ABR Blog

Finding a Match: How Job Searching is Like Dating

Some people spend their whole lives searching for that perfect match – and I’m not talking about a significant other. I’m talking about a job. After all, you may be spending the better part of your week dealing with it. Whether you’re looking for a long-term career or a short-term gig, you should know the answers to these questions:

Big Brand or Small Business?

Working for a well-known company looks great on your resume and gives you some bragging rights. Each environment has its own pros and cons. Would you rather get more hands-on experience and the chance to work more closely with your managers?

Full Flexibility or Strict Schedule?

If coming in “around” 9 AM sounds like your kind of language, you may want to avoid a strict 8 AM to 5 PM workday. However, some people need the discipline of a schedule or they’d never get their work done. How well do you manage your own time?

Team Player or Lone Star?

While some love the camaraderie and teamwork that comes with working in a group, others would prefer to tackle a task completely solo. Think back to school projects or sports teams – when did you do your best work?

In the Shadow or In the Spotlight?

Putting on a smile, representing your company, and keeping up conversation are just a few responsibilities of a customer-facing role. Cowering in fear just thinking about it? You might be better of in a behind-the-scenes position without the added stress.

Still unsure what your ideal match is? Consider checking out the free tests in the career library at ABR JobConnect. These assessments are written in plain language and don’t take long to take.

It’s “the most wonderful time of the year,” but that doesn’t mean your job search should be wrapped away like a gift and left unopened for a few weeks. Follow these tips this holiday and you’ll be thankful that you’re a step ahead of the rest come the new year.

1. Lazy Days Off
December and January bring more than a few days where offices – and your personal job search – will shut down for food, family, and fun. Remedy those lost hours by jumping right back into your search the next morning. You should be all rested and relaxed after all! Finding a new opportunity is a full-time job and you should be as dedicated as any employee.

2. The Hustle and Bustle
If your to-do list is as long as Santa’s, random afternoons can easily turn into list-making sessions, gift-wrapping bonanzas, or envelope-licking sprees. Create a strict weekly schedule that includes plenty of room for holiday errands and your job search. Dedicate at least a couple hours per day first thing in the morning to search for a new opportunity. Set a goal to apply to “X” amount of jobs per week.

3. Everyone Else
It’s the season of giving which means you’ll be spending a lot of time shopping for others or preparing your home for guests. But it’s important to remember yourself this holiday. What are your needs? Don’t feel guilty about buying cookies (instead of baking them), stocking up on gift cards for presents, or sending less personalized holiday cards if it means you can dedicate a few more hours to your job search this week.

Need a tool to help manage your job search? Check out ABR  JobConnect. Register online today.

“Tell me a little bit about yourself.”

When an interviewer asks you about yourself, he or she doesn’t necessarily want to know where you were born, what your hobbies are or a laundry list of your job skills.  In reality this is an extremely important question.  Interviewers ask it for a number of reasons:

• To get a sense of what you feel is most important about yourself;
• To see how well you’ve prepared for the interview; or
• To find out why you think you’re the best candidate for the job.

There is a lot riding on your response to this question, so make sure you knock it out of the park.  Here are a few quick tips for answering the “tell me about yourself” interview question the right way:

• Be brief.  Keep the answer short – no more than two to three minutes.
• Practice, practice, practice.  Write your answer out, then rehearse it until it’s second nature. 
• Cite examples.  When you develop your answer, include one or two examples that best demonstrate why you’re well-qualified for the available postition.

 Take advantage of your time in the driver’s seat by selling yourself, creating a great first impression and setting a positive tone for the rest of the interview.

Still not sure how to answer this all important question?  Then participating in the December 1 (2 pm) ”Don’t Interview — Audition” is a must do. To register, login to ABR JobConnect and click on the WEBINAR Tab. Then click on the Event and register by clicking the Webinar registration link for each event listed.

You did it! You made it through the interview, your references checked out and you got hired. You’ve made it through the hardest part, right? Well, maybe.

The first few days on a new job are always tough. You don’t know anyone and you might feel a little overwhelmed. Fortunately there are a few easy steps you can take to ease your stress:

1. Just say hi: Every time you shake a new coworker’s hand, you’re not only making a new friend – you’re making a connection. Explain that you are new to the job and ask  if they have any advice to share.

2. Write it down: You won’t learn everything on your first day so keep a running list of questions.  If you’re unsure about something, ask your on-site supervisor.

3. Take the time: It’s one of the easiest ways to make a good impression, yet it’s so easy to overlook. Show up on time, take only the allotted lunch break, and don’t sneak out the door three minutes early – every minute matters!

There’s only one chance to make a first impression. So make it a good one. For more tips on what to do on your job assignment, please see page four of the ABR Handbook. If you have misplaced your handbook, please contact any ABR branch for a copy.

For those seeking employment, a job fair is the Holy Grail. Where else can you get face-to-face time with a potential employer? You get one chance to bring the black-and-white letters of your name to life — and hopefully land yourself a job. Take full advantage of those precious moments by wowing everyone with your image, your experience, and your enthusiasm.

Here’s how to prepare for the big fair:

Dress the Part

Never be afraid of overdressing at a job fair. Employers will know you’re serious about your job search if you wear dress pants and a nice shirt. Keep jewelry, hair, and shoes classic and simple.

Memorize Your Experiences

Whether you’re handing over a resume or filling out an application, you must be able to communicate your previous experiences verbally and on paper. Take the time to highlight details of your past positions that apply to this specific opportunity.

Be Over-Prepared

The application process will move much more smoothly – and quickly – if you bring along the appropriate materials. Think references (names, your relationship to your reference, address and telephone numbers), a license, a resume, or a cover letter. Call the company in advance if you’re not sure what to bring.

Pay Attention to Details

Never underestimate a firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile. Ask intelligent questions about the position or mention a recent industry news article. Before saying goodbye, don’t forget to “close the deal” by restating your interest in the position.

What other job fair tricks have you used to land a new job? Share your tips below!

Flexibility.  Extra income.  Work experience.  An avenue to direct employment.  The reasons people choose temporary work are as diverse as the assignments they select.

But whether you are looking to earn some extra cash, or are seeking full-time employment, here are several things you can do to make the most of temporary assignments:

1. Dress the part.  You will fit in, perform, and feel better if you’re dressed appropriately for the type of work you’re doing.
2. Act as if the job is permanent.  Give your best effort on each assignment – you never know where it might lead.  If an employer is impressed with your performance, he can work with your staffing service to offer you direct employment.
3. Learn all you can.  Each assignment provides fresh opportunities to learn.  From practical job skills to industry-specific knowledge, capitalize on every chance to gain valuable skills and experience.
4. Test the waters.  If your career path is uncertain, temporary work affords you the ability to try out different jobs, at different companies, in varied industries.  Find out where you fit by accepting diverse assignments.
5. Network.  A temporary assignment puts you in a unique networking position.  While at work, you have the opportunity to interact and develop relationships with business colleagues whom you might not otherwise meet.  Leverage this “inside track” access by sharing your career interests and goals with managers you encounter on the job.
6. Communicate.  If you enjoyed an assignment and would like to work for the employer again once it’s over, say so.  Your staffing consultant and supervisor can look for additional opportunities for you to work in a different area of the company.  And if the assignment was not right for you, consider why.  Try to understand why the job or the employer didn’t meet your needs, so you can choose an assignment that’s a better fit the next time.

We want to help you get the most from your experiences as an ABR Employment Services temporary employee.  Please visit our website to learn more about the services, support, and resources we provide. If you live in the Wisconsin Rapids area or in the La Crosse area, be sure to attend our upcoming job fairs:

Wisconsin Rapids
Central Wisconsin Job Fair
September 21st, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mid-State Technical College
500 32nd Street North
E Building-Gymnasium
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Questions? Email stevenspoint@abrjobs.com

La Crosse
LHI/ABR Job Fair
September 22st, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cargill Room – Riverside Center South
332 Front Street South
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Questions? Call 608.784.0760 or see ABR’s Facebook page for more detal

What do you think of when you hear the term “on-time (temporary) employment”?

Most people regard on-time work as a means to earn extra cash, maintain a flexible work schedule, gain work experience or fill employment gaps.  Did you know, however, that on-time employment can also be a great option if you’re looking to change careers?

With a broad range of assignments and projects available, on-time (temporary) employment can be a highly effective way for you to break into a new field – but it probably won’t happen by accident.  To use on-time employment as a true career change catalyst, you must intentionally structure your work experiences.  Here are a few tips:

Choose the right type of staffing service for your career interests. Before registering with a staffing service, visit their website or contact the office directly to find out what types of placements they specialize in.  Some staffing firms place people in a wide range of industries and positions, while others specialize in a specific field.

Be upfront with your staffing specialist. When you interview with a recruiter, let him know that you are looking to change careers.  Tell him about your skills and experience and ask how they might transfer into a new field.  Discuss your need for challenging assignments that will help you try out different jobs, develop new skills and evaluate new career options.  When a staffing specialist understands your needs, he can do a better job placing you in opportunities that will drive your career change.

Treat every assignment as a learning experience. In addition to performing your required job duties, use each assignment as an opportunity to learn about the employer, the industry and potential career opportunities.  Ask questions, observe co-workers, talk to your supervisor and let him know that you’re looking to make a change.  Take as much knowledge and experience away from each assignment as you can.

Build new skills while on assignment. Many staffing services offer free skills training (such as ABR’s E-AssessAbility Training Center) to individuals who register with them.  While on assignment, use non-work hours to take advantage of training resources, building skills that will help you in your next career.

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Tips for Managing Career Changes

If the thought of changing jobs and/or careers causes you anxiety, you’re not alone.  The truth is, there is a certain amount of instability inherent in changing jobs.  Here are a few suggestions to help you manage the stress:

Focus on developing your skills. Choose projects/assignments/jobs that help you build new skills and develop expertise in a certain area.  When your learning curve flattens out, ask to be reassigned or look for another opportunity.  Continually building your skills will ensure you’re in demand.

Adopt a job changing mindset. Instead of focusing on the instability of a job change, view it as an opportunity.  Get used to the notion that you will change jobs frequently throughout your career.  When it’s time to make a move, your job changing mindset will make the transition much easier.

Keep your job changing skills sharp. You’re not going to stay at any job forever, and you don’t know how long it will last.  But if you keep your job hunting skills sharp – networking, interviewing, keeping on top of on-time opportunities that serve your career interests – you will always be able to get work when your needs, or your company’s needs, change.

ABR Employment Services – Your Career Change Partner

At ABR Employment Services, we do more than just place you in a position.  We listen to your needs, learn about your skills and experience, and then present you with work opportunities that are a perfect match for you.

When you register with us, you can also take advantage ABR JobConnect™, our FREE career resource, to help guide and support you in your job search.  Simply put, if you’re looking to make a job change, ABR is the ideal partner.  Contact us today to learn more about job opportunities in Wisconsin.

Ever ask yourself: “What type of career would fit me best?”

Most of us have, at one point or another.  The fact is, it’s a great question.  Research shows that people who work in career fields they like naturally advance and have greater job satisfaction.

But how do you know what type of work best suits you?  Many career experts, including those at ABR Employment Services, recommend selecting potential career options that match your work values.

Work Values – an Introduction

To be happy, successful and satisfied in your work you should take your values – beliefs and ideas about work that are important to you – into account.  Work values can be either intrinsic  (relating to the actual tasks involved in practicing a particular occupation) or extrinsic (relating to the by-products of a job).  For example, an intrinsic value of practicing medicine might be helping others, while an extrinsic value might be earning a lot of money.

Examples of Work Values

Here is a sampling of work values and their definitions from About.com Field Guide Dawn Rosenberg McKay.  As you read the list, consider how important each value is to you:

• Autonomy: receiving no or little supervision
• Helping Others: providing assistance to individuals or groups
• Prestige: having high standing
• Job Security: a high probability that one will remain employed
• Collaboration: working with others
• Recognition: receiving attention for your work
• Compensation: receiving adequate pay
• Creativity: using your own ideas
• Variety: doing different activities

At ABR Employment Services, we want to help you find the perfect opportunity that matches your skills, interests, work values and needs.  That’s why we launched ABR JobConnect.  This free online career resource has two helpful tools to:

1. Guide you in determining what kind of work you’re interested in and;
2. Identify different jobs that may be right for you based on your work values and interests.

Identify Your Work Values – and the Right Type of Job for You

The “Prepare” tab in ABR JobConnect can help you identify the right types of opportunities for you.  Two key assessments provide important information about your interests and work values:

• Work Importance Profiler. You can use the online assessment tools, such as the Work Importance Profiler (WIP), to choose a career that fits your interests as well as your work values.  The WIP can help you learn more about your work values and decide what is really important to you in a job.  It asks you to rank different aspects of work that represent six different work values.  Knowing your work values can help you decide what kinds of jobs and careers you might want to explore.
• Interest Profiler. This assessment helps you find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work.  Your Interest Profiler results will help you identify occupations that are in line with your particular areas of interest.  At the end of the Interest Profiler you will receive a list of occupations that match the results of your assessment.

Other Features of ABR JobConnect:

• Access over 1,000 Job Boards on one site
• Prepare a resume or receive a resume critique
• Utilize the career advisor
• Participate in weekly webinars covering job seeker “hot topics” and receive job search advice
• Receive information on continuing education opportunities

ABR Employment Services provides these free career resources as part of our commitment to helping you find the right employment opportunity for you.  Contact the ABR Employment office near you and get one step closer to landing your ideal job.

Like most things in life, you’ll get out of your job search what you put into it.  Those who work harder, have a positive attitude, persevere and go the extra mile are more likely to get what they want – period.

If you have the commitment to work hard, but need direction for your efforts, here are five things you can do to take charge of your job search today:

1.  Clarify your self-knowledge and your goals. Do you know exactly what you have to offer an employer?  Do you know exactly what you are looking for in a career?  Take the time to write down your specific skills, strengths, accomplishments and career goals.  If you know what you want, and what you bring to the table, it’s infinitely easier to focus your efforts, identify potential employers and find the job you want.

2.  Establish your network. Identify individuals in companies, industry organizations and professional associations who can provide insight into their employment needs.  When possible, schedule informational interviews to learn more about potential careers, as well as skills you may need to acquire to make yourself more employable.  Identify faculty, friends, business associates and relatives who can assist you with your job search.  Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a job and ask them to refer you to potential employers.

3.  Get more organized. Place all of your job search materials, including: research on potential employers; listings of job postings to which you’ve responded; resume versions and cover letters; staffing services with whom you’ve registered; network lists, etc.  Use this binder to track your progress, plan follow-up, develop daily to-do lists or record other important information.

4.  Find a mentor. If you don’t have a trusted advisor who can help guide your job search efforts, you should get one.  To select a mentor, choose someone you know who:  has earned your respect; is successful in his or her career; will provide honest and effective feedback; will take an interest in your professional development; will support you in your career progression.  Meet with this person regularly to solicit advice, share your ups and downs, and get the feedback and support you need to keep going.

5.  Register with ABR Employment Services. As a leading Wisconsin staffing and placement service, we connect thousands of individuals with rewarding employment each year.  Launched in March 2011, our new ABR JobConnect™ is a career resource to help guide and support you in your job search.  It empowers you to:

• Access over 1,000 Job Boards on one site
• Prepare a resume or receive a resume critique
• Utilize the career advisor
• Participate in weekly webinars covering job seeker “hot topics” and receive job search advice
• Take advantage of job assessment tools
• Receive information on continuing education opportunities

Best of all, it’s FREE!  Register today for access to additional career information on this topic.

Not getting the response you want from your résumé send-outs?

Want employers to view you differently this year?

Try these 10 tips to shake things up and get your résumé noticed in 2011: