Renaissance Personnel Group – Personal Development – Interviewing Skills Workshop

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! RPG is offering a personal development workshop available to RPG members or ANYONE with an interest in learning more about strategies for marketing themselves in our current economy. Space is Limited, so RSVP early to Alison@jobsinarizona.com.

Our next workshop will be June 25th from 5:30-7:00pm. This workshop is an interactive, 1.5 hour session designed to get you thinking about interviews from the interviewer’s perspective.  You will have the opportunity to role play through some interview scenarios, including traditional employment history/background questions and more challenging behavioral/situational questions.

Land a Job with Your Dream Employer

Everyone has a dream job, right? Rock star, super hero, astronaut, but what about a dream employer? LinkedIn recently published a list of the Most InDemand Employers, which ranks the most searched companies on LinkedIn. These desirable Employers include the likes of Google, Apple, and Microsoft and many others. All who have created job demand and some extreme competition in an uneasy job market.

So what does it take to land a job with one of these dream employers? Here are 4 tips to get you closer to landing a job with your dream employer:

Land a Job with Your Dream Employer

 Confidence. Applying for a top organization can be intimidating, but don’t count yourself out before you take the first step. The first step in landing a job with your dream employer is believing it’s possible and applying. You’ll never get a job if you don’t at least apply.

 Research. Take some time to research potential employers and make sure there is a career and cultural fit. This isn’t one size fits all, not all dream employers will be perfect for everyone. Read up on current company news, career pages, and competitor sites to compare it to its rivals in terms of culture, services, and career opportunities.

 Experience. To further determine a good fit with a potential employer identify some of the company’s current employees who work in a similar job function as you on LinkedIn. What education, experience, skills, professional credentials and expertise do they have? Do any of these align with your personal qualifications? If so, you’re likely a good candidate for a job at this organization. This exercise will provide some insight into what the employer looks for in its employees.

 Connections. There is no better way to get a foot in the door at a top employer then knowing someone who works there. Again, LinkedIn is a great resource here. Use company pages as a go-to resource to see how you are connected to an organization. If you have any connections don’t be afraid to initiate conversations to learn more about the company and what it takes to land a job there.

Even in a competitive job market landing a job with your dream employer is possible. Use the above tools to get closer to making this a reality.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! RPG is offering a personal development workshop available to RPG members or ANYONE with an interest in learning more about strategies for marketing themselves in our current economy. Space is Limited, so RSVP early to Alison@jobsinarizona.com.

Our next workshop will be June 11th from 4:00pm-5:30pm. This hands-on 1.5 hour session is designed to have you walk away with an updated resume that will quickly highlight your qualifications to a hiring manager. BRING YOUR LAPTOP. You will have the opportunity to look at your own resume, as well as sample resumes, with a critical eye and identify potential pitfalls in structure, format and content.

3 Benefits of Networking for College Seniors

 We often hear that it isn’t what you know, but who you know. Networking has become an increasingly important skill that is essential to personal and professional development.  If fact, networking has become the ultimate tool to finding employment opportunities especially for collage seniors just beginning their post graduation job search.

 What is an expert’s advice to these soon-to-be graduates? Give networking as much priority as any other task or activity in the process of seeking post graduation career opportunities. According to an article recently published on LinkedIn now is the time to begin laying the groundwork by interacting with people already in the workforce to ensure you will have a great job when you graduate.

 In an article by FOX Business they emphasizes that college students need to use every resource available to them to secure a post graduate career and a big part of that is using personal relationships to their advantage.

 Helpguide.com references the following 3 benefits of networking to score your first post graduate job:

 1.     People prefer to do business with people they know and respect. Resumes and cover letters alone are usually impersonal and unable to convince employers to hire you. Networking allows you to make personal connections and increase your career opportunities.

2.     Job listings tend to draw hundreds and sometimes thousands of applicants, which creates extreme competition with many other qualified candidates. Networking can make you a recommended source of a much smaller group of candidates.

3.     Many times employers don’t advertise desirable jobs. Networking can lead to information and potential job leads, often before a formal job descriptions are created or announced.

 In an effort to secure your first job after college begin your search now and network, network, network!

Today, immigrants account for a significant share of Arizona’s population. Given that immigrants are largely drawn to the United States in search of more or better employment opportunities, many are in the Arizona workforce.

As it turns out, immigrants, documented and undocumented, aren’t just simply filling jobs in Arizona; they are creating them as well. They do this through the work they do, the money they spend, and the taxes they pay.

This means they contribute significantly to Arizona’s economy. These immigrant workers are not only producing important goods and services, but they are also earning and spending money in the state which contributes to economic growth and job creation.

Immigrant workers also pay billions of dollars in taxes every year. They pay income taxes, business taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes significantly contributing to Arizona’s economy.

As it stands, the immigrant population creates employment opportunities in Arizona, contributing to our economic growth and paying state taxes. Check back for additional posts on immigration reform as it is remains a hot legislative topic.

More Information

LinkedIn profiles provide accessible and unlimited fields for information about your career path, skills and experience. A conventional resume limits you to one or two pages of information. Even if you shrink your margins, it still doesn’t compare! Your LinkedIn profile is also public which some employers regard as more honest and reliable.

Customizable

Your LinkedIn profile should mirror some aspects of your resume. For example your job titles, employment dates and education should be consistent across the board.  In addition your experience should be the same so you don’t seem to be two different job candidates.

Beyond these basic similarities, your LinkedIn profile is completely customizable. Make an effort to create a profile that will appeal to employers and staffing agencies. Start with a compelling headline such as “Innovative thinker with Proven Success in the IT industry”.

Visual

It is important to add a professional headshot to your profile. This adds dimension to your profile, adds a visual element, and brings it to life.  Be sure the photo shows the professional you.

Keep in mind your LinkedIn profile is a representation of you. Much like your resume it should be kept current with career changes and new accomplishments. Have fun with it and allow your audience to have a clear understanding of who you are and why they should hire you!

How Will the Healthcare Reform Effect Jobs in Arizona?

How Will the Healthcare Reform Affect Jobs in Arizona?

The good news is there will be more jobs! The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as ObamaCare or the healthcare reform law is likely to increase the demand for healthcare professionals more than any other labor-market. Arizona is already a hot bed for healthcare careers with major hospital organizations such as Banner hospitals and medical centers, Kindred Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, and numerous Cancer Centers.

The new law places an emphasis on primary care which as a result will increase job openings for diagnostic specialists, among other allied-health employment opportunities. The law’s prevention measures require that all health plans pay 100 percent for screenings, such as yearly physicals, blood tests, and other more specialized prevention programs.

Nearly all of the estimated 32 million people who will become covered under the law by 2014 are younger Americans. Younger patient treatments for acute illness and preventive health care are typically performed in one calendar day. This includes minor surgical and medical procedures, dental, dermatological, diagnostic, and emergency visits. As a result outpatient services will see the greatest increase in employment opportunities.

In addition, the Pharmacy industry is also likely to see an increase in job openings under the healthcare reform. When these 32 million people get insurance in 2014, there will be an increase in demand for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as well.

Job openings in Arizona in the healthcare field will offer new career opportunities as local hospitals, medical centers, insurance companies, and physician offices’ prepare for the increase in insured Americans.

Two additional employment opportunities available in the solar industry today include:

Sales

Whether you are representing a manufacturer and selling to wholesalers, retailers and installers or are dealing directly with individuals who are interested in a solar installation there is always a demand for capable sales people. The number of sales positions available in the solar industry will only grow as the demand grows.

Architects

An increased number of developers are incorporating solar energy into their overall designs and with innovative new products being introduced into the market the demand for architects knowledgeable about solar is growing.  There is also a large market for adding solar technology on to existing homes and buildings providing additional jobs for these individuals.

Arizona is the perfect state for a career in solar. With more days of sun than any other state in the union an AZ solar installation is likely to return more electricity for every dollar spent than anywhere else. Employment opportunities in the solar industry are only going to increase as we look to find more ways to make solar energy a part of everyday life.

The best thing about careers in the solar industry is that you can easily re-purpose your current knowledge base to fit into this rising industry. Two of four employment opportunities available to you in the solar industry in Arizona are highlighted below:

Research

The researching of new solar technologies is one of the fastest growing divisions of the solar industry today. Governments, universities and companies are investing tens of millions of dollars annually in solar research every year. Solar research isn’t just limited to research about technology there is also a growing demand for research about the market place and how to increase demand for solar products.

Corporate

There are hundreds of different manufacturing companies involved with the solar industry. These companies produce products such as solar panels, frames, lights, etc. and they are hiring people to meet the growing demand for solar products worldwide. Some local companies include ETA Engineering, American Solar Electric, and Deer Valley Wind & Sun to name a few.  This demand is also driving these same companies to hire experts in accounting, logistics, quality control, purchasing, customer service, investor relations, public relations and marketing, etc.

The employment opportunities in the solar industry are limitless. Begin re-purposing your current knowledge base to secure a job in this growing industry today. Check back soon for the second installment of Arizona Solar Careers in High Demand where we will highlight two additional job opportunities in Arizona.

Job Creation

The light rail expansion will create approximately 7,000 jobs immediately. This is made up of an increased need for transportation workers, in addition to retail shops, restaurants, and more that will pop up along the light rail expansion route.

Accessibility

The expansion will connect residents of Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, etc. to downtown career opportunities and vice versa. Careers in Phoenix that were once not an option to residents due to unrealistic commutes are now a possibility, significantly increasing the pool of job opportunities.

Development

New residential and commercial development will also increase along the expansion route. With this comes a need for architects, engineers and construction workers to help build sustainable neighborhoods and bridge together communities.

This expansion is increasing job openings in Arizona, connecting thousands of workers with jobs in other Valley cities, and driving economic growth. Jump on board and find your next great job in Arizona!

 Emerging Technologies

Emerging Technologies have proven to be one of the most predictable job industries, continuously and steadily growing in demand. From energy efficiency and cloud communications to electronic component manufacturing and software development they all provide a growing number of job opportunities that impact every facet of technology here in Arizona. Local companies such as Avnet, Infusionsoft and Signature Technology Group are emerging new tech leaders.

Healthcare

Another industry promising employment growth for Phoenix and the rest of Arizona is healthcare. This was one of the few resilient industries during the recession, and it will continue to grow with the passing of the healthcare reform act. Virtually every aspect of healthcare is adding jobs, with outpatient services seeing the most growth in employment opportunities. This is driving companies like Mayo Clinic into the valley and encouraging them to partner with local universities to advance medical education and research and hire locally.

Mining

Maybe most surprisingly, Mining has seen some of the highest rates of growth of any industrial sector. While some of these employment opportunities are in mining itself, the vast majority actually come from mining support activities. There are 30+ mining and mining support companies statewide including Arizona Pacific Materials LLC, Constitution Mining Corp, and Gentry Mineral Products Inc that support mining efforts locally and nationally.

What does this all of this mean for individuals currently looking for job openings in Arizona? The key industries to pursue jobs in are those related to Emerging Technologies, Healthcare, Mining, Solar and Green & Sustainable building construction. Not only are these sectors prevalent in Arizona, but they’re widely theorized to be the high-growth industries nationwide for years ahead.

Solar

Green industries have been continuously growing over the past decade as gas prices and other energy costs dramatically rise.  The Solar industry has been able to take advantage of this and has been forefront of the green industrial movement. Green energy firms are reaping the benefits of financial support from the federal government as they look for ways to reduce the United States’ dependency on fossil and other non-renewable fuels. Some local solar companies reaping the benefits of this are Salt River Solar & Wind, Sunpoint Solar, and EV Solar Products.

Green & Sustainable Building Construction

The construction industry was one of the hardest hit by the economic downfall. The Green and Sustainable Building Construction industry however was able to capitalize on the green movement and weather the downturn well. These green construction firms construct energy-efficient buildings that are often largely composed of sustainable materials. This industry was supported by building codes that promoted the use of energy-efficient building design and materials. This had a skyrocketing effect on the demand for green construction.

It is no secret that Solar and Green & Sustainable Building Construction continue to see an increase in demand and possibly employment opportunities as we look to find ways to be more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious.

In our next post we’ll discuss 3 more industries that will continue to offer increasing job opportunities in Arizona.

When you think of seasonal jobs, retail stores probably pop into your mind first. However, temporary holiday jobs aren’t exclusive just to retailers. There are seasonal jobs available in catering, waiting tables, floral design, mail rooms, transportation services. There are even openings in alternate industries that you wouldn’t consider as seasonal jobs, such as accountant opportunities for year end business or in healthcare as an on call nurse. The the list goes on and on. If you are one of those people who has found such a job this holiday season, we have good news. According to an article in the TLNT human resource blog, 28% of employers plan to transition at least half or more of their seasonal employees into permanent full time placements.

If you are someone this holiday who is holding down a seasonal job and crossing your fingers that  it may turn into a permanent position, there are three important things to remember: work hard, prove you’re valuable and get to know a few key players. In other words, go that extra mile. If you focus on taking these steps, there’s a good chance you could land a permanent position at a Scottsdale or Phoenix corporate office.

Renaissance Personnel would be happy to help you with your job search needs this holiday. Please contact us for temp, temp to hire, and full time opportunities. Happy Holidays from our Team here at Renaissance Personnel!

On the same note, consider volunteering for your favorite charity based organization. Choose something that you feel passionately about. Charitable groups actively seek new volunteers during this time of year. The act of giving back during the holidays creates a win-win for all parties. Volunteering is a wonderful way to network with others in Arizona, especially so during the holiday season. Your goodwill will create exposure for you that may lead to job opportunities. Read more about giving back here.

Renaissance recruiters recommend networking at all times as the best path to job placement. Please network with us anytime. We have recruiting needs and our clients are hiring! Be sure to check out our job opportunities see our latest openings. We hope to hear from you!

Your resume gives the first impression of you that a potential employer sees. If you have flaws in your resume, they will play a major role in determining whether you get the call for an interview.

Unacceptable mistakes such as outright lies, embarrassing typos and missing contact information can sabotage your chances of netting an interview or a job. But other resume errors are more subtle.

Four blunders to avoid

No keywords. Employers hiring for Phoenix jobs often use keyword-scanning software to screen the many resumes that arrive. If your resume is missing pertinent words and phrases relevant to your position, it could end up in the trash bin before any human ever lays eyes on it. Put the keywords at the top in your summary section to help the software identify your skills.

TMI. (Too much information) The prevailing advice for creating a resume is to keep it to a single page. However, a two page resume is appropriate if the information is relevant enough.

Stick to the experience, skill set and training specific to the job. In some cases, this may mean creating a “functional” as opposed to a “chronological” resume. In addition, there is no need to list jobs from 30 years ago. Positions held in your distant past may not relate to today’s marketplace and may “date” you.

Listing responsibilities, not results. If you are applying for a clerical support job, saying you “worked in Word, PowerPoint and Excel” is pretty much a given. What the employer is really looking for is results. Did you use your MS Office skills to increase productivity, train other employees or successfully support new business campaigns? In short, avoid listing your skills in the “Experience” part of your resume.

There is a place for software on a resume. Create a “Skills” section and list your competencies there.

Getting personal. Unless the position is directly tied to politics or religion, there is no need to mention items of such a personal nature on your resume. The same goes for marital status, health or hobbies (unless the job is in the hobby field).

That said, employment experts have thought a lot about power colors that make a difference when worn to an interview.

• Monster.com, for example, confirms that traditional navy, brown and gray shades project professionalism.
• Conversely, says Glassdoor, there’s nothing wrong with a splash of bright color to make you stand out, as long as you do so wisely. You do not want to be remembered later as the “chartreuse-and-turquoise lady.”

A closet full of choices

Certain colors convey qualities that matter in business.

• Red is a famous “power” color, but needs to be used wisely. A red necktie is powerful and distinguished, but a bright red suit jacket would be distracting.
•  Blue suggests calmness and honesty. A small yellow accent on blue brings extra cheer to the look.
•  White is symbolic of pure intentions, but stark white can make you look washed out. Cream or ivory shades work better when paired with a dark jacket.
• Pink is a “communicator” color that flatters a darker suit jacket, for both women and men.
• Subtle patterns and prints look great on ties and scarves, but leave the plaid jacket and polka-dotted shirts at home.

Consider the company when deciding what to wear. Scottsdale jobs range from conservative banking and insurance, to places decidedly more creative in tone. Ideally, you have done your homework, asked around about the company, checked their website and social media and gotten an idea of the environment there. Your recruiter should be able to give you great insight into the office vibe. A good rule of thumb is to take your interview look one step up in formality from the everyday dress code.

Complement your coloring. No matter how trendy a color may be this season, if it clashes with your complexion or hair color, your image will suffer for it. If knowing the right colors to wear is not your strong suit, rely on a professional stylist or friend with a good eye to help you identify the most complimentary colors for you.

Keep the focus on you
First impressions do matter in an interview. Choice of clothes and color is important, but equally as important is the level of confidence and enthusiasm you exude when seeking out Scottsdale jobs. The right colors simply enhance your best qualities and enhance your appearance.

Three deadly questions

What does this company do? Walking into an interview without any insight or background about the business will brand you as unprepared and uninterested. Your work prior to interview day should include researching the company through its website, social media, annual report and mentions in trade media. Do the same for the industry at large and you will appear more professional when you are prepared in speaking to overall related trends.

What is the salary being offered? Never bring up salary in the first interview. Instead, use your time wisely and show the hiring manager you are the best person for the position. Discuss salary only when you are offered the job, or if the employer brings it up first.

What benefits and perks do you offer? Questions about vacation, holidays, sick days or other benefits have no place in the first interview, or any interview for that matter. Unless the employer brings it to your attention (which may be likely), these items will be addressed by the employer during the offer phase of recruitment. Vacation and benefit policies are set by the company as a whole and apply to everyone.

Four NO-WAY topics

Your weaknesses. There’s a right way and a wrong way to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses. Avoid statements about being “overwhelmed easily” and instead re-word that as “I have a hard time saying no to people” or “I find myself multi-tasking a lot of the time.” Focus on a self-improvement effort you made recently, such as getting your home or office organized, and how it freed up time in your schedule.

Personal information about yourself. By law, the interviewer may not inquire about your marital status, religion, health, or other personal topics. Do not bring them up yourself.

Personal statements about the interviewer. Even if you do love the interviewer’s earrings, or admire the photo of her kids on the desk, being overly complimentary is too personal in an interview and can make you seem insincere. Keep the conversation professional.

Bad reviews of former bosses. No matter what your history, badmouthing an employer will eventually work against you. If you were fired due to conflict or performance issues, use terminology like “my former boss and I differed in our approach.”

And one big no-no

“I don’t have any questions.”  Your interviewer may ask if you have questions. You will definitely want to have a list compiled to discuss. Follow up on a point of interest from your conversation, or ask a relevant question about the company. The employer is looking for curiosity and initiative on your part.

Personal branding in the social media world is a creative way to enhance your job-seeking campaign. Whether you are applying to a Phoenix employment agency or directly to a Scottsdale private employer, your personal brand allows you to create and maintain an identity specific to your career skill set and goals.

Three ways to build your brand

Major corporations spend millions on marketing agencies and brand consultants. The good news is you can build your own social media brand with just an investment of time and commitment.

1) Create career-specific pages. You are correct thinking a prospective employer may form a questionable opinion of you if your Facebook page has pictures of you in countless party shots. A Facebook page geared to “Joe Smith, Landscaper” or “Jane Doe, Web Developer” serves a more optimal purpose.

The career page limits your “friends” to those in your field. On this page, link to your resume, post status updates on your most recent training, and share articles or videos of interest pertaining to your industry. Twitter tweets work the same way with brief updates and links to professional content. If you are in a visual field, use Pinterest to build collections of relevant images and anything that will help an employer understand that you keep ahead of the industry trends.

2) Ask for recommendations. There is nothing like a third-party endorsement to build credibility. Reach out to peers, co-workers, teachers and former bosses for their recommendations and post them on Facebook, Twitter, and especially LinkedIn.

At the same time, pay it forward. The meaningful endorsements you write for others will not only help build your network, they may be noticed by someone who wants to know more about you.

3) Become a blogger. Your particular skill set or talent can turn you from just another jobseeker into a credible consultant. You need writing chops to pull this off, but if you have a talent for words, start your own industry blog and share it on your social pages to help build your own personal brand.

Well, take heart. December commencement may lack the publicity of June, but in terms of getting a head start on employment, you have a bit of an advantage.

• First, you have a six-month head start on next year’s June grads.
• Second, you have a freshly minted college diploma to show prospective employers hiring in December. This positions you as fresh from school, as opposed to the previous June grads, now six months into their job search.
• Lastly, there are fewer candidates actively looking in December because most people are focused on the holidays and planning their vacations.

Diverse opportunities during a busy season

When you are working with employment agencies in Phoenix, ask your recruiters to consider you for companies that have already forecast their hiring for the following year. If you are willing to work right through the end of the year, ask about seasonal temporary assignments.

• At year end companies utilize temporary employees while waiting for the budget allocation to hire in the new year.
• During December, full-time employees tend to take vacation time, so their companies may need fill-in help.
• Retailers hire like crazy during the holidays, in every capacity. Sales, office and technical, stockroom, gift wrapping, etc.
• Airlines, hotels and travel / hospitality fields also ramp up during December.
• Hospitals and other healthcare providers typically seek out employees in January to coincide with December graduations.
• Don’t forget tax season, which gains traction when the W2s start appearing in January. December can be a big draw for accounting firms and tax preparation companies to train new people on their systems.

Employment agencies in Phoenix often have connections to businesses that don’t otherwise post job openings elsewhere. The right staffing agency can be a great resource in December, January and right through the rest of the year.

So before you turn your tassel or throw your mortarboard into the air, check out opportunities that can await you through a professional recruiter.

The world’s biggest professional network, LinkedIn had 175 million members as of August 2012, and the site’s corporate hiring solutions are used by 85 of the Fortune 100 companies.

Chances are, you’re already a LinkedIn member, but are you doing everything you can to take advantage of this remarkable resource?

The key is to optimize your profile page on LinkedIn, and you will attract more attention and expand your professional network exponentially!

Five tips for getting more out of LinkedIn

Stay up to date. Review your LinkedIn profile page monthly. Have you completed any courses or gained new certification in that time? Use the “add skills” prompt to make sure potential employers are aware of your capabilities, and import the current version of your resume.

Follow your favorites. Use “Search Companies” to make contacts with employers in Phoenix and beyond. Click on the blue box at the upper right-hand corner of the screen to receive notifications from the company every time an employee leaves voluntarily, in turn giving you a heads-up on a potential job opening.

Join groups. For any conceivable professional discipline or industry, there is at least one LinkedIn group. Joining them will put you in contact with others in your field and net local job openings too.

Solicit recommendations (and give them too). Reach out to people you have worked with, such as former employers, colleagues, teachers and peers. You will gain valuable endorsements that a Phoenix placement firm or private employer may notice. At the same time, offer to endorse your peers as well. You never know who may be looking at their page and may spot your profile.

Offer your services as a consultant. If you have particular expertise in your field, add “consultant” to your profile. The next member who asks for your advice may be a potential hiring source.

After your page is optimized …

Follow up on your great profile page by using LinkedIn’s mobile app to stay on top of the latest news. Hungry for even more contacts? The LunchMeet app uses LinkedIn accounts to set up lunch meetings for you and selected members in Phoenix.

Baby Boomers, however, may find themselves in a state of disbelief or panic-mode. You are not twenty-something with your whole career ahead of you, and you are not yet ready to retire. This being said, baby boomers have a lifetime of experience to offer potential employers. This is an exciting future that holds new opportunities. If anyone is prepared to take on the challenges of a midlife career change, it’s you.

After all, Boomers were the vanguard of the countercultural generation. You know a thing or two about going with the flow, charting your own course and considering new ideas and perspectives.

All those qualities can work to your advantage if you are thinking of switching jobs in your industry or adjusting an entirely new approach to your career.

Why change?

For a lot of Boomers (and other demographics too), career change is simply a response to marketplace demand. The slowly recovering economy has changed the way everyone approaches the working world. You may have already felt the sting of a layoff, or you may be anticipating some other kind of reorganization.

For other Boomers, being in midlife means reassessing what is important to you personally.  After several decades on the job, you may seek new ventures in your career life.

If you fit either of those descriptions, a call to a staffing firm in Phoenix could be your answer.

The evolving marketplace rewards people who show flexibility and initiative. As a contract or temporary employee at a Phoenix staffing firm, you can join an ever-growing flexible workforce that offers some distinct advantages to Boomers:

• ·Sample different workplaces before making a full-time commitment
• ·Accept assignments according to your own preferences
• ·Learn new skills that will make you more marketable
• ·Try out “semi-retirement” with a work/life balance that fits your needs

Embrace change!

Talk to your Phoenix employment agency recruiter about rebooting your career as a contract employee. It’s never too late to learn something new, meet new employers and make a fresh start.

Hashtags, those little bits of metadata that mark the keywords in your post, are so ingrained in the Twitterverse that we hardly notice them anymore.

However, jobseekers, employers and recruiters tend to pay attention. Your choice of hashtag will influence Twitter’s search engine and net you the click-through response you seek.

Hashtags for jobseekers

These range from the direct plea (#hireme), to the degree-specific (#MBA), to the more colorful (#gettingthegig is listed as one of Twitter’s Top 100 employment tags).

Tags that refer to skills and disciplines, like #webdev or #accounting, can help private companies and employment agencies in Phoenix locate your contact details when specific job openings appear.

If you are linking to your resume, #resume is a safe bet. You may also link to your entire #profile to give employers even more details about yourself.

Hashtags for employers

These relate to the description of the job opening in hopes that qualified candidates will click through and apply.

Direct phrases such as  #jobopening or #recruiting are highly popular and net millions of responses. More specific hashtags like #telecomjobs can narrow the field to those with telecom experience.

Hashtags for recruiters

These include relevant keywords like #phoenixjobs, #recruitphoenix or #contractwork. Employment agencies in Phoenix may search Twitter for candidates while simultaneously posting job openings.

A good bet? “Follow” an employment firm and you will receive the latest and greatest postings on your page when they are posted, without having to do an additional search.

Nervous is normal

Even the HR manager conducting your interview was once on the other side of the desk.  Chances are, he’s seen candidates at all levels of anxiety.

People in an interview tend to look hyper-alert. They sit straight up, smile and nod, laugh at the jokes, and tend to agree with everything the hiring manager says. That is appropriate behavior, as you want to be seen as agreeable and a team player.

However, taking even these good behaviors to excess can give the impression that you are too nervous or ingenuine. The trick is to find that happy medium, the one that balances enthusiasm for the job with a sense of your true self.

Taking charge

To get into a more relaxed frame of mind, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for your interview.

• Ditch “perfect.” Again, there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate or a perfect interview. Your goal is to make your case in the best possible way while giving the hiring manager an accurate impression the type of employee you would make.
•  Play “let’s pretend.” Pretend you are a business consultant called into a meeting with your new client. Listen to her questions and answer them with confidence. She already has faith in your resume and job experience, otherwise she wouldn’t have called you.
• Rehearse. Are you nervous about finding the office? Be prepared. Take a practice trip there, preferably during the same time of day as the actual event. This will ease the pressure from the start.
•  Get some some rest. No job interview is worth compromising your well-being. You can burn anxiety-produced adrenaline with a walk, jog, yoga or bike ride. Then eat well and get a good night’s rest.

What are the qualities of the ideal staffing agency?

From an employee’s perspective …

The right employment agency sees you as a person, not as a “product.” They will be hiring you on as an employee, and they should afford you the considerations any prospective employer would. These items include an in-depth interview, testing as applicable, discussions of your goals, opportunities for training, and information about available benefits.

You can count on the right agency to place you in an assignment appropriate to your skill set and experience. They will follow up with you, ensuring that you understand your duties and that you are comfortable in the work environment. If you are not having success on your assignment, the agency should have a process in place to reassign you.

From a client company’s perspective …

The right employment agency is both knowledgeable about your industry and immersed in the Phoenix and Scottsdale hiring picture. The executive staffing agency you choose should conduct a thorough review with you, establishing your specific needs for skill set, corporate culture, assignment duration and other vital criteria. Your agency should give you the option of temporary, temp-to-hire or permanent placements.

The agency’s staff should have years of proven experience in both recruiting and placement and you should be able to draw upon a single point of contact to answer your questions and address your needs. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, your agency will address your concerns in a fair and timely manner.

For everyone …

A start-up staffing company may lack the experience, insight and resources to create the ideal fit between employee and job. For employees and client companies alike, the right agency is a well-established company with a proven record of successful placements.

Interviews aren’t exactly stress free experiences, but you can cut the anxiety level and prepare yourself for success by going through your interview checklist.

Background checklist

•  I have thoroughly researched the company, beginning with its website. I have reviewed its blogs, checked its postings on social media, and looked for mentions in trade publications.
•  I’m reasonably well aware of the company’s standing. If it’s a public company, I’ve looked at the latest annual report.
•  I have researched the state of the company’s industry. For example, the trends, the challenges and buzz around the products or services that drive the business.

Appearance checklist

•  I’ve got my interview suit pressed and ready. It’s conservative in nature (even if the company is business casual) and fits well.
•  Nothing about my look (hair, accessories, shoes) will distract attention away from what I have to say.
• I know how to make a confident first impression. Firm handshake, eye contact and calm voice. My cell phone is turned off.

Response checklist

• I have prepared my “elevator pitch”, a brief summary of the qualities that make me a good employee.
• I can tie my skills and goals to the company and the job at hand, not a future position.
•  I know not to discuss salary or benefits during the first interview. My focus is on demonstrating the value I would bring to the employer.

Follow-up checklist

•  I have the hiring manager’s email or mailing address to send a brief thank-you note.
• I am comfortable offering a trial service to the company so we can assess my fit into the job.
• If I am searching through a Phoenix or Scottsdale employment agency, I keep them apprised of my status for new interviewing opportunities.

The realities of hiring, from posting an advertisement – to sifting through the flood of resumes -  to scheduling interviews, can be a drain of your time and resources. There is no guarantee this approach will pay off.

Fortunately, there’s another option

Employment agencies in Phoenix/Scottsdale specialize in identifying, recruiting, assessing and placing employees.

Top recruiting firms partner with your company and learn about your business needs, corporate culture and expectations. They bring extensive experience in interview and recruitment techniques and an established network of candidates to draw from.

The steps to hiring through employment agencies are not difficult ones.

Contact an agency

Whether by phone or email, your initial contact should include information about your company, a description of the position to be filled, approximate duration of the assignment, and any specific talent or skill required of the candidate.

From there, your recruiter will consult with you to determine further requirements. You may be asked if this is a new or existing position, and whether you are considering a temp-to-hire option. You’ll also learn more about the employment agency: its credentials, rates, history, hiring process and satisfaction guarantee.

Meet the candidates

You may opt for direct placement of a temporary employee, or you may choose to have the employment agency send a few candidates for further interview by your company. Temporary employees are at-will hires. You are not obligated to keep them assigned if the fit is not right.

The issue of fit is rare if you do business with a trusted, proven agency. Successful firms have a depth of talent to draw upon and they are staffed by recruiters who are specifically trained to look “beyond the resume” to match a candidate.

Assess the employees

Your agency recruiter will stay in touch with you during the assignment period, ensuring that you are satisfied with the employee’s performance and taking steps to mitigate any problems otherwise.

The goal of the agency/client/employee relationship is a “win” for all involved. And when you work with a proven employment agency, that win is the rule, not the exception.

In some cases though, personal information can help you stand out, if that information is directly tied to your job goals. Renaissance Personnel Group, a Scottsdale, AZ employment agency and executive search firm advises you to consider including your involvement in competitive and recreational sports on your resume. If you want to include references to sports on your resume and during your interview, consider the circumstances where it will benefit you most.

You’re applying at a sports related business

It’s the dream of many enthusiasts to get a job tied to your favorite sport, game or pastime.

These types of dream jobs are hard to come by in the general employment picture. However, if you’ve done your homework, such as following social media, using LinkedIn or just networking in general, you may find that rare opportunity. Let your resume illustrate your interest in sports.

If you’re aiming for a career in sales, recruiters often seek out people who show competiveness and experience working in teams. They seek out candidates who learned these skills through sports.

Showcase the level of your experience and insight:

• Are you a professional or tournament level player, or have you achieved some similar status in your sport?
• Are you familiar with the top names in your industry? Not just the star players, but the behind-the-scenes figures in manufacturing and production?
• Can you forecast fact based trends in your sport?

You can demonstrate crossover skills

Sports are known to build (and reveal) character, and some aspects can demonstrate skill crossover into the general job market.

• Have you taught or coached kids? This suggests you are a good communicator and/or mentor, which in turn makes you stand out in business as a trainer or instructor.
• Have you successfully balanced work or school with an active schedule of play? This demonstrates your time-management skills, a trait all employers look for.
• Have you increased your own skills by using conditioning, coaches and competition? You are demonstrating commitment and a process oriented approach to improvement.
• Have you helped take your team to the top? Then you have demonstrated your background in team building and team dynamics, both of value in today’s diverse, high energy workplace.

Yes, it is possible to incorporate sports into your resume. And the result can be a home run in bringing your resume to the top of the stack.

In fact, you may recognize star employees in the list below:

• The self-starter. You don’t have to micromanage a star employee. He or she innately knows how to manage time and workload to maximize each day. In addition, the best performers recognize that balance prevents burnout. They know when to take a breather, clear their heads and get some fresh energy.
• The risk taker. There are those who take the easy street and then there are those who choose to forge a new path. The star employee is willing to take measured risk in the pursuit of rewards. Will that risk pay off every time? No (see the next bullet point).
• The mistake “owner.” Is the star employee a person who contributes a perfect result every time? Actually, no. But star employees own their mistakes and learn from them. They refrain from assigning blame, and put into action the steps to mitigate future missteps. As an employer, you can help by understanding the difference between poor performance and failure in the pursuit of excellence.
• The go-to guy or gal. In every company, you will always find a few “go to” people. No matter what discipline or department they work in, they are trusted by managers and peers. You will find them to be knowledgeable, reliable and always willing to step up with answers and advice. The “go to” employee is just another way of saying “star.”
• The community builder. Some employees, by nature of their discipline, must work in teams. Others prefer to work alone. Your star employees will know how to build community no matter what their daily task. They motivate, recognize and appreciate others. They want to be on a team, even for the less attractive assignments.

The price of entry depends on your “hard skills” in specific programming languages, coding, developing, and data manipulation, among many other disciplines. The more skills, degrees and certifications you can present an employer, the better your chances are for finding an ideal job.

In the event your professional experience is limited and/or you are a new graduate, find an opportunity to complement your education and get a head start on your career. Entry level IT jobs are ideal for you right now.

How to get started

• Go the contract route. Recruiting firms in Arizona have inroads to IT jobs you may not find posted elsewhere. As a temporary or contract employee, you can gain experience and broaden your career path.
• Search online. Some are general job sites that include IT, others are targeted to computer jobs across the board, and there are even more specific sites like this particular one, just for programmers. If you are interested in a certain company, follow their websites and social media pages for IT openings.
• Use social media. LinkedIn, the world’s largest career network, connects you to colleagues, peers and potential employers. LinkedIn has groups for every conceivable type of IT professional, from project managers to telecom professionals.
• Volunteer your services. Perhaps a local charity needs a fresh looking website, or a nonprofit needs an eCommerce page to set up donations. Volunteering your IT skills for a worthy cause not only looks great on a resume, it connects you with people in your community who may become excellent contacts later on.
• Tell everyone. Make no secret of your goals to land an IT job. Attending job fairs and career seminars will gain you contacts, but also expand your network to teachers, relatives and friends. You never know who they might know.

In this competitive job market, Arizona employers and employment agencies are giving extra attention to the quality of your communication. You can boost your chances for an interview by putting a fine polish on your cover letter.

Be brief. Keep the length of your cover letter to two or three short paragraphs and you will reduce the risk of losing your reader’s interest.

Complement your resume. Don’t copy it. You don’t have much space in a one page cover letter, so use it wisely. Avoid cutting and pasting resume highlights. Instead, expand on one or two highlights that will get you noticed in terms of the company’s needs. For instance, include an example of how your decision making or critical thinking skills made a difference in your last position.

Research. What prompted you to apply at this company? Every employer knows that the job market is tight. It’s critical to make a strong case on where your interests lie and why you want this particular position. Bring your research skills into play here.

In the event a company’s identity is known to you, be sure to take the time and do your research. Get a thorough overview of the organization before submitting your cover letter and resume. Visit their website, look for mentions in online trade publications, pull up their social media pages, and check their annual report if it’s a publicly traded company. At this point, you will have the knowledge on hand to write a customized cover letter suitable to that company. This demonstrates, and they will recognize, the fact that you have done your homework and also have an eye for analysis. A cover letter of this caliber will set you apart from the applicants who are writing generic letters.

Be more specific. Though your cover letter is an important marketing tool in your job search, the text will shine more if you balance the references to yourself with those of the company. For instance, “I have extensive background in marketing” is too general and something many of your competing candidates may also claim. Imagine the extra value in stating, “My background in successfully launching new products aligns with your company’s aggressive approach to product rollout.”

Use real English. The rise of online cover letters makes it tempting to employ text-speak. Remember, you are creating a professional communication. Refrain from LOL, smiley-face icons and any other non-standard usage.

Include a call to action.  Thank the employer for the opportunity to apply, and directly ask for the interview. Include your contact information within your cover letter, in the event your cover letter gets separated from your resume.

On the other hand, many gifted and proven employees have felt the sting of the recent recession and therefore are more open to changing jobs or companies.

Attracting top talent involves a combination of legwork and luck. Posting your open positions on well known sites like Monster or Indeed will more than likely lead to a flood of response. Unfortunately, in return, that could lead to an even slower hiring process. However, you can go beyond the job boards to locate that next great employee.

How to get started

Use social media.Ideally, your company has active pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Use them to your advantage to announce openings and detail the skill sets you expect from potential candidates. The power of social networking is strong. One well placed and well written tweet could go viral.

Go where the talent is. If you have a job that requires a highly specific skill set or background, chances are you can identify a site dedicated to that kind of candidate. For instance, in Arizona, network systems analyst jobs are forecast to rise by 55 percent through 2014. Therefore, now would be a good time to contact the Arizona Technology Council or attend the Arizona Technology Summit.

Let an executive staffing agency do the screening. Phoenix and Scottsdale recruiting companies specialize in identifying, recruiting and training top talent. You can have the agency assign temporary or contract employees directly, or have them send the best few candidates for your follow-up interview.

Opting to hire a temporary employee at your company provides you the benefits of as-needed talent without the considerable overhead associated with going through the hiring process alone. You have the flexibility to extend the employee’s assignment at any time.

Start a referral network. You may meet a prospect who isn’t the best fit for your company. However he/she may be great for another company. With a referral network in place, you can help a deserving person land a job and in return, perhaps get that ideal candidate referred to your company as a result.

Take a chance on a new face. All top talent has to start somewhere. Recruiting a promising newcomer, and guiding him or her through the specifics of your company and industry can foster an outstanding employee.

The “objective” statement

The mission or objective statement, once considered a resume requirement, has become obsolete due to its overall generic tone. In today’s job market, writing a summary statement instead is highly useful in getting your resume noticed. A summary statement is a short paragraph centered on the value you would bring to a company. It is important to use heavy job specific keywords that today’s resume scanning software will recognize.

Grammatically incorrect verbage

 “There are many benefit’s I can offer you’re company.” If you didn’t note the two misspellings in that last sentence, then you may be prone to grammar gaffes. If your resume contains typos, misspellings, messy punctuation or wrongly chosen words, it will more than likely not be reviewed at all. There really are no excuses for having a sloppy resume in today’s world.

Be sure to proofread/spell check your resume. Get a second opinion and ask someone skilled in writing and editing to review your resume to ensure spelling, punctuation and sentence flow are all in line.

Personal information

Generally, your marital status, religion and political affiliation have no place on a resume. However, there are exceptions to this rule in cases where such information is highly relevant to the position. The focus should be on hard and soft skills that show you as the prime candidate for the job.

“Experience” from 25 years ago

It is a highly competitive hiring environment and some employers are looking for an excuse to reject your resume. Unfortunately, age is one of those excuses. While you should never attempt to mislead anyone about your age, you needn’t draw excess attention to it either. Instead of dating your resume back 20 years with irrelevant information, write to keep your resume up to date in terms of achievements, skill set and capabilities. If you are an applicant over the age of 50, AARP recommends creating a hybrid functional/chronological resume. The same advice applies to applicants with employment gaps.

Competition for good jobs remains strong, and you may find yourself changing industries based on the realities of the marketplace. For example, the real estate industry may not be the optimal choice in a still struggling housing market. Ever changing Healthcare, on the other hand, may have an opportunity where your skill set fits well.

Strategize for success

You have the opportunity to get a head start on your job search in a new industry with help from low and no-cost resources.

• Determine your transferable skills. Public library resources like Career Transitions and books like “What Color Is Your Parachute?” can illustrate how your core skills and training translate from one industry to another.
• Know the marketplace. Some industries such as healthcare, education and transportation are strong. Others are not as strong. To determine the strength of a specific industry, you can find detailed employment forecasts by industry type and geographical region at sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Identify freelance and contract jobs in the new field to get a handle on the responsibilities and needed skills. Use sites like Craigslist, social networks such as LinkedIn, and resources like the Phoenix Workforce Connection.
• Reach out to family, friends and associates. The “six degrees of separation” theory can apply to business as well as to life and that “friend of a friend” could be the instrumental acquaintance in starting your new career.
• Register with an employment agency in Scottsdale/Phoenix. These companies specialize in matching people to work opportunities. As a result, you may find yourself working under contract in more than one industry. In turn, this will give you a broader picture of the types of jobs open to you and ultimately lead you to that perfect job.

Make a change for the better

As you investigate an industry change, think about the reason behind your decision. Is it based solely on your need to work? Or are you dissatisfied in your current job and wish for a new start? How will a new field change affect your family and personal life? Changing industries can be a risky venture and you want to consider it for the right reasons and under the right circumstances. Have you explored new roles and new challenges with your current industry? These are important questions to think about re-evaluating you career path.

Searching the web for Scottsdale/Phoenix job openings can be tedious and all consuming. You may find yourself glued to your laptop as opportunities are springing up around you. In the event you have a Smartphone or Tablet, you have the means to effortlessly continue your job search, regardless of where your daily schedule takes you.

The online community has risen to the occasion of expediting your job search. Popular social networks such as LinkedIn, the world’s largest business network, can connect you with countless contacts in your industry and beyond. For those of you interested in a more traditional approach, Monster, Indeed and Craigslist are highly useful tools as well.

Apps that tap into your job hunt

Perhaps you have the desire to take your job hunt mobile? There are multiple apps available immediately to help you.

• Indeed.com’s Job Search app is designed for Apple mobile devices. The app takes the familiar Indeed interface into a mobile environment. You have the tool to filter for keywords and locations and net up-to-date job listings, including new jobs added since your last search.
• Craigslist Pro+, tagged by Apple as a Top Lifestyle App, includes a search agent option that notifies you of job listings that match your keywords. From there you search and sort job listings, email results to yourself or reply directly from the app, and even access Google maps to direct you to the company’s location.
• Pocket Resume is an ingenious app that makes your resume completely mobile. Available on Apple, Android and BlackBerry platforms, this resource provides a resume layout template that lets you create, edit and send a professional looking document matching the Scottsdale/Phoenix job openings of your choice.
• Are you the social type? LunchMeet is the networking app for you. It leverages professional contacts from LinkedIn and sets up Scottsdale area group lunch invitations and locations. All you have to do is show up for lunch and be ready to impress.

The ultimate job-hunting resource

However, the ultimate “app” is the one you see in the mirror every morning. You have the capability at your fingertips to reach out to a broad network of family, friends, colleagues and counselors. Keep in touch with as many people as possible during your job search. Don’t pass up any introductions. The more people you know the closer you will be to landing a job that interests you and ultimately makes you happy.

Here are some helpful hints to consider and increase your chances for hiring success:

The risks

Beyond the change in your lifestyle that may come with a lower salary, you may find resistance from employers to offer you a lower paying job than the one you just left. It’s the same reason you may be rejected as “overqualified”; employers assume that you will leave the company should you find a better paying job elsewhere. Under those circumstances, an employer may hesitate to invest time and money in your training.

In addition, an employer may also be concerned that a lower salary may not motivate you to work as hard. Your task is to convince a hiring manager that you are the right fit for the job and the right person for the company.

The pitch

As a sensible rule, salary should not be discussed in the first interview. Instead, your skills and experience should be the focus. Arrive for the interview with an understanding of both the industry and the company. This will demonstrate to the employer that you are serious about the opportunity.

However, at some point in the hiring process, salary requirements will come up and a sensible, sharp reply might include the words “flexible” and/or “negotiable”.

If the recruiter presses you for details, be open in your response. Examples could include:

•  You’re looking for a growth opportunity in a new industry and salary is not your motivating factor.
•  You have a strong interest in both the opportunity and the company and you are open to what they would consider to be a fair compensation package based on your skill, experience and market rates.
•  Acknowledge that today’s economy has changed, and therefore your salary expectations are negotiable.
• You have a history of job loyalty and commitment and you continue to uphold these values.

Stay motivated

Stay upbeat in regards to compensation. If you have a strong interest in the opportunity, your expectations may very well be met. That kind of positive attitude will lead you to a bright future within your chosen industry in Scottsdale/Phoenix.

Improve your odds by preparing yourself for the dance steps of an interview. Recruiting firms in Phoenix and Scottsdale provide excellent training ground.  Experienced recruiters will guide you through the interview process their clients offer.  Take advantage of their guidance.

Make your next interview a success. It’s a matter of knowing what to expect and preparing yourself accordingly.

Expect an initial phone interview – some employers use this as part of the screening process. What are they looking for? Your verbal ease.  Be easy in your answers and dialogue.  Be careful not to wax too long or be in-expressive.  Of great importance: have a clear telephone voice and a clear and unobstructed telephone connection.  Ask a friend to critique your phone manner before this critical moment.

Prepare for success by assembling your notes about the company and finding a quiet place to hold the interview. Do not sit in a crowded coffee house or use your speaker function – these contribute to background noise.

Expect an in-person interview as the next step.

Prepare for success by having an appropriate “interview suit” –ready to go! Choose something conservative (even if the company is casual) and well-fitting, with well-maintained shoes. Accessories should complement your look, not draw attention away from your conversation.

Expect to get questions about your work history.

Prepare for success by preparing an overview that address gaps in employment (whether from layoff, return to school or new-job retraining), and provide highlights of the results of your work. For instance, if you closed a significant sale or improved productivity in your former job, use these as examples of bringing value to an employer.

Expect to discuss salary and benefits in your final interview or when receiving an offer and don’t bring it up the first time you are interviewed. This time is reserved for determining your fit and contribution to the job at hand.

Prepare for success by not bringing up the subject in the initial interview, which should focus on the benefits you will bring to the company.

Success is possible!

Employment agencies in Phoenix are a good source of job leads and interviews – and their professional recruiting staffs can help you develop the interview style that can get you the job.

“Design a cell phone for a blind person.”

“Which of the fifty states would you remove?”

You may never hear questions like this from Phoenix job recruiters – but, then again, some people have.

That’s because they’ve endured an interview like no other – the Microsoft interview. As a platform to assess both hard skills and the thought process of candidates, the Microsoft interview has gained fame for its sheer depth of challenges.

The puzzle-loving Bill Gates was the catalyst for the original Microsoft interview, and the model has since been adapted by other companies and even inspired books on the subject.

Not for the faint-hearted

An interview  - by phone or in person at Microsoft – which may last an entire grueling day – can include categories of brain-busting questions and tasks:

• Coding and programming exercises test real-world abilities
• Technology-based questions like “Determine if a Binary Search Tree is well formed” provides insight on your expertise in Microsoft’s demanding high-tech environment
• Problem-solving questions like “Design an ATM for children” plays on your creative thinking skills
• For questions with no right or wrong answer – such as the one about removing one of the fifty states – Microsoft seeks to understand your ability to articulate a difficult decision

Could you survive a Microsoft interview?

As Microsoft suggests, having hard skills in technology is just one aspect of working at that company. Success also depends on less tangible qualities: creative and critical thinking, decision-making and industry insight.

Keep these qualities in mind as you accept interviews from companies and recruiters in Phoenix. Though you may never be asked to design a TV remote with just two buttons, your ability to think through the challenge – and to explain your reasoning – is what really counts.

If you’re getting ready to make the rounds among companies and employment agencies in Phoenix and Scottsdale, a strong, attractive resume stands as an important weapon in your arsenal.

The resume is often the first impression a prospective employer has of you – and it has to engage, inform and persuade all in a matter of minutes.

Depending on your skills, experience and goals, you have a choice of resume formats to consider.

• Chronological. The most widely used resume format, the chronological resume highlights your work experience starting with your most recent employment and working backward from there. Choose this format if you have worked steadily for at least five to 15 years. The ideal chronological resume details results in each position, not responsibilities. For example, noting that you were “responsible for placing orders for merchandise” has less impact than noting you “negotiated with vendors to lower merchandising costs by 15% year over year.”
• Functional. As opposed to the chronological, the functional resume spotlights skills instead of previous jobs. It’s a good choice if you have gaps in your employment history, if you’re new to the workforce or returning after a long period, or if you want to change your career direction. Your skills as a sales rep, a web developer or an accountant can transfer from one industry to another. Highlighting your most recent education and training in your field will enhance the functional resume.
• Targeted. Sadly, in a tight job market some people send hundreds of resumes haphazardly to any job posting on the off-chance one will be noticed. If the resume isn’t targeted with keywords and tangible proof of your skills, it will be noticed – in the worst way possible. If you have your sights set on a highly specific discipline or industry, tailor your resume to those standards. You may end up creating a variety of resumes to meet different criteria; and the resulting document could look like hybrid of chronological and functional.
• Nontraditional. Images, infographics, YouTube feeds, LinkedIn pages … the digital revolution has changed the way some people create and distribute their resume. Not every employer will appreciate the nontraditional approach; but if you’re applying in an industry that values visuals – such as creative services, social media or technology – you can use the nontraditional approach to demonstrate your skills even before the interview.

For many, critical thinking may be an acquired skill. It goes beyond the typical learning skills of memorizing and repeating items of information. And it goes beyond accepting a set of views as fact without question.

Critical thinking is a self-directed process that involves analyzing and assessing all sides of a question or an issue in order to make a more informed decision. Behavioral interviews are designed to find out if you utilize critical thinking and exactly how you have demonstrated that in past behavior.

It’s not just what you know … but how you think

In a job interview, your critical thinking skills may come into play when a recruiter or hiring manager asks you to respond to decision-making questions and scenarios:

•   “Have you ever had to make a decision when you didn’t have all the facts? How did you come to that decision?”
• “If your associates agree on an approach that you believe will cause damage to the company, how would you frame your argument for a different solution?”
•   “When trying to make a decision, at what point do you seek other people’s input and feedback?”
•   “Describe an instance when you made the wrong choice. How did you arrive at another?”

Decision are made in different ways

Obviously, there are not right or wrong answers to the questions above. However, when asked about similar behaviors in an interview, you can emphasize the qualities that enter into your decision-making.

• Critical thinkers do not base decisions on emotion or bias
• They take the time to digest each piece of information
• They give differing viewpoints equal weight and consideration
•  They compare the decision to related ones in the past
• They reject phrases like “that’s the way it’s always been” or “I heard somewhere that …”

Come to your interview prepared with examples of instances from work (and life) in which you

• Chose a different path
• Came to a difficult decision
• Found and used facts through reliable sources
• Used facts and learnings – not assertion or opinion – to come to a conclusion

When you show your recruiter that you think independently and critically, you stand apart from other job candidates, and may be recommended to the hiring party the recruiter represents.

Today the staffing industry employs nearly 3 million people each business day. Temporary employment agencies in Phoenix and Scottsdale can help you gain an employment foothold in the local job market, especially in a tight job market.

Are there advantages to temporary and contract jobs?

Staffing firms have “ins” at companies. Many businesses use agencies to save time and maximize resources for recruiting, screening and training job candidates. So the Phoenix temporary employment agency you work with may have exclusive access to jobs you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s not just secretarial jobs. Though the “Kelly Girls” knew their way around a typewriter and steno pad in the 1950s, today’s temps run the gamut of career positions. Clerical support and administrative roles are still a mainstay, but they’re complimented by professional positions in technology, marketing, healthcare, law, science, engineering and even teaching.

Temporary work sets the employment trends in two meaningful ways. When companies begin to recover from the effects of recession, their first step is often ramping up through addition of temporary staff before committing to hiring more full-time employees. Emerging companies and those in accelerating markets often turn to contract employees as they respond to favorable market demands. This means that as a temporary employee you may find your way into an expanding company before industry experienced employees do.

Choice and flexibility. Many people enter the workforce fixated on a “dream job” or industry. But the reality of today’s employment picture is that flexibility can help you pay the bills until that dream job materializes. As a temporary or contract employee, you may use your skills in industries you hadn’t considered before – and who knows? One of them may turn out to be just what you hoped for.

A good resume. The more you work, the more attractive you become to a potential employer. Temporary and contract positions help fill employment gaps in your resume and show off your range of skills and experience.

Steadier work assignments in Temporary Employment. According to the American Staffing Association, temporary assignments in 2010 averaged 13.8 weeks (more than three months), up from 9.6 weeks in 2000.  With job duration longer, you have a better chance to gain relationships and skills that will help in your future endeavors.

The company, so went the legend, was interested not just in what you know, but also in how you think. So Google supposedly asked its applicants about coding or programming or management as a typical software company would – but also administered IQ tests and posed questions like, “How many piano tuners are there in the entire world?” and “Explain the significance of ‘dead beef.’” Stories about “nightmare interviews” circulated online.

Though a Google insider has since debunked the folklore around Google’s wacky line of questioning, the company has become associated with “inappropriate” and even “banned” interview questions.

Show your work …

But that’s not to say Google’s questioning is easy. The company screens, tests, interviews and assesses their candidates with an eye toward hiring the best of the best. “We’re likely to ask you some role-related questions that provide insight into how you solve problems,” Google says in its website. “Show us how you would tackle the problem presented – don’t get hung up on nailing the ‘right’ answer.”

Though you may not associate Scottsdale jobs with California-based Google, you may one day face a recruiter or hiring manager who has adopted the Google-credited interview style.

If you are fortunate, you may never be faced with a question like the one credited to Google: “How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?” But you may be asked interview questions that require you to explain how you would come to a conclusion.

In those cases, take your time and feel free to ask the interviewer for details about the question. If you cannot come up with the “right” answer on the spot, explain how you would interpret the question and conduct your research on the question left to your own resources.

Give your interviewer a reason to feel confident in your skills and your thought process. And if you somehow come up with the exact number of golf balls that fit into a school bus, then perhaps you should investigate if NASA is hiring.

Example “Google” questions

• You are shrunk to the height of a nickel and your mass is proportionally reduced so as to maintain your original density. You are then thrown into an empty glass blender. The blades will start moving in 60 seconds. What do you do?
• How much should you charge to wash all the windows in Seattle?
• How many times a day does a clock’s hands overlap?
• Imagine you have a closet full of shirts. It’s very hard to find a shirt. So what can you do to organize your shirts for easy retrieval?
• In a country in which people only want boys, every family continues to have children until they have a boy. If they have a girl, they have another child. If they have a boy, they stop. What is the proportion of boys to girls in the country?
• If you look at a clock and the time is 3:15, what is the angle between the hour and the minute hands? (The answer to this is not zero!)
• How many piano tuners are there in the entire world?
• You have eight balls all of the same size. 7 of them weigh the same, and one of them weighs slightly more. How can you find the ball that is heavier by using a balance and only two weighings?
• Design an evacuation plan for San Francisco.
• If there is only one elevator in the building, how would you change the design? How about if there are only two elevators in the building?
• How many vacuums are made per year in USA?
• Why are manhole covers round?
• A man pushed his car to a hotel and lost his fortune. What happened?
• Explain the significance of “dead beef”.
• What method would you use to look up a word in a dictionary?

Employment agencies and Executive Search firms work with Corporate Hiring managers to address issues of:

• Productivity.  Employers deal with peak times and slow times. Hiring full-time employees only to lay them off in a matter of months is an expensive proposition. Staffing companies fill the gaps of productivity by supplying as-needed talent from entry-level to executive.
• Opportunity cost. Every vacant position means possible loss of revenue. When jobs are unfilled, managers often assign the extra work to other employees – which reduces individual productivity and has a definite effect on morale. How do Phoenix staffing companies mitigate the cost of vacancy? The pre-screened, thoroughly checked people hired by a staffing agency are carefully matched to each job’s skill set, with the goal of delivering an employee who can “hit the ground running” in IT, sales, marketing, administration and many other disciplines.
• Direct expense. Between advertising open positions, screening the numerous resumes, committing HR time and resources to setting up interviews and conducting testing, and committing to salary and benefits, an employer has considerable fixed costs when conducting direct hiring.   Candidates who accept assignments through a qualified executive staffing agency can be placed in temporary, contract or temp-to-hire positions that can save the employer the direct expense, while giving candidate and company time to determine if the fit is a good one.
• The cost of turnover.  Some industries are prone to high turnover, which makes hiring even more costly and time-consuming. In high caliber search and placement firms, recruiters work closely with their client companies to determine the best staffing level to meet productivity needs while mitigating the risk of turnover.

A winning combination

From a career candidate’s perspective, joining forces with a Phoenix staffing company can be the answer to an otherwise lengthy and risk job search. For an employer using a staffing company, the benefits include saving on fixed costs and having the opportunity to find out how candidates will perform before committing to a full-time offer.

When handled with mutual respect and shared goals, the agency route can be a winning combination for all involved.

He or she is making a decision that will have an impact on an employer’s revenue and resources.

•  It’s up to the human resources department to perform due diligence, from fact-checking the resume to following up on references.
•  The manager must also select the most qualified candidates and arrange interviews.
• And it often doesn’t end there. Second interviews, testing and other procedures may enter into the hiring picture.

Finally, the hiring manager has to make a decision that will change the life of one candidate – and trigger likely disappointment for many others.

Choosing carefully

When you consider all the responsibilities inherent in  screening for Phoenix executive jobs, ask yourself: could you assume the risks of:

• Results. Is the winning candidate truly the best one for the job? Will that person contribute to productivity, improved processes, increased sales, more customers or whatever the parameters of the job? All these questions are in the back of any hiring manager’s mind.
• Reputation. It’s not just the reputation of the company at risk when a candidate is selected – the reputation of the hiring manager is on the line, too. An employer may have a gut feeling about one candidate or another – but no one is immune to making mistakes.
• Safety and security. Unfortunately, the risk of putting employees in danger or exposing the company to fraud such as embezzlement or material theft is a reality that hiring managers must consider. Careful background checks are part of the hiring process.

All in a day’s work

Well-trained, educated and experienced executive recruiters in Phoenix have the insight and instinct to deal with risk. They take the time to gain knowledge about the company they work for, and use that knowledge to identify, recruit and place the best candidates.

Sound familiar? Some people compare job interviews to first dates (or, more commonly, first dates to job interviews) in that this first impression is, for better or for worse, going to stick with someone you’re trying to impress.

But there’s little discussion of the risk involved in a job interview. Of course, the biggest risk is making a poor impression and ending your chances of Scottsdale, AZ employment.

Risky business

But if you also look at an interview the way an executive would – in terms of ROI (return on investment), you begin to see that you are investing a lot in this seemingly brief encounter with a Scottsdale or Phoenix hiring manager.

• Time. Preparing for an interview involves reviewing your knowledge of the hiring company, practicing your “elevator pitch,” and going over challenging questions. If you’re unemployed, this workload is one you may shoulder easily, but if you’re currently working, you will need to commit your personal time to preparation.
• Expenses. Perhaps the perfect interview ensemble is already hanging in your closet. Invest in the right attire to achieve that polished look that contributes to your image as a professional.
• Self esteem. Ask any performer who’s ever stepped out on an audition stage, only to hear the director yell, “Thank you, that’s enough” before they even started – you need a thick skin to face rejection. The hard truth is that you may need to endure several interviews – with Scottsdale AZ employment firms, corporate managers and recruiters – before you find work.

So is the interview really worth it?

Some interviews will take their toll on your patience; others will seem delightful as you “click” with the hiring manager. But oddly, the nerve-wracking interview may land you the job, and the one you thought was easy may not – that’s just the nature of the hiring environment.

No matter what kind of interview you face, time invested in your professional and personal preparation will go a long way in reducing the risk factors.

The must-haves

Contact information: Provide your name, local address, and the phone number at which you are most easily reached, email address and, if applicable, your personal URL. This information is typically at the top of the resume, stacked neatly and either centered or heading the left or right margin.

Summary or profile. A single paragraph gives a high-level overview of your skills and background. Here is where you begin using industry keywords to attract today’s resume-scanning software.

Work experience. Most job hunters use a chronological (most recent job first) listing to illustrate their  history. If you’ve been in the workforce for many decades, limit your listings to the last 10 to 15 years and most relevant experience. If you’re new to the job market, are switching industries or have gaps in your history, consider a functional resume that spotlights your abilities. Even a functional resume should include a chronology of job history though it may be placed with less emphasis and space on the page. Use bullet points to state the facts quickly.

Keep your description of each position focused on results, not job duties. It’s one thing to say you were responsible for developing new business; it’s another to say that your campaigns grew revenue 31 percent over four years. The first phrasing is a job description; the second is a performance statement.

The leave-offs

Objective: For years, people submitted “objectives” that were rarely more than trite phrases about wanting “a position that allows me to fully utilize my talents and skills.” Instead of an objective, use the summary to outline exactly what those talents and skills bring to the employer. (Clients often tell us they rule out candidates for employment  based on the phrasing of job objectives.  They take them literally.)

Personal information:  Your age, marital status, religion and political affiliation have no functional use on a resume.

The best looks

Simple layouts are often the best.

•  Choose an easy-to-read font (like Times New Roman or Arial), at least 10-point size.
• Lay out the resume with about an inch of white space along each margin.
•  Print your resume on high-quality paper of white, cream or light gray.
• Create a text-only version if your employer requests it pasted into an online format

For some people, that dream job may simply no longer exist in an evolving job market. For others, layoffs and oversaturation of applicants have torpedoed their career.

So even if you always imagined yourself in one industry, the reality of your job hunt may involve investigating completely different fields.

There’s no stigma attached to changing industries. In fact, it’s widely accepted.

• You can find online resources at your library that help you pinpoint your skills and match them to various industries.
• You can create contacts through sites like LinkedIn, the world’s biggest professional network.
• You can consult with Phoenix job agency contacts and recruitment firms, which specialize in matching skilled people with open positions.

One key to changing industries is translating the skill you have into new environments.

•  If you had success as a sales rep in publishing, you can adapt your powers    of persuasion to a car dealership or a mortgage refinancing company.
•   If you were an accountant on Wall Street, you can translate those money-manager skills into growing industries like healthcare.
• Even if you have just graduated from college with little corporate experience, you can demonstrate how your leadership in school and your community created positive change – something every employer is interested in.

Sell the results
Take a look at the “work experience” portion of your resume. Does it read like a rundown of your daily job duties?

If so, then your resume needs an overhaul. Give employers a reason to be confident you can make an industry switch by filling your resume with examples of results, not just responsibilities. 

Show your work
If you have targeted a new industry to explore, do some reading, take some classes or access some online training in that field. Having these concrete examples on your resume speaks to your commitment to your new career.

Be flexible
Ask any Phoenix job agency rep – in a slowly recovering economy, job applicants must be prepared to consider jobs outside their “comfort zone.” You can get yourself ready to take on the new employment landscape. You may even find your new dream job in an industry you never considered before.

That’s the way you may be perceived by potential employers – both companies and job placement agencies – if you don’t take the time to package yourself for hire. 

Beyond raw skills

Like it or not, your raw skills usually aren’t enough to get you hired in a highly competitive Phoenix AZ job market. Employers also want to know how you’ll fit into their corporate culture. Employers seek team members and value communication and social skills in their places of work.

You can take steps to improve your personal “package” during and after the interview.

•  Appearance. Nobody expects you to march into an interview high-end designer duds, but you are expected to appear professional, polished and ready to work. That means a well-fitting ensemble (preferably a jacket for both men and women), accessories at the minimum, and shoes looking new. You can seldom dress too conservatively for an interview, even if the workplace is day-to-day casual.

• Demeanor. Some jobs demand “people skills” and others don’t. However, demonstrating a certain amount of interpersonal savvy is vital to any job search. No matter how many Facebook friends you have, you need to present yourself well in face-to-face encounters. In a meeting with a potential employer or Phoenix recruitment agency shake hands confidently, make eye contact, speak in a relaxed way (neither whispering nor blurting), and avoid giving signals of impatience or nervousness (like looking at your watch or playing with a pen).

• Follow-up. Your job search doesn’t end at the end of the interview. Thank the hiring manager, of course – and when you get home, follow it up with an email or even a mailed notecard. At all times, emphasize your interest in the job. Keep your phone number and email address in your communications. Ask if there’s any way you can help the company right  now – offering to provide some sample work is a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

The whole package

A polished presentation indicates the promise of high-quality employee. Isn’t that the way you’d want to be perceived?

First and foremost …

Say “thank you” – and mean it! Getting a job offer is a large accomplishment in any economy, and it’s especially welcome to hear when times are tight.

Want to negotiate?

• Ask if the salary is negotiable. Ideally, you’ve held off discussing salary and benefits during the interview process. But now that the job offer is here, you can inquire about salary ranges. But be flexible – if you want the job, the salary cannot be your deal-breaker.
• Discuss telecommuting or flextime – but only if these perks were previously discussed during your interviews. The job offer is not the time spring the news that you intend to work at home twice a week.

Ready to say “yes” right now?

• Don’t panic. Especially in a tight job market, it’s all too tempting to yell “I’ll take it!” at the first sign of an offer. If the salary, benefits and job description all meet your criteria, that’s great – but consider also the working hours, the commute, the possibility of getting another offer and the likelihood of building a career at this company.
• Ask to see the job offer and compensation in writing. The employer may send you a PDF or a fax, or you may get it by regular mail. However you receive it, these documents can work to your advantage should any question about the job or its salary come up in the future.
• Ask when your answer is due. It’s customary for employers to allow about 24 hours for an applicant to accept or reject an offer.

Not the job for you?

Rejecting a job offer takes as much tact as accepting one. You never want to burn bridges, because you may encounter people from that company later in your career.

• Explain that you have reconsidered. Never imply that the salary, the boss or some other tangible reason went into your decision.
• Back it up in writing. A brief, gracious letter or email to the hiring manager should thank him or her for the opportunity.

The Blank Slate. A keyword-loaded resume has caught the attention of an executive recruiter or staffing agency in Phoenix, Az. The Blank Slate gets the call, but arrives with little knowledge of what his future employer does for a living. The interview veers into disaster, as TBS either inattentively promotes himself for a job that doesn’t exist, or forces the hiring manager to waste time explaining the company’s product or service.

You don’t have to fall into The Blank Slate trap when you come prepared to impress an employer. Start with a grounding in the company’s website. If it’s a public company, go over the annual report. Search for mentions in trade media. Check for them on social networks. Then, when you come in for the interview, show off your knowledge of their company, and emphasize how you can bring value.

Mr./Ms. “What’s in it for me?” This character demonstrates shallowness. He or she may feign interest in the job, but then steers the conversation to questions more suited to an established employee than to an interviewee, like when they will get their first raise, when they can take vacation – or worse, when and how they’ll advance out of the job that they are (supposedly) trying so hard to land.

To avoid being a Mr./Ms. WIIFM, keep your focus, especially during the first interview, on the qualities and talents that make you the ideal person to fill this job right now. Raises, vacations and other perks of the trade will be spelled out in detail once you get the offer.

The Moneygrubber. Salary negotiations are a delicate matter in any hiring environment, and for many companies in Phoenix and Scottsdale, budgets are tight. But the Moneygrubber cares only for the bottom line – her own. Citing her previous salaries, she may insist on making the same or more at her new job, and nothing less will do.

While there’s nothing wrong with recognizing the value of your talent, being seen as a Moneygrubber is an instant employer turn-off. You can avoid this trait by researching the salary ranges typical of the industry, the company’s size and its location; then working with your recruiter to come to a reasonable figure.

1. Do your homework. With the Internet at your fingertips, there’s no excuse to walk into a company wondering what product or service they produce. Start your research with their website, then expand to mentions in industry organizations, social media pages, annual reports, press releases and reviews. You’ll sound proactive in your interview if you ask about the company’s goals, but you’ll sound really informed if you preface it by summarizing the company’s performance over the past year.
2. Practice. Think of your interview as a performance – and approach it as a professional. Ask your friends to play the part of interviewer and rehearse your responses to such questions as “Tell me something about yourself” and “What attracted you to this company?” Prepare for the lurking bombshells, like “What’s the worst mistake you ever made?” or “Why should we consider you?” But avoid memorization – you want to be seen as candid, not “reciting” answers.
3. Dress the part – and then some. A recruiter at a Phoenix employment agency may advise you to dress one step up from the job you want. Your attire and grooming make an immediate impression, so play it safe with tailored, conservative dress; accessories at a minimum, hair and nails under control, and shoes looking new.
4. Use nonverbal cues. Body language makes a strong impact. Tiny gaffes like looking at your watch or glancing around the room can give the impression of impatience. Crossed arms and legs signify resistance or defensiveness. Picking at your sleeve or playing with a pen shows nervous energy. But you can tip the scales in your favor with proper body language: a firm handshake, a relaxed but upright posture when seated or standing, eye contact (without “staring”), enthusiasm in your voice and a slight lean toward your interviewer to show that you are truly interested in the conversation.
5. Mind your manners. Interview etiquette begins with arriving a few minutes ahead of time, and ends with a thank you, both spoken and, later, written as a printed note or an email.

Getting Phoenix jobs may be a challenge, but it’s a challenge you can handle when you’re prepared.