Your cover letter should make you stand out. In order to do that you need to get the reader’s attention. This is your opportunity to convince the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. For example, give specific examples of your own accomplishments that relate to the position you’re applying for. Cover letters also demonstrate your writing skills, so make sure everything is grammatically correct and spelled right. Do not use the same cover letter for each position you apply for. In order to tailor the cover letter to each specific position, do research about the company to prove you are truly interested in joining their team.

However, not every position you apply for requires a cover letter. If the company doesn’t ask for one, provide one anyway. This shows true initiative and that you are willing to put in more effort than your peers. The key factor to remember is that you are not the only person applying to an opening. Any opportunity that is available to push ahead of your peers, should be taken. This includes providing a professional cover and concise cover letter. Summarized tips to remember are below:

• Give specific examples of accomplishments that may pertain to the job you are applying for.
• Do research about the company to ensure that what is stated in your cover letter jives with the company’s ideals and mission.
• DO NOT make the cover letter about why you want the job, but rather focus on how you can help the company.
• Keep the cover letter short and concise. The typical hiring manager will only glance at a cover letter for a few seconds so make sure there is as much bang for your buck with as little words as possible.

Are you a stand out professional, technical professional, driver, or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job board  for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

The cost of hiring internally continues to climb annually. Take a peek at the infographic below from The Huffington Post. It is amazing how quickly the cost skyrockets from a few hundred dollars for a job posting to an outside job board to upwards of $18,000! All of these costs can be invested with no guarantee that the employee works out!

Most staffing and recruiting firms offer a guarantee on their placements and screenings. This protection in addition to the savings of time, resources, and expenditures can quickly justify the investment in outsourcing your hiring process. Established staffing firms only charge a fee if a placement is made, allowing you to view qualified talent before investing anything financially.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today! If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

“Be honest in the application process, Interview the interviewer…ask questions. Share your interests and goals with your interview/prospective employer. Follow up after interviews….shows initiative, sets you apart from others that do not”

– Jeff W. , Branch Manager, Trillium Construction

 

“Do your homework!  There is so much information available at your fingertips.  Research the company you are interviewing with.  There is no excuse for not being informed.  Have questions prepared about the company and/or the position.”

-Anne M. , Regional Vice President, Trillium Staffing

 

“No matter how disenfranchised you may be with your current employer and/or situation it is important to accentuate the positive experiences you have had. Employers are just as interested in the “soft skills and attributes” you will bring to the position as they are the “hard skills” and education you possess. A positive attitude and bright outlook can do wonders in an interview to push you to the top!”

-Jennifer M. , Recruiting Manager, Trillium Staffing

 

“Sell yourself!”

-Becki O. , Branch Manager, Trillium Staffing

 

“If you do not understand a question during the interview, ask for clarification.  It is acceptable to ask the interviewer to rephrase the question if you are unsure of the meaning.   Take your time when answering tough questions.”

-Anne M. , Regional Vice President, Trillium Staffing

 

“When the job posting asks for a resume, please send one!”

-Stu C. , Project Manager, Trillium Construction

 

“Work with your recruiter understanding that they are your advocate. Be honest and straight forward about what exactly you are seeking in a new opportunity and what your expectations are in working with them. When all the cards are on the table you won’t have any surprises in the end!”

– Jennifer M. , Recruiting Manager, Trillium Staffing

 

“Be prepared to answer questions about your strengths. Focus on the attributes that set you apart from the crowd – such as ‘I’m excellent at time management;’ or, ‘I have a high sense of urgency when working on a deadline.’  Avoid generic statements that are often overused in interviews such as, ‘I’m a people-person.’ ”

-Jeannie B. , Regional Vice President, Trillium Staffing

 

“Your resume is the first impression of you and will determine whether you ever get the opportunity to sell yourself in person during an interview.  Be sure to proofread your resume carefully and do not depend on the spell check function.  Typos very well may prevent you from ever getting an interview for the perfect job.”

– Anne M. , Regional Vice President, Trillium Staffing

 

Stay tuned for more tips this month, straight from our team!

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today! If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

 

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

 

 

 

Regardless of the reasons fueling your desire to seek a new opportunity, you likely do not want to jeopardize your current position with the job search. If your current employer learns that you are seeking new opportunities they may grow concerned about your engagement, the release of confidential company information, your use of company time, and other factors that could impact your position with the company. While it may be difficult to conduct in today’s job market, a confidential job search is the best way to protect your current position while seeking future opportunities.

While you may be tempted to upload your resume to a well known job board, even marking it confidential, there are some factors that you should consider. Many employers have access to these job boards- including your own. Even if you mark your resume confidential your current employer or peers may be able to identify you based on your work history. You also may be bombarded with career opportunities that are of no interest to you. So how can you optimize your confidential job search?

1. Complete your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your LinkedIn in or AboutMe profiles highlight your career history, strengths, abilities, and include recommendations from those who have worked with you in the past.

2. Engage in your networks. Share articles, blogs, and other industry specific information that allow others to know that you are knowledgeable and up to date with trends in your line of work. Reach out to your personal connections and share that you are conducting a confidential job search and would be interested in any leads they may be able to pass your way.

3. Connect with a respected Recruiter. Research and identify respected Recruiters who specialize in your industry. Have a clear and open dialogue with your Recruiter and empower them with enough information to locate a career that meets your goals an objectives. Recruiters often represent employers who are conducting confidential job searches that will not be posted online or through other means.

4. Remain engaged. While you may have mentally put one foot out the door, remaining engaged with your current position will help you obtain positive references from your current employer and co-workers as well as open you up to more opportunities within your current organization.

Keep in mind almost anything that you put online can become public in a matter of seconds. Be sure to consider the outcomes of anything you post on your social networks, emails, etc before pressing send. Be sure to let potential employers know that your current employer is not aware that you are seeking new opportunities and that references there will only be provided if an offer is likely to be presented. For more information on conducting a confidential job search, contact a Recruiter or trusted career adviser.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today! If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

1. Come prepared. Sounds simple right? Some simple steps such as dressing professionally, researching which employers will be on hand that you are most interested in meeting with, researching those companies, and having a professionally built resume are the biggest steps to achieving success at a job fair. Many applicants consider a job fair to be a less formal setting and may appear more relaxed in their dress, often run out of a resumes, and can be seen wandering about hitting every booth. Walking with confidence to the locations that you are most interested in pursuing a career with can quickly set the tone for your conversation. Better yet, have a personalized cover letter for each of those employers to demonstrate that you came to the event seeking a career opportunity with them specifically.

2. Have your pitch ready. You’ll likely have 60 seconds or less to speak with a hiring manager or recruiter. Creating a strong first impression is key. Speak confidently, be to the point, and make sure you are express your strongest skills and accomplishments during this time. There is plenty of time in the future to discover what positions they have open currently and what they anticipate for the future. This is your time to convince them of why they need to meet with you formally.

3. Demonstrate professional etiquette. Similar to any job interview you should come dressed professionally, avoid chewing gum, silence your mobile devices, and avoid strong smells such as smoke, coffee, or cologne. Make sure that the employer is focused on your skills and abilities, not something with your presence. Be sure to stand a safe distance behind the candidate ahead of you in line allowing them to speak confidentially with the hiring manager and not making either party feel rushed.

4. Leave with information. After meeting with each employer make any notes from your conversation on the back of their business card. This will allow you to follow up with information that may trigger them to remember your conversation such as “We had spoken in regards to your desire to expand your engineering services into the Phoenix market, that is something that I would have a strong interest in participating with”. Be sure to note any follow up actions that were requested of you such as submitting an electronic version of your resume. Remember to send a personalized thank you card within 24 hours, expressing your continued desire to speak further with them in regards to career opportunities and what you can bring to their organization.

• Capture their attention. The average employer spends less than 10 seconds reviewing your resume or CV. Bullet points highlighting skills that are relevant to the position are most likely to catch their eye. Avoid distracting formats or designs that could quickly take their attention away from your qualifications.
• Make it professional. No matter the level of creativity required for the position, this is not the place for a self portrait. According BeHiring.com, there is an 88% job rejection rate if you have a photo of yourself on your CV. Keep your resume free of personal information including family status, age, photos, and most importantly do not include your social security number. Your resume is a professional sales platform, use it to sell your professional abilities and accomplishments.
• Review Your Contact Information. Placing phone numbers that you are not likely to be easily reached at or that may be answered by someone that is not likely to pass on the message can certainly cost you an interview quickly.  Are you including an e-mail address? If so be sure to check it regularly, a growing number of employers prefer to contact candidates via e-mail to help cut down on phone traffic volume. Keep in mind over 75% of resumes are ignored if the e-mail address listed is unprofessional.
• Triple check it for errors. Make sure that before passing your resume along you have checked it for spelling and grammatical errors. Do not rely on spell check to proof your work. Be sure to have several people review it. Chances are, they may find an additional skill or accomplishment that you forgot to highlight as well. Submitting different resumes for various positions? Be sure to have each version proofed and saved separately. If you continuously change or update the file you are more likely to include an error.

Keep in mind with over 200 resumes received on average for each open position, your efforts to land an interview cannot stop after submitting a resume. With hundreds of thousands of resumes being uploaded weekly to sites like Monster and Career Builder, setting yourself apart from the masses is crucial. Proper interview and follow up etiquette can go a long way in setting yourself up against the competition.

Are you a stand out professional, technical professional, or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job seekers section for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

While most job seekers make their best efforts to provide an up-to-date resume, many neglect to consider their etiquette in the application and interviewing process. As with any situation, your first impression is usually the most lasting.

Here are a few quick etiquette tips for the application and interview process:

• Follow instructions. Complete the entire application and follow the application process set forth by the employer. Failure to do so is a surefire way to indicate that you don’t take direction well or have trouble paying attention to detail.
• Be polite and professional with everyone. Being demanding is surely not going to get you the results that you desired. Hiring managers often juggle many duties and may not respond as quickly as you would like to your application. Keep in mind receptionists and front desk professionals often are asked questions about your demeanor and are certainly not going to give you a glowing recommendation if you are disrespectful.
• Plan ahead. Being late for the interview, under dressed, and disorganized will quickly let your interviewer know that the interview and their time is not important to you.
• Be available. Not responding to calls and emails in a timely fashion will quickly land your application at the bottom of the stack. If the position isn’t a priority for you now, it likely won’t be if you were to land the job.
• Remember your manners. Remember those magic words you learned as a child such as please and thank you? If you want the position you need to use them! Also hold the door for others and don’t interrupt others while they are speaking. Seems simple? Many job seekers forget these basics in their nervousness.
• Pay attention to the details. Resumes and emails that include misspellings, lack of punctuation, lack of capitalization, or grammatical errors can quickly let someone know that this position or interview is not a priority for you.
• Be there. Appearing to be or being distracted by cell phones or other devices during the interview can be detrimental to your ability to land the position. Leave your tablet, phone, and other devices in the car to show the hiring manager this interview and their time is a priority for you.

Your etiquette as a job seeker speaks volumes of your dependability, interest level, and professionalism. Don’t send the wrong message to employers. Understandably, everyone gets nervous and may act slightly out of character. Take some time to practice how you would respond to interview questions remain confident in your abilities. These small steps can greatly decrease some of the above application and interview blunders. If you are inexperienced in interviewing and could use assistance in the job search process, consider partnering with a reputable staffing firm to assist you in the process.

Are you a stand out professional or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job seekers section for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

• Are You Qualified? If you do not meet the minimum qualifications or requirements of the position, you are far less likely to be considered for the position. Employers are often inundated with applications and resumes in response to their job openings. Want to reach the top of the stack? Make sure you clearly state and demonstrate how you’re qualified for the position.
• Did You Follow The Application Process? With the large volume of responses that hiring managers typically receive for open positions, they create an application process that best allows them to streamline the process while juggling their other responsibilities. Following the application process as instructed can quickly demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions. If the job posting asks you to apply online or requests no phone calls, your chances of impressing the employer will quickly decrease if you try to get around the system.
• What Does Your Resume Reflect? Is your resume up to date, clear, and concise? Does it quickly demonstrate your qualifications and professionalism? The average employer spends only 6 seconds reviewing a resume. Make sure your resume is clean, without stains or wrinkles, and quickly demonstrates your skills and abilities at first glance.
• How Was Your Applicant Etiquette? One of the fastest ways to land at the bottom of the applicant list is to be rude or inconsiderate in the application process. Seems like common sense right? While it can be frustrating to not hear back quickly or have an interview booked as soon as you feel it should be, keep in mind hiring managers are often overwhelmed with applicant responses and often juggle other responsibilities. Insulting them, their organization, or their staff can quickly land you out of the running for that and other positions within the organization.
• Did You Follow Up? Regardless of the outcome of your application and interview, follow up is key. Demonstrating respect and professionalism at all steps of the process can help you stand out significantly. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time, send a follow up thank you card, and even if you are not chosen for the position remain professional. Your follow up after the fact, may land you the first call back if their first choice for the position does not work out for one reason or another.

Remember the job search process is different for everyone. If those around you are landing jobs faster than you avoid the temptation to get frustrated. Skills, abilities, and job availability have a large impact on the time it takes to find your next position. If you are struggling or could use some assistance in your job search process, consider partnering with an industry specialized recruiting firm to help align you with a career that best suits your qualifications and ambitions.

Are you a stand out professional or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job seekers section for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

Losing a job, whether it was your dream career or a dead end job can be devastating blow to your emotions. It’s important to process it and move on so you aren’t dragging the excess baggage to your next position. Here are some great starting points.

• Keep it private at first. The anger, hurt, and depression that may come directly following the layoff can be difficult to deal with. Speaking negativity towards your former employer or co-workers can reflect poorly on you. Until you have come to grips with the change, it’s best to keep the news to those you are closest to and can entrust not to gossip outwardly.
• Grieve the loss. Losing the day to day friendships and relationships with co-workers and clients can be difficult to deal with. Be sure to take time for yourself to deal with all of the losses that come with the layoff. Avoid the temptation to vent or rant to these audiences as it can have a negative impact on your personal reputation and future career endeavors.
• Find the positives. In upcoming interviews you’ll need to be able to speak about your layoff without sounding angry or trashing your former employer. Determine the positives from the situation. Does this allow you to find a career with more advancement opportunities? Are you looking forward to a shorter daily commute? Highlight the growth and experiences that you gained during this employment and put your emphasis on these areas.
• Prepare yourself. Now is a great time to cut back on unnecessary expenses. Cutting back early on will better prepare you to handle your finances and not jump into another position just to make ends meet. Often times these are expenses that you can avoid even after taking a new position.
• Do your research. Take some time to determine what you liked most about your previous positions and what you’d like to avoid in future careers. Make a list and tailor your career search around these. Make a list of your greatest professional accomplishments. Be sure to highlight these on your updated resume.
• Seek Professional Assistance. Become familiar with the companies in your area. Who offers the best compensation and benefits? Who has a reputation for being a great employer? Who’s business initiatives best align with your career ambitions? Partnering with a staffing firm or executive recruiter can provide you with great insight to these areas and help you find an organization that best suits your future goals. They can also assist you with resume and interviewing tips.
• Notify your network. Do you have a Linked-In profile? Now would be a great time to update your profile and let your network know you’re seeking your next career. Speak to others who are familiar with your work and see if they have any career recommendations for you.
• Remain confident. It often takes time to land a new position. Avoid letting your frustration show through in interviews and correspondence with others. Now is a great time to show others how well you can deal with pressure.

Dealing with a layoff is sure to be difficult. A great way to improve your likelihood of finding a new career quickly is to remain positive and confident in your skills and accomplishments. If you are struggling to locate a career that is aligned with your goals and ambitions, consider speaking to others in your network or contact an industry specialized staffing firm.

Are you a stand out professional or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job seekers section for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

The Wall Street Journal reported that social networks accounted for 20% of time spent online in 2011. With the continued growth in 2012, it goes without saying those numbers are only continuing to climb. Their report also shows that social networks reach approximately 82% of the world’s online population, a great audience for those of us who are seeking high demand candidates who are hard to locate.

A recent study from Salary.com gives us some insight to the candidate perspective:

• 72% reported using social connections to find a job
• 38% reported that they were successful in finding a job through social networks
• 24% the largest group, reported that they seek career opportunities on LinkedIn
• 60% listed lack of response as their least favorite part of social networks
• 55% of candidates would prefer a mobile friendly process that takes 10 minutes or less to apply

Making your application process accessible to those on social networks, especially on mobile devices could greatly increase your exposure to technical and professional level candidates. If you are considering implementing social networks into your recruiting process, make sure your process is legally compliant with all local, state, and federal laws. Also make sure that your staff is properly trained and educated on how to remain legally compliant in the process. It is always a great idea to make sure your organization’s social media policy is well defined. For more information on integrating social media in your recruiting process, contact your Labor and Employment Law attorney.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.