HIRE POWER: The ER Associates Blog

26

Jul

What NOT to do after an interview
DCalus

Have you ever thought of doing something creative after the interview to improve your chances of landing that job?  There are so many ways to access client information over the internet, making it easier to contact the people that have interviewed you……but be warned, honor the interview process and protocol and drop the creativity. 

 

In the ‘old’ days, you typically sent a Thank You letter to the hiring manager after your interview.  While technology has changed dramatically over the course of time, the protocol has realistically remained the same.  I speak with hiring managers all the time and they are surprised at how many people do not send a simple “thank you” note after an interview.  Not surprisingly, some of these managers screen out the candidates that don’t send something.

 

 The big debate amongst interviewers today

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20

Jul

Ten Tips For Effective Job Searching
Gretchen Rivers

 

It is very important that in a midst of a job search that all aspects of applying for a job are met.  Only sending out a resume for example, is just one aspect in a job search and is not always enough to be effectively recognized in a search for that right position. The following "tips" may help to assist you with your search and help to make sure that all the proper steps are taken to keep you on the right track.

 

1-   First Impressions:  Look, act and speak professional.  Even  if you are not face-to-face and it may be just on the phone.

2-   Follow Up: In addition to sending a resume, call periodically (once a month) to touch base and re-introduce yourself.

3-   Interviewing:  Always try a dry run to be sure you know where your interview is located, and you should always be at least 10 minutes early.

4-   Job Fairs:  Attend events that keep you updated on opportunities, and how you fit in to the job market.

5-   Keep Track : Keep a log of some sort, or a spreadsheet and enter any information from any job sites your see and all efforts you make in your job search.

6-   Meaningful Work: Examine yourself, your passions and interests to create a meaningful career for yourself.

7-   Say Thank You:  Always, always, always send a handwritten note or email conveying your appreciation and interest in your interview.

8-   Stay On Top Of The News:  Read and be aware of the latest business news and what is happening in your community.  Review the business section of the newspaper and look for contact information you could use.

9-   Your Resume:  Proofread, share your resume with someone and let them give you some feedback.

10- Don't Give Up:  Be persistent and stay confident in your talents.

 

Following these 10 "tips" will help you to stay focused and enable you to meet all the objectives professionally and personally.  These tips will ensure you have covered all your bases, and soon enough the right position will come along. Stay focused and stay positive!

25

Jun

Getting The Inside Track On A Job
Mark Kenny

 

The old saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know”  has been updated to “It’s not what  you know, but who you know and who they know.  This especially holds true if you are in a job search.  Most of us now understand that networking is a critical component to a job search, in fact the majority of positions that are filled are never posted, rather they are filled through referrals.  Don’t assume that because  your neighbor works at a day care center they are not necessarily a good networking contact.  Your neighbor may very likely know all the moms and dads who have children enrolled there and your neighbor may be able to help you make the connection with one of those moms and dads that just might be working at a company that you are targeting. 
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14

Jun

Are you wasting time at work?
dcalus

 

How many times per day do you find yourself doing NON work related activities? Have you thought about the time spent on personal calls, emails, texting, chatting, Facebooking, Tweeting, YouTubing, surfing, iPhoning, Googling, Blogging? Is any of that directly related to your job? Or are you wasting your employer's time?
 

Salary.com recently conducted a survey of ‘wasting time at work’ and surprisingly, they say we’re wasting less time at work. 

Believable? With more distractions than ever, is it possible that we are more productive and efficient at our jobs?

 

Social Media has infiltrated the workplace in such a way that employers have had to create Social Media policies for  Facebook and Twitter abuse.
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31

May

Linkedin - Are you on it?
Abby Parnell

 

One word for you…Linkedin. 

 

Are you on it?  You need to be. 

 

If you are on it, are you getting the most of your account that you do have?  You should be.

 

In this day and age, social media is huge!  And just because you may not be actively searching for a job at the moment doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be constantly networking.  Many times it isn’t until you actually need to find a new job that you realize you should have been networking all along.  It is simple to do and I promise will be beneficial to you in the future. 

 

On the other hand, if you need to find a job now, but haven’t been networking it’s never too late!  It is still worth setting up that profile.  Get out there and start connecting to people!

 

As a recruiter, we use Linkedin constantly to help us search out qualified candidates for the positions we have available.  If you aren’t on there, or you are not taking full advantage on your account you could be missing out on your next great opportunity.  It is free, simple to set up, and I promise it is WELL worth the effort! 

 

The following article gives a great synopsis on setting up an account and getting the most out of it.  You won’t regret taking the time to do it!

 

 

www.avangate.com/articles/using-Linkedin-125.htm

20

May

Build A Great Working Relationship With Your Boss
Gretchen Rivers

 

The article “Build A Great Working Relationship With Your Boss” expounds on 5 means to not only keep your boss happy with you, the new employee, but also give you tangible business advice to be successful at your new job.
Although all 5 means mentioned in this article: Watch and Learn, Keep In Touch, Look and Act Professional, Demonstrate Initiative, and Do Great Work, lead to a better relationship with your boss and are certainly all entwined and none to be forgotten, I feel that “Watch and Learn” and “Demonstrate Initiative” are of uppermost importance.
A new employee must constantly watch and learn not only the operations of the content of the job but the interaction and behavior of the staff already there. Certainly using perceptive judgment on what to say and do in all aspects of the business is a must. Alienating staff and the boss by the inappropriate words or actions can be costly to your career and to you personally.
“Demonstrating Initiative” and performing tasks above and beyond stated expectations should be something that a new employee should WANT to do. Organizations with initiatives, not only enhance the good feeling between boss and employee, but also boosts the new employee’s confidence to see a task well done and noticed by all concerned.
This article is a wonderful synopsis of how to build a relationship with your boss and well worth taking the time to reread every now and then as a reminder of how to be a beneficial employee to your boss and organization.
http://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/starting-a-new-job/build-work-relationship-with-boss/article.aspx