Attendee: Is it okay to talk about your personal life in an interview?
Candace: It’s nice to share a little bit to showcase your personality, but don’t overshare.
Attendee: I’m currently a stay at home mom and want to get into the workforce again after years of being away, any advice on how to explain this to an employer?
Candace: Explain the gap on your resume. Explain that you have been volunteering at your child’s school during the time you’ve been on your break (if you have been). Just be honest.
Attendee: How honest should you be with a Recruiter?
Candace: 100% honest. It’s nice to know everything upfront. As a consultant I need to know everything, so there are no surprises down the road.
Attendee: How often do you look for candidates on LinkedIn?
Candace: I’m a big LinkedIn fan because every employer and industry is on there. It’s a great tool because it enables you to connect with people in different industries, create connections rather than just being a resume.
Attendee: Do you check other social media channels?
Candace: We do, because employers do. We want to ensure what our candidates are putting out into the ether is appropriate.
Attendee: As a job seeker, how do you do a job search on LinkedIn?
Candace: Organically search roles you’re looking for, follow companies you’re interested in working for. There’s also a way to flag your profile on LinkedIn that says ‘open to opportunities’. You can select privacy options on LinkedIn, however, be cautious not to include pictures. You still want recruiters to find you. Also, make sure your LinkedIn profile is transparent across all social media platforms you use, and your resume. If you’re worried that your employer will find out that you’re looking for a new job, just include the industry you work in, on your resume.
Attendee: Is it okay to disclose the salary you want in an interview?
Candace: The best way to respond to a question like this is to let your interviewer know that they can speak to your Recruiter as they know the salary you’re looking for. Additionally, you can say that you are open and more interested in the role and then ask what the salary range is for that role.
Attendee: What are you looking for on a resume?
Candace: I’m looking to see what you’ve done, the industries you’ve worked for, certifications and key words that align with the job description.
If you are presenting your resume in person, look professional. Remember even though you might not be able to speak with the hiring manager, the Receptionist will likely be the one to impress, as she will pass your resume on to the hiring manager.
Attendee: What do you do when you don’t know what to do with your career?
Carole: There are vocational counselors out there who can help individuals one on one. They work with employers to find you a job and employer fit.
Attendee: What if you have an emergency come up and can’t make it to an interview?
If for some reason you cannot make it to an interview, please call or email your Recruiter to cancel your appointment. Circumstances happen. Even if you can’t use the phone in the moment, call after to let your Recruiter know what happened. Having a fluid line of communication with your Recruiter shows that you respect their time. Recruiters always remember those who don’t call or no show. It’s unprofessional and shows unreliability when presenting your profile to an employer.
Attendee: How do you prepare for a job interview?
Candace: Everyone gets nervous during an interview, but it’s so important to prepare for each interview you go to, so that you feel prepared. That will boost confidence. Do your research on the organization. The interviewer will be impressed by the way you’re able to speak about the company. Most interviews now ask scenario and behavioural questions, that will usually be delivered as a ‘tell me about a time you…”. Make sure to know the key points of the job, read the job description and make sure you’re applying for jobs that relate to your work experience.
Attendee: What is the most powerful way to find jobs now? Is it networking or just sending your resume?
Candace: Networking is key. People are generally willing to help others out. Plus, don’t forget that there is a ‘hidden job market”. What this means is 60-80% of available jobs are not being advertised. Finding a job takes time and initiative and can feel like a full-time job.
As the panel conversation wrapped up, we said our good-byes to everyone.
As an observer, I thought it was a great opportunity for these ladies to have direct access to experts in the industry to answer their questions in a relevant matter. I also think it’s great that Dress for Success offers so much support to empower women into the workforce. The job market is constantly changing, and the expectations change too. In documenting the panel conversation, we hope these tips will also help you in your job hunt!
