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Let’s Talk Resume Boosters!

As we move full-force into the new year, it’s time to update our resumes! For those who are in a job transition, job hunt, or soon to be college graduates- let’s discuss some ways to boost your resume. Your resume gives the hiring manager a first glimpse of who you are and what you have accomplished.  Adding role-specific or software certifications to your resume is one way to raise your value as a candidate.

Role-Specific Certifications

Online certifications are popping up everywhere and they are very accessible to everyone. Make sure you are taking the time to complete certifications that are tailored to your field of work. This will help ensure that your certification can make a difference on your resume. A recruiter might not take a second look if you are certified in something that is not applicable to your field. With the right research, you will be able to find a certification that is helpful for your job/role. To get started, a few role-specific certifications are listed below.

Software Certifications

Software certifications are very relevant in our world of technology. This certification can help any resume stand out, not just people in the field of IT. Careers like digital marketing, software engineering, data science, etc,  can all benefit from a software certification. Read below to find out more about these software certifications.

Google: Analytics, Publisher, AdWords

  • Google has plenty of free online certifications that you can complete. You simply make an account and start the certification courses. Google Analytics is especially useful for students who are going to be graduates soon and on the job hunt. Adding a certification like Google Analytics will show the hiring manager that you can analyze reports, track data collections, processing and configurations, and many more.

Salesforce: CRM certifications

  • Salesforce is a website that offers customer relationship management services. This can be useful in any career where you are directly working with other people- like sales, marketing, customer service, etc. Completing a Salesforce certification will help you to be well-versed in analytics.

Not all certifications are useful, in fact, some can be pointless to add to your resume. Do your research before completing a certification in order to know it will benefit your resume. Certifications can be time-consuming, but they can also be worth it. Your resume might stand out more to the hiring manager if you have appropriate certifications.

Working on your resume? Read here to find out what fonts to use!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

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Key Strategies for Job Search Success

The job search process can be scary and long at times. Finding a job you love and that you are qualified for should be everyone’s goal! Today we are going to talk about the key strategies that will help you find success throughout the job search process. Continue reading below to find out!

  • Perseverance: This can be a tricky strategy. You might find yourself feeling hopeless after a few months filled with rejection and no luck. There are many long and hard stages of the job search process, but perseverance will keep you going. It will help you stay positive and realize that this search will be over soon and at the end of it, you will have a great job! Those who persevere will feel more rewarded!
  • Timing: Timing can be everything! If you find that perfect job, perfect location, but you think the time isn’t right, this is where you make a mistake. Good jobs aren’t open for a long time. They fill up pretty fast usually, so jump on something when you see it!
  • Skill: Your skills are your greatest asset. Prepare yourself on how to sell people on your skills and talk about the great things you can do. Use your downtime to improve on your current skills or even learn new ones. Online certifications are a great way to improve and update your skillset.
  • Customization: Take the time to tailor your resume to each job you are applying for. This may seem extremely time consuming, but it can be worth it. Make a few different versions of your resume that are specific to certain job titles you apply for.

We know how frustrating the job search process is for some people. Try to apply these strategies to your job search and remember to stay positive!

Do you have a job offer coming your way? Read here to find out what questions you should be asking!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

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5 Reasons Recruiters Toss Your Resume Out

Recruiters at Esquire Recruiting, LLC and recruiters everywhere look at many resumes each day. They can spot the difference between the good and the bad. Today we are going to discuss the top 5 reasons that recruiters will pass your resume up or even throw it in the no pile. Continue reading below to find out why!

  1. It’s way too long! Resumes are generally 1 page, sometimes 2. When recruiters receive resumes that are 4 pages or 6 pages, they simply cannot read through it without getting bored or annoyed. Keep it short and to the point.
  2. It’s overstyled! Resumes should be clean and simple, for the most part. If your resume has multiple different fonts, includes broken hyperlinks, uses buzzwords or overly formal speech, or is too long-winded- then you need to fix it up! Those four are examples of some of the biggest mistakes you can make on a resume. Style issues like those make it difficult to read the resume, which is exactly what you don’t want happening.
  3. It doesn’t include keywords! Make it easy to connect the dots! Include words or short phrases that relate to the particular job requirements you are applying for. This will help catch the hiring managers eye when they are looking over your resume. Recruiters will also benefit from this because they are looking over hundreds of resumes a day, and the keywords will help them narrow their search.
  4. It’s not ordered correctly! The order of everything on your resume matters. It needs to be in the order of relevance or impact. You don’t want to add your current job in at the bottom, everything that is the most current should be placed at the top. Make sure your resume highlights your accomplishments and relevant information at the top.
  5. It doesn’t tell a story! We talked about telling your career story in last weeks blog regarding job interviews. The same goes for your resume! Tell your story through the words on the paper. When a recruiter looks at your resume, they need to be able to tell what your career story is and where you are hoping to go in your career.

Resumes are very tricky! A resume is something you want to take your time on completing because it is the first thing a hiring manager and recruiter will see. It is basically your first impression that you are giving. Follow the dos and don’ts above to help make sure your resumes do not end up in the trash pile!

Missed last weeks blog? Catch up here!

Searching for a new position? Submit your resume to any of our open jobs!

Read some resume tips from our very own recruiters here!

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Top Tips for Being a Better Team Player

In any job, you are most likely working with or beside other people. Work teams are common in organizations and they help functions to run effectively. Continue reading below for some tips on how to be a better team player at work!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Let Others Help You: Letting your coworkers help you with tasks opens the door for more communication. It takes some of the weight off of your shoulders and makes the task at hand way easier to accomplish. Your coworkers will see you as approachable and great to collaborate with.

Listen Well: This one is important when you are on a team. You need to be an active listener when your coworkers are speaking. This will make them feel heard and valuable. And they will probably return the favor when you are speaking too.

Lead With Good Intentions: You can accomplish this by leading authentically. Your team needs to be cohesive in order to collaborate, and your intention should be to achieve that cohesion. Utilize everyone on your team and engage with them. This will help strengthen everyone’s relationships on the team.

Share Your Gifts: Bring your A-game to the team. Use your best qualities and strengths to help your team advance and get your projects done. There may be tasks that take you minutes to complete, but for someone else, it might take the whole day. Your team will appreciate you for giving it your all and saving them the hassle of spending too much time on a task.

Volunteer to Do the Dirty Work: Team members will like you if you volunteer to do the hard tasks. This doesn’t mean you need to volunteer every time when a difficult task is presented, don’t let yourself get taken advantage of. With that being said, if you’re the only person who never takes on the dirty work, your teammates might start to build up some animosity towards you. Find a healthy balance and rotation.

Spread Positivity: Be the positive light in your group when things get hard. When a group is under pressure to get something done, tensions can get really high. Take off some of the pressure by keeping things light. If someone makes a mistake, don’t dwell and judge them, acknowledge it and move on.

Observe Others Work Styles: This is an important part of being a cohesive team. You might notice that your teammate hates emailing and prefers phone calls. Or that someone would rather have meetings in the morning than afternoons. Take notice of how your teammates work best, and be flexible towards them.

These are just a few ways you can be a great team player. Collaborating with your team will help your job run smoother and make for a better work experience. Be open to feedback from teammates, don’t gossip, and don’t judge. If you give your best work and the best attitude to your team, you will become a better team player.

Read here about successful qualities a team should have!

Searching for a new position? Read through our open jobs!

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Recommendation Letters: How To Guide

Recommendation letters aren’t usually necessary when applying for a job, but it will sure help your chances of landing an interview or making a great impression. They provide another information outlet for the interviewer or hiring manager. It helps them see you, the candidate, through someone else’s eyes. Follow the tips below regarding recommendation letters!

Who To Ask

When reaching out to people in your network about writing you a recommendation letter, it’s important that you’re asking the right people. You will want to ask someone who is going to give you a strong endorsement and that you have/had a good working relationship with. This might be your former boss, a fellow colleague, vendors, business acquaintances, etc. Make sure it is someone that can attest to your abilities and that has worked with you or beside you. This person is going to be writing all about you including your strengths, qualifications, and why they think you would be a good employee.

How to Ask

Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel awkward to some people. Make sure you communicate clearly what you need and ask if they feel like they know you well enough to write the letter. That way, if someone wants to say no, they will be able to say they aren’t comfortable and it will be an easy out. Don’t put pressure on anyone or make them feel like they have to write you a recommendation letter. If they say yes, provide your updated resume and your qualifications so the writer has something to reference when they are writing your letter.

What to Include

In the recommendation letter, make sure you make it clear that you need certain criteria. The letter should have the following things: dates of employment, the position held, the company name, job responsibilities, qualifications, strengths and abilities, and contact information. The writer can add their own personal touch and discuss their own positive feedback as well. If you have those 7 things in the letter, you are ready to go.

Don’t Forget to Say Thank You

Just like following up interviews with a thank you note, the same goes for letters of recommendation. Extend a thank you note/email/phone call to the person who wrote you a recommendation letter. It shows that you appreciate them for their time and energy they put into the letter and it makes a big impression.

A letter of recommendation is a great way to vouch for your job knowledge, skills, and overall performance. It can give the hiring manager insight into who you are and how you work. Keep in mind that recommendation letters aren’t everything- the most important part of the job search process is to have a great resume and cover letter!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Are you worried that your cover letter isn’t up to par? Learn how to write a great one here!

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Top 4 Things to Do During an Employment Gap

Are you currently in between jobs? Many people experience a gap when moving from one job to the next or after being laid off. The way you utilize your time during that gap is important for the success of finding your next job. Continue reading below to find out what to do during an employment gap!

  1. Update Your Resume: Resumes can be a daunting task. It’s that thing that is always on someone’s to-do list, but it keeps getting pushed back. No one wants to spend time updating their resume, but this is one of the most beneficial things you can do during an employment gap. Take the time to proofread, reformat, and update your resume so it’s in tiptop shape.
  2. Improve Your Skills or Learn New Skills: Adding certifications to your resume is a great way to up your game. Take advantage of the time you have during an employment gap and take online certifications for things like marketing, strategy, and technology, etc. There are many online certifications that are free, and adding some certifications to your resume will help you give it the boost it needs.
  3. Reach Out to Your Contacts: Reach out to some past contacts to let them know you’re in a transition period between jobs. Consider sending people in your network an email updating them on your career journey and also sending along your resume too. Use your networks to your advantage! It’s a great way to find new opportunities or jobs that may not even be posted anywhere. It can get you ahead of the game and help secure a potential new job.
  4. Quality Over Quantity: When applying for new jobs, keep this phrase in mind. It isn’t about how many jobs you apply for, it’s about how much effort you put into your application. Tailor your resume and application to each job and do your research on the company. You don’t want to apply to hundreds of jobs and not be able to keep track of where you even applied. Apply to jobs at companies you want to work at and take the time to send in a quality application. While it’s time-consuming, it’s worth it in the long run.

Having an excessive amount of free time might make you feel anxious during an employment gap. Remember to keep yourself on a schedule so you aren’t bombarded with hours of free time. Take these tips and make good use of the time you have to make your job search a good one. It can take time to find a job that fits your criteria but stay motivated and you will get there!

If you are in the middle of an employment gap, check out our open jobs list here!

Are you in the process of job interviews? Read our article here to learn more about successful interviews!

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Things to Do in College for a Post-Grad Job

Are you on track to graduate college? College can be a very fun and exciting time, but it is also a time where you can prepare for your future. Today we are discussing some things you can do to make sure your post-grad experience is a smooth one. Continue reading below to find out things you should do while in college to prepare for post-grad!

Get Out of the Classroom: The classroom is a great place to learn extremely useful information, but you will also learn a lot when you step outside of the classroom. Join some extracurricular activities! Every campus has clubs and organizations, whether it’s an art club or a public relations club, you might find something that will be beneficial to your future career. Learning takes place even outside of the classroom. Invest your time in a part-time job on campus, volunteering, or even an internship.

Start Networking: Networking is a great way to get yourself out there. Make a LinkedIn profile and connect with your peers, friends, family, and professors. Make new connections, but also use the connections you already have. Network with friends who graduated and have been in the workforce or maybe even the career you want- chances are they have ample information that is useful. Networking can be difficult for some but start by building friendships and relationships with people.

Find a Mentor: A mentor is a very beneficial person to have on your team. A mentor can be anyone including a friend, family member, boss, or a professor! It may seem scary, but it isn’t as intimidating as you think. Just find a trusted person that you are comfortable talking with. A mentor can provide so much knowledge and help you with things like- resumes, practice interviews, networking, cover letters, etc. A mentor in the field of work that you want to go into is an extra bonus!

Work on Your Resume: Get your resume ready for the job search that follows graduation. Use college as a time to refine and perfect your resume. If you have no idea where to start, don’t be stressed out! Talk with a mentor or professor for help. Every college has a career center, so start there! They can proofread your resume, help you update it, and reformat it.

These are all great ways to get on track for the post-grad life. Post-grad can be an alarming time, utilize these tips to help you feel more at ease about the transitions! Get ahead of the game and do these things to make your college experience great and useful.

Searching for a new position? Submit your resume to any of our open jobs!

Where are you living post-grad? Read our article to find out the benefits of living at home!

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What Not To Do After an Interview

Are you searching for a job and stressed out about the interviews? It’s totally normal to feel that way, many people get nervous about interviews. Interviews can be a tedious and stressful part of the job search process. After interviewing, it’s important to remain calm even if you feel stressed about how the interview went.  Use the following tips below to guide you on what not to do after an interview!

Don’t Stress Yourself Out: After an interview, you might feel like freaking out, but that is not in your best favor. While it’s easy to stress yourself out about it, don’t overthink it. If you sit there and playback in your head what you could have/should have said, you will make yourself crazy. Also, try not to worry about hearing back from the interviewer. Give yourself a one week time period to let yourself worry, and then try to move on.

Don’t Cross Social Media Boundaries: Don’t go on a social media rampage right away. While you may want to add your interviewers on LinkedIn or other social media sites, it’s not the best idea. This may cross a boundary for them or give them a bad impression of you right after the interview. Wait for the social media adding until you have secured the job!

Don’t Drop The Ball During a Followup: Following up after an interview is important because it shows that you are reliable and consistent. Double-check to make sure your followup isn’t sloppy, because the hiring person will take note of that. Spell check for typos and make sure you are spelling everyone’s name right and the company name. If your follow-up is neat and free of errors it will show them that you took your time and put thought into it.

Don’t Forget to Send a Thank You: Just like the followup, sending a thank you note or email is a great way to show the employer that you are serious about this position and it will help you make a great impression. Send a thank you email or note within 24 hours of your interview and make sure to proofread it!

After your interview, follow these tips so you can keep your good impression with the employers. You don’t want to have an amazing interview and then put a damper on your impression by forgetting to send a thank you or not following up. From Esquire Recruiting LLC to you: good luck on your interviews!

Prepare for your next interview by brushing up on some tips! Read more here!

Searching for your next job? Check out our open jobs list!

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Questions to Ask a Recruiter

Are you in the midst of a job search and considering a recruiter’s help? At Esquire Recruiting LLC, we know how invaluable a recruiter can be to a job search. It’s a great way to find a role that is fit for you. Continue reading below to find out some important questions you should be asking your recruiter!

What are the main qualifications the employer is looking for? 

  • This is an essential question to ask because you need to know more about the position. This question will give you insight into what the recruiter’s client is expecting from candidates and you if applying for the position. The recruiter has most likely spoken with the employer about qualifications and potentially even received a list of exactly what the employer is looking for.

What is the job description?

  • Asking this question will tell you what the client/employer expects. It’s basic information, but also very important to know if you choose to move forward and apply. Just like the qualifications, the recruiter knows what the job description is and what the expectations are.

How long has this job been open?

  • This is a fair question to ask because you want to know all the details. The job search process can be tedious and overwhelming. If the job just opened, you may be one of the first candidates to interview, which means the employer is probably going through other interviews as well. This isn’t a necessary question to know, but it can help you determine a time frame for how long you may be waiting to hear back from an employer or when the position will be filled.

What experience do you have recruiting in this industry?

  • Recruiters are filled with knowledge. They see endless amounts of resumes per day and speak with multitudes of people. Asking them their experience is a fair question and can help you gain trust in them for your job search. Recruiters with good experience know the field like the back of their hand.

What information do you have about the company?

  • The recruiter most likely has a relationship with this company or even exclusively works with the hiring manager. Asking this question can help you understand more about how the company operates and what their work culture is like.

Asking recruiters questions is a great way to establish a relationship with them and make a great first impression! There are so many more questions that you can ask them- don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Recruiters can provide you with such great information, such as- resume help, tips for interviews/interview process, and even insight into information about an employer.

Searching for a new role? Check out our open jobs list!

Read this article to discover why you should stay in touch with recruiters after the job search is over! 

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Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Job Offer

This week, we are talking about accepting job offers. Accepting a job offer can be so exciting yet scary at the same time. A new job can come with a lot of unknown territories, which is why we are going to discuss a list of questions that you should ask before accepting any job offer. You want to be sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into, so you can make sure the job is right for you!

The Role

The first category that you want to ask questions about is the role itself. Before jumping into saying yes, be sure this role is fitting for you. Knowing what to expect will be greatly beneficial to you and clarify what the job entails. Below is a list of questions to ask regarding the job!

  • When do I start?
  • What are my immediate priorities?
  • What does a normal day look like in this job role?
  • What are the expectations of me?

The Team

This is another important category to ask questions about. Almost every employee has a team or is interacting with people throughout the workday. You might be attending meetings or being assigned projects that involve other colleagues. Asking these questions will give you an understanding about who you are working with or working for.

  • Who will I report to directly?
  • Will anyone be reporting to me?
  • Who will I work with most closely?
  • Is there anyone on the team that can help me get settled and provide guidance?
  • What is the company culture?

The Salary & Benefits

For some people, this may be an uncomfortable topic to talk about, but it is imperative. You want to know that you are going to be fairly compensated for your work and receiving good benefits. Try to work past any uncomfortable feelings, and ask these important questions!

  • Is the salary negotiable?
  • What is included as part of the benefits package?
  • What are the main working hours?
  • How many paid sick days/personal days do I receive?
  • How much paid vacation time will I get in the course of a year?

These questions are all great examples of what you should ask before accepting any job offer. If you’re in between offers, knowing the answers to these questions can be a deciding factor for what job you choose. Educate yourself on the company itself and the job role before accepting any offer!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Not ready to accept a job offer? Find out how to decline the job offer here!

 

 

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How to Practice Self-Care at Work

In order to perform the best at work, self-care should be a priority for you. When self-care is practiced, it can help your work life and personal life balance improve. If self-care isn’t one of your priorities, it may be easier for you to feel burned out or run down at work. Continue reading below for some good self-care tips!

Self-Care Tips

Say No: Learning how to say no is so beneficial for your self-care. While saying no can be difficult, it’s important to set those boundaries with your coworkers. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, it just means you can’t handle that extra task at the moment.

Use Gaps and Breaks: Using your breaks to actually break from working is so important. As we discussed on Friday, breaks lead to better productivity. They can also help you relax and take a breather from the pile of work you have in front of you. Gaps are just as important too. If you find yourself with a few extra minutes in between meetings or tasks, use it to take a lap around the office, grab some water, or even meditate.

Add it to Your Schedule: Our schedules dictate our whole work day. Whether we have a meeting to attend or a team lunch, we always add those events to our calendar. Add in self-care to your schedule! By physically making it an event, you will be more likely to complete it. Add in ten minutes of meditation or schedule a 20-minute walk. Visually and physically blocking out time for self-care will help you practice it every day.

Update Your Workspace: Our desk and workspace should be like a sanctuary for us. Organize your workspace so you have a more clear mind. Along with organization, personalize it. Add in picture frames of family or friends and things that make you happy. Hang positive or motivating quotes, so you can feel inspired throughout your day.

These tips are great examples of how to practice self-care. Self-care is one of those things where it is just necessary in order to have productive and less stressful workdays. Take at least one of these tips and add it into your normal work routine! Self-care is practiced in different ways for everyone, so find what is right for you!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Looking to relieve stress and how to do it? Find out how here!

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Productive Work Day Habits

On Monday, we discussed tips that would make for more productive meetings. Today, we are going to talk about your work day! Sometimes it’s hard to get through the day without feeling burnt out and exhausted. Creating healthy habits at work can help make your day more productive. Continue reading to find out what habits to avoid so your day can be productive!

Habits to Avoid

Sugar: Consuming too much sugar during the work day is prone to make you feel tired and unconcentrated. Overconsuming sugar will lessen your ability to stay productive throughout the work day. On the flip side, make sure you aren’t under consuming sugar. When glucose levels are down, it can also be hard to focus on the important tasks you need to complete. Keep some low sugar snacks on hand like nuts, fruits, and veggies!

Sitting all day without breaks: Don’t skip your breaks! It is imperative to your productive day that you take all of your breaks. Giving your body and brain a break will help you come back with a fresh mind that will be more productive. If you are sitting all day, it’s easy to feel foggy and tired. Get up and go for a walk on your breaks or do a quick stretch in your office. Your mind and body will benefit from it, and so will your work!

Eating a heavy lunch: After eating a heavy meal it’s common to feel very tired or like you’re in a “food coma.” Choosing a big meal while at work isn’t the best option. Your lunch will set the tone for the remainder of your work day and you want it to energize and fuel your body and mind, not make you feel lethargic.

Keeping your phone right next to you: While many people use their phone as a means of communication at work, it’s so easy to get sucked into the world of social media. Social media is a great way to procrastinate and kill time. If you’re sitting working at your desk, put your phone away and only use it on your breaks. Doing this will increase your productivity. Allow yourself 10 minutes on your phone after you finish every task, or make up a plan that suits your working conditions.

Avoiding these habits should help you have a more productive work day. Set goals, make lists, and create healthy habits to help you be your best self at work.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Read our blog here to find out how to fuel your work day!

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Tips for More Productive Meetings

Meetings can often be a blessing or a curse. Some people may feel they are a waste of time while others find them to be productive and helpful. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, meetings are an easy way to help your team regroup and communicate effectively. Continue reading below to find out some ways to have productive meetings!

Productivity Tips

Agenda and Time Limit: You may not like meetings because they are long, boring, and seem like a waste of time. That is why every meeting needs a strict time limit! Create an agenda with all the talking points and topics/tasks that need to be completed. once the agenda is made, you will have a better idea of how much time you need for your meeting. The shorter the meeting, the better the outcome. This will help you be organized and keep the side chatter and off-topic comments on track!

Use Technology and Media: This is a fresh and exciting way to present information. People may get distracted or not pay attention if someone is talking the whole time. If you have a presentation set up- it gives a new take on information and keeps people interacting. At the same time- try to keep people using their devices to a limited. That way they will not be distracted by their emails or social media during the course of the meeting.

Limit Number of Attendees: Conducting a meeting with the whole department in attendance may be unnecessary and a distraction. Make sure you have everyone in attendance that needs to be there but don’t over invite. If it isn’t crucial for someone to attend- don’t force them. This will help with the productivity and time limit on your meetings. When there are too many people in a room, it can get hectic.

Use these tips to help your meetings run smoothly. These ideas don’t work for everyone depending on the size or morale of your company. Try to find what works best for your team and stick with that!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Use our guide here to learn how to make effective presentations!

 

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Qualities of a Successful Team

Whether you are a recruiter or an employee, teamwork is probably a huge part of your job. The dynamic of your team needs to be strong and spirited in order for everyone’s jobs to go smoothly. At Esquire, we love our team and know that teamwork is important! Teams aren’t always successful, and they can go through ebbs and flows, but continue reading to find out successful qualities of a team!

Communication

Communication is important for any team! Share your thoughts, doubts, problems, questions, and whatever else you can think of with your team. Transparent communication is a must for being successful. Lack of or poor communication can sometimes lead to irritation or incorrect/incomplete work! Communicating with your team on even the small things will make a huge difference. Everyone wants to know that they’re on the same page, and they won’t be able to read anyone’s mind, so simply talk and communicate.

Goals and Support

Make goals with your team! Strive to complete the goals together and support each other in the process. Setting goals as a team will help understand what needs to be done and even improve results. Supporting your team members comes without question. No one can be great alone! Everyone needs support here and there or maybe even a push they can’t give themselves. Support your team members through their successes and failures to help build them up. Everyone is able to work easier knowing they have a supportive team behind them- it helps build confidence and security.

Diversity and Work Load

Diversity in a team is imperative. Everyone brings something different to the table! With everyone’s different skill sets, strengths, and weaknesses, your team should be able to figure out a way where everyone is using their strongest skills! Having different age groups, cultures, and personalities on the team can help spark creativity and new ideas. Divvying up the workload evenly is also an important team aspect. You don’t want one team member to feel like they are carrying the team, but you also don’t want someone to feel like they aren’t capable of doing any work. A fair workload for everyone is important- and the workload will vary depending on their specific title or strengths and weaknesses.

Fun

A successful team will be able to have fun! They will be able to laugh at their mistakes and brush it off while continuing their jobs. Having fun is crucial because it will make work more bearable and help you love your job. Working in a fun environment will lead to more productivity and better team morale.

If your current team has these qualities, you are set for success! If you don’t, don’t worry, you are not doomed. Arrange to have some team building exercises, happy hours, or team meals together. This will help you build these qualities and be on your way to success!

Wondering how to get along with your coworkers to increase team morale? Read about it here!

Also, check out our current open jobs!

 

 

 

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Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid

The interview process can be scary and nerve-wracking. Making yourself familiar with the following mistakes can help you prepare for your own interview! At Esquire, we interview people daily, so we know how daunting interviews may be! No matter how many interviews you have gone on, there is always room to improve your skills. What mistakes should you avoid during an interview? Continue reading below to find out!

You Don’t Make Eye Contact

In the midst of your nervousness, you might forget to make eye contact with your interviewer. Try your best to avoid this! Making eye contact with them during the course of your interview shows that you are engaged. Eye contact is an easy way to show you are present and being an active listener. Maintaining eye contact, especially during the hard questions, shows your confidence!

You Don’t Have a Good Attitude

Are you too enthusiastic or too monotone? It’s important to find a balance between those two extremes. Being overly enthusiastic can give the interviewer vibes that you are putting on a show. You might not seem sincere if you overcompensate. Avoid being monotone during the interview as well. This can show that you might not be interested in the job or company, which will be a red flag for the interviewer.

You Avoid Tricky Questions

There are so many aspects to interview questions. Make sure you don’t dodge the tricky questions. Answering the hard questions thoroughly can show that you are adaptable and will be able to problem solve. Also, don’t forget to ask the interviewer some questions! If you ask them questions, they will know you care about the position and company, and you will look prepared and be taken seriously.

You Don’t Show Your Personality

Be yourself! While there are many things that aren’t appropriate to say or do, it is important that you show the interviewer who you are. The interviewer needs to know what you are like so they can imagine if you are a good fit for their company or team. Be confident and don’t fidget.

Familiarize yourself with these common mistakes so you don’t make them! Interviews can get easier if you feel prepared and confident.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

What should you do if you’re late to an interview? Find out here!

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Habits of Likable People in the Workplace

Getting through a workday is much easier if you have colleagues that like you! If you feel that all your colleagues hate or dislike you, it can make your days long and hard. You won’t feel miserable at work if people actually enjoy being around you. Understanding and using the following habits should help you gain your fellow colleague’s trust and acceptance!

Self Awareness

Self-awareness is a key factor of likable people. If you are able to recognize your strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and emotions, then you are a self-aware person. Self-awareness can help you consciously identify how people perceive you, which can be helpful in the workplace. Taking ownership of our behavior is one of the first steps of becoming more likable. Sometimes it can be hard for a person to admit their wrongdoings or faults. If you are transparent about your flaws and take accountability for your actions, you will be able to gain that approval from your colleagues.

Managing Stress

One of the reasons you may not be liked in your office could be the way you react to stress. Everyone reacts to stressful situations differently, and some people let these situations get the best of them. Pay attention to how you are treating your colleagues when you are dealing with a difficult or stressful circumstance. Are you taking it out on them or letting it affect your mood? Find new ways and outlets to manage your stress so you can maintain peace with your colleagues. If you feel a stressful task or moment is about to happen, play your favorite music or take a deep breath, and give yourself a moment to calm down. Your workplace will be happier and your coworkers will appreciate you more if you manage stress in a practical way.

Judgment

Passing judgment happens all day long. It can happen by staring at someone as they walk by or correcting someone who is speaking. These are some of the things you may do subconsciously every day. In order to be likable at work, stop judging your colleagues. Accept people for who they are- flaws and all! Beating yourself or a colleague up over a mistake isn’t productive, it just shows that you are judgmental. Everyone makes a mistake here and there, it is a part of being human. If your colleagues see you as a nonjudgmental person, they will be more open to the idea of liking you.

Try to make these things a habit and you will find that you will be more likable at work!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Read here to find out about mistakes you should never make at work!

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Signs You’re About to be Fired

Are you worried that you are nearing the end of the road in your current job? Job insecurity is a fear that many have. There are signs that you can pay attention to in order to make sure you aren’t going to be fired! Continue reading below to find out!

Reduced Responsibilities

Is your workload much lighter than it normally is? Being assigned less work is sometimes a sign of getting fired. If you find yourself with a lot more time on your hands, pay attention to your workload or the projects that are being assigned to you. If you used to be really busy, and now find yourself with a lot of extra time, that can be a telling sign.

Coworkers Start to Distance Themselves

Do you feel like your colleagues are avoiding you? There might be a reason for that. Your coworkers might have knowledge that you are getting the ax, and in turn, they aren’t sure how to act around you. If people start whispering when you are walking by or stopping their conversation altogether, take notice, because they may be talking about you.

Performance Reviews

If you are suddenly put on a performance plan or are receiving mediocre performance reviews, this may also be a sign. Being constantly criticized at work can be exhausting and overwhelming. Sometimes performance reviews or plans mean that you are falling short of your duties, and it can be a last-ditch effort to help you improve.

New Employee

If someone is hired that has the same skill set as you or a better skill set, this can be a sign that you are getting fired. If you are asked to train this employee, that is also a red flag. Sometimes companies don’t want to fire someone unless they have a replacement, so you may be training this person to do some of your job duties and responsibilities.

While these are all signs that you are on the road to getting fired, they can also be taken out of context. Don’t panic or get paranoid right away, assess your work situation before you jump to any conclusions! Communicate with your bosses and always keep your options open!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Worried about your work performance? Check out our article on behaviors to avoid at work!

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How To Find a Job in Chicago

According to USPopulation.com, Chicago has one of the world’s biggest and most expanded economies with no single industry utilizing more than 14% of the workforce. That combined with the over 2.7 million inhabitants, can cause major competition for finding a job in Chicago.

Chicago also has the 4-the most Fortune 500 Corporate Headquarters in the US. And where there are headquarters, there are jobs. So while there is competition, there are opportunities to land your dream job in Chicago. The trick? Partnering with a staffing partner who can tailor your specific experiences, qualifications, and personality to a career and culture that will ensure

Why use a recruiting firm to find a job in Chicago?

  1. A recruiting firms job is exactly that: to connect eager potential employees with employers who are looking for top talent. While looking for a job, may be a side hobby or an activity you do in your spare time, finding jobs and connecting people is a recruiters job- and guess what? They’re really good at it!
  2. Hiring managers and HR Professionals have a lot of other responsibilities on their plate, meaning devoting the time and energy it takes to find the best candidate for the job can sometimes fall to the end of the list. Whereas finding a candidate is the primary responsibility of the recruiter, making it always a top priority.
  3. Recruiters are outsiders of your immediate circle. How is this an advantage? They are able to ask the hard questions, like salary you’re your personal goals. This helps candidates looking for employers to be vulnerable and honest to recruiters instead of crafting answers based on what a company may want to hear.
  4. Recruiters are so successful because they have the time, resources and dedication to finding the best jobs available. Recruiters have access and relationships with many people and companies, ensuring that you will receive the best experience and access to jobs as possible.
  5. Recruitment agencies and recruiters have an expansive network. This helps you find a job because they can get you access and responses in a timely manner and connect you with individuals you would not have had access to otherwise.
  6. Secret Tip: Recruiters have access to jobs have not been posted yet. With experience in the agency and connections of clients, often times companies give agencies the exclusive first look at positions that are not available to the general public.
  7. Recruitment Agencies are free of charge for candidates!

While it is totally possible to land a job meaning traditional means, in today’s day and age, connections are everything. Utilizing a recruiter who can devote their time, resources, and connections to helping you find a job in a busy metropolitan area like Chicago is the easiest, most time effective way to land a job in Chicago.

Looking for jobs in Chicago? Click here to see how partnering with a staffing firm, like Esquire Recruiting, can help.

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Why do you want to work here?

It’s one of the most dreaded interview questions, right after “what are your biggest weaknesses?” Especially for those applying for only mildly interesting positions, it can be hard to answer. Conventional wisdom often focuses on the organization’s work, reputation, and growth. While this advice is good, it’s still conventional: it won’t make you stand out if every other candidate has prepared properly too. The following are ways to spice up your answer—to be used in addition to conventional wisdom—to show that you’ve done thorough research on the workplace and that you’d be an especially good fit. So, why do you want to work here?

1. Programs held

Many companies offer opportunities to educate or empower employees and increase their good PR. Feel free to mention your genuine interest in one– but don’t get caught up in what the company can do for you. Make sure to include how you intend on strengthening that program or applying your new skills back to the position you’re applying for. For example:

Why Do You Want to Work here

Educational and creative opportunities through the workplace are great reasons to want to work for a company.

  • “I noticed you sponsor computer programming/ language/marketing classes for
    long-time employees. I’d love to learn how to use x program and maybe apply that to a future position doing y for your company.”
  •  “I appreciate your green initiative/community service weekend/ women’s network. It’s  something in which I can see myself both participating and pursuing active leadership roles.”

2. Past/current employee reviews

Signal a personal connection to the company by relaying a friend or relative’s good experience there. Similarly, show that recruiter you were paying attention during your preliminary phone interview by repeating their comment and expanding upon it. Say something like:

  • “Sandra mentioned the office-wide Halloween contest earlier. I like that kind of welcoming company culture and commitment to creativity and morale.”
  • “I’m looking for a company with not only opportunities for advancement but the tools to help me get there. My cousin, who used to work here, says your leadership training program is truly committed to  supporting employees’ personal growth. ”

3. Types/ Ages of Employees

In certain fields, employees may generally trend toward one end of the labor market. Acknowledge

Why Do You Want to Work Here

The people you work with and around can affect whether you want to join a company.

this, then either sell yourself as the perfect fit or justify why they should hire you outside the box. Are employees generally:

4. Company Size

The number of people you’d be working with in the office isn’t always your first priority when job searching. However, you can emphasize your preparedness or excitement about the work with a small comment about office size. For example:

  • “The small size of your office presents a great opportunity for more personal training and mentoring,”
  • “I love that the headquarters are large because I welcome the opportunity to constantly work with new people.”
  • “As someone new to the industry, I like having only a few coworkers with whom I can develop personal relationships. I want to learn more about what they do to figure out where I fit best within the organization.”

 

One cheerful comment on a highly specific aspect of the organization will exude enthusiasm. Add your own well-researched, personal answers in an interview to emphasize that you’re particularly well-suited for the position and stand out of the interview crowd.

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What Happened to the Esquire Blog? Updates, Recruiting and Employment Advice

Welcome to the new and improved Esquire Recruiting blog: your one-stop shop for company news, job-search updates, interview tips, recruiting and employment advice, and more! With decades of varied experience between our small staff, we know the details of recruiting and the specifics of each industry we serve. Whether you’re a job-seeker or employer; in accounting, marketing, manufacturing, law, or sales; we can find you the right connections or guide you to the right strategies to make each new position filled a success!

 

Some of the content you can expect to see in the next few months:

– Esquire news and staff features

– New technological advancements in employment practices

– How to answer tough interview questions

– How to write your best resume, now and later

– New takes on old tips

– How to make the most of unemployment

– Advice on employment in various industries and fields

– Whatever you want! Leave feedback and requests here on the blog, by email, and on our social media pages!

 

Esquire Recruiting Employment Advice

Follow Esquire’s blog for the latest employment advice from the experts.

 

A little bit (more) about yours truly:

As a recent graduate of Emory University, I joined Esquire’s team as a part-time blogger working remotely from Georgia. This virtual link between my hometown in Illinois and my work from halfway across the country is far from unusual. Instead, it encapsulates Esquire’s balance between its boutique-style organization and nationwide clientele.

What kind of recruiting and employment advice can a freshly employed college grad give? You’d be surprised. For one, I’ve lived, breathed, and researched the job search for about a year. Like most college graduates, I have been scouring the web and the world for workplaces that need my talents. Similarly, my generation has taken the best of traditional wisdom and added new technology and resources. So we know how to identify the best practices in job searching and cover letter writing. Furthermore, as an employee of a recruiting firm, I can share inside information about what we seek and how to make yourself more presentable to recruiters and higher-ups alike.

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