Just a girl from Detroit Job Ready

There is a difference between a reference and a verification of employment (VOE). By law, VOE checks can only ask about a time frame when working at a company and eligible for rehire. When you give a professional or personal reference, this is someone you list and give potential employers the OK to call. It's good to get permission or let your references know you used them as a reference.   1.    VOE is usually done for pre-employment, during background checks, to verify if you worked at your previous jobs or current during the time frame you stated. An article by Equifax states it this way.  verification of Employment (VOE) - In pre-hire situations, this helps to confirm the employment history you provided on a resumé or job application. In lending situations - like when you’re applying to lease an apartment or buy a house - this can help provide a clearer picture of your financial stability and ability to pay because the lender can verify that you have a job. A...

  My biggest pet peeve when I was a recruiter was that a candidate didn't know the company that was contacting them about a job they applied for.    (Which is a clear indication that you are being considered for the position) My solution is to keep a log of the jobs you applied to. I suggest your job log entail some basic things like: 1. Position(s) you applied to (job title) 2. Name of the company 3. The date you applied 4. Location 5. Any comments or concerns about the position. For instance if Remote, hourly pay, salary, work hours, etc. This is also a way to start formulizing questions for an interview.  6. Job status: phone interview, in-person interview, offer, or not being considered, etc Bonus tip: As you are applying, look at the 'About section' of the company. Write down some notes so you can be ready to answer questions about the company.  I can email you a job log if you need one. You can also track it on an Excel spreadsheet, or Word document, write...

Whether you are preparing for an interview, presenting your portfolio or explaining intricate details about your business....learn how to communicate to market yourself verbally as well. One thing recruiters/managers despise is a candidate who can't communicate what they do or have done. Business to business as well.  An elevator speech is a concise, well-practiced, and careful description of yourself, your profession, your business, or your product. It should be easy to convey in a short amount of time as it takes to ride an elevator just a few floors. 😉 This will help with that infamous question,"Tell me about yourself." during a job interview  Also, can inadvertently be used to tell about your business or brand.  Write it out and say it out loud to a friend or family member to get their feedback. Practice. Your elevator speech should be about 30 seconds minimum to about 1 minute max. Here are a few ways to help you prepare your elevator pitch: ...

The picture is a representation of the interview process. This one includes testing. Each company you apply to will have a basic process similar to this one. How you process through it will be the key. Don't do the same things and expect different results, something similar my Dad always says. Here are a few reasons you may not get past the first part of the interview screening process and how to change to put you in a better position. Poor grooming attire. First impression factor. Please dress business or business casual. Only field that I know that does not have to dress this way for interviews is the Medical field. But still, if they did not inform you to dress in scrubs, white coats, or specific attire, please plan to dress business or business casual.  The inability to explain your experience and how you are qualified. Relax. Practice telling a friend what your previous or current work entails. Explain how certain situations where you took the lead and fixed a p...

I have had recruiters text message me about a job opening. I don't feel it's appropriate to text in place of a call or an email. (Especially if I did not give permission when and if I applied). I have had bad experiences when recruiters text. Personally, I feel there is no way for me to know it's really a recruiter, and it's a lazy way to do the job professionally. It's too many scams out here. I am very cautious because I have been a victim. When a recruiter uses email to communicate, you will see their contact or information related to the company they represent. Links you can click on about the company to see the validity. I also believe texting first, is not a good step to represent their company or build a rapport with the candidate. Well, I don't think the first contact is to text a prospective candidate. For me, it's a red flag on proper communication. Reach out and call first, it's the basic way to build rapport. If they don't answer leave a ...

Part 2: Networking/Social Media I have said this (wrote it) before, your resume, networking, and one's online presence work together to create a total package. These are key essentials I consult every person I work with. I was once a manager and a recruiter. I still work in Human Resources with the Talent Acquisition team. I utilize my resources and skills to help people (Sometimes to help the recruiter and managers). 1. To sum up part 1, your resume reflects your knowledge, skills, and abilities to market yourself well. In addition; online resumes, paper resumes, and even portfolios/e-Portfolios all market to present your work, and prove your work ethic. 2. What is Networking? Networking is interacting and exchanging information, genuine relationship building towards getting career/job information. Networking is a career development skill in job searching. Utilize your network! Alumni networks, such as schools, colleges, etc. Join an email list of Alumni networks...

It can be frustrating job searching, interviewing and not getting hired. Even filling out hundreds of applications and not getting call backs can test your patience. Trust me I have been there. Job hunting is a job in itself. As my father says, you can't expect different results doing the same thing. Definitely change it up! I will go over some basic changes in 3 parts. Part 1. Your resume' (or lack of) Part 2. Networking/Social Media Part 3. Be prepared/Follow up Part I: Resume Do you have a resume? If so, is it up to date? Do you change it to fit the job description details of the job you are applying for? If you do not have a resume or work experience, I can still help you create one. What is a resume?  A resume is a document usually 1-2 pages that includes your name, contact information, work history (up to 10 years), education, and skill set, as well as enhancing it with a summary, accomplishments, and credentials. A resume is a quick marketing tool to pres...