http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/JobSeekers/WorkForce_Centers/Help_for_Jobseekers/index.aspx
Check out your local Workforce Center for job seeking assistance. And their website has lots of helpful hints.
Good luck in your search! And visit our website for the jobs we are recruiting for.
Happy New Year.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Happy Holidays
If you are currently in a job search and are frustrated by the length of time you wait . . . wait to hear from companies, wait to get an interview, wait to be contacted with the status of your application--you aren't alone. With companies downsizing and running leaner than ever, and HR departments seeing budget cuts, it is not uncommon to have a very long wait--or never hear at all.
To combat this inertia, start some movement on your own. Here are some great tips to keeping your job search moving in a positive direction:
1. Avoid the "don't call us, we'll call you" dilemma. At the interview, or in a phonecall to follow up on your application, politely ask how you can continue to follow up. For example: "I know you are very busy with the numerous applications you've likely received for this position. It sounds like a perfect fit for my background, and I'd like to follow up in the most convenient way for you. How should I keep in touch? I'm very interested in the job."
2. Keep a log, chart or spreadsheet of all of the places you've applied, and keep track of when you applied, when you interviewed, when you followed up, when you sent that all-important post-interview thank-you note, and the status of the job opening and your application. Continue to add new companies, opportunities and updates. Applying for work can be a full-time job in itself.
3. Continue to research companies that fit the profile of what you are looking for. These should have realistic opportunities or likely future openings that are a good match for your prior experience, skills and educational background. The closer a match, the more likely the opportunity will open up for you.
4. Pursue opportunities for additional schooling. Research your target companies, and find out the skills, schooling and certifications they look for, and pursue that training. Update your resume regularly--both in your file, and on the internet (i.e. job boards where you have your resume posted should be refreshed every couple of weeks so your information doesn't go stale or dormant).
5. Build a growing network of advocates for you--references, letters of recommendation, people who can vouch for your work ethic and skills. Get to know folks who do what you want to do. Network!
6. Help others who are looking--pay it forward. What goes around comes around. There are many job seeker networks and groups that meet at workforce centers, churches and schools in most cities. Find one and help and be helped.
As always, if you are in a marketplace that Brigham Group Staffing serves, be sure you keep your information up to date with us, and I am always available to take a look at your resume with helpful critique at no cost to you.
Happy 2010.
Jennifer
To combat this inertia, start some movement on your own. Here are some great tips to keeping your job search moving in a positive direction:
1. Avoid the "don't call us, we'll call you" dilemma. At the interview, or in a phonecall to follow up on your application, politely ask how you can continue to follow up. For example: "I know you are very busy with the numerous applications you've likely received for this position. It sounds like a perfect fit for my background, and I'd like to follow up in the most convenient way for you. How should I keep in touch? I'm very interested in the job."
2. Keep a log, chart or spreadsheet of all of the places you've applied, and keep track of when you applied, when you interviewed, when you followed up, when you sent that all-important post-interview thank-you note, and the status of the job opening and your application. Continue to add new companies, opportunities and updates. Applying for work can be a full-time job in itself.
3. Continue to research companies that fit the profile of what you are looking for. These should have realistic opportunities or likely future openings that are a good match for your prior experience, skills and educational background. The closer a match, the more likely the opportunity will open up for you.
4. Pursue opportunities for additional schooling. Research your target companies, and find out the skills, schooling and certifications they look for, and pursue that training. Update your resume regularly--both in your file, and on the internet (i.e. job boards where you have your resume posted should be refreshed every couple of weeks so your information doesn't go stale or dormant).
5. Build a growing network of advocates for you--references, letters of recommendation, people who can vouch for your work ethic and skills. Get to know folks who do what you want to do. Network!
6. Help others who are looking--pay it forward. What goes around comes around. There are many job seeker networks and groups that meet at workforce centers, churches and schools in most cities. Find one and help and be helped.
As always, if you are in a marketplace that Brigham Group Staffing serves, be sure you keep your information up to date with us, and I am always available to take a look at your resume with helpful critique at no cost to you.
Happy 2010.
Jennifer
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Credit Checks as Pre-Employment Screening
I'm being interviewed tomorrow by a local newspaper regarding employers using credit checks as a way to qualify or disqualify job applicants. Is there a link between good credit and better job prospects? I'll post a link to the story when it is published. Here is my "advance word" of advice on the topic.
Basically, employers should not be using a credit check to qualify or disqualify job applicants unless it is legitimately job related. Applicants need to give written permission, specifically, for a credit check. It is not part of a standard background check. For jobs in banking, finance, or where there is access to money, a credit check is legitimate and should be expected. For jobs in general manufacturing or service where access to money or financial information doesn't exist, a credit check is usually not a part of the pre-employment verification process.
Applicants who suspect that they may be credit checked, and feel negative credit issues may arise, should prepare an honest, brief explanation of the issues. Sometimes it isn't the credit issue itself that would disqualify a candidate from consideration, but an inappropriate or dishonest response to the questions or credit check process could be a red flag for the employer. A job applicant should know in advance, and perhaps even practice in the mirror, how to look an interviewer in the eye and explain (without including drama or excess personal information) that the credit issue occurred, a VERY brief "why," and what the applicant is doing to rectify the situation going forward. Job applicants shouldn't lie or evade the question or refuse to sign a release, but instead be prepared to 'fess up and address the situation so that the employer feels confident that a compromised credit history won't create issues on the job.
So while credit checks are not legitimately required for all types of jobs, if applying for work where it is a necessary and valid part of the pre-employment process, applicants should be prepared to honestly and completely explain their credit history.
Basically, employers should not be using a credit check to qualify or disqualify job applicants unless it is legitimately job related. Applicants need to give written permission, specifically, for a credit check. It is not part of a standard background check. For jobs in banking, finance, or where there is access to money, a credit check is legitimate and should be expected. For jobs in general manufacturing or service where access to money or financial information doesn't exist, a credit check is usually not a part of the pre-employment verification process.
Applicants who suspect that they may be credit checked, and feel negative credit issues may arise, should prepare an honest, brief explanation of the issues. Sometimes it isn't the credit issue itself that would disqualify a candidate from consideration, but an inappropriate or dishonest response to the questions or credit check process could be a red flag for the employer. A job applicant should know in advance, and perhaps even practice in the mirror, how to look an interviewer in the eye and explain (without including drama or excess personal information) that the credit issue occurred, a VERY brief "why," and what the applicant is doing to rectify the situation going forward. Job applicants shouldn't lie or evade the question or refuse to sign a release, but instead be prepared to 'fess up and address the situation so that the employer feels confident that a compromised credit history won't create issues on the job.
So while credit checks are not legitimately required for all types of jobs, if applying for work where it is a necessary and valid part of the pre-employment process, applicants should be prepared to honestly and completely explain their credit history.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Twitter to find a job?
Check out the blog I've linked here--some great advice and sources on job leads via Twitter.
http://denisempls.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/minnesota-career-recruiting-job-advice-on-twitter/
Now a question for YOU, the readers of my blog. Do you Twitter? Would you welcome Tweets about job openings relevant to you? Let me know!
http://denisempls.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/minnesota-career-recruiting-job-advice-on-twitter/
Now a question for YOU, the readers of my blog. Do you Twitter? Would you welcome Tweets about job openings relevant to you? Let me know!
Staffing Facts
Jobs
We're the jobs people. Staffing companies match millions of people to millions of jobs.
2.66 million people per day are employed by staffing companies.
11.2 million temporary and contract employees are hired by U.S. staffing firms over the course of a year.
79% of temporary and contract employees work full time, virtually the same as the rest of the work force.
Continue with more interesting staffing facts by following this link:
http://www.americanstaffing.net/jobseekers/facts.cfm
We're the jobs people. Staffing companies match millions of people to millions of jobs.
2.66 million people per day are employed by staffing companies.
11.2 million temporary and contract employees are hired by U.S. staffing firms over the course of a year.
79% of temporary and contract employees work full time, virtually the same as the rest of the work force.
Continue with more interesting staffing facts by following this link:
http://www.americanstaffing.net/jobseekers/facts.cfm
How To Select a Staffing Company
Whether you want a temporary job or a permanent position, working for a staffing company is a great career move. America's staffing companies match millions of people to millions of jobs. And millions of staffing employees ultimately go on to permanent jobs.
There are three main types of job placements in the staffing industry:
Temporary or contract, where you work for a staffing firm's client on an interim basis
Temp-to-perm or temp-to-hire, where you work for a staffing firm's client on a trial basis to determine if the job is a good fit for your skills, interests, and career goals—if so, you become the client's employee
Direct hire or permanent, where you are recruited by the staffing firm and then hired by its client
You can work in virtually any occupation with a staffing company. The staffing industry is no longer personified by the temporary file clerk you see in the break room or the college student brought on board to transport boxes to the new office space. Today's staffing employees include truck drivers, accountants, day laborers, scientists, computer programmers, nurses, call center operators—even CEOs.
For more, follow this link: http://www.americanstaffing.net/jobseekers/select.cfm
(source: © 1999-2009 American Staffing Association)Tuesday, December 1, 2009
How to Utilize Staffing Firms to Land Your Next Job
If you plan to be near the Twin Cities this Friday, and are looking for work, plan to attend this panel/workshop. I'll be speaking, as well as several other recruiters. The world of job seekers is rapidly changing, and your local staffing service can help!
ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT STAFFING AGENCIES……
BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK!
· Have you ever wondered about Staffing Agencies and how they work?
· Have you ever considered working through a Staffing Agency?
· If you are out of work, NOW is the time to attend this question and answer session on how Staffing Agencies can help you.
When: Friday, December 4th, 2009
Where: Minnesota WorkForce Center – Burnsville
2900 County Road 42 W, Suite 140
Burnsville, MN 55337
Rooms: Classrooms A & B
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
An Unemployment Specialist will also be on hand.
Panel will start at 1:00 – no late entry
You must have your free WorkForce Center Membership card to attend, ask the Resource Room Staff for details. Please arrive early if you do not have a membership card.
ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT STAFFING AGENCIES……
BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK!
· Have you ever wondered about Staffing Agencies and how they work?
· Have you ever considered working through a Staffing Agency?
· If you are out of work, NOW is the time to attend this question and answer session on how Staffing Agencies can help you.
When: Friday, December 4th, 2009
Where: Minnesota WorkForce Center – Burnsville
2900 County Road 42 W, Suite 140
Burnsville, MN 55337
Rooms: Classrooms A & B
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
An Unemployment Specialist will also be on hand.
Panel will start at 1:00 – no late entry
You must have your free WorkForce Center Membership card to attend, ask the Resource Room Staff for details. Please arrive early if you do not have a membership card.
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