Category Archives: resume

Doing These Things Could Cost You Your Dream Job

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It is very exciting when you apply for a job and get the call to come in for an interview! But there are a few things that may slip your mind amidst all the excitement and nerves. Here is a list of some obvious (or not so obvious) things to remember NOT to do when interviewing.

Arriving Late – Shoot to arrive about ten minutes early. Make sure to factor in traffic and getting lost; if you arrive earlier, no worries. Showing up early will show your possible future employer that you are good at time management and care about the job.

Not Reviewing Your Key Points – Make sure you go over your resume and achievements prior to your interview. This will ensure that you can answer them straight away without referring to your resume. Your confidence will shine through while answering questions about yourself and past jobs.

Not Looking the Part – If you have the time and ability, find out the company’s dress code prior to the interview. If you cannot find this information, always dress smart. It looks better to be over dressed than under dressed.

Smoking Before You Go In – Don’t! That will be one of the first things noticed about you. Not only will the room smell like smoke for the duration of the interview, it will smell like smoke after you leave.

Having Your Phone On – It looks very unprofessional when your phone goes off during an interview. This is a time that should be focused solely on the interviewer and their questions/your answers. Even if you put your phone on silent there may be an alarm you forgot about that might still go off. If it’s possible, turning your phone completely off is the best thing to do.

Using Slang or Curse Words – This is most likely the first time meeting these people and making a good first impression should be at the top of your list. It’s best to come off as polite and not use such words.

Lying or Over-exaggerating – Saying you speak five different languages and lead your previous department to an all-time high will not help you if it’s not true! Be truthful about your accomplishments. Focus on the skills and achievements that could be valuable in your new role.

Bringing Up Personal Matters – Don’t discuss your views on controversial topics or personal issues you may be experiencing. Keeping your discussion professional and positive will look much better to the interviewer(s).

Going Off Topic – Listen carefully to the questions being asked. Try to stay on topic and keep answers concise and relevant. If you go off on a tangent you will miss out on making your point.

Going for an interview can be a very exciting yet stressful experience and there’s a lot to remember to do and not do during one. Try to be yourself and stay as calm as possible. Remember, the interviewer may be nervous too! Good luck!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

Why December Is The Best Month To Look For A New Job

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December is a crazy month for most people. You have your normal day to day responsibilities but then add in the holidays and shopping and getting ready for hosting and attending parties, the list goes on and on and on… But what many people don’t realize is that December is the perfect time to look for a new job.

It’s no secret that the job market slows down during the holidays. People are planning family vacations and trips home and are just not looking to start a new job until after the New Year. This is the perfect opportunity to get a head of the competition. Here are some ways to stay active:

Holiday Parties

All of those parties (dreaded or not!) that you get invited to are a great way to network! Use them to connect with friends or family members who work at companies that you’re interested in.

Seasonal Work

Don’t let the words “temp” or “seasonal” scare you. There is the possibility for a temporary job to turn permanent. A manager might see your great work ethic and have a permanent job in mind for you once the holidays are over.

Be Persistent

If you do reach out and submit your resume and receive an “out of the office” reply, don’t assume that you did all you could. You need to follow up to make sure someone did receive your resume and that it was reviewed.

January is definitely the most popular month to look for a new job (you know the “new beginning” outlook everyone has once that ball drops!) but that doesn’t mean it’s the best month! So even if there is no room left on your plate to look for a new job in December, at least update your resume and Linkedin profile to give yourself a head start.

Happy holidays and happy job hunting!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

Creating A Resume From a Template? Read this First.

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Resume templates are amazing tools. They allow candidates to create stunning resumes in a short amount of time. They are usually easy to read, cover all the details, and look very professional. However, if you use a template resume, there are a couple of mistakes that are easy to make. Read on to find out some of the most commonly made mistakes when using a template resume and how to avoid them.

Not filling in all of the sections. This seems so simple, but you would be surprised how often we see things like [company name here], [more detail about your role here], and [add your reference here]. Recruiters and hiring managers usually take about 30 seconds or less to review a resume, but that is an extremely noticeable mistake that will ALWAYS be caught. Employers want to know that you have attention to detail, and this is a quick way to get yourself dismissed from the candidate search. You can avoid this my reading over every word of your resume out loud before you submit. When you read out loud, your brain cannot skip over things and you will catch the mistake. We also recommend having one of our recruiters or a trusted friend read over your resume before you submit it.

Not listing all of your experience. Just because your resume template only has three sections of prior experience does not mean you should only list three sections of prior experience. It is definitely okay to break the mold of the resume template if you have extra sections to add. Also, don’t forget to add things like relevant skills or experience if that information would be applicable to the job. You can avoid this by brainstorming all of your experience and skills into an unformatted “master resume.” When you apply to a new job, make sure to highlight the most relevant things from your “master resume,” and do not include the things that are not relevant. You never want to lie or exaggerate on your resume, but it is definitely a great idea to tailor your resume to the job.

Not fixing your spacing. You should do everything you can to try and keep your resume down to one page, especially if you do not have a lot of experience. If you absolutely have to go on to two or three pages then that is okay, but do everything you can with spacing and margins to reduce the amount of pages in your resume before you submit. Your first priority should be that your resume is easily readable, but you also want to keep it as short as possible while still including details about your skillset and experiences.

Is your resume based on a template? Comment back with the mistakes that you caught or lessons that you learned!

 

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen 

Recruiter Spotlight: Bill Bilson

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Bill Bilson has been a recruiter at ComputerPeople for two and a half years. We love having Bill in the office because he is an amazing listener, he always has fresh ideas, and he is pretty darn good at his job. Additionally, the name Bill Bilson is extremely fun to say. Bill is also known in the office for taking some of the coolest vacations ever, and it is safe to say we would all let him plan our next trip [proof is in the above photo]. We asked Bill some questions about being a recruiter, and here is what he has to say!

How do you find candidates for a new job order?

I’d say the most common methods are searching through our database, searching LinkedIn, and contacting candidates who apply through our website/job boards. I also utilize both referrals and people I’ve met at networking events to fill positions.

What is the most important quality that a candidate can have to make them standout from the rest?

Tough question, as it really depends on the position/company. For me, I think it comes down to personality. If multiple candidates possess comparable skills and are interviewing for the same job, the person whose personality best fits the environment is going to land the job. Remember to always be yourself when applying for a new job.

What advice do you have for someone that is just starting his or her job search?

Try not to get discouraged because finding a new job isn’t easy. If you’ve been applying to numerous jobs online that you feel you’re qualified for, but you aren’t getting much response, review your resume and consider making some edits. Applicant Tracking Systems are told to look for “buzz” words, so comparing your resume against the job description can be extremely helpful in getting a reply. In addition, and I might be a bit biased on this, I’d recommend getting in touch with a recruiter.

What inspires you to be the best recruiter you can be?

Knowing that my job is ultimately helping others. Whether it’s our clients who have a hard-to-fill position or a candidate looking for that perfect next step, it is extremely satisfying when the stars align and a perfect match is formed.

What is something that most people probably do not know about ComputerPeople or CP Staffing?

CP Staffing is a small company, but we have three divisions and two offices. In Buffalo, we have ComputerPeople (IT focused recruiters), FinancialPeople (finance and accounting focused recruiters), and Medicalpeople (Medical focused recruiters). In Pittsburgh, we have another FinancialPeople office.

Anything else we should know about you?

I am a guitarist and a drummer; in my younger years I was pretty active in the Buffalo music scene and a couple of our songs were featured on 103.3 the EDGE.

 

Thanks for being you, Bill. ComputerPeople is lucky to have you!

If you have any questions for Bill or you want to work with him as your recruiter, contact him at bbilson@cpstaffing.com

 

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

Weird Interview Questions That You Will Hopefully Never Have To Answer

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Have you ever been asked a super random question during an interview? I have, and it definitely threw me off guard. The ComputerPeople Staffing recruiters decided to create list of the weirdest interview questions they have ever heard. I guess any question is fair game in an interview these days!

  • If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
  • What would you say if a penguin walked into this room wearing a sombrero?
  • If you were to get rid of one US state what would it be and why?
  • Name 5 uses for a stapler, without staples.
  • If you were a fruit what would you be?
  • Do you make your bed every morning?
  • What is in the trunk of your car right now?
  • What did you wear for Halloween last year?
  • If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
  • Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
  • If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

Have you ever been asked a weird question during an interview? What was it?

 

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

5 Resume Tips You Can Implement In 5 Minutes

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Want to spruce up your resume but short on time? Here are a couple of quick fixes that you can implement right now for a resume that already has great content.

Use effective titles. A good resume title will help potential employers to understand your skills, experience, and interests. Titles should be clear and concise. Use an appropriate title and save your accomplishments for the body of your resume.

Proofread. I cannot stress the importance of this one enough. If there is even one misspelling or grammatical error in your resume, and your potential employer catches it, your resume will be tossed immediately.

List the most important information first. This will help with your first impression. Your employer will start to make decisions about bringing you in for an interview after the first few sentences of your resume. The earlier something is in your resume, the less likely a potential employer is to skip over it.

Use a basic font. I know you want to stand out and be creative, but you want to do that with your skills and accomplishments, not your font. Also, in general, for anything in life, do not use comic sands. It’s basically the Nickelback of the font world.

Use bold and italics where appropriate. Your resume will be easier to read, less confusing, and the most important things will stand out. But remember, I said where appropriate. Have a friend double check your bold and italic use to make sure that you did get too aggressive if you are not sure.

Does your resume need some more TLC? Our recruiters at ComputerPeople are resume experts. Contact us at computerpeople@cpstaffing.com for resume help and IT recruiting services.

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

How To Be A Cover Letter Rockstar

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Cover letters can be scary to both experienced and inexperienced job seekers. What should you include in your cover letter? Should you even include a cover letter if it isn’t required? How do you know if your cover letter is acceptable? The reality is that you should not fear the cover letter. Here are a few tips to help you write your next cover letter like a pro.

Write one. ALWAYS write a cover letter. Yes, ALWAYS. The only exception to this rule is if the application specifically says not to write one, which is rare. Since most other people do not go the extra mile to write a cover letter, choosing to do so will set you apart and show the hiring manager that you are actually interested and prepared.

Keep it the right length. Your cover letter should be short. It should never go over one page. You can play with your font and margin if you need a couple extra lines, but try not to let that be too obvious. Also, never use comic sands. For anything. EVER.

Address it correctly. “To Whom It May Concern” is not going to help you stand out. You should address your cover letter to the manager of the department where you are applying to work. If you do not know the name of that person, just address your letter to the Hiring Manager.

Include the right things. First of all, you should grab the reader’s attention. There are several ways you can do this such as creatively introducing yourself, asking the hiring manager a question about his/her needs to fill the position you are applying for, or explain your interest in the position. Next, you should capture the reader’s interest by explaining why you are qualified for the position based on your experience, education, ideas, etc. Explain what sets you apart from the multiple other people that have applied for the position. In the following paragraph, share a few notable accomplishments with the hiring manager. The idea is to write something that will cause the hiring manager to want to meet you. If you are applying for a job in another area, it is important to tell the hiring manager why you are applying for a job in that area. For example, if you live in Tampa and you are applying for a job in Buffalo, you should tell the hiring manager why you want to live in Buffalo. If you do not do this, some managers will immediately discount your job application. Finally, directly ask the hiring manager for an interview.

Feel it out. Not all companies are created equal, so you are going to have to use your judgement if you want to strike the right cord. You never want to try to be something you are not, especially in an interview situation, but if you know a company is super relaxed, you might want to play around with your wording so that you give off the right impression. However, never try to be funny or not serious in a cover letter. You want to be yourself, but your cover letter will likely be a first impression, so make it a good one!

NOTE: Always follow the instructions of the employer when applying for a job!

Good luck!

 

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

Recruiter Spotlight: Kevin Pyle

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Kevin Pyle has been with us at ComputerPeople for almost four years. He is hardworking, funny, he is an excellent recruiter, and his kids are probably the cutest twins that we have ever seen. We sat down with Kevin to find out a little bit more about how he gets the job done. Here is what he had to say!

How do you find candidates for a new job order? 

Several methods – LinkedIn, job boards (Indeed, Dice, etc.), referrals, posting job on website, and networking.

What is the most important quality that a candidate can have to make them standout from the rest?

I’ll give you two….personality and drive.

What advice do you have for someone that is just starting his or her job search? 

Be patient!  Finding a position is a full-time job in itself, especially for someone just starting their career.  Utilize as many resources as possible, including recruiters, applying for jobs on your own though employment agencies (career builder, indeed, etc) and networking. Also, it is worth the time to get several opinions on your resume to make sure it’s solid!

What inspires you to be the best recruiter you can be? 

Just knowing the potential positive impact I can have on someone’s life.  It’s a great feeling to place someone in a position that I know they are going to enjoy and love.

 

Thanks for all you do, Kevin! We are so glad to have you at ComputerPeople.

If you want to work with Kevin as your recruiter, contact him at kpyle@cpstaffing.com

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

 

Just Starting Your Job Search? Perfect Your Resume First.

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Beth Courtney knows recruiting.

She originally started recruiting in the airline industry in New Jersey over 30 years ago.  She believes that there is a job out there for everyone who is willing to work hard.  Currently, she focuses on sourcing technical candidates for ComputerPeople through her position as Sr. Internet Recruiter. We asked Beth what advice she would give to someone BRAND NEW to their job search. Here is what she had to say. 

Beth photo

Beth Courtney, Sr. Internet Recruiter

“A good resume is key since your resume is typically an employer or recruiter’s first impression of you. Make sure it is easy to read— no long paragraphs of verbiage please! Triple check for typos and misspellings. If you don’t have a lot of job experience, include internships/volunteer experience and highlight the skills you used in each.   Keep an open mind and be willing to interview for a less than perfect position to get your foot in the door of a great company.”

Thanks for the the advice, Beth!

 

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

What Is Involved In The Process Of Working With Our Recruiters?

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With spring in the air, college students graduating, and job fairs coming up, we know that a lot of you are looking for new jobs.

If you have never worked with a recruiter before, or even if you have just never worked with ComputerPeople before, here is what to expect!

OUR PROCESS

When you work with ComputerPeople, you are no longer alone in your job search. Our recruiters are seasoned experts who know the ropes in the sometimes daunting quest to get you hired. Most new candidates begin their relationship with ComputerPeople by applying to one of our existing jobs, or by simply emailing us with their resume and the type of job they are seeking [more on this below].

Next, we will schedule an interview with you so that we can learn more about what you are looking for. We will discuss any position(s) that you have already applied for or present new positions that we think you might like. We are not intimidating interviewers who are going to grill you on everything –  we really just want to get to know you better and learn about your amazing talent, experience, and what the job of your dreams really looks like.

At this point, we will go over your resume and if necessary, suggest changes or tweaks that will help you to stand out better. The next step is that we become your own personal marketing department by promoting you and your top skills to the best companies around WNY.

We have been in the business for 50 years, and our clients trust us to match the best candidates with the positions that they need filled. If WNY is not the place for you, we can still be your partner by utilizing our NPA network of recruiters to get you placed with the job you’ve always wanted.

Ready to start your job search with ComputerPeople on your side?

Review current open positions here or email us with your resume at ComputerPeople@cpstaffing.com

 

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Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen