blogs.vault.com/ Wed, 01 May 2019 11:20:00 Wed, 01 May 2019 11:20:00 /blog/job-search/3-tips-for-deciding-what-you-really-want-to-do-with-your-life/#detailed_comment Are you having trouble deciding which career to pursue or switch to? Are you unclear about which area you want to specialize in? It’s common to spin your wheels in confusion about how to find your true callings and passions. So here are three tips for getting the clarity you need to make these decisions. 1. Clarity comes from engagement, not from thought. We often think that “thinking” about a decision will bring us clarity and lead us to the “right” or “best” choice. However, “thinking about it” is usually futile. The reason is you never know what something will be like until you experience it. School, college, moving, getting married, starting or ending a relationship, changing careers … it’s hard to really know what these experiences will be like until you have a taste of them. So, whenever possible, try to engage rather than think. When you engage as opposed to think about an activity, you’ll get the data you need to decide. You’ll also be surprised by what you discover when you actually engage in an activity as opposed to think about it. That said, it’s not easy to engage. Most people are afraid to engage because it’s more comfortable than staying in “thinking about it” mode. So try to remember: acting, even if it’s just a small action, leads you a step closer to clarity. Thought, on the other hand, does nothing to gain clarity. For example, engaging in the act of snowboarding will give you way more information about whether you want to be a snowboarder than reading a book on snowboarding ever will. 2. Making small decisions will help you gain clarity around big decisions. A small decision could look like this: First, choose three careers you might be interested in pursuing or switching to, or three areas you’d like to major in or specialize in. Second, make a commitment to speak to three people, one in each area. Third, schedule to meet with each and ask them specific questions about their current role/area of specialization and what a day in their life is like. Notice how different this is from, say, reading a book or researching online, because you can ask very specific questions and get very detailed answers. For example, if you want to move into event management, you could ask someone who works in the field: How much time do you spend on budgeting, procurement, logistics, traveling, engaging other people, etc.? By asking questions, you start to gain a clearer picture of whether you would enjoy these activities based on things you’ve enjoyed in the past and what you know about yourself. 3. Clarity is gained when remembering that your decision doesn’t have to be final. When you keep in mind that your decision never has to be final, you’ll be freer to make a decision. There isn’t a rule that says once you make a decision you’re stuck with it for life. But for some reason, we often hold this belief, thinking that our decisions have to be huge, lifelong commitments. This causes us to hesitate to make decisions, even stop making them. It’s very difficult to make a decision if you think that once you make a decision, that decision has to be “the right one,” there’s no turning back, and if it’s not “the right decision,” bad things will happen. That line of thinking is simply not true. If it were, no one would ever change careers , and you know that people are changing careers every day. In fact, people are changing careers now more than ever in history. So do yourself a favor—and give yourself some clarity—by remembering that no decision, no matter how big, is final. Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their dream jobs and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you’d like to dive deeper on the topic of finding clarity in your career and life, she has prepared a no-cost workshop just for you. You can click here to sign up for this game-changing clarity workshop titled: How to Gain The Clarity You Crave in Your Life and Career (Even If You Have No Idea What You Really Want Right Now). /blog/job-search/3-tips-for-deciding-what-you-really-want-to-do-with-your-life/ /blog/job-search/3-tips-for-deciding-what-you-really-want-to-do-with-your-life/ Wed, 01 May 2019 11:20:00 Peter Yang /blog/job-search/5-job-search-myths-costing-you-the-job/#detailed_comment The job landscape is constantly changing, so now more than ever it’s critical to stay on top of the latest job search trends and strategies to ensure you land the position of your dreams. However, if you look around the web, you’ll find many opinions on what to do during the job search that are flat out wrong. With this in mind, here are five of the most common job search myths that might be holding your career back. Myth 1: If you’re the smartest and most qualified candidate you’ll get the job for sure. While in the ideal world this would be the case, it’s far from true. The reality is employers often hire the candidate they simply like the most and have the strongest connection with. This is something that not only makes sense from an employer standpoint but also something backed by research . So the next time you’re given a shot at a job interview, don’t just go into it hoping to prove you’re the most qualified candidate for the job. Try to also build rapport with your interviewer. Find a common interest to chit-chat about and don’t be afraid to open up about subjects outside of work should the opportunity present itself. Myth 2: You’ve got to do everything yourself It’s good to be independent and confident in your own abilities, but it’s also important to know when to get help. If writing just isn’t your strong suit or if English isn’t your first language, don’t just bang your head against the wall and spend weeks struggling to put together a resume that’ll end up just being mediocre at best. Instead, consider hiring a professional resume writer who you can count on to craft an infinitely better resume than one you can produce yourself. However, be careful, not every resume writer who claims to be an expert is going to know what they’re doing, so it’s important to do the necessary research before hiring one. Myth 3: Mention absolutely everything on your resume It’s natural to feel like all your hard work has gone to waste if you don’t mention all of it on your resume. However, the truth is recruiters only care about things related to the job you’re applying for. In fact, sometimes mentioning irrelevant skills or work experience can actually make you look like a poor fit for the job. Just imagine switching between marketing and finance your whole career. If you apply to a job in marketing, listing out everything you’ve done in finance could make you come across as inferior to other candidates with more targeted experience. Myth 4: You don’t need a LinkedIn profile if you don’t care about connections Wrong! Just because you don’t plan to search for job openings on LinkedIn doesn’t mean having a LinkedIn account is useless. In fact, my resume writing service conducted a field experiment on exactly this topic and found that job seekers who have a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71 percent higher chance of clinching a job interview over those who don’t. Myth 5: Your best bet is finding a job by applying online There may be a lot of job openings online to apply to, but it’s important to diversify your arsenal when it comes to your job search. With most jobs filled either internally or through referrals, it’s important to spend less of your time and energy behind the computer screen and more of it on building connections with recruiters and influencers in your field via one-one-one meetings, job fairs, and network events. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to your ex-coworkers and work pals to see if they may have any potential leads to offer you. You might be surprised to find just how useful these long-time connections are when you’re in need of their help. Peter Yang is the co-founder of an online  resume writing service . He’s had experience as a career coach and career counselor, as well as working as a human resource manager for multiple Fortune 500 technology companies. /blog/job-search/5-job-search-myths-costing-you-the-job/ /blog/job-search/5-job-search-myths-costing-you-the-job/ Wed, 17 April 2019 17:01:00 /blog/job-search/should-you-apply-for-that-job-infographic/#detailed_comment Applying to jobs requires plenty from you: time, energy, and (perhaps most important) savvy. You don't have time or energy to waste on questionable-seeming Craigslist posts and vague cold emails, and being judicious in your applications can save you a lot of extra effort. There are too many job scams out there, either looking to sign you on for a subpar (and often underpaid) position or even to steal your personal information. You have to be careful not to accept an offer that looks too good to be true, because it very likely is. Check out this flowchart from Resume.io — it details how to assess a job posting to make sure it's on the up-and-up, and also that it's with a company you actually want to work for.   This flowchart was created by Resume.io and used with permission. The original image can be found here . /blog/job-search/should-you-apply-for-that-job-infographic/ /blog/job-search/should-you-apply-for-that-job-infographic/ Fri, 05 April 2019 11:27:00 /blog/job-search/3-traits-you-need-to-survive-the-job-search/#detailed_comment It’s an understatement to say that the job search process is competitive and grueling. You’ll be measured against many other candidates with the same degrees, the same types of jobs and internships, and the same type of skills. You’ll also likely have to deal with a fair amount of rejection. So how can you stand out from the competition and keep going when the going gets tough? Here are three traits that will help you not only survive the job search but also find the right opportunity for you.  1. Resilience   Resilience during the job search means the ability to pick yourself up after a setback and try again. For example, say you’ve already been to three unsuccessful interviews in a week and you have one more on the calendar. Without resilience, you’ll give up, skip the fourth, and maybe miss out on the perfect job opportunity. In other words, with resilience you’ll be less likely to give up when the job searching process knocks you down. And it will likely knock you down, even if you have every single requirement for every single advertised job. So go easy on yourself when you do experience setbacks, and remember that those who pick themselves up will be the ones standing in the end.   2. Enthusiasm   In an interview, you need to show enthusiasm and express positive energy. This is very important because it can set you apart from other candidates. With enthusiasm, you’ll stand out—it could be just the thing that separates you from the person with a similar resume but who's a little less convincing in their overly-serious and unexcitable energy. As for how to show enthusiasm, first get clear about why you actually want the role and what would be exciting about it. Then practice expressing your enthusiasm with words and positive body language. Note that, in interviews, you’ll also want to show your enthusiasm for learning new skills and taking on new challenges. This will help you impress your interviewer, as it’ll get across your extreme interest in the job.   3. Trust   The capacity to trust in your future growth can be a great help to you during the job search. It can help you get out of the trap of only searching for very specific types of roles, and allow you to see other opportunities that could be a good, if not perfect fit for you. For example, if you have a hefty student loan to pay off, it could hinder your chances of searching for jobs that pay not so much now but that have high future earnings potential. Without trust, you might only look for roles that pay a lot right now and not so much down the line, missing out on a lot of great and very lucrative opportunities that could be better for you in the long run. In other words, without trust, you can get stuck thinking near term and not see the big picture. A final note Remember, during the competitive job search process, you're going to have to find creative ways to grab hiring managers' attention. So be open to the possibility that a few traits, such as those above, will be the ones to set you apart from the competition. Don't give up, always be positive, and trust in your future success. Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their dream jobs and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). Get started by signing up for her free workshop "How to get the job you want (regardless of where you’re at right now)" by clicking here. /blog/job-search/3-traits-you-need-to-survive-the-job-search/ /blog/job-search/3-traits-you-need-to-survive-the-job-search/ Mon, 01 April 2019 16:23:00 Tomas Smith /blog/job-search/5-tips-for-breaking-into-the-fashion-industry-at-any-age/#detailed_comment A career in the fashion industry, to recent grads or career-switchers, can seem like an elusive dream—only for the privileged, polished, experienced elite. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. With the right attitude and work ethic, anyone at any age can break into the fashion industry. And here are some tips that will help. 1. Consider a degree within your budget. A career in fashion means you need to be equipped with the right knowledge and skill set. If you’re not going into business for yourself, take note that many employers will still look to your degree along with your experience, which is why getting at least an associate's or bachelor's degree related to art or fashion is still important for those who don't have direct associations with big fashion companies. Also note that the  cost of getting a fashion degree  varies widely, depending on the school you want to get into. So it’s wise to consider your budget and ability to handle student loans after graduation. 2. Think about your niche. Whether you’re planning to run your own business or  work for a big fashion company, it’s important that you stand out as a professional. This means you have to know your niche and build on that identity. In fashion, it’s better to be a master of a single niche than to be a jack of all trades. That is, you’ll be better recognized if you do a single thing well, rather than try to please all audiences by designing or creating many products. For example, if your focus is bridal wear, don't try to delve right away into swimsuis. If your passion is women's handbags and shoes, don’t include non-related items in your line like babywear. Focus on your niche, and attempt to be recognized in this area first before expanding.  3. Don't forget to network. These days, networking can be done easily through digital means, not just through in-person meetups. Boris Hokadel, CEO of online marketplace Sewport, recommends that fashion newbies take advantage of the digital sphere to create networks with fashion companies, suppliers, and designers to get their brand names to be more recognized. This can be done by creating your own  fashion website or blog , while also boosting your social media accounts. It’s also essential to attend fashion exhibits, expos, or other events where you can meet and network with others. And don’t be intimidated by big names. Be confident in who you are and be prepared to exchange business cards when needed. These small steps can help you generate leads and important partnerships that will further your fashion career.  4. Understand the trends. People who are passionate about their craft continuously improve by understanding the recent trends in which their audience is interested. You can do this by subscribing to fashion magazines, looking up influencers on social media, and reading articles on websites about fashion. The formula of successful fashion design or product is a mix of going with the trends, while still keeping it unique for your audience. While researching on trends, be sure to also consider the core values that you and/or your company represent. Do you value style, functionality, elegance, or comfort? Be sure to always stay in line with these core values so you can incorporate it with the recent trends.  5. Be yourself. Although fashion is an industry, it’s also an art—it’s an expression of who you are. Trends can come and go, but true fashion experts don’t only rely on them for profits; they can set trends themselves as well. When trying to work with clients or serving consumers, it also helps to allow your creativity to shine. This means searching for inspiration in things around you—nature, people you read about or watch, other people's art, etc. Also find inspiration with what's inside you: what things do you consider beautiful and inspiring? These combinations of ideas will help you build something creative that could be a way to help you build an identity for yourself. Tomas Smith is a production process specialist at  Sewport —an online marketplace connecting brands and manufacturers—and former advisor to various clothing manufacturing businesses. He is passionate about process optimization and all things related to garment manufacturing, writing, and sharing his knowledge with the world. /blog/job-search/5-tips-for-breaking-into-the-fashion-industry-at-any-age/ /blog/job-search/5-tips-for-breaking-into-the-fashion-industry-at-any-age/ Tue, 26 March 2019 10:43:00 /blog/job-search/pros-and-cons-of-working-for-the-big-4-and-other-top-accounting-firms/#detailed_comment In a few weeks, we'll be releasing our new Vault Accounting 50 , a ranking of the top accounting firms to work for. This year, more than 8,000 accounting professionals took our Accounting Survey, the results of which are used to calculate our rankings. Along with giving us quantitative ratings, survey respondents gave as qualitative comments on areas such as salary, benefits, hours, work/life balance, and training. This year, among the qualitative results, several common themes emerged about life at the Big 4 and other top accounting firms. Below, we've compiled these themes (both positive and negative) about working in accounting, as told to us by the thousands of accounting professionals who took our survey. PROS 1. The people are great The most common "best" aspect about working in accounting today is "the people." Nearly unanimously, across all firms, accounting professionals rave about their coworkers, calling them highly intelligent, motivated, caring, considerate, supportive, and willing to step in if you need to take care of something outside of work. Indeed, the accounting industry seems to attract not only bright and talented individuals but friendly ones as well. This makes the sometimes very long workdays (we'll get to that in a minute) much more enjoyable. 2. Flexible schedules "Flexibility" was a close second when it comes to best aspects of working in accounting. Today, most accounting firms offer employees the ability to work when and where they want, as long as their work gets completed well and on time. There's a caveat: a lot of times you'll be working on site at a client's office; during these times it can be hard to take advantage of this perk. It can also be difficult to take advantage of it during the busy tax season (from January to April). But outside of tax season, and when you're not working at a client, you have a ton of flexibility. This means outside commitments, like family responsibilities, can be met much of the year. It also means those who like to work at home or at their local coffee shop will be quite happy much of the year. 3. Good benefits Although benefits vary from to firm, for the most part accounting firms offer above average benefit packages these days. Many firms offer very good parental leave (the Big 4 firms are national leaders in maternity leave) and most offer a 401(k) match, good health benefits, some sort of gym reimbursement, and a casual dress policy (when you're not meeting a client). Of course, some firms are better than others in this regard. For example, some insiders complain that their 401(k) match is dreadfully low, and some firms don't offer gym reimbursements. But in general, accounting firms go to lengths to make sure their employees are getting a full suite of benefits. 4. Excellent learning and growth opportunities Another industry-wide pro are the many growth opportunities that come with a job at a top accounting firm. Hundreds and hundreds of accounting professionals told us this year that they're very pleased with the informal and formal training they get, the mentoring and coaching they receive, and the hands-on experience they get—from day one on the job. Many professionals also rave about working on challenging assignments for interesting clients, as well as the senior management and leadership access they're offered. CONS 1. Busy season is getting busier For years, ever since we began surveying accounting professionals, accountants have cited "the busy season hours" as the main con of working in accounting. The busy season, right before the April tax filing deadline, typically lasts from January through mid-April. This year, accounting professionals again cited this as the worst part about their jobs, while adding that busy season is now getting even busier, with some telling us that 80-hour workweeks are the norm at this time of year, and others saying that weekend work is common and even expected during the busy season. In addition, many professionals told us there are other times of year (leading up to other filing deadlines) that can be nearly as busy as the typical winter busy season. All of which means that accountants are inching their way ever closer to banker hours , at least during a big chunk of the year. 2. Firms are understaffed Closely related to #1 above, numerous accountants pointed out that their firms have a staffing problem. And that problem is there aren't enough people to do the work that needs to be done. This can be both good and bad. It can be good in that it provides professionals with a lot of experience and a lot of job safety (business is booming in accounting). But it can be bad in that it makes an accounting job more stressful and more of a grind. And employee morale is suffering as a result. Of course, the extent of this con varies from firm to firm, but accounting firms should take note and beware of employee burnout. 3. Compensation could be better Also related to the busier busy season, many professionals expressed dissatisfaction with their salaries and bonuses. Many told us that they can earn a lot more if they didn't work in public accounting but "in industry," which is accounting speak for working in an accountant department (or as a CFO, say) for a company that doesn't just provide accounting services. Many professionals in big cities also told us that their salaries are far below those who work in technology, which makes it difficult to live in or even near places like San Francisco and New York that have high costs of living and high housing prices. 4. Promotion policies could be clearer and improved This con varies quite a bit from firm to firm, but it was a common gripe we heard from numerous accountants. For the most part, accountants desire a chance to be promoted based on their work, not on the length of their employment. They're ambitious and want to rise the ladder as fast as they're able to, if they show that they can do the work. They also want transparency. They want to know what it'll take to get promoted. So, a note to the accounting firms out there: Be as transparent as you can with your employees, and if you can, allow the most ambitious and talented a chance to move up quickly. It will likely help retention and morale, as well as your bottom line. /blog/job-search/pros-and-cons-of-working-for-the-big-4-and-other-top-accounting-firms/ /blog/job-search/pros-and-cons-of-working-for-the-big-4-and-other-top-accounting-firms/ Wed, 20 March 2019 10:00:00 Oliver Browne /blog/job-search/your-credit-and-your-career-employment-credit-checks/#detailed_comment Your credit can affect a wide variety of things, ranging from loan approvals to being approved for a credit card. However, depending on the state you live in and what you do for work, your credit can also affect you landing a job or promotion. It is possible for employers, albeit with limitations, to run a credit check as part of a background check when vetting a potential employee. What information can an employer see in an employment credit check? There are three important credit terms that everyone should know. Your credit history refers to how you have previously conducted yourself as a borrower, and potential lenders and other parties use your credit history to judge your trustworthiness. Your credit reports are records of your financial history that contain information (both positive and negative) regarding your credit accounts and your behavior. Finally, a credit score is a numerical value that indicates how reliable or risky you are as a borrower based on information in your credit reports. In terms of your career, your credit history can affect landing a job. In many states, employers are able to request modified versions of your credit reports from the credit bureaus when vetting you for a job, or even a promotion. Employment credit reports include identifying information, such as your name, address, Social Security Number (SSN), and previous addresses. More importantly to employers, these reports show your payment history of debts such as credit card debts, car loans, mortgages and student loans, including late payments. These modified credit reports will not show your credit scores, account information, or information that could breach equal employment regulations such as your birth date or your marital status. What kind of information can flag a warning to an employer? Your incurred debts and payment history can give employers an insight into your level of responsibility and financial maturity. This information can highlight warnings to potential employers, and ultimately impact your chances of landing a job or promotion. For example: If a potential employee appears unable to properly manage their own finances, this may indicate that they could be unsuitable for a position in which they’re required to manage money, confidential data, or sensitive information. Maxing out your credit cards or recent late fees might indicate to employers you’re unable to budget. Delinquencies such as liens can indicate irresponsibility, suggesting you could not pay off your debt in a timely fashion or you are unable to successfully negotiate. Credit checks for candidates are not particularly usual, but they are more likely for positions that involve security clearance, access to funds, sensitive data or confidential information. For example, applying for a financial sector job such as accounting and banking will more likely involve a credit check, as it will involve the candidate access confidential information and dealing with money. Regulations relating to employer credit checks The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a piece of federal legislation that regulates consumer reporting agencies and promotes fairness, accuracy, and privacy of consumer information collected in such agencies’ files. The FCRA regulates how employers can ask for, receive and use background check information from third parties, including the credit bureaus. Prior to an employer conducting a credit check on you, there are several things they must notify you and get your written approval. If you do not consent, the employer can reject your application. If the information on your employment credit report is used to reject your application, the employer must let you know. They must also let you know the contact information of the credit bureau which provided them the employment credit report and information on your right to dispute the report. Prior to applying for a job, it is recommended that you request copies of your credit reports from the major credit bureaus and scan them for inaccuracies. If you find any errors, you can dispute them with the specific credit bureau. Many states also have their own laws surrounding how employers can use consumer reports. To find out more on your state’s laws on the topic, consult your state’s Department of Labor . Conclusion The best way to prepare for an employment credit check is to be proactive about your credit. Regularly monitor your credit reports and focus on being financially responsible. If you are someone who wants to start building credit, there are several ways to do so , including responsible credit card use, credit builder loans, and becoming an authorized user on a family member or friend’s card. However, it needs to be understood that building great credit takes both time and responsibility. Ideally, you should start instilling good long-term habits regarding credit and your financial health, such as paying your loan and credit card bills in full and on time and keeping your credit card balances low.     Oliver Browne is a Credit Industry Analyst at Credit Card Insider. /blog/job-search/your-credit-and-your-career-employment-credit-checks/ /blog/job-search/your-credit-and-your-career-employment-credit-checks/ Thu, 07 March 2019 14:05:00 /blog/job-search/4-ways-to-make-a-good-impression-with-your-recruiter/#detailed_comment We recently explored how to identify the signs that your recruiter is a perfect fit for you . It's definitely important that when working with a recruiter, that person is well-suited to help you achieve your career goals beyond your MBA program. However, working with a recruiter is a reciprocal relationship; their job is to sell you to potential employers, and to do that, it's just as important that you're a good fit for them. In order to motivate a recruiter to work hard to place you with the perfect job, you need to leave them with a good impression—not just of your credentials as a candidate, but of who you are as a person. The key is to approach a new relationship with a recruiter with as much professionalism and attention to detail as you would approach a new job. To that end, here are four ways to make a good impression with your recruiter. Always respond, even if you're not looking for a job. Many recruiter/candidate relationships begin with some variation of an email or direct message we've all seen at least once: "Hi there! I saw your profile on LinkedIn, and I thought you'd be a great fit for a position I'm working on. Are you looking to make a move? I'd love to connect with you if you've got a few minutes this week to hear more about the position. Let me know if you have some time for a quick call. Looking forward to your response." Recruiters cast a wide net. Still, they're not going to reach out to somebody they don't think they can sell to an employer. So, if you've gotten a message like that, chances are, they really are interested in speaking with you. Even if you're not currently in the market for a job, it shows a certain level of professionalism and consideration when you respond to let them know. You might not need a job now, but you might further down the road, and if you've shown a recruiter that you took their message to heart, then you've kept the lines of communication open if you need to reach out to them in the future. Treat your first meeting with a recruiter as you would treat an interview. The stakes may seem slightly lower when you meet with a recruiter than when you interview for a job, but they aren't really. This is still a person who needs to learn who you are as a candidate, and whose impression will play a critical role in how you progress down the job search pipeline. Take this first meeting as seriously as you would an interview, and you'll show them you're not only someone they can sell, but someone they'll want to sell—someone they can root for. Do your research before you meet with the recruiter for the first time. Know the job description by heart, and if they give you information about the company or the hiring manager (they won't always), do your due diligence with that information, too. If you don't have specific information about the company, research the staffing agency for whom the recruiter works. Understand the areas in which they specialize, and familiarize yourself with the specific recruiter's LinkedIn. Dress for the meeting the same way you would dress for an interview, and bring the necessary materials—your resume, a portfolio if necessary, and any documentation the recruiter might need to add you to their system. Be prompt, and follow up with a thank you note. Answer all questions with candor. Okay, so this one seems pretty obvious. Of course, when you're speaking with somebody whose job it is to sell you to your future boss, you want to give them as accurate an idea of you as possible. You never want to lie or exaggerate points on your resume or aspects of your experience. You want to be forthcoming with your goals. But there are other things a recruiter might ask you that you might be tempted to gloss over. MBA students, for instance, might not want to give the impression that their coursework could impinge on the amount of time they can commit to a new job. A lot of recruiters will also ask where you are in your job search; they may ask how many interviews you've gone on, and if you're awaiting any outstanding decisions. They could also ask if you're working with other recruiters. Some people find these questions probing, and are hesitant to divulge sensitive details about their job search. But a recruiter will appreciate your honesty, and candid answers may go towards helping them build their case for you. Always follow up. Recruiters will usually want to hear from you after the interview to get a sense of how it went and to gather feedback for when they speak with the employer about a decision. If they don't call you first, it's imperative that you reach out to them. Staying proactive even beyond the interview will show them that you're serious about the job. Follow up in another few days if you haven't heard from them one way or another. If you get another job while you're still in active communication with this recruiter, it's helpful to let them know. They'll appreciate that you were honest with them that you found a job elsewhere, and they'll know not to continue looking for opportunities to place you. It's polite and it's also something not everybody does, so they're definitely more likely to remember you. Chances are you're going to need another recruiter again at some point during your career, so keeping the lines of communication open is always a good idea. /blog/job-search/4-ways-to-make-a-good-impression-with-your-recruiter/ /blog/job-search/4-ways-to-make-a-good-impression-with-your-recruiter/ Mon, 04 March 2019 01:13:00 /blog/job-search/7-signs-your-recruiter-is-a-perfect-fit/#detailed_comment Working with a recruiter from a staffing agency is a great way to help you navigate the job search. Recruiters work to place candidates with the companies that need their talent, and they play an important role in helping many people find their perfect job. A recruiter might reach out to you after seeing your resume on a job board or your profile on LinkedIn, or you might contact a staffing agency to be paired with a recruiter. Either way, finding the right recruiter for you is essential. Here are seven signs the recruiter you're speaking with might be a perfect fit for you. They're attentive without being overbearing. When someone’s helping you find a job, you want to feel like you have their full attention. It’s important your recruiter is available to answer questions, responds promptly, and even gives you the occasional nudge when the ball’s in your court. As you lose yourself among the various stresses of the job search, very little feels more grounding or reassuring than stern, yet helpful, reminders that your resume needs to be updated . On the flipside, an aggressive recruiter can be as frustrating as a boss who micromanages you. Listen, things move fast when you work with a recruiter—often, the window between a job offer and the deadline for your onboarding paperwork is only a day or two, and during this time, there might be a barrage of paperwork and back-and-forth emails. But a recruiter who calls you immediately after an email—and emails too many times per day—can run you ragged. You need a happy medium; someone who makes time for you without demanding all of your time. They listen to you. A good recruiter is inquisitive, intuitive, and a good listener. Their job is to sell you to potential employers, and to do that, they need to learn everything they can about your qualifications, history, and goals. During those first few interactions, you should be doing most of the talking. Your recruiter will guide the conversation with their questions, but it’s the information you provide that helps them make the strongest case for you. You should feel comfortable expressing yourself and being straightforward about what you expect from your next job. A recruiter shouldn’t talk over you, and they shouldn’t try telling you “what’s best for you” in terms of which positions to apply for, how to conduct your interview, or what compensation to accept. Of course, they are there to advise you, and as hiring experts, they may have insight that can help inform your decision. But it’s your career, and the decisions you make about it are yours. The right recruiter recognizes this. They (or their agency) specializes in your industry. Okay, so this isn’t absolutely make-or-break. There are plenty of staffing agencies and recruiters who place candidates across a variety of industries. But it can’t hurt if the recruiter you work with specializes in your desired industry. When a recruiter spends all of their time in the industry that most interests you, they get to know it better than anyone. They understand hiring trends in the industry and have a strong sense of what employers look for in candidates. If the industry is new to you, they can suggest changes to your resume or interview tips that better position you for the job. In some cases, they even form important industry contacts that might help get your foot in the door. They submit your resume to positions for which you’re qualified. Recruiters want to place you with a job; successful placements are their bread and butter, but it’s not uncommon for a recruiter to get overly ambitious. The right recruiter understands your level of experience and how it aligns with a particular employer’s requirements. To that end, they should only be submitting you for jobs that fit your qualifications. If you’re a second-year MBA student looking to land a job by the time you graduate, your recruiter shouldn’t be submitting you for senior management positions unless you have the work experience. On the other hand, if you were in the field for seven years before you got your MBA, you’re likely overqualified for an entry-level job. It’s a waste of time for you and the person interviewing you if the job doesn’t reflect where you are at this specific point in your career. If a recruiter listens to you the way they should, they’ll submit you for jobs where they know you can thrive. They adequately prepare you. Part of this entire process includes interview prep. Some recruiters do little more than send you the job description and the interviewer’s LinkedIn. Others, however, take the time to prepare you for what to expect during the interview. They’ll review the job description with you, offer insight into who will be interviewing you, tell you what to bring, and give you an idea of the types of questions you’ll receive. They might also go through your resume and point out certain strengths they feel you should emphasize. One of the biggest perks of working with a recruiter is walking into an interview with a deeper understanding of the job and the employer. If you feel confident and well-rehearsed, it reflects well on you and your recruiter. They follow up with you after your interview. One of the last things a recruiter says during that last call before your interview is usually, “Call me after.” They don’t just want to know how it went; they also want to get a sense for how to coordinate the follow-up. Unlike when you apply for a job directly, the responsibility falls with the recruiter to follow up with a thank you note, glean feedback from the interviewer, and inform you of the next steps. After your interview, a good recruiter should tell you when you can expect to hear back with either a decision or a second interview. Once they speak with the interviewer, they may provide feedback or requests for additional materials. If you get the job, they might even be the one to coordinate your onboarding paperwork. Your recruiter is a crucial part of the process up until your start date (and beyond, if it’s a temp job), you want someone who will be proactive and responsive after the interview. They value transparency. Transparency is one of the most important qualities of a good recruiter. You want someone who answers questions honestly and is also willing to communicate everything they’re at liberty to share. Communication is key throughout this process, so it’s important your recruiter is as transparent as possible. If, after speaking with you about your resume, they decide you’re not a good fit for the job, they should tell you. They should be honest, yet constructive if the interview didn’t go the way you hoped. If the employer is taking longer to make a decision, they should be upfront that it could be a while before you hear back. Be wary of noncommittal responses, or no responses at all, and learn to appreciate when a recruiter sincerely tells you they just don’t have an answer. Transparency applies to you, too. Recruiters need you to be transparent, and the more you share with them, the better they can serve you. Don’t go on an interview for a job you don’t want just because a recruiter presents it to you. Be honest about what you want, and upfront about your expectations. A recruiter will often ask you if you’re working with other recruiters, or what jobs you’ve applied for; they expect you to be casting a wide net, so tell them the truth so they can tailor their search for you. This reciprocity is essential to a successful recruiter/candidate relationship. /blog/job-search/7-signs-your-recruiter-is-a-perfect-fit/ /blog/job-search/7-signs-your-recruiter-is-a-perfect-fit/ Tue, 26 February 2019 13:13:00 /blog/job-search/3-pros-and-3-cons-of-working-remotely/#detailed_comment With so many people unhappy with their jobs, more and more people are choosing to work remotely, since the ability to work from home or on-the-go typically improves job satisfaction. However, working remotely isn’t for everyone, or every company. Here are some pros and cons of working remotely to consider when applying to jobs and planning your professional future.  PROS 1. Increased Productivity Working remotely erases the distractions of the office workplace. If you require a controlled environment and limited human interaction to be productive, you may want to consider applying for a remote position. Employers have found this to be a great way to boost productivity and limit operational expenses. 2. Flexible Hours By having flexible hours, you’re able to tend to the many urgent responsibilities (like getting your car repaired or taking your children to school) in your life that a regular 9-to-5 job would make harder to accomplish. Having time to take care of life’s responsibilities results in less stress on yourself, and more contentment with your career. And employers, by allowing employees to work under flexible hours, can increase employee retention rate, which also increases the company’s productivity. 3. Saving Time and Money By eliminating the commute to work every day, you’re potentially saving thousands of dollars each year in subway fares or gas an parking. You’re also saving hundreds of hours in commuting time each year. The average commute to work in the U.S. is now 26.1 minutes each way. That’s 4.35 hours a week you save by not commuting every day. You can use this time for yourself to de-stress, read a book, pay bills, learn a new skill, or to do whatever else you choose to make your day easier and life better. There’s also something else you could do with your newfound time: work on supplemental sources of income. With an extra four hours a week, you can contribute to your personal blog, find freelance work, even drive for Uber. Many people use this time to test the waters of a dream business venture. However you choose to use the extra time, expanding your sources of income can relieve yourself of some financial pressure—and be fun and exciting in the process. CONS  1. Less Collaboration If you‘re working remotely, you’re missing out on opportunities to work side by side with your colleagues. Depending on your job, this may or may not be a pro or con. For some, it can be distracting and reduce productivity. But for others, working in a busy office is a great way to meet new people and make friends. And when you put people together, great collaboration can take place. Collaborating can also help you achieve your work goals more effectively and efficiently. And it can also be quite fun. 2. Limited Advancement Sometimes working out of the office can make it harder to stay in the loop. Not being seen every day, and maybe even forgotten about, can make it harder to advance through the company and receive promotions or raises. It’s important if you’re working remotely to keep consistent contact with your colleagues. It’s become common to conference call or video chat into meetings, which helps to solve this problem. However you’re doing it, if you’re producing quality results in a timely manner, you’ll be recognized by your superiors. 3. Cyber Security Traveling always presents potential hazards. However, if you’re traveling or working remotely, it’s possible you’re putting sensitive information at risk. Public networks found in hotels and airports that are unsecured give eavesdroppers an opportunity to monitor your online activity. Financial statements as well as usernames and passwords may be compromised from using an unsecured network. It can be difficult to avoid these networks while away from home, which is why frequent travelers, including remote workers, should use a VPN to protect their online anonymity . A Final Note Although you might not think remote working is for you right now, you might find yourself wanting to consider trying it out sometime in the future. As working remotely becomes more acceptable, companies are increasingly offering positions with flexible hours and the option to work remotely. Some jobs offer the ability to work remotely right away, while others only offer remote working opportunities after a certain amount of time of your employment. Either way, before deciding if working remotely is right for you, remember to weigh the pros and cons above. Brent is an advocate for internet safety, hoping to spread awareness into the types of internet risks that are often overlooked. /blog/job-search/3-pros-and-3-cons-of-working-remotely/ /blog/job-search/3-pros-and-3-cons-of-working-remotely/ Thu, 14 February 2019 16:14:00