Wednesday, February 16, 2011

What NOT to do on your resume...

In the time it takes you to read this paragraph, the average recruiter will have plowed through three resumes. Surveys show that an experienced recruiter only needs about 8 SECONDS to visually scan a resume before deciding “Yea” or “Nay”! Want to increase the chances of your resume making it to the next round? Avoid doing any of the following listed below or your resume may end up in the "NO" pile:

1. Apply for a job for which you are not remotely qualified
2. Use one generic resume for every job listing
3. Assume the reader has time to absorb more than the essentials
4. Stretch small and incomplete things into more than they are
5. Try to impress with big words or philosophical statements
6. Fill every inch of paper with type
7. Get too carried away with fonts/graphics that can be distracting
8. Volunteer a photograph or unexpected “extras”
9. Include inaccurate information
10. Do not include SSN, DOB, race, sex, family stats, religion, ect
11. Have an unprofessional email address (such as partyanimal@domain.com)

With a 5-to-1 ratio of job seekers-to-jobs, you can’t afford to make mistakes with your resume! A second pair of eyes may be able to catch mistakes you missed and could provide a fresh perspective on how to improve your resume. Writing an effective resume requires practice and good feedback. Once you get the basics down, interviews will be soon to follow!

Watch your inbox for an invitation for our next Resume Builder session so we can teach you how to customize your resume! We want employers to see on your resume what we see in you– a TOP NOTCH CANDIDATE!

Monday, February 14, 2011

A heart warming thank you......

We received a heart warming email today from an applicant that found a job! Congrats Kris on your new position!


"Dear Bonny,

.... Your staff help me tremendously, in so many ways, not the least of which was making me feel "not alone" during my search. In addition I received extremely frank & valuable feedback about my appearance and clothing that I followed and it made a huge difference. Your offering of seminars and the general helpfulness of your staff is amazing. I was also very impressed with your testing and personal service - it was obvious to me that your people work very hard, not only for those seeking work, but also company's looking for the right people for their needs.

I will definitely pass along your company to my new employer.

Kristine G"

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Body Language....It can make or break your interview!

We all know interviews are nerve racking! What do you think is more important in an interview: what you say or body language? The answer is BODY LANGUAGE!

What your body language conveys in an interview could potentially make or break your chances of getting hired!

Many job seekers practice what they are going to say in an interview, but few think about body language. With a little more practice, a candidate can show off their confidence, professionalism, and leave a more positive impression on the interviewer, which will better their chances in landing the job!

Studies show that messages and/or meaning are communicated in the following ways:
* 55% by body language and facial expressions
* 38% by your tone of voice
* 7% by what you actually say

Below are a few body language tips that display confidence and professionalism:
* First and foremost, always greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. Click this link to view an excerpt from one of our seminars lead by Monica Black. She explains the power of a firm hand shake! https://www.http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=13523605staffingsolutionsinc.com/Monica%20Black_EyeContact.wmv

* Enunciate your words and phrase precisely. Also, don't speak in a monotone voice- this shows a lack of enthusiasm.

* During the interview sit up straight, relax your shoulders, and fold your hands together in your lap. Some people don't know what to do with their hands, so it is best to keep them folded. Don't fold your arms across your chest. This can indicate a defensive attitude.

* Don't fidget! It can be very distracting to the interviewer if you shake your leg, play with your hair, wave your hands, click a pen, ect. Make sure to keep hand gestures to a small movement.

* Make sure to show enthusiasm in the interview: smile, nod your head, ect.


Before going on your next interview, make sure to practice your body language. Are there any other body language tips that you would like to share? Have you ever been able to read an interviewer's body language? We want to hear form you!