Staffing Advice

Building Confidence with an Internship

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:34:28 +0000

Today was my first day of my internship for Millennium Personnel Corp and I was super nervous but they made me feel very comfortable. They gave me an intern packet, which was filled with helpful information and I sat in for a couple of courtesy interviews, just observing. When interning here you have to be a team player. My biggest challenge has been answering the phones. With this internship I will overcome my challenge. I also hope to learn Quick Books because it is a requirement for most jobs now.

What I will get out of this internship? I will be able to do normal secretarial work and find out what is my brand is. Don’t know what that is? Well, I will explain: It’s what type of person you are and what skill you bring to the company. For example, my aunt is a go-getter and a people person. She has been work for the Queens D.A office over forty years .She tells me that to work in an office is a wonderful job and you can meet a lot of people. And colleges only want you to take classes, but with no experience it is a challenge, since most jobs want you to have a least two years of experience, which I lack . This internship is great because it gives me a chance to learn skills. This is the greatest thing that has happened to me. What I also want to get out of this internship is confidence .And I have to develop a 30 second commercial, which will explain my skills so that way I will be able to get a good job at companies. It takes a lot of practice, but I am up for the challenge.

The “Other” Job Search Engines

admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:45:16 +0000

I’m sure there are job search engines that everyone knows about. Some of these include CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com and of course, Craigslist, which is infamous for scams and fakes. But what some people may not know is that there are other, extremely helpful, free job search engines out there. Some of these engines go as far as linking and working with the company websites and job listings. These search engines may also have discussion forums and ways to do advanced searches.
A job search engine is there to help save time and effort. You look up a job you want, send your resume out and check to see if they want an interview with you. Aside from the well known job search engines, there are other lesser known, but just as good, search engines out there. To name a few, there is Indeed.com. This job search engine compiles information from company websites, career pages, job boards and through occupational associations. Other sites include Linkup.com and Simplyhired.com. These sites look up open positions from the actual company site. These sites go through small to medium career sections. They also update with the company career sections.
These sites also contain discussion forums, which in job search engines, can be invaluable tools. These forums allow you to communicate with other job seekers and in some cases recruiters and employers. Forums are the easiest ways to network. You can find people who may be working for a company of interest and contact them through your social networking such as twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. The more people you know with jobs, the better your search will go.
There are technical tools and methods when using job search engines. A simple tool is to simply block a job listing. Some reasons to block a job listing is when you have already applied to it or if it’s some type of spam. This allows you to refine your search and cut out the unnecessary listings. Then there are methods for using a job search engine. To get the best results, you will need to narrow your search. This includes experience, skill set, location, and salary. The more specific your search is the better the results will look. Other methods are looking up the types of companies, keywords, phrases, type of positions, and if necessary, using advanced searching and job board postings. These methods will show that you know exactly what you want and what you are looking for. Knowing what you want is to know yourself, which is an important aspect for getting a successful interview. It also shows good organization skills.
Using job search engines is only half the work. The other half is getting the interview and hopefully the job. Just because using a job search engine is easy doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Always keep an eye out for anything that may look like a scam or a fake. It doesn’t matter what site you find a position on. Always do your research on the position, the company and if needed, make a few calls to make sure that everything is legitimate. In this job market, we can’t afford to make mistakes.

First Hand Account: Don’t Be A Scam Victim During Your Job Hunt!

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:44:13 +0000

Due to the market, many are on job hunts these days. It also means there are people out there willing to exploit this in a less than honest way. Enter the “scammers”. They will attempt to squeeze money out of you at some point in exchange for no service and a lot of promises that sounds too good to be true.
I will use a personal experience as an example. Before my internship, I was on the job hunt just like everyone else. I found security guard training on Craigslist and decided to check it out. The first shady detail that came up was that their address appeared on Google Maps as a shoe store. Being desperate for a job, I went to find the location in person. It was a small door behind a bank. Since I was already there, I went downstairs to what looked like an under-maintained dark basement. The paint and plaster on the walls was chipping, if it wasn’t already gone.
I was eventually called upon for the interview. I stepped into the interviewer’s office/closet and took a seat. His office was shared with an assistant who worked in a tight little corner of this closet. As he interviewed me, I noticed all the certificates on his wall looked exactly the same. It also looked like something one could make using Microsoft suite and maybe some Photoshop. The certificates also lacked any kind of gold seal or special print.
If that wasn’t odd enough, they immediately asked for $90 for drug tests and screenings. They went on to explain their “pay what you can” training classes “guaranteed” to get you a job for a mere $300. Because I really wanted to work, I decided to pay the 90 dollars, but after some research, I wanted my money back. My friend pretended to be a career advisor and together we managed to get a refund. The last and final unsavory detail is when my interviewer’s boss began talking to him in the most unprofessional manner. After leaving with my money and demanding my files be destroyed, I discovered that there have been other people who have been scammed out of 398 dollars from their security training without getting any benefit what so ever.
In the end, it really comes down to a judgment call and common sense. If something sounds too good, it most likely is. One of the first signs of a “job hunting scam” is that they are asking you to pay them money! The object of getting a job is to earn money, not PAY money. Be cautious and use your best judgment!

An effective way to accept criticism is to externalize it.

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:47:52 +0000

Criticism is crucial for personal improvement. It’s the most direct way to find out what you should improve on. However, accepting criticism can be emotionally challenging. After all, we’re only human, who wants to hear bad stuff about ourselves?

It’s hard to not take it personally. Our instinctive reaction is to become defensive and we shut out potentially helpful and life-enhancing tips. By doing this, we miss out on what could supercharge our improvement.

So how can you take criticism without getting self-conscious and defensive?

When you externalize criticism, you escape the defensiveness trap. You stop being self-conscious and take criticism objectively, which lets you reap the benefits of the helpful tips that the criticism contains. Externalizing criticism lets you extract helpful tips from even the most critical feedback. You take the bits that make sense to you and discard the rest. You don’t risk getting defensive or even feeling bad or self-conscious.

How to keep employees happy and satisfied within your company

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:41:58 +0000

As the manager or CEO of an organization one needs to be aware that a successful organization, is one that has happy and satisfied employees. Without employees an organization can not function well because employees make things happen. Therefore, it is important that they feel respected and are kept happy. How does an employer ensure that his/her employers are happy? The first thing to identify is how to address the needs of ones employees in the organization.

1) Have frequent meetings and allow employees to talk about their stresses or concerns. This also allows them to exchange ideas and feel validated.

2) Keeping employees happy is key to the success of any kind of organization. Offering a plethora of incentives will definitely keep any individual motivated, because their needs are being met, and their best interests are being kept at heart. For instance offering free meals during lunch hour is a very good way to keep employees energetic during the day. Opportunity for bonuses, once a year conferences, Christmas parties, Thanksgiving dinners and etc. Such small gestures may seem insignificant but employees will feel appreciated.

3) Having a pleasant working environment is another good way to keep employees motivated. A simple gesture such as having fresh flowers every monday morning in the main lobby may just brighten up someones day.

4) The power of praise goes a long way. As huma beings we all want praise when we do something right. This will give assurance to an employee when they do exceptional work.

5) By letting your employees know what you expect from them and what they should expect from, gives employees a clear difinitive idea of what is required of them. This will serve as a clear guide which will enable them to set goals for themselves.

6) A manager should aslo have managing styles that will boost morale within the organization.

7) Opportunity for promotion should seem feasiable and attainable.

Keeping all these points in mind a manager can successfully have a healthy relationship with her/his employees. Full productivity can be achieved at the same time.

The To Do List for an Interview

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:21:16 +0000

This might be the best day of your life, for the company that you have been dreaming of working for has called you to schedule an interview. You vacillate between elation and apprehension. This will be your moment to shine and demonstrate your true talents, but, simultaneously, the job market is competitive, as you have to battle others for that position. Before you even think of rushing into that interview, here are five things you must know.

First, never be late. Tardiness is tantamount to telling the employer that you could care less about the position. The hiring manger could be interviewing others that day or must fulfill other obligations. Either way, if you show up late, consider that opportunity lost.

Next, please remember to dress professionally. It does not matter if you are interviewing for a fast food company or an investment bank, you need to dress as if you want that job. Obviously, for a fast food company you do not need a three-piece suit, but never wear jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers. It sends the message that you were out promenading when suddenly; you realized that the company was conducting interviews. Unless the company specifically says that you can wear casual attire, opt for slacks, a button down shirt, and closed-toe, professional shoes. Preparing your outfit the night before will save you the hassle that would surely ensue the day of the interview.

Next, do not forget to bring a copy of your resume. Even if you have faxed or emailed your resume, do not assume that the hiring manager has reserved a copy. Many times you will be instructed to bring the resume to the interview; if not, just bring it in case as forgetting it equals being unprepared.

Then, you must budget your time wisely. This is all a part of being on-time. If it takes you one hour to get ready and one hour to commute, then try to start at least half hour earlier than you normally would. Perhaps, the interview is in an unknown location; you do not want to waste precious time running around searching. For one thing, you may get lost; another, you may start sweating, and managers may be reluctant to hire you if your hygiene is questionable.

Finally, please remember to review the company before you go. You never know when you may be quizzed about certain facts, such as the history or the reason behind the foundation. Hiring managers like to know that you have thoroughly researched and that you are truly interested in their company.

An interview offers you the chance to prove that you would be a valuable asset that helps increase profit for a company. It is a time when most applicants may feel anxious or stressed because of what is at risk, a job, a way to earn a living. Following these tips will, at the very least, reduce that anxiety, resulting in an applicant that is less stressed and better able to handle the interview.

Network your way to your new career

admin — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:11:54 +0000

Networking can be a great tool in finding the job that you want. You may be able to obtain great information about potential employers who may be looking to hire personnel. Your friends, family, and college alumni can also provide you with a great resource that could help you land a job. Keeping in touch and asking the right questions can get you the information you need.

Sometimes people may be intimidated and a little scared to use their network resources in order to find a job. Getting over this fear could be the key to starting a rewarding new career. Networking makes it that much easier to ask for potential job information because you already have some kind of relationship with these contacts. Many of these already post the job they have or the career field they are pursuing on their personal page. Depending on how well you know the contact, you may be able to be straight forward and ask for a job directly. Asking for a referral from someone who is currently working in the same company you are trying to get a job with will give you a better chance of getting hired.

You may also want to try a less aggressive approach and begin by asking for some advice and information regarding your field of interest. Think of it as starting a casual conversation and mentioning that you are looking for employment. Emailing friends through social networking sites is a great way to start in your search. Make sure to treat these emails as if you are emailing someone who might hire you, check your spelling and be polite.

Most importantly you want to keep an open mind about potential job opportunities that come your way. The more options that you have, the better chance you have of establishing yourself in your desired workplace. Remember, in the long run, having a job is better than not having one and you might even end up meeting someone who will help you find your true calling. Be open to internships and temp positions as well, for these may turn into permanent positions in the future and help you find the career that you are looking for.

Getting the Most from a Job Fair

admin — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:10:17 +0000

At this time of year, many colleges and organizations are hosting “Job Fairs”. A Job Fair is an event that brings together many companies and organizations that are hiring, to make it easier for both the companies and job seekers to get acquainted. In order to get the best results it is important to be prepared. The job seeker’s objective at these fairs is to have a recruiter invite you to an interview. Here are some essential tips that can help you to get the best results for your job search!

1) Do your homework! What types of hiring firms will be attending the fair? What positions are they recruiting for? Who will be in attendance from the hiring company? All of this information can be obtained by the sponsoring venue.

2) Have questions ready for Hiring Managers! This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the firm that they work

3) Arrive early! The first attendees usually get the opportunity to enter first and have more time with recruiters and other company decision makers.

4) Get your resume ready! Tailor your resume to the types of firms that will be in attendance. Be sure all of your contact information is up to date and have many copies handy.

5) Take Job Fairs as seriously as you would take an interview! Employers are looking for extreme professionalism and they meet hundreds of job seekers during a fair. Stand out by being polite and very professional.

6) Spend quality time with Hiring Managers! Do not just run through the Fair handing out resumes. Try to get some face time with your top three companies for the best chance of landing an interview.

7) Collect business cards and contact information from Hiring Managers! You will want to keep contact information handy and make notes so you can effectively follow up after the Fair and send thank you notes.

Although the job market can be competitive, sometimes a Job Fair can be the edge that you need to win over an employer and get that foot in the door!

Most Common Resume Mistakes We DON’T Want You To Make

admin — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:48:21 +0000

In many cases, resumes act as an interview before the interview. Most
advertisements for open jobs ask for a resume to be submitted via fax
or email before any face to face interviews are scheduled. A great
resume will score you a phone call to schedule interview, but a poorly
written or constructed one will leave you waiting for a call that will
never come. Here are ten common resume mistakes that will sabotage
your chances of landing a job.

1. Resume is too long: Employers aren’t looking to read a novel
about your prior experience, so keep your resume to one page at the
longest. Keep in mind the position you are applying to; if there jobs
listed that have no relevance to the position you are seeking, leave
them off.

2. Noting that references are available upon request: Putting this
phrase in your resume is a waste of space and makes you look dumb. If
the employer is interested in contacting any references they will let
you know.

3. Incorrect contact information: Believe it or not, some people
mistype their phone numbers on their resumes. One such example is of a
man who sent out his resume to multiple employers, but was discouraged
when he never received any calls to schedule an interview. When his
father jokingly asked if he listed the wrong number on his resume, a
quick scan over his contact list confirmed that he did. Another
similar mistake is not listing your email address with your phone
number. Emails are essentially the phone calls of the 21st century;
some employers will choose to contact you by email instead of a phone
call.

4. Including personal information: Employer’s don’t care about your
hobbies, interests or family life. What they really want to know is
your work experience, educational background, and computer skills. If
they want to know you on a personal level, they will ask you during
the interview or after you are hired.

5. Listing any information that would lead the employer to know your
race, religion, or ethnicity before you even step foot in the office:
Do not include any information pertaining to any groups or awards that
reveal your race or religion. Knowing this background is risky for the
employer and will possibly lead them to disregard your resume all
together.

For more information, view our website:

www.mpc-nyc.com

Tough Interview Questions: A “killer” question…

admin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:50:11 +0000

Here's a killer interview question, literally. Some employers have asked:

If you were to die tomorrow, what would your eulogy say about you?

This question,although morbid in it's premise, allows the interviewer to get
know your view of how you think the world perceives you. This question is
sometimes used by employers to see how you react personally and emotionally.
Answering with an emotional response could possibly label you as a weak person.
Talking about your family or how great you are will make you come off as a
self-centered person and nobody wants to work with an egotist.

Giving a smart-alack answer such as “if I'm dead, how could I possibly know what my
eulogy will say?” will not score you any points. There is a time and place for sarcasm;
a job interview is not one of them. Also, don't question the relevancy of the question either.
Telling the interviewer that the question does not relate to the job to which you are applying
to will lead you nowhere. It doesn't matter if you are applying to the job of funeral director
or accountant,employers only ask such odd questions to gauge how well you think on
your feet and to learn a little more about you on a personal level.

When faced with the task of writing a eulogy for a fallen friend or family member,
the challenge can be daunting and emotionally upsetting. But remember, this
interview question is purely hypothetical, so be wary of taking it too seriously.
Perhaps giving a vague answer might seem the best way to go about it. For example:

Death was afraid of him/her because he/she had the heart of a lion.

It matters not how one dies, but how one lives.

While these answers will demonstrate a superior intelligence and a well-spoken
demeanor, it does not give the employer a clear understanding of what they really
want to know: How do you think others perceive you? The best route: Give an
honest, non-egotistical answer of how you think others view you. For example:

“John” was a hard-working individual who demonstrated himself as a reliable
person, friend, and son did not shy away from the prospect of breaking away from
the pack and making his own way in life.

Although her life was unfairly cut short, “Marissa” accomplished more than anyone
thought possible given her past as a shy and timid child. She eventually blossomed
into an outgoing young woman who embraced the prospect of new challenges and
acquaintances wherever she went in the world.

Your eulogy can become somewhat of a script- telling people who you were, what
you did, and how well you were liked. A great eulogy can only be made by living
the life you want remembered. Show a sense of humanity, but never too much-
emotional weakness can sometimes be a red flag to interviewers. But at the same
time, don't present a cynical or cold answer. It's okay to break down your walls
a little bit. Just remember that the line between sob and stone-cold can be very
thin in certain instances. Above all keep a clear head and calm demeanor; don't
let yourself become the victim of a seemingly off-topic interview question. All
questions have their purpose in a job interview, and your answers can either
make or break the possibility of a job offer.

For more information, view our website: