Monthly Archives: January 2017

3 Tips to Transition from Fulltime to Contract Roles

 

Most people feel comfortable in a fulltime, permanent role. It represents security and comes with benefits.  However, contract role can be a great deal.  In this economic client, contract roles are becoming more common place.  By their nature, they allow you the flexibility and often more growth potential than a full time, permanent role.  Additionally, seeking contract roles through a staffing or agency can give you the benefits (like health insurance and 401k) and security of a full time role with the added benefits of contracting. 

If you are ready to make the transition from full time employee to contractor, there are some tips to help.

1. Be Up Front

Before anything else, you should make it clear that you’re interested in a contract position during the interview.  Many companies may ask why you are moving from full time to contact.  Remember to discuss the growth potential and flexibility.

2. Become Indispensable

It goes without saying that a company want contracts to outperform their expectations, but even meeting the expectations of your role isn’t always enough. To truly stand out (especially as a contractor, you should work to stand out by working hard and exceeding expectations.

3. Make Sure to Mingle

Sometimes, contract workers make the mistake of isolating themselves from colleagues since they don’t see themselves as a “real” team member. This is a missed opportunity.  When you are part of the team, companies will want to extend your contract.  This can create long term contract opportunity and allow you to create personal connections that will go a long way in your career.

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4 Tips for a Successful Skype Interview

 

  1. Take Care of the Technology Ahead of Time—Make sure you’ve downloaded, installed, and tested Skype’s app well before your interview is scheduled. Ask your friend to have video chats with you to test your video and audio connections.  This will ensure that you don’t have a technology glitch during the interview.
  2. Rehearse— spend some time rehearsing your Skye interview. Be sure to look directly in the camera.  Sometimes, candidates struggle to look into the camera and they can look disinterested during the interview.
  3. Prepare your environment—Find a quiet room with a good internet for your interview. Position yourself in front of a blank wall.  Art of pictures behind you can be distracting to your interviewer.  Be sure to remove pets and turn off your cell phone and instant messaging so nothing distracts you.
  4. Dress up–Put on the same clothes you’d wear if you were going to interview in-person. If the company is formal, wear a jacket and tie for men or a suit jacket for women. If it’s more laid back, wear a business casual shirt or blouse.
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Are You Dressing for Success…During Your Job Interview?

 

We all know that your appearance is the first thing people notice, especially during an interview. With the tech startups on the rise, more job seekers moved to a more casual attire for interviews.  However, more and more interviewers expect that job seekers dress professionally during the interview process.    What’s appropriate attire depends on the industry…interviewing at a bank is different from interviewing at a gaming company.  So, do your research to understand the company’s culture and attire standards.  If you are unsure, you can always ask the company’s HR department or your recruiter.  However, the best rule is always to dress more conservatively.

 

Tips for all candidates:

 

  • Wear a conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
  • Wear a conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
  • Clean, polished conservative shoes
  • Well-groomed hairstyle
  • Clean, trimmed fingernails
  • Minimal cologne or perfume
  • Empty pockets—no bulges or tinkling coins
  • Avoid gum, candy, or cigarettes
  • No visible body piercings or tattoos
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Creating a Social Brand for Your Job Search

 

 

So, we all know of corporate brands.  We see their logos in commercials, on billboards and even on clothing, like t-shirts.  However, we are less familiar with personal social brands.  Your social brand is your identity online and in social media.  Most of us have some social media imprint, but haven’t consciously considered our individual social brand.  This social brand is always important, but never more than when you are looking for a new job.

 

Why Build a Social Brand?

  1. Companies are already researching you online—these days most companies look for you online through avenues like Linkedin and Facebook. Most companies and hiring manger consider it a red flag if they can’t find you at all online.  With a bit of work on your personal brand, you can control what companies learn about you without looking like you are trying to hide something.
  2. Attract new opportunities and establish your credibility—Personal social branding is another form of networking. We all know that networking can help in our job searching.  So, use your social brand to identify yourself has an expert in your field by blogging.  This will promote your personal brand and also your professional skills

How to Begin Establishing Your Social Brand

  1. Determine your brand—this is the most basic step, but usually the hardest and most important. Think about what you want people to find when they search for you online.
  2. Compare yourself—don’t just Google yourself, search other people to see their social network, the tools they use and the areas they look to influence. Look at what is already out there and see how you can leverage it to define you as a person, showcase your talents, and introduce people to you as an employee.
  3. Showcase your brand–Make sure your social network profiles are up-to-date with work information and skill sets. If you have a website, connect to your LinkedIn and Twitter, and vice-versa. Craft your brand while keeping in mind your goals for your career and reputation.
  4. Be active—always keep your online presence up to date—it represents you. Be sure to regularly update your website and online resume.
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