job seeker Archives - Page 2 of 3

30Jul

2012

Keep an Eye on Your Online Reputation – You Have One Whether You Realize This or Not

Yes, You Have an Online Reputation!

Are you aware that Hiring Managers are learning about you through your online-presence reputation? Is your online activity conducted in a responsible way that does not smear your professional credentials, education, or personal values? Do you feel comfortable about what they will find if your name is searched on the internet? If you are raising an eyebrow, then it’s likely that you need to read further!

When you are involved as a participant in social media networking outlets such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and Twitter, you are creating an online reputation that is easily searchable. It can be a positive additional tool that reinforces your effective communication skills, knowledge base, and overview of your general attitude. But on the flip-side of that, your online reputation could direct others to believe that you are insensitive, indignant, and/or irresponsible. If you were a Hiring Manager, what side would you prefer to see? Just as your real-world reputation matters, so does your virtual online reputation count as being an indicator of the type of employee you currently are or could become.

To be able to fairly judge your own online presence, let’s walk through this list of five online reputation guideposts. Afterward, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate how you are viewed online:

Type your name (in its various forms) into more than one search engine and see what results you find. Read about yourself. What kinds of images are attached to your name? Do you appear to be a positive or a negative person based on your social media comments? Are you helpful to others, or hurtful to others in your posts?
Google-Alert your name so you can be emailed about others who are writing about you or using your image via the internet. While you may think that certain things are in your control because you authored them, others can forward them to others without your knowledge. For example, Facebook has a feature where your friends can “tag” your picture and share with others. Your permission is not needed for this, which means that if your fiend Bill sent a picture of your to his friend Bob, then Bob can “tag” that picture with your name on it and pass it around to Jack, Sara, and who-knows-who-else. Your name can be connected to an unfavorable image and passed along where the distribution grows exponentially: 2 x 2 = 4, 4 x 4 = 16, 16 x 16 = 256, 256 x 256 = 65,536, etc. That’s how “viral” happens. This is a good idea when you want this to occur – but when you don’t, it can become a nightmare! Years from now, you might still be judged by what you did last night when Bill took your picture and… (start reading again from the word “Bill”).
Mention your personal values and beliefs in a way that uplifts others without insulting or offending those who see things differently. Avoid cyber-bullying for your own job-seeking sake!
Be the “authentic you” rather than an imposter. If the online-you speaks Shakespearian, but the in-person-you doesn’t know one fact about Shakespeare, then the phony-you is revealed. Interviewers are very good at pulling back the curtain to see who is really there.
Healthy debates are welcomed; but if your online postings ignite agitation and aggression in others, your potential new boss can discern between the occasional playing as the devil’s advocate and unnecessarily causing anxieties.

Start from this point forward to be more mindful about how you appear online. Incorporate the things that will present a more polished online presence, and stop doing the things that are damaging your reputation. Hiring Managers are using your online presence as a factor when considering you for employment, so take charge before you are misjudged by what you say and do online.

If you have a concern about your online reputation and need to repair it, there are several tools and services that can empower you to change some of the negative aspects that have become part of the online-you. Go to a web browser and search for help. These two strings of keywords will launch you in the right direction: “online reputation management services,” and “online presence management.”

Image Source: www.freedigitalphotos.com

TAGS: hiring manager, job seeker

17Jul

2012

Interview Tips, Management Tips, Resume Tips

As a Job Seeker, Are You a Bowler or an Archer?

Two Sports of Job Seekers (Resume Techniques)

Here are two compelling questions to seriously contemplate: When you send out your resume during your job search, 1) are you using the approach of a bowler who hopes to knock down as many pins as possible, and 2) are you aiming very carefully as an archer would do to hit the Bullseye?

The bowler’s approach is what most job seekers do. By striking multiple targets (like individual pins), the logic is that you are bound to make several good “hits” out of the effort. The archer’s method, on the other hand, is very precise with all of the energy focused on the exact center of the target. Both systems have the potential for a maximum of ten points per effort. So why does it matter which method is used when you’re looking for your best-fit new job?

Job seeking bowlers, as it turns out, experience more disappointments and discouragement than the job-seeking archer experiences. When a bowler calculates that the weekly “game” had a potential to hit 300 pins (or companies), but doesn’t receive any inquiries about their resume, self-doubt lingers overhead like a dark cloud that never parts to show the sun. Archers tend to have a different mindset about their efforts because they know that they’ve honed their skill to aim very carefully and only release the bow’s tension so the arrow shoots straight and dead-center. Archers usually have more confidence in their single deliberate effort than the bowler who is calculating a probability of the odds.

We highly endorse the archer method when looking for your best-fit job. When you understand that employers want that near-100% match for their open position, is it wisely using your time to “bowl” your way to your next job? It works if you just want a job right now – but if you want that best-fit job where you can grow and truly find professional satisfaction in what you’re contributing to the company, you should be carefully aiming and customizing your resume to be as near to 100% match as you legitimately can accomplish. Hiring managers look at bowler “hit-them-all” resumes constantly; they are looking for those resumes that are from archers who took the time to aim carefully so the one shot really hits the target.

Do you want some career coaching about this? Call us at 573.731.1359, and we’ll talk about your strategy.

Image Source: www.freedigitalphoto.net

TAGS: job seeker

06Jul

2012

Interview Tips, Management Tips, Resume Tips

How Do You Know That This “One” Is For You?

Selecting the Right Job for You

When you’re considering a new job opportunity, and you’re gaining ground with the hiring manager with each interview experience, you soon find yourself at the point when you seriously have to evaluate whether or not this new opportunity is truly that “one” for you at this exact time in your life. How do you know for sure? What are the right questions you should ask yourself as you contemplate all of the possibilities?

Sometimes people feel that they shouldn’t dare ask themselves such serious questions about a new job opportunity because it would demonstrate an ingrate attitude, or they simply go on the “feel” of it and not consider the actual practicalities that will become a part of the new job. These mindsets are dangerous to harbor, because it isn’t fair to yourself or to the hiring manager when you both of you have invested so much time exploring all of the options. It is best to get very honest with yourself and dig deep for what you really want to accomplish along your career path. The hiring manager is very serious about making the right choice about his/her new-hire, so why don’t you do the same about how serious you think about your new-company?

As you respond to this brief list of questions, try to come up with your answers in lightening-speed. Doing this will expose your initial feelings that will prompt you for deeper digging into the “why” behind your responses. Remember; it’s supposed to be lightening-speed reactions first. Ready?

Do you like the atmosphere of the place?
Do you like the attitudes of the people?
If input is important to you, do they invite that from you?
Do you like the reputation of the company?
Can you see yourself eagerly telling others that you are their newest employee?
Do you want to begin working there right away because of the income, or is it because you can’t wait to be around the people you’ve met so far?
If you want to grow, do they provide those opportunities?
If recognition is important to you, can you “shine” there?
What is the one thing you don’t like about the new job – and can you work around that obstacle or not?
Will you go home each work day with a “happy” tired, or will you leave with a “miserable” tired?

Now, reflect on those specific questions that urged a response that seemed to be bothersome to you. This is the time to be totally honest with yourself and stand firm to what you want from a new job opportunity. In tough economic times, it’s tempting to grab the “anything for income” bag; but in the long haul, any job you get will become a part of your work history. Choosing really matters!

Your homework for today is to come up with additional questions you can ask yourself about the job that should be the “one” for you. While you won’t find perfection, you’re bound to find real work/life balance that will foster happiness and a sense of pride and personal contribution.

Continue to visit our blog often for more insights and advice for your career!

TAGS: job seeker

11Nov

2011

Interview Tips

Phone Interviewing Best Practices

Many companies are using phone interviews as the first step in the interviewing process. While you might think a phone interview is much easier than a face to face interview, it can be quite the opposite. Considering the fact that the hiring manager cannot see you the only thing they have to base their assumptions on are your phone skills. What are these skills might you ask? Well check out our phone interviewing best practices below and you will blow the hiring manager away with your charisma, confidence, and high energy!

Phone Interviewing

Be Prepared
• Make sure you are in a quiet place so that you can talk freely with no distractions.
• Be out of bed and dressed before the interviewer calls. You would be surprised how much an interviewer can tell about you over the phone.
• Do some research, eat at the restaurant concept, see what the company is all about to ask questions.
• Have your resume/employment history by the phone or in a place that is easily accessible.
• Have a note pad or paper with you to ask questions or take notes.
While You Are Talking…
• Keep a glass of water close by.
• Be positive and show high energy.
• Even though the interviewer cannot see you, smiling will help project a positive image.
• If there is a bad connection ask them to call back or ask if you can call them back.
• Avoid interrupting the person doing the interviewing. Wait for them to ask the entire question.
• Take your time with your answers. It is ok to think about what you want to say.
• Show genuine passion about the brand.
• Do not smoke or chew gum during the interview.
• Don’t use foul language.
Facts Tell Stories Sell
• Tell specific and real life stories that show your expertise.
• Be prepared to talk numbers: sales, food and labor costs, and profits that you managed.
Leave a Lasting Impression
• Ask the interviewer for their contact information.
• Send a thank you letter or email to the interviewer.
• It is ok to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview: “Where do we go from here?”.
• Thank them for the opportunity.
We Believe in YOU!! Go Get Em!!

TAGS: Interview, job seeker

26Aug

2011

Interview Tips

Interviewing Best Practices

Here at AGI we want to give our candidates every possible opportunity to succeed. Often times the only thing that separates a good candidate from a great candidate is not their potential to be a great manager but their interviewing skills! Many candidates who are perfect for the position come into the interview worried or nervous which causes them to stumble when sitting in front of the interviewer. Relax! Know that AGI has your back and we believe in you! Here is a document that we have created to make sure you are 100% prepared for the interview and that you present yourself the way we know you can.

Interviewing Tips

Dress For Success
• Dress Conservatively: Moderate cologne and perfume.
• For Males: Business suit and tie (well pressed) and clean shaven.
• For Females: Business suit attire with moderate make up and jewelry.
You Only Get One Chance to Make a First Impression
• Be at least 15 minutes early.
• Firm handshake and a smile.
• Posture is important. Send a message of confidence!
• Call us or the hiring manager if you are going to be late.
• NEVER BE A NO CALL NO SHOW!
Do’s and Don’ts
• Be prepared for the interview. Eat at the restaurant concept prior to the interview.
• Ask questions about the concept. Bring a pen and a pad with questions written down.
• Show genuine passion about the brand.
• Make sure to bring everything they have asked: resume, references, background forms, etc.
• Be engaging and show high energy.
• Take time to prepare for the interview. Practicing will help, role play if needed.
• Make sure your communication is direct and to the point. Keep your answers to 2-3 minutes.
• Be sincere and always honest.
• Be friendly to guests and staff when you are greeted.
• Don’t make negative comments about past employers.
• Don’t use foul language.
• Don’t bring anyone to the interview with you.
• Never smoke. (even if offered)
Facts Tell, Stories Sell
• Tell specific and real life stories that show your expertise.
• Be prepared to talk numbers: sales, food and labor costs, and profits that you managed.
Leave a Lasting Impression
• Ask the interviewer for their business card.
• Send a thank you letter or email to the interviewer.
• It is ok to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview: “Where do we go from here?”.
• Shake hands with the interviewer after the interview and thank them for the opportunity.

We Believe in YOU!! Go Get Em!!

TAGS: job seeker

TAG ARCHIVES

JOB SEEKER

Keep an Eye on Your Online Reputation – You Have One Whether You Realize This or Not

Yes, You Have an Online Reputation!

As a Job Seeker, Are You a Bowler or an Archer?

Two Sports of Job Seekers (Resume Techniques)

How Do You Know That This “One” Is For You?

Selecting the Right Job for You

Phone Interviewing Best Practices

Interviewing Best Practices