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The Ultimate Guide to Getting Hired

Posted on: April 3rd, 2019

a guide for getting a job

Finding the right job for yourself can be overwhelming after reading through multiple job qualifications and attending interviews only to wonder if your skills are comparative to the other applicants. Instead of second-guessing yourself, be confident you did everything within your power to make a great impression. We’ve included information that explains the steps in the process of getting hired so anyone looking for a new job knows what to expect. It’s an easy way to get the information you need without the hassle of sifting through search results!

Which step are you on?

1: Resume

building a resume

When you start looking for new jobs, your resume is where you should start. Although every area in the hiring process is important, your resume is your first impression which could lead to an interview. No one wants to miss out on a job they’re perfect for; that’s why you need to make sure your resume gives you the best chance of getting hired.

How to create a resume

A resume represents you on paper. It should explain what your skills are which will correlate to the job you’re applying for and display your job history which will add professionality as well as points of contact for references. The content on the resume shows your experience and the design should be attractive but not overwhelming the content. Based on the job you’re applying for, you can decide what design would be best suited.

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2: Applying

applying for a job

Applying for jobs is time-consuming but by having multiple options, your chances of being hired are higher than if you only applied to a few. Go out of your comfort zone and apply to positions that are in your realm of expertise but in areas that you know you could grow and prosper. It’s important to challenge yourself so you can reach your full potential and find the company that suits you. After you apply, follow up within a week with Human Resources if you haven’t heard back.

Applying for a job in 2019

In 2019, you can find job applications online for any location which makes it an efficient, easier process. When applying, you need to know what the company is looking for by reading the job description and relating your skills and experience to it through the application. Your resume was a brief explanation about what you have to offer, but the application is where you can expand on why you belong in that role.

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3: The Interview

job interview

The employer was impressed by your resume if you were contacted for an interview, but now, it’s time to show them what you can do next. The company has ideal qualities for their future employee, but you can show them what else they need during the interview. Answer their questions with clear explanations and examples of how you accomplished it to prove you are capable.

Preparing for a job interview

Nerves are a normal part of going in for an interview, but you don’t have to feel overwhelmed if you prepare yourself. Research the company and dress for the job to express to your interviewer that you are serious and show your personality to be remembered.

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4: The Job Offer

job offer

When a job offer is made, you shouldn’t immediately accept; you need to think about what the offer entails and if it will positively or negatively affect you. If you have other job offers awaiting your response, you can choose which one is right for you based on what you need financially to survive, what hours work best for your lifestyle, how far of a commute it is from your home and if the company’s morals and values align with your own.

Finding the right job for you

When you first read a job’s description, you may think it’s the perfect position for you, but if an offer is made, you will be able to view what your contract entails such as your compensation, hours and learn more about the company’s expectations. After calculating your upcoming expenses and the hours you would be working, decide if the compensation and time commitment is something you can handle. In addition to your contract, think about the location to know if you’re comfortable with the commute and if the company’s environment matches what you need in order to focus on accomplishing your tasks.

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Conclusion

We hope you found this information to be helpful on your journey to finding a job and getting hired. Don’t feel discouraged when applying for a job; your experience, knowledge of the company and confidence will lead you to a job offer. If you’re still looking for a job and happen to live in Iowa, check out our online job boards for full-time, part-time and temporary work!

A Simple Guide to Your First Day at Work

Posted on: March 22nd, 2019

first day at work

On your first day at work, it’s important to make a good impression. In order to do that, you need to be prepared by dressing appropriately, understanding your responsibilities and behaving appropriately. Starting a new job can be intimidating but you can put yourself at ease if you know what to ask to accomplish your tasks.

Questions to Ask Before You Arrive

  • What is the dress code? Wearing clothes that do not match your company’s environment will make you stand out in a negative view. Your appearance is the first thing your co-workers and boss will notice, so it’s important to understand if the environment is casual or formal; you don’t want your clothes to speak for you. Based on what you saw others wearing when you originally went in for an interview, you can infer what is acceptable.
  • Is there a particular place I should park? Knowing ahead of time if there is an assigned parking lot or spot you should park in, will save you time looking for a place to park and prevent you from parking in a co-worker’s spot.
  • Who will I be meeting when I arrive? It’s a sign of respect to know the name of who you’re meeting and since that person may be the one to go to with future questions, it’s a good idea to make a good first impression.
  • Is there anything else I need to bring? At the interview, you showed you were qualified through your answers and your resume, but once you accepted the job, you now have to prove your capabilities. Ask if there is anything you should bring with you because some companies do not provide simple office supplies; they will appreciate that you’re thinking ahead.

Things to Do Before You Leave

  • Check that you are in accordance with the dress code. Based on your line of work, your company may require casual or formal wear so dress accordingly. There’s more to a dress code than what you wear. These rules may not be explicitly listed in your company’s dress code policy but are unspoken rules such as proper grooming, covering tattoos and piercings. Based on what you saw everyone wearing when you went in for your interview, you can use your best judgment on what is appropriate for your work environment.
  • Plan your commute so you arrive early. Being late isn’t a good first impression to make, so leave with plenty of time to spare to get to work. Once you have established your commute time, you can plan accordingly for the future.
  • Pack your bags early with all of the necessary things. Instead of rushing in the morning, pack everything you need the night before when you have more time. It will help ensure you aren’t late to work.
  • Double check the names of the people you will be meeting. Forgetting or calling someone the wrong name isn’t a great step forward to a quality first impression. Check your notes to know who you’re meeting and where at.

How You Should Behave

  • Be social. By accepting lunch invitations from your co-workers, you’re taking an opportunity to get to know who works with you and establish working relationships. Being sociable and friendly with your co-workers makes everyone more comfortable when working together.
  • Keep a positive tone and smile when you see your co-workers. Creating a friendly first impression is the first step to building friendships in the office.
  • Be attentive during meetings and interactions. To learn how the company works, you need to listen and know that it will take time. Making eye contact and listening to what is being said is a sign of respect and shows you are interested.
  • Be confident and relaxed. Starting a new job can be stressful but know everyone is aware you’re new. Asking questions isn’t a bad thing; it will show your co-workers you’re trying to learn how to accomplish tasks correctly.

How to Approach Your First Tasks

  • Create small goals for yourself. This allows you to feel like you’re making strides towards completing tasks. It will also help you feel comfortable with your work.
  • Ask questions. If there’s something that isn’t clear about a task or how things function, ask questions in order to clarify. Don’t waste time trying to figure something out that could be easily resolved by asking your co-worker.
  • Keep notes. When you’re first starting off, it’s especially helpful to keep notes of task details so you can reduce the time spent asking for clarifications.

Your first day of work is easily manageable by staying organized and planning ahead. By asking questions and taking quality notes, you will make a good first impression and earn respect. Over time, you will be able to prove your dedication to the company and know how to properly ask for a raise based on what you have accomplished. Being dedicated to your work is important but you should also be rewarded for your hard work.

Looking for a new job? Check out Premier Staffing Inc. job boards for local Iowa jobs. Just fill out a form and get started in your job search today!

Finding The Right Job For You

Posted on: February 20th, 2019

deciding on a job

If you’re looking for a job, now is the right time to start applying; the unemployment rate is currently low which gives applicants more options. Whether you decide to search for a job in your current field or try something new, you need to think about your values. To find your next job, you need to think about what you need based on your financial situation, what is important to you in the workplace and what you disliked from previous jobs. To confidently know if a job is for you, know what factors will affect your decision.

Assess your situation and decide on these important factors when trying to find the right job:

1. Compensation

Based on your level of experience and where you are located, evaluate what your pay rate should be and how you should be paid. From what your current financial status is, decide if you have a preference in getting paid by the hour with the option of overtime or salary; it could narrow down potential job opportunities. When a potential employer asks you what your pay range is, you should have a prepared answer based on your research.

2. Hours

Keeping prior responsibilities in mind, think about what kind of hours you can commit to such as first, second or third shift; part-time or full-time; or a variety of shifts. Decide if you need dependable scheduled hours for your lifestyle, or if your schedule allows you to be on call. If you are looking into transitioning into working opposite hours than you’re accustomed to, make sure you are prepared to change your normal routine.

3. Location

Whether you walk, take the bus or drive yourself, you need to have a plan for transportation no matter the weather conditions. If the location of potential jobs is far from where you live, you need to be prepared to commute by having reliable transportation.

4. Company

Researching what the company does and what their standards are will help you decide if they’re the right fit for you. Talking to current or previous employees will give you an insider’s perspective and give you a chance to listen for any causes of concern. Based on what industry the company belongs to, you will need to be confident that you can be unbiased.

5. Environment

By researching on your own or speaking to current or past employees, you can understand what the work environment is like. For example, if they work on projects solo or as a team. By knowing how you work best, you can decide if the environment suits your style. If you’re open-minded to change, it is beneficial for your growth in your field by learning a new way to complete a project.

6. Option for Promotion

To advance in your career, it’s important to know if a company has promotional options in your field that will lead to an executive title and/or an increase in pay. Most companies have this opportunity whether it is a clear path or one that might not be as apparent.

 

making compromises Should You Make Compromises?

Depending on your financial situation, you need to decide how urgent your job selection is. When researching companies and reading job descriptions, you probably won’t find your dream job that fits 100 percent of your criteria but that’s okay. As you are looking for your dream job, you will need real work experience first, so say yes to the job even if it means you have to compromise. Don’t talk yourself out of a potential job that scares you because if you’re being realistic, saying no to a job offer could mean losing that opportunity forever.

The final decision is up to you, but finding the right job has never been easier than with Premier Staffing. Our focus is to connect you with quality employers actively looking to fulfill positions in their company. We try to make the process as easy as possible and by the end of it, you will have a job offer. Check out our jobs board today!

Preparing For A Job Interview

Posted on: August 27th, 2018

interview preparation

The interview process is by far the most critical step in finding employment. Not only is it the appropriate time to expand on your application, skills, and resume, but also showcase why you’ll be a good fit within the company you’re interviewing with. It’s impossible to make every interviewer like you personally, and it’s important to remember that’s not the point. Performing well during an interview means demonstrating the value you’ll add to the company, reliability, and the ability to work with others.

Abide by these 6 simple interview preparation rules and increase the chances of landing your next job.

1. Researching before the interview

Familiarize yourself with the company you’re interviewing at. All reputable businesses have a website, social media accounts, and/or resources that show you who they are, what their guiding philosophy is, and their aspirations. By researching and learning this information, you’ll be able to weave it into the responses you give during the interview process. Your ability to do this demonstrates your dedication to earning the position, and an ability to pay attention to detail which is valuable in many jobs.

Look for key details when conducting pre-interview research, like:

  • Major players: It’s always good to know who’s in charge and a strategy for opening a dialogue once you’re introduced to them. Do a little digging to see if you have any common contacts, hobbies, organizational affiliations, etc., that can be used as small-talk.
  • What’s the latest: Press releases and other news updates are a great source of information! Reading through this type of information may provide a clearer picture of what’s going to be happening within the company down the road.
  • The clientele: Scan the businesses site and glean any clients they have on the books. There are a few directions you can take this information. You may be able to leverage any connection you have with the client or casually showcase your knowledge about the business.
  • The competition: Know who the company is competing against and take a look at others in the industry. Conducting preliminary competitor and industry research will ensure you’re well versed in all industry lingo and able to speak intelligently.

2. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have

It’s common for an HR representative to inform candidates of the expected dress code prior to an interview. If this is not the case, take another look at the company’s social media accounts and photos on their website. You’ll likely find a sufficient sampling of images that illustrate appropriate attire, which you can utilize in choosing an interview outfit. If you’re unable to ascertain that information from the company’s site, try and discern what’s appropriate for similar positions within other closely related companies (ideally a competitor). One of the most important tips you can abide by, regarding dress, is to err on the side of overdressing. Underdressing or coming across as sloppy has a greater negative perception than overdressing. If you take the time to look polished, it is likely to make a good impression.

3. Be yourself; the right person for the job

While it’s good to be yourself during an interview there are communication strategies can help you explain why you’re the best person for the job. These strategies aren’t all verbal in nature. Being relatable and easy to communicate with makes you seem more pleasant to interviewers.

Practice the following tips and use them during your next interview:

  • Begin with a handshake
  • Speak at a medium pace and with clarity
  • Maintain eye-contact
  • DON’T MUMBLE!
  • Sit up straight
  • Avoid fidgeting and swaying in your seat
  • DO NOT incessantly use the words um, uh, and like
  • Smile

In essence, mirror the posture of the interviewer and imitate a person to whom you genuinely enjoy speaking.

4. Prepare your answers

Anyone who has had a handful of interviews is likely aware of their repetitive nature. This is especially true when it comes to actual interview questions. Practice responding to the following categories and examples of commonly asked interview questions.

  • Situational questions – “Tell me about a time when you…” or “Tell me about a situation when you.”
  • Problem-solving questions – “Explain a time when “X” happened, what did you do to complete the project/ task/ job?”
  • Behavioral questions – “What do you enjoy outside of work,” “what type of supervisor do you enjoy working with,” or questions not necessarily relating to the job.
  • What is your biggest weakness?
  1. Fill in the blanks

The interview process isn’t only about the company getting to know you; it’s also a great time to ask any lingering questions you may have about the company. Asking questions about the potential employer is not an opportunity you want to gloss over. Feeling a business out and making sure it’s a good fit for you is just as important as landing a job in the first place. It may feel intrusive to question the interviewer, but it’s the only way to ensure you get the answers you’re looking for.

Here are common questions asked by candidates throughout the interview process:

  • What’s the culture of the business?
  • What’s the interviewer’s favorite part of working for the company?
  • What are the 5 to10-year projections for your business? Expansion, contraction, stagnant?
  • Are there any specific challenges the company is facing right now or will be facing in the near future?
  • Are there any professional development opportunities?
  • What are the next steps in the interview process?

5. Come prepared

What a candidate takes with them to an interview primarily depends on the position they’re applying for. Entry level positions rarely require anything to be brought to the interview, while corner-office positions may require an ID, multiple copies of a resume, a portfolio, notepad, etc. If the interview requires specific materials to be brought, they’re likely to let you know. If you’re unsure, ask ahead of time. Otherwise, it’s good practice to bring a copy of your resume and a smile.

 

For any additional questions on interview preparation please contact us to ensure you get the job!

Applying For A Position in 2019

Posted on: August 1st, 2018

applying for a postion in 2019

You’ve created or updated your resume, found positions you’re interested in, tailored cover letters to fit the positions you’ve discovered, and now you’re ready to apply. Applying for a position in 2019 is easier than ever with online job boards and easily accessible templates. The problem is, most people still make small mistakes that can cost them big down the line. Give yourself the best chance at landing a job interview by following the 4 tips below.

1. Re-Read the Job Description

Make sure you’re clear about the duties and responsibilities of the position you’re applying. Re-read the job posting before applying to refresh yourself and confirm that it’s close to what you are looking for. Some employers post intentionally ambiguous job vacancies to draw in a larger applicant pool. If any parts of the job description are unclear, take time to research it a bit more.

2. Be Thorough

How do you feel about submitting a resume to a company, then being forced to complete their internal application? Annoyed? Too bad! You need to put just as much effort into that annoying application as you did when crafting your impressive resume. Employers WILL compare your resume and the application looking for any inaccuracies. If you hurry through the application, leave questions unanswered, use poor punctuation or grammar, or leave spaces blank, it will reflect poorly on you and make the company question your commitment to the process.

3. Expand Upon Your Resume

Sometimes it’s a tough call when deciding what to add to your resume and what to leave off. This is where an application comes into play! Items you think are relevant to the job you’re applying for or highlight your skill-set are suitable to add to an application. This allows you to expand on skills you’ve listed on your resume or bring up a list of others you didn’t have room for. Have any gaps in your job history? Do a thorough job of explaining the gap, so there’s no question as to what the circumstances were.

4. Follow Up

Following up on a resume or application submission can be tricky, especially when it involves a large company. The first issue is timing. How long should you wait? You certainly don’t want to come across as pushy or desperate. Waiting for 5 – 10 business days is considered the appropriate amount of time before following up with a potential employer. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell which department or employee to seek out when contacting the business. When calling or emailing the business, it’s usually best to start with Human Resources. A simple introduction and explanation of why you’re reaching out is a sufficient strategy when calling or emailing. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point! Simply point out that you applied for an open position and you want to follow up to make sure it has been received. This will help you confirm nothing went wrong with the process and demonstrates your continued interest in their position and company.

These tips may slightly change depending on where you’re applying and other job search variables, but the core ideas will remain consistent. Don’t get discouraged if you’re rejected from a job you’re applying to; request feedback whenever possible and learn from any mistakes you make. We hope when you’re applying for a position this year, you consider these 4 simple tips and land the job of your dreams.

Applying For A Position Using Premier Staffing

Premier Staffing offers jobs online in the Cedar Rapids, IA, and Waterloo, IA areas. We invite you to check out our job board to try and find a position that fits what you’re looking for.

How To Create A Resume

Posted on: July 9th, 2018

how to create a resume

Submitting your resume to countless employers but getting nowhere? Need to create your first resume? Before you spend time digging up all the necessary resume building information take some time to scan the information below. We have laid out a general resume building guide that will help you determine how to create a resume that works for you.

resume outline iconTo begin, let’s take a look at the three types of resume formats.

Chronological (or reverse-chronological)

This is a traditional format that is common for a recruiter or HR professional to encounter. There aren’t any bells or whistles with this format, but it is the generally accepted type.

Combination (hybrid)

Although this format isn’t commonly used, it is a way for experienced professionals to highlight their skills and emphasize how they’re transferrable. This format is not a good fit for most entry-level job seekers.

Functional (skills-based)

A skills-based format does an adequate job of allowing entry-level job seekers to emphasize their skill-sets instead of experience, assuming they lack applicable or relevant experience.

Most job seekers choose to follow a chronological/reverse-chronological format, which is a preferred method for most employers. Next, we’ll take a look at the specific information you can include.

1. Education

  • Write your education in reverse-chronological order with the most recently obtained degree listed first.
  • Include your GPA if it is above 3.0
  • Include any honors you’ve received or clubs you were a part of

2. Prominently display your contact information

  • Include your name, telephone number(s), a professional email address, and blog or website URLs.
    • Email: A Gmail email account is preferred, as opposed to Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.
    • A personal URL and blog can be useful if the content it contains is workplace-appropriate.

3. Employment History

When listing your employment history, there are a few standard practices that should be utilized. Try and follow as many of the points listed below so your employment history will look homogeneous.

  • If you’re using reverse-chronological order- start with your current position.
  • Tell a career story that reinforces your professional persona.
  • Aim to use six bullet points to describe job responsibilities under each position you’ve held.
  • Integrate points of the job description you’re interested in – into your resume.
  • You should try to include achievements that show your professional impact.
  • Include employment dates in the format Month Year – Month Year.

4. Skills

Load this section up. Try and include any skill you possess that would be valuable to a potential employer. From soft-skills to highly technical training, showing how you can add value and productivity will increase your chances of being hired. There are three main things to keep in mind when it comes to skills.

  • Illustrate that you have the skill set they are seeking.
  • Illustrate that you have EXTRA skills that will complement the position you seek.
  • Mirror the skills they’re looking for within your resume.

5. Additional Information

  • If you have a technical background, consider adding a section for certificates, licenses, certifications, software, etc.
  • Languages you’re fluent in (in addition to English) may be listed in a special section.
  • Make sure to list any positions you’ve held on non-profit boards, special achievements, community projects, or organizations you’re a part of.

Following these general guidelines will hopefully teach you how to create a resume that will get noticed. By taking the time to build a strong resume, you’ll likely send it to less potential employers during your next job search. If you have more questions on how to create a resume feel free to contact us with any of your questions.

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