Val Matta
Your Pro-Active Job Hunt Checklist
Posted on May 23, 2011
Remember when the experts told us to send out a pile of generic cover letters and resumes, then wait for the phone to ring? Those days are gone. We must replace this passive activity with a more action-oriented effort to establish relationships and find the hidden job opportunities. T …
Tell Me About Yourself
Posted on January 18, 2011
The ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Question: Use this question as an opportunity to position yourself for success. Why is this question asked? to see how candidates handle themselves in an unstructured situation. to see how articulate they are how confident they are generally what type of i …
Thank You Etiquette
Posted on January 18, 2011
You’ve sent in your resume. You already know that a follow-up message is a critical step in your job search. What is the appropriate amount of time to wait to follow up on a job application? What type of follow up is preferred? How often? Email or snail? You want to get your name acro …
Leveraging Recruiter/Staffing Agencies in Your Job Search
Posted on November 10, 2010
In today’s job search, one thing is certain: you must use many strategies to be successful. I just attended a workshop for professional job seekers. The meeting theme was centered around how to leverage your job search with recruiters and/or staffing agencies. With 9 of 10 companies u …
Prepare Your References Now!
Posted on November 10, 2010
Pass the word – Do not underestimate the value of your references and the power they hold. References can be among your most valuable assets. Have you ever heard the quote “Good luck happens when preparedness meets opportunity”? Your references can help a pending job opportunity or un …
Rethinking the Elevator Pitch
Posted on September 1, 2010
One of the hardest challenges of the job hunt is being able to create and communicate an effective elevator pitch when the time arises. The elevator pitch often feels awkward and unnatural, yet it is such an important part of the job search. We must have one, whether we are in the job …
Nailing the Second Round Interview
Posted on July 13, 2010
Chances are good that if you’re being invited back for a second round of interviews, then you’ve made a good initial impression and have something that they want. How do you show your initiative in a way that you can be the candidate to make a lasting impression that the company will …
Make Yourself Stand Out in the Interview
Posted on May 27, 2010
I was recently at the MBACSWP Conference , where we discussed a subject that is near to all of our hearts, as it relates to the job search. This burning question is how can we make ourselves stand out in the interview process. Is it the exceptional resume, the right clothes, the eye c …
Creating Your Selling Points for the Hidden Job Market
Posted on May 27, 2010
With most of the jobs landed coming through the hidden job market it is imperative that you get going on a targeted job hunt. A good first step in identifying this market is to develop your own unique selling points. Going through the exercise of finding yours is worth the time put in …
Is Temp Work Worth Considering?
Posted on April 14, 2010
In today’s employment environment, temporary work continues to stand out as a bright spot. According to leading temporary financial staffing firms, companies are beginning to turn these positions into full-time roles more frequently. Just as employers use interns and temporary assignm …