of the application process.

Shipping/Receiving

Customer Service Representative

Data Entry

Receptionist (including Temporary)

Executive Assistant

Inside Sales/Lead Generation

10 Tips for Job Seekers

2011-04-18T11:55:00.003-04:00

It is no secret that MSN Career's website is my favorite place on the web for information about the job search. Today's offering from writer Alina Dizik is no exception. It provides some excellent tips for job seekers to follow including:

Learning how to navigate past HR

How much importance to place on a resume

Creating a job search plan

Researching a company before an interview (We cannot stress this enough)

Accept offerings such as water

Go to your alumni network

Keep emails professional and formal

Include your zip code (I would also suggest making sure you have a complete address)

Be honest

Check out the full article here.

Part Time Bookkeeping Position in Alpharetta

2011-04-18T09:47:00.003-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. The client has decided to fill this position on their own at this time. Please continue to check back from time to time to see our most updated postings.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for a part time bookkeeping position in Alpharetta. Must have experience in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll. Company uses Ceridian and Quickbooks Pro and is looking for candidates knowledgeable with these systems. This will be a part time position 20-25 hours per week hours between 9am and 2pm.

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

Electronic Repair Technician in Doraville, GA

2011-04-14T14:59:00.000-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently working with a client in Doraville seeking an Electronic Repair Technician. Must be an expert in electronics with at least two years experience. Will be troubleshooting, soldering, and reading schematics. Must understand electronics down to the component level. $14-$15/hour depending on experience. Company will review resumes, conduct interviews and perform a soldering test for consideration.

Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for our review. Candidates must be local to the Doraville area and have reliable transportation.

Conflicting Advice: Who is right?

2011-04-11T09:43:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING likes to bring our readers not only our latest job postings but also career advice from around the web. As this article reminds us, we are bombarded with advice from every direction and often times it is contradictory. How to do we know which advice to take and which to leave on the table. MSN Careers is one our favorite sites and this is really great advice on advice.

Conflicting Career Advice: Which Is Right?
By Kaitlin Madden, CareerBuilder Writer

Employment is a hot topic these days, and everyone seems to have an opinion on it. From morning news anchors to business bloggers to well-meaning friends and family, job advice is everywhere. While a wealth of information is never a bad thing, with so much advice out there, it can be hard to know what to trust.

For example, when researching how to write a résumé, it's common to come across articles that advocate one- and two-page formats. Similarly, some experts say it's great to make friends at work, while others say it's unwise to combine your work life and your social scene. But if your morning news anchor is telling you one thing and your recruitment firm is telling you another, how do you know whom to listen to?

While there's no universal answer, there are ways you can evaluate the suggestions you receive, to ensure that you're following the most beneficial advice for your situation. Here are three things to consider when confronted with conflicting career counsel:

1. Your industry: A lot of career advice is aimed at the general population. If your daily newspaper has an audience of 50,000 people, chances are its job advice will aim to apply to as many of those people as possible. But because there are many different career paths, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all career approach. Make sure you take into account your specific industry when you're offered a new job strategy.

For example: You may have heard a dozen times that a suit is the standard clothing choice for an interview -- but in your industry, people never wear suits, and you don't think one would be appropriate for an interview.

In this case, you'd probably be right to go with more casual dress, if that's the industry standard.

"Common sense is the scale by which you measure advice," says Bud Whitehouse, director of Career Management of Virginia. "If it makes sense -- 'Geography and industry play a role in what you wear to the interview. Do the research,' -- do it. If it doesn't make sense -- 'Wear a suit, white shirt and tie to an interview for a plumber' -- don't do it."

2. Your experiences: Like the people who give job advice, you will have your own ideas about interview attire and résumé length that are based on your experience. Trust these instincts, because you'll often be right.

"Go with your experience," Whitehouse says. "People are much too willing to make what was advice for a particular situation a universal dictum." For example: 10 years ago, when your college career counselor told you to shorten your résumé to one page, it was probably because employers wouldn't care about your high school job at the gas station and student of the month award.

Now, 10 years later, you may have enough relevant experience and awards to fill up more than one page. If you've landed five interviews with a two-page résumé, it's clearly not a hindrance to your job search, even if it goes against advice you were given. If something it working for you, there's no need to change it.

3. Your personality: Take, for example, the oft-debated topic of how to follow up after an interview. Some experts say it's best to follow up with a phone call, others suggest sending an e-mail or handwritten note, some say do all three.

Well, if your written word is typically more profound than your spoken one (or you've been told that you sound like a 12-year-old over the phone) there's no harm in sending a handwritten thank-you note and following up via e-mail if that is what makes you the most comfortable. You know what your strong suits are, so look at all job advice through a lens of how it applies to your personality and strengths.

You have to make the advice work for you, and you know yourself best. It's OK to take what you like a leave the rest, if the rest just doesn't suit you.

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

Don't forget to check back to our blog to see our most recent job positngs.

Warehouse and Office Positions Available in Cobb, North Fulton, and Gwinnett

2011-04-11T09:05:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING currently has several open opportunities in both industrial and office environments.

Warehouse Positions in Cobb, North Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties including Shipping, Receiving, Inventory, and Quality Control

Mechanical and Electrical Assemblers with Soldering experience needed for a temporary opportunity in Smyrna. Must have soldering experience with small electronics.

Tool Shop Technician needed in Marietta will be cleaning tools and equipment using a milling machine and a lathe. Must have experience.

Office Support Positions available in Cobb, North Fulton and Gwinnett Counties including Receptionist, Data Entry, Accounting, and Administrative Support.

Temporary Contracts Administrator needed for position in North Fulton County. Must have excellent Excel skills and experience with contracts.

Accounting Specialist needed in North Fulton County. Must have experience with Accounts Payable and Receivable.

Part Time Office Assistant needed in Gwinnett County. Must be a truly part time candidate as position will not go full time. Temp to hire. Good office skills including customer support and telephones.

Administrative Support Candidate needed in North Fulton County for a temp to hire opportunity. Must have expert computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.

Please submit your resume to alpharetta@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Please include the position title to which you are applying in your email and provide a short cover letter explaining your interest in the opportunity. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Part Time Office Assistant in Norcross

2011-04-01T08:37:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking a part time office assistant for a small company in Norcross. Will answer phones, take orders, and provide general office support. Must be comfortable with part time hours. Casual office but professional attitude. $10 per hour.

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

Payroll and Accounts Payable/Receptionist positions in Norcross

2011-04-01T08:21:00.003-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this position. The Payroll opportunity has currently been filled, however we are still looking for the Accounts Payable role.

DISCOVER STAFFING has an immediately need for two people for a company in the Norcross/Doraville area.

Accounts Payable/Receptionist
2+ Years Accounts Payable experience
Comfortable with multi line phones
$12

Payroll Processor
Processing payroll in-house for 150 employees
Accurate Data Entry
Maintain personnel files including new hire information and I9s
$14

Please submit your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Please include which position in your email. Must be local to the Norcross area and have reliable transportation. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Business Development for growing company in Kennesaw

2011-03-22T09:18:00.001-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. At this time, the client has made a hiring decision.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates with good sales and business development experience for a growing client in Kennesaw. Will be responsible for sales, marketing, business development, generating leads, price negotiations and anything else involved in generating business. Selling technology to telecom and utility companies. Will be expected to sell a set number of units per quarter. International sales experience helpful. Will pay $35K+ depending on experience and can earn commission on products sold. Technical sales experience preferred, working with telecom and utility industry also help. The company is not currently considering candidates with a background in insurance sales or real estate at this time.

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

Part Time Researcher in Alpharetta

2011-03-21T11:40:00.004-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. At this time, the client has made a hiring decision.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently assisting a client in Alpharetta with a need for a part time researcher. This is an indefinite temporary position possible lasting several years and will be $15+ per hour depending on experience. Will be part time, 20 hours per week, hours are flexible. Company works with the agricultural and animal science industry and would prefer to have someone with a background in that area.

Wish list of skills as follows:

Knowledge of Agricultural/Animal Production Terms.

Advanced knowledge of MS Excel and PowerPoint.

Knowledge of data sources for agricultural data (such as USDA etc).

Knowledge of metric/European standard and US standard measurements and ability to convert them.

Be able to present the data in easy to understand terms.

Spanish is desireable.

Please send resumes to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

What a Long Strange Trip it's Been

2011-03-18T10:55:00.005-04:00

"What a long, strange trip it's been" -Jerry Garcia

It started simply enough. Every year, Discover Staffing participates in the American Staffing Association’s Employee of the Year competition. National Staffing week in September is a time to honor temporary employees for all of their hard work. In 2010, we evaluated our current employees and chose Michael Timms as our employee of the year. Our submission was as follows.

The term “flexible” doesn’t even begin to describe Michael. He came into our office near the end of 2009 looking for temporary work to stay busy. As a formal wear consultant, the winter season is slow with few weddings and several months until proms began. He said he was willing to do anything and so we put this to the test. We had a client who wanted to experiment with telemarketing after hours. Since we primarily staff for office support, most of our employees were not available after 6pm. But Michael was ready and willing. We received excellent feedback on his assignment. When that was completed we assigned him to a 1 week job stuffing envelopes for not very much money. After that job, he did a couple of filing projects. Always representing the very definition of flexible, Michael was available for several projects over the winter holiday working for a home builder who uses our services to staff their model homes. During the holiday season several agents were on vacation and Michael happily covered these properties for us working three days before Christmas, including Christmas Eve, and 4 days during the week before New Year’s Day. He continued to work on and off at the home builder through April. At the end of April, we received a position for an administrative assistant to a senior buyer. We were presented it as a 30 to 90 day assignment while they worked on hiring a permanent employee on their own. Michael’s experience as an assistant buyer in the formal wear industry made him an excellent candidate but selfishly we didn’t want to lose him for the hard to fill jobs that he always took. In the end, sense prevailed and we submitted him to the job which he started near the beginning of May. 4 months later, he is still there. In June, Michael received a raise along with the following feedback, “We appreciate Michael’s consistent work ethic and ability to blend with the team.” And more recently, we were told, “Michael continues to do very well, handling all that we ask and then some. [We] have included Michael in on our interview process for the permanent position while also reviewing other outside candidates. We have not made any decisions and I do my best to keep Michael informed on our progress and focused on matters at hand. He has remained very positive and interested in the permanent position.” Michael’s flexibility with both long and short term assignments has made him the perfect nominee for GSA’s Employee of the Year. We are proud to have him represent Discover Staffing.

His supervisor at Exide Technologies, in Alpharetta Georgia, was so impressed with our recognition of Michael that he asked if he could reward Michael’s hard work himself. We were pleased and encouraged that our client was so enthusiastic that we encouraged him to do anything he wanted. We also made tentative plans to get together with Michael and Todd, his supervisor, for lunch to celebrate his nomination. Shortly after that, the Georgia Staffing Association gathered all the local entrants to the competition and voted one of them the GSA Employee of the year. Michael was selected and we were very proud. Everything seemed just perfect. Michael, who was always cheerful and ready with a friendly laugh, was over the moon with the recognition that he was getting for a job well done.

Then, the unthinkable happened. At the end of September, barely a week after he had been named the GSA Employee of the Year, Michael called us with some bad news. At that time all we knew was that he was having some heath challenges and that he was “preparing for the worst.” As the details unfolded, we learned that Michael had been diagnosed with cancer and was dealing with the battery of tests to determine the treatment and prognosis. He took some time off from work for tests and appointments but was finally told that he would need 4 to 6 weeks of chemotherapy followed by surgery. We were forced to end his assignment at Exide with the expectation that once he was well he could go back, possibly as a permanent employee. The joyful Michael we knew and loved seemed gone. It was hard to hear the sadness in his voice.

October passed without a word. We followed up with Michael and with Todd. November came and went with still no word from Michael. The team at Exide sent him a care package and we mailed him the gift card awarded by the GSA hoping to lift his spirits. No word from him at all. Truthfully, we were imagining the worst and scared to find out what was going on. By December, we were beyond concerned but had no more resources to reach out to. Would Michael ever be back? Did something else happen?

Then, with all the miraculous timing of the winter holidays, we got a phone call on December 20th. Michael was alive, recovering from surgery to remove the tumors, and expecting one more round of chemo. After that, he said, he was ready to get back to living life. It was good to hear him laughing again. He was expecting to be able to go back to Exide by the end of January. The folks at Exide were extremely gracious and grateful to hear from him. They wanted to make sure he took the proper time to fully recover before he came back. And after all of this drama, Michael returned to work as a full time, permanent Exide Technologies employee on February 7, 2011.

Finally, in March, we were able to take Michael and Todd out for that terribly overdue congratulatory lunch. It was wonderful to talk with Michael, hear him laugh and see how Todd interacted with him like a caring father. We talked with Michael about his health. He has a few follow up visits remaining but the doctors believe he is out of the woods. We also talked about his work with us. We thanked him for his flexibility and found humor in the fact that he went from procurement in the formal wear industry to the battery recycling industry. He said that he got his formal wear job through a staffing company as well and he really believes in what we do as a service. He never went to any job, even the lowest paying, most boring one, thinking of it as only a “temp job”. He treated everything like an opportunity. Because of that attitude he was named our Employee of the year. Michael’s story didn’t end after the award. And we are so grateful for the ultimate results.

Tool Shop Technician

2011-03-16T13:32:00.004-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is seeking candidates with tool shop or machine shop experience for a technician opportunity in Marietta. This position will be responsible for cleaning and repairing tools using a milling machine and lathe. Previous experience is required. Pay will be based on experience.

Please send your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Candidates must be local to the Marietta area and have reliable transportation. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Part Time AP Clerk in Alpharetta

2011-03-16T13:29:00.004-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this position. We just spoke with the client and they have filled this position through another source. Please continue to check back for the most up to date postings.

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for a part time opportunity in Alpharetta. This will be a long term position that will not be more than 20 hours or so per week. The ideal candidate is someone not interested in full time employment. Accounts Payable experience is helpful. Will be scanning, filing and entering information into the client data base. $11.00/hour.

Please send resumes to alpharetta@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

Atlanta Business Chronicle's Hire One Atlanta

2011-03-08T08:46:00.003-05:00

I receive emails from the Atlanta Job Seeker's yahoo group each day. Today's digest included some very interesting information to share with Atlanta area job seekers!

The Atlanta Business Chronicle (ABC) not only cares about the unemployment problem, they are doing something about it.

The word is getting out about the Atlanta Business Chronicle's new hiring initiative, Hire One Atlanta. It has even received national attention. But if you haven't heard about it you need to.

Find out how Hire One Atlanta might help you and what you can do in turn.

Check out Judi's blog here for more information.

Accounts Payable and Bookkeeping

2011-03-01T10:15:00.004-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking an experienced Accounts Payable specialist and light bookkeeper for a client in Buckhead. Must have experience working with Great Plains and some knowledge of General Ledger. The majority of the position will be handling Accounts Payable as well as filing and invoicing. $28K+ depending on experience.

Please send resumes to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Must be local to the Buckhead area. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Mechanical Drafter

2011-03-01T10:11:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is assisting a client in Marietta with a month long project. Our client needs to put together an owners manual for a device they have manufactured and sold and are in need of a drafter to provide the mechanical drawings. Must have AutoCAD and SolidWorks experience. Will pay $30+ an hours depending on experience. Mechanical Engineering background strongly preferred.

Please contact us at laura@discoverstaffing.com if you are interested or know someone who may have this type of experience. Must be local to the Marietta area.

Inside Sales and Customer Service

2011-03-01T10:06:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for a client in Suwanee for an Inside Sales/Customer Service opportunity. Will interact with customers, source new sales leads, and track customer feedback. Must have 2-5 years of sales and customer care experience. Bilingual Spanish is a plus. Must have knowledge of MS Office including Access and PowerPoint.

Please submit your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Must be local to the Suwanee area. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Quality Control

2011-03-01T09:56:00.002-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is seeking candidates for a company in Marietta. Must have 2+ years experience doing quality control in a manufacturing environment. Must have working knowledge of calipers and micrometers. This is a temp to hire opporunity. Will be working 12 hours days with 3 days off for every 3 days worked.

Please sumbit your resume to laura@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Must be local to the Marietta area. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Waiting for a Response

2011-02-21T15:44:00.003-05:00

I know sometimes the hardest thing on a job search is the waiting. You respond to a posting that you know you're perfect for and you don't get an immediate call back. HR Professionals and Recruiters are often busier than the proverbial one armed paper hanger when they are working on an open position. When they receive hundreds of resumes for one open position it is impossible to return the call to each candidate. The following article from MSN Careers is a great exploration into this part of the process.

Why aren't employers calling me back?
By Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder

You write a killer cover letter, tailor your résumé to highlight skills described in the job ad and double-check your application before sending to make sure it includes everything the company requested. All that is left to do is sit back and wait for the employer to contact you.

But as days turn into weeks without hearing a peep, questions arise. Did they get my material? Has the job been filled? Did they just not like me?

Here, experts weigh in on what might be behind that silence -- and what you can do to get the conversation rolling.

The reality of the situation

Companies truly are glad that people want to work for them. Unfortunately, many places simply do not have the manpower to offer individualized responses.

"Given the volume of applications an HR office receives, you should not expect a response beyond an automated 'we received your application' unless they are interested in interviewing you," says Pennell Locey, senior consultant for Keystone Associates, a career management consulting firm headquartered in Boston. "In the event there was no auto-response, you can send a note via snail mail to someone in HR along with your résumé to ensure that they received it."

But is there anything one can do besides play the "wait and see" game?

"After submitting a job application, it is wise to follow up with a telephone call to the appropriate contact within a week to 10 days," says Mary Massad, vice president of talent acquisition and retention strategies for Administaff, a professional employer organization headquartered in Houston. "Some individuals might feel that following up may be perceived as being pushy, but this actually demonstrates to the employer that you are conscientious, organized and professional."

When following up, Massad recommends asking if the application was received and if any additional information is needed. "It also is important to restate your interest in the job, but don't be overzealous."

Locey suggests trying to stand out from the masses by seeing if you can find a contact at the company who can single you out to the hiring manager and speak about your strengths. "That can be beneficial to you (you may get an interview) and to the company (finding a candidate who someone is willing to vouch for)."

The waiting game, part 2

Job seekers who are fortunate enough to generate employer interest may think their days of waiting are over. In truth, however, an interview -- or even two or three -- may simply usher in a new era of frustrating silence.

According to Locey, if you have interviewed with a company and not heard back within two weeks, chances are that one or more of the following is happening:

They are talking to several candidates and it is taking awhile to get them all scheduled.

They can't get the interviewers together to discuss the candidates post-interview.

You are not the first choice but are strong enough that they do not want to say "no" yet.

Having talked to several qualified people has changed the hiring manager's view of the job and he is working behind the scenes to upgrade or shift the role.

"The best thing you can do is try to set some expectations during the interview about what the company's process is," says Tracy A. Cashman, partner and general manager of the information technology division of Winter, Wyman, one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. "Ask when you can expect to hear if you are selected for the next round. Take that date, add a few days to it and then don't be afraid to politely follow up."

Sending a thank-you note immediately after the interview can help set the stage for further contact. Follow-up strategies later in the game may include:

Sending an e-mail that reiterates interest and offers to provide any additional information.

Finding an article on a topic discussed during the interview and sending it with a note as a way to show you are thinking about the company.

Phoning the person who interviewed you to thank her again, to ask if there is an update on the position and to share anything you might have forgotten in the initial interview.

While employer silence is anything but golden to an eager applicant, stay positive by remembering that the day may come when the quietness will be broken by the sweet sound of a job offer.

Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter.

Hiring for positions in Gwinnett, North Fulton and Cobb Counties

2011-02-15T09:29:00.004-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING specializes in General Office Support and Light Industrial placement in North Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb Counties. Our positions change on a daily basis, so please check back to this page frequently for updates.

Positions currently available include:

Office Manager/Bookkeeper in Alpharetta

Comissions Specialist in Norcross

Controller/Accounting Manager in Marietta

Business Development/Account Executive in Kennesaw

Technology Marketing Program Manager - Alpharetta

Medical Manufacturing/Production in Alpharetta

Part Time Accounting/Payroll in Norcross

Technical Trainer/Medical Manufacturing in Alpharetta

Business/Financial Analyst in Alpharetta

Customer Service/Inside Sales in Suwanee

For more information, please email your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing and include the job title in the email.

Business Development for Growing Company in Kennesaw

2011-02-03T13:43:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates with good sales and business development experience for a growing client in Kennesaw. Will be responsible for sales, marketing, business development, generating leads, price negotiations and anything else involved in generating business. Selling technology to telecom and utility companies. Will be expected to sell a set number of units per quarter. International sales experience helpful. Will pay $35K+ depending on experience and can earn commission on products sold. Technical sales experience preferred, working with telecom and utility industry also help. The company is not currently considering candidates with a background in insurance sales or real estate at this time.

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

Office Manager/Bookkeeper in Alpharetta

2011-01-31T13:39:00.002-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for an office manager/bookkeeper position in Alpharetta. Opportunity will begin part time but move to 40 hours per week after a couple of weeks. Must have Quickbooks Pro experience as well as MS Excel and Word. Will be responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll, sales tax, phones, customer interaction, vendor tracking and processing payments. Must be comfortable working independently. $35-$40K once hired. Position will pay $15 to $17 per hour on a temporary basis.

Please submit resumes to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

10 Smart Things for Job Seekers

2011-01-25T09:27:00.002-05:00

It never hurts to have a refresher on the things that go the furthest when looking for a job. Careerbuilder posted this article on the top 10 things smart job seekers do.

10 Things Smart Job Seekers Do
By Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder

1. They realize a potential job lead could be anywhere.

Smart job seekers aren't afraid to mention occupational aspirations to their book club, their parents' friends or their dentist. One never knows whose golf partner might be the ticket to getting a foot in the door. Caroline Ceniza-Levine, a partner at SixFigureStart -- a career coaching firm in New York City composed of former Fortune 500 recruiters -- recommends putting your LinkedIn public profile hyperlink in your automatic e-mail signature. "This is an elegant way to attach your résumé to every correspondence you send. Even friends who think they know you may click through to your profile, learn more about you and perhaps think of you for a job or lead that they might have overlooked."

2. They surf job boards for more than just open positions.

Ceniza-Levine calls job boards "goldmines" for research. "You might see companies you didn't know before -- add these to your list of targets. You might see the same requirements again and again -- this indicates a standard for the job you want, so incorporate these items into your pitch and cover letters."

3. They put adequate time and effort into their applications.

"Spend time to make your résumé the best possible written advertisement of you," says Lisa Quast, author of "Your Career, Your Way!" and founder of Career Woman Inc., a Seattle-based career development consulting company. "Analyze the job requirements against your own skills and abilities, and customize your cover letter."

Obviously, all correspondence should be free of errors and typos. And before sending off the application packet, look at the job posting one last time to ensure all desired material is included.

4. They do their homework.

Smart applicants know something about potential employers. From Googling a company to checking out its financial statements, they learn what they can -- and use the info to enhance their correspondence.

5. They know employers do their homework, too.

"According to [a 2010] Coremetrics [study], 75 percent of companies require recruiters to research job applicants online, so you'll want to be sure you know what they'll find," says Sherrie Madia, co-author of "The Online Job Search Survival Guide." Besides thinking twice about what you choose to post, she suggests doing a Google search on your name. If you find something undesirable, try to have it removed.

6. They make their value known quickly.

"An employer gives each résumé about a three-second window of time before he decides to either 'delete' or read further," says Patrice Rice, author of "How to Interview" and president of the recruiting firm Patrice & Associates in Dunkirk, Md. A smart applicant answers the question, "What can you do for me?" right off the bat with a summary of strongest accomplishments at the top of the résumé.

7. They look and act like a professional.

Simple but effective: A smart applicant arrives on time, dresses appropriately, both talks and listens, displays confidence and minds his manners.

8. They show that they want this job.

Smart job seekers are not "tire kickers." They focus on the needs of the employer and demonstrate how they are perfect for this particular position.

"Show enthusiasm during the job interview," Rice says. "Always make certain that the company you're interviewing with feels as if it is your first choice, no matter what other companies are involved in your job search."

9. They don't get ahead of themselves.

As much as she may be dying to know about promotions, raises and vacation time, a smart candidate doesn't jump the gun and tackle these issues during the first interview. She focuses on landing the position, then on whether the package is suitable.

10. They ask for the position, follow up and offer thanks.

"As strange as it sounds, you need to ask for the job," says Catherine Jewell, author of "New Résumé New Career: Get the Job You Want with the Skills and Experience You Already Have." "At the end of the interview, sum up your strengths, tell the interviewer that you are excited about the position and say, 'I would really like to contribute to this company. I am hoping you select me.'"

Then, a smart interviewee keeps his name in the game with a follow-up note reiterating interest and offering thanks -- knowing that a great last impression can seal the deal.

Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CBForJobSeekers on Twitter.

Electronic Assembly in Norcross

2011-01-19T14:42:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently recruiting for an Electronic Assembly position in Norcross. Will be using small hand tools to assemble electronic components for gaming machines. Must have a strong work ethic and an understanding of how monitors, fans and keyboards are wired and the differences in the assembly of these components. $10+ depending on experience.

Please submit resumes to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Only qualified candidates will be considered. Must be local to the Norcross area.

Job Hopping

2011-01-18T14:27:00.003-05:00

Careerbuilder's blog The Work Buzz has posted this thoughtful essay about the pros and cons of Job Hopping and what it means to employees. As recruiters we find that clients seem pretty concerned about candidates who have worked at several jobs over the course of just a couple of years. People who have 3+ years experience at one company do seem to have an advantage in our market.

Is job hopping the new normal?
By Anthony Balderrama
If you had told workers in the 1950s that most offices today would consist of workers staring at flatscreen monitors and working on personal computers, they wouldn’t believe you. Well, they’d probably ask you what a personal computer is. But once you explained it to them, they’d probably call you a liar and/or accuse you of being a foreign spy.

But consider how quickly most workplaces have evolved over the last 50 years or so. You can walk into any clothing store and, if they don’t have your size, the worker can immediately find out if one of their other locations anywhere in the world has it and get it shipped to you. We take it for granted now, but that definitely deserves a “whoa.”

But one significant difference between today’s workplace and your grandparents’ is less obvious. The attitude toward changing jobs has shifted. Once upon a time, job hopping was considered a career killer. The conventional wisdom of the day was, “Who wants to hire someone who can’t commit?” If you took a job, you were expected to stay with it for several years and in some cases for the duration of your professional life. Today, that’s not necessarily the case for all workers.

Today’s workers aren’t afraid to hand in their resignation letters if a better opportunity comes their way, even if they’ve only bee with the company for two years. For some employers, this tendency to jump ship is a problem because finding new employees is expensive. By the time they post a job ad, interview several candidates, perform all the necessary paperwork, and possibly train them, they’ve spent a few thousand dollars just to get that person through the door. That’s not even taking into account the difficulty of transferring a previous employee’s workload to a new employee without losing any productivity.

In India, some information technology companies have instituted a three-month notice policy. If you work at one of these IT firms, you are required to give three months’ notice before leaving for another job. Previously the standard practice was to give one month’s notice, while here in the U.S. the informal standard is a notice of two weeks. Though, each organization has its own policies.

According to the Times of India:

Attrition levels in small and medium sized IT companies are now in the range of 25-30%, and for tier-I players, between 14 percent and 17 percent. With overseas clients resuming IT spends, companies are in a rush to fill up positions that were allowed to lapse during the recession. Job hopping has become so acute that some companies are finding it hard to include attrition levels in their quarterly performance reports.

But a recent article by Bob Moulesong in the Northwest Indiana Times looks at job hopping from both the employer’s and employee’s perspectives and finds the upside to each. Yes, even for employers. As Moulesong explains, when workers move from position to position, they garner a variety of experience that they wouldn’t have if they stayed in one job for a decade. Their companies reap the benefits because their workers have more experience to draw upon and can teach the lessons from other organizations.

For employees, the benefits can be even greater. First, the experience you gain is invaluable. But, as Moulesong notes, more work means weeding out the right jobs from the wrong ones. You can spend five years studying a subject in college, but the moment you enter the proverbial Real World, you might discover that’s not actually how you want to spend 40 hours of your week. Hopping from job to job is an easy way to decide what works and what doesn’t. And, as the article mentions, when many workers were downsized in the early 1990s, people realized how fickle employers can be.

For that reason, job hopping in the aftermath of the Great Recession makes sense. Chances are either you or someone you know was laid off in the past three years or at least faced a pay cut. Employee-employer relationships are still sensitive and workers probably don’t feel as loyal as they once did.

If you’re a job hopper or think you might be, here are a few issues to consider:

1. Don’t label yourself a job hopper to employers.
Your résumé will speak for itself, so writing “I can’t seem to stay in one place for too long” in your cover letter isn’t necessary. Instead, emphasize your experience and the different types of organizations you’ve worked in. Mention the range of your experience, from small start-ups to international corporations, and highlight how you’ve made a difference at each.

2. Be mindful of how much hopping you do
If you start a job, get into a fight with an overbearing boss during the first week, and quit immediately, leave that information off your work history. It’s an anomaly on your work history and is so brief no one will notice. If, however, you have held 6 jobs in the past year, you might want to reconsider your hopping practices because you’re not staying anywhere long enough to make a difference. No sooner do you settle before you’re out the door again. But because they constitute such a significant amount of time when combined, you can’t omit these brief jobs from your history.

3. Explain why you hop
You may or may not be asked about your overactive job history during an interview. Some interviewer might not consider it noteworthy, but some will be curious as to why you’ve had three jobs in 7 years compared to other applicants who were at one location for a decade. Did you hit a ceiling at the organization and needed to look elsewhere to expand your skill set? Did the position evolve to a role that was drastically different than the one you signed on for? Were you laid off when the company when bankrupt? Did you move? You probably had good reasons to make the moves you did. Find concise ways to explain your decisions in case the questions arise and you’ll do well.

In today’s workplace, the rules are changing. If you’ve seen this changing attitude toward job hopping evolve during your professional career, what do you think about it? Or have you not seen evidence of this in your job search? Let us know.

Receptionist/Administrative Support in Buckhead

2011-01-12T09:15:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking a receptionist/administrative assistant for a commercial real estate firm in Buckhead. Will be responsible for answering the phones, handling the mail, some light accounting and other office support roles as needed.

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

Part Time Billing Specialist

2011-01-05T10:15:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking a part time billing specialist for a small logistics company in Alpharetta. Must be comfortable working in a very small office environment. Must have excellent computer skills including Excel. Accounting experience helpful. Starting at $10 an hour for 32 hours a week with the possibility of a raise once the position goes permanent.

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

Junior Graphic Designer

2011-01-05T10:06:00.002-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is seeking an entry level graphic designer for a client in Roswell. Will be collaborating with the art director to design marketing materials. Must have a BA or BFA in graphic design or related field. Must have knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Apple iWork and MS Office. Web design and audio/video editing a plus.

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

A/R Collector

2011-01-05T10:02:00.002-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is seeking an experienced collections specialist in the Norcross area. This will begin as a 30 day temporary position with the possibility of going temp to hire. The candidate must have experience working with consulting service or groups. Will be working with 50 clients to manage the receivables process. $18+ depending on experience.

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

Research and Development Technician

2011-01-05T09:58:00.004-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is working with a client in John's Creek seeking an experience R&D Technician with a chemistry background. Will be working with R&D Scientists doing chemical blending. Will conduct experiments and record data. Must have an associates degree in chemistry or similar field with 1 year relevant experience. Must have knowledge of MS Excel. Must be comfortable in a lab environment. $15+ an hour depending on experience. This is a non-medical laboratory. Will be mixing adhesives, blending powders and pastes.

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

Production Clerk

2011-01-05T09:54:00.001-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is seeking an experienced temp to hire production clerk. Prior experience working in the medical or food industry with General Manufacturing Production and FDA regulations preferred. Attention to detail and ability to document activity precisely and accurately a MUST. Hours are Monday-Friday 6am-2pm and possible Saturdays from 5am - 2pm.

Submit resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com.

New Career Advice for 2011

2011-01-03T13:53:00.003-05:00

As we enter this new year, it might be time to re-evaluate your career search strategies. Careerbuilder, one of my favorite on-line resources for job advice, posted this article with tips for the new year.

11 job search tips for 2011
By Kaitlin Madden, CareerBuilder Writer

It's 2011 and it's time to take control of your job search. This year, it's no longer up to companies to hire you, it's up to you to get hired. Forget about how the economy is doing. Reflect on last year if you must, but then forget about that, too. This year, your focus will be on finding the right job for you and doing everything you can to be the best candidate for that job. The competition may still be tough, but here's how to turn the tables in your favor.

1. Narrow your search. Stop applying to jobs that you're not qualified for or don't really want. It's a waste of time. Be honest with yourself when evaluating job postings. If you had to start the job tomorrow, do you have all the skills you'd need to succeed? Or are there areas of the job description that you don't have experience in? While it's always great to be willing to learn, most companies want to hire someone who can jump right in and get started without being trained from scratch. Focus your time on creating great applications for jobs you are well-qualified for instead.

2. Know exactly what you want. Narrowing down your job search may force you to ask yourself tough questions like: What kind of job am I really after? And what skills can I offer an employer? If you're unsure of the answer, make one list of the job skills you excel at and one of the skills you like to use most. Use these skills as search terms in your job search.

3. Re-evaluate your skills. If you feel as if you've looked at every job posting on earth and you still can't find one your skills match up with, then it's time to get some new skills. The good news for those who are unemployed is that it's the perfect opportunity to go back to school. You won't have to divide your time with your job obligations, and there's also the possibility that the economy will have recovered a bit by the time you graduate, giving you a double leg up. Government funding and other programs are available for out-of-work job seekers who want to enroll in training or continue their education.

4. Set goals. Yes, your overall goal may be to get a job, but setting short-term, specific job search goals for the year will help you grow and force you to continuously evaluate your progress. Improve your networking skills, for example, by making January's goal to join a professional organization and February's to attend a college alumni event. Holding yourself accountable for achieving these goals will boost your self-esteem and motivate you to continue searching by providing you with new leads and information.

5. Try something new. If you're stuck in a job search rut, add a new strategy to your repertoire. Instead of only job searching online, try working with a recruiter and setting up informational interviews with industry contacts, too. A multifaceted approach will get the best results.

6. Get a leg up on the competition. If you come across a job that seems perfect for you, do something that will subtly help you stand out from the crowd. When you find a job posting you want to apply to, find out the name of the hiring manager or someone who works in the same department, and send the person an e-mail directly. It's 2011, which means almost anything can be found online, including names and e-mail addresses. A LinkedIn search on the company should turn up a list of employees and their titles, from which you can select the most appropriate person. Then, search the company website or press releases for the company's e-mail format.

7. Get a hold of your online reputation: When human-resources managers search for your name online [and they will do it] you can either take control of what they see, or you can leave it to the powers of the crawl search gods. Search results that are professional and consistent and that establish you as an expert in your field will be far more impressive than Facebook pictures from Thanksgiving. Things like a Facebook or LinkedIn profile and a Twitter feed will all show up on the first page, so signing up for these sites and populating the accounts with up-to-date, professional content will make a great impression.

8. Start a website: If you want to take your Internet presence one step further, starting a website will showcase your skills and talents in a thorough and interesting way, and it'll add to your professionalism and give you credibility. Plus, it's not as costly or as time-consuming as you might think. Domain names (i.e. YourName.com), can be registered on sites like GoDaddy.com or Bluehost.com for around $10, and web hosting can cost as little as $3 per month. If you're not particularly tech savvy, premade blog templates give you a professional look with minimal hassle. Wordpress.com has tons of template options and also provides great technical support for novices.

9. Stay current: You should always be in the loop, even if you're out of work. Read trade publications, comment on industry blogs and stay on top of any emerging technologies or policies that may affect your career path. This will not only help you have a great conversation with an interviewer and keep your professional edge, but it may also give you new ideas about where and how to look for a job.

10. Sell yourself: An interview is no time for modesty, especially in times like these. When you land an interview, go prepared with at least five examples that demonstrate your best qualities. That way, when an interviewer asks, "Why should I hire you," you can talk about how you're such a quick learner that you taught yourself Photoshop in a week and how your entrepreneurial spirit led you to start your first lawn-mowing business at age 16. Be sure to leave the interviewer with the phone numbers of references who will back you up with glowing recommendations.

11. Keep that glass half-full approach, all year: A job search will always have its frustrating moments, because things don't always happen when or how we want them to happen. But instead of letting setbacks ruin motivation, take them as lessons. Your lack of interviews may mean it's time to re-evaluate your career path or skills, which could lead you to a more fulfilling career. This type of positive attitude will be much more productive in helping you find your next job.

The bottom line is that job searching will be tough this year, but landing a job -- even your dream job -- can still be a reality. A proactive job search is your best bet, so take the necessary steps to ensure you get the job you want.

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.

LinkedIn Buzz Words

2010-12-17T15:33:00.003-05:00

Yahoo Finance just put up this very interesting analysis of over-used words on LinkedIn and Resumes. I thought it would be a great thing to share here. If you really want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn contacts, make sure you don't use these words.

LinkedIn's Resume Advice: The Top Ten Buzzwords to Avoid
By Kashmir Hill

LinkedIn is taking a page from OkCupid's book. The free online dating site, which has recently gotten attention for being a place where you can meet the richly controversial and famous, regularly dives into its treasure trove of profiles to offer advice and insights on its OkTrends blog. By analyzing user behavior on the site, it has offered up analyses of how your race plays into romantic responses, the lies we tell potential mates and the best photo to use to attract attention.

While analyzing professional résumés is a little less sexy than analyzing romantic ones, LinkedIn is giving it a spin. The advice may prove to be more useful to you if you're seeking to land a job instead of a significant other.

LinkedIn has done a word analysis on the profiles of its 85 million users to come up with a list of the most overused words and expressions. Do you like to describe yourself as innovative and motivated? Then you may want to think about some synonyms to employ.

From the LinkedIn blog:

Top 10 overused buzzwords in LinkedIn Profiles in the USA — 2010:

1. Extensive experience

2. Innovative

3. Motivated

4. Results-oriented

5. Dynamic

6. Proven track record

7. Team player

8. Fast-paced

9. Problem solver

10. Entrepreneurial

Once we hand our data over to hosting sites, they can do all kinds of cool, 'dynamic' stuff with it, from a global visualization of Facebook friendships to consumer spending trends (via Mint.com).

Of course, companies have to be careful when digging into their data not to violate the privacy of their users — a harsh lesson Netflix learned when it announced plans to open up its data to developers with a challenge to improve movie recommendation algorithms on the site. That 'innovative' idea led to a class-action lawsuit because the anonymized data was not so anonymous — a real 'problem solver' could figure out people's identities and thus the movies they had watched.

For the companies that can avoid privacy landmines, parsing databases and publicizing the findings can be a great way to attract attention from data-obsessed journalists and Web surfers. Of course, LinkedIn could take their data analysis a bit further. Rather than just telling us these words are overused, it'd be interesting to know if those with hackneyed job descriptions actually fail to find new employment when they seek it. I'll look out for that more impressive and 'results-oriented' data analysis from LinkedIn in the future.

Accounting Positions in Gwinnett, North Fulton and Cobb Counties

2010-12-16T15:29:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates for a variety of accounting opportunities.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Payable

Payment Processor

Billing Specialist

Bookkeeper

Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Only qualified candidates will be considered. Positions located throughout Gwinnett, North Fulton and Cobb Counties.

Positions in North Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb Counties

2010-12-06T14:01:00.002-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING specializes in General Office Support and Light Industrial placement in North Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb Counties. Our positions change on a daily basis, so please check back to this page frequently for updates.

Positions currently available include:

Temporary Receptionist

Project Administrator

R&D Technician

Shipping and Receiving

Administrative Assistant

Bookkeeper with Multi-Family housing

Arbitration Coordinator

Credentialing Analyst

Sales Operations Analyst

Please email your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing and include the job title in the email.

The Importance of References

2010-11-29T14:02:00.002-05:00

At DISCOVER STAFFING, we require two references on every applicant who comes into our office. This is a guarantee we give our clients. Often, people lose touch with former employers or coworkers. It is very important that you have the right references available for your job search. Here is an article from Quintessential Careers with a lot of great advice.

References: The Keys to Choosing and Using the Best Job References in Your Job Search
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

If you're like most job-seekers, you may not have put much thought into whom you'll want to use as references when potential employers request them. We're often so busy polishing our resumes and cover letters, researching the companies, and preparing for interviews, that we neglect a very important part of the job search process -- requesting people to be references.

How can this article assist you? By helping you see the importance and value of choosing the "right" people to be references, by providing examples of how to develop a references page, and by offering you other keys to using references strategically in your job search.

Perhaps you're saying to yourself, "references don't really matter." And while it's true that most employers will not conduct a detailed background search on you, many employers will at least contact at least one or two of your references. Do not underestimate the power of your references. Remember, the employer is preparing to make a big investment in hiring you, and wants to be sure you are who you say you are. Having a few good references can be the deciding factor in your getting the job offer. Similarly, having one bad -- or lukewarm -- reference could cost you the job.

So what are the keys to using job references? Here's one list of the eight keys to choosing and using the best job references in your job search.

1. Don't even bother with those generic "letters of recommendations."
Employers don't want to read letters written in the past to “whom it may concern.” Employers want to be able to contact and communicate (via phone or email) with a select group of people who can speak about your strengths and weakness and fit for the job you are seeking. (See sidebar.) Plus, these letters don't have much credibility because anyone who would write a letter for you would likely say only good things about you.

2. Never, ever list names of references on your resume.
References belong on a separate sheet of paper that matches the look and feel of your resume, but is simply titled "References" or "Reference List." And never give references to employers until they request them, but do be sure and keep a list of references with you when interviewing so that you can be prepared to present them when the employer asks. If you have a job-search portfolio, keep the list in your portfolio. See these two sample reference lists.

3. Think strategically about reference choices.
What kind of reference do you want? You want the people who will make the strongest recommendations for you. Former supervisors do not have to be references, especially if they did not know all your accomplishments or you fear they will not have glowing things to say about you. Sometimes former co-workers, or supervisors in other departments who know your work, make the best choices. Again, the key is people who know your strengths and abilities -- and who will say positive things about you.

4. Consider different categories of references.
Overall, you ideally want about three to five references - people who can speak highly of your accomplishments, work ethic, skills, education, performance, etc. For experienced job-seekers, most references should come from previous supervisors and co-workers whom you worked closely with in the past, though you may also choose to list an educational (mentor) or personal (character) reference. College students and recent grads have a little more flexibility, but ideally you should have several references from internships or volunteer work in addition to professors and personal references. Avoid listing family members; clergy or friends are okay for personal references. Former coaches, vendors, customers, and business acquaintances are also acceptable.

5. Get permission to use someone as a reference.
Before you even think of listing someone as a reference, be sure and ask whether the person would be comfortable serving as a reference for you. Most people will be flattered -- or at least willing to serve as a reference -- but you still need to ask to be sure. Be prepared for a few people to decline your request -- for whatever reason.

6. Collect all the details for each reference.
Make sure to get complete information from each reference: full name, current title, company name, business address, and contact information (daytime phone, email, cell phone, etc.).

7. Keep your references informed (and perhaps coached).
Make sure each reference always has a copy of your most current resume, knows your key accomplishments and skills, and is aware of the jobs/positions you are seeking. Again, the best references are the ones who know who you are, what you can accomplish, and what you want to do.

8. Be sure to thank your references for their help.
Don't forget to thank your references once your current job search is complete. Some companies never contact any references, some only check the first one or two, and some check all. Regardless, these people were willing to help you, and thanking them is simply a common courtesy.

The Holiday Job Search

2010-11-22T09:30:00.003-05:00

I found this post on the Careerbuilder blog The Work Buzz.

Get hired during the holidays
Anthony Balderrama

Senioritis is the classic mental vacation many high schoolers take as graduation nears. Can you blame them? In the spring semester – and sometimes even in the fall semester – students are exhausted. They’ve been in school for 13 years. They’ve taken standardized tests. They’ve studied for exams. Freedom is weeks away. Soon they won’t have to sit in a classroom for eight hours a day. In their minds, school is already out.

For job seekers, something similar often happens as the year ends. Let’s call it holiday burnout. After months searching for a job, you get tired of the process. Browsing job postings, networking, drafting cover letters, customizing your résumé, interviewing – over and over and over again. You get burned out, and before Thanksgiving arrives you just want to stop and rest. Wisdom says that no one’s hiring in the last month or two of the year anyway and that you should start applying again after the new year, when everyone’s back from vacation and ready to hire again.

Let’s not forget that the holidays themselves can be a pain: visiting family, preparing large meals, parties, shopping. Your calendar can get too full to search.

Don’t get caught in this trap, says career consultant and author Jean Baur. Holiday burnout might have you frustrated with the process, but it’s also the perfect time to stand out from other job seekers. You’re not the only person who wants to take a rest from the grind of looking for a job.

"If you’re out there working the job market when others aren’t, you’ve got an advantage. You have less competition. You’ll stand out,” Baur says. “[It’s] the people who are using winter holiday parties to network who will be working sooner than those who give up and stay home to bake cookies. Even if the job itself doesn’t start until after the holidays, those who have given up will most likely not be the ones working when the season passes."

Holiday burnout can take its toll on you. But remember that employers often begin new budgets after the first of the year. They’re ready to start spending, and that means they’re getting the footwork out of the way now. So you could interview and even receive an offer now. Even if you don’t, your name might be at the top of the pile of résumés when recruiters start making calls on January 2.

Baur’s book "Eliminated! Now What?: Finding Your Way from Job-Loss Crisis to Career Resilience" has some recommendations for what you should and shouldn’t do during the holiday season.

Baur says you should:

Let the holidays help you network
From holiday cards to play dates to cocktail parties, the season is full of opportunities to interact with friends and family. Each conversation is a networking opportunity and a chance to let others know you’re still looking for a job.

Evaluate your job search tactics
Look at what you’ve done and decide what is and isn’t working for you. Don’t assume anything, or as Baur says, don’t let hearsay determine your path. What have you done that shows you results? Do you know for a fact a certain company isn’t hiring right now? Do your own homework.

Keep an open mind
"Tell yourself that you’ll keep an open mind about when jobs are found and will, at the very least, experiment during your job search so that you can discover what works and what doesn’t," Baur says.

And Baur says you shouldn’t:

Shut down during the holidays
Just because the common wisdom says no one’s hiring for the holidays, don’t believe it and check out of your job hunt. You’re wasting valuable time.

Give up
Don’t ever think, "It’s never going to happen for me" and give up. Looking for a job is difficult, time consuming, stressful and unpredictable. The only way to be certain you’re not going to ever land a job is if you just give up.

Burnout is real and you don’t want to push yourself so hard that you’re miserable. Always take time to relax and stay calm during your job hunt. But don’t go on a complete hiatus during the last two months of the year. Between preparing a turkey and wrapping gifts, remember that your job search is an ongoing process and to look for any opportunity you have to promote your hunt.

As Baur says in her book, the holidays distract many job seekers from their searches, and that leaves many opportunities open for you to step in and get noticed.

Do you plan on searching for a job during the holidays? How will you balance your job search with the hectic schedule of the season?

Available Jobs in Gwinnett, North Fulton and Cobb County

2010-11-15T08:44:00.004-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING specializes in general office support and light industrial positions in the North Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett County areas.

Available Positions Include:

Administrative Assistants - All Levels

Receptionists

Customer Service

Accounting including AP/AR and Bookkeeping

Warehouse

Temporary positions available throughout the Holiday Season.

Candidates must be local to the North Atlanta area. Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.

Check back to our Career Resource Center often to see our most up to date listings.

Recruiter in Duluth, GA

2010-11-12T09:28:00.003-05:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently working with a client in Duluth seeking a Recruiter for a 3-5 Month assignment. The recruiter would be responsible for posting new positions, sourcing candidates, screening resumes, initial interviews and scheduling additional interviews, working with managers to understand their hiring needs and all follow up. Minimum compensation $18 per hour.

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

Regional Sales

2010-10-27T13:22:00.000-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently working with a software company in Alpharetta seeking candidates for Regional Sales. Will be managing all aspects of the West Coast territory development. Will work with existing customers, update product info, respond to inquiries, forecast, and support channel partners. Must have excellent communication skills. 3 years of inside sales experience, IT or Software experience helpful. This is a fun and progressive company that values teamwork. Hours are 10-6:30 except Fridays which is 9-5:30. $38,000 to $41,000 plus commission and excellent benefits.

Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Candidates must be local to the Alpharetta area and only qualified candidates will be considered.

Claims Compliance Administrative Assistant

2010-10-22T08:53:00.003-04:00

Thank you for your interest in this position. Our client has identified several candidates and is not accepting additional resumes at this time. Keep checking back to our job board for the most up to date postings.

DISCOVER STAFFING is seeking professional candidates for a direct hire position in Kennesaw. Must be extremely detail oriented and be very consistent. Must have solid written communication skills including spelling, grammar and usage. Other requirements including 3+ years administrative support experience, and expert knowledge of MS Office including Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Insurance or legal experience helpful but not required. Salary between $40,000 and $45,000 a year.

Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Merchandise Manager

2010-10-19T15:57:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is seeking a Merchandise Manager for a company in Ball Ground, GA. Must be proficient in MS Office, have retail merchandiser experience, and sewing experience is helpful. Will have involvement with new product development including evaluating costs, all admin functions such as tracking, follow up and execution, working with samples and colors, finalizing patterns, fit and construction of the product. Position pays $40,000 to $50,000.

Please send resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Please use the job title as the subject if your email.

Current Available Positions

2010-10-15T09:29:00.004-04:00

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:

Bookkeeper w/Multi Family Housing Experience

Claims Compliance Admin

North Fulton County:

Telemarketing

Admin/Receptionist

Data Entry

New! Press Operator

Gwinnett County:

Warehouse Manager

~~Clerical Office Support~~ Thank you for your interest in this position. The client has made a hiring decision at this time. This is the type of position we handle regularly, so please send your resume for possible future opportunities.

~~Marketing and Sales Support Admin~~ Thank you for your interest in this position. The client has made a hiring decision at this time.

~~Part Time Web Designer~~ Thank you for your interest in this position. The client has made a hiring decision at this time.

Industrial Sewing/Quilting

Receptionist

Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Please include the job title and a short cover letter in your email.

8 Tips for Editing Your Resume

2010-10-15T09:01:00.002-04:00

Grammar and style really do matter. MSN Careers posted this great article about how to apply these rules to your resume.

8 Résumé Editing Tips
By Jennifer Anthony, Nationally Published Résumé Expert & Career Strategist

Depending on how it's written, your résumé can make or break your job search. A professional, well-written résumé can have employers banging down your door; but a sloppy, mistake-laden résumé can turn off a hiring manager in a split second. Proofreading is a must. Neglect doing it and you could send out a résumé with simple mistakes that could have been avoided.

Before you send yours to an employer, follow this checklist to ensure it is the highest-quality representation of yourself.

1. Grammar and spelling -- Use the grammar and spell check function in Microsoft Word. When you are finished with that, print out your résumé and read the document word for word. Spell check won't know that you meant to enter "manager" when you actually typed "manger."

2. Capitalization -- Use a manual such as the "Gregg Reference Manual" or "Strunk and White's Elements of Style" if you do not know capitalization rules. The most common capitalization errors are with job titles. You capitalize a person's job title only when it precedes his or her name. (Example: President Peters) You do not capitalize a job title when it comes after the name as a description. (Example: Mr. Peters, the president of XYZ Corporation...)

3. Punctuation -- Check for proper and consistent use of punctuation. Again, if you are unsure, refer to a reference manual. If you don't own one, there are many accessible for free online.

4. Run-on sentences -- Check to make sure you do not have run-ons: They are difficult to read and comprehend. A run-on sentence is defined as two or more sentences that have been joined together without a conjunction or the correct punctuation. (Example: I produced strategies for growth management and market contraction and identified profitable acquisition and diversification opportunities and facilitated negotiations for sale of software division to Fortune 500 company.)

5. Consistency -- You must be consistent with your number usage (dates, money, numbers), plurals and abbreviations. For example, don't list one date as "8/2004" and then list another as "3/15/2004." Also, be aware of listing software consistently (abbreviation use). MS Word and Microsoft Outlook are both correct, but not consistent when used in the same document.

6. Education section -- When you have a degree, list only the year that you obtained your degree. When you list your dates, (i.e.: 9/1998 to 1/2002) many résumé-scanning systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only that you attended college for a period of time.

7. Ampersands -- Ampersands (&) generally do not belong on a résumé. There are a few exceptions. One exception is a well-known company name (AT&T). Another exception is well-known industry terms (P&L). Overuse of the ampersand indicates laziness when repeatedly substituting it for "and."

8. Hyperlinks -- Sometimes, your e-mail and Web addresses may be automatically hyperlinked when typing your résumé and will need to be deactivated. The reason is that many spam filters treat links of any kind as potential junk mail. You don't want your résumé destined for the recycle bin before it's even read. To deactivate hyperlinks in MS Word, highlight the link, go to the "Insert" drop down menu, scroll down to and click "Hyperlink", and on the lower left-hand side of this screen there should be a little button that says "Remove link." When you find it, give it a little click and, voila, the hyperlink is gone. Or, just highlight the link, right click on it and scroll down to "remove link" to deactivate the link.

Jennifer Anthony, Nationally Published Résumé Expert & Career Strategist
web: www.jennanthony.info | twitter: @jenniferanthony

How Your Resume Can Date You

2010-10-04T09:19:00.003-04:00

The best thing to be in this job climate is cutting edge. At the very least, we should all make sure our resumes are up to date not only with our experience but with resume trends. Yahoo! Finance posted this great article about making sure your resume style and content doesn't date you right out of the competition.

7 Ways Your Resume Dates You
Porcshe Moran
Monday, September 27, 2010

The turbulent economy has forced many people to go back into the job market for the first time in years. If there is a thick layer of dust on your resume it might be beneficial to learn the new rules of resume writing and presentation before you start submitting applications. Even the most qualified applicant might not get called in for an interview if his resume creates the impression that he is out of touch with the current business environment. Do not assume that an impressive cover letter can serve as a substitute for a poorly written resume.

1. References Upon Request

There is no need to waste valuable resume space on this outdated section. Employers assume that you will provide references if asked. Instead, keep a separate page with the names and contact information of your references ready to supply to the employer once you have advanced in the interview process.

2. One Resume Fits All

While it is smart to keep a master resume on file, you need to customize it to fit each job for which you apply. Job-seekers who take the time to tailor their resume to the employer's needs will stand out from the pack. Eliminate the details that don't apply to the position and emphasize the ones that make you look the most qualified. It might take a little extra time to apply using this technique, but it will be worth it when your interview offers increase.

3. Objective Statement

The professional summary or profile has replaced the objective statement. Employers are focused on what candidates can do for them, not what the business can do for the candidate. You will sell yourself better with a concise bulleted list of the qualifications and accomplishments that make you a match for the position.

4. Single-Page Resume

One of the most touted resume rules is that the document must be one page. Many people will go to extremes to follow this command, resulting in tiny, unreadable font sizes just to avoid having a resume that extends onto the second page.

Unless you are a newcomer to the job market, it is entirely possible that you'll need more than a page to adequately showcase your skills and qualifications. If you have enough job experience that fits the position, it is acceptable to extend your resume length to two pages. Keep your resume succinct and relevant, but don't go under a 10-pt. font size.

5. Lack of Social Networking

Websites such as Facebook and Twitter might be considered distractions in the workplace, but they can be an asset on a resume. Employers want to know that applicants are up-to-date with current technology and communication trends. Links to a professional online portfolio, blog or LinkedIn page should be included in your resume header. There is a good chance that employers will do an internet search to find out more about potential employees, so make sure that all of your social networking profiles project a professional image.

6. Too Much Information

It is not necessary to give your life story on a resume. In fact, providing an employer with too much information can be detrimental to your chances of employment. Delete information about where and when you graduated high school. Ditch irrelevant jobs from 15 years ago. Although it was standard practice in some industries years ago, it is now inappropriate to include personal details in a resume such as information about your hobbies, religion, age and family status. Not only does it look unprofessional, but that information could be used to discriminate against you.

An employer will ask if they want to know why you left previous positions, so don't mention it on your resume. The rule of thumb is to pare down your resume to only include things that show why you are the perfect fit for the specific position for which you are applying.

7. Outdated Terminology and Skills

Skills in obsolete computer software and systems should be removed from your resume. Technical experience is critical in nearly every industry and employers often use technology keywords to find resumes in electronic databases. Listing basic computer skills such as word processing and using an internet browser is not recommended because employers will assume that you have those proficiencies. The job description is the best guide to determine the terminology and technology skills that should show up on your resume.

The Bottom Line
In a fast-paced and competitive job market the parameters for writing a resume continue to change. Resumes that do not reflect knowledge of the current needs in the workplace and the new rules of how to present yourself to an employer will likely end up in the trash.

Current Available Positions

2010-09-28T09:15:00.004-04:00

Project Administrator - Alpharetta

Warehouse Clerk - Alpharetta

Tax Manager - Marietta

Administrative/Sales Support - Alpharetta

Warehouse Manager - Gwinnett County

Operations Associate/Accounts Receivable - Alpharetta

Tester/Warehouse - Suwanee

Health Care Licensing Specialist - Alpharetta

~~2nd Shift Customer Service Associate - Roswell~~ Thank you for your interest in this position. The client has made a hiring decision at this time.

Receptionist/Customer Service - Roswell

Marketing/Sales Administrative Assistant - Suwanee

Medical Manufacturing - Alpharetta

~~Repair Manager - Gwinnett County~~ Thank you for your interest in this position. The client has made a hiring decision at this time.

Industrial Sewing/Quilting - Norcross

Executive Assistant - Duluth

Please submit your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com. Please indicate the job title in your email subject.

Industrial Sewing or Quilting

2010-09-15T08:47:00.003-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidates with industrial sewing or quilting experience for a position located in Norcross. Mattress manufacturing experience helpful. Ability to work overtime and occasional Saturdays required.

Please send resumes to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Candidates must be local to the Norcross area and only qualified candidates will be considered.

National Staffing Employee Week

2010-09-10T13:54:00.002-04:00

DISCOVER STAFFING would like to thank all of our hard working employees for all you do. Happy National Staffing Employee Week.

Congratulations to Michael Timms, our Employee of the Year!

Top 10 Reasons Companies Want to Hire You

2010-08-30T16:02:00.002-04:00

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.

Current Available Positions

2010-08-27T15:25:00.002-04:00

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.

The Darndest Things

2010-08-25T12:55:00.004-04:00

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

Keeping Your On-Line Job Search Safe

2010-08-23T09:20:00.003-04:00

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.

Office Manager/Bookkeeper

2010-08-19T10:10:00.003-04:00

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.

Licensing Specialist in Alpharetta

2010-08-18T11:25:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-18T11:24:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-18T11:22:00.002-04:00

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.

One Simple Step: Research!

2010-08-16T08:43:00.003-04:00

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!

Auditor

2010-08-02T10:29:00.001-04:00

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.