Welcome HR and hiring expert Laurie Ruettimann to the SnagAJob.com blog. She’ll be writing guest blog posts from an expert point of view that will make you smarter, better job seekers.
The hiring process seems like a scary game to most job seekers. In reality, companies just want to hire likable, easy-going people who work hard. Here are a few tips to help you understand what a manager wants to see from you.
- An error-free application and resume/profile. Everyone should have a resume, even if it's one page. Your first instinct is to look for spelling errors. That is important, but the best resumes are pleasing to the eye. Double-check the alignment, margins, and spacing on the document. Lay off the italics and the bold-faced font. (Extra benefit: A clean, updated resume is easy to copy & paste into a SnagAJob.com profile.)
- A straightforward progression of work. There is no need to list every single job on your resume unless it helps to tell your story. Work a temporary job as an overnight stocker in a retail store? Include the job if it demonstrates your work ethic. Provide day care for your cousin's kid while you were looking for work? Probably not relevant unless you want a job in that field.
- A good set of references. Managers want to talk to people who know you -- the real you--warts and all. Great candidates will provide three managerial references and two extra people who can add a little color commentary. Think about including a former co-worker or someone who reported to you. A variety of references will show that you have depth in your work history.
- Integrity. Your resume isn't an autobiography, but you cannot lie at any point. If you were fired from a previous job, be ready to talk about that experience in a humble yet positive light. Tell the manager the basic outline of the story. Then be prepared to talk about what you learned and how you would do things differently in the future. Humility goes a very long way in the interview process.
Remember to smile, laugh and take every opportunity to demonstrate your strong work ethic. Show that you are a decent person with good skills. The number one goal of a manager is to hire people who solve problems, not cause problems. Offer solutions and a positive attitude and the job will be yours.
I just lost my job. They cut my hours to the point there was no money. I didnt go back. I left the job only having 30 hours a month. Now I cant even get unemployment. Not sure what to do. Im a single mom of a 9 year old with no child support. I worked my job for 2 years never missed a day. You think that would mean something I was dependable but I couldnt depend on them for a job. They just keep hiring young girls. Im 45 an not sure how to get back on track with a job I can support my child with. Any advice?
I'm sorry to hear this. What is your background in? Is most of your experience working in retail, restaurants, etc...? Do you like interacting with people? I would be more than happy to give you some pointers to stir you in the right direction. The most important thing is to not lose hope right now. I'm a true believer that everything happens for a reason and that something good comes out of every situation!
Lynn, I’m so sorry to hear this.
I would google the following: churches job loss support
Then add your town to that search string.
Even if you aren’t a person of faith, churches are doing amazing work and are connecting people who need help to community resources. Good luck.
Quitting your job because they cut your hours too low should not disquality you for at least some unemployement. Did you check with the unemployement office?
Great advice, thanks Rhona! Whenever possible though, if your hours are reduced search for a new job *before* quitting your current one.
You misspelled unemployment (unemploye?ment). Not good for detail oriented!
I was with company for a long period of time,I quit and walk off the job. How do i tell the employer i quit without having red flags pop up as not being a trust worthy employee that would stay commited and not quit? i ,m a loyal employee, i made a bad choice help. thank you for ur feed back.
@ Dan: This is a tough one, especially since you already quit. Your best bet, if you haven’t already, is to get in contact with your employer and let them know the reason as to why you quit. Was there an issue with another co-worker or manager that caused this? If so, you may want to contact them to let them know how you feel as to why you stopped showing up. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then maybe there is a third party or a hotline you can call with the company to speak to someone for advice on this.
Remember, while we can never change the past, we can change the future. Its always best to let the company know your intentions, or how you feel before doing anything irrational.
Hi Dan,
While it is unfortunate that you felt you were left with no choice but to walk off a job, this isolated mistake (I hope) does not have to plague you forever. Oftentimes, job candidates get too caught up in thinking they have to give long, drawn out answers to both pre-screen and/or interview questions asking about their previous departure from a given company. The best answers are short and sweet – yet don’t lack clarity. Be clear yet “crisp” with your response. So, when you’re asked on the application “reason for leaving” a job, simply write “resigned for personal reasons”. However, if you’re asked to elaborate on that reasoning during the interview, tell the truth by keeping it simple, being clear, and showing humility with regard to your departure from that company. Best of luck in your job search:)
Dan, I would first make sure you understand the real reason why you walked off the job.
If I were a Human Resources professional or a hiring manager who was interviewing you and found out you walked away from a job, I would like to know what you would do differently in this situation. How would handle this so that you never walk off a job again? Be prepared to offer humble, thoughtful comments to show that you’ve personally grown from that experience.
I’m sorry to hear this. What is your background in? Is most of your experience working in retail, restaurants, etc…? Do you like interacting with people? I would be more than happy to give you some pointers to stir you in the right direction. The most important thing is to not lose hope right now. I’m a true believer that everything happens for a reason and that something good comes out of every situation!
I have been unemployed since July 2010, I walked out of my job because I was being discrimated against. I have had bad luck at previous jobs with management and the owners because other employess were spreading lies about me. I am a dedicated and hard worker who has never been late and I always willing to work over. I have been putting in applications everyday, Does anyone have any advice on how I can find work?
Have you tried temp agencies? The temp world is hiring like crazy, right now. It’s a sign of optimism in our economy.
I RECENTLY HAVE BEEN ON MY CURRENT JOB FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND HAVE NO IDEA ON WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR WHEN IT COMES TO A INTERVIEW. I HAVE A INTERVIEW THIS FRIDAY AND I DON’T HAVE A GLUE ON WHAT TO SAY AT THE INTERVIEW WHEN THEY ASK ME QUESTIONS. CAN U PLEASE HELP ME AND GIVE ME SOME QUICK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS THAT WILL HELP ME LAND THIS NEW ENDEAVOR!
Hi Lavita,
Find video interview tips here: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/interview-tips/
Best of luck with your interview.
They will ask you to talk about YOU. What you do well. What you don’t.
Google BEHAVIOR BASED INTERVIEWS and start by looking at those questions.
How do I get to the Appcation side to start or compleat a app? I would like to work @ a pilot center for I’ve found the employee’s most conseterat and not to minchon helpfull to add a little more Iwould not mide spinding time around such good people, My only consern is that there so professanl becouse of the severity of the job market or did some one taKe the speasial time in screanning such a fine group of people even if I don’t find employment I need to let some one know that I was truly emprest thank’s for all that you guy’s do
Matt
Hi Matt,
You can find Pilot Travel Center jobs here: http://www.snagajob.com/companies/pilot-travel-centers-employment.htm?b=2599
You’ll see a tab to search by state.
Once you find the location and position you’re seeking, click to apply and you’ll be asked to register and complete a profile if you haven’t already. Best of luck.
I myself have been finding alot of difficulty finding employment, outside of home healthcare. I find it difficult to find any positions that can offer me insurance. I am presently working at a homecare agency, but the stability is not there along with insurance, so i continue to apply apply and apply again with no responces. I am at a loss. I would be intrested in a different line of work afer doing this work for 2o yrs, but seem to keep hearing you need experience. so until i can get the position i cannot train to gain that experience.
Hi im alexcia im 17 and. Will be graduating high school this year and cant find a job i have no work history. So i put in volunteer hours that ive done with my school i put in applications everyday and. Follow up but no one contacts me back i know i would be a great determind employee. WhY wont anyone contact me bck ???? I see everyone i know who doesnt need a job has one but i cant get one to save my life someone please help me
Hi Alexcia, you need to make sure that you are submitting error-free applications. Based on your post you may be submitting applications with spelling and grammar errors that are making hiring managers overlook your volunteer experience and determination. Have a friend or family member who is very good with writing help you fill out a few applications, and follow up after you apply. Check out these posts for other tips that will help: http://ar.gy/pv6 and http://ar.gy/pv7
Due to low GPA due mostly to personal reasons, I have had to leave the state university where I was a student aiming towards a Bachelor’s. I intend to try the local community college in the fall semester, but finding a job takes precedence. I have volunteered at various organizations over the course of high school, as well as within the two years or so since, including working at the business my family ran for a time (without pay). My question is this: Will the gaps in time between the experience I have raise flags with a potential employer? If so, is there a note I should add, or a way to improve my resume to indicate greater consistency? Thank you.
Great question, Rebecca. You can use your volunteer experience to fill in any employment gaps. Most employers understand that the job market is tough but they really like seeing that you fill your time with volunteer activity. http://www.snagajob.com/resources/getting-hired-with-employment-gaps/