Job Search Tips Archives - Job Hunt Solutions

Top Tips for Attending Job Fairs

September 13 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: interview tips, Job Fairs, Job Search Advice, Job Search Tips

Job fairs are a great way to maximize your exposure to a wide variety and a large number of potential employers. This is true for both campus job fairs for students, and job fairs aimed at experienced professionals.

Job Fair Tips

Job fairs can be overwhelming, but there is a method for optimizing your time and for making a great first impression:

Pre-Register – even in cases where it is not mandatory to pre-register, I recommend you do. Typically, you will have the opportunity to share your resume with employer attendees, providing you with exposure even before attending the fair.
Review & Research Employers – before you attend the job fair, do your homework. Most job fairs will make the list of employer attendees available to job seekers. Be sure to take the time to research each employer and be sure to review their career site. In doing so, you will be better able to articulate how your skills will match their needs.
Rank the Employers – it is not necessary to meet with every employer at a job fair. After reviewing and researching the list of employer attendees, make note of the A (definitely want to meet), B (would be interested in meeting), and C (not interested in meeting) companies. If there is a map of the employer booths, you can strategize the best path for seeing your A and B list companies.
Bring Resumes & Business Cards – you should bring copies of your resume in case the employer(s) ask for one. In the case that an employer is not accepting hard copy resumes, consider printing out personalized business cards. This way the employer will have your contact information at the ready.
Dress for Success – think of meeting employers at a job fair like a mini job interview. As such, you should dress accordingly. Keep in mind, however, that you could be on your feet for an extended period of time. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Prepare Questions – if you have done your research, you shouldn’t need to ask the employer what the company does. Having great questions that are specific to the employer is a great way to stand out among the other job seekers.
Body Language is Key – your body language is a key contributor of an employer’s first impression of you. As such, try not to fidget or chew gum, be sure to maintain eye contact, and have a firm handshake.
Elevator Pitch – an elevator pitch is your 30-60 second sound bite on your skills, experience, and passion points. It’s a summary of how you can fill the needs of an employer.
Don’t be a Time Hog – speaking as someone who has been a recruiter representing an organization at job fairs, it is difficult to deal with those job seekers who fire off a barrage of questions. Not only is this frustrating to the other job seekers who are in line to speak with the recruiter, but it also doesn’t leave a good first impression. Be sure to ask questions, but be aware of your surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Job fairs are like speed dating, but for jobs. You have the opportunity to meet with a number of employers in one venue. As such, it is important to keep track of the employers with whom you have met and any information they may have shared with you. After the job fair, follow up with the employers of interest via email. Make mention of any conversation points you shared and express your continued interest in the organization. As a result, this could lead to a formal interview and potentially, your next job!

I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any additional insights, or would like to share your experience, I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, happy hunting!

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Job Searching: Is it a Good Sign When….?

August 11 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: Interview Advice, interview tips, Job Search Advice, Job Search Tips

I have received a number of questions from job seekers asking if there are certain key indicators that would suggest that they will be successful in moving along the recruitment life cycle. Specifically, I was asked if a positive response to a thank you letter, questions of salary and availability, and/or discussions of next steps would be a good sign.

As usual, the short answer is: it depends. Let’s look at each of these indicators in more detail to see if there are any insights you can glean.

Possible Good Signs

Taking a look at the three indicators I am most commonly asked about, we have:

Positive Response from Thank You Letter – it is not necessary to respond to a thank you letter. That said, I was recently asked if this is a good sign, or indicator, that you would be selected for a next round interview. Unfortunately, it isn’t necessarily an indicator that you would be moving forward. However, it could be a good indicator of the company culture. At the very least, it is a strong indication of the attitude of the responder. This is also a good indicator that the responder likes you, which is always positive, regardless of the outcome.
Questions on Salary and/or Availability – this indicator depends on timing. For instance, during a telephone interview or pre-screen, the interviewer may ask about these line items simply because they need the information to make a short-list decision. As such, this alone is not an indicator that you are likely to move forward in the process (unless otherwise mentioned). On the other hand, if you are asked about salary and/or availability during a final round interview, this may be a strong indicator that you are being seriously considered for the role. This is especially true if the conversation becomes more like a negotiation.
Next Steps Discussion – a common question asked of interviewers is that of next steps. Many interviewers, anticipating this question, will simply outline the next steps in their recruitment process. In this case, it should not be considered an indication either way of your candidacy. If, however, the interviewer informs you of next steps and schedules a next round interview, then you know that you are still in the running.

Although each of these key indicators are potentially good signs that you would be moving forward in the recruitment process, it is important to consider these indicators in the context of timing.

Final Thoughts

Unless and until you have a job offer in hand, it is important to continue along your job search journey. Anything can happen in the recruitment process that could result in you no longer being in the running for a particular position – even in spite of the positive indicators that you might receive.

I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any additional insights, or would like to share your experience, I’d love to hear from you.

For personalized advice, click here.

Until next time, happy hunting!

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How to Conduct a Keyword Search on Job Boards

August 04 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: Job Search Advice, job search keywords, Job Search Tips

Searching for jobs online can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Although upwards of 80% of jobs are found through networking, there are still a number of jobs that are found through applying to jobs that are posted online. As such, it is important that you include keyword job searches as part of your overall strategy.

Finding the Right Keywords to Use

The approach to finding the most relevant roles online is through using the right keywords in your search. Here’s the rub: determining the right keywords to use is a practice in trial and error. That said, there are a few steps you can take to find the most appropriate keywords:

Think of the Job Ad – ask yourself what your dream job would look like and how would the job ad be written. Think of the keywords that might be found in the job ad.
Start Broad, then Narrow – when starting your keyword search, start with using just the generic job title and see how many results are returned. If the search is too broad, add more keywords to the search string to narrow down the results. As an example, if you are looking for a project management role in construction for the mining industry, you may want to start by using the keywords project manager. Likely there will be hundreds of results, most of which would not be relevant. From there you can add the keyword construction. You will find more relevant roles, but they may not be industry specific. Continue adding more keywords to the search string until you find roles that would be of interest.
Save your Search – once your keywords return relevant results, save the search. Many job boards have such a “search agent” functionality, automating your keyword search.
Look for Themes – as you find relevant roles, see if you can spot themes in terms of the keywords used. Not only can you use these keywords in your future job searches, but you can also pepper these keywords (truthfully) throughout your resume.

Final Thoughts

There are more advanced techniques for conducting any sort of database search. Using Boolean operators, such as AND, NOT, and OR are examples of such techniques. Although it is out of the scope of this blog post, if you are interested in learning about conducting Boolean searches, there are numerous resources available online. The bottom line is that conducting a keyword search is not an exact science. Through practice and trial and error, you will develop this fundamental researching skill.

I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any additional insights, or would like to share your experience, I’d love to hear from you.

For personalized advice, click here.

Until next time, happy hunting!

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How to Make the Most out of Your Summer Job Search

July 31 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: Job Search Advice, Job Search Strategies, Job Search Tips

Conventional wisdom dictates that job opportunities all but vanish during the summer months. After all, the summer is a prime time for vacations. As such, many job seekers take the summer off from their job search. Unfortunately for them, this theory is simply not true. Even during the summer, people change jobs and companies identify hiring needs. It is true that the summer is prime vacation season, but that only means that the hiring process can be delayed as a result. Business still goes on, and the hiring process, slow though it may be, will continue.

As a savvy job seeker, this is a great time to continue your job search. If most other job seekers take the summer off from their job search, then there is less competition in the market. With less competition, the higher your odds for landing an interview. We have approximately 5 weeks left of summer, so even if you had taken most of the summer time off from your job search, it’s not too late to begin.

Create a Job Search Action Plan

There is a lot that can be accomplished during the next 5 weeks in terms of your job search. The key is to remain focused – and the easiest way to stay focused is to come up with an action plan. Here are the key elements for your action plan:

Marketing Material – during this first week, take the time to gather your marketing material. This would include updating your resume and creating a cover letter template. I have a templated cover letter, which you can download for free here. In addition, I have a free follow up and thank you template that you can find here.
Create Lists – I recommend you create three lists: your target company list (companies for whom you are interested in working), a list of 2-3 recruitment agencies you would like to target, and a list of networking contacts (former colleagues, friends, former supervisors).
Create a Schedule & Stick to It – you can start by listing the tasks you need to accomplish, the time each task will take, and how much capacity or time you will have each week for the tasks you have listed. The tasks would include searching and applying for jobs, making networking connections, and attending networking meetings and interviews. The time it takes for each of these tasks will vary, but be sure to build in time for all of the elements that each task entails. For example, the task of attending an interview should include your research time, the time it takes to get to the interview (with extra time to arrive early), time for the interview, travel time home, and time to write thank you letters, etc. Based on the tasks and timelines, you can start to create targets for the upcoming weeks.

As you are creating your action plan, specifically your schedule, be sure to include any additional development tasks. For example, if you want to take an online course or volunteer, build that into your schedule.

Final Thoughts

We still have a lot of summer left. I would encourage you to spend time with your friends and family. This is a great time for attending barbecues, weddings, and other events. You can take advantage of these opportunities to continue your job search and network. As I’ve said before, you never know who you know who might be the lead to your next job!

I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any additional insights, or would like to share your experience, I’d love to hear from you.

For personalized advice, check out the services section here.

Until next time, happy hunting!

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5 Tips for Dealing with Rejection during your Job Search

July 10 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: Job Search Rejection, Job Search Tips

Searching for a job is a full-time job. Depending on how long your job search lasts, it can be both frustrating and exhausting. Many people will have to face rejection from time to time during their job search – it is extremely rare that for every job to which a person applies they will receive an offer of employment. Here are my top 5 tips for dealing with rejection during your job search:

Acknowledge Feelings – staying motivated during your job search can sometimes seem like a Herculean task when faced with rejection. It is important to acknowledge your negative feelings so that you can process them effectively. If you start to feel overwhelmed by these feelings, be sure to speak with someone who can help.
Perspective – if you find that you are not progressing beyond a certain point in your job search, keep in mind that it’s not personal. The job market is highly competitive. The hiring decisions that organizations are faced with are increasingly difficult as a result.
Be Objective – try to notice patterns of where you have dropped off in the recruitment process. This will give you insight into what you may need to improve. For example, if you are rejected before you are invited to interview, perhaps your resume needs work. Alternately, you may not be applying to the right roles. Finally, if you are rejected during the interview stage, your frustration with your job search may be shining through in your interviews. It is important to try to stay as positive as possible for your interviews to avoid this pitfall.
Ask for Feedback – as a best practice, you should send a thank you letter to the interviewers. If you are rejected after an interview, take the opportunity to ask for their constructive feedback. You can also ask for suggestions on how you can improve. You may not always get feedback, but the insight you will gain will help you on your journey. Further, given that not many applicants ask for feedback, you will stand out. As such, this may position you at the top of the candidate list when the organization is in the market to hire again.
Seek Positive Outlets – make sure you reach out to your support group. People such as friends, mentors, and former colleagues would likely provide you with much-needed encouragement. Volunteering is another great outlet. Contributing to a cause that is important to you will boost your spirits. Finally, exercise is a wonderful way to clear your mind. Countless studies have shown the physical and mental benefits of exercise. This doesn’t mean you have to join a gym. You can go for a walk, cycle, or swim – whatever best suits you.

Final Thoughts

It is important to keep your job search active. When we see our dream job posted with our dream company, it is tempting to focus on that opportunity. In doing so, we may neglect to continue to apply to other suitable roles. If this so-called dream job were to fall through for any reason, and you haven’t kept your job search active, then you may find yourself having to start your job search from the beginning. It is vital that until you have a job offer in hand that you keep your job search active to avoid any delays in the process.

I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any additional insights, or would like to share your experience, I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, happy hunting!

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8 Tell-Tale Signs of a Job Scam

June 12 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: job scam, Job Search Tips

An unfortunate reality is that of scam artists or con artists, and they can appear when we least expect them. We see con artists depicted in Hollywood movies and TV. We hear of various scams on the news. One type of scam that is becoming more common is the Job Scam. So, how can you identify if a job is legitimate or a scam? Here are my top 8 tips:

Immediate Offer – In some cases, you may be sent an email with a job offer. These emails may mention that they have seen your profile or resume online and that they would like to hire you for their current opening. Most employers are required to do their due diligence when selecting a person to hire, and this includes conducting interviews. If you are given an offer without as much as an interview, this is a clear sign that the job is a scam.
Interview via IM – Job scammers have become wise to the first tell-tale sign, and as such, they may ask you for an interview. Employers typically conduct interviews, but legitimate employers will interview via telephone, Skype, or in person. Job scammers tend to rely on Instant Messenger to interview.
Poor Spelling & Grammar in Job Ad – this refers to obvious spelling and grammar mistakes. One way to check for grammar and spelling mistakes is to copy the job description to MS Word and run a spell check and grammar check. In addition, you can also use the free Grammarly add-on for your word processing program. This will give you an added layer of scrutiny.
E-mail Address – Legitimate companies will have a website, and their employees will have a company specific email address. If you receive an email from a non-professional domain, such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Live, then this is another tell-tale sign that the job might be a scam.
Ask You to Pay – Legitimate employers will never ask you to transfer money to them for any reason. Job scammers, however, may ask you to transfer money to them for things like training, software updates, or immigration services.
Personal Information – Although you will need to send your personal details such as Social Insurance Number and date of birth to an employer as per their background check process, this is usually conducted near the end of their recruitment process. As such, if this information is requested before the interview, this could be a sign that the job is a scam. In addition, be wary of any websites to which you need to upload your personal information. The web address should begin with “https”, where the “s” stands for secure. Otherwise, you will be uploading your personal information to an unsecured site, which means that your personal details could be compromised.
Bank Details – Legitimate employers will need your banking details in order to pay you. Be wary if a prospective employer asks for additional banking information, such as the answers to your security questions or for your PIN number. Unless you receive an offer of employment from a banking institution, employers will not ask you to open a bank account with a specific bank, and again, they will not ask you for the PIN number or security answers for your newly opened account.
Intuition – Finally, trust your intuition. If you believe a job might be a scam, be sure to proceed with extra caution and do your research!

What to do if you Suspect a Job is a Scam?

First, and for every role, it is highly recommended that you conduct thorough research on the organization and on the people with whom you will be meeting. That said, some of the savvier scam artists have “borrowed” LinkedIn profiles of legitimate people. Be sure to take note of the LinkedIn profile to see how many connections a person has (i.e. do they have any connections?), if the profile is complete, and if there is more than one person with the same name at the same company. LinkedIn is an excellent resource that I often recommend job seekers use in their job search. Although LinkedIn cannot control the creation of fake profiles, they are extremely diligent in ensuring that such profiles are removed.

Second, if you suspect that you have been contacted by a job scammer, be sure to report it to the local police, or in Canada to the RCMP’s fraud unit. This will help curtail job scams and will help us to protect each other from such scams.

Finally, be sure to share your experience with others and share this video. If you have been a target of such job scams or know of someone who has been, please do leave a comment below. The more we are aware of these types of scams and are able to help others identify them, we will all be better off.

Final Thoughts

Most of the job advertisements that you come across will be legitimate. It is important to recognize that job scams exist and to know the tell-tale signs. As such, please be sure to be mindful of these signs and to report and share your findings.

Until next time, happy hunting!

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How to Search for a Job

June 02 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: Job Hunting, Job Search, Job Search Tips

In response to a recent viewer question, here are my top 8 tips for conducting your job search.

Know what you want – It is important that you do the self-reflection needed to help you determine the best career path for you. My previous blog post discusses this in detail. As mentioned in that post, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, how will you ever know that you’ve found it?

Create a Target Company List – While going through the exercise in step 1, think about which companies would have the attributes that are important to you and employ the skills and experience you have. Having a top 10 target company list will streamline your research, networking, and job search efforts. As a result, you will be able to make efficient use of your job search time.

Company Websites & Social Media
1. Company Website: Most companies have websites, and many companies have a career section on their website. Be sure to visit their sites, taking note of any current openings they may have that match your background. While going through this exercise, try to notice any trends that you might see in terms of keywords or qualifications listed in the job ads. In many cases, company career sites will have the option for you to sign up for a ‘job search agent,’ which will notify you of relevant openings when they become available. As a cautionary note, do not apply to too many roles within your target company – this may give the company the impression that you are not focused or are desperate.
2. Social Media: Be sure to check out their LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter pages. LinkedIn is a wonderful resource for conducting research and identifying people within your target organizations with whom you may wish to network. In some cases, companies may have a Twitter career page. Be sure to follow such pages so that you are the first in the know for any roles that may come available. As a final note, remember that employers may check your online profiles, so it is important that your online presence is updated and professional.
Network – Networking is critical to any job search. You never know who you might know who works in your target organization, or who knows someone else who works there. Tapping into your network is a great way to find jobs the company might have available, the skills they look for, and uncover the hidden job market. Where possibly, try to set up interest interviews with your target company. Before tapping into your network or going on any interest interviews, be sure to have your elevator pitch ready. For more information about crafting your elevator pitch, check out my blog post here. Click here for a copy of my networking guide.

Job Boards – There are a wide variety of job boards available to you. The most popular job boards include Monster and Workopolis, but there are also government sponsored job boards that you can find for your province, country, or state. In addition to these more traditional job boards, there are job aggregator boards which scrape job ads from across the internet and aggregate them onto their site. Examples include Indeed and Eluta. Much like the company career sites mentioned above, you can set up ‘job search agents’ on these sites so that you are notified of job postings as they become available.

Industry Associations – Your company list may fall into one or more industry segments. Search any industry associations in which your target company/companies may participate. Such industry association websites may have their own job boards or a list of upcoming industry events. Attending industry events is a great way to grow your professional network and potentially learn about new job opportunities.

Recruitment Agencies – As mentioned in a previous blog post, recruiters in recruitment agencies are a great, mostly free, resource. Not only will recruitment agencies have a variety of job opportunities available, recruiters are typically very knowledgeable about the latest industry and company trends. In some cases, recruitment agencies may also have knowledge of opportunities in the hidden job market. For more insight on working with recruiters, check out my previous blog post here.

Make a Plan – While conducting your job search, it is important to keep yourself organized and to create an action plan. Set weekly goals for the number of jobs you apply for and the number of networking contacts you are going to email. Remember to build in time for research, interviewing, and tailoring your resume. Not only will this keep you focused, but it will also keep you organized.

I hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any other tips on job searching, please feel free to leave a comment below. Also, if you would like personalized advice, please check out the services section or send me an email – I’d be happy to help!

Until next time, happy hunting!

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Top 10 New Grad Job Search Tips

May 01 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: Job Search Tips, Life after graduating, New Grad Job Search

This is the time of year when many university and college students leave the world of academia to pursue their dream jobs – the one they have been training for while in school. Congratulations to all of the new grads on a job well done! Another congratulations to those of you who have successfully landed a job after graduation.

There are still many people with freshly minted degrees and diplomas, however, who have not yet found a suitable role. Here are my top 10 tips for finding your first job after graduation!

Know what you want

Although this may sound like common sense, it is still important that you do the self-reflection needed to help you narrow down your strengths and interests. In doing so, you can look for opportunities that match your background. In addition, you should think about the types of organizations for which you want to work. For example, do you want to work for a large or small organization? A well-established firm or start-up? A for-profit or not-for-profit organization? This will help you to focus your job search efforts.

Create a Pitch

Once you have completed your self-reflection, you are now ready to craft your elevator pitch. If you are not sure how to craft an elevator pitch, or you’re not sure what an elevator pitch is, click here to see my last blog on writing one.

Create a Target Company List

While going through the exercise in step 1, think about which companies would have the attributes that are important to you and employ the skills and experience you have. Having a top 10 target company list will streamline your research, networking, and job search efforts. As a result, you will be able to make efficient use of your job search time.

Network

Make sure you cast a wide net when you are networking. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can start with family and friends – and even close family friends. Friends of your parents, your professors, team coaches, etc., are all great potential resources. In addition, if you already have your elevator pitch and top 10 target company list, your network will have a greater chance of pointing you in the right direction. Click here for a copy of my networking guide.

Go Online

Although many organizations have a presence on Twitter and Facebook, remember that LinkedIn is the largest online professional networking site out there. As such, it is important that you have an up-to-date profile and use LinkedIn as part of your job search efforts. Not only is it a wonderful resource for researching organizations, but it can also help you identify people within your target organizations with whom you may wish to network. As a final note, remember that employers may check your online profiles, so it is important that your online presence is professional.

Apply to the right jobs

If you have done the work in step 1 and are able to articulate your skills and interests, coupled with your target company list, make sure that you are only applying to those roles that fit your background. It is a best practice to customize your resume for the specific roles to which you are applying, so being selective in these roles will help. As tempting as it may be to apply to any job that you come across, if you “spam” the company with your resume, the recruiters will see this and will be left with the impression that you are too desperate. As a result, you may be passed over for any role within the organization.

Interview Professionally

Make sure you are professional in your approach to the interview. This includes the way you dress, speak, and act in the interview. For more insight on this, feel free to refer to my previous blog post with my top interview tips by clicking here.

Follow-up

This is a key step in your recruitment journey. Throughout my nearly 20-year recruitment career, it stood out to me when a person followed up appropriately. For more information on how and when to follow up after your job interview, you can see my previous blog post here.

Use your Career Center

The campus career center at your school is a wonderful resource for most of your job search needs. Many campus career centers will have volumes of information to help you with your industry and company research, networking tips, resume writing assistance, and interview preparation sessions. In addition, these services are funded by your university and college fees, so you might as well make the most of these services!

Relax

Although searching for a job is a full-time job, and a stressful one at that, it is important to stay calm and focused. Otherwise, it will show through when it comes time to interview. You may appear to be overly nervous, which in turn may give the interviewing company the wrong impression of how talented you truly are.

I hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any other tips on new grad job searching, please feel free to leave a comment below!

Congratulations on graduating with your diploma or degree. It takes a lot of hard work and determination, but you did it. All the best in your job search journey!

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The Pros & Cons of Contracting

April 17 2016 nfougere Job Search 0 comments Tags: Contracting, Job Search, Job Search Tips, Pros & Cons

With more and more organizations augmenting their staff with contract employees, it is becoming more important than ever for people to consider the pros and cons of contract employment before they even apply. Here are my top pros & cons, along with a few additional considerations that you can use when deciding if contracting is right for you.

Pros of Contracting:

Generate Income – taking on a contract opportunity is a great way to generate income while you are pursuing other options, such as permanent employment, schooling, or even starting your own business.
Try Before Buy – while working on a contract you have the opportunity to conduct deeper research on the organization for which you are contracting. This is a great chance for you to determine whether or not you enjoy the company culture, team, and role before you make any decisions to pursue permanent opportunities within the organization.
Foot in the Door – In some cases, contract opportunities turn into permanent roles. Starting off as a contractor gives you the chance to showcase your skills and talents, likely increasing the likelihood of you gaining a permanent role.
Keep Experience – contracting is a key way for you to keep your skills current and relevant for your next role.
Add Experience – if you are looking to make a career change, or if you are new to a country, contracting is a great strategy for you to gain the experience you need to move towards your ideal career.
May Pay More – typically, employers will pay a higher wage to their contract employees to compensate them for a lack of benefits. What you lose in benefits, you could gain in increased salary.
Grow Network – working with any employer, even on a temporary basis, you will meet new co-workers and hence, expand your network.
More Employable – As the adage goes, it’s easier to find a job when you already have one. Working on a contract basis still counts!
Less Competition – given that contract opportunities are a less desirable proposition, there could be fewer people competing for these roles. With less competition, your chances of getting the interview and even landing the job will increase.

Cons of Contracting:

Uncertainty – the uncertainty that comes with not knowing when the job may come to an end is the primary reason that people find contracting an undesirable proposition.
Keep Searching – due to the uncertainty (above), your job search never really ends. This becomes increasingly important as the contract opportunity comes to an end. Let’s face it, looking for a job is a full-time job, and it’s a lot of hard work.
Lack of Benefits – as mentioned in Pro #6, there are typically fewer benefits available for contract employees. This makes long term planning (i.e. retirement, vacations, etc.) challenging.
Hours Worked = Hours Paid – As a contractor, you only get paid for the hours you work. So, if you need to take a personal day or time for vacation, then this could be an expensive plan because you won’t get paid if you don’t actually work.

Other Considerations:

Employer Support in your Job Search – given that you may need to look for another opportunity as your current contract comes to an end, it is important to know whether the contract employer will provide you with the flexibility you may need for conducting a job search. Special consideration may be needed for time off for interviews or network meetings.
Childcare – although this only impacts parents, childcare issues may be a prohibitive factor when considering contract opportunities. I recommend you research child care options to see if there are options available to you with the flexibility you will need to accommodate a potentially inconsistent work schedule.
Self-Employment Options – For those who are interested in embarking on a contracting lifestyle, it would be worth considering setting yourself up as a self-employed entity. In Canada, the options would include setting up a sole proprietorship or becoming incorporated, and in the US, it would be the difference between being a ‘W2’ or a ‘1099.’ Most countries have systems in place that cater to self-employed people, and these systems typically involve better tax implications for the self-employed.

Final Thoughts:

Many contract opportunities will present themselves via recruitment agencies. As mentioned in a previous blog post, recruiters are a fantastic resource in helping you determine if contracting is the right move for you.

If you are considering contract opportunities, I hope this post helps, and if you have other helpful hints and tips, please feel free to share in the comment section below!

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Viewer Question: Employment Assessment Tests

March 24 2016 nfougere Job Screening 0 comments Tags: Ace the Interview, Job Assessment Tests, Job Hunt, Job Search Books, Job Search Tips, where to begin a job search

Another great viewer question: What is the purpose of employment assessment tests?

As usual, the short answer is: it depends! Analytical tests have been debated on both sides of the table. The main reason for this is that their predictive validity (how well they actually predict a person’s potential success in a given role) varies. In addition, there can sometimes be a gap between the intended use and the actual use of such tests.

That aside, although the type of test can vary (i.e. aptitude, personality, intelligence, etc.), the purpose of the test is to provide a deeper understanding of the candidate. The resume and interview is the “tip of the iceberg” and doesn’t highlight how a candidate’s values, aptitude, and beliefs make them a fit for the role. The intended use is usually to assess a person’s personality profile as an indicator of a person’s ability to fit with a company culture, team, or to perform a role.

But, here’s the rub: Although the intended use is for the test to be an indicator, hiring managers may use these tests as a way to “screen in” or “screen out” candidates. The good news is, the H/R or recruitment teams usually recognize these coachable moments to ensure that hiring managers see such tests as indicators and not screening tools.

On a personal note, I am a fan of these tests if they are implemented well. I find them very helpful in doing my own self-reflection to set my own personal and professional goals. In doing my own research, I have come across a free assessment test that is really comprehensive and you can get a lot of great insights from it. I have linked it below for your reference.