A person walks into a job interview. They’re 20 minutes late, slouching in their seat and make their distaste for their former employer known, well, several times within the conversation. It’s safe to say the candidate’s left a not-so-great impression on the interviewer — one that even the most qualified or skilled professionals can’t shake.

In fact, research shows the outcome of an interview can be determined 20 seconds from the first greeting. Put plainly: first impressions matter. Make your snapshot intro count by mastering these three tips by Associate Director of Recruiting, Maryum Anwar.

1. ARRIVE EARLY

Anwar recommends candidates get to the interview 10 to 15 minutes before their scheduled meeting. “Make sure to leave yourself a buffer to account for any traffic, especially if it’s an area you’re not familiar with,” she explains. “Remember: if you are early, you’re on time. If you are on time, you’re late!”

2. NEVER SPEAK NEGATIVELY ABOUT FORMER EMPLOYERS

Think of the situation like a date. Talking about how terrible your ex was is a major turn-off to a prospective partner. “You’re not likely to get the second date, or in this case, a second interview,” Anwar says. It’s valid to have poor experiences in previous roles, but framing your responses in a positive light — rather than accusatory — will leave a better lasting impression on the hiring manager.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH

The interview shouldn’t be the first time you find out what the company does. Most businesses have an online presence — perfect for some amateur sleuthing, and easy access to a company’s mission statement, staff and more. Pro tip: If you learn who will be interviewing you before the meeting, check out their LinkedIn profile to gain extra insight that may come in handy. “You should be able to hold an educated conversation regarding the company,” Anwar says. “And share why you’re interested in working for their organization.”

Are you looking for a new career opportunity? Submit your resume, and our recruiters can match you with positions you’re qualified for.

Summer is considered vacation season for most — a time to push pause on your life and reflect. We’re not saying that’s a bad thing. In fact, taking a step back to refocus on your goals is important, and key to personal and professional growth.

Here are three ways to heat up and accelerate your career this summer.

1. Reevaluate, Plan, Go

Taking a much-needed reset increases productivity, and allows you to gain a fresh perspective on your career. Have you accomplished or made headway on any set goals? Does achieving these objectives still make sense? Summer is the perfect halfway point to assess your progress, find the gaps and make adjustments so you can finish the year strong.

2. Grow Your Network

We get it. Stepping out of your social comfort zone doesn’t necessarily sound like lax summer material — but it can be. Seasonal mixers plus a relaxed atmosphere translate to easy networking that doesn’t even feel like, well, networking. A sluggish season is also an opportune time to schedule drinks or informal meetings with professionals who are normally too busy. Pro-tip: be sure to follow up with new connections come September.

3. Slow Means Opportunity

It’s a job seeker’s market, so candidates shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding open career opportunities. Identifying the right one, however, takes a little more finessing. Summer’s slow down gives you the chance to get an edge on competitors who choose to press pause on their search. A smaller candidate pool also encourages employers to be flexible with their requirements and consider professionals that maybe don’t have the exact skill set they’re searching for.

Ready to accelerate your career this summer? Our recruiters can help. Submit your resume or check out our latest jobs in your area.

There are things that just work, no matter what the industry, occasion or decade.

Networking is one of those things.

And we’re not just referring to the more common online methods used today — in-person connections are valuable, too. The reason? It’s all about finding your edge. Applying the traditional way is a tedious process, leaving many job seekers feeling like their polished resumes are sent to a bottomless black box. But candidates who can find a personal link are more likely to land the job. Or even bag a role that isn’t being advertised.

Here are five tips to broadening your professional network — and have fun along the way.

1. Attend a professional event near you

This can be a seminar, workshop or networking event that allows you to meet and interact with professionals who share your interests. When it comes to forging career-based relationships, settings that already lend themselves to these type of conversations are generally the easiest. Questions about a person’s skill set, current role, place of employment and future goals are par for the course. They’re also great introductory touchstones for shy professionals who are not as comfortable meeting new people.

2. Leverage LinkedIn and Facebook

Social media is a powerful tool, especially when it comes to connecting and engaging with, well, strangers. Why not utilize it to grow your professional life? Find Facebook groups that are dedicated to your industry. Pose questions. Interact. And when someone posts a career opportunity, you can act — and already have a personal contact with the company.

When it comes to LinkedIn, the networking process is even easier. This is what it’s for. But the real work is in the details. Maintaining an up-to-date profile is key, and should include projects, examples of your work or other elements that showcase your skill set. You can also tap into your alumni connections through the platform, or reach out to industry experts you admire for insights, leads and advice.

3. Join Meet-Ups and clubs

Who said networking had to stick with the obvious? Many professionals seek outside forums to meet people who share similar interests and backgrounds, career-related or not. Join a local Meet-Up or club — you never know where those new connections can lead.

4. Don’t discount family and friends

Thinking outside the traditional outlets can also be applied with your loved ones. Share your aspirations and goals with friends and family. Because in a world where it’s all about who you know, sometimes relying on who others know can be just the break you need to find your next career opportunity.

5. Tend to your new relationships

Remember: people can sense when your motives are less than genuine. Networking is a mutually beneficial process, so it’s important to approach these new connections like you would any working or social relationship — as people. Send messages to check-in or get an update on what’s going on in their lives. Invite them to coffee or in-person meetings, if you’re comfortable. And be open to sharing tips or leads when you can.

Do you need help finding your next permanent or temporary job? Submit your resume and put our team’s network to work for you!

It’s officially a temp economy. With low unemployment and the rise of gig culture, temporary workers are excelling in today’s market — and employers are starting to catch on.

Temporary work has been on the grow since 2008, with professionals drawn to the flexibility and immediacy of contract positions in the midst of an economic downturn. Now, the non-traditional has become the norm. Candidates are seeking more of a work-life balance that allows them to manage their own schedules, upgrade or expand skill sets and earn great pay — on their own terms. In a recent study by Upwork and Freelancers Union, 56.7 million Americans are contract workers and predict that number to rise in the coming decade.

Instead of fighting this change, companies are using this shift to their advantage. Fortune 500 companies are depending more and more on temp workers to complete key projects and interim roles. The American Staffing Association reports the demand is at its highest level since 1992 as the number of jobs continues to outpace the amount of available candidates. Just this past month, temporary help accounted for 2.03 percent of all U.S. jobs — showing the need remains steady. And even if the economy begins to slow, employers will most likely lean on temporary workers to support its productivity while sidestepping the risk of hiring permanent employees.

Both temp workers and companies often view these short-term opportunities as test-runs, and can transition into temp-to-hire roles if it’s a good fit for both sides. Temporary jobs are also a lucrative way to gain new skills, explore industries and develop your professional network.

GETTING STARTED

Are you ready to find your next temporary job? Our recruiters work one-on-one with job seekers to match them with temporary or interim positions they’re qualified for — helping to eliminate the time spent sending countless resumes to unanswered inboxes. They use their industry connections to gain access to exclusive job opportunities, and can get your resume in front of the right people.

Submit your resume today to get started or check out the latest jobs nearest you!

 

 

 

The holiday season is upon us. Time to ease off your job search, and reroute that focus toward friends and family, right? Wrong.

Now is an optimal opportunity for job seekers to stand out from that crowded candidate pool — to think like a business does. Companies’ hiring needs aren’t guided by seasonal calendars. Neither should yours. Here are a few reasons why you should add the job search to your list of holiday to-dos this month.

1.  THERE’S LESS COMPETITION

We all need a break. And the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day seems like the most sensible time to take that much-needed breather — which is exactly why you shouldn’t. Some employers use the end of the year to budget in new roles that need to be filled, or create a short list of candidates for key personnel to interview. Place yourself ahead of the competition, and keep plugging away. You’ll be glad you did.

2. THE SURPLUS OF NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Not sure if you should attend those holiday parties or social events? Here’s a hint: go. To all of them. Amidst the cheer and chatter, feel free to slip your job search into the conversation — you never know where your next big lead will come from.

3. GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR

The demand for professionals to fill temporary jobs is the norm come the end of the year, and it’s not uncommon for those positions to transition into full-time roles — for the right candidates. Bottom line: treat all employment opportunities as a permanent job. An outstanding impression left on an employer may actually lead to one.

4. IT’S THE TIME TO CONNECT

The holiday season is when we’re most inclined to send cards and messages to friends, family and colleagues. Why not include your LinkedIn and other social media connections to that list? Use this opportunity to catch up, reestablish communication and, just maybe, find that perfect career move. Trust us — your bout of relaxation will feel even more deserved if you do.

Are you an accounting and finance professional looking to explore new career opportunities? The placement experts at Century Group are here to help. Visit our website to find your next career move.

We’ve all had them. Those curveball questions in a job interview that give you pause and your confidence an unwanted jolt.

Sure, you went into the meeting prepared — backed with a strong understanding of both the role and how your background makes you the best fit. But it’s important to think outside those rehearsed anecdotes that positively portray your skill set and consider more personal probes.

We’ve rounded up three common, uncomfortable interview questions, and how to best answer them without skipping a beat.

Q. Why are there so many gaps in your resume?

A. This one isn’t as much of a surprise for professionals with a few holes in their employment history, but that doesn’t make it any less difficult. Employers typically review your resume with you early on in the interview, and can see the gaps as a potential red flag. Our advice: Don’t panic. Be honest.

Be direct about company mergers or layoffs — these things happen. And if there are larger date ranges unaccounted for in your resume, try to relate it to your professional goals and endeavors. Employers want to see that you were doing something, whether that be volunteer work, furthering your education or being active in the job search.

Q. What is your greatest weakness?

A. No one’s perfect, right? And employers don’t expect you to be. But to make the best of this type of question, you need to be specific and strategic with your response. Most importantly, focus on the positives. Choose a distinct weakness that doesn’t encompass a whole skill set or isn’t a main responsibility of the role you’re interviewing for. If you have an example of a time when you were able to successfully overcome that challenge, share it.

Q. What type of people do you find most difficult to work with?

A. It’s fair to assume no person is going to get along with everyone they meet. Still, you can put an upbeat spin on how to approach this question. Instead of describing the type of people you don’t jive with professionally, share the type of work culture you do enjoy. Saying you prefer to work with individuals who are driven, collaborative and even-tempered gives employers a clear idea of the type of people you would rather steer clear of — leaving the negative comments to be understood, not said.

Are you looking for your next career opportunity? Our experienced recruiters can give you access to confidential jobs — fast. Browse our hottest jobs today!

By Ron Blair, President & COO

Managing your career path is a lot like playing jump rope: It’s a bit daunting to stand before that whirring cord. But once you dive in and get in sync with the rhythm, your world adjusts itself. You don’t notice the speed of the rope that much until you start thinking about getting out. Then it gets tricky again — making a successful break is a matter of timing.

So how do you know when it’s time to move on? Here are five clues that may indicate you’ve come to an important decision point in your career:

1. YOUR MENTAL AND/OR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING HAS DECLINED

You dread going to work. This is not the “I had a great weekend and now I don’t want to be an adult again” scenario that we all experience now and then. No, this is the dark cloud, the heaviness that envelops you all day, every day. The resulting stress may manifest itself as migraines, insomnia, depression and low immunity to disease. Your family, friends and co-workers may be telling you that you’re not the person you used to be.

2. YOU’VE HIT THE CEILING

You’ve grown as far as you can in your present position, and there seems to be no impending opportunity to advance within your organization. If you still want to grow, transplanting yourself may be the only option.

3. YOU’RE UNDERCOMPENSATED

Compensation is a complex and emotionally charged issue. While you may feel you’re not being paid fairly, your salary may be competitive within your market, so leaving your job may not help. However, if you know for sure that you could be commanding a higher salary elsewhere — either in your present position or by moving up the ladder — changing jobs may be a smart move.

4. WORK IS NO LONGER STIMULATING OR CHALLENGING

You’ve lost the joy and sense of purpose you felt when you started your job. Maybe you feel trapped by month-end close and similar tasks when you really just want to work on projects. Perhaps you’re tired of being in the same surroundings all the time, and you crave the stimulation of working in various companies and on a wide range of projects.

5. THERE’S TROUBLE IN THE WORKPLACE

Disputes and feuds with your boss or co-workers can take a toll on you — mentally, physically and financially. If you’re tired of office politics, you’re never consulted for your opinion, and you feel you’ve been pushed out of the information loop, it may be time for a change. It’s worth trying to repair relationships, but if your association with your boss and/or co-workers is truly irreparable, leaving may be your only good option.

Next steps: Mapping out your future

So you’ve made your decision to move on — to leap from one whirling rope to another. What now? As a financial professional, you have at least two excellent options: Go into another full-time position with a firm or step into project-by-project consulting. The choice between the two really comes down to your career goals.

Do you see yourself more as an expert practitioner or an employee manager? If you enjoy building and managing a longstanding team and/or you desire to move up the ladder in a particular company, you’re probably better off looking for another full-time position. However, if your focus is on producing well-executed projects, you might prefer consulting.

Give consulting a chance

The greatest benefit of project consulting is flexibility. Consulting can be a bridge back to full-time work, if you so desire. You have a great opportunity to earn an excellent income while expanding your knowledge, capabilities and professional network, and you’ll be exposed to a number of great companies you might be interested in joining in the future. And if you decide to continue consulting, you’ll find that your earning potential may even be greater than what you experienced in full-time work — particularly if you’re willing to work overtime, travel and/or take on particularly challenging projects.

Another bonus: Consulting generally removes you from the corrosive effects of office politics. You still get to work for quality organizations, but you only have to complete the current project, then leave when it’s over. So if you’re looking to get out of your current job, don’t forget the lessons from jump rope: Time your move carefully. Make a clean break and leap into a more enjoyable and rewarding future.

Are you ready to make that jump? Search our latest jobs in your area today!

People can be flaky — this isn’t anything new. But an emerging phenomenon that seems to be stumping employers? Ghosting. At work.

In a market that has more job openings than job seekers, companies are facing unprecedented challenges. It seems the tables have turned. Rather than leaving hundreds of applicants in the dark, hiring managers are now left to play the guessing game — wondering why their calls are being unanswered, interviews no-showed and offers left on the table.

And as candidates have more and more options available to them, this trend shows no signs of slowing. But, job seekers, beware: it does have significant ramifications to your career in the long run. We break down what ghosting in the workplace says about you.

1. POOR TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

We’re a society of multitaskers — juggling responsibilities, tasks and calendars isn’t a plus, but a must. Especially to potential employers. Flaking on a job interview — a period when candidates are expected to be on their best behavior — offers a poor preview of your performance as a future employee. The simple, yet important, ability to meet scheduled appointments reinforces your accountability. Without that, you not only risk your professional reputation — but the company’s.

2. DISREGARD FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S TIME

Time is money. Ghosting or canceling a meeting on a late notice shows that you have little regard for others’ schedules, as that time could’ve been designated to address other business opportunities. Bottom line: being inconsiderate is frowned upon in both personal and office settings.

3. WILLING TO BURN BRIDGES

This point is probably one of the most damning for job seekers. The job search — no matter how quickly technology advances — will always consist of making connections and building on your professional network. Skipping out on a planned interview illustrates your willingness to destroy potential opportunities. And hiring managers and employers don’t forget. Recruiting firms keep a steady log of candidates’ strengths, weaknesses and behavior on the job — not wanting to risk the company’s standing by working with those who have little regard for their own.

Check out these tips to ace your next interview!

So you landed that big job interview. Next stop: securing your next, exciting career opportunity.

Not so fast.

Making a positive impact off paper is just as (if not more) challenging during the job search process, so it’s important you’re well-equipped for whatever the interviewer may throw at you. And lucky for you, we’re happy to offer some guidance. Century Group’s Director of Client Services Nathalie Hollants shares her top five preparation tips — helping you to walk into your interview feeling confident and ready to impress.

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Knowledge is power, and this adage is especially true when preparing for a job interview. Arm yourself with as much information as possible by researching the company and its people. “Review the website in detail, check out the team and find articles about the company that you can discuss during the interview,” Hollants says. “Look up the hiring managers on LinkedIn. What do you have in common?”

2. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Try to get the names and positions of everyone you’ll be meeting with. And remember to take the type of company you’re interviewing with into consideration. Is it an entertainment, start-up or a more traditional firm? Dress accordingly, Hollants explains.

3. BE YOUR BEST SELF

Employers want to know you’re just as excited about them as they are about you. Hollants says to be engaged and show your enthusiasm for the role throughout the interview. “Most importantly, be yourself and honest about your experience.”

4. STUDY THE JOB DUTIES

It’s pretty straightforward to know the job responsibilities of the job you’re applying for. But successful candidates go one step further — relating their personal background to the position’s specific duties. “Sell your experiences, and how you can be an asset,” Hollants says.

5. SEND A THANK-YOU NOTE

This small touch goes a long way. Aim to send a thank-you email within 24 hours after your interview to help solidify your overall impression on the interviewer. “It should be personal and to the point,” Hollants explains. “Often times, this can make or break the deal.”

Are you looking for your next career opportunity? Century Group can help make the job search process easier by providing one-on-one support, resume revisions and access to companies that are hiring. Check out our hottest jobs today!