Monthly Archives: September 2014

Who’s Hiring? – September 2014

Posted: September 30, 2014 at 1:49 pm

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shutterstock_191481659Check out these awesome jobs that have been recently posted:

CRM Analyst, Lacoste – New York, NY

Responsible for implementing, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on Lacoste’s Customer Relationship Management Programs, Direct Mail Programs, and Omni-Channel Strategies while continually striving to increase the efficiency of these programs and improve results. Provides analytical support to the Retail, E-Commerce, CRM, and Omni-Channel teams.

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=J3F39Z6MZPZ36JWC64W&xfeed_id=100&zip=10003&jobType=CRM+Analyst%2C+Lacoste&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=CRM+Analyst%2C+Lacoste&cat1135=1&jobtype=CRM+Analyst%2C+Lacoste&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=CRM+Analyst%2C+Lacoste

Sales Assistant, National Securities Corp – Iselin, NJ

In this position you will have diverse responsibilities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment providing administrative support to stock brokers and the branch, such as general correspondence, answering and returning phone calls, scheduling appointments and maintaining calendars, coordinating phone conferences and meetings, organizing files, and assisting with general stock broker or client requests.

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=1b2983981&xfeed_id=10&zip=10003&jobType=Sales+Assistant%2C+National+Securities&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Sales+Assistant%2C+National+Securities&cat1135=1&jobtype=Sales+Assistant%2C+National+Securities&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Sales+Assistant%2C+National+Securities

Receptionist, Community Health Systems – Philadelphia, PA

Greets vendors, customers, job applicants and other visitors, and arranges for transportation services, when needed. May operate a switchboard to route incoming calls and place outgoing calls. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=SH22395-1469151&xfeed_id=48&zip=10003&jobType=Receptionist%2C+Community+Health+Systems&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Receptionist%2C+Community+Health+Systems&cat1135=1&jobtype=Receptionist%2C+Community+Health+Systems&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Receptionist%2C+Community+Health+Systems

Senior Vice President, Early Learning and Training, Acelero Learning – New York, NY

Acelero Learning is seeking an SVP for Early Learning and Training to join our executive team. Reporting to the COO, the SVP Early Learning and Training will be responsible for ensuring educational excellence in Acelero’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs. We are seeking an inspired, collaborative leader who will work with Acelero leadership and our Head Start delegate leadership to maintain the high quality of our educational programs and the continued success of our child and family outcomes.

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=641783051&xfeed_id=92&zip=10003&jobType=Senior+Vice+President%2C+Early+Learning+and+Training&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Senior+Vice+President%2C+Early+Learning+and+Training&cat1135=1&jobtype=Senior+Vice+President%2C+Early+Learning+and+Training&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Senior+Vice+President%2C+Early+Learning+and+Training

Automotive Finance Manager, Clauburg And Associates, LLC. – Queens, NY

We have a Successful Dealer Client in the Queens NY AREA looking for a Top Notch Finance Manager.  They need a Results Driven Manager with strong closing skills and high penetration percentages.   Your previous experience must show job stability and excellent references which will be verified are needed.   You must be solid and clean with paperwork and CIT.  Import or Highline experience a big plus.  Excellent compensation package and growth potential (pay range $150K+ based on previous experience, performance and skill level).  Bilingual a plus.

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=9079835a1&xfeed_id=83&zip=10003&jobType=Automotive+Finance+Manager%2C+Clauburg+And&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Automotive+Finance+Manager%2C+Clauburg+And&cat1135=1&jobtype=Automotive+Finance+Manager%2C+Clauburg+And&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Automotive+Finance+Manager%2C+Clauburg+And

 Public Relations/Marketing Communications Assistant, EQM Incorporated – New York, NY

This leading event marketing firm provides advertising, marketing, and public relations campaigns for burgeoning companies and break out products. The Entry Level Public Relations and Communications Assistant will work closely on performance driven campaigns with high profile clients who consistently look for innovative strategic to drive their company and respective brands forward and increase their bottom line.

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=e6afa8022&xfeed_id=10&zip=10003&jobType=Public+Relations%2FMarketing+Communications&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Public+Relations%2FMarketing+Communications&cat1135=1&jobtype=Public+Relations%2FMarketing+Communications&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Public+Relations%2FMarketing+Communications

 Medicare Product Specialist – Sales, Amida Care – New York, NY

Eligible candidates for this position must enroll eligible leads into the Medicare Advantage plans. Prospects must use all necessary resources to meet the minimum enrollment goal of new members, using approved presentation materials and sales techniques.

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=9f9a03ee3&xfeed_id=10&zip=10003&jobType=Medicare+Product+Specialist+%E2%80%93+Sales%2C&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Medicare+Product+Specialist+%E2%80%93+Sales%2C&cat1135=1&jobtype=Medicare+Product+Specialist+%E2%80%93+Sales%2C&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Medicare+Product+Specialist+%E2%80%93+Sales%2C

Insurance Advisor, Affinity Advisory Network – Philadelphia, PA

-Present Insurance Products and ideas to clients
-Work with other internal financial professionals to provide a holistic financial plan
-Market to potential clients using established and successful programs
-Provide the best possible solution for client’s needs

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=2f9597d21&xfeed_id=83&zip=10003&jobType=Marketing&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Marketing&cat1135=1&jobtype=Marketing&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Marketing

 Application Developer (WordPress), InterTech Media – Stamford, CT

We are looking for a talented WordPress Developer to join our team in Stamford, CT. The ideal candidate will have both development and technical support skills. On the job, you will be spending most of your time on WordPress for Broadcasters (WPB™), our dedicated instance of WordPress customized for broadcasters. The position involves both development and direct contact with customers when required.

http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=5a92ea151&xfeed_id=83&zip=10003&jobType=Marketing&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Marketing&cat1135=1&jobtype=Marketing&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Marketing

Business Development Manager, NW Recruiters – Philadelphia, PA

NW Recruiters is seeking a Business Development Manager. This role will be responsible for managing and maintaining current business relationships and seeking new accounts through business development, marketing, and referrals. http://www.myjobhelper.com/search.php?jobkey=f8b9f1bf3&xfeed_id=10&zip=10003&jobType=Marketing&mchannel=organic&apply=1&job_title=Marketing&cat1135=1&jobtype=Marketing&schedid=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_content=&job_title=Marketing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Questions Are an Employer Not Legally Allowed to Ask Me at an Interview?

Posted: September 28, 2014 at 9:34 pm

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At some point in your job search, you may walk into an interview with high hopes, but then leave feeling like you’ve just been interrogated. Every day, in offices and coffee shops and meeting rooms, people ask interview questions that are not legal at all. Unsuspecting candidates, who are just excited about getting an interview, don’t know how to respond.

Many job seekers just answer them, not realizing they are being grilled for no good reason by inexperienced or unethical people.  This can leave any job seeker squirming in their seat.

When Interview Questions Go Bad

To help you spot trouble in an interview, and protect your personal life, here’s a rundown of some questions an employer cannot legally ask during the interview.

 

Q.  Are you married?

Under current employment laws, an employer is not allowed to ask questions about your marital status, or lack thereof.  This also goes for same-sex couples, those who are widowed, or those going through a divorce or separation. However, be sure not to bring up your marital status in the interview, because if you mention it, this could be discussed casually in conversation.

 

Q. Do you or do you plan to have children?

No employer has the right to ask you about your fertility decisions at any point in the interviewing process. Making decisions about who to hire based on if a candidate has children, is pregnant,  or plans to have children in the future is illegal. Again, if you notice a family photo in the interviewing person’s office, don’t comment on this because it could lead to being asked about your status.

 

Q. Have you ever been arrested?

While you may see the question about criminal felony convictions on an application (which is legal to ask), it’s never OK for an employer to ask you about non-convictions. If you have been arrested in the past, or have a misdemeanor, it’s none of the employer’s business, period.

 

Q.  Is English your primary language?

This question is not legal to ask, because it implies that you are possibly from another nationality or world region. The employer can ask you what other languages you can read, write, or speak with proficiency. This has to be job related.

 

Q. Where do you practice your religious beliefs?

A person’s religious affiliation is off limits to employers.  This means, an interviewing person cannot ask you where you go to church, synagogue, or mosque. They cannot ask you about a religious pendant or tattoos depicting a certain belief system that you may be sporting either.

 

 Q. Do you have any debts we should know about?

While it’s common for most job seekers to have some types of debts, whether as a result of unemployment, college, or divorce; no employer has the right to ask about this. They may, however, ask you to submit to a credit report if you will be taking a job dealing with financials. Garnishments, debt collection, and other financial matters are your personal business, not to be discussed in an interview.

 

Q. Are you a drinker, drug user, or on regular medications?

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits interview questions concerning the use of controlled and non-controlled substances. If you are an alcoholic, drug addict, or on medication for any health concern, the employer has no right to pry. They may ask you to submit to pre-employment and random drug tests, so make sure you bring this up at the clinic where you are tested only.

 

Q. When did you graduate from high school? How long have you been working?

Age is a factor that employers often discriminate about. Be sure you do not answer this illegal interview question because you call fall prey to this kind of action.

 

If you are asked any of the above illegal interview questions, it’s always advisable to gracefully decline from answering them. You can say, “ Thanks for asking but I don’t feel comfortable talking about that”. Or simply change the topic by going back to talk about a point you wanted to make about another legal question you were asked.  If you are outright discriminated or harassed in an interview, be sure to alert the labor board in the state you reside in, then seek legal counsel from a lawyer who specializes in employment matters.

How Can I Negotiate Salary at a Job Interview?

Posted: September 22, 2014 at 9:26 pm

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The interview is a critical meeting in which a candidate and a hiring manager discuss all the aspects of a potential work assignment. From work hours and responsibilities to the corporate culture, a wide range of things are negotiated.  Yet, one of the topics that’s often left out of the interview process is the actual salary rate.

The Great Fear of Talking Compensation in an Interview

Why is this the case? In general, salary can be difficult to talk about upfront in a job interview. Money, and any talk about this, can be viewed as somewhat negative by both sides of the interview table. On the one hand, the hiring manager doesn’t want to lose a great candidate over a lower than expected salary range. On the other hand, the candidate may be uncomfortable bringing up salary negotiations for fear of looking overly interested in money, instead of the career opportunity.  But, when it comes down to it – a good candidate needs to be able to earn a salary that’s fair so they have to be able to bring it up in a job interview.

When is the right time to talk salary negotiations in an interview?

As a job seeker, it’s vital for you to be able to comfortably talk through the salary portion of a job interview. It’s also important to bring it up the right time. This is how you can negotiate for the best earnings during an interview.

#1 – Make the salary question one of our top questions you will ask the interviewer.

Instead of leaving the question of salary to the end, have a list of at least 5 interview questions to ask and bring up salary early on. Bring your list with you so the hiring manager knows you have a few questions to ask. In this way, it won’t seem so awkward.

#2 – Do your research on salaries for the job and region before the interview.

In advance of your interview, be sure to do some research using the most common salary surveys. Look up jobs that are similar to the one you are interviewing for. See what the salary ranges look like, the qualifications, and regional differences in pay. Then you’ll have a better idea of what to expect and ask for.

#3  – Talking about salary ranges vs. specific salary amounts.

If the hiring manager asks you what type of salary you are looking for, it’s always better to err on the side of being flexible. Give an open range with a difference of around $5K below and above what you want to be paid. So for example, if you want to earn $50K, say you’d like to be earning around $45 to $55K.

#4 – Ask if salary is based on a first-year employee or a seasoned employee.

Another way to negotiate for the best salary is to determine if the offer is based on a brand new employee with no experience (college grad for example) or someone with a few years under his or her belt. The more experience and training you have, the higher your starting salary should be.

#5 – Be willing to suggest alternatives to financial incentives.

During negotiations, the hiring manager may give a salary that’s a bit on the low side. Indicate your value and let them know you are also open to a variety of other perks, such as access to a company phone or car, stock options, flexible scheduling, or a primo office space. See what else you can get that will help you have a better experience in the new job.

When negotiating for salary, it’s always best to wait until you get a second or follow-up interview. This means you are one of the top candidates and they want you. Use this fact to your advantage to negotiate your way to a highly compensated job.

5 Examples of Clever and Professional Creative Resumes

Posted: September 19, 2014 at 9:24 pm

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When it comes to writing creative resumes, the options are limitless. A creative resume can step outside of the boundaries of a traditional resume, while retaining professionalism. Many creative job seekers hope to show off their unique skills, while also promoting their value to recruiters in this industry. Even with the job market picking up, the competition can be tough.

Best Examples of Creative Resumes Ever!

In order to help you draft a resume that’s worthy of your talent, and one that will create a positive impression with your target agency, here are some creative resume examples to inspire you.

This is My Desk Creative Resume

MY_RESUME_by_arianedenise

Would you love to bring a potential hiring company right to your studio to see a Master at work? This creative resume, designed by copywriter, Ariane, is one of our favorites. It’s fun layout reels the viewer in, highlighting all the most important details of her work. However, note that it also includes all the elements that a standard resume would. This creative resume makes good use of a one-page design, giving attention to her skills, achievements, and contact information.

Show me a Chart Creative Resume

We especially enjoy the creative resume from Graphic Illustrator, Michael, who displays a colorful series of charts and timelines on his resume. Injected with some humor about his daily productivity habits, including “daily coffee intake”, this resume does a great job of displaying both his talents as well as his artistic skills. Using a fresh layout. This creative resume is fun to look at, while not being overwhelming.

Classic Comics Creative Resume

My Resume by ChuckDLay

Want to demonstrate that you have what it takes to design in a retro-art obsessed world? This umber cool, retro creative resume from Graphic Designer, Chuck, creates a new spin on the classic comics of yesteryear. Using multiple “advertisement” style boxes, he successfully breaks up each highlighted area of his career background, skills, and achievements into easy to read sections and using muted colors and appropriate clip-art. Good contact information is there, and he even includes an old school address section at the bottom, just like they did when kids used to mail things in for prizes.

Products Design Creative Resume

Gleason's Resume-Ale - Self Promotion Piece

You just got to love the brilliance of this resume, developed by consumer products artist, Brennan! He transformed an ordinary craft beer box into a creative resume masterpiece. Combining his resume elements with a cool demo product, he accomplishes two critical job search aspects at once. And he even brews his own pale ale so he can share this with the lucky hiring manager! Talk about making a positive impression and scoring some major points in the process.

Marketing Agency Creative Resume

https://m1.behance.net/rendition/modules/110098023/disp/05a5a21196efd990a5a773177c870af1.jpg

What a genius idea, from Kamila, a Graphic Artist from Poland! She takes the creative resume to new dimensions with a colorful, yet professional tri-fold brochure with a twist. By adding a fun way to open the brochure (with a smart cutout of her initial) , trendy coordinating colors, and eye-catching fonts, she accomplishes what she set out to do—grabs the attention of the right hiring company. We love the branded look of this creative resume and portfolio all in one.

We hope that you loved these creative resumes and that this gives you some ideas of how to format your own.

Which States Have the Highest Minimum Wage and Best Employment Benefits?

Posted: September 17, 2014 at 7:09 pm

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Looking for the best state in America to find a job today? Maybe you are looking for some of the perks that a job has to offer, such as a modern work environment, an above-average entry level salary and the best employee benefit offerings in the market? After spending a great deal of time and effort training or attending college for your career, what it often comes down to is finding a job that can offer you more out of the gate.

Here is a rundown of what are the most promising US states to find work that pays well and has the best perks.

States with the Highest Minimum Wages

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), as of August 2014, there are 23 states and The District of Columbia that have minimum wages above the current Federal Minimum Wage of $7.25 USD per hour. Additionally, the remaining states have all proposed increases to their minimum wages, but as of this article have not enacted them. There are several states that have approved wage hikes, but they are pending for 2014.

Currently, these are the states with the highest minimum wages in the nation, and a good source of entry level jobs:

[table]

State,Minimum Wage

California,$9.00
Washington D.C.,$9.50
Oregon,$9.10
Vermont,$8.73
Washington,$9.32
Vermont,$8.73
Connecticut,$8.70
Illinois,$8.25
New Jersey,$8.25
Nevada,$8.25

[/table]

As of January 2015, the following states will also see an increase in their federal minimum wage:

[table]

State,Minimum Wage

Washington D.C.,$10.50 (July 2015)
California,$10.00
Connecticut,$9.15
Vermont,$9.15
Massachusetts,$9.00
Minnesota,$9.00 (large employers)
Rhode Island,$9.00
Vermont,$9.15
New York,$8.75
Michigan,$8.50

[/table]

It appears that many of these increases fall in line with the above-average cost of living indexes across states like California, Washington D.C., the Midwest and the Northeastern USA.

States with Companies Offering the Best Employee Benefits

Outside of salary, today’s workforce is looking for the best employee benefits to stay healthy and plan for retirement. Therefore, we have scoured the Internet to find out what states offer the top employee benefits. According to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Compensation Study in 2014 medical coverage was available to 86 percent of full time workers and 23 percent of part time workers in the private sectors. Retirement benefits are also offered to 74 percent of the full time workforce and 37 percent of part time employees.

There are several states that have above average benefits that employees can get their hands on. 24WallSt.com advised in 2012 that the top states that offered the best pension funding, parentage of wages covered by unemployment benefits, and spending on public health care and social services included Minnesota, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts.

Since then, Forbes magazine published it’s annual 100 Best Companies to Work For survey results, naming companies noted for being the Best Companies for Compensation and Benefits . These companies, along with states include some big names, such as:

[table]

Company,City,State

Google,Mountain View, California
COSTCO,Orem, Utah
Facebook,Menlo Park, California
Adobe,Seattle, Washington
Epic,Verona, Wisconsin
Intuit,Mountain View, California
USAA,San Antonio, Texas
Chevron,Houston, Texas
Sales force,Chicago, Illinois
Monsanto,St. Louis, Missouri
Genetech,San Francisco, California

[/table]

It appears that some of the best opportunities exist in California, Washington, and Illinois in terms of top wages and employee benefits. When searching for a job in these areas, use My Job Helper to make your search more focused on great companies like these.

How Often Should I Take Vacation Days?

Posted: September 15, 2014 at 7:01 pm

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If you are one of the many employees who enjoy the ability to take paid time off once in a while, count yourself as one of the lucky few with an employer who cares about work life balance. Vacation days are a benefit that not all employers offer. In fact, they are not mandatory at all in the USA. This is a benefit that companies can choose to offer their workers.

This is not something to take for granted, so you may be asking yourself:

How often should I take vacation days from work?

It should not come as a surprise to you that the answer to this question is never the same for any two people, because every individual has very difference experiences. But when it comes to scheduling time off for personal or family reasons, it’s important that you handle this with care.

How often you take time off can be a reflection of your work and personal priorities, demands on your time, and your lifestyle choices. It can also affect work projects, co-workers and even customers at your job.

How to Know When and How Often to Take Vacation

To help you make the most of paid time off, without sacrificing your work success — here are some ways to know how often you should take vacation days.

Does taking time off help you to be more effective at work?

First and foremost, vacation days are meant for rest and relaxation. This benefit is designed to help employees recover from the physical and mental stressors of work. Consider how you feel when you come back from a vacation. Are you refreshed, do you have a renewed vigor at work, and do you believe that it makes you a better employee? If you are feeling burnt out, run down, or just need a mental break – now could be the right time to start requesting some vacation days off.

Is your boss OK with taking regular vacation days each month, or once a year?

In terms of how often to take vacation days off from work , this can come down to your immediate supervisor’s requirements to cover the department where you work. In some cases, you will have to book your vacation days off all at once. In other cases, it may be more beneficial to schedule your vacation days on a regular basis, such as one day per month. Check with your boss on what is the best way to maximize this benefit.

How much of a family friendly company do you work for?

Oftentimes, people get into work situations where they have little to no time allowed for personal or family needs. They may become overworked and burnt out. Vacation time can be the only reprieve. Do a review of your workplace and find out if there are family friendly policies that allow you to take time off easily or work a flexible schedule. Talk with your manager, because you may be able to schedule regular vacation days, change your scheduled work hours to correspond with your family needs, or work at least part of your week from home.

Are you facing upcoming project deadlines or a busy season at work?

If you are in the middle of a project and there is a deadline looming, common sense will tell you that it may not be a good time to schedule a week off. Or if you have a normally busy season coming up, you will want to avoid taking time off during this period. Instead, think ahead and schedule a much needed vacation well in advance or just after a deadline or heavy season has concluded. When you should schedule time off is often dependent on project, team, and client needs – so plan accordingly.

Is a family commitment, personal need, or special event coming up?

Paid vacation days can be a great benefit when it comes to prioritizing your life. Family commitments, preventative health needs, and even special events that require a day or two may be on the horizon. Check your calendar and then schedule your vacation days often, but in advance.

Does your employer offer vacation days on an accrued basis?

Lastly, check the employee handbook to find out how vacation days are earned at your workplace. In some cases, it may be on an accrual system – meaning you have to work a certain amount of hours for each hour of paid vacation time. Your human resource or payroll department can advise you how many vacation hours you currently have available, so you know if this is the right time to schedule some time off.

How to Pass a Pre-Employment Personality Test

Posted: September 13, 2014 at 6:50 pm

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At some point in the process of applying for work, a job seeker may be faced with the request to take a pre-employment personality test. This is essentially a series of questions that ask the candidate to identify certain values relating to the world of work. The personality test may seem like just part of the regular application or it may be presented as a separate document or online questionnaire.

What are Pre-Employment Personality Tests all About?

While it may seem intrusive, a good many employers use personality tests to ‘weed out’ candidates who may not be a good fit for the job or the corporate culture. Personality is closely tied to on-the-job success. For example, an employee who is socially outgoing may be better suited to certain types of jobs that require strong interpersonal skills, while an introverted employee may be better suited to more analytical or behind-the-scenes tasks.

In a nutshell, personality tests are tools used to better understand candidates who are coming in, so the hiring manager can make better decisions for specific job placements. Keep in mind that recruiters do not use personality tests to make their final decision on whom to bring in for an interview. They also do not hire people based solely on personality types. Pre-hire personality tests are just one of many resources that are used to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a particular role.

Getting Past the Personality Test and to a New Job

It’s important to note that there is no way to 100 percent guarantee that you will get hired for a job because of the way you answer a personality test at the pre-hire stage. You will also need to have a strong work and educational history, have the skills and qualities that the hiring company needs, and interview well in order to increase your chances of getting hired.

However, we can advise you on ways to help increase the odds you will make it past the personality test, with these guidelines.

#1 – Give Yourself Plenty of Time

When presented with the questions that indicate a personality test is about to take place, grab yourself a glass of water and relax first. You want a clear mind and focus when you take this part of the application. Give yourself time and don’t rush through the questions.

#2 – Be Honest with Answers

Personality test results are more accurate when you answer all questions with complete truthfulness. This means being honest with yourself but using common sense in your answer choices. If you are truthful, but keep in mind how your answer applies to the workplace, you will be good to go.

#3 – Don’t Change Your Answers

It’s natural to want to go back through the assessment and make changes to some of your responses. However, if you do this, you will only appear to be uncertain in the final results. Instead, go with the first answer that comes to mind and don’t second-guess yourself.

#4 – Be Consistent with Test Answers

In a personality test, it’s common to encounter similar question that are worded slightly differently. This is actually a way for the assessment to give qualitative data to the hiring team. It solidifies your personality results and shows you have consistent values and attitudes about work.

#5 – Stay Confident in Your Abilities

A personality test may leave you wondering if you have the skills and experience to do the job well, which is a real confidence buster. Instead of worrying about this, remember that you would not have gotten this far in the process without having the skills and abilities that an employer wants. Take heart knowing you have successfully completed a personality test and now it wont be long before you get an interview.

Follow the above tips and you’ll be soon in front of a hiring manager where you can prove your worth and get hired.

What Questions Will I Be Asked at an Interview for a Restaurant Job?

Posted: September 11, 2014 at 8:59 pm

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Getting ready to hunt for a job in the exciting field of restaurant, beverage and food services? This is a great time to launch your career in an industry that’s experienced consistent growth and opportunities over the last few years. One way to get prepared is to start researching and practicing the types of interview questions you may encounter for a restaurant job.

Check out some of the most common interview questions that restaurant recruiters use for candidates, with tips for giving the best answer.

Q. What do you enjoy most about restaurant work?

Be honest and share why you enjoy the restaurant atmosphere, customers, and other key aspects of the job. Include why restaurant work is uniquely suited for your skills.

Q. Tell me about a time when you made a customer service mistake.

We all make mistakes from time to time, and it’s OK to talk about this in an interview, but briefly. Try to think of ways you can illustrate turning a negative customer experience into a positive one.

Q. What are your ultimate goals in the food and beverage industry?

Restaurant work can be challenging and so it has a high turnover rate. Make sure you talk about why you can handle the physical, mental, and professional aspects of restaurant work along with your long-term career objectives.

Q. If you had an irate customer, how would you handle this?

We’ve all encountered a few doozies of customers who were so upset by something in a restaurant that they took it out on the nearest wait staff. Talk about how you would calm an angry customer down and help make them happy by the time they left the restaurant.

Q. Why is food safety so important?

In the restaurant business, understanding cleanliness and food handling are critical to the health and well being of customers. Make sure you talk about how you make an effort to use proper food safety and handling procedures, as well as keeping your work areas clean and use personal hygiene at all times.

Q. How do you remember customer orders?

Each restaurant worker may encounter food order taking at some point therefore its important to have a method for remembering these orders. Talk about memory tools you use to note customer orders so they are always correct.

Q. Have you ever dined here or been a customer of our establishment?

It’s important for a restaurant to know that you’ve not only done your homework as a job seeker, but as a customer as well. Take the time to visit the restaurant as a patron at least once before the interview and share this positive experience with the interviewer.

Q. What are some things we could do here to improve the quality of the customer experience?

Now, use this as an opportunity to talk about what the restaurant does well and how they can tweak a few things to make it better. This demonstrates insightfulness and thinking like the management team.

Q. Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Restaurant work is one of the most stressful types of work, so you must be able to demonstrate you can handle it. Talk about ways you thrive in a pressure environment and that you like to work on your feet.

Q. How do you cope with stress from long hours and demanding people all day?

Recruiters are looking for candidates who can both handle the grueling shifts of restaurant jobs and have some personal life balance. Share how you burn off stress by exercising or a special hobby.

Q. What do you think are the most important qualities in a restaurant worker today?

This is your chance to shine as you talk about how your skills fit in well with the restaurant world, where the industry is going, and how it will look in a few years.

Q. If a health inspector arrived at our restaurant, what would you do?

Along with showing that you understand food safety and restaurant cleanliness, you also want to demonstrate you understand that health inspectors do often show up unannounced to check out the facility. Calmly explain you will get your manager and let he or she handles this process.

Q. Why did you pick our company over competitor restaurants?

Make sure you are talking positively about the restaurant chain, why it is better than other restaurant, and what appeals to you the most about working for this employer. Tie this into your career goals, and you’ll look good as gold to the interviewer.

How Should I Dress for the First Day of My New Job?

Posted: September 9, 2014 at 3:57 pm

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As you prepare to begin life at a new job, make sure you have all your ducks in a row for the first day. To go along with the job interview process, this is the perfect time to make a great impression on your new co-workers, your direct supervisor and the management team at the company – by dressing for success!

Of course, you will also want to make sure that you arrive on-time, which really means early, and have everything you need to perform your duties from the minute you are shown your desk. Get ready for your first day on the job with these fashion career tips.

Choose Your Clothes Wisely

When choosing an outfit for the first day at a new job, it is best to choose one that is too professional rather than too casual. You more than likely know what the culture of the company is like from your job interviews, which can help you choose an appropriate outfit. Even if you have seen employees walking around in casual outfits, they might not be working within your department. Stay professional from day one and then make adjustments based on what supervisors tell you.

Choose a Comfortable Outfit

For the first day of work, which might not include sitting at your office desk all day long, you need to choose an outfit in which you are comfortable. The first day of work will involve signing a lot of paperwork, an onboarding meeting, possible presentations and tours of the facility. You will want to be comfortable throughout the day so your outfit does not agitate you. This includes wearing appropriate clothing for the season and working conditions.

Be Sure to Groom Yourself

Being well groomed on the first day at a new job is very important. You should never show-up to work with a scruffy beard or untamed hair. Even if you normally have a beard or a mustache, they need to be freshly trimmed so you do not look like someone who just rolled out of bed and came to work. Being well groomed for the first and subsequent days on the job is just as important as your outfit.

Go Light on the Makeup and Fragrance

For women working the first day of a new job, it is best to keep it light when applying makeup. For all new employees, take it easy on the fragrance or cologne too. One thing to keep in mind is that you are not attending a prom or wedding; so keep it simple when applying makeup or fragrance for the first day of work at a new job. Too much of a good thing can go very wrong.

Dress Like You Did for the Interview

If all else fails, dress for the first day on the job like you dressed during the interview process. This is the best way to impress your new employer on the first day. Dress this way for a couple of days as you observe what your co-workers are wearing. You will make a positive first impression and those who interviewed you will recall how impressed they were with you. Keep it neutral, professional, and forgo anything too trendy.

If you follow the above work fashion tips, you will do well on your first day on the new job!

How Do I Find Available Jobs and Job Opportunities in My Area?

Posted: September 7, 2014 at 3:47 pm

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In the search for work, individuals will often start with a local focus. There are a number of reasons why a job seeker will want to consider local career opportunities. These can include: the desire to live near family and friends, contributing to the development of the community, and needing to work in a specific industry with a strong local presence.

Making the Most of a Local Job Search

Finding a local job can be challenging, but certainly possible – that is if you know how and where to look. In this article, we will talk about ways to boost your results using these job-hunting strategies.

Utilize a Local Job Search Engine

The good news is that there are job search engines and websites that allow job seekers to use local terms to find work. Start your search at My Job Helper for careers near you. Use your postal zip code, the name of your city, nearby areas, and even local companies using advanced local search technology. This is far more productive than spending needless hours combing through the newspaper or weeding through outdated results on other job search engines.

Connect with Local Businesses at Job Fairs

Each season, many hiring companies participate in job fairs through local community centers, industry associations, and business events. Make sure you take advantage of this in your local job search. Get some professional business cards and resumes printed out, and brush up on your elevator pitch. Head there, dressed for success.

Get Registered with Staffing Agencies

Oftentimes, local staffing agencies can be values sources of local part time and full time jobs in your area. Take on temp assignments with the expectation that you will impress a company enough to hire you on permanently. Speak up about your career goals, be punctual, professional, and work hard to achieve more on the job.

Get Social with Your Job Search

Take the time to improve your social media presence by making it a regular part of your local job search. Use a professional head shot photo on your social profiles, leave off personal fluff, ad speak about your career aspirations. Connect with recruiters on social networks via local career groups.

If you want to have the bet chance at finding a local job, use a local job search engine well by also uploading a copy of your updated resume. As you search for jobs on My Job Helper, be sure to send your resume using a PDF format and a separate cover letter written specifically to each hiring company.

We hope that you find your local job search to be productive and fruitful, as you use the above tips for success.