job search

April 10, 2019 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

EMPLOYERS WANT TO HIRE YOU IF YOU HAVE SOFT SKILLS

Interview, soft skills, job interview — Are you a team player?

Employers are looking for job candidates with “soft skills”. Yes, it’s true. Over the past decade, the way people work has drastically changed. Now employers are looking for candidates who have more than the necessary technical skills and experience for the job. Furthermore, they want employees to have the ability to adapt quickly and to work across multiple teams and projects. Having “soft skills” means you are flexible and versatile.

Employers want you to have soft skills

Soft skills are interpersonal ones that are vital to the success of employers because most jobs require employee interaction with co-workers and clients. Soft skills include abilities like communication, critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, and networking. Candidates with soft skills are very adaptable, and an asset to employers as those skills are transferable regardless of the type of job.

Soft skills, now considered as important as hard skills, can be hard to access. The main difference is that hard skills are job-specific and can be taught. Soft skills, based on the characteristics of the job candidate, are not easily taught.

Employers believe communication is key at the workplace — Employers love soft skills – these will help you land your next job

Tell a soft skill story to your employer

Highlighting your soft skills to potential employers is essential. Begin by identifying the soft skills you have that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Include those skills in your resume or include them in your cover letter. During your interview, mention how you have displayed soft skills in past jobs. Finally, you can even demonstrate your soft skills by the way you interact with the interviewer. Also, paying attention to the interviewer while he or she is talking, will showcase your listening skills. Overall, soft skills will lead you to opportunities and help you grow as a professional. Most importantly, soft skills will help you land the job.

If you are ready to take the next step to advance your career, call us today! For decades, Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been instrumental in helping job seekers find their dream jobs. We are your one-stop shop for information, guidance, and insight into the legal and IT markets. Furthermore, we have the keys to help you land your dream job. To get started, search our current opportunities or submit your resume today.

November 30, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

ENOUGH POINTS TO SCORE ON YOUR SECOND INTERVIEW

Utilize your second interview to stand out from the pack

The key to landing your dream job is to score high in points on your second interview. There are those who play the game and those who win. Which one are you? Competition remains high for great jobs so be prepared to impress on your second interview. These five statements will set you apart and help you score:

1. “Please” and “Thank You” – Automatic points.

Showing respect and gratitude are similar to adding the Point After Touchdown in a football game. They should be automatic and are easy ways to score points.

2. Show you prepared for the game.

Let your interviewer know that you took the time to research the company before your interview. This will reveal your ability to plan ahead. Be sure to mention a specific way in which you see yourself as a good fit for the organization.

3. Go for the 2 point conversion to score.

Everyone’s a sucker for a genuine compliment. If there’s something you particularly liked (the people, the corporate mission, the interviewer’s punctuality), say so. Way to add a point conversion instead of an extra point.

4. Show them you came to play and ask, “When can I start?”.

Sometimes you have to try for the field goal from the 50-yard line Eto check the win. Chances are you will not see the immediate results of asking this question, but it still could translate to points on the board. Asking this type of bold question, merely lets your interviewer know you are very interested in the job. That puts you ahead of other candidates who will take the “wait and see” approach.

5. Sealing the win.

Finally, when your interviewer instructs you to do something such as send in references or work samples, make sure you follow up with the task immediately.

If you are a top performing professional looking to forge a new career path, consider partnering with Strategic Recruitment Solutions. We work with most of the law firms and technology companies in the Louisiana Gulf Coast region, as well as top companies throughout the nation. Furthermore, we can provide access to positions in the Legal and IT fields that may not be advertised on job boards or a company’s website. Search our current opportunities or submit your resume to get started!

September 20, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

IS A COVER LETTER STILL NECESSARY IN 2018?

Are cover letters still needed in 2018? — Make sure your cover letter is readable on a mobile device

Most people dread writing cover letters. Sometimes they require more effort and customization than your resume. Are you wondering if your cover letter is worth the extra effort? The answer is “Yes.”

Regardless of whether you think cover letters are “optional,” you should still include one with your resume. Just ask human resource or hiring managers.

In a 2009 survey, cover letters were preferred by 56% of hiring managers. Fast forward to today’s market where applicants can submit their résumé delivery by email or online, and the percentage drops to between 30% and 49%. So how do you tell whether the hiring manager that you are trying to impress reads cover letters? The answer is, there is no way of knowing.

What we do know is that the concept of introducing yourself and setting yourself apart will always be paramount in your job search. Therefore, submitting a cover letter gives you another opportunity to shine.

We also know that because the candidate screening processes has become increasingly digital and mobile, it is important that your cover letter is impactful and short enough to fit on a mobile screen.

Here are three essential guidelines for writing a cover letter:

1. Make sure your cover letter goes beyond your resume.

Your cover letter is more than an opportunity to re-state your education history and experience. When reading your cover letter, your potential employer can hear your voice through your writing style. When writing your cover letter, make sure to include insights into your work ethic and values. Finally, make sure you write in an engaging style showing that you are motivated and eager to be a part of the team.

2. What do you know about the company and position you are applying to?

Before beginning to write, research the employer and job position thoroughly. Research can go a long way in the application process; it will show that you have an attention to detail. Make sure to customize your cover letter each time you apply for a new position. Finally, always research the hiring manager’s name before addressing your letter.

3. Use your cover letter to show how your skills go beyond the criteria of the position you are applying for.

Your cover letter should expand on your resume, not re-state it. Expand on a specific section of your previous work experience or on the unique skills you bring to the position. Directly address how you will be an asset to the company beyond the required job responsibilities. Furthermore, as you expand on these different aspects, make sure to limit your cover letter to one page. This will save the hiring managers’ time and be much appreciated.

If you are ready NOW to take the next step to advance your career, call us today. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, are your one-stop shop for information, guidance, and insight into the legal and IT markets. For decades we have been instrumental in helping job seekers find their dream jobs. To get started, search our current opportunities or submit your resume today.

July 20, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

SUMMERTIME – SHOULD YOUR JOB SEARCH TAKE A VACATION?

Summertime is usually when the majority of job seekers take a break from their search. There is a common misconception among job seekers that the summer months are the slow season in reference to new hires. Many job seekers assume they can halt their search because:

1. Summertime is a lax time for employers with less restrictive hours and deadlines. The truth is most businesses retain regular business hours during the summer months. Unless a business is seasonal, the show must go on. Important business deadlines such as quarterly reports and tax filings do not take a summer break.

2. During the Summer months, the workflow tends to happen at a much slower pace than in any other seasons. This is partially true, depending on the industry. However, most businesses use this “down time” to catch up on neglected projects and to prepare for the future.

3. During the Summertime most supervisors and hiring, managers are taking vacations or are not focused on the hiring process.

It is a myth that people don’t get hired over the summer. While it is true that summer months are when many people take vacations, this does not mean that hiring comes to a complete halt. Summer is a great time to rev up your search, especially since everyone else assumes there is a hiring slowdown.

The Truth About Summertime

A recent study revealed that 79% of employers that hire for the summer would consider those employees for permanent positions. In fact, the Summer months may be the most advantageous for your job search. Here’s why:

Generally, because there is a slower pace in June, July, and August, this allows more time for the hiring process. Candidates who do not put their searches on hiatus, therefore, have an advantage. Employers will have more time to spend on the interview and selection process and will not be as rushed to fill positions immediately. Likewise, because fewer candidates will apply, the speed of the selection process may increase.

Many companies utilize the summer months to plan and prepare for the Fall. This is a traditional time to prepare for annual trade shows, the holiday season and end of year audits. Instead of being a lax time of year, Summertime presents opportunities. What will companies do in preparation for the heavy workload the Fall season brings? Increase their staff.

Expand Your Connections

The summer is the perfect season for networking. Work schedules will be more flexible during the summer months and may allow more time for fun events such as a company barbecue or other outdoor party. This is a great time to expand your connections with co-workers and to seek new opportunities. For new graduates who are just beginning their careers, networking is essential.

Resist the temptation to hang out by the pool all summer. Instead, spend some time focusing on your job search. Summer offers you the perfect opportunity to polish your resume, create and execute a job search plan, and network.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we are here to help you forge your new career path. We have been instrumental in helping job seekers find their dream jobs for more than a decade. We work closely with most of the law firms and technology companies in the Louisiana Gulf Coast region and the Nation and can provide access to positions that may not be advertised on job boards or a company’s website. Search our current opportunities or submit your resume to get started!

June 26, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION – START WITH NETWORKING

Are you ready for networking?

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION- START WITH NETWORKING

Networking can help you narrow down your choices and focus on getting the job you want. According to the 2017 Graduate Outcomes Survey, nearly 72 percent of students who completed an undergraduate degree obtained full-time employment within four months of graduation. This is excellent news until you read the other statistics. Of the 72 percent, 28.2 percent of undergraduates employed full-time said they were working in a job that did not allow them to use their skills or education fully. That means one-third of them may have settled for employment without strategically planning their long-term goals.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS), we can help you overcome the challenge of finding your legal or IT dream job. By partnering with us, you will gain an advocate, coach, and agent. It’s our job to provide you with resources and to guide you through the job search process. We will then help you find the best job match available and assist you closing the deal.

Our first advice – invest in developing your networking skills. Networking involves building mutually supportive relationships that lead to information and opportunities. It’s one of the best ways for young job seekers to get a leg up in this challenging job market. Job networking events are often intimidating for recent graduates. They don’t need to be! The key to a successful networking event is knowing what to say and how to say it.

Here are ten networking tips that will help you start and further your career:

1. DEVELOP YOUR ICEBREAKER

Whether you like networking events or not, they are necessary. If you are nervous or feel awkward about starting a conversation with a stranger, remember all you need is a simple statement to ‘break the ice”. Icebreakers such as commenting on the food being served or the weather are a great way to spark the conversation. After that, you can lead to a short bio that explains who you are, that you recently graduated and where you are looking for opportunities. Remember, when introducing yourself, use a firm handshake, maintain good eye contact, smile and be confident. Once you have started a dialogue, expand the conversation by asking open-ended questions. Open-ended questions can’t be answered with a “yes” or “no.”

2. SHOW PASSION FOR THE INDUSTRY

As a new graduate, your strong point will not be your relevant work experience. To impress potential employers, you should demonstrate your passion for the company and its industry. If you research industry trends and know which companies are the top in your field, you may impress your future employer.

3. LESS EATING AND DRINKING, MORE NETWORKING

Business networking events are for moving around, meeting people, listening and joining in on conversations. You are not there for the free food and drinks. To be most effective, you will want to keep your right hand free to shake hands and accept business cards. When you do decide to have a drink or snack, step to the side and finish your food before you “work the room.” Keeping a phone in one hand may also prove challenging. For men, it’s best to keep your phone in your pocket if you are mixing and mingling. Women can slip their phones into a small purse close enough to the body to feel it vibrate or to access it to make an introduction.

4. TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE

Although you may be networking to increase your business contacts or clients, the conversation shouldn’t be focused on you. When telling your story, be brief. When it’s time to listen, make sure you appear genuinely interested in what the other person is saying. Company representatives respect the sincerity and will open up if you ask thoughtful questions. Most people are happy to talk about themselves (such as what they do for a living and how they got involved with the company). When you listen attentively, you can ask follow-up questions and ensure that the conversation is memorable.

5. CREATE A 30 SECOND BRANDING STATEMENT

Networking conversations are like mini-interviews. You need a brief 30-second speech to project a personal brand that sets you apart from other recent graduates who are seeking the same kind of job. As an entry-level candidate who lacks direct work experience, you need to identify what skills you possess that add value to the workplace. Think of real-life examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your 30-second spiel.

6. EXPLAIN YOUR IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM GOALS

Your 30-second branding statement explains what you bring to the company. Now it’s important to explain how you see what the company will bring to you. By articulating your career goals and explaining the qualities you are looking for in your future employer, you separate yourself from the pack. Try a statement like this, “I am looking for a _________ (attorney, paralegal, or in IT) position where I can immediately apply my organizational and communications skills to assist the team. It’s my long-term goal to gain exposure to wide range of _______(legal or IT) opportunities that will help me make even greater contributions down the road.”

7. COLLEGE GRADUATES – DON’T ASK FOR THE JOB!

As a recent college graduate, your goal in attending networking events is to land a job, but you should never flat-out ask someone to offer you one. Instead, ask questions about the industry as well as the company, and talking about your skills and qualifications. After that, ask for advice on how to break into the industry. Most people will be kind enough to offer insightful advice and may even offer to be your referral. Be patient, make introductions and continue to build your network.

8. REALIZE NETWORKING IS A TWO WAY STREET

Job seekers who research prospective employers can discover company weaknesses as well as find opportunities unrealized. When researching companies in advance of the networking event, look for ways you can offer potential solutions to any problems you find. For example, after viewing the company’s social media campaign, you may discover the posts are outdated and provide some new ideas. You can also set yourself apart as an invaluable resource by simply sending a relevant industry-related article to someone you just met. By sharing your knowledge, you can establish stronger connections and demonstrate to others that you value their relationship.

9. KEEP IN TOUCH

Once you’ve established new connections, stay in touch with them. While you may see certain classmates and professors frequently, make sure not to lose contact with your peers. Be prepared to help them when they need a favor.

10. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR ADVICE – Relax and enjoy the event.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Networking works best when you are unafraid to ask for support, from advice to mentorship and resources. If you’re at a networking event, don’t forget to relax and try to enjoy the interaction at the event.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we are here to help you forge your new career path. We have been instrumental in helping job seekers find their dream jobs for more than a decade and have done so by working closely with candidates to find the companies and opportunities that match their skills, experience, interests, goals, and career aspirations. Because we work with most of the law firms and technology companies in the Louisiana Gulf Coast region and the nation, we can provide access to positions that may not be advertised on job boards or a company’s website. Search our current opportunities or submit your resume to get started!