Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

Recruiter Q & A

In Recruiter Q &A, experienced Spherion recruiters discuss the latest trends in the job market and provide advice on making the most of your job search. This month's recruiter, Andrea Dickinson was recently promoted to client service manager for Spherion. Andrea has been in the staffing industry for six years and enjoys NHRA drag racing, camping, cooking and gardening in her free time.

1. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search?
When you use a recruiter in your job search, you have someone that works with you from start to finish. A good recruiter will work to develop rapport and trust with you. It is also likely that the recruiter may have worked or done business with client companies that you would like to work with. Recruiters can also give great advice on resume writing and interview tips to job seekers. One of the biggest advantages in working with a recruiter is the added assurance that you are going to be a good fit with the client company once you are placed.

2. What skills are most in demand today?
The skills that are most in demand today are trade skills, management skills, computer skills and communication skills. Also, being versatile and having transferrable skills is a key selling point in today's job market.

3. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously with hiring decisions?
It is important to understand it is a tough and competitive job market. Before interviewing with a company, practice your responses to questions and act out possible scenarios. Do your research and learn as much about the history of the company so that you will be prepared to ask and answer key questions about the company's culture and objectives. Share examples with the interviewer of your experience and contributions while working for a previous employer.

This will help to distinguish you from other job seekers by showing that you have a vested interest in the position and can illustrate how your skills can contribute to the company. It is also always a good idea to attend as many networking events as possible and join social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

4. Looking back over the many resumes that have fallen on your desk, which resume faux pas stands out the most that you would urge candidates to avoid?
Under no circumstances should you ever include a photo or detailed personal information on your resume. It is unecessary and irrelevent!

5. What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the satisfaction and gratitude I receive by finding someone not only employment, but the next step in their career path.