Archive for December, 2010
Sites For Seekers – Have A Laugh
Dec 29th
As I’ve stated in previous posts, I know what it is like to be unemployed. Most days I woke up with nothing else to do but search and apply for jobs. By late afternoon, I found myself exploring less serious things to do (aside from watch TV and play Scrabble against a computer.)
I wish I knew about this laughable, lighthearted blog – Stuff Unemployed People Like
The last post was published this past summer but the list of 152 things that the jobless like will get your mind off of applying and hopefully help in the “smile department.”
Our favorite has to be number 39 - Finally Having Time To “Be An Artist.”
Why is it our favorite?
For example, I started a blog when I was searching for a job. On my spare time I wrote, posted, and taught myself how to publish online.
Now, with Pyramid Consulting Group, I get to write and be creative for a living! Do what inspires you, pick up a hobby, and keep on applying.
See you next year!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 29, 2010 at 7:14 pm, and is filed under Sites For Seekers. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Awkwardly Asking – You Stink?
Dec 28th
This idea came to me as I ran next to a man who had poor hygiene at the gym. As the nausea set in I began to think about discussing this issue with a manager.
Would you be able to have this discussion with someone who has poor hygiene?
As recruiters it is our job to find the best and most qualified brand appropriate candidates for our clients. If we come in contact with a great potential employee and they don’t have the best presentation it is part of our job to tell them so.
Proceed with manners, professionalism, and couth. Here are our top five ways to approach someone with these issues:
1. Ask your employee or candidate, “How would you define polished?”
- This question brings to light what some may have forgotten about first impressions
- Reiterate how important it is to always stay in line with the definition of “polished”
- If their idea of polished is wrong – now is the time to set them straight. Granted definitions will vary but we all know “polished” has the same general definition
2. First Impressions should be fragrance free
- Examples of fragrances include – body odor, perfumes, body mists, ect
- Deodorant is a great way to freshen up before an interview and first day on the job
3. Take a deep breath
- If a potential employee/staff member has bad breath – offer a mint. Explain that you always carry mints with you because you never want to make someone feel uncomfortable with bad breath
4. Refresh To Impress
- This is a nice and professional way to tell a candidate that they must refresh
- Ask the person if they have been running around or feel nervous because they look like they’re perspiring. Mention that you keep deodorant and refresher spray with you to help you feel more put together on your busy days
5. Wrinkle Free
- Tell your candidates/employees to look in the mirror before they leave for an interview/work and ask, “Is this the best I can do?”
- You want to be remembered as classy, professional, and polished – not wrinkled, smelly, and messy
Additionally, it always helps to ask for advice while secretly providing it. Think about it. If someone has bad hygiene and you can’t think of how to break it to them lightly, ask them what they would do in your situation (present company remains anonymous, of course.) And remember – invest in a lint roller. We don’t want to know how many cats you have!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 28, 2010 at 9:25 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Snowed In? Sick? How To Reschedule An Interview
Dec 27th
After all your hard work and dedication you finally got an interview! You’ve been searching for months and you finally landed a meeting with a great company. The only problem is that you HAVE to reschedule.
You wake up the morning of your appointment fresh and raring to go and find over a foot of snow covering the ground.
Whether it’s the weather, illness, or a personal matter – these incidents happen often and are unexpected. The way you conduct yourself when rescheduling an interview can be detrimental to your chances of receiving a job offer.
Here are some tips to help you reschedule professionally:
1. Call
- As effective and instant as emails are they are also impersonal and prove to be an easy way out of actually having a conversation.
- Set a new interview time and date
- Apologize for having to reschedule
- If you do not get in touch with your contact leave a voicemail. The voicemail should include the reason why you have to reschedule, your phone number, name, and position you were scheduled to interview for.
2. Follow Up Email
- Even if you’ve spoken with your contact proceed to follow up with an email explaining, again, why you’ve canceled and how you’re looking forward to newly scheduled interview.
- If you’re manager does not answer and you’ve left a voicemail, reiterate what you’ve stated in your voicemail in the email. Be sure to continue to follow up until you get the Hiring Manager on the phone.
Some important things to mention:
1. Your interest in the position
2. How sorry you are for the inconvenience
3. Flexibility in rescheduling the interview
All these steps are important when dealing with interview cancelations. Think about how long you’ve been working to get an interview and how easy it can be canceled. First impressions are key. If your first impression or conversation with the Hiring Manager is to reschedule it better be for a good reason and handled in a professional manner.
For more advice on how to reschedule an interview please email us.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 27, 2010 at 5:18 pm, and is filed under Interview With The Interviewer, On The Job, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It’s Off To Work We Go…
Dec 22nd
Do you find you are Grumpy and Sleepy at work? Well, you’re not alone.
If you haven’t seen CareerBuilder’s Blog, The Work Buzz, we are happy to introduce you to it through a very interesting article posted on Monday.
The Work Buzz references a survey conducted by Philips Consumer Lifestyle and the national Sleep Foundation. The survey involved 1,000 office workers with more than half reporting not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.
*Statistics from The Work Buzz
- 85% of respondents reported lack of sleep caused decreased productivity at work
- 64% said that a poor night’s sleep caused their day to start off on a low note
- 1/3 of workers said they’d been late to work because they’d overslept
The blog also encourages the following top 5 activities to drag you out of “sleepiness” and catapult you into PRODUCTIVITY.
1. Down Time
Take advantage of the time you have when you get home from work. Watch TV- or better yet – read or listen to music.
2. Organization Is Key
Avoid lying awake at night and draft a “to do list” for the following work day. Jot your anxieties down on paper and leave them there!
3. Work It Out
Getting exercise will help you relax and will reduce stress. This added activity will make you feel tired allowing you to fall asleep faster at night and remain energized throughout the day.
4. Watch The Caffeine
Don’t down a cup of coffee before bed time or large amounts of liquid at all. This will prevent midnight bathroom trips. The less caffeine the better.
5. If It’s Serious
If you have a very hard time falling asleep at night you may have insomnia. See a doctor!
Hopefully this survey will help you on a path to a more awake, involved, successful work day, week, and year!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 22, 2010 at 6:05 pm, and is filed under Office Observations, On The Job. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Job Of The Day – Freelance Makeup Artist
Dec 21st
Our client is a global cosmetic brand that is looking for a Makeup Artist to add to their team.
Job Objective
The Makeup Artist’s primary responsibility is to achieve sales results through product expertise and ensuring the highest level make up artistry and customer service.
Job Responsibilities
- Greets all customers with enthusiasm, determines customers’ needs, provides courteous & knowledgeable service to customers, and suggests products by following the company’s service and selling strategies.
- Is responsible for maintaining the company’s merchandising concepts at all times, this includes maintaining standards of cleanliness, visual displays, product assortment, and drawers
- Participates in replenishment, inventory control, and assists in the maintenance of the company’s animation and in-store events.
- Coordinate with National Education Manager and Head Make Up Artist to ensure all necessary product knowledge training is successfully completed. Actively pursues additional product knowledge and artistry techniques as needed.
- Liaise with the Store Manager on the replenishment process, inventory control, and the maintenance, set up, and review of company’s animation and updates.
- Liaise with Store Manager to conduct regular inventory cycle counts and coordinate replenishment
- efforts Observes and reports client response to product items.
- Participate in store meetings and training seminars as necessary
- Arrive to work at designated time and work full designated shifts
- Comply with all Company policies and procedures
- Coordinates with the Store Manager on customer service issues.
- Any other tasks as assigned from time to time by Store Manager
Personal Attribute Requirements
- Passion for client service
- Principles of sales promotion and presentation
- Initiative and drive for results
- Strong Make Up artistry skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong oral communication skills
Experience Requirements
- 3+ years experience as a professional and / or freelance make up artist
- Prior retail sales experience, preferably in a cosmetics environment
- Ability to work a full-time schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to adjust priorities and manage time wisely in a fast-paced environment while providing superior customer service
- Availability to work the hours necessary to open and/or close the store
- Ability to maintain presence on selling floor for long periods as needed.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods, and to move and handle boxes of merchandise and
- fixtures throughout the store, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above
- Willingness to adhere to all company policies, procedures, regulations, and standards.
- Availability to travel, as needed
Please submit your resume to resumes@pyramidfashion.com for consideration. While we appreciate all applications, only those qualified will be considered.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 21, 2010 at 4:39 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Shopping For Seekers
Dec 20th
It’s hard enough to find gifts for your parents, significant others, and co-workers but finding something for your job seeking, unemployed friend is even harder. I ran into this obstacle this weekend while I was finishing up some holiday shopping.
My friend has been unemployed for some time now and I really want to get her something that can help her in her while she’s searching.
Here are some gift ideas for those who could use a helping hand in their search.
A Book On How To Interview
301 Answers To Tough Interview Questions
Business Portfolio For Writing Samples, Resumes, Notes, and Business Cards
Solidtek Acecad Digimemo 692 Portfolio
FranklinCovey Classic Meridian 70% Recycled leather Binder-Black
Resume Paper or Stationary
Southworth Exceptional Resume Paper
Wasau Professional Series Royal Cotton Resume Kit
Card For Card – Gift Card for Business Card
No matter which gifts you choose just remember – it’s the thought that counts! Happy Holidays!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 20, 2010 at 4:52 pm, and is filed under Out and About. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
It’s A Rat Race – Only 11 Months Out Of The Year
Dec 15th
From December until the New Year those who have been looking for jobs all year tend to take it “down a notch.” Many see the holidays as a time to rest, relax, and spend quality down time with their friends and family.
If you’re searching for a job STEP IT UP between December and January. Why?
- The holidays are here! What a great time to check in, wish your contacts a happy holiday and send an updated resume. Following up after the holidays is the perfect way to start the New Year.
- Competition is less intense during the holidays. People go away and take breaks. Your resume will be one of few, not many!
- Hiring managers are more likely to answer their own phones over the holidays. Normally you would get in touch with their assistant or receptionist. If you’re lucky you’ll get the person in charge on the phone. If that’s the case – SELL YOURSELF!
- The holidays serve as a prime opportunity to network. Family and holiday parties are a potluck of people with all sorts of jobs. Learn about different industries, make connections, and meet new people.
- Try and land seasonal work for the holidays. It’s the perfect way to get your foot in the door.
Search actively this season and hit the places that others may be missing due to the lackadaisical nature that comes with eggnog, endless shopping, and holiday cheer!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 15, 2010 at 10:45 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Sites For Seekers – A Needle in the Job Haystack
Dec 13th
You’ve been searching for your dream job ever since you graduated. Scouring far and wide, from job bored to tweet to the status of your favorite company’s Facebook page…and you can’t find the perfect job! Why?
Most jobs are not advertised. According to today’s am New York 80 percent of all jobs are never advertised. Consider that some companies hire internally, through contacts, family, friends, and working relationships. Only a small percent of open jobs are actually posted.
So how do you find a needle is this job haystack?
am New York interviewed some career coaches, CEO’s of staffing companies, and authors. We’ve elaborated on these industry insider’s ideas for more of an in depth job search and application process.
If you’re not on LinkedIn, you’re invisible
This isn’t entirely true but being on LinkedIn will increase your popularity and visibility. It will also open a lot of networking doors. Create a profile, build your recommendations, and start connecting!
Use informational interviews to open doors
Start calling companies that interest you and attempt to set up some “informational interviews.” You can ask about the company, their future, and introduce yourself. Once they meet you, if you’re a good potential candidate, you’ll be at the top of their mind once a position pops up.
There is a ton of great advice listed in today’s am New York “Jobs” section along with job fairs and events. When you’re job searching the more information the better!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 13, 2010 at 10:14 pm, and is filed under Sites For Seekers. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
On The Job – Searching Is (Should Be) A Full Time Job
Dec 7th
As someone who was once unemployed not too long ago, I can attest to the fact that looking for a job, if done consistently and with dedication, is a full time job.
Kate Wilson, contributing writer at The Job Bored mentions various ways to get organized in your search.
Inspired by her post – I have decided to share my daily “to do list” of applying, following up and getting organized while unemployed. Of course the list changed depending on the day, job boards, and networking lunches and follow ups.
Get Serious In The AM – Board To Death
• I was constantly on every job board out there. Even though I was getting the daily newsletters, I was still visiting the sites, blogs, and researching new boards. When I saw something that WAS A FIT FOR ME I applied.
• IMPORTANT – Even though you may be desperate keep in mind that the employers may not be. Don’t apply for jobs just to apply. It will drain you and it’s a huge waste of time. Spend more time perfecting your resume, personalizing cover letters, and hand writing notes. ANYTHING to help you stand out!
• The early morning is the best time to conquer this part of the application process. Be the first to apply and the first to follow up on your application via phone, email, handwritten letter and hard copy of your resume by the end of the day.
Afternoon Delight
• Make a list of follow ups, cards, calls, and network emails to complete before the end of the day.
• After you’ve met your goals (mine was to apply to at least 3-5 jobs a day) and made your list – take a break. Go for a walk, set aside an hour to watch TV, read a book, run, anything! Do not overwhelm yourself because your burn out rate will be incredibly high.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
• Gather all notes, thank you’s and resumes and walk them over to the corporate office/contact. This is not an everyday venture – but if you find something that you MUST interview for – do whatever it takes to get that interview. Doing too much never hurt. Doing too little gets you absolutely nowhere.
• If you have nothing planned for an outing of deliveries – call HR Managers, industry contacts, old colleagues and check in. You never know what could be opening up…
Checking In
• Kate Wilson makes a great point in her article. When you were working you always had a manager or supervisor to answer to. Delegate this responsibility to a trustworthy friend or family member. Have them call you once a week to discuss your process. Take it a step further and send them your weekly “to do list” and review each point and task with them.
This “to do list” is very general and worked for me most days. The most important piece of advice I can give to the unemployed is to STAY POSITIVE. Believe it or not this will not be your situation forever. If you make it your job to find a job you will not fail!
Please email me with any questions regarding your search, career conundrums, and interview inquiries.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 7, 2010 at 5:09 pm, and is filed under On The Job. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Sites For Seekers – CareerHub
Dec 3rd
I stumbled upon this very insightful career advice blog today, Career Hub Blog which is run by Louise Fletcher, President of Blue Sky Resumes.
Some of their most helpful and perceptive articles cover topics like:
Some Ideas When You Have No Idea About What To Do For Work
LinkedIn’s New Personal Branding Help
Social Media – A Fad or The Future?
What I love about this blog is the attention and focus on “personal branding.” This is especially important when you’re looking for a job. Little do you know, recruiters, like us, are looking for you when you’re not even looking for work! That’s what we do!
All we have to do is “google” your name, find you on LinkedIn, Facebook and make a decision before even meeting you! Scary right?
You can update yourself and begin the branding process by going to sites like ZoomInfo and Google Profiles. The sites ask you to fill in some basic information about yourself – bio, jobs, school, location, interests. When recruiters, potential bosses, and even your current managers search for you – a nice description of your past success and future goals will pop up.
Check out the site – Career Hub Blog! You can even email questions for advice about anything pertaining to your job search and the market.
Hope this helps!
Have a great weekend!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 3, 2010 at 9:01 pm, and is filed under Sites For Seekers. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
