Interview Tips – Top Ten Job Seeking Tips

Top Ten Job Seeking Tips

1. Always cast a wide net.
2. If you build it, they can come. (Instead of simply posting your resume on a Web site, take it one step further and design a physical portfolio, or Web site or online portfolio, this makes you stand out more than other candidates very quickly if it is done professionally).
3. Always have more than one person read and edit your resume and cover letter!
4. Always follow-up with phone calls and emails in a professional manner that effectively communicates your interest in a position without being too demanding.
5. Always be patient, the hiring managers are busy and will normally always get back to you.
6. If you are not getting a good response from your resume, likely something is wrong and you may wish to consult a job coach or mentor.
7. Informational meetings can and do lead to job offers.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice for what you want.
9. Do decide specifically what position you want; people that know what they wish to do always get the job. Even if you are not sure, pick something.
10. Volunteering where you want to work is the fastest way to get hired there.

Interviewing Tips

I .30% of successfully interviewing is all about your enthusiasm, excitement, and energy.
- So smile.
- Relax, but stay alert.
- Stay positive (no one likes negativity).
- Use eye contact.
- Be yourself.
- Always represent yourself honestly.
- Sit up straight.
- Ask questions about the position, company and the interviewer. (Get them talking about themselves, and listen).
- and NEVER ask questions about salary, commission, bonuses, vacations or anything else the company can do for you. Wait until you’ve gotten the job offer.
- Never get too comfortable. Remain professional and on guard. This is a main reason why many people do not excel in final interviews.

II. 30% of the interview is about showing that you have the skills and desire to conduct the responsibilities of the position.
- So, offer specific examples of prior work, and projects, or duties that relate to each question that is asked of you.
- Do not offer general sweeping answers without specific examples.
- Always use examples of responsibilities that relate to the employer area of expertise and the position you are applying for.

III. 30% of the interview is selling yourself.
- Describe your skills.
- Communicate your passions that related to the position you are interviewing for.
- Show them that you can get along with others and that you can address questions in an organized fashion.
- Always make sure to have a personality be excited, but never be too loud, or overpowering/dominating that your lead the discussion process.

IV. 10%+ of the interview is the close.
The interview is a sales call; you are the product.
- Ask questions.
- Overcome objections.
- Tell them your interest level, availability, and why you are a superior candidate.
- And this is the hardest part, have fun! Candidates that enjoy the meeting, get the job.

How To Prepare For Your Interview:
- For your meeting with your Scion Staffing recruiter or client interview always dress in a plain navy or dark colored business suit.
- We Recommend that both men and women for all interview stages wear conservative professional attire, and shoes that present well.
- Always dress for success.
- Make sure to research the employer and position you are interested in and be on time.
- We do not represent candidates that do not possess knowledge and passion about the position thatthey are applying for. Remember that not being prepared tells an employer that you do not respecttheir time.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes before an interview.
- Bring at least 3 copies of your resume.
- Prepare and bring a copy of your references.
- Bring a pen and notebook to takes notes before and during the interview.
- Prepare questions to ask during the interview.
- Greet everyone in the office with a smile and hello.
- Make sure to fill out all applications neatly and completely because you are being judged on all steps in the procedure.

- Make sure to write down notes to help you remember the highlights of the interview (write down your questions, impressions, and notes about your performance). This will help you in the future interviews and writing thank you letters.
- Directly after any client interview Scion Staffing sends you on, make sure to call your Scion Staffing Account Executive to provide feedback on the interview. (All feedback is critical)
- ALWAYS email, mail, or drop off a thank you letter with-in 24 hours, preferably the same day you interview.

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The Benefits & Challenges of Nonprofit Job Seeking – Nonprofit Job Seeking Tips

Ok, lets start with the benefits:

(1) They Are Attractive To Work At Because They Are Mission Driven And They Offer A Do-Good Feeling From Working At Them.
o At a nonprofit you can work someone you actually care about. And because of this (in the job-seeking stage) they also expect you to offer more than just a resume match.
o To secure a position you will need to demonstrate a personality fit, and your proven passion for their mission.
o Even your outside activities all matter to nonprofit employers.
o Bottom line: nonprofits are looking for people who care about their purpose as much as they do.
o As long as you are active in pursuing your interests this will help you, but in situations where job seekers have been passive about volunteering, or working in for such a purpose this will work against you.

(2) Another Big Benefit Are “The People” In The Sector.
o We are progressive, open to change, and care about our communities; where else can you find this?
o In general nonprofit employers truly care about their staff and are normally open to committee decision making.
o This is different than for-profits. For-profit companies are top down only decision makers (traditionally) and normally do not “discuss” their decisions openly before they are made in the same way. This is a great strength but also a great challenge. For this reason expect the hiring process to take a bit longer.
o Though the process is time intensive, it is also offers stability, reliability, and employee buy in. Things that are very important when considering nonprofit leaders are responsible to boards, and many times must justify their decisions. Another benefit of difference in seeking in the nonprofit sector is that it allows us to passionately work in an area without appearing like “fanatical jobseeker.”
o If you approached a for-profit with as much direct experience as many nonprofit jobseekers do, you would probably be labeled a stalker or out for personal gain. Honestly, try telling a Finance Director at Gap Inc., that you watched them speak at the most recent event at Masconi Center, that you volunteered at their two last gala/events since 2005, met their personal assistant at an art show last week, read the last three publications they had written, that you are very devoted what they do, and really want to work with them. They will be either terrified of you, or expect you to do their laundry.
o Nonprofits are different. You are expected to network in their area of expertise, read their works, meet their employees, and volunteer at their events. In fact that is fastest way to get hired at one.
Unlike for-profit corporations the information you need to secure a job lead is very available in the nonprofit sector. You always here people say this, getting a job is all about networking. For better or worse, finding the best job for you often comes down to knowing the right people. Maintain relationships from past jobs, internships and volunteer experiences.” Thus, having the correct experience volunteering, and the right approach is a strong way in.
o Remember that in the nonprofit world it is much better publicized when their events are, and how to get involved with an organization.
o Each of these are opportunities to get your foot in the door.
o So, go to their website, and you will find many doorways in.
o Information on how to volunteer, and even the Executive Director’s email is normally located right there.

The Challenges
(1) Finding the position you are right for and sticking with it. (RECUITERS SEE THIS EVERYDAY!) If you can choose a position that you are interested and stick with it you will always be employed.
o Story: many people always say, “wow I would be great at event planning,” but only stay in the position (if they can get it) for a year to three.
o This is the same for Grant Writers, why are they so in demand? This is because most people do not stay in the area, or only dabble in their creation.
o The key is to find a position/area you are right for and sticking with it.
o This is the key to your professional success and it is also your hardest decision.
o Don’t go from development back to programs.
o Don’t go from operations to marketing.
o These leaps are very hard to pull off.
o Decide what you want to do today and start working in it; if you don’t have enough experience in it to get paid yet; volunteer.
o If you are senior level and are not working in it now, better join a board.

(2) Choosing and sticking to a general area of interest and overall mission or niche within the nonprofit sector.
o Jobseekers everyday are surprised when they are not selected for an opportunity, and may have come in second or third in the interview process.
o I would say 8 out of 10 times it is because another person had prior exact industry experience in the position.
o So, if you are working in education, stay in education, if you are working in a religious organization stay in what you know.
o Of course people also get board and need change. This is the biggest challenge in nonprofit job-seeking: finding an area that you like and sticking to it.
o Remember you are most qualified for working in the area you are currently in, so choose wisely the positions and roads you enter.

(3) In the nonprofit sector we are very diverse in ethnicity, but not always diverse in beliefs within each organization. This can be limiting in some ways.
o Since we are mission driven entities and most nonprofits hire individuals that morally agree with their actions, this can limit our expose to outside beliefs and competitive information.
o Organizations hire individuals aligned with their mission, and normally do not hire disinterested perspectives.
o This is also why having an active board is so important for nonprofits, and also why we hear in the recruiter sector “I don’t want a yes person,” from executive directors.
o This problem does not exist as much for the for-profit sector. Disinterested perspectives and stockholders are actually required for may many larger for-profit corporations.

(4) Lastly, understanding the truths behind some of the myths of the nonprofit sector is also a challenge and can prove very helpful. Here a few that are talked about quite a bit and some that I also found discussed on Idealist.org:

Myth (1), “No one makes any money in the nonprofit sector.”
This just not true, in fact $670 billion are earned by nonprofit organizations annually, and one in twelve Americans work in the nonprofit sector.

Myth (2) Working for a nonprofit is not really a career path.
o In reality, the nonprofit sector provides many people with a lifetime of exciting work.
o Nonprofits also tend to offer young people more leadership opportunities than other sectors.

Myth (3) Everyone that works in the nonprofit sector is nice. Though I must say that the sector is filled with many happy people, it is also filled with difficult personalities, big egos, and office politics as well.

Myth (4) The nonprofit sector is not competitive.
Organization at time do compete with each other for funds, grants, and on certain issues, organizations may have missions that are in direct opposition to one another (such in the case of abortion, or the environment/development). You have to be competitive as jobs seeker as well, and make sure to market yourself fully and honestly.

Myth (5) Working for a nonprofit is just like volunteering, this in not true. Nonprofits rely on volunteers however they are often shielded from the organizational, financial, or issues relating to time working in the field.

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Salary Negotiations; The Nonprofit Approach & Notes For The For-profit Sector

How to negotiate your salary without loosing ground or the job.

There are many approaches to successfully negotiating your salary, what I am going to share with you are helpful tips to better prepare yourself for the process.

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Nonprofit Resumes Differ | BLOG

    First thing is first. Don’t listen to other people about your resume. Most people, even the individuals that think that they know about resumes are wrong. Only recruiters, and the Exact HR Director reading your resume are a strong judge of your current word smith abilities.

 

    Here is the deal. Nonprofit resumes are different. In the corporate world it is important to only have your profile, skills, and experience. But in the nonprofit world they also want to see some of your devotion to their mission displayed on your resume. This, does not give you license to use unprofessional tones or language in your resume. Never us less than formal language, or talk about yourself in the third person on your resume.
    What you need to add to be a strong nonprofit candidate are sections for Volunteering, Continuing Education, Writing, and Interest sections. These are the sections for those of you think on nonprofit prior experience you will need to buff up, in order to retain the interview.
    Think about what books you have read that relate to the nonprofit, what magazines or periodicals, or websites that pertain to their mission. Think about where have you volunteers over the years or given money to.
    Top Ten Job Seeking Tips
    (The secret to Job Seeking)
    1. Always cast a wide net.
    2. If you build it, they can come. (Instead of simply posting your resume on a Web site, take it one step further and design a physical portfolio, or Web site or online portfolio, this makes you stand out more than other candidates very quickly if it is done professionally).
    3. Always have more than one person read and edit your resume and cover letter!
    4. Always follow-up with phone calls and emails in a professional manner that effectively communicates
    your interest in a position without being too demanding.
    5. Always be patient, the hiring managers are busy and will normally always get back to you.
    6. If you are not getting a good response from your resume, likely something is wrong and you may wish to
    consult a job coach or mentor.
    7. Informational meetings can and do lead to job offers.
    8. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice for what you want.
    9. Do decide specifically what position you want; people that know what they wish to do always get the job.
    Even if you are not sure, pick something.
    10. Volunteering where you want to work is the fastest way to get hired there.

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Over Qualified? Time To “Make Over” Your Resume!

If you are one of the millions of people out of work and having a hard time finding employment – because you are over-qualified or because you are now applying to an area out of your most recent specialization, you had better get right to work making a new resume that actually shows you want to do type of work you are applying for!

Let’s face it, ALL employers are afraid to hire over qualified applicants because they think they are going to jump right back into upper management (at a different company) as soon as opportunity arises! This is what you are trying to avoid.

Here is an example: showing on your resume you were a VP for the past three positions is not going to help you get a support or management position. So, always think carefully about what entries to include on your resume. You do not have to include everything! Make sure always be truthful (or it may come back to haunt you) but, that being said if you have a ton of experience perhaps only showing the past eight to ten years of DIRECTLY APPLICABLE experience is a better bet for you. No one wants to hire someone unless they are FOCUSED. This is you new goal in writing your resume. In a perfect world your resume should show the same title as what you are applying for, and or information that most directly applies to the position you are interested in.

The main reason people do not get a job they want is because they do not have prior experience in the industry or because they did not take the time to fully make an appropriate resume. Candidates regularly spend hours writing a cover letter describing their prior work and applicable experience, but make the HUGE mistake not list the EXACT same information on your resume. BLAM! This is a huge no-no. Go the extra mile. Read this blog, and at the end you will be better informed about the REAL TRUTH about how to get a job, and what HR is really thinking.

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Are Job Coaches Useful?

Look, first off, if you think that calling a career coach or job coach is going to allow you to put off making a real decision about how to get your next job, or what industry to go after, it wont. You can only do that for yourself. But, they might be able to get you fired up – when and if you ARE ready to make “the big” change. One thing is for sure…they will take your money.

For best results first have a solid idea of the job you want to get, and or at least the industry you want to break into before you hire a job coach.

Also, don’t forget about all the free and wonderful options you can also take advantage of. City employment centers are awesome and almost never used. People there will actually help to proof read your resume, and are paid to help you. Also, it does not cost a dime to talk to a recruiter. Tell them the dream job you want, and ask them straight out, “what do I need to do to be able to qualify?” They will believe it or not, tell you the truth. But be prepared if you ask, you may not like the answer. But don’t be afraid, if you don’t have the experience, why not volunteer in the exact job you want? Yes, you are not paid for the work, but in just weeks you could turn that into a paying job a close industry competitor that values what you have learned and your passion for the work. Nothing says you are passionate – like someone that is working for free. Trust me – it works, as long as you are positive, personal, not too cocky, and don’t try to wear the bosses hat before your time.

Some Good Job Coach Alternatives

•Local College Career Centers – if you did not go to one locally find someone that does. They normally can share the job info with you if you are a buddy.
•City Employment Centers- these are hardly used, and do have good things to offer if you are resourceful and have a good attitude.
•Staffing Companies- Why pay, when you can get the milk for free? These guys know their stuff and are on the pulse of who is hiring.

Places To Stay Away From

•Unspecialized Coaches – that have not worked with, or recruited in the exact industry you want to crack into.
•Paying for Advice you can get for free.
•People with bad attitudes in your daily life- stay away from talking to anyone that tells you – you cant work in a specific industry. If you want it bad enough, you can do it! Don’t let anyone stop you. Just stay away from the topic of employment with these people.

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Resume Writing Tips – Using Skill Sections

If you are like most job seekers you have not put enough time into your resume.

Q: Have you had two other people proof your resume? Have you written detailed skills sections? Have you listed who you reported to in each of your past positions?

If not, you may wish to considering the following to improve your resume. No mater who you are (even an experienced recruiter) everyone has room to improve their resume.

Why Use Skills Sections?

The truth is the skills sections are useful to show that you can form a resume that explains your background as applied to the job description. You should have applicable skills sections: research skills, writing skills, finance skills, budgeting experience, and so on as needed for your resume and the job.

Do Use A Word Template

In all word and programs there are pre-made templates that you can use. Do that, and don’t try to design your own unless you have amazing with publisher and are graphic artist – otherwise it will only make you look quirky. This is a free resource and a very good idea.

Popular Things Done Wrong On A Resume Or During The Process:

1. Resume is not spelled Re’sume’ using italics, and do not use contractions on your resume or cover letter. They are a no-no.

2. Objectives are not needed.

3. The length no longer matters. We are not in the 80’s any longer the one page resume is a thing of the past. The more info the better as long as you are not long winded. Just keep it under 3 pages.

4. Do not misspell the name of the person you are sending to.

5. Do not use a template for your cover letter – and if so make sure to change all the needed areas on it.

6. Do not use cursive or odd fonts or colors. Stick to the normal.

7. Do not include a picture – its a red flag.

8. Do write a full page for your cover letter.

9. Do follow up in a professional and courteous manner about your application.

10. Do not use general words or language describing yourself like organized, motivated, team player, and so on. We want you to show us this in other ways, not on your resume.

11. Do not show up too early or be late at all for your interview. Five minutes before your time is perfect. Never be late even for one minute. Showing up at 12:01 for a 12:00 o’clock interview should not be done – and reflects poorly. Motivated candidates show up early – but not 20 minutes before, that is way too early.

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