Did You Really Get That Degree?

One of the hottest stories in the staffing industry right now is the story of now former CEO of Yahoo, Scott Thompson.  At issue was a false academic degree listed on his resume which ultimately he did not have.  Unable to ride out the storm over this, Thompson recently resigned from Yahoo as CEO.  The [...]

Kickin’ it Old School with “Thank You” Notes

One of your goals on the way to securing a new job should include making yourself standout in a positive light. The application and interview process has been evolving at warp speed during the past few years. While technology makes it easier than ever to apply for a job and land an interview, there is one simple step you may have left by the way side that will put you ahead of the pack: a simple handwritten thank you note after an interview.

If You Love It So Much, Why Don’t You Marry It?

For the past 10 months, my life has pretty much consisted of helping other people find jobs and planning my wedding. I was leaving work to meet with my wedding caterer during lunch the other day and as I was walking out the door my boss said, “Remember, you have to write a blog soon. Use this as inspiration!”

I walked out the door feeling confused. How is this meeting going to inspire me to write a blog? Buts, as I was driving to the appointment, I started thinking about what she said. I began to realize that while planning a wedding and finding a job are two totally different things, they do have many similarities.

Employees Excuses Gone Too Far

“I’m going to be a little late today.”

“I forgot to send out that email.”

“My kids are sick…again.”

Regardless of the industry or where the company may be, we’ve all heard these excuses once or twice. But are they really excuses? When is it enough? Is it something we should move past? Sometimes employees do make excuses; however, employers also understand that things happen in everyday life and look more for patterns and dedication to the job than anything.

If I Had Known Then What I Know Now

Once upon a time, I was a job seeker. Now that I sit on the other side of the desk, I realize what a horrible job seeker I was. When recruiters asked me for information, I did not want to answer. How were they going to help me? I clearly remember interviewing with a staffing agency many years ago and the recruiter asked me what salary I needed for a permanent position and I told him not to worry about that, just to find me a temporary job while I worked on my own job search. Hello, attitude? After all, who could do a better job than me of presenting me?

NASCAR, Frogs, and Bunnies, Oh My! What Your Email Address is Saying About You.

Leaving an impression is good, right? Well, that depends.

How, exactly, are you leaving a memorable impression? With a charming personality? Perfect. With a sharp suit and a good handshake? Fantastic. With an email address that causes an employer to do double take? Not so good.

The Great Lost Art of the Handshake

We tweet. We text. We IM, but the ultimate “Instant Messenger” in an interview is the Handshake. Technology is fantastic, but don’t be quick to dismiss the perennial stand-by for introductions; the handshake.

For the most part, we’ve gone far beyond the origins of this gesture, which in Medieval times provided a way to demonstrate the absence of weapons for the approaching parties.

From an employment perspective, we’ll focus on using the handshake as one facet of making a good impression on your interviewer, and potential employer.

Tips for Job Searching in Today’s Job Market

The job market is tricky right now. Employers see the unemployment rate and stick with the perception that qualified candidates are available for the choosing. Job seekers are suffering the old catch-22 similar to the very first time they ever searched for work: Must have experience, but unable to get experience without a foot in the door.

And the staffing industry gets to hear both sides of the story.

So what can prospecting candidates do to improve their chances of being selected?

Risky Business

As a recruiter, I am in the business of helping people change. Whether it’s their choice or not, changing jobs can change a person, and certainly change a lifestyle. In my role, I have started to notice how most people will let their fears get the best of them. They settle with the cards they are dealt in life, rather than looking deeper into the different ways they can be played. People do like comfort, but comfort doesn’t always equate to success.

How the Rules for Dating Apply to Your Job Hunt

While talking with a candidate one day, I couldn’t help but be turned off by the words and actions they were displaying. I knew they were a good candidate for some of the positions we were working on, but everything they were saying and doing told me there was no way I could set them up to interview with my client. After my chat with them, I was reflecting on the day and realized how similar job hunting is to dating. You’re trying to put your best foot forward, not stumble over half your words or yourself, or spill a drink on yourself, all while trying to seem calm and collected.