Category: Job Search & Career Advice

It’s time to jailbreak your job search. Cut the time, unanswered leads and barrage of resume send-outs with the addition of a key player who knows the process like their career depends on it. Because, well, it does.

Enter: the recruiter.

They can help simplify the job hunt process and get you noticed by the right people — all while providing personal support along the way.

1. Recruiters have established relationships with employers.

A strong professional network and landing the perfect career opportunity go hand-in-hand. Why not get a boost on the competition by leveraging a recruiter’s lengthy list of established relationships to your advantage? “We’re very well connected,” Century Group explains. “We know who to put the resume in front of, even if we haven’t worked directly with them.”

2. Recruiters streamline the job search process.

One of the biggest complaints job seekers have about finding a new job is the time — a luxury most people don’t have. That’s where the recruiter comes in. “We’re doing the work,” Century Group says. “At zero cost to you, we’re managing the entire process and scheduling multiple interviews with different companies on your behalf.”

3. Recruiters bring a personal touch with support and coaching.

A recruiter’s role is two-fold: supportive cheerleader and unflinching realist. It’s in their best interest to make your best interests a priority — even if that means giving you honest feedback and coaching during the job search and interview processes. From resume revisions to helping compose a memorable thank-you note, a recruiter will partner with you to find the right job that meets your individual qualifications and needs.

4. Recruiters give you access to exclusive positions.

Remember that insider’s knowledge that comes with the territory? Recruiters not only have their finger on the hidden job market, but can share valuable information about the company you’re interviewing with. “We also have the ability to market your background to companies that aren’t necessarily hiring and get you an interview,” Century Group adds. “We can get candidates into the positions they want.”

5. Recruiters add you to their talent network.

When you’re in, you’re in. Recruiting firms keep an up-to-date log of candidates they’ve worked with in the past, and use their respective tracking systems to match skill sets to positions. This allows recruiters to keep you in mind for new opportunities throughout your career. And when you’re ready to make a move, there’s already someone in place to help you in your search.

Submit your resume and connect with one of our recruiters today!

To some, the most important element in a job is how much money they make. Others are more interested in what they get in addition to the money, such as good benefits, training and opportunities to learn new skills. The truth is that both salary and perks matter when evaluating a job offer or potential career move.

What is most important to you in a job offer or potential career?

In order to decide which factors of a compensation package are most important for you, consider your current salary vs. the salary being offered, the type of work environment you’re looking for, and what additional benefits are offered in the compensation package. 

It’s important not only to consider these things before accepting an offer, but also be sure your future employer knows what is most meaningful to you so there aren’t any surprises down the road.

The amount an individual is compensated for their work can have a direct impact on how much effort they devote to their career. That’s why it’s no surprise a study done by Achievers found 52% of employees are either actively looking or would consider leaving their company because of compensation. 

So what exactly is compensation? Compensation can be broken into three key factors. To determine which factor is most important to you, consider how each will affect your life:

• Salary: The salary offered by an employer typically acts as the employee’s main source of income. This includes the monetary value you’re willing to work during normal business hours in addition to any overtime rates, if applicable.
• Benefits: The benefits structure is an important factor that often varies widely depending on company culture and performance. Benefits are defined as indirect compensation beyond your determined salary and annual raise. Some traditional benefits to ask your potential employer about are insurance (both health and life), paid time off, training or educational opportunities, childcare, remote-work stipends, workout resources, on-site snacks or meals or additional workplace perks.
• Promotions: One element of the compensation package that many overlook is the opportunity to be promoted within the company. In some cases, it may be worth accepting a slightly lower-than-anticipated initial salary if there is an opportunity to quickly advance in the company.

How does this compensation package shape up compared to industry standards?

Three words: research, research, research. Determine the cross-section of your worth and current, local industry standards when considering your compensation package. Make a list of what skills you could be bringing to this position including your experience, training and education. Then, find out what is common for someone with your level of expertise to be compensated. Lastly, ask yourself if that salary range and benefit package level would satisfy your willingness to excel at this job. If not, this last question is for you.

Have you brushed up on your negotiation skills?

Knowing what you want out of a job is just the beginning — you need to know how to ask for it. There are three key components to successfully negotiating your compensation package: know your worth, stick to your number and back it up with stats. Learn how to negotiate your salary with ease by reading our Best Practices to Negotiate Your Salary.

So you’re starting a new job. Did you negotiate your salary? Seems like an obvious tactic, sure. But for many job seekers, not always an easy one.

Don’t leave potential money at the table. Here are a few best practices to help negotiate your salary for that next job or promotion. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did.

KNOW YOUR WORTH

The first step to salary negotiations: do your research. Our recruiters regularly negotiate salaries on behalf of candidates, and understand that paying top professionals at market rate is key. The market dictates what people are making. And if one company isn’t willing to pay that, another one will.

Not sure how to price yourself? Century Group recommends looking to salary guides to find what peers in similar roles and/or backgrounds are making in your area. Arming yourself with that information is a useful tool when deciding on a number that makes sense for you.

STICK TO YOUR NUMBER

Now that you’re equipped with your role’s market value, it’s time to get specific. Be prepared with a number that you’re comfortable with. Most importantly, stay committed to it. A salary range gives employers an out — an option to give you an offer that falls toward the lower end of that spectrum. But with a specific dollar amount, they’re more likely to give you a final offer closer to the mark.

BACK IT UP WITH STATS

A sure way to prove you’re a good investment: show it. Whether it’s for a new role or a promotion, create a brag list of your accomplishments, skill set and career highlights to better help illustrate your value. Employers are gradually cluing into the notion that competitive pay is integral to securing skilled workers, but supporting your ask with how your work positively impacts the company’s bottom line may bolster your case.

Download our 2021 Salary Guide to make sure you’re pricing yourself correctly and assist with your next salary negotiation!

You did it! You aced the first interview in the hiring process. Now that you know more about the company and what they do, it is time for round two. The first interview likely gave you a general introduction to the company and the role; it also served as a brief opportunity for the company to get to know you better.

The second job interview will likely take a deep dive into your previous work experience and allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and preparedness for the role. But don’t let going to a second round of interviews sound intimidating. Here are four helpful tips on how to ace your second interview with confidence.

1. Prepare Answers to Situational Questions

During the second round of interviews, you might encounter the age-old “what would you do” type of questions. These questions provide interviewers a chance to see how you react in certain scenarios. In order to have confidence in situational questions, you need to prepare. After all, a second job interview is only as intimidating as the questions being asked. Deftly answering situational questions will show interviewers that you are capable of succeeding in the role and is an excellent opportunity to highlight your strengths or skill sets.

2. Be Confident and Keep Your Responses Professional (and Honest)

Be confident, polite and friendly when answering questions or completing tasks in front of interviewers. Remember, the company wants you to succeed. If needed, ask clarifying questions. Honesty throughout the interview process is paramount –  if you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s always better to admit that than make up an answer.

3. Ask Questions About the Company

Remember, the interview process is twofold: it allows the company to get to know you, and vice versa. During the second job interview, ask intentional questions that will help you determine if this position is a good fit. Questions such as  “What are the company’s current goals?” and “How has the company evolved over time?” will give you a better understanding of what it might be like to work there.

*Also, don’t forget that answers from past interviews may lead to questions for this interview! Be sure to review your notes from the first interview and think of relevant questions.

4. Arrive Early

Arriving early to the second job interview shows that you are taking this opportunity seriously. Upon arrival, take a moment to collect yourself: inhale deeply and be reminded of all the preparation you’ve done to get to this moment. Arriving early holds true for virtual interviews as well. Doing so will allow enough time to ensure your technology is properly working.

Has your job interview gone virtual due to COVID-19? Here are more tips for a successful video interview.

As the job market tightens, skilled candidates are once again in high demand — and back in the decision-making seat.

Use this as an opportunity to find the best job match for you. A resourceful way to do this? Informational interviews. A riff on the traditional job interview, these meetings put you in the interrogator position—allowing you to get real insight into a role, company, industry and more. We share 5 reasons informational interviews are key to your job search strategy, and how to best approach the process.

Connect with People Doing the Work

Once you know the industry, role or career you’re interested in exploring, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professional network, friends, family or acquaintances to find an appropriate contact. Using a warm connection often makes this task easier, but LinkedIn or general company searches can also yield favorable results. The goal is to engage someone who has actual professional knowledge in the field or position, so you can gather thoughtful intel you couldn’t learn from a simple Google inquiry.

Interview without the Pressure

Oftentimes, the stress of a formal job interview prevents candidates from asking the important questions to help them understand if a career opportunity is right for them. For informational meetings, you have complete control and can steer the conversation to cover the topics most relevant to you. Touching on areas like salary, benefits and other pertinent queries considered taboo during the initial job interview are fair game.

Build New Relationships

People can sense when someone is being disingenuous. Go into this process with the intention of learning — and that’s it. A real job interview may come down the road, but focus on the information exploration. Make sure to continue nurturing your new connection beyond the initial conversation, as it’s always beneficial to grow your professional network.

Develop Your Interview Skills

View these meetings as an opportunity to sharpen your interviewing skills. It’s important to remain professional and go into the informational interview prepared and considerate of the other person’s time. Know the name of the person you’re speaking with, as well as some basic information about their title and job history. It’s also good practice to have a road map of the questions and topics you’d like to cover to help guide the conversation and the get the most from the experience.

Ask the Right Questions

Part of your interview prep should always include research — and this is no different. Be thoughtful of the type of questions you want answered. Try to go beyond what can be found online, such as detailed descriptions of the individual’s day-to-day duties, career path and ask for any advice or tips they can share. You can be as specific or as broad as you’d like, since this is your informational interview. Keep a detailed account or notes on file, so you can build an outline and refer to it as you continue your job search.

Are you open to new career opportunities? Connect with one of our seasoned recruiters!

With the rise of social media, company review sites and the internet in general, the job search has evolved in many ways. But there are aspects of the process that remain steadfast.

Case in point: applicant etiquette is still a thing.

A post-interview thank-you note is a small, yet meaningful gesture that can leave a positive lasting impression. Most importantly: an action that many of today’s job seekers fail to do — and a great way to set you apart from crowded candidate pools. Not sure where to start? Managing Director Carolyn Sweeney breaks down how to write a thank-you note in five easy steps that are sure to get you closer to landing the role.

1. BE SPECIFIC

Thank the interviewer for something specific you got out of the conversation or something you enjoyed learning. This is more impactful than a generic, “Thank you for your time.” It also reminds them of the conversation they had with you and hopefully reinforces the positive feelings you had for each other during the interview. 

Example: “Thank you so much for sharing your passion for ABC Company with me. I loved hearing about how your team was able to work together to implement Concur in less than two months. That took great planning, leadership and teamwork.”

2. REMIND THEM WHY THEY SHOULD HIRE YOU

Thank-you notes are a great time to remind the employer of key accomplishments or achievements that impressed them. Or, if you missed sharing something during the interview, is an opportunity to get that point across.  

Example: “I am confident that my seven years of experience in revenue and hands-on ASC606 implementation background will bring value to the team.” Or, “I got so swept up in our meeting and enjoyed learning about your team so much that I neglected to mention that I earned a ‘People’s Choice Award’ at my last firm for outstanding teamwork during busy season.”

3. REINFORCE YOUR INTEREST IN THE POSITION

Tell them you want to join their team! Be bold and confident and encourage them to select you as their next hire. Example: “After learning more about you and the opportunity, I can tell you I would be excited to join your high-performing team.”

4. CHECK FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS

Ever hear the old saying, “Good writing is good editing?” Well, it’s true. Even great writers have others edit their work. It’s important to get a second pair of eyes when it comes to making the right impression with an employer. 

5. TIMELINESS MATTERS

Don’t wait more than 24 hours to follow up with a thank-you note. Email is fine in today’s era. If you want to send a postpaid note, that’s okay, too, but send an accompanying e-mail to ensure timely arrival. 

Are you ready to make a career move? Our recruiters are equipped to help you find a role that fits your specific background and skill set — fast. Submit your resume today!

You did it – you made it through one of the most challenging and unique years in recent history. Now what?

Economists are anticipating strong GDP growth in 2021 as the global economy stabilizes and continues to recover from the pandemic. But while hopes for a more normal workforce remains on the horizon, the impacts of last year have influenced how employers are growing their teams.

Century Group’s Senior Director of Executive Recruiting, ‎Deanna Gutman, shares her insights for what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in 2021.

1. Adaptable Skill Set

For finance and accounting professionals, specific credentials, software skills and industry experience are important factors that help recruiters match professionals with roles they are best qualified for. But with last year’s swift changes to the workforce, employees were tasked with a new challenge: the ability to pivot and adapt in an evolving workplace.

Critical skills like problem-solving, communication and collaboration are more sought-after than ever as companies have shifted to remote work environments. Candidates who are able to exhibit their success during this transition and excel in their role is highly important in 2021. Some job-specific skills can be learned within the position, but the ability to adapt is a transferable skill that will benefit you in any job.

2. Proven Career Progression

Employers often seek professionals who have experience in the type of position their looking to fill. But that’s only part of the story.

“If your resume shows that you’ve been a Senior Accountant for 10 or more years, that can be viewed as a red flag,” explains Gutman. “Companies want to see progression, good experience and a candidate who isn’t afraid to take on new responsibilities and challenges.”

3. Technology Proficient

Successfully adopting new technologies has been the name of the game for years as systems continue to evolve and change. But 2021’s shift was much more drastic.

Remote work became a requirement for many professionals — forcing them to learn the ins and outs of video conferencing and other communication tools at a moment’s notice. Hiring managers and recruiters will inquire about worker’s own proficiency in this area, including evaluating how well you communicate and portray yourself through virtual interviews.

4. Demonstrate Self-Motivation

A follow-up to No. 3, self-discipline was key for professionals to remain committed to their work and persevere in remote environments. Candidates who can demonstrate that they are self-motivated through past employment experiences are more likely to succeed in today’s job market, explains Gutman.

“Companies want people who are self-motivated, disciplined and curious about the company,” she says. Ask questions, show initiative and be open to new ways of approaching tasks or problems.

Expedite your job search with the help of our experienced recruiting team. Submit your resume today to be matched with roles you are best qualified for!

Job interview prep looks slightly different over the last several months. Video job interviews are increasingly becoming the norm, requiring candidates to add computer placement, internet connection and learning new body language cues to their list of to-dos.

We’ve rounded up some of our key tips to helping you ace your next video interview. That way, you can focus on the most important part: landing the job.

1. Find an Optimal Interview Location.

Locate a space in your home or remote workspace that is quiet, offers great lighting and has a neutral background. Avoid settings that feature your bed or place you in front of a window.

2. Test Your Technology Beforehand.

Take 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled meeting to set-up your interview station and ensure your technology is working. Some items to include in your checklist: internet connection, headphones or sound, webcam and battery life of the device. For best results, ensure the camera is at eye-level.

3. Dress for the Camera.

Similar to in-person job interviews, it’s always best practice to dress to impress. Professional attire is preferred, but focus on wearing soft rather than bright colors or distracting patterns. This also goes for men when selecting a tie to match with their ensemble.

4. New Body Language Cues.

Video interviews can make human interaction feel stilted, and an already stressful conversation even more uncomfortable. But focusing on eye contact and controlling your body language can help convey confidence to the interviewer, even through the screen.

When speaking, make sure to gaze into the camera rather than the image of the interviewer on your screen. Make sure your back is up-right against your chair and limit any unnecessary fidgeting. Other common cues like not letting your eyes wander or nodding your head when the other person is speaking can show that you’re equally engaged in the conversation.

5. Treat It Like an In-Person Interview.

In all the ways that truly matter, your actions during a video job interview aren’t much different than that of an in-person meeting. Relying heavily on notes or having your smartphone handy both take your focus away from the interview. Remember: this is a conversation. You should have your key selling points memorized — only refer to notes for questions or other thoughts that drive the dialogue.

6. Prepare for Unwanted Distractions.

The best offense is a good defense, right? Have a back-up plan if something goes wrong because chances are, it will. Make sure you have the phone number of the interviewer, so you can quickly call if you’re unable to log into the virtual meeting.

If there’s an unexpected noise or disturbance outside of your controlled environment, don’t panic. Simply apologize for the disturbance and ask if you can mute your mic until it subsides. The same goes for unexpected housemates entering the frame during the interview. Apologize, mute your mic, shut off your camera, address the situation and move on.

7. Prepare for Recorded Interviews.

Some employers choose to have candidates enter a pre-recorded video conference where, after logging in, pre-recorded questions or text will appear on the screen. Candidates will only have an allotted amount of time to respond, so make sure you have your responses at the ready. Similar to live video interviews, maintain eye contact with the camera lens and use a conversational tone when providing your answers.

For more job search tips and insights, visit our blog.