The new guy in the office up and leaves for another job.

Your coworker didn’t show up for work three days ago, and just this morning you find out she quit.

Either one of these situations sound familiar? It’s an all-too-common occurrence in today’s workplace – employees leaving their jobs suddenly and too quickly – and it might be giving this generation of workers a bad rap.

Most people believe leaving a job is a victimless crime, but that’s often not the case. When you leave a job – any job, at any point – it can be a big (and expensive) problem for your boss and for the organization as a whole.

You Cost Money

When you’re hired, you’re given a wage or salary. For example, let’s say you make $15 per hour. What you may not realize is that, thanks to Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, state unemployment insurance and other employer responsibilities, your $15 per hour wage actually costs your employer $18 per hour. For a frame of reference on a larger scale, an employee making $30,000 per year actually costs an employer approximately $44,000.

You must also consider the cost of training. No matter how experienced a new hire may be, everyone needs at least some training, and that training can be expensive. For some high-level positions, training can cost employers up to half a year’s salary.1

The Right Way to Leave

This is not to say that you are chained for life to the first job you take. While earlier generations may have held only one or two jobs in a lifetime, modern workers have multiple jobs across the span of their careers. That’s why it is important to be mindful and considerate when making career decisions. You’re not the only person affected when you leave a job – and as a responsible employee you should take your employer into account when making any permanent decisions.

Anytime you’re considering leaving a job – and especially before you take on a new position – you should consider the following.

How Soon Is Too Soon to Leave?

The answer to this question depends on your situation. It is standard to remain in a new job for at least one year; enough time to become an efficient team member and make a decent return on the company’s investment in you. If your new job is intensive and required a lot of training, however, one year may not be long enough.

Staying in a job for at least a year can benefit you personally, as well. In terms of finding better positions in the future, hiring managers take into account how long you worked at other companies. Staying with a company for a full year shows that you passed your first evaluation (usually completed at six months), that you experienced the workings of a full calendar year, that you developed relationships with coworkers, and that you understood – and fit – the company’s culture.

Under What Circumstances Is It Okay to Leave?

Let’s say you’ve been in the same job for three years and you’re ready for a change. That’s perfectly okay – as long as you’re making a change for the right reasons. 2 You may be feel like your current job doesn’t have enough opportunity for growth. Or you may receive an offer that is considerably better for your situation – whether that be commute-wise, financially or for personal reasons. Ultimately, if the positives outweigh the negatives, it is acceptable to explore your options.

When contemplating leaving a job, a good question to ask yourself is: could I justify this move to my next employer? If you find yourself struggling for an adequate response to this question, it’s probably not a good move. If you can answer this question honestly and give a positive justification, then you’re probably in a place where it’s okay to consider a change.

You Decide You’re Leaving. Now What?

You’ve decided to leave your job but you want to do it the right way. Most people abide by the somewhat standard two-week notice. While this unwritten rule is generally accepted across the board, it is by no means applicable in all situations. A two-week notice isn’t always ideal.

For instance, if you’re an essential part of a team that couldn’t function without someone in your position, two weeks may not be enough. By leaving with such little notice, you may not only hurt your employer, but also the other members of your team. If you perform a specialized function or are in a position that required a long training period, two weeks most likely won’t be enough either. Your employer will need time to not only find a replacement, but also provide the new hire with the same amount of training you received.

In these situations, it’s best to use your good judgment. Put yourself in your employer’s shoes and ask yourself how and when would I want my employees to notify me? Open communication is key.

The Benefits of the Right Way

Leaving a job the “right way” is definitely more work than just leaving. Going about it correctly means taking your time, weighing your options, and talking it through with your employer. While this can be a long process, the benefits are worth the effort.

One benefit is that your chances of landing better jobs in the future drastically improve. That’s because, if you leave in a positive way, your employer will be more likely to give you a positive referral. Also, if you’re willing to stick it out and stay in a job for longer than you might like, your resume will be more attractive to future employers. Remember, it costs a lot of time, money and resources to hire and train someone – and employers are looking for long-term investments.

Ultimately, the benefits of leaving a job in the right way far outweigh the required effort. The next time you’re ready to pursue other opportunities, make sure to do it right and consider how your leaving will affect others.

The post How to Leave Your Job the Right Way appeared first on Wasatch Jobs.

Format for Ease of Use

Good design is functional first. Given that your resume must communicate a lot of information quickly, readability should be your first priority. List only the most current, relevant, and impressive information. Unless you’re applying for a senior- or executive-level position, keep it to one page. Use a simple, black typeface on white resume paper. Make your name the most bold, and type your contact information below your name.

• Name, Contact Information, Objective or Summary (optional)
• Experience
• Community Involvement (optional)
• Education
• Skills, Awards, and/or Certifications (if applicable)

If you include a summary statement or objective, it should be one sentence that describes what you want to do for this company. In your resume, don’t use decorative language or vague compliments about your abilities. Instead, be specific and direct. In the experience section, list your last three jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first). If you’re applying for a job on Wasatch Jobs, use our Resume Builder.

Details Matter

Even though the recruiter or hiring manager that looks over your resume doesn’t have much time, they will still notice careless grammar or spelling errors. In fact, some managers we’ve talked to have gone as far as saying that, on the first pass, they only look for errors: the kind of job seeker you are says a lot about the kind of employee you will be. In light of this, don’t leave errors on your resume that might signal you are lazy or careless. The details matter!

Compelling Content

When writing your resume, remember to use descriptive verbs that illustrate what you did at a job rather than describing the job generally. Don’t use imprecise adjectives or adverbs. Instead of saying you “gave exceptional service,” show that you did by quantifying the quality of your work: “received consistently high scores on customer surveys.” Your experience section should detail how you used your unique skills to do the job well. Start each bullet point with an active verb.

A resume is a marketing document, so remember that stories sell. This is not to say that you should be long-winded, but rather that you should include information that your employer can visualize. If you are bilingual, list this in your skills. If you’ve traveled with a non-profit organization or have raced in a marathon, mention it in community involvement. Your resume shouldn’t just list the jobs you’ve had. It should illustrate the high points of your recent life in a way that makes employers curious to know more.

With this said, don’t include information about your personal life that goes too far off-script. Don’t include information about your marital status or weekend interests. Only list something that isn’t directly work-related if doing so illustrates a quality you possess that would be valuable to the company.

Remember Your Objective

A resume by itself isn’t going to get you a job–and that’s not the point! A resume is designed to get you an interview. As you write, remember that you’re trying to capture the interest of the hiring manager. You don’t have to spell out everything you’ve ever done in every job and volunteer post you’ve held. In fact, exercising restraint is sure to make your resume more compelling and interesting.

After you finish writing, step away for a few hours or a day and then come back to it. Take out anything that isn’t strong or that you’ve already said somewhere else. Remember that white space is as important as ink–include only the information that will help you meet your objective. You’ll have plenty of time to fill in the details during your interview.

Deliver Your Resume

Be sure to deliver your resume through the medium and in the format requested. If the job post requests that you apply in person, put your best foot forward and apply in person, preparing for an interview. Many employers who accept resumes by email don’t want to open attachments, and may request that you copy and paste your resume into the body of an email. Read carefully and follow the instructions in the post.

If you’re responding to an ad by email and the post hasn’t specified the file format, export your resume as a PDF out of the word processor. This will ensure that whoever receives it sees your resume as you designed it.

In the body of the email, explain how you heard about the job and demonstrate gratitude for the hiring manager’s consideration. The body of the email isn’t a substitute for a cover letter (if one is requested) but it is a similar opportunity for you to express your personality. Be brief but descriptive.

We know the job search can be intimidating. Having a considered, effective resume is one way to arm yourself with more confidence, making your job search smoother and quicker. Follow these resume pointers and our tips for new job seekers and you’ll be setting up interviews in no time.

Research for this article was compiled from Wasatch Jobs staff expertise, Forbes, The Muse, and ASME.

The post Write a Resume that Gets Results appeared first on Wasatch Jobs.

1. Be Active and Optimistic

We recommend posting about your search on local job boards on social media when re-entering the workforce. When you do, make sure you write actively and enthusiastically. Make sure you express that you’re looking for help—not someone to do all the work for you. Don’t write in a way that makes you seem lazy or entitled to great offers. Instead, write in a way that shows your best personality. Use an optimistic, commanding voice to convey that you are willing to put in the footwork that finding the right job requires. Be specific and try to put yourself in the shoes of an employer.

DON’T:

• “I’m looking for work if anyone knows of any leads.”

• “Does anyone know of a good-paying job with flexible hours?”

• “I’m struggling to find a job and hoping someone out there can help me out.”

These messages are apathetic, unspecific, and can come across as bratty—and we see them all the time! Don’t forget that potential employers don’t know anything about you. So make sure their first impression isn’t that you’re picky, inflexible, or unmotivated.

DO:

• “I’m looking for work in the construction trades and I’m available immediately if anyone knows of any leads. Thanks!”

• “If anyone out there is looking for hard-working service staff, I have lots of experience in food and beverage. Thank you!”

• “I am out today turning in my resume for a sales position. If you know of any leads, comment here and I’ll drop one off. Thank you!”

These posts offer specific details about what you like to do or have experience doing. They are active, positive, and express gratitude—all qualities are very attractive to potential employers. They ask for leads while conveying that you’re doing your part: hitting the pavement!

2. Keep An Open Mind

Often, while searching for jobs, you’ll encounter opportunities that aren’t perfect. The pay might be less than you hoped for, the hours may not be ideal, or the work might be different than you expected. The worst thing you can do at this stage is write off an offer because it isn’t perfect. Many times, the less desirable qualities in a job are offset by qualities you like. At this stage, be open-minded.

In our experience, hardworking employees with the right attitude climb through the ranks quickly. If you accept a job that isn’t ideal, give it a chance. Be your best self and your employer will want to keep you happy. Don’t forget that the employment relationship inevitably involves compromise.

3. Put Your Best Foot Forward

The kind of job seeker you are says a lot about the kind of employee you’ll be. This is especially important when you consider that you’re looking for work in a close-knit community—you may encounter your future employer at a crosswalk! As soon as you begin your search, be deliberate about the kind of attitude you demonstrate. Written correspondence, conversations while networking, and even the kind of customer you are all influence the opinion potential employers may form about you. Don’t disqualify yourself before you apply by being careless in these areas.

• Use casual but professional language
• Put some time into maintaining your appearance
• Be polite, considerate, and motivated
• Follow up in a timely manner and do what you say you will do

Put your best foot forward online, too: review your social media accounts and consider how your profile represents you in the job market. Of course, be yourself. But also remember: don’t post anything online that you wouldn’t discuss with your boss in person.

4. Be Yourself

Employers can usually sense when an applicant is putting it on, no matter how convincing the acting. So, do yourself a favor and be genuine from the beginning. In addition to being an easier needle to thread, being yourself will convey a more important quality that is almost universally appreciated among employers: sincerity. Employers also value variety in a team, so let your personality shine.

This tip can be tricky if your past includes incidents that you’re not proud of. If you have a police record or a reputation from your wild youth, it’s best to get it out in the open early. Employers value candor. Discussing the less-redeeming points of your life experience also shows that you are willing and able to handle awkward or difficult conversations. And, once again, you’re applying for work in a close-knit community. If this concern applies to you, it’s best to be up-front and demonstrate that you have learned from your past and matured.

5. Emphasize Your Strengths

If you haven’t started a list of your strengths, this is a great time to do it. Sit down and objectively list the things you’re good at. As you do, consider how these strengths may set you apart from the crowd. After you finish, choose a few of the most distinctive and most valuable qualities, and emphasize them in your conversations and correspondence. When you create a resume, be sure to include these qualities in your work experience or skills section.

You should also consider the types of questions you might be asked by a potential employer, and find a way to mention your strengths in your response. Don’t forget that, in your job search, you are selling yourself. In the same way that you find a particular brand of cell phone or running shoe appealing, employers will be attracted to your resume because of qualities you emphasize. No matter how long you’ve been out of work, and no matter what your experience is, there are qualities that you bring to the table that no one else can—identify these qualities!

6. Use Your Connections

Today’s job market is more connected than ever. Still, we’re surprised by the number of job seekers that don’t efficiently marshal their resources. Review the job posts on Wasatch Jobs and social media. Talk with your friends and family about their jobs. When you patronize a business, consider if you’d like working there. Once you begin your job search, your whole world will be about finding employment for a time. So, don’t waste any opportunity at a lead. The process can be intimidating, but if you approach your search with energy and optimism, you’ll find opportunities to work in places you’d never considered before.

7. Get Involved

There are many opportunities to get out and meet new people throughout the Wasatch Back. Review activities posted to community pages on social media and sign up! Volunteer with a non-profit that shares your values and meet like-minded people in the community. The number one resource for getting you employed is you.

Remember these seven tips as you begin your job search, and remember to check out our articles on resume building and interviewing skills, too. Good luck, and happy job hunting!

Research for this article was compiled from Wasatch Jobs staff expertise, Fast Company, and The Seattle Times.

The post Smart Searching: Seven Tips for Your Job Hunt appeared first on Wasatch Jobs.

1. Get to Know the Company

It’s always a good idea to learn what you can about the company who is interested in you. Start with their website. Have a basic understanding of the products or services the company provides. Look up the company’s page and other social media accounts. The more you know about the company, the better understanding you will have of what will be expected. You’ll also be better equipped to answer the interview questions well if you’re familiar with the values, personality, and goals of the company.

2. Prepare Answers to Common Interview Questions

When scheduling the interview, try to find out who you’ll be meeting with. Find out if it will be one-on-one or with a group. Will it be the HR director or the department manager? Knowing who and how many you’ll be meeting with reduces surprises and sets your expectations. Consider what you will be asked and practice detailed but concise responses using specific examples. To help you get started, review our article on Common Interview Questions.

3. Dress for Success

Plan an outfit that fits the organization and culture of the company. Be yourself, but keep in mind it’s better to be overdressed than to be underdressed. Wear clothing that is clean and avoid eating right before the interview… the last thing you want to do is distract your interviewer with a stained shirt or onion breath.

4. Arrive On Time

Being on time to an interview is extremely important—even better, you should plan to arrive 10 minutes early. Not only will this time allow you to relax and review your responses, it can also give you an opportunity to observe the work environment. This time can also be used to fill out any additional paperwork that may be required. As well, arriving on time shows your potential employer that you are punctual. Remember: the kind of job seeker you are says a lot about the kind of employee you’ll be.

5. Make the Right First Impression

Arriving on time, dressing well, and being prepared will all help to make a good first impression. You should also greet your interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake. Demonstrate confidence and a positive attitude. Remember to keep your responses short and relevant. No matter what has happened in the past, do not talk badly about your previous employers or co-workers. Instead, make the interview about how you are the ideal candidate for the position.

6. Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Of course, the most important part of the interview will be your responses. But body language matters, too, and could be distracting, resulting in awkward tension between you and your interviewer. Be sure to smile and make eye contact as suggested above. Nodding and actively listening helps you answer the questions thoughtfully—be sure to wait for the entire question to be asked before responding. Avoid looking off into the distance and seeming bored or distracted. Don’t fidget with a pen, your phone, or anything else. Engage with the interviewer, show that you are interested in the question, and remain present.

7. Ask Questions

Employers will determine how interested you are by whether or not you ask questions. By asking questions, you show you have done research and are curious. Prepare these questions prior to your interview, as you research the company and consider the kind of work you’ll be doing.

8. Make the Sale

Often times the most qualified applicant is not always the one who is hired. The job is usually offered to the candidate that is best at responding to the questions and seeming like the best fit. During the interview, keep in mind that you are the salesperson and you are the product. The employer wants to know that you have the success of the business in mind, so sell your ability to solve problems for the business and its customers.

9. Next Steps and Follow-up

As the interview comes to a close, remember to ask about next steps in the process. Don’t forget to ask about a time frame in which the decision about the position will be made. At this stage, resist the urge to ask how much you will be paid. Discuss it openly if your interviewer brings it up, but don’t open the topic until an offer is on the table. Be sure to thank each person who interviewed you before you leave. A thank-you email after the interview is no guarantee you will get an offer, but it will give you an edge over someone who didn’t take the time to follow up.  

A little preparation for an interview goes a long way. Following this advice and our 7 Tips for New Job Seekers will get you one step closer to landing a job. And, if you need help putting together an attention-grabbing resume, check out our article on resume writing before you get started. Happy job hunting!

Research for this article was compiled from Wasatch Jobs staff expertise, Live Career, and The Balance.

The post Interview like a Boss: Nine Tips For Crushing It appeared first on Wasatch Jobs.

Below is a list of 10 of the most commonly asked questions during a job interview and some tips on how to answer them to stand out as a job candidate. You will learn that researching the company and the position is very important in tailoring your answers and helping you land the position.

1. Tell Me About Yourself.

Sounds simple enough, but you’d be surprised at how many people struggle to talk about themselves. Many regurgitate what is on their resume or divulge their entire life story. Your answer should be concise and to the point. Whatever you do, don’t reply with “Well, what do you want to know?” This comes across as being unprepared and could cost you the job.

Start with a quick recap of your employment history and how that has led you to where you are now. Emphasize interests that align with the company or the job requirements. This positions you as the best candidate to fulfill the needs of the company. Don’t be afraid to share a few of your personal interests which don’t relate directly to the position–the interviewer is trying to get a sense of your personality.

2. What Is Your Greatest Strength?

Think of attributes that best qualify you for the position. Sharing your strengths and aligning them with the qualifications listed for the job will make you a more attractive candidate. Prepare a specific example of how that strength has helped you be successful in the workplace.

3. What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

Don’t freak out when this question is asked–nobody is perfect! Find something that isn’t a key requirement for the job. Show that you are aware of that weakness and tell how you are trying to improve in that area.  For instance, if you have a hard time delegating work, talk about how you’d like to work more on teams and how you have learned that being the only one responsible for a project can be overwhelming. Sharing responsibility can produce better results because the best ideas of more people are incorporated.

4. Why Should We Hire You?

Knowing exactly what the company is looking for and what the job requirements are will help you answer this question well. Remember, you are trying to sell yourself as the person most capable of solving problems for the business. Answer in a confident way without being too cocky. Scour the company’s social media posts. Many times this will help you understand what kind of people the company hires and enable you to sell yourself as someone who will fit into the culture, not just the person with the right skills. Highlight a skill you have that will set you apart from other candidates as well.

5. Why Do You Want To Work For Us?

This is another answer that requires homework to be done on the company. Mention something specific that you have found about the company that you really like.  Show that you are passionate about becoming part of the success of the company. Relay how some of your goals will be fulfilled by working for that particular organization.

6. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

Most important thing here is to be honest. If you left voluntarily, reference a specific quality that has attracted you to the position for which you are interviewing. If you wanted a new challenge, explain how that challenge is being offered by that company. Always give a positive reason for why you are looking in a new direction. Own up to being fired and explain what you learned from that experience. Do not talk negatively about your previous employer no matter what the situation was.

7. Describe How You Overcame a Difficult Work Situation.

Have a success story ready to go. Use one that illustrates you have skills or qualities they are looking for in a candidate. Employers want to know you can handle difficult situations. They want to understand your decision-making skills by how you remedy tough situations. Be specific with your answer, keeping it positive and confident to avoid sounding uncertain or indecisive.

8. Where Do You See Yourself in the Future?

This question is asked to figure out whether or not you will be with the company for the long run, or move on as soon as you find a better opportunity. You don’t need to know exactly where you are headed but you do need show you are committed to the position. If you don’t know where you are going, be sure to emphasize how this job is an important step in helping you make that decision. Talk about parts of your vision that include working for that organization.

9. How Do You Work With Others?

A standard response to this question is “I enjoy working with people.” Anyone can say they work well with others, but it’s important to explain how you accomplish it. Talk about a people skill you have and share an example of how you have used that skill in the workplace. Examples of people skills may include being a good listener, an effective communicator, motivating others, resolving complaints with patience and creativity and leading group discussions.

10. Do You Have Any Questions?

Please say yes to this question! Not asking questions might leave your interviewer with the impression that you aren’t interested in the position. Prepare one or two questions to ask such as specific questions about the position (What is a typical day like? If I were hired, what would you want me to achieve in my first few months?), the company (How long have you been with the company? What are the company’s goals?), or ask if there are any concerns about you as a candidate (Are there any qualifications I am missing?). Avoid asking questions about off-work activities such as lunch, vacation time, or outings. Whatever you do, don’t ask about pay or benefits. This isn’t the right time for that, and asking those questions can make you seem uninterested in the work and the company and focused only on yourself. That information will most likely be given to you as you progress through the selection process.

Putting some thought into these common questions and preparing for an interview by doing research on the company will help you tailor your answers giving you an edge on the other applicants.

Research for this article was compiled from Wasatch Jobs staff expertise, The Interview Guys, and The Balance.

The post Common Interview Questions and How to Answer appeared first on Wasatch Jobs.