Career Advice Archives | Page 2 of 8 | Whitman Associates, Inc.

July 5, 2023 WAI Staff

LinkedIn has become a necessity in today’s job market. It’s one of the first places employers will look to evaluate a candidate, and it remains one of the most powerful tools for job hunting, recruitment and networking. LinkedIn offers a wealth of opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, build your personal brand and even find your dream job — but you have to know how to use it.

Your LinkedIn profile is your personal brand, your online resume and your virtual business card. This is where potential employers will come to learn more about you, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. Here are nine best practices that every job seeker should know.

A tablet showing the LinkedIn app in the App Store

1. Treat LinkedIn messaging like a professional email.

LinkedIn is not a platform for casual conversations or small talk. When you’re using your LinkedIn profile to communicate with potential employers or recruiters, it is best practice to treat your messaging as a professional email. Use proper grammar, punctuation and capitalization, and always be respectful and courteous.

If you message a recruiter, address them by their first name. In online culture, Mr. and Ms. sound overly formal. Instead, write a clear, concise message with a friendly tone.

2. If you are open to work, say so!

One of the most important features to use on LinkedIn when finding a job is the “Open to Work” setting. This lets recruiters know that you’re actively looking for a job. This is different from the #OpenToWork banner that many people overlay on their profile pictures. The setting is private and will only show your preference to recruiters, allowing you to make new connections without worrying about your current employer seeing your status.

3. List all locations you are open to work.

If you’re using LinkedIn to find a job in the D.C. area, one of the most important details you need to include is your location. However, you shouldn’t just list your current location, especially if you’re open to relocating for a job. It is best practice to add all the cities or regions where you would be willing to work to your LinkedIn profile. This will make it easier for employers to find you when they’re searching for candidates based on location.

4. Select whether you are willing to work remotely.

Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many job seekers are looking for opportunities that allow them to work from anywhere in the world. If you’re only interested in remote work, it is a good idea to select that setting on your LinkedIn profile. Keep in mind that, post-pandemic, many companies have adopted hybrid models of working or are back in the office full time. For instance, some companies may require one day per week in the office, or some companies may allow 100% remote work but require that you keep business hours in a certain time zone. If you’re open to hybrid options, our best job search advice is to list geographical locations and your preference to work remotely.

A woman in glasses working on her laptop.

5. Use keywords.

Make sure you’re using keywords in your profile that are relevant to the job openings you’re applying for. For example, if your goal is to become a communications assistant, look at relevant job descriptions from several different companies. If you notice they all mention marketing, creativity and communication, your LinkedIn headline could read, “Creative Marketer with Communications Experience.” Recruiters often use LinkedIn’s search function to find candidates, so using relevant keywords in your profile can help you appear in their search results. If you’re using LinkedIn to find a job, this can increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters who are looking for someone with your specific skills and experience.

6. Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date.

Your LinkedIn profile is not a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. One of the most important LinkedIn best practices is to keep your profile up to date with your latest job experience, skills and achievements. Make sure your headline is clear and concise, and your summary accurately reflects who you are and what you can offer. Update your profile picture regularly, and make sure it’s a professional-looking photo.

7. Use an appropriate photo (no selfies!).

Speaking of photos, your LinkedIn profile picture is an essential part of your personal brand. It’s the first thing that potential employers will see when they come across your profile, so it’s important to make a good impression. It is best practice to ensure that your LinkedIn profile picture is a professional-looking headshot that accurately reflects who you are. If you have a portfolio website or other professional social media accounts, use the same profile picture on all of them. This will help any prospective employer connect the dots between your different online profilespresences.

8. Be selective.

Be selective about the job postings you apply to. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of job categories and job postings on LinkedIn, but applying to every job you see isn’t the best approach. Instead, focus on the jobs that are the best fit for your skills and experience, and take the time to tailor your application materials to each position.

9. Be patient!

Finally, be patient. Even with all of these LinkedIn profile best practices in place, finding a job can take time, and it’s important to stay positive and persistent in your job search.

If you’re using LinkedIn to find a job in the D.C. area, don’t forget that it is also a networking platform. Don’t just use it to search for jobs; be sure to also connect with other professionals in your field. Join groups, engage in discussions and share articles or insights that showcase your expertise. Networking is a powerful tool that can help you get your foot in the door, and it’s essential to building your personal brand on LinkedIn. So keep networking, keep applying to jobs and keep your LinkedIn profile up to date. With time and effort, you’ll find the right job for you!

A LinkedIn profile is an incredibly powerful tool for job seekers — by following these best practices, you can increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters and finding your dream job.

Find Your Next Role with Whitman Associates

If you’re looking for additional support and guidance in your job search, we can help. Whitman Associates is a professional staffing agency serving the Washington D.C. area — we’ve been helping candidates find and secure their dream jobs since 1972!

Get started by emailing your resume to resumes@whitmanjobs.com. Our team of staffing experts will take the time to review your resume and connect you with job opportunities that match your skills and experience. We look forward to helping you take the next step forward in your career search.

Office Etiquette Do’s And Don’ts: How To Prepare For A Return In Office

March 15, 2023Last updated on February 25, 2026 WAI Staff

Office work is ubiquitous in the D.C. metropolitan area. However, many people may be returning to work after some time away, working remotely or joining the workforce for the first time, and may be rusty with office etiquette. Whatever your situation, it is important to be aware of office behavior guidelines and best practices.

Most employers provide written policies that make it clear how employees are expected to behave when representing the company. Nonetheless, it is important for job seekers to educate themselves on the do’s and don’ts of office etiquette. That is true whether you are preparing for an interview, starting your first day on a new job, or learning how to prepare for a return to the office.

Office work is inherently team-based. Workplace etiquette requirements are more than a series of boxes that need to be checked. Instead, they are best practices that allow you to support your team members and maximize your integration into a new team environment. The do’s and don’ts of office etiquette are meant to provide a framework for effective collaboration.

Review basic office behavior guidelines

DO your best to make a good impression each day

New and returning office workers need to ensure they are punctual and dressed appropriately for their roles. Maintaining appropriate work attire and an accurate calendar may be a good place to start if you have been absent and are wondering how to prepare for a return to the office.

DON’T police your teammates

As you’re reviewing office etiquette do’s and don’ts, you may be tempted to call out team members who are not following best practices. However, it’s probably not within the scope of your role to supervise your coworkers. If you feel there is a serious issue with one of your colleagues, follow the proper channels for reporting employee behavior so that their supervisor can remind them of the office behavior guidelines.

DO learn how to properly make requests like taking time off

As a new hire, you may be in a probational situation with specific requirements regarding requests for time off. Familiarize yourself with best practices, and find out about your company’s guidelines as early as you can.

DON’T conduct a job search while at the office

This is especially relevant for temporary hires. While in your current role, you will likely be searching for a permanent placement of some kind. Do not search for other jobs or work on your resume while you are at the office.

Familiarize yourself with your company’s HR policies

DO read your company’s office behavior guidelines and learn where to ask questions

Basic office etiquette do’s and don’ts are common to most industries and organizations, but your employer may have a unique approach. New hires are usually provided with an employee handbook or basic behavioral guidelines as part of their onboarding. Be sure to read these, and learn which personnel you can bring your questions to.

DON’T assume that any team member can answer your questions

Human resource departments exist for a reason. Companies employ specialists to coordinate behavioral policy and ensure a positive work environment. If you have questions, ask the appropriate person – not every team member will be familiar with your organization’s official policies which may vary depending on your specific position.

Follow COVID best practices

DO some research into the COVID requirements in your industry

The do’s and don’ts of office etiquette have seen dramatic changes in the past few years. This includes basic logistical concerns around hybrid and remote work as well as new expectations for office interactions. Most organizations now have written guidelines that cover COVID-related issues such as masks, personal distance and cleaning policies. Make sure you know what your organization’s policies are, as the health of your coworkers may depend on it. It’s important to be respectful of your colleagues and following company guidelines regarding COVID is a great way to do that.

If you are working remotely, be sure to behave professionally in your online interactions. Likewise, be patient and courteous with colleagues who are navigating unorthodox work arrangements.

DON’T assume everyone is comfortable with a handshake

Recent events have made it clear that everyone needs to respect the personal space of others. One consequence of this is a reduction in the number of handshakes during an office workday. There is no widely agreed-upon substitute for handshakes at this time.

Ask your colleagues before going in for a handshake. If you are uncomfortable with others in your personal space, you may express this, but be sure to do so tactfully.

Return to the office with Whitman Associates

Finding a position that matches your experience and career goals simplifies a lot of questions around office etiquette.

Whitman Associates, Inc. has been connecting people in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia with the region’s top employers since 1972. We are happy to provide office etiquette do’s and don’ts specific to your new position. Call (202) 659-2111 in the DMV area or email us your resume.

Setting self-improvement goals for work

December 19, 2022 Julie Lindgren, President, Whitman Associates, Inc.

Almost 40% of Americans claim to have set New Year’s Resolutions this year, according to one poll, yet only 3% have written goals for self-development. There are plenty of ways that goal-setting can impact our lives, but self-improvement goals for work are one of the most neglected categories. If you’re curious about why self-development is important at work, take a look at this guide.

Why self-development is important at work: cultivating a work-life balance

Before we get into the details of setting and evaluating self-improvement goals for work, here’s a little piece of why self-development is important at work. Put simply, work self-development is a critical aspect of cultivating a work-life balance.

There are times when work becomes our primary objective and it may at times get in the way of an ideal work-life balance. In general, though, when we have a mindset focused on self-development, it’s easier to determine if adjustments should be made to maintain the balance. Active progress on self-improvement goals for work promotes a healthier lifestyle that helps ensure our work and other aspects of our life are in check with each other.

Start small and break your goals into achievable tasks

Self-improvement feels like a lofty task, but the good news is that you can work at your own speed. Setting self-improvement goals for work is more of a constant resolution than a one-time goal: you can always strive towards self-improvement. Rather than getting overwhelmed with all the aspects of why self-development is important at work, break down the nebulous idea into tangible, achievable goals that you can measure and apply more easily.

If your self-improvement goal is to “learn new things,” for example, that’s very broad and hard to measure. However, if you try to “write down one new thing I learned at work every day,” that’s both easy to measure and simple to apply. “Taking initiative” sounds great as a goal at work, but it’s a lot easier to keep a goal that calls for specific actions, like “offering assistance” or “asking for more responsibilities on a project.” The most effective self-improvement goals for work are the ones with built-in room to grow.

Work towards career aspirations

While it may be tempting to judge your success based on the progress or skill sets of others around you, we must strive to set self-improvement goals for work that are appropriate for each of us personally – and that includes acknowledging that the right goals for you may look very different than the ideal ones for your coworker. Self-honesty is a critical aspect of self-improvement. It is also crucial to have goals that will guide you toward your career aspirations.

Many people who find themselves in a temporary job miss the opportunity to use that position to grow and develop for the next step in their career. It can be extremely powerful to choose goals that intentionally prioritize where you want to go. For example, if you want to be a partner in a law firm, there are tangible steps to take such as going to law school and applying for positions, but there are also other practical skills you can improve while at your current position. Focus on soft skills such as cooperating with a team or sharpening your research abilities.

It helps to set goals by first focusing on your career aspirations, and then considering what smaller steps can help you get there. This means that you intentionally create your goals from big to small. In other words, look at the big picture and then dive into specifics. Similar to how it is important to engage in both long-term and short-term planning in our daily lives, we must define both big and small goals in the workplace. Self-improvement goals for work can vary from person to person based on many different factors. However, there are some common aspects to consider, including time management, emotional intelligence, active listening and a growth mindset. There may be certain attributes that will be specific or especially important to your career, such as a specialty in a skill-based profession.

Don’t be afraid to switch it up

When it comes to self-improvement goals for work, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to tweak your goals based on your prior experiences. It’s important not just to measure progress towards meeting your goals, but also to evaluate the end result in terms of practical gains in the workplace. A goal to “improve your public speaking skills” may seem great. However, when evaluating the practical benefits of your efforts towards achieving that goal, you may recognize that you actually first need a goal to “learn to communicate clearly when presenting ideas to the team.” Your goals will be most effective when you carefully consider not just how you’re doing with them, but how they are working for you.

How to Advance Your Career

September 26, 2022 Julie Lindgren, President, Whitman Associates, Inc.

diverse women leaders in a modern office

Are you looking for ways to advance your career? You may be seeking to get a job promotion or to go from temp to permanent. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are key things to keep in mind. Here are some tips that will help you get there.

Develop a win-win mindset

The first step in knowing how to advance your career is developing a win-win mindset. You can’t expect to move up if you’re only thinking about what’s best for yourself. Instead, think about the company’s goals and how they align with yours.

By taking some time to understand what your superior needs and to find solutions to problems, you make everyone’s life easier. If you lead by example, being genuinely helpful to your co-workers and superiors, others will likely follow and it will encourage a sense of community. In a world that celebrates a go-getter, differentiate yourself by being a go-giver.

Keep learning

There are three things you need to do to advance your career: learn from your mistakes, learn from others’ mistakes and keep learning new things. You can do this by taking classes or workshops, reading books on leadership or management, taking advice from your co-workers and industry professionals, listening to podcasts about industry trends, joining meetups related to your interests and even making friends outside of work who share similar passions as yourself. All these things will help shape how well prepared you will be for future opportunities that come down the road.

Keep in mind that there’s truly no such thing as a stagnant career. When you deeply understand how to get a job promotion or how to go from temp to permanent, you know that your job is set to change in different ways as time passes—and you should be too. That’s why keeping up with the latest trends and technologies is so important to advancing your career.

Build strong working relationships

The workplace is a social arena, and knowing how to build strong relationships with your colleagues will advance your career and lead to more opportunities for growth. Chat with your team during breaks, or set up a lunch meeting to discuss a professional goal you’re working on and how the team can get involved. Asking about their lives and opinions will help you understand how they think, which will expose you to new ways of thinking. Your co-workers might have insight or tips you’ve never heard of before – even if it’s about the best barbeque place in town or how to get on the boss’s good side. Learning new things and building relationships is key to climbing the career ladder.

In addition to being friendly and communicative with those around you, it’s also important that you learn how to work well as part of a team. Being able to collaborate effectively—and having others recognize this ability—will make your career prospects much brighter in the long run.

Take ownership of your work

Effective steps to advance your career include taking ownership of what you do and knowing how to do it well. This means that you don’t pass the blame on to others or say “I’m sorry” all the time. When work isn’t getting done properly, it’s up to you to make sure your work gets done correctly and on time.

Accountability speaks volumes about leadership. In taking responsibility, even if others weren’t clear about expectations from the start, you set the tone that you will be showing up no matter what.

Take initiative

In learning how to advance your career practically, there will be times when you are asked to take initiative and be proactive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get involved with new projects if needed.

If someone asks for help, take it as a chance to learn and offer support. The more confident and skilled you get in your field, the better off you and your company will be in the long run. More importantly, moving from a temp role to a permanent position or securing your chances of getting a job promotion will be a breeze.

Make yourself indispensable

Knowing how to advance your career means you understand that it’s a lot easier to get ahead if you’re the go-to person for everyone else. You know that when there are problems, your co-workers come to you for help. When others need guidance, they run to you first. If you have a reputation for being reliable and results-driven, it means that people will want to work with you and possibly for you. Make yourself indispensable by knowing what needs to be done in a crisis.

Be trustworthy

If you want to know how to get a job promotion or how to go from temp to permanent, developing a reputation for being honest and trustworthy is a crucial step. This means being a good communicator—you never know who you’re going to be working with, so it’s helpful if people know they can count on you and that what you say will be true.

In considering how to advance your career, you also need to make sure that the information you share with others is confidential. Keep secrets close at hand and don’t gossip about co-workers or clients.

Finally, avoid the temptation of becoming a know-it-all. This could alienate those around you professionally and socially, which could lead to negative consequences in both areas moving forward.

Network your way up

The people around you have the potential to help you understand how to advance your career in a variety of ways. They can provide mentorship and support, advise on how to improve your work and find jobs for which you’re well-suited.
To make the most of this opportunity, build connections and network. Find people who are good at what they do. Asking someone for their insight can be intimidating if they seem far above your level in terms of experience or expertise—but it doesn’t have to be. Usually, they are more than happy to share what they have learned along the way.

If someone has been working in their field for a while, chances are they’ve learned from other people as well. Building a strong connection with one person opens you up to their network of connections as well. If nothing else, asking for help shows that you’re committed enough to your own success – which will not go unnoticed.

colleagues discussing business ideas in the office

A final word

By following our tips on how to advance your career, you can distinguish yourself from the pack. The key to advancing your career is being willing to do the work. You need to be willing to invest in yourself, whether that means investing in books or online courses or taking advantage of any opportunities for training that come up at work.

You also need to be willing to learn new skills by stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things—even if it feels a little uncomfortable or overwhelming at first. Taking advantage of career coaching or trying out new jobs and hobbies is a great way to push yourself to try new things you wouldn’t have thought about previously.

Lastly, remember that the paths to success are many and they’re not often linear. Let your uniqueness shine through as you advance.

D.C.’s top-rated staffing agency

If you need help with your job search or finding employees to fill open positions, Whitman Associates is your solution. We help employees find jobs they’ll love, potentially lifting them from temp work to a permanent position in a company. We also help employers by providing top-tier talent from the D.C. metropolitan area. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you succeed.

Requesting Time Off From Work

September 23, 2022 WAI Staff

PTO (paid time off) days are a perk most companies offer , but be strategic on how you use your time and how you ask. When requesting time off from work, be aware of your supervisor and coworkers schedules, and keep in mind how it impacts your responsibilities when someone else is out on vacation. Being upfront and conscientious about requesting time off ensures that you and your colleagues are able to be comfortable with the time taken away from the office. Check out our top tips for what to do and what not to do when requesting time off from work.

1. Give Notice

Give your employer plenty of notice before taking time off. How much notice to give for PTO? That’s going to depend on your workplace, but a good rule of thumb is a minimum of 2 weeks notice if you’re taking 1-2 days and a minimum of 1-2 months for 3+ days. If you try to request off without much notice, chances are your request will be declined.

2. Request in writing

Speak with your manager first any time you are interested in taking time off. One you’ve had that conversation, be sure to formally submit your time-off request in writing or via email – a verbal request can easily be forgotten. At some organizations, employees can request time off via their payroll portal (ie. ADP or Paycom). Follow the protocols of your organization, but be sure to keep a copy of your approval in writing.

3. Be considerate of your coworkers

Try to plan your vacations, trips, etc. taking into account your supervisors and coworkers’ schedules to avoid taking time off at the same time as the rest of the office. No one wants to be at the office holding down the fort when multiple people are out on vacation. If at all possible, try not to overlap your vacations with those of your coworkers.

Another great way to make your time away go smoothly when requesting time off work is to provide a plan for how your responsibilities can be covered. Helping set your colleagues up for success while you’re away will make everyone’s lives easier and will give you the confidence that your work is being handled appropriately.

4. Medical appointments

Try to schedule any doctor’s appointments, etc. during your lunch break, or at the beginning or end of the day, so that you don’t need to miss much work. No one wants to use their precious vacation time for appointments if you can help it.

5. Sick time

If your sick days are separate from your PTO days, try to save your sick days for when you are actually sick – you never know when/if you will need them. If you have all of your PTO days combined, try to reserve a couple in case you get sick, so you won’t have to take leave without pay.

6. When starting a new job

Don’t request a lot of time off within the first 3 months of a new job. If you have previously planned trips that fall within that time span, let your employer know when you are going over your offer. Also, it’s a good idea to review the company’s PTO policy since some companies have a waiting period before benefits such as PTO kick in.

7. Holidays

Don’t assume that you have all federal holidays off. Review the PTO policy and clarify which holidays are observed, and which are not. All companies are different and outside of the federal government, companies observe different holidays.

Below are some examples of an in person and emailed time off request.

Time off request conversation example:

Hi [Supervisor], would you have a moment to discuss a time off request? I have [number] PTO days, and am hoping to take [number] of days off for [reason for request] in [month]. Let me know what might be a good time to discuss this further and to get something on the calendar. Thank you.

Time off request email example:

Hi [Supervisor],

As previously discussed, I would like to request to use my PTO to take off from [Date] through [Date].
I have prepared some notes regarding any active projects, and would be happy to go through them with the team in preparation for my departure.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to ensure everything is covered in my absence.
Sincerely,
[Name]

All Your DC Career Coaching Questions Answered

September 14, 2022 WAI Staff

A career coach is designed to help you move your career forward, whether you’re just starting out, or you need a career pick-me-up. While the level of engagement offered by career coaching professionals may vary, there are some basic services that all career coaches offer, such as resume drafting assistance, interview tips, career mapping, and employment assistance. Here are answers to the most common career coaching questions, with a specific focus on career coaches in Washington DC.

Do I actually need a career coach?

The most common question related to career coaching is “Do I actually need a career coach?”

If you are in Washington, DC and are looking for a job, looking for a better job, or simply curious about whether you are on the right track, career coaching will likely help. According to Harvard Business Review, “Career coaches can help you figure out what you want to do, understand what’s preventing you from advancing in your professional goals, and endure the ups and downs of job hunting.”

A career coach can help you:

Map out your career trajectory
Design your resume/CV according to employer expectations
Market your skills
Apply for the right jobs at the right time

When should I hire a career coach?

Most people in the DC area only consider career coaches if they are unemployed or wholly dissatisfied with the position they are currently in. However, limiting your use of a career coach to times of greater desperation may be unwise. When you’re under pressure to land a new job, career coaching will likely be more difficult and less effective. The adage “it’s easier to find a job when you have a job” is equally applicable to career coaching, especially in the competitive and fast paced DC market.

So consider hiring a coach when you’re not looking in order to get the most out of their advice without the stress of having to immediately implement it. By working with a coach when it’s not an emergency, you will be better able to take advantage of programs and benefits they offer.

However, don’t let this advice stop you from using a coach when you are job hunting. There are several key times in your career that you may need advice as you are looking. For example, new graduates frequently need advice on how to choose the right career. A career counselor can be incredibly beneficial in making this decision.

What specific benefits will a career coach provide?

In the DC area, career coaching is almost a necessity. Jobs go quickly here, and if you aren’t standing out of the crowd, you’re likely to get lost. Here’s some key benefits that career coaches can provide:

Resume building – A stand out resume is absolutely critical in any location, but it’s especially important in the DC area, where competition is fierce.
Interview Preparation – Interviews are tough, no matter how experienced you are. A career coach can offer tips and tricks. A great career coach can offer tips tailored to your field and your geographic location, whether that’s Washington, DC, or another region.
Career Changing Advice – You’re never too old to learn a new field. Career coaches can advise you on every aspect of your considered career change, from outside networking to searching within your own company.
Career Advancement Advice – You may be perfectly happy in your field, but yearning to climb the corporate ladder. A career counselor can help you figure out when and how to do that.
Advice on Maintaining a Positive Attitude – Job searching can be tough, especially in a field as competitive as DC. Career coaching can be incredibly valuable in teaching you to maintain a positive attitude.

How do I find a good career coach?

Finding a good career coach can be tough and take time since you want to find a professional that will do more than just give advice. Make sure you look for coaches that understand the Washington, DC market, and look for organizations that represent both employers and potential employees. Those that do are frequently more in touch with what employers really want and can teach you the inside information on what recruiters and employers look for in cover letters, resumes, and interviews. Finally, make sure your career coach is a good personality fit for you. If you don’t get along well with them, they won’t be effective at helping you help yourself.

How much does a career coach cost?

It depends. Career coaches can cost as much as $500 an hour, far more than most people can afford. However, there are less experienced coaches that cost less. Many agencies and businesses, such as Whitman Associates, provide career coaching benefits at no cost. If you are just starting out in your career, or you are not looking for a position requiring extensive experience or education, programs such as those offered by Whitman Associates are likely just what you need.

Tell me more about Whitman Associates’ career coaching options!

Whitman Associates has an amazing team of associates committed to ensuring that our clients and our candidates get the best care.

Beyond the essential resume writing assistance and interview tips, we focus on the importance of developing critical skills, including communication and strategic thinking based on industry requirements as well as your professional goals. Moreover, we offer helpful advice on how to adjust your job search and resume to better fit certain fields and employers. Because we know the DC job market better than anyone, we offer insight that other career coaching organizations just can’t provide.

Whether you opt for the amazing benefits of Whitman Associates or another career coaching program in DC, you will likely find the process beneficial in advancing your career. Reach out to Whitman to see how we can help you take your career to the next level!

When to Consider Temporary Work?

August 31, 2022Last updated on October 10, 2024 WAI Staff

While a full-time, permanent position is ideal for most professionals in the workforce, temporary positions can be a great option for many people who find themselves looking for additional income and/or experience while pursuing that permanent job. Below, we have listed several situations where a short term job could be beneficial to your search for a permanent position. Although, our list is definitely not comprehensive; temporary work can be a great option for just about anyone.

1. Recent College Graduates

Temporary work is a great option for recent graduates who do not have a permanent position lined up upon graduation.
Temping can help give college graduates more real world, professional experience to add to their resume, especially if you didn’t have internships or work study experience while in school.
Utilizing a temporary staffing agency can help fill in the employment gap on your resume between graduation and starting your first permanent position. Potential employers will be impressed to see that you have been working and gaining experience while pursuing more full-time work.
Lastly, temporary work can help get your foot in the door with a company that you would not otherwise have access to. If the company you are temping for is pleased with your work, they could consider you for any full-time openings they might have.

2. Filling in the Gap

Like with recent college graduates, temp work can help fill in employment gaps on your resume. Even if the temporary work you are doing isn’t exactly relevant to your career goals, at least you can show a potential employer that you have not been sitting idle while searching for a new position.
Temporary work is also a great source of income when you’re in between jobs. While you probably won’t make as much as you were in your last permanent position, a little money is better than no money.
Temp jobs can also help expose you to new industries or environments that you might not have had the opportunity to explore otherwise. You might find a new interest or change your career goals after having a great experience temping within a different industry.

3. After Retirement

Temp work is an excellent option for professionals who have decided to end full-time careers, but aren’t quite ready to stop working altogether.
Part time work can bring in a little additional income or help fill your newly empty schedule.
Temping is also a good option because you can do daily or short term jobs, without making a long-term commitment.
Temp work can also be a good way for retired military personnel to transition into a civilian work environment.
Temporary staffing agencies value your years of professional experience.

4. Re-Entry Professionals

Professionals who are reentering the workforce after taking time off from their careers should definitely consider temp work as a way to get reacquainted with the office environment instead of charging in at full speed.
Coming back into the job market after a break in your career, to care for children or aging parents, can make it hard for you to start right back where you left off. Temporary work can help you get your foot in the door with an organization, and prove to them that you are ready to rejoin the workforce.

Staffing agencies like Whitman Associates help job seekers to transition into the workforce. Working temporary positions is definitely a positive step in the right direction and will help to find the right role for anyone out of work.

Creating Your Ideal Work Environment

July 1, 2022Last updated on April 9, 2026 WAI Staff

Most professionals who work full-time office jobs spend the majority of their week sitting at a desk or in a cubicle. For this reason, it’s important to have an organized work space that encourages good habits and helps you maintain a positive attitude.

This can be even more important with the rise of remote and hybrid work. The ideal work environment can be difficult to achieve if your “home office” is a corner of your dining table. Regardless of where you work, creating a clean, organized work space benefits both your productivity and your mood. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks for creating your ideal work environment.

1. Stay Organized

A disorganized mess on your desk can lead your thoughts to also be disorganized. Having an organized workspace can help you keep your mind organized.

2. Keep a pen and paper handy

You never know when you might have to jot down a few notes, so make sure you always have a pen and piece of paper readily available.

3. Post some motivation on your wall

Remind yourself why you are working so hard. Posting a picture of your dream vacation location or some other goal that you are working towards.

4. Leave a stack of your business cards out

This won’t apply to everyone, but if you work on-site this is always a good rule of thumb. You never know when the new boss might swing by your desk or when a client might come visit, so always have your business cards the ready.

5. Stay Inspired

There are lots of different ways to stay inspired at work. For some folks, achieving work goals can be inspiring. For others, it could be pictures of a favorite place, an inspirational quote or message that you keep in your work space to help you maintain your positive attitude. If you don’t always work in the same place, be sure to personalize your desktop background so you can stay inspired wherever you’re working that day.

6. Avoid distractions

While a stress ball is okay to have in your desk drawer, try to avoid having too many little toys or other distractions around. Even the smallest of distractions can end up sucking up too much of your time. Another distraction to be wary of is your cell phone, it’s all too easy to check a notification, and end up scrolling. To keep yourself organized within your work space, consider putting notifications on do not disturb so you won’t be tempted during your workday.

7. Surround yourself with familiar faces

Put up a few pictures of your friends, family, or pets. Smiling faces will be guaranteed to boost your mood during a long day in the office.

8. Include some nature

Keeping flowers or a small plant on your desk can help to connect you with nature while you are cooped up in your office all day. Also there are studies showing that plants can help boost your mood by releasing oxygen and can absorb toxins in the air. What better way to achieve an ideal work environment than to actually feel happier at work!

We hope these tips help you set up your ideal work environment whether you’re in an office cubicle, a coworking space or your home office!

Tips For Job Searching While Employed

July 1, 2022Last updated on November 14, 2024 WAI Staff

Not all job seekers are unemployed. In fact, a large number of people are job searching while employed. These professionals are looking to make a change from their current positions. Job seekers who are looking for a job while employed must effectively balance their current role while searching for their new role. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Someone typing looking for a job while employed

1. Don’t search for jobs while on the clock

This may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure you keep your current job separate from your job hunt. Your current employer is paying you to work for them, not to job hunt. While employed, do all of your applying and looking for a job on your own time.

This doesn’t just apply to browsing job boards, but also be sure not to use your work phone, email or computer when corresponding with potential employers. Only use your personal contact information when applying for jobs or updating your resume. Within most companies, you are not the only person with access to your work email and call records.

If your employer discovers you’ve been searching for a job while employed and on the clock, it’s likely to be labeled as time theft which can result in a write up or even termination. Looking for a job while employed must be done on your own time.

2. Be considerate of your current employer when scheduling interviews

If you get the opportunity to interview with a new company, whether in person or on the phone, try to schedule it so that you don’t need to take a whole day off from work. It’s best practice to limit how much your job hunt interferes with your current role. That way, you can seek the job you want without tarnishing your reputation at your present place of employment.

While still employed, it is ideal to schedule interviews over your lunch break so that you don’t have to take any time off while job searching. If that is not a possibility, you should try to schedule interviews from your job search first thing in the morning or at the end of the day, so that you can either come in a little late or leave a little early, so as not to miss much work while you are looking for a job.

3. Give plenty of notice before quitting

If you do end up accepting a job offer, make sure to give your current employer plenty of notice. Two weeks notice is the generally acceptable amount of time, but every situation is different. Oftentimes you will help to train the person moving into your job. The more time you have to do this, the more seamless the transition will be. Your current employer will value your dedication, and your new employer will see that you are a loyal employee.

4. Utilize a staffing agency like Whitman Associates!

Lastly, using a staffing agency like Whitman Associates can take some pressure off your job searching. Job searching while employed full time can feel like another full time job. Work smarter, and have a staffing agency like us help you with your search. With a large client pool, staffing agencies see new jobs all the time. If you’re looking for a job while employed, get started with Whitman Associates by checking out our current job listings and emailing your resume to resumes@whitmanjobs.com.

How To Become a Recruiter With No Experience

June 30, 2022Last updated on October 10, 2024 WAI Staff

Thinking about becoming a recruiter but not sure if you’ve got what it takes? You may be wondering, how do I become a job recruiter? Recruiting can be a great field to enter. It has tons of transferable skills and lots of upside benefits. Plus, many recruiters are paid bonuses for filling positions. All in all, it’s an excellent field to enter. But many people think it requires a specific educational background or work experience. Not true! Read on to learn three tips on how to become a recruiter with no experience.

1. Make Sure You Have the Personality

Before exploring how to become a recruiter for jobs, let’s make sure it’s the right field for you. One of the biggest factors in determining if you would be a good recruiter is your personality. While you don’t necessarily have to be an extrovert, some key personality traits are must-haves if you want to learn how to qualify for recruiter jobs in Washington, DC (or anywhere). You’ll need:

An eye for matchmaking — Do you just have the instinct for seeing when two people will be a good fit? If so, then you already have what it takes. How to get into recruiting with no experience won’t be difficult with these qualities.
Recruiters have to be able to assess personalities and skill sets and match them to positions they will be successful in.
Social media chops — When mapping out how to become a recruiter with no experience, it helps to be comfortable on social media. In today’s world, social media networking is one of the biggest ways that recruiters find matches. So being tech-savvy, having a large following, and knowing how to use your contacts to bring in others are a must.
Positivity — If you don’t have a positive attitude, even during the worst of times, it’s hard to convince anyone of anything. Since so much of a recruiter’s job is hyping up people and positions under any circumstance, a positive attitude is non-negotiable.

2. Make Sure You Have the Education

When contemplating how to become a recruiter with no experience, the next question is whether you need the right degree. Education is a tricky one, because there is no degree in recruitment. So what field should you study? Essentially, you need some education. Recruiters frequently have bachelor’s degrees in HR or management, but this is absolutely not necessary. Do you have a degree in an engineering or science field? Recruit for a tech company.

Are you wondering, how do I become a job recruiter in the education field? Look for a position at a university. Even a lawyer is qualified to be a recruiter. They could work for a law firm or governmental agency. If a field exists in which people need to be hired, then that field’s educational background would work well for recruiting. In short, if you want to know how to become a recruiter with no experience, you probably need an education — but the sky’s the limit on what that education looks like.

3. Make Sure You Have the Skills

Group of colleagues chatting around a table

When researching how to get into recruiting with no experience, here are four important skill sets that every prospective recruiter must have:

Sales Skills — Sales is the number one skill you must have when you want to learn how to become a recruiter with no experience. Recruiting is selling a job to a candidate and a candidate to an employer. If you want to prepare yourself for recruiting, go get a sales job … any sales job. Work at a clothing store and practice making people feel good about what they try on. Work at an electronics store and learn how to match people to the products they need. Try selling cars or other big-ticket items. Whatever sales skills you can develop will go a long way to helping you excel at recruiting.
Networking Skills — Networking is not only how to become a recruiter with no experience, it is essential to the success of a recruiter. You have to meet people to connect with people, and that means attending many social gatherings, and doing them well. Looking for a fast track answer for how do I become a job recruiter? Hone your networking skills. Go to networking events both online and in person, create and practice your elevator pitch, volunteer for organizations that you’re passionate about and any other activity that will put you in front of people.. Whatever networking you do will make you a better fit for recruiter jobs in Washington, DC.
Project Management Skills — When looking at how to become a recruiter, you can’t overlook the ability to skillfully manage projects. The recruitment process is essentially a big project. A need is found. A job description is created. The job is posted. The candidates are recruited. Interviews occur. A match is made. Each of these moving parts requires a keen eye for detail and project management to keep the process on track and on time. You’re a step ahead in addressing how to become a recruiter with no experience if you have a knack for managing projects and people.
Resume Writing Skills — Finally, building your own perfect resume is a great way to showcase your talents. Part of learning how to get into recruiting with no experience is to highlight the experience you do have in the best possible light. Your resume should highlight your initiative, your ability to prioritize and multitask, and your communication skills. And as a recruiter, you can put those resume writing skills to use helping others with their resumes!

How Do I Become a Job Recruiter?

The question of how to become a recruiter with no experience may seem challenging at first. However, by following the guidelines we’ve shared, it’s a fairly straightforward path. Whether you’re seeking recruiter jobs in Washington, DC or elsewhere, following these tips will help you to launch a career in recruitment.

If recruiting sounds like the career of your dreams, don’t let a lack of experience stop you from going for it. Be proactive and apply to as many organizations that you can and be persistent. Temp agencies like Whitman Associates in the Washington, D.C. area frequently post recruiting jobs. One trick in learning how to become a recruiter with no experience is to begin with temporary employment. Temp jobs are typically easier to get and are great for resume and experience building. Check the job listings regularly and apply to each relatable posting. With a little front-end effort, you can chart your own course and learn how to become a recruiter faster than you think!