This is where you might find yourself considering an internship to bridge that gap. If you’re a recent college grad or someone considering a career change, chances are you’ve run across an internship advertised. Unsure what exactly an internship is and whether it’s a good fit for you? We’ll break it down for you.

What Exactly is an Internship?

An internship is a structured, short-term learning experience. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), an internship must be an extension of the classroom. Essentially, an internship is a contract position to explore the job and see if it’s a great fit—both for the job seeker and the employer. Not all internships are created equal, but the general goal should be focused on the intern learning as much as possible.

A quality internship will consist of a set amount of hours, generally full-time during the summer and part-time during the fall and spring semesters. Most often aimed at students just before or directly after their senior year, the law clearly states that internships shouldn’t be more than 25% administrative and have clearly defined goals.

In other words, you shouldn’t be spending all of your time fetching coffee, cleaning, or snagging the dry cleaning.

Why are Internships Important?

There are several reasons an internship is essential, both to the job seeker and the employer. As a job seeker, you have the chance to try on a role, see if it’s a great fit. No matter how much research you do, living the reality day in and day out might cause you to redirect your career goals. An internship is also a great chance to learn from seasoned industry professionals without the same pressure a salaried employee has. 

For a more generalized degree, such as business or communication, you might have several career paths you’re considering. An internship is a great way to try out one of those paths without having a short-term job on your resume later. A prospective employer won’t bat an eye at a six-month internship, but a six-month job might have them questioning why your tenure was so short. 

Offering internships is a convenient way to see how a graduate performs outside the classroom. There are no commitments or expectations beyond the internship, so there’s less at stake if it doesn’t work out. Also, having an intern is terrific career development for tenured staff members. Being in a position of training and mentoring new teammates will also help their career growth and personal development.

Beyond that, you can free up some seasoned team members to complete more complex tasks, with lower-level tasks given to the interns who are still learning. Many companies use internships as a career path to a salaried position. They’ll already have a team member trained and ready to go when they officially come on board. Last but not least, interns are generally coming straight from school, where they’re exposed to the latest industry news and technologies. The company will benefit from that new perspective and energy.

Who Should Consider an Internship? 

There is a lot to be said for an internship, so you might want to consider one regardless of your career level or field of study. As an intern, you’ll get real-world experience, a mentor to help your career development, connections to grow your network, and a chance to see a company from the inside. Not to mention the fact that an internship might help you might discover a different role that you want to pursue. You’ll have an easier time changing directions if you’re not already committed to a permanent position.

However, a big caveat is that college is expensive, and internships won’t pay as well as a regular job. Almost half of them are unpaid. If a financial burden would make it challenging to commit to one, don’t feel like it’s your only option.

More: What Is a Stipend? How It’s Different From a Salary

Another reason not to consider an internship is if you can get that same experience in an entry-level position with similar wages. A salaried position also comes with benefits and HR mediation if you’re feeling that you’re not getting the agreed-on level of impact. You’ll need to consider the entirety of how an internship will fit into your life.

Is there a different role that can get your foot in the door with your dream company? Or, perhaps you’re starting a career where a portfolio would carry more weight than an internship. In that case, can you carry on an unrelated job while you build yours? Perhaps you can consider freelancing along the way to gain experience?

More: How to Find Entry-Level Jobs: A Complete Guide

What About an Internship Later in Life?

Another consideration is if you’re farther along in your career journey. It might feel like you’ve missed out on your chances for an internship, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. You actually might have an advantage over those just entering the workforce. What company wouldn’t want an experienced worker for a fraction of the pay you would typically command? If you’re changing careers or new to a geographical area, an internship might be precisely what you need to launch the next step on your career path.

Where Do I Find an Internship?

If you’ve determined that an internship is the correct next step for you, now it’s time to land one. Not sure where to look? Your first stop should be your college’s career center. As internships are an extension of college, most reputable companies will be actively seeking their next interns in coordination with universities and colleges. You’ll also have a chance to meet with a career counselor who can look over your resume.

Beyond college, it would be best if you were on LinkedIn before looking for an internship. Even if you’re not officially a workforce member, it’s never too early to start networking. This is a great time to hone your connections and ask your groups about recommended internships.

Have a dream company you’d like to work for? Start looking through their website and social media to investigate their internship opportunities. Check with the company that you currently work for. Frequently, retail companies will offer internships at a corporate level to their college-level team members.

An Internship Can Be a Great Choice

Ultimately, an internship can be a great choice—as long as you’re choosing one because you’re excited about this next learning step. While you might feel that it’s a requirement to get your foot in the door, there are other ways to start your career. Being realistic about what an internship offers, and what it doesn’t, is key to developing a successful internship. With the right planning, it can help supercharge your career momentum.

The post What Is an Internship? How to Find One and Why They’re Great appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Being a temp can be the perfect solution to career and/or personal needs, or temping may simply provide a way to pay the bills until a better job is found.

The jobs typically range in length from one day to several days or a few weeks.

For details on what a temporary job is, how to get one, and how they work, read Guide to the Temporary Work Options.

[Longer temporary jobs, lasting several weeks or months, are often called freelancing, contracting, or gigs.]

Reasons for Taking a Temporary Job

These days, job seekers have many reasons to take a temporary job:

1. The job is usually only available as a temporary or “seasonal” job.
2. A temporary job is preferred by the job seeker.
3. A temporary job is all the job seeker can find in their local job market or field, at the current time.

All of these are valid reasons for taking a temporary job. Particularly if you have been unemployed for more than six months, a temporary job can be your best options.

 Benefits and Advantages of Taking a Temporary Job

Are Temp Jobs Worth It?

A temporary job definitely offers advantages to the job seeker:

• The temporary job may be exactly the job the job seeker wants, with a time limit for the employment commitment.
• It provides an income stream while the “real” job search continues. (We called this the “salary continuation plan” in the past.)
• It may give the job seeker a chance to “test drive” a job, an employer, a profession, or an industry.
• The job seeker has an opportunity to start their career migration to a new field.
• It fills a gap in experience needed for the next job.
• It fills or a gap in the resume’s employment history
• Sometimes, it provides both income and benefits (health insurance, etc.)
• Sometimes, it opens the door to a permanent job, often referred to as “temp-to-perm.” These jobs give both the employee and the employer an opportunity to see how they work together.

With luck, a temporary job may provide all of these benefits and more.

  Disadvantages of Taking a Temporary Job  

Of course, a down-side exists for temporary work:

• Temp jobs are, by definition, short term, usually less than a month, often less than a week. If you want a longer term job without making a full commitment to the employer as a “permanent” employee, freelancing or contracting can be a better option.
• Many temps report feeling isolated and not well-respected by other employees. I’m sure this varies by organization and “corporate culture,” but it happens.
• Most temps are not paid top dollar for what they do, unless they have a skill that is quite scarce.
• Depending on the agency, you may find that you have fewer benefits (sick days, paid vacation, for example).
• The site manager and other employees may not be particularly helpful when you are in a learning mode.

The good news is that these jobs are, by definition, temporary! The atmosphere and people change with every job. So, if one job is unpleasant, the next one may be great. Read Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities for more information.

The Bottom Line On Pros and Cons of Temp Work

It’s a balancing act.  For some people, being a temp is perfect for them. For others, being a temp is a hopefully short stop before a full-time “permanent” job is found.

More About Temporary Work Options

• Guide to the Temporary Work Options
• Reaping the Benefits of Temporary Work
• Successful Job Interviewing for Temporary Jobs
• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work
• Guide to Freelancing, Contracting, and Gig Jobs

About the author…

Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recent Visiting Scholar at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Susan is a two-time layoff “graduate” who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. Since 1998, Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg and on Facebook, LinkedIn.
More about this author…

The post The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temporary Jobs appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Recruiters and staffing companies can serve that purpose, connecting you with jobs that you qualify for and presenting you to employers.

Approaching a Recruiter

Pat Meehan, principal of The Meehan Group, offers some tips for introverts to get a recruiter’s attention.

He recommends sending a detailed cover letter that provides comprehensive information that will introduce the recruiter to you and your circumstances.

The letter introduces you, the kind of work you’re looking for, why you’re in transition, your target salary range (this is the exception to the usual advice about not discussing salary), whether you’re available to relocate, and geographic preferences.

This makes it easier for the recruiter to call you because he or she will already have a preliminary understanding of your situation.

Pat further suggests that introverts follow up with a phone call and leave a message that reiterates, briefly, those details and expresses an interest in talking.

A Temporary Solution

A growing number of companies are hiring people as temporary or temp-to-perm* workers, on a “try-before-you-buy” basis before bringing a candidate on board as a regular employee.

Temp and short-term contract opportunities exist in all fields and at all levels, and many staffing companies can connect you with these.

For the introvert, these opportunities enable you to prove yourself on the job by allowing your work to speak for you. And, of course, you also get to “try” the company out, too, without any long-term commitment until you know whether the job and the company are a good fit.

A Caveat

Keep in mind that recruiters don’t actually work for you – that is, they are paid by companies to fill positions.

If you match the specifications they’re looking for, they’ll be interested in helping you because they stand to earn a commission if they place you. You’ll both be working toward the same goal, and you’ll be on the same team.

But remember that the employer pays the commission. If you’re not a good fit, recruiters don’t get paid to try to uncover possibilities that do match.

When you speak with a recruiter for the first time, find out if he or she belongs to recruiter networks and will try to connect you to others who might have opportunities that are a better fit.

For More About Working with Recruiters

• Job-Hunt’s Guide to Working with Recruiters
• Job-Hunt’s Guide to the Temporary Work Option
• Job-Hunt’s Guide to Freelance and Independent Contractor Jobs

Finding a Recruiter/Staffing Company

• The Riley Guide
• The American Staffing Association

About the author…

Wendy Gelberg is a Career Navigator at JVS CareerSolution in Boston and author of The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career. She is a certified career coach and resume writer whose expertise is in helping people who are uncomfortable “tooting their own horn.” Wendy writes resumes, gives workshops, coaches individuals, and writes articles and blogs on all aspects of the job search process. Samples of her resumes and career advice appear in over 20 books. Wendy has been a career coach and resume writer for over 15 years. She has been an introvert her whole life. Contact Wendy at wgelberg@careersolution.org.

The post Introverts’ Guide to Recruiters and Staffing Companies appeared first on Job-Hunt.

In this article, we tackle one aspect of the freelance world — which career fields are the most compatible with freelance work — by examining the top career fields for freelance and gig jobs.

As reported on Fast Company, researchers at FlexJobs.com analyzed job posting data over a period of four months to determine which career fields had the most freelance jobs posted during that timeframe.

Top 10 Fields for Freelance Jobs

Out of thousands of job listings, and from over 50 career fields, it was determined that these were the 10 career fields with the most freelance opportunities:

1. Computer and IT
2. Administrative
3. Accounting and finance
4. Customer service
5. Software development
6. Medical and health
7. Project management
8. Research
9. Writing
10. Education and training

Common Freelance Jobs in the Top 10 Fields

In looking at the top 10, some fields are well-known for their acceptance of freelance workers (computer and IT, software development, project management), but other fields are more surprising (education and training, medical and health, customer service). In each of these fields, a variety of freelance jobs are available.

• When it comes to computer and software-related freelance jobs, titles like developer, engineer, desktop support, systems analyst, and quality assurance tester are commonly listed as freelance jobs.
• In the administrative and customer service fields, freelance jobs like customer service representative, administrative assistant, human resources coordinator, accounts clerk, support specialist, and paralegal are listed regularly.
• Accounting and finance, as you might guess is a career field with a fair amount of accountant, financial analyst, financial specialist, and regulatory analyst freelance job listings.
• And project management freelance jobs (almost all with the titles of project manager or project coordinator) are found at companies large and small, in a variety of industries.
• If you have a way with words, freelance writers are hired to craft content like how-to guides, technical manuals and documents, expert tips and advice, news, classroom curricula, social media messages, and other types of copy for print and digital media.
• Education/training, medical/health, and research are three fields that aren’t as well-known for their freelance opportunities. In education, common freelance jobs include teacher, assessment consultant, instructor, lesson writer, and instructional designer.
• Freelance medical and research jobs are found with titles like research assistant, scientist, medical manager, clinical research associate, quality risk manager, and case manager.

When you are looking for opportunities, use these job titles for your searches. Also use these job titles, as appropriate, in your LinkedIn Profile (like your LinkedIn Professional Headline).

How to Land a Freelance Job

Whether you’re interested in freelancing on the side, or starting a full-fledged career in contract work, here are some specific tips to get started. And you’ll find even more tips for discovering high-quality freelance job listings here.

1. First, assess your skills, experiences, and expertise areas.

Most employers want to hire freelancers because they can hit the ground running and get up to speed quickly.

Depending on your career background, you may be qualified for several different kinds of freelance roles, so do a self-audit to determine where your strengths and expertise lie.

2. Next, start looking at freelance job listings to learn how to market yourself.

Pay attention to what the employers need, and how they describe the qualifications they’re seeking. Then, make sure your professional presence conveys all of the qualifications you meet.

On your LinkedIn profile, resume, online portfolio or simple website — basically everywhere that an employer might research you, tell the same story about your skills and qualifications.

3. Start Applying!

As seasoned freelancers will tell you, you can’t be hired for freelance work without putting yourself out there.

While some people have clients who come directly to them for work, the vast majority are pitching themselves and applying to freelance jobs on a regular basis — at least initially.

Every freelancer gets rejected, and most experience rejection regularly enough to become fairly used to it, which is a good thing. The more you put yourself out there as a qualified freelance professional, the more jobs you’ll land.

The Bottom Line on Freelance Jobs and Gigs

Knowing the most common career fields for freelance jobs can be helpful in pinpointing your search for freelance jobs. But don’t let yourself be trapped into these 10 fields alone. The top 10 were determined from over 55 career fields, and all of them offered some level of freelance work. That means if your path doesn’t clearly lie in one of these 10, you still have a lot of opportunity in which to find your freelance success.

More About Contracting and Freelancing:

• Getting Started in Freelancing/Contracting
• Freelance/Contractor Fields and Industries
• How to Market Your Freelance/Contracting Services
• How Contracting Battles Unemployment
• Contracting and Part-Time IT Jobs

About the author…

Brie Weiler Reynolds is the Senior Career Specialist and Career Coach at FlexJobs.com. FlexJobs is the award-winning site for telecommuting and flexible jobs, listing thousands of pre-screened, legitimate, and professional-level work-from-home, flexible schedule, part-time, and freelance jobs. Brie and her colleagues provide career coaching and resume reviews through the FlexJobs Career Coaching program. Find Brie on LinkedIn and follow @briewreynolds on Twitter.
More about this author…

The post The Top 10 Career Fields for Freelance Jobs and Gigs appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Gigs are also known as “freelancing” and “independent contracting” jobs.

This is not the same as being an employee.

As a freelancer working on a gig (defined by a contract), you have a temporary relationship with the employer that will last until your contract ends.

If you are currently unemployed, know that many recruiters and employers view your work as a freelancer / contractor as a very positive sign that you are serious about your career. This work is also proof that you are a motivated worker with in-demand skills.

[For more about very short-term temporary jobs (typically a few days or a week in length), which are done through a temporary staffing agency, see Job-Hunt’s Guide to the Temporary Work Option.]

While freelancing may complicate the process of starting a new “real”‘ job, it definitely has benefits:

• Working on gigs or as a freelancer can be a good “gap-filler” on your resume and LinkedIn Profile between “real” jobs.
• Gig and freelancing can also be the start of your own business, independent of any single employer, a.k.a. “self-employment.”

Many economists think most of us will make a living in the future as self-employed.

How Gigs / Freelance Jobs Work

People may have a “real” job, and do independent contracting or freelancing when they aren’t at work, particularly if their jobs are part-time. Or, they may work on a contract full time, possibly at the employer’s location or at your own home or office.

Contract work usually lasts for a defined time frame — typically weeks or months, sometimes (rarely) years in duration. Often, the time frame changes, becoming longer or shorter than expected.

Contractors may or may not have “benefits” from the employer, and income may vary widely from month to month, depending on the availability of appropriate and well-paying contracting work.

The work may also be completing a defined project for a specific price, and the time frame may be days, weeks, or months. There is usually a deadline by which date the work must be completed. But, if you finish sooner, you typically still get paid the same amount (depending on the wording of the contract, of course) as long as the project is completed.

Gigs/Freelancing Is a Growing Trend

In 2018, an NPR/Marist poll found that 1 in 5 jobs in the USA is held by a freelancer rather than by an employee. Contract work is growing rapidly as a preferred method for many employers to meet short-term need without adding employees.

According to that NPR/Marist poll, half of the American workforce may be freelancers by 2028.

Working as a contractor can be an excellent way to fill the gap (for both the resume and bank account) between a previous job and the new full-time job you are seeking. With so many people unemployed, freelancing may be a good short-term solution that could develop into permanent self-employment.

[MORE: Filling the Unemployment Gap and How Freelancing Battles Unemployment.]

Gig/Freelancer/Contractor vs. Employee

As an freelancer, you are independent of any single employer. You are not defined as an employee, and you have the flexibility of working independently with more than one employer at once.

Freelancers do not fall under the same IRS guidelines in the USA as employees, but your employer must comply with the IRS definition of a contract worker for you to work in that capacity.

The general rule is that an individual is an “independent contractor” if the entity paying for the work has the right to control or direct only the result of the work — but NOT HOW IT WILL BE DONE.

Typically, the freelancer provides all of his or her own tools (computer, uniforms or other special clothing that may be required, etc.) and takes responsibility for training, personally. The contractor may work in their residence or at the employer’s location, depending on the job and the agreement.

The earnings of a person who is working as an independent contractor are subject to Self-Employment Tax.

Be aware that your local government also will most likely have rules about what is a “contractor” opportunity and what is not. The reason is typically to protect workers from employer abuse, but that doesn’t mean workers don’t need to pay attention to the “rules” where ever you live.

[MORE: Gig/Freelance Fields and Industries and IT Gig/Freelancing Jobs. ]

Job Qualifications

In many cases, the only qualification you need to become a contractor or freelancer is to find a client willing to pay you to do the work.

For some jobs, you need to meet specific professional requirements and become licensed to do a job.

Don’t assume that you will automatically know which jobs require licenses. Check with your local government (state or city labor department) is a good idea.

If you have that license, fine. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to find out how to get that license, and then get it before you can do the work.

• Employers will typically (but not always!) check to be sure you are properly licensed before hiring you for a job requiring licensure.
• The license gives you permission to do the job and makes it more difficult for an employer to refuse to pay you for doing the work

The fields requiring licenses typically include: attorneys, teachers, nurses, stock brokers, pharmacists, and big-rig truck drivers. They may also include insurance agents, interior designers, social workers, and many other fields.

These requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your state to see if what you want to do requires a license.

Freelancers, Contractors, and Contracts!

Not surprisingly, working as a contractor or freelancer usually (but not always) involves signing a contract, and contracts vary widely in detail and in language.

Most often, the contract will describe the work to be done and the time frame in which it will be completed. It may also specify quality standards that may need to be met by the contractor.

In addition, the contract should also obligate the employer hiring the contractor to pay for the work — sometimes a lump sum, regardless of the amount of effort required, and other times an hourly rate for a specified period of time. You may also be able to have the employer pay you before the start of the job (rare), or at intervals specified in your contract based on time or achieving specific goals.

Signing a contract is not trivial! You should definitely read every word of a contract before agreeing to it. If possible, have the contract reviewed by an attorney before you sign it.

More About Contracting/Freelancing:

• • Getting Started in Gigs/Freelancing
  • Gig/Freelance Job Fields and Industries
  • Landing Gig/Freelance Jobs: How to Market Yourself
  • Battle Unemployment by Freelancing/Gigs
  • Part-Time Gig/Freelance IT Jobs

About the author…

Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recent Visiting Scholar at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Susan is a two-time layoff “graduate” who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. Since 1998, Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg and on Facebook, LinkedIn.
More about this author…

The post Guide to Independent Contractor Jobs: Gigs and Freelance Jobs appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Hired: Less than Perfect Match

My best candidate was a woman who had some similar work experience, but her skill set was not a perfect match. We discussed this in the interview, and she was able to convince me to hire her.

She shared examples about how she learned certain unique skills very quickly. She also talked about her work ethic and team-attitude (which was confirmed with her references).

Upon joining the team, she immediately became a valuable asset on our team. The lesson here:

Even if you’re not “fully qualified,” you can still get the job if you have work experience you can leverage in the interview.

More: 4 Tips for New Grads to Land a Job

Overcoming Lack of Experience

For new college graduates, this is a little tougher as they are new to the workforce.

The advantage of hiring them is low impact to the corporate budget. The disadvantage can be lack of experience.

• Internships and Co-ops

  First choice is an internship or co-op that gives you experience related to what you want to do after you graduate. This is why internships during the summers or co-ops during the school year can be essential in a budding career.

  Obviously, you’re not going to get the same “education” being a lifeguard at the beach or working at a clothing store, although if you can expand your role by asking to assist in other areas of the operation, you may find yourself being promoted to roles that look more impressive on your resume.

• Volunteering

  The value of having good jobs during college is so important, I’d suggest you consider volunteering if you can. It’s often hard for an organization or a company to pass up an offer of free help. They do have to invest time in training and managing you, so there is a “cost.” Therefore, you still have to make a strong argument as to why they should hire you and what value you can bring to their organization.

Landing an Internship

Two of the keys I have found to getting good internships are to start the process early during your college years and leverage your network:

During college, I was able to land an internship at a large truck engine manufacturer because I had a resume that included being a draftsman at a smaller consulting firm the previous summer (and management positions at a restaurant chain I started working at in high school).

I landed the draftsman job by leveraging my network. Although a year out of high school, my high school drafting teacher helped me find that opportunity. You just never know who might be able to help you get a “good” job.

Benefits of Internships and Co-Ops:

• Experience in the workplace

  Not only are you getting experience (hopefully in your field), but you are learning how companies operate. Knowing what it takes to get a project completed, approved, or even off-the-ground allows you to talk knowledgably in future interviews.

• Audition for a permanent job

  You might be asked to join full-time when you graduate. For companies, these internships are the best way to screen potential employees of the future. They invest three to six months in you and can determine the likelihood of you being a good fit long term. And vice versa. It’s a winning situation for both sides.

  In college, I had many buddies co-op at Saturn before the first car hit the assembly line. When they graduated, most of them where asked back. Several even were asked to co-op more than one semester. That’s a strong endorsement on a resume.

Bottom Line

Nothing beats experience. College education and knowledge of the latest technologies or marketing strategies is certainly nice. But applying those skills in a real work environment is better. When it comes time for you to interview, what experiences will you leverage to convey that you can meet the requirements of the job, even if you’re not perfectly qualified?

Oh, and by the way, one other advantage of internships–you never know who you’ll meet. I met my future wife.

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s Working with Recruiters Expert Jeff Lipschultz is a 20+ year veteran in management, hiring, and recruiting of all types of business and technical professionals. He has worked in industries ranging from telecom to transportation to dotcom. Jeff is a founding partner of A-List Solutions, a Dallas-based recruiting and employment consulting company. Learn more about him through his company site alistsolutions.com. Follow Jeff on LinkedIn and on Twitter (@JLipschultz).
More about this author…

The post Dreaded Words for New Grads: “Not Qualified” appeared first on Job-Hunt.

All you have to do (all!) is find that employer.

Be choosy!

You don’t want to be job hunting again very soon. Instead, focusing on specific (“target”) employers will make your job search more effective and, hopefully, shorter.

An I’ll-take-any-job-any-where approach is useless now because too many jobs are visible.

• You will waste time applying for everything (and not be applying effective)!
• A generic resume/application won’t contain the right keywords for you to be found in applicant tracking systems, LinkedIn, or search engines.

Consequently, you waste time and energy applying without a list of target employers — places where you think you’d like to work.

You MUST be focused to be found, and you MUST be found to be hired!

First, Find and Choose Your Target Employers

Based on your work experience, you probably have a good idea of employers you want to avoid.

To develop your list of target employers, determine what kind of employers would make you happier and more successful in your work.

Use that information to develop your criteria for the best employer for your next job:

• Type: company, nonprofit, government?
• What the employer does: banking, medical, insurance, consulting, retail, etc.?
• Size: large and well-known, medium/small and well-known, medium/small and not well-known?
• Location: consider your preference for commuting methods and time?
• Culture: formal or informal dress, competitive or cooperative work environment?
• Your other personal criteria?

Search Google/Bing, the local Chamber of Commerce member list, local news, and other sources (more below) to discover potential employers to consider (or avoid) for your next job.

Be sure to know and use the right keywords for your target employers and target jobs. To learn more about your keywords, read the Guide to Personal SEO for details.

  Employer Lists  

To find large and well-known (or growing) employers, scan the lists published by major publications. Usually, the location is provided, or you can search by state:

1. FORTUNE Rankings – including the famous FORTUNE 500, the 500 largest companies in the USA by total annual sales, updated every year. If you want to work for a big employer, start here.
2. Great Places to Work – lists by state, city, profession, and other variables.
3. Inc. 5000 – the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the USA. If you want to work for an employer which is smaller than the FORTUNE 500, but not really “small,” check these out.
4. Forbes Global 2000 – a world-wide list of the largest public companies, by total annual sales, updated every year.
5. Inc 5000 – a list of fast-growing privately held companies, updated every year.

  Online Directories  

Then, use search to find employers that interest you in these directories:

1. Academic360 – a directory of college and university Web site employment sections. Remember, these schools usually have large staffs, so don’t assume that their only job openings are for teaching jobs.
2. FDIC Bank Directory – a searchable directory of banks in the USA. Plug in city, state, or Zip Code to see the banks in a location. Banks hire people for marketing, social media, big data, etc., not just bank tellers and loan officers.
3. GuideStar Directory of Nonprofits – search by kind of nonprofit (Arts, Culture, & Humanities; Education and Research, Environment and Animals, etc.) and then by location to find the type of nonprofit you want in the location you want.
4. USAJOBS.gov – the main job site for Uncle Sam. If you want to work in the U.S. Federal Government, start here.
5. SuperPages.com – an online directory of businesses by location. SuperPages can provide a list of possible employers and with links to the employers’ Web sites as well as local contact information including the phone numbers, of course.
6. Wikipedia.org – this user-edited encyclopedia includes many employers across the world.

  Search Engine Maps  

Finally, of course, use Google and Bing, but not, perhaps, the way that you usually use them to find things.

Leverage the map search function that both search engines offer so you can find small or less well-known employers than the lists contain. These often include employers you may not know about.

The hundreds of thousands of small employers, combined, typically hire more people than the large employers.

Both Google Maps and Bing Maps will usually open to your location — a little creepy, but also very handy for a local search. If you want a different location, specify that location, and the map will adapt.

1. Type the kind of employer you are looking for (like “accounting firms”) into the search box which is usually on the upper left side of the map. Google and Bing will then highlight all of the local accounting firms, or whatever you have searched for, on the map. You should also see a list of the first 5 or 10 entries below the box where you typed your query.
2. Run your mouse over the dots on the map to see the company names.
3. Click on a company name to see more information, like website URL and other contact information, in the box on the left side of the screen (computer screen, not smartphone).

Click on the image below to see live search results on Google Maps.

Bing and Google don’t necessarily find the same results, so it is a good idea to check both. The image below is from the same search on Bing Maps. Click on the image to see the live results.

The sites above offer you starting points and opportunities to find employers you hadn’t considered before.

More: How to Find Employers That Are Hiring

Then, Find the Jobs

Visit the websites of your target employers.

Often, job openings are listed on the employer website, and they may NOT be posted anywhere else.

Not every employer or Web team “gets it” about using the Website for recruiting. But, every day, more catch on. Hospitals, medical centers, and 99% of the Fortune 500 post jobs on their Websites, and 95% of the Fortune 500 offer obvious links to their job opportunities on their home pages.

Many times the link to “Jobs” or “Careers” or even an invitation to “Join Us” are in the very top of the employer’s home page, or on the very bottom. But, sometimes, the location of the job listings is not obvious.

No obvious links to jobs you can see anywhere? Don’t give up yet!

  Using Search Engines to Find the Job Postings  

When you know the name of the employers you want, search engines like Google and Bing should help you find their websites. Search for the employer’s domain name (Amazon.com, Microsoft.com, Whitehouse.gov, Harvard.edu, are domain names), and then search the employer’s website with a search engine.

For example, assuming that Apple is one of your target employers and you can’t find jobs posted on the Apple site, type one of the following queries into Google or Bing:

site:apple.com jobs
site:apple.com careers
site:apple.com (jobs OR careers)
site:apple.com (~jobs OR ~careers)

Replace Apple’s domain name (apple.com) in the searches above with the domain name of your target employer to find jobs at the employers you want.

For more on using Google to find jobs, including an explanation of the Google search queries above (like why and how to use a “site:” search), see the “Google-ize Your Job Search” article for more tips on using Google effectively.

Leveraging More than the Jobs Posted on the Employer’s Website

As long as you are visiting employer websites, look around them. You should be able to find a lot of information that you can successfully leverage to stand out from other job seekers, and that’s one of the keys to job search success today.

• Discover if you know anyone working for one of those employers, a LinkedIn connection, for example.
• Learn information that will make you very well-prepared for interviews.
• You may also find information that removes the employer from your list of target employers.

Learn how to leverage the information in the next article —

Next: Leveraging Employer Websites for a Successful Job Search

About the author…

Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recent Visiting Scholar at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Susan is a two-time layoff “graduate” who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. Since 1998, Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg and on Facebook, LinkedIn.
More about this author…

The post Find Jobs by Targeting Employers appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Your skills stay up-to-date, and you may have an inside track to a permanent job.

Temporary work also expands your network, and helps you gain experience with new employers.

Working with a staffing agency that specializes in temporary positions gives job seekers access to an abundance of opportunities and recruiters with access to hiring companies.

Employers turn to the staffing firm for help filling temporary needs.

Working With Temporary Staffing Firms

It is important to know how best to work with a staffing firm.

There are many misconceptions about how the relationship between recruiters and candidates work. Not understanding the intricacies of these relationships can lead to confusion, misunderstanding, and in some cases hurt feelings.

Here are some tips for successfully working with a staffing agency that can help you make the most of your temporary job search.

  Know Your Employer  

When you take a contract or temp position through a staffing firm, the agency is technically your employer.

Although, you will report to a manager at the company, your paycheck, W-9 and benefits will come from the staffing firm.

This can be confusing to many first-time temps.

Many companies use staffing firms specifically because they are set up to handle the complicated pay and benefit structure of contract workers.

You may be concerned that this arrangement may be a hurdle in turning your temporary role into a permanent one, but don’t worry.

There are no guarantees that a temporary job will become permanent, but — if it does — transferring payroll and benefits information is easy and won’t serve as a barrier.

  Understand Who Your Recruiter Really Works For  

Staffing agencies are hired, and paid, by organizations who are looking for employees and need help finding them.

This means that their primary purpose is to find the right talent for their client employers — NOT jobs for their candidates.

Understanding a recruiter’s underlying motivation may save some hurt feelings and keep the relationship positive.

However, recruiters can’t do their jobs without the right candidates. Yes, they want to place you, but not at the expense of their clients.

They will not send you to an interview for which they feel you are unprepared or not a complete fit. It makes them look bad.

Staffing firms are different from employment agencies. If you work with an employment agency, you are the client; with a staffing firm the company is the client.

  Understand the Firm’s Expectations  

A skilled recruiter will work with you early on to set expectations around communication (frequency and method), feedback, and the process he or she follows for distributing your resume and setting up interviews.

For example, you should know the answers to these questions before you accept your first assignment from the firm:

• What can you expect from working with a recruiter?
• How often will they be in touch? Every day, every Friday, once a month?
• How long will it take before you get a temp job?
• Will they share feedback about your resume and interviews?

If you don’t get the answers to your questions, or are unclear on the process, ask!

  Insist on Transparency and Open Communication  

The recruiter at your staffing agency should be open and honest with you, providing feedback that will help you emphasize your strengths to potential employers, being truthful when a job just isn’t the right fit (even if it’s at your dream company), and keeping you informed throughout the interview and hiring process.

However, when it comes to being open and honest, you need to reciprocate.

Recruiters can only do their jobs well when candidates are honest with them. Don’t accept a temp job knowing that you have two interviews for permanent roles the next week, or tell the recruiter that you have a 2-week vacation planned just when the job starts.

You may be hesitant to share this information for fear that it will impact your consideration for a position, but if your recruiter knows ahead of time they can work with it. If they don’t, and have to tell employers after the fact, it can damage your reputation — and theirs.

Tell them the whole story from the beginning so they can best manage that information and assist you in finding the right position.

  Negotiate Early (with the Staffing Recruiter)  

The best (and really only) time to negotiate your pay for a temp position is during the initial stages of the interview process.

At the onset of matching you with a position, your recruiter will present you with a position and the rate. If you’re unhappy with the fee structure, speak up! Once you have accepted the offer, it’s too late.

  Take Charge of Your Search  

You may be working with one staffing agency, or several, but you’re the boss of your job search.

This means knowing where your resume is going.

Make sure you keep a list of where your resume is submitted.

If employers are getting your resume from multiple recruiters (and potentially also directly from you), it makes you look disorganized and sloppy — not traits you want to highlight in a job search.

Multiple resume submissions can also ruing opportunities because employers don’t want to get caught in the middle of a disagreement about which recruiter would get paid if you are hired.

Experienced recruiters will check with you prior to submitting your resume to make sure the position is a good fit. If your staffing firm doesn’t have that policy, insist on it.

Get the Right Fit

There are many staffing firms and recruiters wanting to work with you, and you need to make sure you get the right fit.

Finding a recruiter who specializes in your functional area or industry is a necessity.

As importantly, you want to find a person you feel comfortable telling your whole story to (the great and the maybe-not-so-great) and who you trust to give you honest feedback.

Following these tips will help you work most successfully with a staffing firm so you can make the most of your search and find temporary positions that will help further your career.

More About Temporary Jobs

• Successful Job Interviewing for Temporary Jobs
• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work
• Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temping
• Staying Positive While Job Hunting for Temporary Jobs

About the authors…

Chris Mitchell is the Director of Recruiting in the Technology division of WinterWyman and Brian Beaudry is a Principal Staffing Manager in the Accounting, Finance & Administrative division of WinterWyman. In addition to overseeing a team of 12 tech recruiters, Chris’ focus is on recruiting Database, QA, Project Management and Business Analysis professionals in the New York and Boston markets while Brian works with all levels of Accounting & Finance (Clerk through CFO) contractors in the greater NYC area. Contact Chris at cmitchell@winterwyman.com and Brian at bbeaudry@winterwyman.com. To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow WinterWyman’s LinkedIn page, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.

The post How to Work Successfully with a Temporary Staffing Firm appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Maybe you’re ready just for a change or a new challenge.

Or, you like the idea of trying something new every few months.

Or, maybe you just can’t find the right permanent job right now.

Regardless of the reason for pursuing temporary work, there are some drastic differences between “temp” and “perm” roles, and it all starts with the interview.

If you erroneously prepare yourself for a permanent job interview, you could lose out on a great temporary (or freelance/contract) opportunity.

Why Job Interviews for Temporary Jobs Are Unique

Many people interviewing for contract work know that the job is temporary, but don’t realize the importance of preparing differently for this type of interview.

Yes, you still need to sell your brand, and present yourself in the best possible light.

However, what a company is seeking from a temporary worker is different than a permanent employee.

They have separate criteria that you need to address in your interview.

Generally, contract work is more transactional in nature, and the employer is looking for a person to fill a specific role or work on a project.

Your ability to show that you can fill that role can be the difference between winning the job or continuing in your search for work.

8 Tips for Succeeding in Interviews for Temporary Jobs or Contract Positions

Here are some tips for succeeding in job interviews for temporary placement opportunities:

1. Know What the Employer Wants

In a traditional permanent job interview, hiring managers ask interview questions to make sure the candidate is a good fit for the role AND the organization’s culture.

They’re already thinking about retention and are curious about your 5-year plan, career goals, professional passion, development needs and strengths and weaknesses.

Temporary jobs are short-term, so there’s no need to share your aspirations to become a CEO or entrepreneur.

Hiring managers for these positions are less concerned with your cultural fit and more focused on whether you can accomplish the tasks of the job and how quickly you can get up to speed.

Be sure to review the description before the interview so you know how and where you meet the requirements and also where you may be lacking in some skills or experience.

2. Focus on Your Skills, Not Your Passion

During the interview, zero in on the experience and skill set required for the job. Be sure to give specific examples of:

• Similar work you’ve done in the past.
• The technologies you know.
• The processes you’ve implemented.
• The projects you’ve worked on.

Share your successes, and how you overcame obstacles.

Give as much detail as possible about your assignments so that you paint a full picture of your abilities.

For example, if you’re interviewing for an accounting position and you’re asked about reconciliation, don’t just say, “Yes, I’ve done that.” Hiring managers want to know the where, when, how, and how many times.

3. Be Ready to Move Fast

The interview and hiring progression for a permanent job can take weeks or months to unfold. In contrast, the temporary job interview process can move at lightning speed.

In some cases, you may interview one afternoon, get an offer, and be in the job by the next morning.

With temporary work, the employer almost always has a pressing need for someone to do the work. Be ready to clear your calendar so you’re better prepared to take the offer if it comes.

4. Communication May Be Lacking

With some permanent posts, you’re kept informed by the hiring manager about the process as it progresses. This isn’t typical for contract positions.

You may interview and not hear any feedback at all. It’s not personal. This just goes along with the fast-paced temporary placement environment.

Except for the interview itself, all your communication will most likely be with your agency/staffing firm recruiter, so it’s imperative to have open communication with him or her.

5. Research What Matters

Candidates are often encouraged to research an organization before an interview, using Google, LinkedIn, and their own network to glean as much information as possible about the company, its leadership team, and the culture.

Research is still important for contract interviews, but it should be more focused. Learn what you can about the specific challenges of the role you’ll be performing, and how your skills and experience can help the organization meet the challenges.

For most temporary assignments, there isn’t time to get immersed in the culture.

6. Negotiate BEFORE the Offer

Don’t make the mistake of trying to negotiate your salary after an offer is made.

For temporary work, all negotiation must happen before the interview, and with your recruiter at the agency. Remember, you will be paid by the staffing firm, not by the company where you will work.

Discuss your salary needs and expectations with your recruiter beforehand so that you are comfortable with the hourly rate. After an offer is extended, there is no room to negotiate.

7. Prepare for All the Usual Interview Questions

While not commonly asked during interviews for short-term positions, you may still want to be prepared for questions about your long-term goals especially as they relate to searching for permanent work, your career path, and your strengths and weaknesses.

Some questions you can count on include those about your adaptability, flexibility, ability to change gears with ease, and how quickly you can become proficient at the tasks and demands of the job. (see more on common interview questions and answers)

Beware the “Trick” Long-Range Goals Question

If a hiring manager asks about your long-range goals, be careful when responding.

Some may be asking to gauge your happiness and longevity in a temporary role. If you share that you’re looking for a permanent position, you may answer your way out of the contract job. Hiring managers want to ensure that you will stay for the length of the contract and that you are invested in the role.

A safe answer is to say something like,

“Right now, I want to focus on honing my skills, and this position is the perfect opportunity for me to do that.”

Some temporary work truly is temp-to-perm. However, for most of these jobs, the position is temporary. So, keep that in mind if you are asked this question.

8. Be Engaged

Maybe you are looking for a permanent position, or maybe you enjoy the variety and skill honing temporary work affords you. Regardless of your longer-term goals, put forth your best effort, and engage in your work.

You most likely will only be at this job for a finite period of time, so try to prove yourself quickly, if you are interested in making a good impression that can pay off for you later.

It is possible that there will be a permanent post within the company or that your manager could help you network at another organization. So, treat the job as a short-term opportunity, but be fully engaged.

More About Job Interviews

• Smart Answers to Interview Questions
• 3 Steps to Interview Success: Build Your Interview Checklist
• Job Interview Success Secret: Your Relevant Stories

More About Temporary Jobs

• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work
• Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Temping

About the author…

Jane Davis Long is a Principal Staffing Manager in the Accounting, Finance & Administrative division of WinterWyman, one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. Jane’s focus is on placing high-quality candidates at all levels (Clerk through CFO) in Accounting & Finance roles for Boston area companies, from start-ups to Fortune 500 powerhouses. Contact her at janedavis@winterwyman.com. To keep abreast of happenings in the contract staffing world, follow WinterWyman’s LinkedIn page, and check out @WinterWyman on Twitter.

The post Successful Interviewing for Contract or Temporary Jobs appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Treat the Staffing Service as Your Employer

The staffing services have the clients who need people to fill their jobs, so the staffing services are the gatekeepers to your temporary employment (which may become permanent). Of course, this is assuming there is market demand for work in your field.

Although staffing services are the vehicle, you are the fuel that makes them go. And, believe me, they need YOU. But, just what kind of fuel are you?

So, focus on the positive, what YOU can do to help the process of finding temporary work, and remember you have two clients to please – the staffing service and their client, the employer.

Here are three tips on getting more work as a temp. (Note: these items will also carry you throughout your career in any status.)

1.Be qualified.

Have up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Make sure your job knowledge and technical skills are current and continually up-dated so you are qualified and will be considered.

If you are out of work now, entering or re-entering the job market, staffing agencies and employers are looking for people with first-rate skills.  You must stay sharp.  Finding employment, including temping, requires your best efforts.

Because being at a level of “qualified” might not be enough . . . read, read, read. Know what’s going on in your specialized industry or job area. Seek ways to increase your knowledge and become a mini-expert about your field so you can present yourself as uniquely well-informed. Obtain certifications if available.

Join your industry association (probably a fee charged to join, which may be prohibitive at the present time, but perhaps not in the future) or join a MeetUp group or groups (which are typically free) to build a network, make contacts, and continue your learning.

Take any relevant or helpful training offered by your staffing service once you get registered. Check out YouTube for training as well. There are thousands of “how to” videos that you can learn from, and many other online sources of additional training, from basic training at KhanAcademy.org to very advanced subjects at MIT OpenCourseware and many other sources at all levels of complexity.

Be prepared for a background check.

A qualified temp is also able to pass a background check by a staffing service or future employer. Make sure there are no issues that will prevent you from passing. Areas that are checked can vary by staffing service or job, but often include a check into your driver’s license, education, criminal and/or credit records. There may also be drug testing that is performed.

If you know there is an issue, be upfront and mention it before the background check/testing has begun. There are times that a conversation explaining the situation makes a difference. If you say nothing, and a problem is discovered, you will likely not even be considered further in the process because of your lack of disclosure.

2.  Be a good “fit” with the staffing service.

Staffing services have many temp candidates to choose from for jobs, and they will always look for the best qualified who are an all-around joy to work with.

Be a pleasure to work with.

Being a pleasure to work with sounds simple enough, and most would immediately respond that they are.

But, you need to be brutally honest here. We all have our quirks and if any of yours show in an interview with a staffing service or while dealing with a staffing service or one of their clients, you may start to become less desirable to them.

Some of these less-desirable quirks can include:

• Lateness
• Inappropriate dress
• Being unreliable
• Being hard to reach
• Turning down work too often.

The staffing service is going to be your advocate to their clients, so demonstrate that you are someone who will represent them well and will be partnered with them to support their mission.

Understand your customer (and their customer).

During your interview with the staffing service, ask what qualities they see as ideal in their temps, and what qualities their clients prefer.  Then, do your best to demonstrate those qualities, and leverage that information to yield more work.

Staffing firms want temps who make them look good in front of their clients.

3. Perform and behave with excellence on the job.

Temps who produce high quality work, which is mistake-free, and who take initiative are going to be valued.

Those who provide that something extra are actions that are going to be noticed and remembered. For example:

• “I arranged the list alphabetically by last name and also by date.”
• “I made you 3 extra copies just in case you might need them.”
• “I left a voicemail and followed up with an email”.

Displaying a strong work ethic, which includes on-time attendance (not only in the morning, but at lunchtime and breaks as well), dressing appropriately, positivity, being a generous team player, and adapting quickly to corporate cultures are going to encourage callbacks as well.

Bottom Line

Temps who come prepared to play by the rules and treat job assignments with the care they would extend to a full-time job are all winning approaches. It shows you are serious as a worker – providing a solution and a service, no matter your status (temp vs. permanent). Being a serious worker increases the chances that a company asks for you to return for future assignments, having a temp assignment extended, or having a company provide rave reviews about you to your staffing service.

Any of these will certainly make you more in demand as a temp.

All these items are things within your own control as a temp and set you up for more work through your staffing service. Remember, YOU are the fuel that makes the staffing service go, so make sure you’re offering Premium!

More About Temporary Work Options

• Successful Job Interviewing for Temporary Jobs
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Temporary Jobs
• Temporary Work Can Be an Audition
• Turn Temporary Work Challenges into Opportunities
• Guide to Freelancing or Contracting Jobs

About the author…

Cathy A. Reilly is the author of The Temp Factor: The Job Seeker’s Guide to Temporary Employment and The Temp Factor: The Complete Guide to Temporary Employment for Staffing Services, Clients, and Temps. For more information about temporary employment, read Cathy’s books, or email her at thetempfactor@aol.com. Follow Cathy on Twitter @cathyareilly, and connect with her on LinkedIn.
More about this author…

The post 3 Insider Tips for Getting More Temporary Work appeared first on Job-Hunt.