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How to Counter a Job Offer

By Job Journey on Monday, October 19, 2015

If you’re searching for a job, it may be tempting to take any offer a company gives you when it comes to pay, but always be prepared to counter their offer.

In fact, experts suggest that an employer’s first offer has some wiggle room, and if you’re savvy enough, a counter offer could score an even bigger salary or more job flexibility.

So how do you prepare a counter offer without blowing your opportunity? We’ve got five easy steps:

When a hiring manager calls with a job offer, tell her or him that you need time to consider the offer. Be sure to let him know that you are excited about the position, but just need to study the salary and benefits.
Study the offer. Really educate yourself on the benefits, vacation packages, and salary. By knowing the full offer, you are better positioned to negotiate. For instance, if the salary is lower than you wanted, maybe you can negotiate for better insurance or extra days of vacation.
When offered the job, study up on the typical salary for that position and for the region where you live. For instance, if you know the starting salary for a particular job is $40,000, then use that as your starting point. If you have multiple years of experience, you could negotiate a higher range based on your knowledge.
Make the counter offer. Many job seekers may find negotiations to be intimidating, but speaking confidently about your counter offer is important. The position has already been offered to you, so the company wants to hire you. You do have a right to go for the benefits or salary you believe you deserve.
Re-negotiate. If the employer feels the salary or perks you counter with are too much, be prepared to negotiate for an amount you’re both happy with. Don’t go into a counter offer with an “all or nothing” approach. Find middle ground that makes you and your future employer comfortable.

While it is always worth a try to improve a job offer, be realistic. Know your market worth, but don’t push the envelope too much. You may not have much wiggle room if the employer is set on the salary offered.

Above all else, make sure you are in a position to walk away when making a counter offer. If you are in a desperate situation, be aware that a counter offer may not be accepted.

Have you ever made a counter to a job offer and had it accepted? Share your story with us in the comments below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Social Media

Don’t Let Your LinkedIn Profile Go On Vacation

By Job Journey on Wednesday, July 15, 2015

The season for summer vacations is here! Many people are packing up their suitcases, lathering on the sunscreen, and hitting the hottest vacation spots while school is on a break and the weather is nice. Although it’s important to get away and take time to relax and unwind from school, work, or your job search, you don’t want to let your vacation get in the way of your networking abilities.

It’s true that our culture is suffering from a bit of social media overload, and some online users are so overwhelmed by their social networks and email accounts that they have considered taking a short break from them. In fact, 50% of online users in a recent survey reported that they’ve thought about taking a vacation from social media. While stepping away from Facebook or Twitter for a few days might be a good idea, you may want to take a different approach with your LinkedIn profile. Read on for more tips to keep your LinkedIn profile working while you’re relaxing.

Understand the purpose.
LinkedIn is a very useful network for job seekers, students, and those in the workforce. If you have a LinkedIn profile that you only update on occasion, you’re missing a big opportunity to be seen by recruiters and potential employers. The network allows you to research companies, find connections, and use your friends’ experiences to connect with people you may not be able to reach otherwise.

Write a catchy headline.
Much like your resume, your LinkedIn headline needs to represent you and your career goals. The headline is located just below your name on your LinkedIn profile and is one of the only things, aside from your name and profile photo, someone sees before deciding whether or not to click on your profile. So, make your headline count by spelling out what you’re looking for on LinkedIn. You can use your headline to state that you’re searching for a job, or just looking to network with those in your industry. According to Forbes, an administrative assistant found a job in two weeks after using the clever headline, “Office Manager/Business Air-Traffic Controller Looking for Overstressed CEO to Make Sane.”

Make a list of dream jobs, and network with them.
If there are specific companies you dream of working for, find their company pages on LinkedIn and follow them. When you follow those company pages, you’ll be in-the-know about what’s going on with their company. You may even be able to see job postings or other updates before the rest of the competition does. Plus, when you interact with the content companies share, you put your name in front of potential recruiters.

Do your homework.
If you land an interview, whether through LinkedIn or other means, don’t forget to do your research before the big day. Thankfully, LinkedIn can help with that. Try to find the profile of the person you’ll be interviewing with and learn what you can from it. For example, you may be able to find out where your interviewer went to college. Better yet, it may be the same school you attended. Automatically, you have something to talk about and a way to break the ice during your interview. Checking out their LinkedIn profile will give you a look at who the person is, what their experience consists of, and any community causes that are important to them. Knowing these bits of information can help you feel more comfortable during your interview while also showing you did your homework.

Use LinkedIn for more than networking.
Although being able to connect with potential employers is an important element to LinkedIn, there is more to the social network than simply adding friends. Give your profile substance by adding links to presentations, videos, or other projects you’ve completed. And don’t forget to share any articles, blog posts, or content you write by using the status update feature on your page. Sharing your own content is a great way to encourage interaction and also helps you get noticed faster.

Summer is a great time of year for relaxing, heading to the beach, or just taking some time off. While you’re busy soaking up the sun, don’t forget to keep an eye on your LinkedIn profile so you won’t miss out on important opportunities. During the summer months and holidays, you can easily make networking a part of your vacation by meeting new people and keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date.

How do you make your LinkedIn profile stand out? Share your tips in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

The Job Search

Break Free From Your Job Search

By Job Journey on Wednesday, July 1, 2015

As our Canadian friends celebrate Canada Day, Independence Day is just around the corner in the U.S. While both of these holidays are a great time to get together with family and friends, enjoy a picnic, watch a firework show, and celebrate freedom, it’s also an opportunity to declare independence from your job search. If you’ve been looking for work for an extended period of time, you are probably well aware of the struggles a difficult job search can bring. In honor of the July 4^th holiday, we want to share some tips that may help you break free from your search and land a job.

Re-evaluate and consider your goals.
When it comes to your job search, there may be a specific job or company you have in mind. While it’s beneficial to have an idea of where you’d like to work or what you’d like to do, it’s possible that too much focus on a specific position may cause you to have tunnel vision. If you’ve submitted resumes and applications for the same type of job over and over, but haven’t landed an interview yet, take some time to step back and evaluate whether or not you’re on the right path. It’s possible that you don’t possess the skills or experience needed for a certain job, and you’re only wasting time pursuing it.

If that’s the case, assess what education or experience you may need to meet the position’s requirements and consider receiving the appropriate training before you apply for similar jobs.

Network both online and offline.
LinkedIn is a great way to make connections with people in the industry or company where you want to work. Making sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with all of your skills, experience, and educational information to help you stand out to potential employers who find you online. Likewise, your other social media accounts may be visible to recruiters and interviewers as well, so make sure you keep your Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts professional at all times. You never know who is looking at them!

In addition to online networking through social media, it’s just as important to network offline. Consider going to industry events, joining a professional organization, attending local functions, or volunteering in your community. These gatherings give you the opportunity to meet new people face-to-face and network on a personal level. Often, employers don’t post their jobs online. They rely instead on employees or personal networking, so you don’t want to miss out on this unspoken opportunity.

Show excitement during your interview.
If you are asked to visit a company for an interview, there’s no doubt you’ll be excited. But, a recent survey from OI Global Partners reveals that 56% of interviewers think their interviewees don’t show enough excitement or interest during the conversation. While it’s natural to feel nervous during an interview, it’s important that you don’t let those nerves get the best of you. Make sure you show your interest in the job by researching the company before the interview.

When you research, look for something about the company that stands out or relates to you so you can share a personal story about it with your interviewer. This shows that you put effort into learning more about the job and that you’re excited about its purpose. And of course, go to your interview. A recent survey from Express Employment Professionals revealed that an alarming number of job candidates don’t even show up to their interviews. Remember, you can’t get the job if you don’t make the effort. If you’re going to be late, call ahead and let the interviewer know that you’re running behind, but don’t avoid going just because you’re late.

Consider short-term employment.
Even if your end goal is to find a long-term position at a company, you shouldn’t turn down any temporary roles that come your way in the meantime. There are a number of benefits to taking on temporary work while you’re looking for your dream job, including the ability to test out industries you haven’t worked in before. You may be able to find a job in an environment you’re interested in, but don’t have the experience necessary to land permanent work yet. Additionally, many temporary jobs can turn into permanent ones if they’re the right fit for you. If you decide to pursue temporary work during your job search, remember to showcase your work ethic, skills, and dedication every day. You don’t always know when the employer is looking to hire someone full time!

How did you break free from your job search and land the job? Share your stories in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Networking

How Giving Back Makes You More Employable

By Job Journey on Wednesday, June 3, 2015

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), volunteering raises your odds of finding employment in today’s job market. In fact, a recent report from CNCS reveals that volunteers have 27% higher odds of finding employment than non-volunteers, and the relationship between employment and volunteering was strongest for those without a high school diploma or who live in rural areas.

Who Is Volunteering
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 25% of Americans age 16 and older engaged in volunteer opportunities in 2014. This equates to 62.8 million volunteers, and the median number of volunteer hours worked was 50. People most likely to volunteer are those between the ages of 35 and 44, while volunteer rates are lowest amongst those 20 to 24 years of age. The report also found that the organizations people volunteered with most were religious (33%), education or youth-service related (25%), and social or community organizations (14%).

What Are the Benefits
While the benefits of volunteering are numerous, there are a few positive effects that stand out, including:

Acquire new skills. When you volunteer your time, you often have the opportunity to learn new skills or trades you may not have been exposed to otherwise. These new skills are not only great for you personally, they are also important to building an impressive resume.
Stay engaged in the working world. If you’ve been out of work for a while, the job search can be tough. Volunteering not only allows you a chance to work on a new project that may clear your mind for a bit, it also shows potential employers that you’re driven, motivated, and encouraged to stay working despite gaps between paid jobs.
Improve your resume and LinkedIn profile. In addition to adding new skills to your resume, volunteering also helps you beef up the experience portion of this important document. Any experience you can add to your resume will help you stand out from the competition. Additionally, people you meet while volunteering can make great connections on LinkedIn.
Make new contacts. Speaking of LinkedIn, volunteering is a great way to kick-start your LinkedIn profile or enhance an otherwise stagnant one. Volunteering is an opportunity for you to network with those in your industry, or in other industries you may like to work.
Better understand today’s work environment. If you are an older job seeker or have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time, volunteering is a great way to get back out there. You can learn skills that are important to today’s employers while also working with younger generations to better understand the new workforce.
Gain self-confidence and lift your spirits. When you volunteer, you experience first-hand the difference you’re making in your community. This feeling can lead to a boost in self-confidence, which may be beneficial if you’re struggling with a particularly stressful job search.

How to Find Volunteer Work
Now that you know how volunteering can make you more employable, it’s important to know where you can find volunteer work. To find your next opportunity, try these methods:

Use your skills. Look to your current sets of skills to find an opportunity that’s right for you. For example, if you’re a skilled marketing professional, look for volunteer opportunities in this field. Or if you love to paint, you can search for volunteer work painting homes or other buildings.
Plan for the future. If there’s a job you’d like to have, use volunteering as an opportunity to help you reach that goal. Volunteer at organizations that will help you learn the skills you need for your dream jobs and help you find the people who can get you those jobs.
Ask your friends. Your friends and family may have volunteer experience you can benefit from, especially if they work in an industry you’re trying to break into. Ask them where they volunteer or who they volunteer with to help you find a new opportunity.
Search the internet. There are a number of websites that can help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity based on your skills and interests. Check out sites like VolunteerMatch.org and Serve.gov for local opportunities. If you’re age 55 or older, try the Senior Corps website, which is made specifically to help you find volunteer work.
Start your own. If you can’t find the right volunteer opportunity for you, or if you have an idea of your own, consider creating a volunteer opportunity or cause. You may even be able to partner with an organization that can get your idea up and running.
Join Express for Brand It Blue Day. On Saturday, June 13, Express offices across North America will set aside time to give back to local food banks, pantries and other nonprofit organizations. Visit ExpressPros.com/BrandItBlueDay to find out if an Express office near you will be a part of this day of service and how you can be involved.

When you look for volunteer work, seek out meaningful jobs that will help you network, learn new skills, and reach your professional goals. And remember to always treat your volunteer job as if you’re being paid. You never know who will be volunteering with you or how they may be able to help you land your next job.

How does giving back make you more employable? Share your stories in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

The Job Search

Three Quotes to Keep You Motivated

By Job Journey on Wednesday, May 20, 2015

It’s not always easy to stay motivated in the workplace, at home, or in your job search. Often, there are factors outside of our control that add stress to our daily lives and bring us down. If you’re struggling with a particularly tough job search, for example, you may feel like giving up. But, it’s important to remember your goal and the rewards you’ll receive for accomplishing it. To help keep you motivated on your journey, check out these three inspirational quotes and share them with anyone you think could use an uplifting thought today!

How do you stay motivated to reach your goals? Share your tips in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Ask a Recruiter

Ask a Recruiter: How to Follow Up After an Interview

By Job Journey on Monday, May 18, 2015

Navigating the job search, acing interviews, and creating resumes can be challenging. We know there’s a lot to learn about these processes, and we want to help you by answering your questions. Our very own industry experts at Express Employment Professionals are posting their recruitment and hiring answers right here on the Movin’ On Up blog.

Question:
In the third installment of our series, “Ask a Recruiter,” we’re excited to feature a question from Movin’ On Up reader Sam.

Sam asks, “I always feel like I’m being too pushy when I follow up after an interview. When is the appropriate time frame for a follow-up, and what are the best methods for doing so?”

Answer:
This is a great question! Unfortunately, there isn’t one single strategy that will work for all instances. Some recruiters might find your follow-up instincts pushy, while others may be thankful that you’re staying in contact. That being said, setting appropriate expectations during the initial conversation is the key!

One good practice for establishing these expectations is to discuss the next steps with the interviewer before leaving the interview. By doing this, your call or email won’t come as a surprise. Instead, it will be clear that you’re simply following up as the two of you discussed. Ask the interviewer what their preferred method of communication might be, and what their timeline for filling this position looks like. You should also relay to them what your expectations for feedback might be, and discuss your communication plan should the process exceed that timeline.

If your expectations aren’t the same as the interviewer’s, this is the place where they can help re-align what will happen next, and when. Get their permission to follow up at a certain date and time, and then reference that permission when you speak to them again, or on any voicemail or email you send.

Another issue that can arise when proper expectations haven’t been set is that one party ends up doing all of the communicating. This is where that “pushy” feeling comes into play. Have you ever found yourself doing this? You call, leave a message, call back again, leave another message, send a couple of emails, and still don’t hear anything back from the recruiter. How frustrating! I’m a firm believer that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but it’s also very easy to overdue your follow up. If you leave a voice or email message, give that recruiter time to follow up with you. If you try to reach out to them again, say within 24 hours, try not to leave a second voicemail. Recruiters often have many job orders they are working on at one time in addition to a very wide assortment of other tasks they must accomplish each day. If you’ve set expectations correctly, and followed up as you said you would, you’ll hear from them as soon as they’ve got news to communicate!

Thanks for asking, Sam! And thank you to Joe Paquette from Express for providing the answer!

Do you have a question about the job search, hiring, or recruiting process? Now’s your chance to have your question answered by industry professionals who find, interview, and hire people every day. Ask your question in the comments section below and check back soon to read what our experts have to say!

Check out previous installments in the “Ask a Recruiter” series:

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

The Job Search

Staying Healthy During a Stressful Job Search

By Job Journey on Friday, April 17, 2015

Let’s be honest – we’re all a bit stressed. Whether it’s in the job search, at work, or at home, almost everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time. Stress is a natural part of life, but even the smallest of stressors can have a negative effect on your health.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stress affects both your body and your mind, and it can lead to depression, headaches, heart disease, stroke, and stomach disorders. April is Stress Awareness Month, so there’s no better time to start managing the stressors in your daily life, especially when it comes to your job search.

Know the facts.
When we feel threatened or anxious, the stress hormone cortisol is released into our bodies. This is also known as the “fight or flight” response,” which signals the body to free up energy so it can respond to a perceived threat. The problem with this reaction is that the body’s focus shifts to fighting the stressor instead of protecting your immune system. This can lead to the symptoms of a common cold, loss of appetite, fear, anxiety, nightmares, mental uneasiness, tension, lack of focus, poor sleep, memory loss, and exhaustion.

Let it go.
As one of the world’s most beloved animated princesses begs, “Let it go.” It’s easy to let a stressful situation take up permanent residence in your mind, but you should try to avoid it. Rehashing stressful situations, like a less-than-perfect job interview or a typo in your cover letter, can cause your body to relive the stress over and over again and bring on the same negative bodily reactions every time. Instead of replaying these situations in your mind, try to alter the way you think about what happened. Replace negative thoughts with affirmative ones, like statements of self-confidence. Another way to say goodbye to stressful thoughts is to meditate or focus on your breathing, which helps you calm down.

Set attainable goals.
At some point, everyone procrastinates. What can start as a harmless way to put off tasks can turn into a habit that leaves you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed. To avoid these unwanted emotions, try setting a long-term goal with smaller goals along the way. If your long-term goal is finding a job, your smaller goals may include sending 10 resumes, landing two interviews, or attending a networking event. Breaking your goal into smaller steps can help you see the bigger picture and the ways you can achieve it. And don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Positive reinforcement can act as a motivator to help you reach your goal, so it’s important to be proud of the work you’ve done.

Don’t give up.
When you’re experiencing something stressful, it’s easy to automatically assume the worst. You may find your mind slipping into worst-case-scenario mode when you don’t hear back from a recruiter, you miss an important telephone call, or you forget to send a follow-up email. But, it’s important to remember that negative thoughts will only make your stress even worse. Consider whether the thing that’s stressing you out is something that will bother you a month or two from now. Ask yourself if you have any control over the stressful situation. Once you start seeing your stressors a little more clearly, you may find that they’re easier to handle in the long run. Take a moment to stop, re-evaluate the situation, and find some perspective. Oftentimes, the outcome is out of your hands and spending time stressing about it will only make matters worse.

Take care of yourself.
It’s no secret that job searches can drain you, both of time and energy. But forgetting to take time for yourself will only enhance your level of stress. Make sure you set aside time in your day to relax, enjoy a hobby, go for a walk, work in the garden, read a book, or do something that will help you recharge your mind and keep you both happy and relaxed. You may also consider de-cluttering your home or workspace to help put your mind at ease. Knowing what your stress triggers are, prioritizing your goals, and eliminating those stressors, can help you stay healthy during your job search.

How do you keep your cool during a stressful job search? Share your tips in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.