Yes, I understand we are in a seller’s market where employers control the hiring process. But why does the hiring process take so long? It is a bit extreme, in my opinion. Let me explain why. Years ago, you could apply for a job and start working within four to six weeks. I’ve heard of…
Category: Marcie’s Thoughts
Social Media & Your Job Search
For better or for worse, social media has impacted all areas of our lives, including our careers. Everything we say and do online is being watched, whether we know it or not. And it can open or close doors of opportunity. Social Media & Your Job Search According to a CareerBuilder study, “70 percent of…
Blog Posting Schedule for December 11 – 22
I’m going to alter the blog posting schedule for the week of December 11 to 22 so I can complete my frustrated job seeker series. When I first started this series, I thought there would be four or five posts. However, it has grown to well over 10 posts with approximately six more to go….
Things that Drive Recruiters Crazy In Interviews
I found this article about things that drive recruiters crazy in interviews quite interesting. In addition to highlighting “interview mistakes, behaviors, and choices that could immediately disqualify a job candidate”, it confirms that job seekers are subject to recruiters’ biases. I’m going to list the things here in my own words with my thoughts. However,…
Pre-Employment Questionnaires: Another Applicant Disqualification Tool
There’s another tool employers are using to disqualify qualified and promising applicants: pre-employment questionnaires. Although there are several names for these forms, they all serve the same purpose. Asking a few job-related questions to determine your qualifications for a position seems innocent enough, right? Well, they would be if they weren’t applicant tracking systems’ (ATS)…
Job Post Trivia
Here’s a little job post trivia for you. Since applicant tracking systems require keywords, which words would you use on your resume when applying for the positions below? Job post with vague wording Job post with four jobs in one position Honestly, I don’t know. But if I had to give an answer I would…
Appropriate and Inappropriate Job Search Attire
I’ve been taking tests for state positions and it’s amazing to see what people wear. I mean, this is still part of the job search process. I’m not the fashion police by any means but here are a few things that made me go “Whaaat??? They wore what?” Inappropriate Job Search Attire Men and women:…
More Frustrated Job Seekers’ Opinions on Applicant Tracking Systems
I received an article from Jobscan, 8 Things You Need to Know About Applicant Tracking Systems, and read the comments of other frustrated job seekers. Here are a few below, as well as recommendations from job coaches and consultants. More Opinions on Applicant Tracking Systems Topic: Quantity vs. Quality Topic: What do Employers Want? Topic:…
Even Applying for Temp Work Has Changed
Remember when you could walk into a temporary staffing agency, complete new hire paperwork and possibly start working that day? If not that day, then sometime during that week. Temp work was the job seeker’s salvation between permanent gigs. In addition to earning a paycheck, the employee learned new skills; gained a feel for the…
How to Tackle the Salary Question
What did you earn in your last position? How much would you like to earn in your next position? What is your desired salary? These and similar questions will stump professionals at all levels at every step in the process. And there’s no getting around it because you’re going to see it on the application….