Choose a Color Wisely

brothersoft.com

My first day in the professional sales world, I had a colleague mention to me that red might not be the best color to wear. He explained that the colors worn have a different meaning and can cause people to be intimidated. So, while thinking about this, I came across an article explaining what colors can mean to the subconscious mind.

Color is one of the most important tools you can use in business, including business clothing. Others are six times more likely to be influenced by the color you wear than by anything else about your appearance. Color psychology affects our lives in so many ways, yet we often don’t realize the impact our color choices have. Color has such a subconscious impact it is important to have an understanding of what is implied by your customer or client.

Before thinking about colors, think about what message you are trying to send. This might be establishing trust and credibility, friendly and approachable, confidence, dependability, or even professional with authority. Whichever persona you are trying to portray, each one has a color in mind.

·         Establish trust and credibility, then blue is best. It is the safest color of all, universally liked by most men and women - however it has a certain predictability about it and suggests 'conservative'.

·         Appear friendly & approachable - choose lighter colors such as mid tone blues and greens, blue-greens and teal, tan and peachy-orange.

·         Be assertive - red, but it can also be threatening to others.

·         Get noticed - red, if giving a talk to a large group - but it can be tiring if you are already overtired.

·         Appear confident - blue-green is a good business color for women to wear, it suggests high self esteem and confidence, yet is still friendly and approachable.

·         Show dependability - green - be aware that it is also a color that is not always liked by others, even though it is the color of emotional balance.

·         Appear neutral - grey or beige will do it. This can let your personality shine through, although you may also come across as a fence-sitter, keeping your true feelings to yourself - you may say what the client wants to hear, rather than the truth.

·         Professional with authority - dark blue or dark grey, which are the most business-like colors and good for credibility when promoting your business, yet these could be too overpowering and somber for many of your clients in a consultation.

·         Shock and inspire your audience - magenta will do this for you.

There is no such thing as a good or bad color; it is just that some colors are more appropriate than others in some situations. All colors have both a positive and negative side to them. Be aware of this. Color is a very powerful tool. 

http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/business-clothing.html

trevor.friel@mattressfirm.com

From Seasonal to Full-Time

www.robertownvillage.com

The holidays bring much more than just presents, good food and cold weather. They offer job seekers part-time opportunities that could potentially become full-time positions after the holiday season. Retail is definitely the way to go if you want to put your entrepreneurial spirit to work this season.

Below you will find top retailers that are currently hiring for both part-time and full-time positions:

Mattress Firm

www.mattressfirm.com/careers

Macy’s

www.macysjobs.com

Target

www.target.com/careers

Toys R Us

www.toysrusinc.com/careers

Follow the steps below to turn that part-time job into full-time:

·         Become an asset to the organization. Offer all your clients exceptional customer service by taking the initiative to ask them if they need assistance before they approach you.  In addition, become familiar with all the products you’re selling in order to be seen as an expert at that store.

·         Let your manager know of your desire to work with them and the organization full-time, without being too pushy or bringing it up frequently.

·         Volunteer for special projects. If your manager requests help on projects, volunteer to help in order to show your interest in the company and in your position.

·         Show your enthusiasm. A great attitude will go a long way and will show others that you are fun to work with and pleasant with customers.

In conclusion, I would like to leave you with an optimistic statistic: 39% of employers that are hiring seasonal help plan to transition employees to full-time*. In order to be part of this statistic follow the suggestions above and maintain a positive attitude this season!

Happy Holidays!

edith.botello@mattressfirm.com

*careerbuilder.com

OMG! Are Companies On Social Networks? SMH!



www.mtncommunications.com



For the last several years, we have used social networks to connect with our long lost friends, current friends, significant others, and also to keep an eye out on our enemies ;). As time has evolved, we are now utilizing it for networking with companies. We can review ratings, read customer comments, follow them on Twitter and even like their Facebook page. However, we’re not the only people that can do a little “stalking” online.

According to a survey released by Jobvite, 92% of employers are using or planning to use social networks for recruiting this year.

Now don’t run off and cancel your Facebook page. Being on social networks makes you seem relevant and allows employers to know that you’re not hiding anything. Your page can allow employers to see if you are a culture fit as well.

You may want to activate a LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter account. If you are currently on these sites, you may want to update and edit it. Look for any grammatical errors, references to inappropriate activities or anything that could be viewed as negative. Join professional groups, or follow organizations in your field of choice.

The most important thing is not to view this as an employer invading your private life. This is allowing an employer to see your positive achievements, your social involvement and ability to be a great culture fit. Social networking is changing and we have to change with it. So let’s get on our social network pages and make ourselves relevant. TTYL :)

daja.pope@mattressfirm.com

You are what you post!

We’ve all heard the old saying, more than likely from your sweet grandmothers, “You are what you eat!” But in today’s tech savvy world with access to social media outlets at our finger tips, we should rephrase the saying to “You are what you post!”

I know this isn’t new news, but I am constantly surprised by the amount of personal and unflattering information people blast on social media sites. When considering your image, especially your professional image, it is always great to remember: “You are what you post!” Every time you post something to a social media site, you are building a personal brand, whether or not that is your intent.

What do your social media sites say about you? Is everything you post about partying until 3 am? Are all your comments negative? Do you vent about your personal situations? We know that social media isn’t going anywhere, so why not use this avenue to your advantage?

In order to ensure you like what you’re posting, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Know your audience. Know who you’re “friends” with on Facebook or who is following you on Twitter. If you are friends with your boss or co-workers, it’s probably not the best idea to vent about how you hate your job.

2. Check out of “checking in.” Think twice before checking in on Facebook or allowing others to check you in. It could create an image of you that you don’t want or it could also leak secret information about a potential business deal. Not to mention, the world now knows when you are not at home, which opens up the risk for your home and valuables to be compromised.

3. Protect your passwords. To avoid being hacked, make sure you don’t leave your account open or have an obvious password.

4. Don’t use social media under the influence. You’re not supposed to drink and drive, and I am proposing that you shouldn’t party and post. When you are under the influence you lose your inhibition and could say something you may regret.

5. The Front Page Newspaper effect. If you wouldn’t want your post to be on the front of the Sunday newspaper, then don’t post it! Wait… social media is starting to become the newspaper after all!

So remember that old advice from your sweet grandmother (with a little twist), the next time you want to share something on social media. Will that post help or hurt your personal brand? Because after all…. “You are what you post!”

amanda.robbins@mattressfirm.com

Wag Your Tail

You want people to like you? Make them feel important. The way you greet them and interact with them each and every time you see them dictates how they will treat you. Let’s take this obvious life lesson and look at it from a dog’s perspective.

Below you will see the picture of the world’s best dog. Yep, hands down… World’s. Best. Dog.

The Best Dog Competition hasn’t become an Olympic Sport yet, but when it does, the dog below would win Gold. If Forbes had a 100 Best Dogs list, this dog would be in the number one spot. If Donald Trump put on the Miss Universe Dog competition, this dog would be crowned and go on to figure out a way to find World Peace. Meet Ms. Lucille Ludens…

For any dog lovers reading this, I anticipate you may engage me in a heated discussion about how my claims are offensive because your dog is actually more qualified for the Gold. To that discussion, I acquiesce… because I know that every dog owner (well, about every dog owner… I have a few friends who aren’t sure they’re “dog people”) thinks their dog is the best in each and every way. And rightfully so.

I think the reason dog owners are so “territorial” over their dogs’ greatness is because their greatness isn’t necessarily award or medal-winning. It isn’t remarkably dignified or USA Today worthy. What makes them so great is their ability to make us feel important.

One of my favorite parts of my day is coming home after a long day at work and running to Lucille’s “office” at the back of the house and opening the door—there is more excitement and energy waiting behind that door than I experience all day. She jumps up and down, spins all around, does a lap around our house and then comes right back to see me. There is no one (that’s right, not even my 4 & 2 year old boys) who show me this much excitement.

Dogs truly have an innate ability with the love and energy they share with us humans. They aren’t afraid to wear their “heart on their sleeve” and don’t hold a grudge against us when we don’t reciprocate the excitement. They know when we are feeling sad and without doubt do what they can to cheer us up. It’s hard not to forgive the occasional accident in the house or the dug up flower bed when they constantly respond with unending love, right?

Imagine if you made people at work feel this way. What if you greeted everyone with a “wagging tail”? What if you could sense when someone was down and you did whatever you could to make them feel better? What if rather than holding a grudge against someone who frustrated you, you immediately forgave them? What if you always made everyone feel important?

So take a lesson from a dog. Wag your tail, jump around, make people feel loved and important… and more often than not, they will likely “throw you a bone”…

abby.ludens@mattressfirm.com

Business Professional vs. Business Casual

There are always new fashion trends in the magazines and media, so it is easy to confuse the difference between how to dress in business professional attire versus business casual. Even though it’s currently fashionable to wear colorful blazers, my advice would be to stick to the basics when it comes to interviewing! Employers expect you to be in your most impressive state during an interview. So, when deciding what you should and shouldn’t wear to an interview, be safe and dress business professional to make the best impression! After all, it would be a bummer if a simple wardrobe change would have landed you the job.



mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com

BUSINESS CASUAL

• Oxford shirts that button down

• Polo-style shirts with collars

• Sweater vests

• Sports jackets

• Chinos-type pants

• Khakis

• Dress slacks

Also, you have more leeway when it comes to color selection. For instance, various shades from beige to green to pink are all perfectly appropriate colors.

www.novaler.com

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

• Suit

• Skirt Suit (knee-length)

• Dress slacks

• Tie

• Dress Shoes (closed-toed ladies)

• Button down collared shirt

No matter what suit you wear, your attire should be neat. The suit should be free of wrinkles and not have any tears or stains. Shoes should be cleaned and polished. Men should avoid a silly tie and stick to conservative designs with solids or stripes. Women should avoid revealing too much cleavage or wearing too much jewelry or accessories.

ashley.gonzales@mattressfirm.com



Career Fairs: How to Succeed & Leave a Lasting Impression



www.squidoo.com



Career fairs offer job seekers the opportunity to meet many employers in a very short time. This encounter typically will determine whether or not you will make it to the first step of the interview process, which could be a phone interview or a face to face interview. To ensure that you will make it to the next step, I have included a list that will help you leave a lasting impression with the employers you meet.



Look the part: A sure way to get noticed is to look sharp! This typically means a dark suit, matching shoes, ironed shirt and a nice tie. In addition, as you approach the employer, don’t forget to smile and give a firm, confident handshake.

Know what employers will attend the career fair and research the ones you like: Knowing what employers are attending helps you maneuver through the career fair and helps you manage your time efficiently. Once you’ve identified the employers you will approach, visit their websites and social media sites to show the employers, through your knowledge, that you are genuinely interested in a position with them.

Have your 30 second commercial ready: Sell yourself! Treat the career fair as a series of very brief interviews and let the employers know about your educational background, relevant experience and any qualifications that you think are important. Practicing your 30 second commercial out loud guarantees that it will be delivered smoothly.

Follow up: Ask the recruiter you met with for their card and follow up within 48 hours. Emails are a great way to follow up because it allows you to thank the recruiter for their time, reiterate your strengths and interest in the company and attach your resume.

Following these steps will really allow you to differentiate yourself from your competition and will leave a lasting impression with the employers you meet.

Share your 30 second commercial with edith.botello@mattressfirm.com

Are you just laying bricks or are you building the future you always dreamed of?

While visiting China this summer, I got the chance to visit with several companies and hear from different managers. Each of them provided a different perspective on leadership and how they motivated their teams. One of the managers that really stuck out to me told a great story that resonated with me in regards to motivation and finding a greater purpose at work.



 http://www.przepisnadom.pl



The story goes….

There were three brick layers in Beijing. When you asked the first brick layer what his job was each and every day he simply responded, “I am a brick layer, I simply lay bricks.”

When he asked the second brick layer what his job was he responded, “I am building the streets of Beijing.” This response was a little more promising and showed that the brick layer had a little more motivation and satisfaction in his job.

When he asked the third brick layer what his job was he replied, “I am building the future of China!” Wow! This really made me think. This person, whom one could feel sorry for, barley scrapping bye each day, working in the blistering heat and putting his body through physical pain each and every day, was truly grateful and motivated by his job! He had a bigger purpose.

When I heard this story it made me realize that this can apply to everything you do. I am not just a member of the talent acquisition team with Mattress Firm; I am building the future of my company. So I ask you to think about your current career or your job search. Are you taking the approach of the first brick layer- simply looking at the surface of your current job? Are you more like brick layer number two -you see a little value in your daily work? Or, are you like brick layer number three-motivated to not only do the best you can do each and every day, but motivated to build a better future for yourself, your family and your company?

In the end there is only one person who can change the way you perceive your life and how you view your work each and every day… and that person is you!

Make it a great day and go build that future you have always dreamed of…. one brick at a time!

amanda.robbins@mattressfirm.com

Say Cheese! Or, should you?



designofsignage.com



Working for an organization where first impressions truly are everything, I understand the pressure some may feel to make it a great one. Your resume happens to be the first impression you make with an organization and let’s be clear; a photo on a resume is more of a distraction.

We’ve all seen those awkward family photos on the Internet (if you haven’t, you can check out www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com  for a nice laugh) and that can be the impression you give. A resume is meant to market your skills, employment history and educational background. Unless you are applying for a job where physical appearances are a requirement, go ahead and leave that cheesy smile for a formal interview!

Hoarding



steveseay.com



Hoarding (n) – (hawr-ding)



1. The act of a person who hoards

2. Things that are hoarded

I know what you are thinking, “why am I reading a blog about hoarding on a hiring tips blog spot?” I have had the pleasure of being considered a “hoarder” by my friends and coworkers; it seems that I am an individual that happens to keep every single piece of paper ever given to them. Recently, I had to move desk and it gave me an opportunity to purge a lot of old, outdated and useless items and it got me thinking, how many of us are hoarding on our resumes? Or during an interview?

If you can answer YES to any of the questions below then you may be a hoarder.

1. Is your resume over 1 page in length?

2. Do you have a college education and are still listing your high school alma mater?

3. Have you been listing classes taken in college?

4. Are you listing your computer proficiency skills?

5. Do you have your glamour shots copy and pasted on your resume?

Are you possibly hoarding during an interview?
1. Did you spend 20 minutes talking about your last 10 jobs?
2. While you are answering a question do you forget the question?
3. Have you ever said, “oh, that happens plenty of time” and then don’t provide a specific answer because you can’t pull one out of your experiences?

Again, if you have answered YES to any of these questions, you may be a hoarder. It’s time to unclutter your resume and practice interviewing. Utilize your friends and family members to proofread and critique your resume before it is submitted. Schedule a time to have a practice interview so you do not over talk during the important one. Research interview questions online and write out specific examples you can use and rehears speaking them out loud. If you have been having a hard time landing your favorite job it’s time to take some ownership and get organized!

Unclutter with Brandee directly at brandee.baker@mattressfirm.com

Is Your Dream Job Seeming More Like a Nightmare

via sites.google.com

Have you ever felt like your career wasn’t satisfying? You studied so hard in school, and you felt sure you made the right decision. Or, you’ve been in your career for years, but you feel like there could be something better.

I had a very outgoing and people-oriented friend that wanted to pursue his career in accounting. After 5 years in school, he found that first job in his field. But something was missing. He enjoyed working one on one with people. Cubicle life wasn’t for him. He felt like he wasted so many years in school and even in his career.

There isn’t a definite way to avoid going into the wrong career. However, there are preventative ways such as online career aptitude tests. My co-worker, Haley Hoskins, worked in the Counseling and Careers services at Stephen F Austin State University. They used TypeFocus and Strong Interests as their aptitude test. There are also free online tests like Visit sixwise.com or livecareer.com.

Whether you are in college trying to figure out your future, or have been working for many years, it’s not too late. Taking a career aptitude test could be a good way to get you that much closer to finding your dream job and keeping your dreams from being a nightmare.

daja.pope@mattressfirm.com

Professional Affirmations

When should you use a letter of recommendation? Should job seekers even use them at all? The answer is… Yes! Use them!

The power of a written or typed personal recommendation from a previous supervisor, boss or professor is a strong tool in the interviewing process. Letters of recommendation say that a professional in your past thought highly enough of you to take the time out of their schedule to write some meaningful words, recommending you for your new position. The entire interview process is basically a chance to try and get to know you in a few short sittings. Unfortunately, your honest personality, work ethic and your overall reputation do not always come off the way you would want it to during those interviews, so why not have your colleagues put in a good word for you? After all, the hard work and dedication put into your path that led you to this point should be recognized and spoken of by others who you previously worked with. On a side note, using letters of recommendation is another resource for the employer to use during the hiring decision, which may give you that extra leg up on the competition!

ashley.gonzales@mattressfirm.com

Social Media – Is it hurting your job search?



http://www.forbes.com/



Social media seems to be the cure all remedy these days. Searching for your soul mate – use social media. Looking to strike it big with that new hit song you just recorded – use social media. Trying to get cast in that new hit reality show – use social media. Looking to obtain a new career opportunity – you guessed it… social media.

So is social media all it’s cracked up to be?

In many cases it can be an extremely useful tool but when it comes to job searches you may not want to rely so heavily on it. There is something powerful about a face to face interaction that can never be achieved through social media. The chance to look someone in the eye and shake their hand often creates a lasting impression and a stronger bond than an informal introduction through, say, LinkedIn.

With the vastness of the Internet and increasing popularity in social media I sometimes ponder the long term affects that technology will have on communication and ultimately human behavior. We see it every day, the young couple out on a nice dinner date that are both glued to their cell phones. The girl at Starbucks that is without fail always there, laptop glowing in her face and you wonder - does she live here? But before I get too high on my soap box let me clarify my point.

I’m not proposing that you boycott the internet or cancel all of your social media accounts by any means. I’m simply reminding you not to forget about the power that face to face interactions can have. If you find yourself in a rut in your job search, I would recommend to turn off that computer and get out of the house. Network the old fashion way by meeting up with friends or colleagues where you can make real human connections. At the end of the day, the world is still full of people who make decisions… not computers.

bryce.beaulieu@mattressfirm.com

How To End Your Interview On A High Note

How you end your interview is just as important as how you’ve answered the questions throughout the interview. It is important to leave the interviewer with the best impression of yourself that you can possibly provide. It is a huge relief to have answered that final question, but don’t bolt out of the room just yet! Below you will find some tips on what you need to do to make a lasting impression.

Have questions for the interviewer ready.
Remember that an interview is an opportunity for both parties to get to know each other. Questions provide the interviewer with insight that you are genuinely interested in the position and the company. Ideally you want to have 3 to 4 questions to ask the interviewer. Some topics that you can ask about are the company’s five year plan, industry growth and career path opportunities.

Ask when you can expect to hear back from them.

If it gets to be the end of the interview and you are unsure on when you will hear back from your prospective employer, it is perfectly okay to ask. This will prevent any unnecessary panic while you wait to hear back.

Ask for contact information.

Follow up is key! In order to ensure that you can reach the people that interviewed you, ask for their business cards or simply write it down in the event that they did not bring any.

Be Excited!

The best impression that you can leave when ending an interview is simply to smile, have a firm handshake and let your prospective employer know that you are excited about this opportunity. If you can transfer your enthusiasm then you can rest assured that you’ve left them with a lasting impression.

Happy Interviewing!

Can I get your contact information? edith.botello@mattressfirm.com


http://www.clipartof.com/



90 Day Guarantee (Or your money back!)

http://www.1sticondesign.com/

90 days seems to be a popular amount of time to accomplish just about anything. Turn on the TV and you’ll see countless ads that boast claims such as “Lose Weight Fast in 90 days” or “Learn to speak Spanish in just 90 Days” or the ever popular “Grow Hair Fast in 90 Days” (or your money back)!

As a job seeker, have you thought about what you can bring in your first 90 days at a new job? If you haven’t, you should. And you should think about it prior to even interviewing with a company. While employers will want to know about your past experiences, they will also want to know what your plan will be if you are selected for their position. Knowing your plan will not only demonstrate your ability to jump right in and take on a new role, but will also demonstrate that you have put thought into the role and how you will be successful.

Not sure what you should do in your first 90 days in a new role? There are many resources you can find online that will help you identify and outline your plan in your first 90 days. Here are a few to check out:

http://www.forbes.com/2006/09/06/leadership-pink-careers-cx_ag_0906ninetydays.html

http://www.black-collegian.com/career/navigating-grad05.shtml

http://www.linkedin.com/answers/career-education/mentoring/CAR_MEN/301707-7422601

http://www.michaeldwatkins.com/book-90days.php

While it may be tempting to commit to a big ole’ plan during your interview, know that the potential employer isn’t looking for your answer in how to solve world-peace in your first 90 days (unless you are applying to the World Peace Organization, then disregard and make sure you have your world-peace-solving plan ready). As many of the resources above will tell you, you want to make sure your plan is realistic, non-offensive (remember that you don’t know nor should you pretend to know what their problems are and what you need to “fix”), and specific enough to demonstrate your understanding of the role. If you can incorporate some company or industry facts into your plan (i.e. research before the interview!), even better. Knowing your 90-day plan will get you that much closer to landing your dream job and starting off on the right foot.

So… Know your 90 day plan. Get the job. Execute the plan. (and hope they don’t ask for their money back).

You can work on your 90 day plan with abby.ludens@mattressfirm.com

Multiple Job Offers? No Problem!

If you find yourself in the position of having multiple job offers, congratulations! For many people multiple job offers is great news, especially in a recovering economy. However, for others that do not handle their job offers in a considerate way towards their prospective employers, things can get a little messy. Make sure that you don’t burn any bridges and keep relationships with employers healthy and ethical to ensure a successful job and career.

Below you will find some tips on how to manage multiple job offers:

Ask for extensions if you need them: If you’re a great candidate it is no surprise to employers that you should have multiple offers. Make sure that you tell the employer, who you’ve asked an extension from, how much time you will need. Positions need to be filled as soon as possible so give them an actual date on when you will get back to them. Therefore, you should already know when you should be hearing back from the employer whose offer you are waiting on. This information is vital!

It’s perfectly acceptable to reach out to employers you haven’t heard from: At the end of every interview you should know when to expect to hear back from a prospective employer (either they told you or you asked them during the interview). If you have not heard from them, call them the following day and ask for feedback and the decision they made. Clarity plays a big part in handling multiple job offers.

Weigh your options: If you have the time, review all of your offers. Even if you know there is a certain job that you would prefer, you do not have to accept on the spot. Ask yourself questions that you value in a career. For example: “Where can I advance the most within five years?” “What company will take the time to train me?” “What job would I love going to work to every morning?” If you know what you want in your next career, handling multiple job offers will be a breeze.

Happy job searching!

You can reach out directly to Edith at edith.botello@mattressfirm.com.
 

How to be S.U.C.C.E.S.S.ful at a career fair

S- Study the companies that will be attending. Find out what type of positions they have available and what they are looking for. Then ask yourself, “Is this what I am looking for?” If the answer is yes, make sure you visit them at their booth!

U – Uncover what the company representative likes about the organization. This will help you discover why you would like to work there.

C- Carry a simple portfolio with plenty of resumes to hand out. There may be a company not listed in the directory that you would like to meet with and they will not be able to contact you if they do not know how to reach you.

C – Confidence … be confident Maintain eye contact when you are speaking with a representative, have a strong hand shake, good body language – don’t slouch and look closed off and most importantly SMILE 

E – Exhibit professionalism! Make sure you take a shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair and wear your best suit! First impressions are everything at a career fair.

S- Study your story. Have your 1 minute story of yourself rehearsed so you can relay what you have been doing and you can impact their company. Practice in front of a mirror several times and make sure you are confident when speaking.

S – Send a thank you email within 24 hours. Get the recruiters information from the companies that you feel would be a great fit for you and send them a thank you email. This is going to set you apart from your competition and will help them remember who you are.

Share your S.U.C.C.E.S.S with brandee.baker@mattressfim.com.

Addressing Your Potential New Address

It’s time to make that move to a different city. You begin to apply to all positions that are hiring. Let’s face it; you need a job as soon as you get there. Relocating can be a frustrating process, and many are baffled on how to prepare for the job search. Below is a list of steps you should take to land the job before you get there:

1) Start your research. Begin researching the companies in your city of choice. Contact the Chamber of Commerce to get a list of companies. Go to the library or visit company’s Facebook pages.

2) Personalize your cover letter. Address the fact that you are relocating.

3) Put your new address on your resume (if you have that information.) If you have a friend or family member with whom you plan to stay when you first arrive, use their address. This could take away any concerns employers may have about your relocation. (i.e. paying for your relocation or wait time for you to move to your new city.)

4) Get a Linked IN account. You can join groups in your area, and plan to attend networking events in the area. Target your companies of interest and network with employers.

5) Plan to make visits to the area. Sometimes you have to be there physically. Employers want to know when you’re available to interview face to face. So, consider your travel expenses.

6) Consider looking for a temp agency in the meantime. It’s understandable that you may have limited funds or need to move fast; this process could take awhile.

7) Remember that there is a job out there for you. So stay positive and don’t let your frustration show. Employers love a new hire with a great attitude Good Luck!

You can connect with Daja at daja.pope@mattressfirm.com

Is your resume Oscar-worthy?



http://www.bigscreenanimation.com/



And the Oscar goes to…

It’s that time of year-- movie season is upon us and people all over the world are flocking to the movie theaters to see movies the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has given their ‘Oscar nods’ to. And while this one time of year certainly encourages movie-goers to attend movies, throughout the rest of the year, how do Producers get people to their movies?

The movie trailer.

Movie trailers serve as an incredibly important means to advertise a movie. A successful movie trailer can either make or break a movie. In fact, according to Cinemaadvanced.com, a website that provides tips to aspiring filmmakers, making a really solid trailer may be more important than the movie itself. It is, in fact, what will get people to come see your film. They outlined three important points to making the trailer a success:

• Study other trailers—Watch the trailers of big movies. You only have 30 seconds to make people want to come see the movie.

• Sell the Sizzle—the site says “Put really cool shots in the in the trailer. Put really cool lines in the trailer. Sell the sizzle, not the steak.” Don’t put the entire plot in the trailer, put what is going to be intriguing for people to come see it.

• Build Curiosity—if you give the movie-goer just enough to pique their curiosity, they are going to have to come see it.

So, if you consider yourself a “Blockbuster-hit” in the job market, is your resume encouraging people to come see your show? Consider the steps above as it relates to how you are presenting yourself to hiring managers?

• Have you studied other “successful” resumes? Have you had someone review or critique your resume? Do you have multiple versions of your resume for different audiences?

• Are you including every mundane part of your previous positions, or are you including the stuff that matters? Make sure the “sizzle you are selling” is intriguing enough for the hiring manager to invite you in.

• Have you included something that might pique their curiosity? Have you included an interesting mission or objective statement or made a compelling case in your cover letter?

When on the job market, it’s important to remember that you are selling yourself. No matter how much work you do to prepare yourself, if you don’t produce a solid trailer (i.e. resume) and “sell the sizzle”, you may be left eating popcorn alone in an empty theater.

Have a question about how to sell out your show? Contact Abby Ludens at abby.ludens@mattressfirm.com.

New Year’s Resolution Rules You Can Break

Several New Year’s resolutions consist of finding a new career opportunity. Many of the job search rules you are used to have changed in the past few years. According to Career Advice at Monster.com, there are seven job search rules you should feel free to break.*

1. Apply Only if You Meet All Requirements

Sometimes online job descriptions include ALL of the potential requirements that can allow you to be considered for the position and are not entirely correct. According to Jean Baur, senior consultant at outplacement firm Lee Hacht Harrison and author of Eliminated! Now What? Finding Your Way from Job-Loss Crisis to Career Resilience, “if you match 85% of that ad, fill out a job application and send your resume anyway.”

2. Do a Mass Mailing to Maximize Your Chances

For example, if you have 10 New Year’s resolutions it’s hard to keep up with all of them. So, narrow down your list of companies to just a small few and do extensive research on them so you can tailor your materials (resume and cover letter) to what they are looking for.

3. Emphasize Your Education

Don’t get me wrong, education is definitely important, but if you don’t have any job experience, then it is good for you to emphasize more on your activity on campus. If you don’t have a strong educational background or collegiate activity, then focus on your duties you were responsible for within your work experience. Hiring managers are less concerned about what job it was, just as long as they know you are dependable and can get the job done well.

4. Don’t Call

Yes, employers will say they do not want a bunch of phone calls but, if you sit around and wait for them to contact you, you won’t get far that way either. You will not be a pest if you call a few days later to follow-up to your submission.

5. Use the Interview to Talk All About You

Take the time to prepare some good questions to ask the interviewer about the company. In an interview, not only are we seeing if you are a good fit for the job, but you are seeing if we are a good fit for you. Asking good questions will give the impression that you are truly interested and serious about the job!

6. Be Vague About Salary

Be ready to provide a range in which you are comfortable making and be sure you’re alright with being offered the lowest amount in your range because that is most likely what they will offer you.

7. Don’t Contact the Company Again If It Rejects You

If you don’t get the job, it only means there was someone more appropriate for the job at that particular time. It’s okay and beneficial to follow up and say you’re still interested in the company.


*www.monster.com ( Article: Seven Job Search Rules to Break by Larry Buhl; http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/getting-started/jobs.aspx)


If you're looking for a new career opportunity for a new year, feel free to contact ashley.gonzales@mattressfirm.com