For Job Seekers

Managing Your Time In and Out of the Office

WAI Staff

Juggling work, family and friends can make for stressful times.  The ability to manage one’s time is important both in the workplace as well as out of the office.  There are a few simple steps to follow to ensure a productive day, whether you are working to meet a deadline at work or battling daily routine.

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The Benefits of Staffing Agencies

WAI Staff

Staffing agencies are a great resource to utilize when searching for work.  Agencies tend to have experience with the local job market and know what employers are looking for.  They get to know you, and then they are able to market your skills to their clients for permanent and temporary positions.

If you’re not working currently, it is a great idea to do temporary work while searching for a permanent job.  Temping allows you to earn a little money, gain additional experience, test out a new field, and, most importantly, network with local business people.  Temporary positions give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and show employers that you are a hard worker.  Once the employer sees how capable you are, he/she is apt to crate a position for you, keep you in mind for future positions, or refer you to business acquaintances.

The Job Search

WAI Staff

When searching for a new job, you must be proactive.  If you are still working, you need to be actively searching for jobs and sending out resumes in the evenings and on weekends.  If you have recently been laid off, it is a good idea to start searching right away, even if you received a severance package.  This shows that you are eager to work and will help to minimize gaps in your employment.

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A Few Reminders…

WAI Staff

Once you land that dream job, you have to work hard to keep it!  Here are a few good tips to follow once you start your new job.  Remember, it is critical to make a lasting good impression.

Don’t spend time making personal calls, surfing the Internet or sending and receiving excessive emails or text messages.  It is a good rule of thumb to refrain from personal business during work hours unless it is your lunch break.

What if you are temping?  The above rules still apply.  A temporary job today could lead to a permanent job tomorrow.  Employers note whether you are serious and focused on your work.  So, no matter what your duties are, stay professional and excel at every assignment given to you!

The Second Interview

WAI Staff

The second interview is often the point at which you may receive a job offer from the employer.  At the same time, it is an opportunity for you to consider the company environment and work style to see if it is a good fit for you.  Would you want to spend the majority of your day in this organization?  By observing the environment and asking questions, you will be able to assess the culture.

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What Do Employers Want?

WAI Staff
A man teaching a woman in front of a monitor

Are you ready to learn what employers look for in an employee? Employers want to hire a person who…

  • Follows instructions
    • If the ad says no phone calls, don’t call! Following instructions is an essential trait of a good hire, as they will need to learn the ropes of their new position and company quickly.
  • Writes and proofreads well
    • Provide an error-free, clear and concise resume. Employers see a lot of resumes, so make sure yours shines. This is an easy way to display your attention to detail and communication skills immediately.
  • Respects deadlines
    • Be on time for an interview. Traffic or metro excuses are never what employers want to hear. If you’re taking a new route, leave yourself plenty of spare time. You could even plan to stop at a nearby coffee shop for final interview preparations. While being late may be out of character, a brand new employer will only have this one example to judge your time management abilities before making their hiring decisions.
  • Is personable and friendly 
    • Be friendly with the security guard, the receptionist, etc., not just the boss.  Everyone counts. Particularly when seeking permanent, long-term additions to their team, employers want candidates that fit in well with the team and company culture.  Maintaining a positive attitude and being kind to everyone displays what employers look for in an employee.
  • Actively listens to others
    • This is critical both in a job and during an interview. Focus your attention on what the individual is saying. Don’t concentrate on what you are going to say next. Try to revolve your reply or question around what the other person is saying. When it comes to interviews, your interviewer prepared like you did.  The points they mention throughout the interview are likely highly relevant to the criteria they hope you’ll meet. In this case, determining “What do employers want?” can come from active listening.
  • Speaks well
    • Practice avoiding buffer words such as “like” and “um” and “you know.” It’s better to take  a brief pause to think about what you’d like to say than to begin speaking without a clear direction in mind.
  • Presents well
    • Dress appropriately and modestly.  Avoid heavy perfumes or colognes, as many people are sensitive to smells and it can easily become overpowering in an office setting. It can be helpful to look up photos posted on the company’s website before an interview to better understand what employers want the attire to be. When deciding between two options, the safer bet is to go with the more formal outfit since employers look for professionalism in an employee. 
  • Is enthusiastic
    • Use direct eye contact and positive body language. If your eyes shift around or you slouch, it may seem you aren’t concerned or interested in what the employer is saying. If they share something positive about the company or role, engage with their excitement. Of course, you don’t want to go over the top– keep it genuine.

Now that you have a better idea of what employers want, you can be sure to present yourself confidently  at your next interview. You don’t need to go about the job-seeking process alone. Since 1972, Whitman Associates has offered expert guidance for those looking for temporary, permanent, or temp-to-perm positions in the D.C. metropolitan area. Email your resume to resumes@whitmanjobs.com to get started with us!