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4 Summer Blockbusters that Can Help In Your Job Search

By Job Journey on Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Summer brings the big hits to the box office, and this year’s selection of action movies were full of lessons that job seekers can take away. In fact, most of the heroes in big movies have traits you need while you’re looking for that perfect career – courage, creativity, an open mind, and a positive attitude. Like movie heroes, you’re facing a big conflict or a villain (in this case, unemployment), but you also have the traits to overcome and win in the end.

So, let’s take a look at this summer’s blockbusters and how they can help you land a job.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Asking for Help
An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” can teach you a thing or two about networking and unlikely alliances.

When adventurer Peter Quill becomes a hunted man after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by a powerful villain, he has to team up with a group of misfits—Rocket, a gun-happy raccoon; Groot, a tree-like creature; the deadly and mysterious Gamora; and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. Together, this group must make a desperate last stand to save the galaxy’s fate.

Okay, so you aren’t saving the galaxy, but you are saving your career and future happiness. What “Guardians of the Galaxy” says about networking and getting some help from your friends can apply to your job search as well.

Enlist your network of people by asking them to refer you to job openings, introduce you to people they know, and use them as references. Don’t discount anyone – your hairdresser, gym trainer, or even the family doctor may know of job opportunities that could be perfect for you.

Taking a team approach to job seeking is helpful. It never hurts to have somebody else to share ideas and progress with on a regular basis.

How to Train Your Dragon 2: Hidden Possibilities
This family-favorite blockbuster has a lot to say about discovering something special where you least expect it. Five years after Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk, the two have charted the island’s unmapped territories. When they find a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons, they also find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior named Drago.

You too can find hidden job leads in places you normally wouldn’t look, but you have to be as tenacious and adventurous as Hiccup and Toothless. Upward of 80% of jobs are obtained through networking, so try beefing up your networking efforts. Your secret caves of social media can be a goldmine of connections.

For instance, how many Facebook friends do you have? How many have jobs? How many of your LinkedIn connections work in your field? Start asking them about employment opportunities or if they know other people to connect with.

Look for opportunities to network in places you normally wouldn’t. That unadvertised job opening might be hidden in plain sight.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Correcting Past Mistakes
This summer movie is a lesson in past mistakes, and how they can catch up to you if you aren’t careful. A population of genetically evolved apes comes head to head with human survivors of a devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. Though a truce is declared, both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

The rise of the apes was due to an experiment led by humans, and now that mistake has all but wiped out the human race. So, don’t let your past mistakes wipe out your job future! If you’re searching for a career, take time to clean up your online profile. When it comes to potential employers, it’s important to make sure that what they see online represents who you are.

Google your name and find out what pops up. Remove distasteful or offensive posts from your social media, and while you are at it, set your Facebook posts to private.

If you find offensive results on Google, Google has a process for removing them. For more tips on making your online reputation shine, check out this blog post.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Staying Positive
Having a good attitude is everything, and these pizza-loving turtles have plenty of that. The teenage terrapins Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael live in the sewers beneath New York City, but the brothers can’t stand by while evil Shredder and his minions harm the city.

Our intrepid heroes never let anything get them down, even when their plans seem to go awry. They just dust themselves off and get back to saving the city. Attitude and optimism are just as important if you are unemployed, too.

Regardless of how tough your job search is, it’s absolutely vital to keep a positive attitude during your job search. Some great tips to maintain that attitude are to take charge by being present, accountable, and ready; talking positively about yourself and your abilities; exercising to relieve stress; and making a job search schedule and sticking to it.

Few people score the very first job they apply to. So, instead of seeing job rejection as a personal attack, look at it as an opportunity to grow and learn more about yourself.

What job search tips did you take away from your favorite summer movies? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

Career Options

How You Can Thrive in Today’s Changing Workforce

By Job Journey on Monday, August 25, 2014

For millions of workers, the fixed schedule full-time 40 hour workweek is a thing of the past. Looking for greater flexibility and new opportunities, job seekers are turning away from the traditional employer-employee relationship and eight to five work day.

The number of temporary workers, independent contingent workers, and freelancers is increasing to record highs in the U.S., defying previous economic trends. A study from MBO partners, a support system for independent professionals, found that all U.S. independent workers totaled 17.7 million in 2013, a 10% increase from MBO’s first study in 2011. More than 24 million are forecasted to be independent by 2018.

In Canada, the change has not been as dramatic, but the number of temporary, independent contingent, and “casual” workers is increasing. Their share of the workforce increased by 1.1% from 2008 to 2013.

Why It’s Changing

Coming out of the Great Recession, temporary or independent work gave those who may have lost their jobs an opportunity to get back on their feet or overcome extreme hardships. It’s also given them an opportunity to prove themselves as valuable to an employer.

According to CareerBuilder, “42% of employers plan to hire temporary or contract workers” this year — an increase from 40% in 2013. And, the staffing industry is expected to grow by 6% in 2014 and 7% in 2015.

“Many businesses use temporary workers as a way to find great talent,” said Michael Kreiling, general manager for the Express Employment Professionals offices in Winona, MN; and Eau Claire, Medford, and Menomonie, Wisconsin. “The more you impress them the more opportunities they will create for you.”

Opportunities in the Changing Workforce

As Kathryn Dill with Forbes writes, “…for many, temporary work isn’t simply a means to an end — it can also be the end goal.” Check out Forbes fastest-growing temp jobs, based on data by CareerBuilder.

According to AOL Jobs, the highest paying temporary jobs range from $26.44 to $46.69 an hour.

In a white paper released by Express Employment Professionals, “America’s Changing Workforce and the Rise of the Contingent Employee,” job seekers pursue temporary work so they can either work when they want, they need a flexible work schedule, or they want to earn additional money for bills, leisure, or retirement. If you are looking for these types of opportunities, then temporary work may be an answer.

Advice from the Experts

Jessico L. Culo, owner of the Edmonton, Alberta Express office, recommends that workers with long-term temporary jobs build relationships with the people you work with and the firm that represents you while on assignment.

Ronnie Morris, who owns an Express office in Jackson, TN, advises, “Little things like being on time, being willing to work over-time, learning multiple jobs, adhering to company policy, and possessing a willingness to train others are important things that can distinguish you on the job and make you a more valuable employee.”

Working to Live

It’s clear that more workers are turning to temporary and independent contingent work. And if you’re looking for permanent work, temporary jobs often lead to full-time permanent employment. Job seekers who are willing to take on different temporary jobs and make those jobs work for them will come out on top. To thrive, be open to learning new skills and show the company you are a fast learner. Be adventurous and take advantage of the changing workforce. You never know where it will take you.

“More and more, people are interested in working to live rather than living to work,” said Jim Britton, owner of the Express Employment Professionals office in Springfield, IL. “And the flexibility offered by connecting with a well-run staffing company can be very appealing and rewarding.”

If you’re a worker who is part of this changing workforce, please share how you enjoy your temporary job, independent contingent work, or freelance opportunities. Let us know in the comment section below.

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

Top Rated Job Search Tools

By Job Journey on Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Finding a job and scouring the job boards can often be a time-consuming, frustrating, and confusing ordeal. With hundreds of job boards online and even more want ads in the newspapers, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Where do you even start? How do you know where to look? How do you avoid scam sites or “pay” sites?

We’ve compiled a list of helpful sites we think are the best places for job seekers to use their time wisely. While every job seeker is different and has different needs and priorities, these tools are a great place to start if you’re looking for a job.

1. Job Boards
General job boards can be a great place to kick off your search. We’ve included such popular sites as Monster.com, and CareerBuilder because they allow you to search jobs quickly and easily.

There’s also more niche-oriented sites. For example, Idealist.org is a job board dedicated to non-profit jobs. USAJobs is a job board with a huge list of federal job openings. Both are quality tools to help you if you want a job with the government or in the nonprofit realm. Be sure to check and see if there’s a nice specific job board for your industry.

2. LinkedIn
If you are actively looking for a job, you should already be on LinkedIn.

Why? For one, it is the largest professional social networking site in the world, boasting more than 175 million members in more than 200 countries.

Every second, two new members sign up, and more and more hiring managers are looking at LinkedIn profiles for potential candidates. According to Forbes.com, recruiters use LinkedIn more than any other website to connect with job candidates.

Even better is that it is free to use and a great place to show off your work history and qualifications!

3. Facebook and Twitter
Another way to use social media to get your foot in the door is to follow, like, or start conversations online with the companies where you’d like to work for. Commenting or “retweeting” comments from a potential employer on Twitter shows engagement, as does leaving comments or “liking” a post on that company’s Facebook page.

Other social media sites, like Instagram or Pinterest, also allow you to start engagement and conversations with potential employers. Just be careful of what you post – what you say online could stay there forever.

4. Professional Organizations

It’s been said a professional organization exists for every field, and the benefits of joining such organizations are many. Participating in a professional organization allows job seekers to learn from the experience of others, but also allows for top-notch networking opportunities.

By joining a professional group, you have the chance to connect with decision-makers in your industry and hear about job leads. Many of these groups, like the Public Relations Society of America or the Society for Human Resource Management, have extensive job boards that are open to members.

An added benefit of joining these groups is the potential to expand upon skills necessary to your particular field.

5. Recruiters and Staffing Firms
Recruiters and staffing firms like Express Employment Professionals work to bring the right employee and the right employers together. Whether you’re looking for a temporary or a professional position, working with a staffing firm is an easy way to improve your job search.

Staffing companies help match thousands of job seekers to jobs every day. And, the assistance doesn’t stop there. These firms also provide tools like resume writing help, job seeking tips, and job search tools.

And, if you’re new to Movin’ On Up, the Express Employment Professionals job blog, take advantage of the numerous articles and topics designed to help you in your quest for a perfect fit. Articles range from Top Interview Traits Your Future Boss Wants to See to How to Say Yes to a Summer Wardrobe and all topics in between.

Do you have some favorite job search tools that you use? Share with us in the comments section below.

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

Social Media

3 Steps to Detoxing Your Social Media for Your Job Search

By Job Journey on Wednesday, August 13, 2014

In June, CareerBuilder released findings on the number of employers turning to social networking sites to research candidates. The 2014 survey, conducted by Harris Poll, found that 51% of employees who research job candidates online said they’ve found content that caused them to not hire the candidate, up 8% from the previous year and 17% from 2012. Only 12% of employers surveyed said they don’t currently research candidates on social media, but they also reported that they plan to start in the near future.

If you think your online presence could be poisoning your job chances, it’s probably time to detox your social networks and rid your accounts of content that could keep you from getting a job.

Step 1: Get Rid of the Harmful Stuff Fast

When it comes to detoxing your social media, the first thing to do is to remove anything harmful from your accounts. The CareerBuilder survey reported that some of the most common reasons employers gave for passing on a candidate included:

46% for provocative or inappropriate photographs or information
41% for information posted about the candidate drinking or using drugs
36% for bad-mouthing a previous company or fellow employee
32% for poor communication skills
28% for discriminatory comments related to race, gender, religion, etc.
22% for lying about qualifications

As you start to detox your social accounts, think about what employers are and are not looking for in a candidate. Take a look at your history online and search for anything that could be considered unprofessional or could be misconstrued. If it hurts your chances of getting hired, ask yourself if it’s worth keeping. Then, start deleting. Edit errors. Remove inappropriate posts you’re tagged in. Change your profile photo if it doesn’t reflect the professional image you’d like to portray. Really take some time to investigate your accounts. It may not be enough to switch out your Facebook profile photo for example. You may also need to delete some of the old profile photos entirely from your account to keep people from looking at your profile history. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to let go of the past for a brighter future.

Step 2: Setup Boundaries and Check Privacy Settings

Once you’ve deleted the things that could be harmful to your job search from your social accounts, take a look at your privacy settings. If you don’t want potential employers looking at your Facebook page for example, make sure only your friends can see the information you share on your profile. If you’re going to leave your Facebook profile open, turn on your Timeline review so you can approve posts you are tagged in before they appear on your page. If you don’t approve a post that you’re tagged in, remember that you may still need to go remove the tag from your friends post. Facebook and other networks are constantly updating their privacy settings, so it’s important to stay up to date on your settings to know who can see your accounts.

Now that you’ve checked your privacy settings and cleaned up your accounts, take some time to think about what you will and will not post in the future. Give yourself some boundaries or create some rules of thumb to follow to keep your social media free of job killing toxins. Tell yourself you will proof read every status update before you post it and try reading your updates out loud before you share them. This will help you catch any grammatical errors and give you time to stop and think about whether or not you should even post it.

Step 3: Replace the Bad Stuff with the Good Stuff

Your social media presence doesn’t have to be toxic to your job search. In fact, it can actually help you get an interview or even a job! While the CareerBuilder survey found that 51% of employers didn’t hire an applicant because of something they saw on social media, 33% of employers also said they’ve found content that made them more likely to hire a candidate as well. And, 23% said they found information that directly led to hiring the candidate!

Some of the most common reasons employers gave for hiring a candidate based on their social networking presence included:

46% of employers felt the applicant was a good fit with their company culture
45% said the candidate’s background information supported their qualifications
43% said their online presence conveyed a professional image
40% said the applicant was well-rounded and showed a wide range of interests

If you want to make the most out of your social media networks to help you land a job, then replace any harmful information with beneficial information that could actually help give your career a boost. A great place to start is with your LinkedIn account since it’s already geared toward helping you make professional connections online. Take time to fill out as much information as you can. Provide links to your work. If you volunteered for something in your community, post about it on all of your accounts. Share industry related information to help show that you’re an expert in your field. Detoxing your social media isn’t just about getting rid of what’s bad. It’s about sharing the good things. Find ways to demonstrate your skills and abilities as well as your personality and your strengths, and you’ll be well on your way to having a robust and healthy image online that could help you stand out from other applicants.

How do you ensure your social presence is free of job-killing toxins? Share about it in our comment’s section below!

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

Job Interviews

Do This During Your Job Interview and You Won’t Get Called Back

By Job Journey on Monday, August 11, 2014

The number of articles and blogs online about the mistakes people make during an interview would lead you to believe that interviewees would have learned from other’s hard lessons. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always seem to be the case. A recent survey of 115 hiring experts about the worst interview mistakes people make reveals that interviewees are guilty of committing some very avoidable errors during their time in front of a potential employer.

Here are the three worst mistakes respondents said they saw job seekers make during their interview and how you can avoid making them.

1. Lie About Your Experience

Want to start your relationship off terribly with someone who could determine if you get hired or not? Lie about your work experience or education.

Even the slightest fib or stretching of the truth could do irrevocable harm to your potential to get hired. If an employer finds out after you’ve been hired that you lied about your abilities or knowledge of a key part of your new job, you can expect that you won’t be there long. And if they do research about you before you’re hired and find out you’ve been dishonest, don’t expect to get a call back anytime soon.

“In this era of massive information availability, anything you say about your experience, your past performance, or your education that isn’t accurate can most likely be checked,” said Erika Anderson, a contributor for Forbes Magazine. “It’s much better to be upfront about anything that’s less than stellar, and offer a simple (non-defensive) explanation.”

2. Show Up Late

Things happen. Tires go flat, kids get sick, and bad weather can set anyone back. But when you know you have a job interview coming up, preparing for any situation is the key to showing up on time.

Take the appropriate steps to make sure that on the day of your job interview, nothing but a serious emergency could cause you to show up late or miss the chance to show an employer why you’re the best person for the job. Put gas in your car and check your tires the day before, set your alarm to give yourself plenty of time to get ready, and do a final review of any research you’ve done. And if you’re unfamiliar with the location of the interview, drive there from your home in the days before so you know how to get there, preferably around the time of your interview so you can account for traffic.

If something completely unforeseen does come up and you know you’ll be late, call ahead to the employer and let them know about the situation. Be prepared with another time when you call so that if they ask to re-schedule, you know of a few times you’re available.

3. Answer Your Phone (Call or Text)

This is pretty simple. Unless there is an emergency situation in which you are waiting on a phone call (in which case you should probably ask to re-schedule the interview), you shouldn’t even have your cell phone turned on when you walk in the building.

We know how tempting it is to check your phone while you wait to meet your interviewer, but it’s not worth it. Employers want to know you’re focused on the task at hand and will be if they decide to hire you. Don’t give them any reason to think you’re anything other than excited, determined, and completely focused on what you can bring to their team.

Everyone understands that mistakes can happen during an interview, but there are some that are worse than others, and several that are avoidable. What have you done to avoid these interview mistakes? Let us know in the comments section below.

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

Job Interviews

4 Secrets of Hiring Managers

By Job Journey on Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Getting an interview is a great first step to landing a job. But, how do you ensure you’re a top pick for the position when you meet face-to-face with the hiring manager? We asked four hiring professionals from Express Employment Professionals to share their secrets from the initial phone call to the follow-up in order to help you stand out in your next interview.

Secret #1: The first impression is hard to change.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Sometimes that first impression may be through a phone call or email, so don’t forget to act professional in non-face-to-face interactions. “A candidate who responds quickly and has a professional demeanor over the phone, in email, or on my voicemail is someone who usually excels in person,” said Lee Wenninger, owner of the Fishers, IN Express office.

Lauren Chandler, a recruiter at the Howell, MI Express office, agrees. “Did the person arrive on time, call back when they were supposed to, or follow up when they should have? This could be a big indicator of whether or not they will be a dependable employee,” she said. “They’re basically on an audition with us, and they have to pass our audition to get to the next one.”

If your first impression happens to be during an interview, be as professional as possible. Here are a few things Joe Paquette, a consultant at Express, looks for in an ideal candidate:

Arrive ten minutes early.
Dress appropriately.
Bring clean copies of your resume and references.
Bring something to take notes on.
Leave your cell phone on silent, and keep it out of sight.

And, don’t forget to be respectful to the company’s receptionist or anyone you come in contact with. “I always ask staff members how they were treated by someone who is applying internally,” Joe said.

Secret #2: The reason you’re looking for a job matters to employers.

Before your interview, you may want to ask yourself why you’re looking for a job. For many jobseekers, finding a job is essential because they aren’t currently working. But, if you’re looking for a job due to other reasons, be honest about why you’re searching. If you indicate on your resume that you’re “looking for additional opportunities,” some hiring managers might see this as a disguise for more serious reasons, like challenges or issues working with a team member or manager.

“I dive into past work history to look for patterns,” Joe said. “I ask the candidate what they think their previous or current supervisor would say about them personally, and I follow up with that supervisor to see if their thoughts are the same.”

If you’re looking for a new job due to challenges in your current one, turn it into a positive. Emphasize how your past experiences have prepped you to become successful in the role you’re interviewing for and give helpful examples.

Secret #3: Asking questions shows interest in the job.

If you land an interview, be prepared to not only answer questions, but to ask some of your own as well. According to Joe, asking questions throughout the interview process shows that you’re interested in the position and driven to succeed. To get ahead of the game on this hiring manager secret, remember to:

Research the company you’re applying for and make a note of important information, like the date they were founded, the name of the CEO, and the company’s core values.
If you’re given the name of your interviewer beforehand, research them as well. Find out about their educational background and interests in case you can use them in the conversation.
Develop a list of questions you may have about the company, the role you’re interviewing for, or the hiring process.

Showing interest in the job or company you’re applying for goes a long way, according to Carrie Smith, a recruiter for the Howell, MI Express office. “If they seem uninterested in the opportunity to be here, I find myself being uninterested in them as well.”

And, when you’re answering a question, try not to talk forever. “Nothing takes you out of the top category quicker than not being able to get to the point. Answer the question, then elaborate if needed,” Lauren said.

Secret #4: A follow-up note is very important.

Following up after an interview is important to hiring managers. Send an email or letter after your interview to say thanks and provide any details you may have forgotten during the interview. And, don’t forget to emphasize your interest in the position. If you don’t have the email address for your interviewer, do some research to find their contact information or call the company and ask for it.

If your interviewer gives you something to do after the interview, like performing a test or providing a sample of your work, do it. And, do it quickly. According to Joe, giving an interviewee a task lets hiring managers see how much time, effort, and thought the candidate puts into that task and if they are someone who can take direction. If you don’t complete the work you’re given, it could put the brakes on your interview process.

“I run from someone who doesn’t complete the task or sends me something without a lot of thought put into it,” Joe said. “It’s fine not to understand the task, but someone who is serious about the job will follow up to get more details if they’re stuck.”

How do you ensure you’re a top pick during an interview? Share with us in the comments section below.

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

Networking

3 Extreme Job Search Tips

By Job Journey on Monday, August 4, 2014

If you’ve been on the job hunt for any time at all, you’re probably very familiar with the common pieces of advice. There are hundreds of tips out there, ranging from how to keep your job search low-tech and what to wear for success to how to find new leads and using apps to organize your hunt. They are all good to apply to your specific job search situation as-needed. But, it’s also important to consider some new ideas on finding and landing the job you want. So, here are three outside-the-box tips you might want to consider.

Be Slow To Apply
It’s always exciting to find a potential job, and your first reaction is usually to apply right then and there. According to Forbes, though, Isa Adney, author and blogger, says, “Applying is the last thing you should do.” Instead, Adney advises that you should first “research that company and the professionals who work there, and reach out to someone at the company before you apply for the job, letting them know you admire what they do and would love their advice.” You should scour your social media accounts to see if you have any connections with employees at the company you could talk with and potentially use as your advocates and references.

Ignore Position Titles
Job titles often differ from company to company. For instance, at one employer a specialist position could be higher than a coordinator position, while at another company it may be the opposite. Don’t base your decision on whether to apply or not on the position title. Thoroughly read the job description and then see what your research of the company, department, and position title turns up. Also, keep in mind that there are probably other jobs out there that you would be good at that have a different position title than what you’ve been searching.

Create a New Position
Sometimes businesses don’t know that they need to hire someone, or aren’t actively seeking a new employee at the moment. So don’t just rely on posted job openings. If you know of certain companies that you’d like to work for, come up with how you could specifically use your skills and experiences to help that business and get in contact with professionals there. As the Forbes article states, “Don’t just sit around waiting for your ‘dream job’ to open.” Teri Hockett, chief executive of a career site for women, also suggests that after learning of challenges the company is facing, either from employees or public information, “you can craft a solution that you can share directly or publicly through a blog, for instance.” This could get you noticed and also get your foot in the door.

It’s easy to get into a regular routine of how you search for jobs, and then find yourself in a job-hunt rut. But seeking out some new advice and thinking of extreme job search tactics will help you get out of that rut, and may even help you finally land the perfect job.

Do you have any unusual tactics when searching for a job? Has one of those unconventional ideas helped you get a great job? Please share your experiences with us below in the comments section below.

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