Whether it’s a phone interview or an in-person interview one of the most common first questions a hiring manager will ask is “tell me about yourself.” It can be a terrifying open-ended question that makes any job seeker nervous. My initial reaction was always, “how do I sum up my life and career in a few sentences?” By preparing yourself for this anticipated question, the nerves will be pushed aside and you will be able to show the hiring manager why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Thinking about changing careers but not sure how you would land a new job with little to no experience? Often forgotten, your transferable skills are fundamental when considering working in a different field of work. Transferable skills are the capabilities you’ve gained from previous positions or experiences that are transferable to a different type of career or industry. For example, employers seek candidates who possess organizational or time management skills, qualities you most likely have developed from your past professional experiences. Follow these strategies to seamlessly transfer your skills as you make your move from one industry to another.

As the school year comes to a swift close, many college graduates are on the hunt for entry-level positions. Finding a job can be difficult, especially for recent-grads that may have little to no experience. However, with a four-year diploma and the right mindset, you can land your first ‘real world’ job right out of college.

In today’s labor market the demand for temporary workers continues to rise and shows no sign of slowing down. Temp jobs are very attractive for both job seekers and employers, as these positions typically last for a limited time period but also have the potential to turn into a full-time opportunity. No matter your reasoning behind deciding to temp, you need to be prepared when interviewing for these roles. To impress the decision maker, review these common interview questions so you portray that you are a dependable candidate who will make a great temporary employee.

The end of an interview allows you to ask follow-up questions, ensuring any concerns you have are addressed while at the same time demonstrating your knowledge of the organization. Preparing to ask questions at the end of an interview is just as important as preparing for questions you’ll be asked.

Typically the job search involves reaching out to hiring managers via email which can often leave candidates waiting for a response and discouraged. Frequently, organizations fail to reply and inform candidates of their rejection or application status which is understandably frustrating and confusing. With an estimated 280 billion business emails sent every day, it has become harder than ever to get noticed by hiring managers and receive a reply. If you are trying to reach a busy decision maker or follow-up after an interview, follow this advice to increase your response rates in order to advance your job search.

In this difficult employment market, recruiters and key decision makers are putting much more of an emphasis on phone interviews in determining who moves forward in a more in-depth interview process. These days, phone interviews are unavoidable as it saves decision maker's time in identifying true, top candidates.

Often times, hiring managers turn away from asking traditional interview questions to gain greater insight into candidates. While you never know exactly what questions will be asked, you can expect a few unusual questions that may throw you off.

Losing your job is tough. No matter the circumstances, it is a major life change that can take an emotional and financial toll on yourself. There are many reasons and factors as to why you may have lost your job. For example, your company may have downsized, your position could have been eliminated, a budget cut could have led to massive lay-offs, or termination may have occurred. Regardless of the reason, the aftershock of this event may make you feel like your world has been flipped upside down.

Working with a committed recruiter allows you to advance your job search, as you will have someone to advocate on your behalf from start to finish. Whether you are just starting your job search or are currently employed, it’s beneficial to get in contact with a recruiter so that you are aware of future employment opportunities.