In this job market with unemployment as high as any of us can remember, it is understandable that candidates start to become frustrated with the search process. Conversely, clients are currently faced with a much larger pool of prospective employees and are able to make very specific demands about experience before making any hiring decisions. Five or so years ago we saw companies willing to hire individuals without specific industry related experience and train if they thought the person would make a great employee, but that is not the trend we are seeing currently. Fast forward to the job search and interview process for job seekers where constant rejection based on under- or over-qualification can be understandably upsetting.
Online-Education.net has this great article encouraging people to stay positive in spite of the down market.
How your attitude can affect your job search
by Deborah Brown-Volkman
Online Education Columnist
Are you going through the motions in your job search even though you are telling your family, friends, and yourself that you are fully committed to the search? Or, have you been tirelessly looking for a job but not getting the results you want?
Maybe you are working hard, but your attitude is keeping your from working smart.
In many areas, the job market is starting to come back and new opportunities are opening up. If you think about it, your work life spans many years; 30, 40, or 50 years, so being out of work for this moment in time will pass and only be a smaller piece of a bigger picture. Please keep that in perspective. This too shall pass. I speak with many executives who are out of work and then they get jobs. They all said to me that if they knew then what they knew now (that they would get another job and everything would be OK), they would have said nicer things to themselves during their job search. In life, things work out in the end. And if things do work out, (and they usually do in one form or another), how you handle the bumps are up to you.
It does not matter how long your brother, neighbor, sister, or the person you overheard talking on train or at a restaurant has been out of work. What does matter is what YOU are doing and the actions YOU are taking to get yourself a job.
How important is a good attitude? Very. And a good attitude cannot be faked. You either have it or you don't. And if you don't have it, you can get it.
So how can you create a positive attitude? Follow these steps:
1. Take Charge of your Attitude
If you have a bad attitude, you can change it if you want to. I emphasize the word WANT. You got to where you are in your career by saying I WANT. Examples are: "I want to run the department." "I want to work for this company." "I want a promotion." "I want to make more money." You can do the same with your attitude by saying you WANT a good attitude. A bad attitude is not something you are stuck with. It's something you can work on by choosing to do so.
2. Let Go Of What Doesn't Matter.
It does not matter what you did or did not do in your last position, in your last interview, on your last resume, or during your last interaction with a recruiter. In all likelihood, you did not fail and you have no reason to feel guilty for anything you have done up to this point. If you did fail in some way, learn from your mistakes, and put your new knowledge to work for you. Focus on the positive and you will find the positive. If you let the little things drag you down, (especially the things you cannot do anything about) you will take yourself out of the game before it begins.
3. Spend Time With You.
When you were employed and working very hard, from time to time, you said to yourself (and others) that you wanted time off or needed a break. Well, now you have one. Use this time wisely. I am not saying to stop your job search and go on an extended vacation (unless you can afford to). I am saying to take time for you. Spend time with family and friends. Go to the gym, work-out, meditate, spend time with God, etc. These are the things that will put you into a good frame of mind so you can maintain momentum and focus in your job search.
Attitude is crucial to getting a job.
During an interview you will not be sitting with a potential boss or a recruiter unless they think you can do the job. They've read your resume and they believe you are qualified. What they are looking for now is attitude. Are you a positive person? Can they work with you everyday? Do you have passion and a hunger to be there? This is all attitude and you can get your winning attitude back.
So what do you say? You only have one life to live so it might as well be a life you love!
Deborah Brown-Volkman is the President of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc. a successful career and mentor coaching company that has been delivering a message of motivation, success, and personal fulfillment since 1998. We work with Senior Executives, Vice Presidents, and Managers who are out of work or overworked. Deborah is also the creator of the Career Escape Program and author of Coach Yourself To A New Career: A Book To Discover Your Ultimate Profession.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Current Available Positions
DISCOVER STAFFING specializes in all levels of Office Support positions as well as some light industrial. Here is a current list of our available positions.
Temporary Receptionists! Potential ability to work same day assignments. North Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett Counties.
Renewals Admin - General office support for collections licensing company in Roswell. Must have extensive experience working with contracts such as legal or real estate.
Repair and Fabrication Tech - Bench tech experience. Audio Visual experience preferred. Norcross location.
Project Coordinator - must have strong calendar management skills. Great customer service and phone skills. Alpharetta.
Inside Sales - developing exisiting business with current client base. Alpharetta.
Service Assistant - point of contact for service and installation technicians nation wide. General office and great customer service skills. Alpharetta.
Accounts Payable - Great plains experience preferred. Alpharetta.
New Business Processor - clerical assistance for Insurance company. Norcross.
Quality Assurance for Collections Industry - maternity leave position. Must be an expert in FDCPA. Marietta.
Customer Service/Call Center - scheduling. Alpharetta.
Scheduler - evenings and weekends, some work at home. Norcross
Report Reviewer/Editor - must have an English or editing background. Evenings and weekends, some work at home. Norcross.
Finacial Analyst - Direct Hire. 3-5 years experience. Alpharetta.
Production Soldering - Must have high volume production soldering experience. Alpharetta.
Please submit your resume with the job title for which you are applying in the subject line resumes@discoverstaffing.com. Local candidates only and must have reliable transportation.
Our positions change frequently to please check back to see what is currently available.
Please submit your resume with the job title for which you are applying in the subject line resumes@discoverstaffing.com. Local candidates only and must have reliable transportation.
Our positions change frequently to please check back to see what is currently available.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
5 Tips for using Twitter
Social Networking has been a buzz in the staffing industry lately. A recent webinar that I attended suggested it wasn't being used as much as Recruiters think it is. Only about 1% of job seekers admit to finding their job through Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. That being said, it is absolutely an untapped job market because 32% of recruiters are actively using these sources to find candidates. Leveraging these sites to the best of your ability will be a valuable resource. This article from MSN Careers gives great advice on how to use twitter in your job search.
5 Tips for Job Hunting in the Twittersphere
By Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing
Gaining a great deal of support from career industry professionals, recruiters and human resource specialists worldwide, Twitter is revolutionizing how people hunt for jobs in today's economy.
How? Susan Britton Whitcomb, co-author of "The Twitter Job Search Guide," explains: "In the past, you had to go through a maze of gatekeepers to get to the cloistered person in charge of hiring decisions. Now you can have access to them with the click of a Follow button. The ability to level the playing field -- placing you nearly peer-to-peer with influencers, leaders and hiring authorities -- is extremely powerful."
And that's not all. "Using Twitter you can find insight, encouragement, connections, job leads and company insider information in bite-sized messages of 140 characters or less," co-author Chandlee Bryan adds. "You can also get advice from some of the world's most respected career experts on everything from starting your search to negotiating salary. It's like fishing for trout at a pond that's been stocked in advance."
Whether you're job hunting via Twitter now or plan to in the future, there are some key guidelines to keep in mind. Whitcomb, Bryan and co-author Deb Dib offer the following advice for writing high-impact tweets and succeeding in the Twittersphere:
"Active participation is essential," Bryan says. "If you build a community, help will come. Job seekers who get the most out of Twitter use it to expand their networks and achieve a sense of community. They not only ask for help, but also engage with others."
"Be upfront about interests and career objectives," Whitcomb stresses. "We talked to several job seekers who searched for new positions after being laid off. While their individual approaches varied in terms of when and how they chose to advertise their availability, a common theme emerged: successful job seekers were specific about what they wanted. They let others know their skills, strengths and preferred job function."
"Acknowledge that the job search is a relationship-building process -- not an 'I-need-a-job' transaction," Dib says. "The job search is like dating; it takes time to build a relationship. If you ask for a long-term commitment the first time you meet someone, chances are good that you will be disappointed. And so it is with Twitter -- building a strong network that can generate job leads takes time. You may find job listings overnight, but it takes time to grow connections with hiring managers and influencers."
"Be transparent in expressing appreciation and progress," Bryan advises. "While some job searches require confidentiality, many of the job seekers we spoke with used a very transparent approach. This included posting regular updates on the status of their job search, as well as shout-outs to individuals who had helped them."
"Be clear about your brand," Dib says. "Successful job seekers have a distinct brand that helps their networking contacts and prospective employers get a quick picture of who they are, how they work and how their talents would bring value to the table."
Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/).
5 Tips for Job Hunting in the Twittersphere
By Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing
Gaining a great deal of support from career industry professionals, recruiters and human resource specialists worldwide, Twitter is revolutionizing how people hunt for jobs in today's economy.
How? Susan Britton Whitcomb, co-author of "The Twitter Job Search Guide," explains: "In the past, you had to go through a maze of gatekeepers to get to the cloistered person in charge of hiring decisions. Now you can have access to them with the click of a Follow button. The ability to level the playing field -- placing you nearly peer-to-peer with influencers, leaders and hiring authorities -- is extremely powerful."
And that's not all. "Using Twitter you can find insight, encouragement, connections, job leads and company insider information in bite-sized messages of 140 characters or less," co-author Chandlee Bryan adds. "You can also get advice from some of the world's most respected career experts on everything from starting your search to negotiating salary. It's like fishing for trout at a pond that's been stocked in advance."
Whether you're job hunting via Twitter now or plan to in the future, there are some key guidelines to keep in mind. Whitcomb, Bryan and co-author Deb Dib offer the following advice for writing high-impact tweets and succeeding in the Twittersphere:
"Active participation is essential," Bryan says. "If you build a community, help will come. Job seekers who get the most out of Twitter use it to expand their networks and achieve a sense of community. They not only ask for help, but also engage with others."
"Be upfront about interests and career objectives," Whitcomb stresses. "We talked to several job seekers who searched for new positions after being laid off. While their individual approaches varied in terms of when and how they chose to advertise their availability, a common theme emerged: successful job seekers were specific about what they wanted. They let others know their skills, strengths and preferred job function."
"Acknowledge that the job search is a relationship-building process -- not an 'I-need-a-job' transaction," Dib says. "The job search is like dating; it takes time to build a relationship. If you ask for a long-term commitment the first time you meet someone, chances are good that you will be disappointed. And so it is with Twitter -- building a strong network that can generate job leads takes time. You may find job listings overnight, but it takes time to grow connections with hiring managers and influencers."
"Be transparent in expressing appreciation and progress," Bryan advises. "While some job searches require confidentiality, many of the job seekers we spoke with used a very transparent approach. This included posting regular updates on the status of their job search, as well as shout-outs to individuals who had helped them."
"Be clear about your brand," Dib says. "Successful job seekers have a distinct brand that helps their networking contacts and prospective employers get a quick picture of who they are, how they work and how their talents would bring value to the table."
Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/).
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Audio/Visual Repair and Fabrication Tech
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking an A/V Repair and Fabrication Tech. Will be responsible for the quality assurance of new and returning equipment, fabrication and packaging of A/V Rack systems. Light bench repair and testing of A/V equipment. Must have experience with PC platforms and related software (Linux and Windows), Knowledge of A/V Systems. Hands on mechanical and electronic experience.
Position will begin at $11-$12 per hour on a temp to hire basis. Raise and excellent benefits package upon hire. Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.
Position will begin at $11-$12 per hour on a temp to hire basis. Raise and excellent benefits package upon hire. Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
A/R Deduction Analyst
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking an A/R Deduction Analyst for a position in Alpharetta. This is an indefinite temporary position. Bachelor's Degree preferred. Must have experience doing business with retail companies in a corporate or accounting role. Will be keeping track of customer discounts for brand programs. Will be working with the sales and finance departments. Must be able to understand credit and accounts receivables. Will be coordinating customer deductions with the A/R Analyst. Will conduct research and resolution, maintain, edit and reconcile customer deduction spreadsheets, investigate deduction types, settle disputes, match deductions, returns and credits. Salary commensurate with experience.
Please send resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Only qualified candidates will be considered.
Please send resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration. Only qualified candidates will be considered.
Monday, March 15, 2010
50 Worst Interviewing Mistakes
On Yahoo! Finance today was this article about the top 50, and most common, interview mistakes.
50 Worst of the Worst (and Most Common) Job Interview Mistakes
Karen Burns, On Wednesday March 10, 2010, 11:56 am EST
You may have heard the horror stories--job hunters who take phone calls or text during an interview, or bring out a sandwich and start chomping, or brush their hair, or worse. You wouldn't do any of those things, would you? Of course not.
But there are tons of other job interview no-no's you may not have thought of. Or that you've forgotten. The job hunting trail is long and arduous, and a little refresher course can't hurt. So for your edification and enjoyment, here are 50 (yes, 50!) of the worst and most common job interview mistakes:
1. Arriving late.
2. Arriving too early.
3. Lighting up a cigarette, or smelling like a cigarette.
4. Bad-mouthing your last boss.
5. Lying about your skills/experience/knowledge.
6. Wearing the wrong (for this workplace!) clothes.
7. Forgetting the name of the person you're interviewing with.
8. Wearing a ton of perfume or aftershave.
9. Wearing sunglasses.
10. Wearing a Bluetooth earpiece.
11. Failing to research the employer in advance.
12. Failing to demonstrate enthusiasm.
13. Inquiring about benefits too soon.
14. Talking about salary requirements too soon.
15. Being unable to explain how your strengths and abilities apply to the job in question.
16. Failing to make a strong case for why you are the best person for this job.
17. Forgetting to bring a copy of your resume and/or portfolio.
18. Failing to remember what you wrote on your own resume.
19. Asking too many questions.
20. Asking no questions at all.
21. Being unprepared to answer the standard questions.
22. Failing to listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying.
23. Talking more than half the time.
24. Interrupting your interviewer.
25. Neglecting to match the communication style of your interviewer.
26. Yawning.
27. Slouching.
28. Bringing along a friend, or your mother.
29. Chewing gum, tobacco, your pen, your hair.
30. Laughing, giggling, whistling, humming, lip-smacking.
31. Saying "you know," "like," "I guess," and "um."
32. Name-dropping or bragging or sounding like a know-it-all.
33. Asking to use the bathroom.
34. Being falsely or exaggeratedly modest.
35. Shaking hands too weakly, or too firmly.
36. Failing to make eye contact (or making continuous eye contact).
37. Taking a seat before your interviewer does.
38. Becoming angry or defensive.
39. Complaining that you were kept waiting.
40. Complaining about anything!
41. Speaking rudely to the receptionist.
42. Letting your nervousness show.
43. Overexplaining why you lost your last job.
44. Being too familiar and jokey.
45. Sounding desperate.
46. Checking the time.
47. Oversharing.
48. Sounding rehearsed.
49. Leaving your cell phone on.
50. Failing to ask for the job.
Karen Burns is the author of the illustrated career advice book The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use, recently released by Running Press. She blogs at www.karenburnsworkinggirl.com.
50 Worst of the Worst (and Most Common) Job Interview Mistakes
Karen Burns, On Wednesday March 10, 2010, 11:56 am EST
You may have heard the horror stories--job hunters who take phone calls or text during an interview, or bring out a sandwich and start chomping, or brush their hair, or worse. You wouldn't do any of those things, would you? Of course not.
But there are tons of other job interview no-no's you may not have thought of. Or that you've forgotten. The job hunting trail is long and arduous, and a little refresher course can't hurt. So for your edification and enjoyment, here are 50 (yes, 50!) of the worst and most common job interview mistakes:
1. Arriving late.
2. Arriving too early.
3. Lighting up a cigarette, or smelling like a cigarette.
4. Bad-mouthing your last boss.
5. Lying about your skills/experience/knowledge.
6. Wearing the wrong (for this workplace!) clothes.
7. Forgetting the name of the person you're interviewing with.
8. Wearing a ton of perfume or aftershave.
9. Wearing sunglasses.
10. Wearing a Bluetooth earpiece.
11. Failing to research the employer in advance.
12. Failing to demonstrate enthusiasm.
13. Inquiring about benefits too soon.
14. Talking about salary requirements too soon.
15. Being unable to explain how your strengths and abilities apply to the job in question.
16. Failing to make a strong case for why you are the best person for this job.
17. Forgetting to bring a copy of your resume and/or portfolio.
18. Failing to remember what you wrote on your own resume.
19. Asking too many questions.
20. Asking no questions at all.
21. Being unprepared to answer the standard questions.
22. Failing to listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying.
23. Talking more than half the time.
24. Interrupting your interviewer.
25. Neglecting to match the communication style of your interviewer.
26. Yawning.
27. Slouching.
28. Bringing along a friend, or your mother.
29. Chewing gum, tobacco, your pen, your hair.
30. Laughing, giggling, whistling, humming, lip-smacking.
31. Saying "you know," "like," "I guess," and "um."
32. Name-dropping or bragging or sounding like a know-it-all.
33. Asking to use the bathroom.
34. Being falsely or exaggeratedly modest.
35. Shaking hands too weakly, or too firmly.
36. Failing to make eye contact (or making continuous eye contact).
37. Taking a seat before your interviewer does.
38. Becoming angry or defensive.
39. Complaining that you were kept waiting.
40. Complaining about anything!
41. Speaking rudely to the receptionist.
42. Letting your nervousness show.
43. Overexplaining why you lost your last job.
44. Being too familiar and jokey.
45. Sounding desperate.
46. Checking the time.
47. Oversharing.
48. Sounding rehearsed.
49. Leaving your cell phone on.
50. Failing to ask for the job.
Karen Burns is the author of the illustrated career advice book The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use, recently released by Running Press. She blogs at www.karenburnsworkinggirl.com.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Positions We Fill
DISCOVER STAFFING is always seeking qualified individuals for the following positions:
Administrative Assistants
Receptionists
General Office Support
Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable
Customer Service Representatives
Assembly
General Warehouse
And More!
Our company services the North Atlanta area including Cobb County, North Fulton County and Gwinnett County. Please submit your resume for consideration to resumes@discoverstaffing.com
And More!
Our company services the North Atlanta area including Cobb County, North Fulton County and Gwinnett County. Please submit your resume for consideration to resumes@discoverstaffing.com
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Overqualified?
As always, job search advice is abundant and often contradictory. However, Yahoo! Hotjobs has shared this great article on how not to be labeled as "Overqualified".
Overqualified? 6 Tips to Shed the Label
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs
In a tight job market midcareer professionals often consider openings that are less lucrative and less prestigious than their last job. Sometimes employers are glad to hire seasoned workers at a bargain, but others dismiss the candidate as "overqualified."
What's behind the overqualified label is an employer's fear that if you're hired, you'll be searching for a better job before you learn where the restrooms are. But if you really want the job, there are ways of countering the perception that you're too good for it.
1. Re-read the job description.
Just because you earned more and had more responsibility in the past doesn't mean you're overqualified for this job. If you meet or exceed every criterion, consider yourself highly qualified. On the other hand, if you don't meet all the requirements -- you would be using a new technology you've never heard of, for example -- you may actually be underqualified.
"Too many job seekers think, 'If I can do this big thing, then surely I can do those smaller things,'" says Laura DeCarlo of Career Directors International. "Maybe they can do them, but it will be a tougher sell."
2. Fine-tune your resume.
"A resume is not a document set in stone," says John M. O'Connor, president of Career Pro, Inc. "You should always rewrite your resume to fit that particular job, and that may mean taking down the tone a notch and emphasizing exactly the skills needed in the new job." To tune your resume and cover letter, also consider the company culture and include relevant words, phrases, and technologies, O'Connor adds.
3. Don't lie about your history.
It's true that some screeners go right to the salary in order to weed out the "too expensive" candidates. If you were an executive earning six figures, don't say you were a junior accountant earning $40K. Then again, unless you're filling out an online form that requires your salary history, a sin of omission just to get in the door is fine.
Experts recommend addressing salary in a cover letter or interview by giving a wide range of income you would consider, or by saying you assume the company will pay competitive salary for the job.
"You want to steer the conversation to the tasks of the job and your history of longevity in other companies and away from dollar figures," Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers, recommends. "If you can explain how previous lateral moves benefited you, that can diffuse their fear you'll be looking for a higher-paying job."
4. Check your sense of entitlement at the door.
Are you miffed at applying for a job "beneath" your abilities or ticked at defending a career that began when the interviewer was in diapers? Those attitudes won't do you any favors.
"People read energy and attitude," O'Connor says. One way to turn around your negative attitude and impress the interviewer at the same time, O'Connor recommends, is to come prepared with incisive questions about the job duties and the company. "Show you are in touch and engaged and understand their needs."
5. Clearly explain why the job will be good for you.
"If you hire me now, I won't lose my house" may be true, but it won't impress an interviewer. Have good reasons why it would benefit you personally and professionally. "If the position is in your area of passion, say so," DeCarlo advises. "You can make the case that even though you had a management job, for example, you want to move away from management. If the job is a good career fit, the employer will be much more impressed."
6. Make circumstantial evidence work for you.
Remember, the employer is looking for a good "fit," and that means cultural and personal fit in addition to hard skills. Do you have volunteer experience or community commitments that would interest a hiring manager at a "young, hip" company? Emphasize them.
Likewise, your network can speak volumes for your ability to fit in. But make sure those contacts are recent, O'Connor says. Referrals from people who haven't seen you in 20 years could give the impression your most productive days are behind you.
What about the age issue? Career coaches admit age discrimination exists, but it may not be as widespread as seasoned job seekers like to believe. An updated wardrobe, newer hairstyle, or current cultural references could hedge against ageism, or they could make you look silly. Experts agree that the best way to impress a hiring manager is showing how well you understand their immediate problem and how you're the solution.
That's true for job seekers at any stage of their careers.
Get new-job alerts from Yahoo! HotJobs on Twitter by selecting to follow the appropriate account here: http://twitter.com/yahoohotjobs/following. Choose the "list" view, and select to follow accounts based on relevant metros/industries.
Overqualified? 6 Tips to Shed the Label
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs
In a tight job market midcareer professionals often consider openings that are less lucrative and less prestigious than their last job. Sometimes employers are glad to hire seasoned workers at a bargain, but others dismiss the candidate as "overqualified."
What's behind the overqualified label is an employer's fear that if you're hired, you'll be searching for a better job before you learn where the restrooms are. But if you really want the job, there are ways of countering the perception that you're too good for it.
1. Re-read the job description.
Just because you earned more and had more responsibility in the past doesn't mean you're overqualified for this job. If you meet or exceed every criterion, consider yourself highly qualified. On the other hand, if you don't meet all the requirements -- you would be using a new technology you've never heard of, for example -- you may actually be underqualified.
"Too many job seekers think, 'If I can do this big thing, then surely I can do those smaller things,'" says Laura DeCarlo of Career Directors International. "Maybe they can do them, but it will be a tougher sell."
2. Fine-tune your resume.
"A resume is not a document set in stone," says John M. O'Connor, president of Career Pro, Inc. "You should always rewrite your resume to fit that particular job, and that may mean taking down the tone a notch and emphasizing exactly the skills needed in the new job." To tune your resume and cover letter, also consider the company culture and include relevant words, phrases, and technologies, O'Connor adds.
3. Don't lie about your history.
It's true that some screeners go right to the salary in order to weed out the "too expensive" candidates. If you were an executive earning six figures, don't say you were a junior accountant earning $40K. Then again, unless you're filling out an online form that requires your salary history, a sin of omission just to get in the door is fine.
Experts recommend addressing salary in a cover letter or interview by giving a wide range of income you would consider, or by saying you assume the company will pay competitive salary for the job.
"You want to steer the conversation to the tasks of the job and your history of longevity in other companies and away from dollar figures," Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers, recommends. "If you can explain how previous lateral moves benefited you, that can diffuse their fear you'll be looking for a higher-paying job."
4. Check your sense of entitlement at the door.
Are you miffed at applying for a job "beneath" your abilities or ticked at defending a career that began when the interviewer was in diapers? Those attitudes won't do you any favors.
"People read energy and attitude," O'Connor says. One way to turn around your negative attitude and impress the interviewer at the same time, O'Connor recommends, is to come prepared with incisive questions about the job duties and the company. "Show you are in touch and engaged and understand their needs."
5. Clearly explain why the job will be good for you.
"If you hire me now, I won't lose my house" may be true, but it won't impress an interviewer. Have good reasons why it would benefit you personally and professionally. "If the position is in your area of passion, say so," DeCarlo advises. "You can make the case that even though you had a management job, for example, you want to move away from management. If the job is a good career fit, the employer will be much more impressed."
6. Make circumstantial evidence work for you.
Remember, the employer is looking for a good "fit," and that means cultural and personal fit in addition to hard skills. Do you have volunteer experience or community commitments that would interest a hiring manager at a "young, hip" company? Emphasize them.
Likewise, your network can speak volumes for your ability to fit in. But make sure those contacts are recent, O'Connor says. Referrals from people who haven't seen you in 20 years could give the impression your most productive days are behind you.
What about the age issue? Career coaches admit age discrimination exists, but it may not be as widespread as seasoned job seekers like to believe. An updated wardrobe, newer hairstyle, or current cultural references could hedge against ageism, or they could make you look silly. Experts agree that the best way to impress a hiring manager is showing how well you understand their immediate problem and how you're the solution.
That's true for job seekers at any stage of their careers.
Get new-job alerts from Yahoo! HotJobs on Twitter by selecting to follow the appropriate account here: http://twitter.com/yahoohotjobs/following. Choose the "list" view, and select to follow accounts based on relevant metros/industries.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
6 Job Search Mistakes to Avoid
MSN is featuring this article from MSN Careers today.
6 Job Search Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make
By Dr. Paul Powers, psychologist, author of "Winning Job Interviews" and "Love Your Job!"
In any economic climate, job hunting is nobody's idea of fun. And with the growing number of folks hitting the bricks these days, it seems the task is getting even harder. But that's not precisely true, because the actual job-hunting strategies and techniques remain the same in any climate. What is bothersome, however, is that the process is likely to take longer. This leads to increased stress: financial stress, physical stress, emotional stress and family stress.
Most people do not perform at their best in stressful situations. They get tired more quickly, they get frustrated and run out of patience, and they make mistakes. Here are six job-hunting mistakes frequently made during a recession.
Mistake No. 1: Feeling entitled
In the new economy, your stellar background, great track record, prestigious degree and glowing references guarantee you nothing. The new employment paradigm is, "What have you done for me lately?" You must be constantly developing your skills and talents, broadening your interests and driving your career development. If you don't, you may well be left behind.
Mistake No. 2: Focusing on yourself, not the employer
Spend your time finding out which of a potential employer's needs are unmet instead of touting your brilliance. Saying, "I need a job" is irrelevant and depressing; that's your problem and has nothing to do with why this organization is hiring. Uncovering an employer's problem areas demonstrates your bona-fide interest, and offering your solutions demonstrates your critical thinking, creativity and approach to problem solving. This is how to get hired.
Mistake No. 3: Taking rejection personally
Face it; there are a lot of jobs you are not going to land. Use rejection as an opportunity to assess and build your job-hunting skills. Evaluate what you could have done better in your research or interview or with your follow-up. If you aren't getting rejected regularly, then you either aren't working hard enough to get your foot in the door or you're applying for jobs beneath your capabilities. No employer makes a decision not to hire you; they make a decision to hire someone else who did a better job of selling himself or herself into the position.
Mistake No. 4: Focusing on your age
It is human nature to focus more on one's perceived weaknesses as opposed to one's strengths. This is especially true for people in the job hunt. Younger folks worry about not having enough experience; older folks worry about looking overqualified. If you don't want a potential employer to focus on your age, make sure you focus on what strengths you bring to the party: energy, track record, endurance, patience, technology skills, people skills, creativity and work ethic. Sell yourself based on what you have.
Mistake No. 5: Looking for a silver bullet
Some job hunters swear by recruiters; others by online job postings. The latest buzz is that social networking sites are making all other job-hunting techniques obsolete. There is no one best way to job hunt. If you want to increase the effectiveness of your job search, you must spend more time on it and use every technique in the book. This means answering print ads, responding to online job postings, contacting recruiters, cold-contacting potential employers, networking your brains out and using social networking sites to pursue all of these strategies. Sorry, there are no silver bullets or genies in a bottle.
Mistake No. 6: Absorbing too much news
Yes, there's a recession. Yes, a lot of folks are out of work. And, yes, finding a job is a hard job in and of itself. But, no, the sky is not falling. And yes, if you work hard and long enough at it, you will land a good job. The media's motto is, "If it bleeds, it leads." Bad news is their stock in trade. You will never see a story about company hiring back 10 workers or a person who landed a great job after a rigorous job hunt. A regular diet of bad news will convince you that no one is hiring (untrue), that you should avoid employers that have had layoffs (bad strategy) or that maybe you should just move to China (bad idea unless you speak Mandarin). Get out, have some fun, work at keeping your energy and spirits up, and network with optimistic people.
Eventually this recession -- like all recessions -- will really be over and you'll be better prepared for (gulp) the next one.
Dr. Paul Powers, psychologist, executive coach, career expert, and noted conference speaker is the author of "Winning Job Interviews" and "Love Your Job!" For a free subscription to his "LifeMap" newsletter, visit www.drpaulpowers.com.
6 Job Search Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make
By Dr. Paul Powers, psychologist, author of "Winning Job Interviews" and "Love Your Job!"
In any economic climate, job hunting is nobody's idea of fun. And with the growing number of folks hitting the bricks these days, it seems the task is getting even harder. But that's not precisely true, because the actual job-hunting strategies and techniques remain the same in any climate. What is bothersome, however, is that the process is likely to take longer. This leads to increased stress: financial stress, physical stress, emotional stress and family stress.
Most people do not perform at their best in stressful situations. They get tired more quickly, they get frustrated and run out of patience, and they make mistakes. Here are six job-hunting mistakes frequently made during a recession.
Mistake No. 1: Feeling entitled
In the new economy, your stellar background, great track record, prestigious degree and glowing references guarantee you nothing. The new employment paradigm is, "What have you done for me lately?" You must be constantly developing your skills and talents, broadening your interests and driving your career development. If you don't, you may well be left behind.
Mistake No. 2: Focusing on yourself, not the employer
Spend your time finding out which of a potential employer's needs are unmet instead of touting your brilliance. Saying, "I need a job" is irrelevant and depressing; that's your problem and has nothing to do with why this organization is hiring. Uncovering an employer's problem areas demonstrates your bona-fide interest, and offering your solutions demonstrates your critical thinking, creativity and approach to problem solving. This is how to get hired.
Mistake No. 3: Taking rejection personally
Face it; there are a lot of jobs you are not going to land. Use rejection as an opportunity to assess and build your job-hunting skills. Evaluate what you could have done better in your research or interview or with your follow-up. If you aren't getting rejected regularly, then you either aren't working hard enough to get your foot in the door or you're applying for jobs beneath your capabilities. No employer makes a decision not to hire you; they make a decision to hire someone else who did a better job of selling himself or herself into the position.
Mistake No. 4: Focusing on your age
It is human nature to focus more on one's perceived weaknesses as opposed to one's strengths. This is especially true for people in the job hunt. Younger folks worry about not having enough experience; older folks worry about looking overqualified. If you don't want a potential employer to focus on your age, make sure you focus on what strengths you bring to the party: energy, track record, endurance, patience, technology skills, people skills, creativity and work ethic. Sell yourself based on what you have.
Mistake No. 5: Looking for a silver bullet
Some job hunters swear by recruiters; others by online job postings. The latest buzz is that social networking sites are making all other job-hunting techniques obsolete. There is no one best way to job hunt. If you want to increase the effectiveness of your job search, you must spend more time on it and use every technique in the book. This means answering print ads, responding to online job postings, contacting recruiters, cold-contacting potential employers, networking your brains out and using social networking sites to pursue all of these strategies. Sorry, there are no silver bullets or genies in a bottle.
Mistake No. 6: Absorbing too much news
Yes, there's a recession. Yes, a lot of folks are out of work. And, yes, finding a job is a hard job in and of itself. But, no, the sky is not falling. And yes, if you work hard and long enough at it, you will land a good job. The media's motto is, "If it bleeds, it leads." Bad news is their stock in trade. You will never see a story about company hiring back 10 workers or a person who landed a great job after a rigorous job hunt. A regular diet of bad news will convince you that no one is hiring (untrue), that you should avoid employers that have had layoffs (bad strategy) or that maybe you should just move to China (bad idea unless you speak Mandarin). Get out, have some fun, work at keeping your energy and spirits up, and network with optimistic people.
Eventually this recession -- like all recessions -- will really be over and you'll be better prepared for (gulp) the next one.
Dr. Paul Powers, psychologist, executive coach, career expert, and noted conference speaker is the author of "Winning Job Interviews" and "Love Your Job!" For a free subscription to his "LifeMap" newsletter, visit www.drpaulpowers.com.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
New Licensing and Renewals Admin
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking two candidates for a client in Roswell handling collections licensing. Candidates will likely not have specific industry experience but someone with a mortgage, legal or real estate background will have enough knowledge of contracts and paperwork to be successful in these positions. Hours are 8:30 to 5:30. Direct hire positions starting at $31,000.
Candidates must be local to the Roswell area. Please send your resume for consideration to resumes@discoverstaffing.com
Candidates must be local to the Roswell area. Please send your resume for consideration to resumes@discoverstaffing.com
Friday, March 5, 2010
Accounts Receivable Specialist
DISCOVER STAFFING seeks a temporary to full time candidate for an Accounts Receivable Specialist opportunity located in the Alpharetta area. Duties to include cash receipts management, invoicing, managing the collection process, file sales tax returns and month end. Must be proficient in Excel, Outlook, Great Plains, have attention to detail and be able to multi- task. Exciting product for a fun company! Great long term benefits and flexible schedule available.
Great Plains experience is required. Please do not send your resume if you have not had experience using Great Plains software.
Please submit resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com.
Great Plains experience is required. Please do not send your resume if you have not had experience using Great Plains software.
Please submit resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Quality Assurance Monitor
DISCOVER STAFFING is currently seeking candidate for a maternity leave position in Marietta. Expected to start at the end of April, our client is looking for someone with experience auditing collections calls. Must have experience with the Fair Debt Credit Practices Act.
Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.
Please send your resume to resumes@discoverstaffing.com for consideration.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Meaning of Interview Questions
Why Do They Ask That in an Interview?
Understanding the meaning behind interview questions
By CareerBuilder
Going into a job interview is difficult enough, but trying to figure out the meaning behind some questions just adds to the anxiety of job-hunting.
Sometimes seemingly simply questions will have a hidden agenda, but more often than not, the interviewer is trying to gauge your true interest in the company and what value you can bring to its work force.
If asked, "Why do you want to work here?" that's a perfect opportunity to show the company you've done your homework. The interviewer wants details -- how does this company stand apart from its competitors, what new products or services are they offering -- and this is the moment to shine by having well-researched answers ready to deliver. If possible, mention something you are particularly familiar with about the company that you can link directly to your own work experience and talents.
Even when asked the inevitable "What are your strengths?" find something in your own background that shows the particular talents you bring to this company's table. Put your strongest qualities into the context of what this prospective employer does and how they meet the company's goals.
Then there's the flip side: "What are your weaknesses?" For years, people have been counseled to envelope their "weakness" in an answer that actually makes it sound like a strength. But job interviewers have heard them all, and those answers tend to sound hollow these days. Rather, choose a time when you had to face a significant challenge or adversity -- without getting too personal -- and tell how you overcame that dilemma and were improved by it. Tell what you learned and how that newfound knowledge benefited you as a professional. People who recognize their weaknesses and show they want to do better are showing a prospective employer they are willing to do their best, even if it means learning from mistakes.
The company wants a team player and an independent worker
When you are asked whether you work better alone or in a team, what they really want to know is how you interact with others and how much direction you need when you're assigned to work by yourself.
If you use time alone well, are you able to keep your boss posted on your progress at reasonable intervals? Are you good at brainstorming in a group, the one who comes up with rapid-fire ideas? Or are you the person who is likely to mold them into a collaborative effort to find a solution for the challenge at hand? Either alone or in a team, you want to convey that you can interact well with co-workers at various levels of authority, but that you're a person who can be productive and come up with answers on your own as well.
Remember, an interview is a two-way street, and that's true where questions are concerned. Be sure to ask questions that show you have researched the company and that you're aware of current issues faced by the company and the industry it's in. You need to show an interest in the company if you want it to show an interest in you.
Understanding the meaning behind interview questions
By CareerBuilder
Going into a job interview is difficult enough, but trying to figure out the meaning behind some questions just adds to the anxiety of job-hunting.
Sometimes seemingly simply questions will have a hidden agenda, but more often than not, the interviewer is trying to gauge your true interest in the company and what value you can bring to its work force.
If asked, "Why do you want to work here?" that's a perfect opportunity to show the company you've done your homework. The interviewer wants details -- how does this company stand apart from its competitors, what new products or services are they offering -- and this is the moment to shine by having well-researched answers ready to deliver. If possible, mention something you are particularly familiar with about the company that you can link directly to your own work experience and talents.
Even when asked the inevitable "What are your strengths?" find something in your own background that shows the particular talents you bring to this company's table. Put your strongest qualities into the context of what this prospective employer does and how they meet the company's goals.
Then there's the flip side: "What are your weaknesses?" For years, people have been counseled to envelope their "weakness" in an answer that actually makes it sound like a strength. But job interviewers have heard them all, and those answers tend to sound hollow these days. Rather, choose a time when you had to face a significant challenge or adversity -- without getting too personal -- and tell how you overcame that dilemma and were improved by it. Tell what you learned and how that newfound knowledge benefited you as a professional. People who recognize their weaknesses and show they want to do better are showing a prospective employer they are willing to do their best, even if it means learning from mistakes.
The company wants a team player and an independent worker
When you are asked whether you work better alone or in a team, what they really want to know is how you interact with others and how much direction you need when you're assigned to work by yourself.
If you use time alone well, are you able to keep your boss posted on your progress at reasonable intervals? Are you good at brainstorming in a group, the one who comes up with rapid-fire ideas? Or are you the person who is likely to mold them into a collaborative effort to find a solution for the challenge at hand? Either alone or in a team, you want to convey that you can interact well with co-workers at various levels of authority, but that you're a person who can be productive and come up with answers on your own as well.
Remember, an interview is a two-way street, and that's true where questions are concerned. Be sure to ask questions that show you have researched the company and that you're aware of current issues faced by the company and the industry it's in. You need to show an interest in the company if you want it to show an interest in you.
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