The On Purpose Job Search

by Thomas Bryan, Managing Partner of Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC.

Applying certain strategies helps to ensure that your job search is effective and not a complete waste of time.  When you have a plan in place, you can avoid “spinning your wheels” so to speak, wasting time with jobs that you are either not a good fit for, or that are not a good fit for you.  The “on-purpose” job search means targeting your search to those jobs that are suited to your expertise and career goals.

Unfortunately, many applicants do not realize that by organizing their job hunt, finding the right career is a much faster process.  By eliminating those jobs that are not suited to your preferences and talents, you can quickly find the job you want without wasting your time.

How can you search for the right position “on-purpose”?

Begin your search with those companies or organizations you feel are targeted to your job criteria.  A little research will go a long way toward determining whether the company is the right fit for you, before you waste your time preparing a resume and interviewing.

How can you research?

Go online to the company’s website to learn more about their values, impact on the community and mission.  See if you can find any press or media coverage on the company in order to get a feel for how the organization is accepted by the public.

Ask around to see what, if anything, friends, family members and other acquaintances may know about the company, and their opinions if they have any.

Sometimes the best way to know if the job may be right for you is to simply go with your gut instinct.  Can you detect at least a measure of enthusiasm or interest about the company or job?

Once you have performed the research decide what you feel about the company.  Are their values and goals in line with your own?  Do you find that your views and values are not in accordance with those of the company?  If you do have that “feeling” that it is the perfect fit for you, carry your enthusiasm through in your resume and cover letter.

Tips for streamlining your job hunt, making your “on-purpose” mission successful:

Before drafting your resume and cover letter, jot down a few notes about yourself to help remind you what your career goals are

List your qualifications, including skills you have acquired while employed at previous jobs.

Target those companies that are in your market who offer employment that closely matches your skillset and achievements.  Identifying the companies that are looking for candidates with your professional and educational background will help ensure your energy and time are directed in a positive, productive manner.

Selecting the industry most suitable to your capabilities and skills is crucial; you also want to make certain that your experience and knowledge meets the level of that required by the company.

Once you know precisely which industry is a good fit and what companies in those industries meet your qualifications, values and visions, you can spend productive time creating a resume that is tightly targeted to those job positions.

Knowing all you can about a company or organization and whether those companies fit in to your idea of the “perfect job” makes all of the difference in finding a job you will love without wasting an enormous amount of time and energy.

By being proactive and taking an “on-purpose” approach in your job hunting efforts, you will find that you feel far less stress and pressure, and that you avoid being hit with that hopeless feeling half way through your job search.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is headquartered in Orlando, FL and specializes in Direct-Hire and Contract placement of Accounting, Information Technology, and Sales professionals throughout the Central Florida Region.  You can learn more by visiting their website at www.tombryan.com.  Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Top 10 Things To Avoid In an Interview

by Tom Bryan, Managing Partner, Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC

You really want that position you applied for, and now you’ve landed an interview.  What should you do, and what should you make certain you do NOT do?  It’s natural to get a little nervous, but with some practice and preparing, you can make the best possible impression.

What are the top 10 things you should never do when it comes to an interview?  Here is a list of some of the worst blunders you can make, so keep them in mind before your next job interview.

1.  Arrive late.  Nothing says “I’m really not interested in this job” more than arriving late for the interview.  Be on time to make a good impression.

2.  Saying too much – or too little.  No hiring manager wants to sit and try to conduct an interview with a jabber jaws, but you do need to speak when it is appropriate.  Don’t try to take control of the conversation, but DO ask enough questions to demonstrate your interest in the company and its values.

3.  Inquiring about vacation time, benefits or pay. It’s really not appropriate to ask these types of questions on a first interview.  Wait until a time that you feel certain you are a top candidate for the position before getting down to the nuts and bolts.

4.  Not being clear that you want the job.  An interview is partially for your benefit, allowing you to learn more about the company, the position and the details so that you have a clear picture of what you may be looking toward.  When the interview has concluded, be sure to let the interviewer know that you are enthusiastic and interested in the job.

5.  Not being thorough in your answers regarding skills and qualifications.  When job candidates are asked about experiences and skills, they often give answers that are vague.  Give clear examples of your experiences and skills in a way that directly relates to the job you are hoping to land.

6.  “Umm”, “you know” – Ever heard someone who cannot talk without putting these kinds of words in every few seconds?  This is a BIG turn-off for employers.  Take a few seconds before you respond to questions and keep these verbal ticks in the back of your mind so that you will avoid using them.  Practice before the interview, either in front of a mirror or with a friend.

7.  Wearing street clothes to an interview.  Never wear ragged jeans, flip flops or other casual wear to an interview.  Dress conservatively, and don’t over-do it with the jewelry, make up and perfume or cologne.  You want to look professional and neat – not like you just came straight from the tattoo parlor or beach.

8.  Weak handshake.  When shaking hands with the interviewer, do it firmly, but not too vigorously.  You want to show that you are confident, so avoid a limp or weak handshake as well.

9.  Not being prepared ahead of time.  Any potential employer is impressed when you ask a few questions about the company that show you’ve done your research.  By letting the interviewer know you have done a little research through intelligent questions, he/she will get the message that you are genuinely interested and serious about the job.

10.  Don’t try to change the tone of the interview.  If the interviewer is all business or very direct, respond in the same manner.  Never try to lead the conversation in a different or more casual direction.

By avoiding these top 10 interview mistakes and developing strong interview skills, you just may find that you win the position rather than coming in second or third place.  Keep in mind that your resume most likely landed you the interview, so your interview should be just as winning as your resume.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is a full service recruiting firm in Orlando, FL.  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

 

Getting The Most Out of Your Recruiter

by Tom Bryan, Managing Partner, Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC

Those who use a recruiter in their attempt to find the perfect position or career can help themselves immensely by following a few simple rules.  A recruiter, also sometimes referred to a “headhunter” can assist you in your job search, hopefully helping you find a position that is perfectly matched to your skills, qualifications and career goals quickly.  Here are a few tips to maximize the results you get when engaging the services of a recruiter.

1.  Above all, be honest and open.  When working with an experienced and professional recruiter, representing your experience, qualifications and intentions falsely will usually backfire.  Capable recruiters will check your background, and most do know what to look for. Also, make the recruiter aware of any jobs you have already interviewed for so that he doesn’t set you up with the same employer again.

2.  Don’t be afraid to question the recruiter!  You want to know who you are working with, so fire out the questions.  Ask him/her about their experience level, if they have certain areas of expertise, and how large their client base is.  A reputable and successful recruiter won’t mind the questions, and will in fact be glad to demonstrate their expertise and ability.

3.  Treat a recruiter as if they were the hiring manager.  While you know they are not the one who will make the final decision, you should always act in a professional manner.  Keep in touch and don’t pull a “disappearing” act should a recruiter try to contact you.  If you have found work or decide you’re not interested, let the recruiter know.  Frequently, a recruiter is the first point of contact with a company, so treat the situation with the attention and professionalism it deserves.

4.  Never feel overlooked or neglected when you don’t get a call back.  Keeping an open line of communication with your recruiter is important; if he/she doesn’t call, it shouldn’t be taken as a slap in the face.  It simply means that your skill set is not the best match for a current opening or position.  A successful recruiter is a busy recruiter; time doesn’t always allow for every candidate to be called or contacted when a hiring decision has been made.

Keep these tips in mind, and you will find that you and a recruiter can get along just fine.  By being open and honest, your search for the ideal job will hopefully end sooner rather than later.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is a Recruiting Firm based in Orlando, FL.  The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  For more information, please call 407-477-5635.

 

Secrets You Need to Know Before a Job Interview

By Tom Bryan, Managing Partner, Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC

 

You’ve got all of the skills and qualifications required to meet the job criteria.  You dress in your most professional interview clothes, offer a confident handshake, show your interest, even ask a few questions of your own to show the interviewer that you have done your homework on the company. 

You leave the interview feeling on top of the world; you did great, and you’re sure that you will be the candidate chosen for the job!  You even go out and celebrate, feeling that you’re a shoe-in – and then, days go by and you hear nothing.  What happened?  What’s going on?  In your panic, you call the HR manager only to learn they decided on another job candidate.  Where did you go wrong?

 

It may not be that you did anything at all wrong – it may simply be that you weren’t aware that most employers are looking for more than just skills and qualifications.

 

Employers are looking at many factors when making an employment decision.  A positive attitude, enthusiasm, problem-solving capabilities, work ethic – these are just a few of the things outside of skills that employers look at when deciding who will make the best employee for their company.

 

During the interview, hiring managers and employers can often “detect” things about you and you may not even realize it.  They determine if you are a good listener; they ask situational or behavioral interview questions that may put some candidates “on the spot” so to speak, such as asking you to explain a time in past employment when a conflict arose and how you handled it.  If you aren’t prepared for these types of questions, they can really throw you for a loop!

 

Employers often look for traits or characteristics that give them a hint about your attitude and abilities.  Are you a good problem solver, or effective as a team leader?  Do you have that “can-do” attitude that some people possess who won’t let anything get in their way?  An interviewer can often assimilate answers to these questions through your attitude, answers, and even body language.

 

Keep these things in mind when you prepare for your next job interview.  Understanding what employers may be looking for behind the scenes of your interview will increase the chances that you really do get that coveted job offer the next time around!

 

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is a full service recruiting firm headquartered in Orlando, FL.  The firm specializes in the placement of Sales & Technology professionals across multiple industries.  For more information about the company, please visit; www.tombryan.com

“Wow” a Potential Employer During That All-Important Job Interview

By – Tom Bryan, Managing Partner, Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC

If you’ve already done your homework, you know that the interview is the most important aspect of landing the job.  This is your chance to make a great impression, and may be your last if you fail to come across as the right person for the job.  You know (or should know) the importance of dressing the part, but there are a few little things you may not realize can make a huge impact during the interview process.

Have you done your research?  Yes, you DO need to research the company you want to work for!  An employer is impressed when you know something about the company, such as the types of products they make or sell.  By knowing the size of the company, a bit about the history and what it is that they do, an employer will be able to see that you have a true interest in the company and the job.

Employers often ask questions such as “Why do you want to work for our company?”.  By doing the research, you won’t be left speechless.

Put your best etiquette in to practice.  You know that you should be polite, but what else do you need to do to put yourself in the position of “most likely candidate for the job”?  Have a confident handshake.  You don’t want to have an embrace that is too strong, but never present a limp hand.

Good posture is a sign of someone who is self-assured and confident.  If you tend to slouch, try to work consciously on your posture prior to the interview.

Make eye contact with the hiring manager or person conducting the interview.  Again, this is a sign of confidence.  You should also speak politely and in a professional manner, avoiding slang of any kind.

One thing you should absolutely never do in an interview is knock previous employers or display your dislike of former job duties.  Make sure you are enthusiastic, positive and upbeat if you want the employer to remember you when it comes time to make a decision!

What will you do when it’s YOUR turn to ask the questions?  Yes, most employers will give you an opportunity to ask your own questions during the interview process.  If you haven’t done a bit of preparation for this, you may be caught off guard and left with nothing to say, which can be awkward.

If you have done your research on the company, you will have some questions prepared.  While you never want to take over an interview, most employers expect you to have a few questions.  By being prepared, you can ask intelligent questions about the requirements for the job, the position itself, the company and the expectations of the person chosen to fill the job vacancy.

There is much more to a job interview than simply showing up and answering questions.  Be prepared, do your research, practice on a strong handshake and good posture, and be confident!  Confidence in yourself and your abilities along with a strong knowledge of the company often makes the difference between the candidate that lands the job and those who are never thought of again.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is headquartered in Orlando, FL.  Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  © 2010-2011. All Rights Reserved.

 

Your Resume May Be Costing You The Job

By Tom Bryan, Managing Partner, Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC

As a potential job candidate, your resume is the most important tool in your “self-marketing” arsenal!  It is the first impression you will make on an employer, but it could also be the last if your resume lacks enthusiasm or doesn’t highlight your skills and qualifications in the best way possible.

If you really want that job, it is essential that you make a memorable impression on the employer.  In today’s economy, many employers may get dozens or even hundreds of resumes for a single position.  This means that you are competing with lots of qualified candidates, and you must make yourself stand apart from those candidates!  Here are a few tips to help make your resume shine:

Show your enthusiasm – Who wants to read a resume that is as dull and lifeless as an encyclopedia?  Use action words in your resume.  Employers take notice when a potential job candidate is enthusiastic and energetic.  Words like achieved, negotiated, coordinated, delegated, enabled, increased, implemented and trained impress an employer, and demonstrate your ability to get things done.

Target your resume to each individual employer – When creating your resume, include skills, qualifications and achievements that relate directly to the position you are applying for.  Write your career objective in a way that demonstrates how it will benefit the company.  Include any training, special skills or accomplishments in past employment that are relevant to the position.

Ask yourself what you can do for the company, not what they can do for you – Employers are interested in how you will make their company or organization better.  Write your objective in a concise, clear manner that places the focus on how your objective will benefit the company.  Instead of writing “I want to use my 12 years of sales experience”, use “Apply 12 years of sales experience to . . . “.

Write your resume in a simple, professional manner – You may think that using fancy fonts, graphics and lots of bold headings will impress an employer, but it won’t.  Hiring managers are busy people; they want to get straight to the details they are looking for.  Write your resume using simple, easy-to-read fonts with a minimum of bold or italicized words.  Keep it brief, and leave plenty of white space around borders.  You want an employer to be able to quickly scan your resume for the pertinent information; what you do not want is for them to have to search for it.

Keep these tips in mind when writing your resume, and you will capture both the eyes and the attention of the employer, placing you high on the list of potential job candidates.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2010.

HR No No’s – What NOT To Ask An Interviewee!

By – Tom Bryan, Managing Partner – Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC

When it comes to interviewing a potential job candidate, there are some areas employers or hiring managers simply should not approach – at least in a direct way.  An interview should always focus on the candidate’s experience and qualifications; all questions should be job-related.  The individual conducting the interview should stay away from personal questions regarding race, religion, sexual orientation, age, and a host of other topics.

That being said, there are ways you can transform a question that seems personal in to one that relates to the job.

1.  Never ask a job candidate about their religion.  You cannot ask an interviewee what religion they are, and if their religion will prevent them from working on the weekends.

What you CAN ask is if they are available to work on weekends, or what days the individual is available to work.

2.  Avoid asking an interviewee how old they are, as this can be taken as discriminatory.  Instead, ask the potential job candidate questions such as what their future or long-term career goals are, or ask if they are over 18.

3.  When it comes to family matters, never ask a woman if her name is her maiden name, if she has children or questions regarding her ability to get a babysitter if necessary.

What you can ask is if she has ever worked using another name, if she can travel or work overtime occasionally, or if there would be a problem should she be required to travel for business purposes.

4.  Of course you want to be certain that a candidate is legal to work for you, but when it comes to nationality never ask the job candidate if they are a United States citizen.

Instead, simply ask the interviewee if they are authorized to work in the U.S.

5.  Never ask questions about health and physical issues, such as does the potential job candidate smoke, drink, use drugs or questions involving height, weight or how many sick days the individual used last year.

Here are subtle ways to find out what you need to know:

Ask the individual if they have ever been disciplined by past employers for violating company policies regarding the use of tobacco or alcohol products.

You can ask if the interviewee uses illegal drugs, but do not ask if they “take” drugs as this could be misinterpreted – and it is illegal to ask if they take prescription drugs, so the “take” word may be confusing to the job candidate.

Regarding height, weight and sick days, simply ask the individual if they are capable of reaching items that are X number of feet tall, lifting boxes that weigh up to X amount, or how many days of work they missed last year.

6.  Disabilities are another topic you never approach directly.  Instead of asking a job candidate about any mental or physical disabilities, simply ask if they are able to perform the duties required for the job.

7.  You want to know if an individual has ever been arrested, particularly if they will be working in a capacity that requires them to handle money.  While you cannot ask them directly if they have ever been arrested, you can ask if the person has ever been convicted of particular crimes such as theft, fraud, embezzlement, etc.

It’s best to be on the safe side when conducting an interview and ask only questions you know for certain are legal.  Otherwise, you may find yourself the subject of a discrimination lawsuit.

Asking a question the wrong way may come across as personal to the interviewee; find a way to ask questions regarding the issues mentioned above in a way that relates to their qualifications and ability to perform the job for which they are applying.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is a Full Service Recruiting Firm Headquartered in Orlando, FL.  For more information, please call 407-477-5635.

Interview Blunders. They’re True. We promise.

It’s understandable that when you go on a job interview you may be a bit nervous or anxious; after all, you want to make the best possible impression on a prospective employer.  Sometimes, trying so hard and getting overly stressed about your upcoming interview can make things worse.  What are the silliest, craziest, most unbelievable interview blunders that have actually happened?  That’s what we will talk about here – and some of the things that real people have done in a job interview will leave you speechless.  If you have ever actually made a blunder yourself, you may not feel so bad after reading this!

Due to an unstable economy, it is said that there are five people who apply for every job opening that becomes available.  Knowing that, it is essential that you present yourself as the best possible job candidate.  Enjoy reading these true but embarrassing job interview moments.

1.  One applicant sent in a resume that was packed full of errors; in the cover letter, the applicant asked the hiring manager if someone on staff could clean it up for them.  True story, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal!

2.  Can you imagine asking the hiring manager or individual who interviewed you if they would mind giving you a ride home?  This happened too according to Career Builder.

3.  In one Career Builder survey, hiring managers were asked about the funniest or strangest things that a job candidate did during an interview.  One answered that a job candidate actually wore pajama bottoms to the interview. Even if the dress is casual, this is a bit too much.

4.  Even though you may not be aware of your own bad habits, watch yourself when on a job interview.  Another participant in the survey mentioned above stated that he had actually had applicants light cigarettes, laugh like a hyena, pass gas, belch and pick their noses.  Be sure that you consciously check your bad behavior outside the interview room.

5.  One job candidate apparently forgot part of his wardrobe in preparing for the interview.  During the interview, a balding man excused himself.  He returned a few minutes later wearing a hairpiece.  True story, according to Work911.com.  Most men look better “au naturel”, so leave the rug at home.

6.  Also listed as one of the top blunders on Work911.com was an interview in which a potential job candidate had to interrupt the interview in order to call his therapist for assistance in answering specific interview questions.

7.  Never bring your children to a job interview, even if you have to pay a sitter to keep them while you are out.  One woman showed up at an interview with her two children; during the 20 minutes that the interview lasted, the kids were loud, disruptive, restless and had to visit the restroom twice.  Completely true story, one of the seven deadly sins of interviewing according to The Ladders.

This list of interview blunders could actually go on for miles; there are literally hundreds of silly and unbelievable mistakes people have made during job interviews.  Suffice it to say that those who committed these interview “sins” likely did not land the job.  Don’t let this be you!  Always be totally prepared, dress the part and present yourself and your abilities in a professional manner.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is a recruiting firm headquartered in Orlando, FL.  Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Copyright 2010 – All Rights Reserved.

 

Need a Job? Use a Recruiter to Your Best Advantage.

by Thomas Bryan, Managing Partner, Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC – Orlando, FL

Recruiters are in the business of matching up companies in need of employees with the ideal candidate. There are several ways that a company can advertise an opening, which include online job boards, recruiters, networking and probing the internet for suitable candidates. All of these methods of finding the right employee are extremely time-consuming, and most companies simply do not have the time to sift through the hundreds of resumes submitted to an ad posting.

Are you one of the many who post your resume to several job sites? While this is a good idea, you are competing with an unknown number (probably hundreds) of candidates for a single position – what is the likelihood that you will get noticed above the other candidates? Unless your resume really shines, it isn’t likely to stand out to an employer.

It is essential that you use keywords strategically on your resume, so that when recruiters search the career sites to find the ideal candidates for a company, yours will rise to the top. Recruiters work for employers; it is the job of the recruiter to find an individual who possesses the skills, qualifications, and even personality traits that a company desires.

Send your resume out to recruiters that you feel are experienced and capable; your resume will give the recruiter a good “feel” for your experience, qualifications and skills. By sending your resume to recruiters you feel are qualified, you are essentially putting your resume in front of many of the types of jobs you really desire; a recruiter can often look at your resume, and instantly think of a company looking for someone with your exact qualifications.

To put it simply, looking for a full time job can be a full time job – especially today, when most job markets are fiercely competitive and there are fewer jobs available. Write a resume that briefly summarizes your most relevant skills, that is concise and highlights your strengths. Use verbs in your sentences that demonstrate your enthusiasm about the type of work you are looking for. Make your resume stands out from the rest, and avoid droning on and on about your responsibilities in previous jobs; instead, talk about what you achieved in your positions, how your performance was beneficial to the company.

When a reputable recruiter has your well-written resume in hand, it can be the link that places you with the perfect employer.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is a Full Service Recruiting Firm headquartered in Orlando, FL. The firm specializes in the placement of Sales Professionals & Information Technology Professionals. For more information, please visit www.tombryan.com . Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

With All This Technology, Who Needs Recruiters Anymore?

Deciding to use a recruiter can be beneficial to both a potential job candidates and an employer. Successful recruiters often have many relationships with a diverse group of companies, which helps the recruiter understand what type of employee an employer is seeking. In turn, this helps the recruiter place a job candidate with the right company according to their skills and qualifications.

Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is a full service Recruiting Firm specializing in the placement of Sales Professionals and Information Technology Professionals. The firm is headquartered in Orlando, FL. Thomas Bryan & Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). #

Benefits of External Recruiting to an Employer

Many companies draw from within the company when they seek to fill a vacant position. While this is fine, employers have a much wider range of talent and skill to draw from by recruiting externally.

It’s often beneficial to a company or organization to hire someone from outside of the company for many reasons. New people who are not “conditioned” to the work environment often bring in fresh ideas, which can boost the growth of a company that has become stagnant.

Of course it’s obvious that by hiring a recruiter you will have a much larger pool of job candidates to choose from, making it easier for you to select an individual with the exact skills and qualifications you desire. It may also help in maintaining good relationships within the company, as resentment sometimes surfaces when employees are promoted within the organization.

Advantages of Using a Recruiter to Find The Perfect Opportunity

Those on the hunt for a job, especially in difficult economic times, have their work cut out for them. In most industries, the job market is very competitive; established recruiters know the employment marketplace well. Much of the time, recruiters have access to unadvertised jobs which expands the number of opportunities available to a candidate.

Any individual who has pursued an executive-type career on their own knows there is a lot of work involved, including preparing and sending out a professional resume, making phone calls and setting up interviews. A recruiter acts as an “agent” of sorts, and can help you accomplish all of these tasks easily and in less time.

Experienced and successful recruiters have built relationships with a wide range of clients; they know what these employers are looking for in an employee; they also have a feel for the work environment. This helps recruiters place job candidates in a career that is the “perfect marriage” for both the employer and the employee.

A recruiter often plays the role of “middleman”; he frequently has the ability to negotiate a higher salary for the job candidate. Interviewing is a crucial aspect of the hiring process; a recruiter with insight in to what the employer is looking for in an employee can help the job candidate hone their interview skills in a way that is targeted toward a potential employer.

These are just a few of the benefits of using a recruiter, both to employers and job candidates. What about you? As an employer or a job candidate, you will find that using a recruiter results in far less work on your part, and the perfect match between employer and employee needs.