Getting the Job: Resume & Interview Tips

By now you probably have a LinkedIn account, and you have looked at our job postings on the Pro-Tem Solutions job board. Before you send us your résumé demonstrating your spectacular accomplishments and job history, what should you do? Prepare.

 Résumé

• Update – Make sure your résumé has the most up to date information:

You should have an appropriate E-mail address. Include an updated Phone number, and in case you’re away your voicemail should tell people who they are calling. For example, “Hi, this is John Smith… blah, blah, blah” instead of omitting your name and saying, “I’m not able to answer your call.” Home address should include your zip code

• Bullet Style Format – Include your computer skills.  Your job history should include Month and Year
• Concise and Typo Free – Résumés with typos and grammar errors are turn offs to those who are reviewing it.

 Phone Interview

• Before you take that call, allow yourself a 30 minute window for the interview.
• Clear Line – Try to find a clear like—such as your home phone—that is not going to cut off in the middle of the conversation and no noise interference.
• Listen – Use your active listening skills to answer questions. Listening will allow you to prepare a better answer.

Interview – “Tell me about yourself”

It is important to prepare—and we can’t stress it enough–whether it’s over the phone or in person.  Have a list of things you want to say that can be expressed in three sentences or less. In addition, don’t wait until the last few minutes of your interview to ask questions. Prepare relevant questions as the interview goes along, and have articulate answers for the interviewer.

 You can find more interview tips on our LinkedIn & Facebook discussion boards. Good Luck!

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Business Golf

As businessmen and women we understand that it’s a competitive business environment. Approaching people and introducing yourself–it may be at a networking event–is the first step; but,  how do you stand out from the crowd? You stand out if you offer something the other guy doesn’t like playing golf.

To those that are unfamiliar with the game, I would strongly suggest taking a few lessons. I have taken a course on the golf basics, and before that the closest I had been to a golf club was playing golf on my Nintendo Wii. After taking that course, I learned the proper way to hold a golf club, the rules of the game and I’ve been able to play with people double my age.

No matter how young or how old, do not be intimidated. The importance of playing golf is getting to know the person/client. Of course you’re there on business, but don’t focus on that. So, what should you talk about? Almost anything. While your playing you can get to know them on a personal level by talking about plans for the weekend, traveling, and family. I still feel new to playing business golf, but Brad Wingers our Sr. Account Manager here at Pro-Tem Solutions, told me about the unwritten rule on the appropriate time to bring up business. He says, “vendors typically wait until the 13th hole” to talk business. That is to say that if you, as the seller, bring up business before the 9th hole it defeats the purpose of getting to know them. However, if they bring it up first it is okay.

Business golf is supposed to be a way to network that feels more natural and enjoyable. Although it is fun to talk, remember to avoid talking when they’re getting ready to swing. There are other rules and things you should avoid doing will learn by taking a golf class or clinic. Women should especially try this. There aren’t that many female golfers and there’s probably fewer business golfers. As a result, those that do play golf stand out. This will only lead to better networking opportunities. Who knows you might even get a promotion because your boss will get to know you better!

Oh and before I forget… Here’s another tip when playing business golf: Play the course not your friends.

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Today’s Growing Job Market

Job Growth in 2010    

Not a day goes by that we don’t hear or read about jobs. Most of those reports have been of job losses for months now; however, recent reports have been promising. According to U.S. Department of Labor, the current job market has been growing.    

THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION – APRIL 2010 (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf)

 

One of the leading indicators that the market is on the rise from temporary job postings to full-time jobs. Online job sites like CareerBuilder and Dice predict this hiring trend to continue.    

Pro-Tem Solutions, Inc. offers staffing solutions for our clients with contract (long or short-term),  contract to hire, and full-time positions by filling them with the right people. In correlation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Pro-Tem Solutions has experienced this job growth.  We have been busy posting new jobs for our candidates as well as connecting them with the right client in the professional fields Pro-Tem Solutions specializes.    

Successful Ways to Approach Today’s Growing Job Market    

1) Find a Recruiter    

• Recruiters work directly with line managers.
  
  

• They offer consulting and will prepare you

  
  
  
  

2) Research the Recruiter    

• Find them on LinkedIn
• Read their recommendations
• Look for their field of specialization (e.g. Finance, Accounting, and IT)

3) Prepare    

• First impressions matter to recruiters.
• Phone interviews are just as important as any other, so don’t take them lightly. Try to find a quiet place to take their calls.
• Don’t forget to LISTEN. 

Pro-Tem Solutions will help you whether you are a candidate looking for a job or a client looking for the right candidate. You can find us on LinkedIn, find one of our many talented recruiters, as well as many more career insights.

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LinkedIn – Why You Should Have an Account

LinkedIn 101: Are you getting the most out of your job search? There can be a few reasons why you may or may not.

Facebook is used by a wide range demographic. Although most people believe it’s just for college students—it was originally created for college students—most of the users today are 40-44 years old. These users are using Facebook to reconnect and look at other user’s pictures. After all, you would rather look at your friend’s pictures and make comments as opposed through looking through a physical photo album with boring pictures of them on vacation. However, users forget that the content they upload is visible to potential employers that alone can affect whether or not you get the job.

As a result, LinkedIn is a powerful tool that is available for free but allows you to upload content that is suitable. Setting up your account is easy. The most important aspect if you’re looking for a job is being able to upload your resume.  Unlike your default profile picture on Facebook, your LinkedIn picture should be professional, and close up. The profile content should focus on your accomplishments, specialties, and experience. Also, don’t forget to include any certificates, webinars, conferences that you find relevant in the education section.  Use keywords to emphasize your qualities.

Many companies are using LinkedIn to screen candidates, as well as connecting with them for networking purposes. A degree of separation is reduced based on the number of connections you have.  Pro-Tem Solutions’ Michelle Baker, Director, Business Development, went to conference recently and she talked to LinkedIn expert Neil Lebowits. He recommends having an open network with a short-term goal of 500 connections. That leads me to another bit of information… As opposed to Facebook and other social networking sites, accept anyone who requests you!

 How you will benefit:

• Pro-Tem Solutions, Inc. has a group on LinkedIn that provides career insights, resume tips, great articles, and connections to other professionals in our group.
• More employers will look at your profile
• Larger professional networking abilities
• Recommendations!!

P.S. Personalize you profile URL!

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