Whitman Associates is a professional staffing agency serving businesses and job seekers in the Washington, D.C. area. Since 1972, we’ve been dedicated to matching highly qualified candidates with a wide variety of temporary, temp-to-hire and permanent positions. We prioritize the needs of both our clients and candidates to ensure successful, lasting relationships.
Bradley recently transitioned from managing Starbucks stores in California to immersing themselves in the diverse realm of temporary work at Whitman Associate’s in DC. Their experience with Whitman Associate’s has played a pivotal role in broadening their horizons and providing exposure to various industries.
Armed with a Bachelor’s in Business Management Economics from the University of California and currently pursuing an MBA at Texas A&M, Bradley is committed to continuous learning. They have earned certification from the Society of Human Resource Management as a Certified Professional. Their unwavering dedication lies in contributing to workplaces by propelling their missions forward and enriching the lives of their employees.
Beyond the professional sphere, Bradley finds joy in exploring a range of hobbies. Painting has evolved into a profound passion, and they’ve recently delved into cultivating bonsai trees—an inspiration drawn from the exquisite National Bonsai tree at DC’s Arboretum. The transition from mountains to monuments marked a significant change. However, navigating the rich history of the United States while adapting to city life has proven to be an exhilarating journey for them.
Bernadine was born and raised by her grandmother on St. Kitts, a small beautiful British island in the Caribbean. Upon graduation from high school, she moved to St. Croix, United States Virgin Island to live with her parents. It was in 1979 when that young girl of nineteen decided to leave home to pursue her college degree in Washington, DC.
Bernadine received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems and Technology with a minor in Economics. She made a career working for the District of Columbia Public Schools for over thirty years as Business Manager, Administrative Officer and other duties as assigned before retiring this year.
Bernadine soon realized that she needed something to do, and she applied to Whitman which has exceeded her expectations. She is sent on different assignments that she has enjoyed tremendously. Learning new things and meeting new people is so exciting.
Bernadine loves reading, crossword puzzles, traveling and dancing, but it is her five grandsons that keep her busy in her spare time.
Jordan is a recent graduate of Colgate University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies. She moved to DC to pursue a career in marketing and communications and is excited to see where it takes her.
Jordan enjoys all things artistic, especially videography and photography. She also enjoys exploring DC and all the fun restaurants and activities it has to offer.
It’s that pivotal moment in a job interview. It seems that every job candidate waits on pins and needles for a single and inevitable question to be asked in the interview … that moment when the interviewer says, “So, tell me about yourself.”
This question strikes fear in the hearts of job seekers everywhere. In reality, the question is an excellent opportunity for job candidates to showcase their accomplishments and utilize their rehearsed elevator pitches. It’s a matter of choosing, adopting, and owning a strategy that highlights the candidate’s finest qualities, experiences, and goals with confidence — without coming across as arrogant. If you want to learn how to answer the “Tell me about yourself” question, explore our interview strategies from the experts at Whitman Associates today!
The Winning Answer Strategy
Are you facing a series of interviews with hiring managers who are eager to learn more about you via the disarmingly pointed “Tell me about yourself” question?
If you are, there is no reason to worry — you can handle this question and learn to market yourself with confidence and ease.
With the right strategy, this question becomes a breeze, alleviating stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt while giving you handy tools to help you communicate your important background information and desired professional traits. Use your “tell me about yourself” answer to share with the interviewer how you market yourself as essential to the position and illustrate what you bring to the table, further leveraging you as the perfect candidate for the role.
The Present-Past-Future Formula
Some time ago, recruiting professionals recognized the struggle that job seekers consistently face when they need to answer the “Tell me about yourself” question. Over the years, the present-past-future formula has become a leading strategy for marketing yourself in interviews and is recommended to earnest job candidates by hiring professionals.
The formula is perfect because it provides you with a simple, three-part “script.” It is concise, comprehensive, easy to remember and sure to fill you with confidence — which is often more than half the battle.
Most importantly, this strategy gives recruiting managers a panoramic image of who you are, how you work and what your goals are — especially related to their organizational needs — in a succinct three-point snapshot.
Crafting Responses: Strong vs Weak Answers
Strong Responses
Take a look at these strong present-past-future sample answers to the “Tell me about yourself” question to get an idea of how you might think of marketing yourself in interviews:
Strong Example 1 – “I currently work as the office manager for a small business with a staff of 30. The whole team is fantastic, but I feel like I’m ready — and incredibly eager — to take on a bustling office environment. Considering you house 150 employees at this location alone, I think this is the perfect place for me to up my game and move into the next step in my career.”
Strong Example 2 – “After obtaining my communications degree, I set my sights on a career in public relations. While searching for the perfect job, I worked as a server for a catering company where I made many great connections, including my last employer that owned an advertising agency. Although I have learned the finer points of marketing and advertising at my current position, I crave the experience of shaping public personas and managing talent’s image. I believe I could become a solid and reliable asset for your local media and sports clients.”
While the second example was not written in the official order, it still hit all the same points of present, past and future. Mix it up, but make sure that your “Tell me about yourself” answer is something you can easily respond with because it has been so well-rehearsed as you practice marketing yourself for your interview.
Weak Responses
A weaker answer to “Tell me about yourself” might look like the following:
Weak Example 1 – “I have worked at my current job as a receptionist for three years and have built some good relationships. I learned a lot, too. In my spare time, I paint in watercolors and am a long distance runner. I think I can easily learn the ropes here and help as an executive assistant.”
Weak Example 2 – “I work well without supervision and I do a lot for others. I’m interested in a promotion to an Executive Assistant role because of my experience.”
These answers do not work well for a number of reasons — one of them is that the answers come across disjointed, unorganized and lacking enthusiasm. The speaker fails to effectively market themselves and the interviewer might question whether they know how to prepare well or if they simply did not want the job if answering a question this way.
Do You Need Help Marketing Yourself for Important Job Interviews?
Do you feel like your ‘Tell me about yourself’ answer in job interviews sounds a little robotic, uncertain or insincere? If you’re having problems with any phase of the interviewing process, our recruiting team at Whitman Associates is here to help hone your skills. We’re happy to sit down with you to focus on marketing yourself as a candidate and interviewing techniques to ensure you have custom responses and strategies tailored to your personal strengths and weaknesses while helping you avoid any pitfalls.
Contact us via phone or email today to set up an appointment to talk about interviewing issues, any of our listed jobs that interest you or whatever else we can do to help you land your dream role.
Are you organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about managing individuals, teams, and projects? If so, a career as a project coordinator might be perfect for you. Project coordinators work alongside project managers and administrative assistants to play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of projects at their company, from planning and organizing to communicating and problem-solving. Let’s explore the best practices for finding and securing a temp, temp to perm, or permanent staffing job as a project coordinator with Whitman Associates.
The Role of a Project Coordinator
The role of project coordinator is integral to the successful execution of projects within any organization. No matter your sector, project coordinators are the communication hub that keeps information flowing between project managers, cross-collaborative departments, other contractors, and the end client. Project coordinators typically keep records, track progress, and provide regular updates to inform all stakeholders of the project status.
Research Job Opportunities
Don’t rely solely on local or generic job boards when researching job listings. There may also be a niche job search platform in your industry that specializes in the role of project coordinator or project manager. Tailor your job search to find coordinator positions supporting managers that match your skills and interests. You can also set up job alerts and receive notifications when relevant project coordinator positions become available.
Update Your Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn
Resume
Your resume and cover letter are your first opportunity to make a positive impression on potential employers. Tailor your project coordinator resume to highlight relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. Be sure to emphasize your organizational skills, attention to detail, communication abilities, and any pertinent project management software proficiencies. Some of the top skills listed on resumes for project coordinators are:
Organizational Skills
Communication
Time Management
Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Collaboration
Adaptability
Leadership
Analytical Thinking
Software Proficiency
Cover Letter
In your cover letter, showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the industry, address specific requirements from the job posting, and provide examples of how your project coordination skills align with the company’s needs. A personalized and well-written cover letter can significantly increase your chances of standing out.
LinkedIn
Your online presence matters if you plan to update your resume and submit job applications. Update your LinkedIn profile when you apply to new roles so it has the most up-to-date professional accomplishments, skills, and aspirations. Follow companies and groups related to project coordination and project management to stay updated with industry trends and job opportunities.
Network and Connect
Networking can open doors to hidden job opportunities. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to connect with professionals in the field. Join online project management forums and groups to share insights and learn from others’ experiences. Don’t underestimate the power of a genuine connection in the professional world. Finding a mentor is a surefire way to get ahead in your career, as you can learn from discussions you have about their career experiences.
Prepare for Interviews
Once you begin applying to new project coordinator roles, it will be time to prepare thoroughly for upcoming interviews. Research the companies you are applying to and understand their projects, values, and culture. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to provide examples of how you’ve handled challenging situations and demonstrated your project coordination versus project management skills in your previous roles.
During the interview, focus on how your previous administrative assistant and project coordination skills, and experiences align with the company’s and management’s needs. Highlight your ability to streamline processes, manage timelines, and ensure project deliverables are met for the project managers you support. Showcase your problem-solving skills by describing how you’ve overcome obstacles in previous roles and how you are the best fit for the position based on those experiences.
Embrace Continuous Improvement
Project management methodologies and tools are constantly evolving. Stay current with the latest trends and best practices by attending industry workshops, taking free or paid training courses online, obtaining necessary certifications and reading industry publications. Demonstrating your commitment to professional growth can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers and will help you round out your skillset. Consider taking on temp or temp-to-perm positions with companies before joining as permanent staff.
Be Patient and Persistent
Finding the proper role as a project coordinator can take time. Keep refining your approach, learn from each interview or mentor conversation, and persist in pursuing the perfect position. After your interview, send a thank you note or email to express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and company. This small gesture can leave a positive impression on the hiring team and help you stand out from other applicants.
Becoming a successful project coordinator involves career planning, effective communication, networking, and continuous improvement. Implementing these best practices can enhance your chances of securing your dream job in project coordination or management support roles. Your dedication and commitment will pay off in the long run as you embark on an exciting and fulfilling career journey with Whitman Associates. Contact us today to discuss your next career move!
Lauren, a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors in Journalism, has spent the majority of her career in the entertainment marketing space in Los Angeles. With her passion for global good, she moved cross country this year to DC to bring her creative skills to the world of non profit communications and has not looked back!
Lauren is also a professional photographer and an avid lover of nature, animals and art. She enjoys the abundance of beautiful parks around DC as well as taking advantage of the free museums.
Sebastian is a proud Nicaraguan American with a background in digital communication and multimedia journalism. He is well versed in multiple technology editing techniques and analytics softwares and also has a passion for film.
Having bounced around 6 different states Sebastian arrived in his new home of DC in February. He enjoys exploring the DMV area with his girlfriend along with hiking, watching movies, playing games, or even playing with his cat, Mamba.
Sebastian achieved his Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in December 2022 and is ready to build his professional career and make his mark on the DC area.
We are excited to announce that Whitman Associates, Inc. was awarded the Spectrum award for Excellence in Client Satisfaction among Washington, D.C. recruiters by City Beat News!
Thank you to all of our incredible clients and candidates who have made this possible. WAI has proudly provided the DMV with stellar staffing services since 1972, and we are thrilled to be continuing that tradition today.
Bridget is a dedicated higher education, governance and administrative professional with over 20 years of experience. She is driven by a personal motto that “Leadership and service can co-exist.”
In her free time, she enjoys cultural activities, visiting local wineries, taking long drives, going to the beach and listening to live music. Anytime of the day she is first in line for a good laugh. However, after a lot of engagement, the introvert kicks in and it becomes vital that she enjoy a moment of solitude.
Bridget holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Nonprofit Administration.
Welcome to Whitman Associates’ comprehensive guide on creating an ATS-friendly resume. Whether you’re starting from scratch or optimizing your current resume for ATS, you’ll find valuable insights and tips to increase your chances of making a positive impression on both a mechanical and intentional reviewer.
At Whitman Associates, we are committed to assisting you on your job search journey. Understanding how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) works is a key step in this process. With this knowledge, you’ll not only enhance the quality of your application, but also gain a deeper understanding of the modern recruitment landscape, empowering you to navigate your career path with confidence. Now, let’s begin our deep-dive into the world of ATS.
What is an ATS?
Before we dive into ATS-friendly resumes, let’s clarify what we mean by an ATS, or Applicant Tracking System. An ATS is a software application used by employers to manage recruitment. It organizes, screens, and tracks applications and resumes, significantly streamlining the hiring process. It can filter applications based on given criteria such as keywords, skills, former employers, years of experience, and schools attended. However, an ATS isn’t just a machine doing the recruiter’s job, but a tool to assist and enhance the hiring process.
Debunking ATS Myths
It’s easy to find a plethora of misinformation about ATSs online. Some sources may lead you to believe that these systems automatically filter out candidates based on arbitrary or discriminatory criteria. However, this is a misunderstanding. In fact, an ATS is simply a tool to manage the sheer volume of applications. It’s designed to organize and streamline, not discriminate or exclude.
Another common myth that circulates among job seekers is the belief that ATSs actually “read” the resumes they submit. Many fear that their candidacy is solely at the mercy of an AI system parsing their resume.
The reality is that ATSs serve predominantly as storage and organization tools. They collect and categorize resumes, making it easier for human recruiters to manage and review applications.
The Importance of an ATS-Friendly Resume
Crafting an ATS-friendly resume is a crucial aspect of the modern job application process. Since many companies utilize these systems to handle the initial screening of applications, understanding how to optimize your resume for ATS is not just useful, but essential. The perfect resume increases your chances of being shortlisted for the position you’ve applied for by ensuring that the resume can be correctly interpreted and categorized by the system.
Armed with this knowledge, let’s explore the do’s and don’ts of creating an ATS-friendly resume. Whether you’re applying for your first job or eyeing a top-tier position, we’re here to help you navigate the ATS landscape and get one step closer to landing your dream job.
Creating an ATS-Friendly Resume: The Do’s
DO Embrace Specificity in Skills
Every job opening requires a specific set of skills, languages, and software knowledge. If you have them, flaunt them. When optimizing your resume for ATSs, consider every language you’ve studied, every software you’ve worked with, and all the skills you’ve developed over time. The more specific you are, the better.
Remember, recruiters often look for specific skills when they search in an ATS. For example, if a recruiter types “Excel” into the search bar, you want your resume to be part of the search results. Optimizing for ATSs can be your ticket to getting your application noticed and, ultimately, shortlisted.
DO Prioritize Plain Text over Graphics
While a visually stunning resume can be an attention grabber, it could also be a hindrance to your visibility in an ATS. Some systems may struggle to accurately process images, graphics, or pictures, which could affect your resume’s searchability.
For creative professionals, there’s a way around this. If you have artwork or a portfolio to showcase, include a link to your website or another platform. This way, you retain your creative edge without affecting your ATS visibility.
DO Revise for Readability
Although an ATS might scan your resume for keywords, a recruiter will be the one to make the final decision. This underscores the importance of making your resume readable. Ensure your resume is clear, concise, well-structured, and free of grammatical errors. A resume laden with typos or difficult to read can overshadow your qualifications and work against you.
Creating an ATS-Friendly Resume: The Don’ts
DON’T Use Fluff
When highlighting your skills and experiences, it’s crucial to be clear, precise, and to the point. Algorithms that ATSs use thrive on explicit skills and professional experiences. Therefore, it’s best to steer clear of ambiguous, generic descriptions that might not be detected in an ATS search.
Take, for instance, a statement like ‘exceptional team player’. While it might sound impressive, it could be more impactful to mention specific teamwork skills such as ‘collaboration’, ‘conflict resolution’, or ‘leadership’.
DON’T Overuse Buzzwords
While it’s crucial to use relevant keywords and industry jargon in your ATS-friendly resume, be careful not to overdo it. Yes, these buzzwords can optimize your resume for ATS searches, but remember, your resume ends up being evaluated by human recruiters. The goal is to strike a balance between keywords and meaningful, descriptive content.
DON’T Write Like a Robot
It’s understandable that, armed with some knowledge about ATS, job seekers might be tempted to outsmart the system. Strategies such as copying and pasting large blocks of keywords might seem like a clever workaround. However, while these tactics might temporarily trick an ATS, they will likely fall flat when your resume lands in the hands of human recruiters.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a resume that’s both ATS and human-friendly. Make sure your keyword usage is natural, integrated seamlessly within your experience and skills descriptions.
The Whitman Associates Recruitment Approach
At Whitman Associates, we take pride in putting the human touch into our recruitment process. Our approach prioritizes manual review over software screening. Once we manually identify a potential candidate, their resume is inputted into our ATS to track their status throughout the recruitment journey, ensuring clear and transparent communication at each stage.
Understanding and leveraging the capabilities of an ATS-friendly resume is vital in the modern job search. However, we strongly advocate for viewing your resume as not merely an ATS-optimized document, but a human-friendly one too.
Your Dream Job Awaits
Our expertise at Whitman Associates extends beyond career advice – we are your partner in landing your dream job. As your trusted, leading professional staffing firm serving the Washington, D.C. area, we have a keen eye for matching candidates with the right opportunities. Our role doesn’t end with understanding your resume; we are committed to understanding you.
Allow us to guide you through your job search, adding value and efficiency every step of the way. Get in touch or email your resume to resumes@whitmanjobs.com and get started on your journey today.
Bradley recently transitioned from managing Starbucks stores in California to immersing themselves in the diverse realm of temporary work at Whitman Associate’s in DC. Their experience with Whitman Associate’s has played a pivotal role in broadening their horizons and providing exposure to various industries.
