A recent article posted on CareerBuilder explains why it can take so long to hear from an employer in the initial steps of the job application/interview process (http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1336-Job-Search-Why-Dont-Employers-Call-Me-Back/). It is true that some job postings have such a high response rate that it is nearly impossible for employers to respond to each candidate individually. This comes to the point that working with a staffing agency can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with waiting and wondering.
The first step would be to make sure you are working with the appropriate staffing agency. Each company has a specific market of individuals they specialize in assisting. Whether it's a career focus or your experience level, each characteristic should be considered when choosing an agency that is right for you.
Once you have chosen an agency that fits your needs, you will increase your odds of starting the interviewing process with that company. With staffing executives on your side you will never have to go to an interview wondering when you will hear back from an employer. This work is done by your recruiter, who in turn, will be in contact with you with any feedback.
If you are in search of a business related career and have 0-5 years of post-college work experience, Career Professionals could be the right agency for you. Submit your resume to http://www.gocpi.com/jobs/apply.php to find out.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
CPI's 20th Anniversary
This October, Career Professionals, Inc. is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The doors opened at CPI on October 16th, 1989. Twenty years later, the doors are still open to job seekers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Despite economic uncertainties and struggles, Career Professionals will continue to grow and prosper in the transforming economy.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Online Resume Posting
Today on the Internet, there is a very large selection of websites for individuals to post their resume in hopes to landing a job interview. A few that come to mind are the popular sites such as Monster, Careerbuilder, and Yahoo! HotJobs. One site that may not sound familiar is CBCampus or CareerRookie. This site is actually aimed towards entry-level college graduates and is a division of CareerBuilder. With sites such as this one being more specialized and focused reassures young job seekers that the positions they are applying to require their entry-level skills.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Are you linked to the professional world with LinkedIn? Career Professionals recently attended a presentation on the different options provided by LinkedIn. If you're part of the business world and know that connections are the way to keep up to speed, you probably already have a profile. 43 million professionals from 244 countries are connected to key decision makers, current and past coworkers, and potential clients on LinkedIn. If there's someone you are looking to set up a meeting with or want to introduce them to a potential new business venture and you aren't linked to that individual, odds are that you have a primary contact that already is! According to Rick Kaufman, it's no longer who you know, but who everyone else knows as well.
You can find the majority of the Career Professionals staff on LinkedIn. If you have a question or comment, please e-mail us at info@gocpi.com.
You can find the majority of the Career Professionals staff on LinkedIn. If you have a question or comment, please e-mail us at info@gocpi.com.
Ahead of the Game
Many industries see a slow down in the summer months, both on the job seeker and hiring fronts. If you're a job seeker, take advantage of this time! If you aren't part of the high percentage of individuals that decides to take their vacation in July, scope out your opportunities. Stay on top of new openings and be one of the first to submit your resume to fresh postings.
Submit your resume to resumes@gocpi.com today if you're looking for an entry-level business position to start off the Fall season!
Submit your resume to resumes@gocpi.com today if you're looking for an entry-level business position to start off the Fall season!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Entry-level Sales Representative - Multiple Locations
Are you looking for a career in sales, but have no prior experience? If you have recently received your college degree and have little or no workforce experience and want to get your start in sales, this position could be for you. Find out more information about Job Order 2513CP at http://www.gocpi.com/jobs/.
** This position is currently open in St. Cloud, Mankato, and Winona, Minnesota and also in Fargo, North Dakota.
** This position is currently open in St. Cloud, Mankato, and Winona, Minnesota and also in Fargo, North Dakota.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Qualifications DO Matter
When applying to jobs online it all so often becomes easy to give up and start to apply to everything and anything. This may seem like a brilliant maneuver at the time, but in reality you are most likely losing minutes in your day you’ll never get back.
When taking the time to apply to online postings, make sure you are qualified in every aspect. If the posting states that you need a specific amount of years of experience, make sure you have just that. Also, don’t overlook the fact that the position may require industry specific knowledge. A company looking for a specialist with 3-5 years of experience in the Software industry will most likely pass by a resume of an individual with 10+ years of experience in the Aviation industry.
So, if you haven’t heard back about the position requiring more years of experience than you possess, chances are you won’t. But don’t fret; there is a perfect position out there for your skill set and qualifications.
If you have 3-5 years of experience as a Marketing Communications Specialist in a business environment in the Technology industry, e-mail your resume to resumes@gocpi.com.
When taking the time to apply to online postings, make sure you are qualified in every aspect. If the posting states that you need a specific amount of years of experience, make sure you have just that. Also, don’t overlook the fact that the position may require industry specific knowledge. A company looking for a specialist with 3-5 years of experience in the Software industry will most likely pass by a resume of an individual with 10+ years of experience in the Aviation industry.
So, if you haven’t heard back about the position requiring more years of experience than you possess, chances are you won’t. But don’t fret; there is a perfect position out there for your skill set and qualifications.
If you have 3-5 years of experience as a Marketing Communications Specialist in a business environment in the Technology industry, e-mail your resume to resumes@gocpi.com.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New Season
This Summer, Career Professionals is welcoming two new Account Executives to the staff. Both have a background in sales and are ready to assist you in your job search. If you're a recent college graduate, be sure to check out the new job orders on the Job Listings page on our website at www.gocpi.com. Let us help you find your next business career!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Local Recruiting Firm Seeks an Account Executive!
Cutting-edge Twin Cities recruiting firm is seeking an aggressive, polished, outgoing Account Executive. This person MUST HAVE B2B sales experience!
Salary is unlimited! First year expected $50,000 +, second year $75,000 +.
Check out our job listings page at www.gocpi.com/jobs/ for more information.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Positive Outlook
Accentuate the positive. Amidst the news of a bleak economy, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. To begin, the number of new homes for sale has dropped. In this case “dropped” is a good thing. Perhaps the worst of the recession has become a part of history. Also, some in the banking industry are looking at a profit at this time. Though the overall job to job seeker ratio of one to five seems a bit unwelcoming, the career outlook for the recent college graduate remains steady. The forecast indicates there is no decline in the number of hires for recent grads.
Eliminate the negative. The negative press definitely impacts society and the economy as a whole. Don’t let it get you down too much. With the recession showing signs of leveling out, it’s time to shake it off and get back into the game. Employers are looking for top-notch candidates. With the pool continually increasing, the job seeker must outshine the competition. Brush up the resume and interviewing techniques and get out there to win. Easier said than done, right? Research and find job search tools that are advantageous for your specific needs, not everything is going to be the best fit and that’s okay. Your network of friends and family may be one of the best tools. Be flexible if the game plan needs to be adjusted from time to time.
Contact Career Professionals if you are a recent college graduate and entry-level candidate. Check us out online at www.gocpi.com.
Eliminate the negative. The negative press definitely impacts society and the economy as a whole. Don’t let it get you down too much. With the recession showing signs of leveling out, it’s time to shake it off and get back into the game. Employers are looking for top-notch candidates. With the pool continually increasing, the job seeker must outshine the competition. Brush up the resume and interviewing techniques and get out there to win. Easier said than done, right? Research and find job search tools that are advantageous for your specific needs, not everything is going to be the best fit and that’s okay. Your network of friends and family may be one of the best tools. Be flexible if the game plan needs to be adjusted from time to time.
Contact Career Professionals if you are a recent college graduate and entry-level candidate. Check us out online at www.gocpi.com.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Still Searching?
Have months passed since graduation? Still searching for a job since a lay-off? With the market being what it is, there are about five job seekers to every one opening. This is up from 2007 when it was two job seekers to every one opening. Discouraging? Maybe a little, but this is when the job seeker needs to step up his or her game.
The reality is that there are still positions available. Employers can be a lot more particular about their hires because so many people are looking for jobs. Job seekers need to impress the employer long before even meeting face-to-face.
Once you get an interview, dress to impress and be prepared as possible. Research the company. Prepare questions for the interviewer. Bring a hard copy of your resume. You are up against a lot of others for that position. Prove to the employer that you deserve the position and make the employer want you and no one else. Practice what you are going to say during an interview. This doesn't come easy for everyone, but it definitely helps to practice a bit or get some coaching.
In addition, if you are still searching, try to find something temporarily while you look for your next position. It's better to have a consistent work history than to have a huge gap on your resume. Temp agencies may be a good tool to use during your job search time.
Be the one out of the five that gets the job!
The reality is that there are still positions available. Employers can be a lot more particular about their hires because so many people are looking for jobs. Job seekers need to impress the employer long before even meeting face-to-face.
Once you get an interview, dress to impress and be prepared as possible. Research the company. Prepare questions for the interviewer. Bring a hard copy of your resume. You are up against a lot of others for that position. Prove to the employer that you deserve the position and make the employer want you and no one else. Practice what you are going to say during an interview. This doesn't come easy for everyone, but it definitely helps to practice a bit or get some coaching.
In addition, if you are still searching, try to find something temporarily while you look for your next position. It's better to have a consistent work history than to have a huge gap on your resume. Temp agencies may be a good tool to use during your job search time.
Be the one out of the five that gets the job!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Online Social Networking
Is recruiting through social networking advantageous? Likewise, is it a tool to utilize for the job seeker? Technology is changing each and every day and the number of online social networks is increasing just as quickly. Companies are starting to hire positions in order to keep up communications in this area of online recruiting.
One of the top sites in the world is facebook.com. This site allows you to create a page with a profile, pictures, video, and well you name it. Everything from polls to favorite things are among the list of "applications" you can add to personalize your facebook page. Along with personal pages, a user can also create a group, a business/company page, blogs, and again the list goes on and on.
In addition to facebook, myspace.com is another site that is very similar. Linkedin.com is a site that is used for more professional networking purposes. Being that it is a more professional social network site, there are fewer bells and whistles. However, what is provided is really all that is needed for the site's purpose.
These are the three main sites used by most companies. Granted, there a lot more. From a recruiting standpoint, these are great tools to use for marketing and branding, connecting with your target audience, researching the competition, and the greatest thing is that they are free to use! Why not take advantage, after all, everyone is doing it!
From a job seeker's standpoint: how best to use these social networks to land your next job. The companies that are using these sites are creating a direct form of communication - in the language of today's generation which is very technology savvy. A job seeker can find job openings on company pages as well as company culture, discussion boards, etc. Companies may also have recruiters available to chat online so job seekers can ask questions and get answers on the spot.
Linkedin.com is a great tool for the job seeker. You create a profile which is a essentially a summarized resume. Once you build your network, you are connected to not only your friends but also their friends and the network is consistently expanding. Again, many companies will have profiles and this is a great way to connect to recruiting managers at companies and to find out more about the company itself.
These networking sites are supplements to the company website and are simply another tool to take advantage of in recruiting or job searching.
One of the top sites in the world is facebook.com. This site allows you to create a page with a profile, pictures, video, and well you name it. Everything from polls to favorite things are among the list of "applications" you can add to personalize your facebook page. Along with personal pages, a user can also create a group, a business/company page, blogs, and again the list goes on and on.
In addition to facebook, myspace.com is another site that is very similar. Linkedin.com is a site that is used for more professional networking purposes. Being that it is a more professional social network site, there are fewer bells and whistles. However, what is provided is really all that is needed for the site's purpose.
These are the three main sites used by most companies. Granted, there a lot more. From a recruiting standpoint, these are great tools to use for marketing and branding, connecting with your target audience, researching the competition, and the greatest thing is that they are free to use! Why not take advantage, after all, everyone is doing it!
From a job seeker's standpoint: how best to use these social networks to land your next job. The companies that are using these sites are creating a direct form of communication - in the language of today's generation which is very technology savvy. A job seeker can find job openings on company pages as well as company culture, discussion boards, etc. Companies may also have recruiters available to chat online so job seekers can ask questions and get answers on the spot.
Linkedin.com is a great tool for the job seeker. You create a profile which is a essentially a summarized resume. Once you build your network, you are connected to not only your friends but also their friends and the network is consistently expanding. Again, many companies will have profiles and this is a great way to connect to recruiting managers at companies and to find out more about the company itself.
These networking sites are supplements to the company website and are simply another tool to take advantage of in recruiting or job searching.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Career Opportunities!
These are a handful of our current job openings. For more information including salary and job description visit our job listings page at www.gocpi.com/jobs/
- Sales Representative 2513CP
- Sales Representative 4082CP
- Business Development Representative 5041CP
- Admissions Representative 6240CP
- Retirement Advisor 6249CP
- Territory Account Manager 6335CP
- Sales Associate 6350CP
Monday, March 23, 2009
Resume Mishaps
At Career Professionals we spend a lot of time reviewing resumes. I, in particular, look at hundreds of resumes some days and at times I find myself questioning a job seeker I have never met by what their resume looks like or what it says. I know this may seem unfair. Seriously, though, job seekers need to review and review their resume some more ensuring it is the best initial reflection of who they are. This is a portrayal of the type of employee they are capable of being. Below are five resume mishaps I have seen quite often.
1. Misspellings or grammatical errors. They don't have spellcheck for nothing. Utilize this tool. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a friend edit your resume. Sometimes he or she will see things that you cannot see.
2. Format inconsistencies. Having a consistent format is critical on your resume. Using bullet points for one job's responsibilities and then using a paragraph format for another seems like you don't care about presentation or that you are not attentive to details. In addition, using the wrong tenses for past or present jobs is also an inconsistency to be aware of.
3. Missing information. Do not leave important information off of your resume. For example, do not forget to put dates on your resume. Be clear on what you did in a particular position. Remember you are selling yourself! This isn't a green light to add every single detail from all jobs since high school. Be informative. Be clear.
4. Fabrication and embellishments. Just remember that the truth always comes out sooner or later. For instance, do not say you have a degree when you don't. Lying on a resume could prevent you from receiving a job offer. Fabricating duties and responsibilities can be detrimental to you because more than likely you will be found out.
5. Unprofessional email addresses. Create an email address, if need be, that is professional and simple. It takes two minutes to create an email address and can communicate that you are serious about your job search.
We know that no one is perfect, but these are simple points to consider when compiling your resume.
1. Misspellings or grammatical errors. They don't have spellcheck for nothing. Utilize this tool. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a friend edit your resume. Sometimes he or she will see things that you cannot see.
2. Format inconsistencies. Having a consistent format is critical on your resume. Using bullet points for one job's responsibilities and then using a paragraph format for another seems like you don't care about presentation or that you are not attentive to details. In addition, using the wrong tenses for past or present jobs is also an inconsistency to be aware of.
3. Missing information. Do not leave important information off of your resume. For example, do not forget to put dates on your resume. Be clear on what you did in a particular position. Remember you are selling yourself! This isn't a green light to add every single detail from all jobs since high school. Be informative. Be clear.
4. Fabrication and embellishments. Just remember that the truth always comes out sooner or later. For instance, do not say you have a degree when you don't. Lying on a resume could prevent you from receiving a job offer. Fabricating duties and responsibilities can be detrimental to you because more than likely you will be found out.
5. Unprofessional email addresses. Create an email address, if need be, that is professional and simple. It takes two minutes to create an email address and can communicate that you are serious about your job search.
We know that no one is perfect, but these are simple points to consider when compiling your resume.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Fulfilling Your Employment Needs!
I am excited to share our expertise and how we can assist you! Career Professionals, Inc. is a FREE permanent job placement agency specializing in assisting candidates who are seeking full-time careers within the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area.
Our focus is on business-related careers such as: Sales, Customer Service, Marketing, Management, Finance and Administrative positions. We specialize in placing candidates in entry-level to mid-level positions. These positions are suited best for 0 – 5 years of post-college experience.
Our goal is to match qualified candidates with quality companies to promote strong career and corporate growth. By providing high-quality services, we strive to create relationships that will prosper and thrive.
So here we are, ready to assist you in your career search. Fresh grad? Entry-level candidate? Check us out online at http://www.gocpi.com/.
If you are an employer looking for assistance in your hiring needs, we are here to help save you time and money. Career Professionals will do all of the initial interviewing and screening sending you the top candidates for you open positions! Contact us today!
Our focus is on business-related careers such as: Sales, Customer Service, Marketing, Management, Finance and Administrative positions. We specialize in placing candidates in entry-level to mid-level positions. These positions are suited best for 0 – 5 years of post-college experience.
Our goal is to match qualified candidates with quality companies to promote strong career and corporate growth. By providing high-quality services, we strive to create relationships that will prosper and thrive.
So here we are, ready to assist you in your career search. Fresh grad? Entry-level candidate? Check us out online at http://www.gocpi.com/.
If you are an employer looking for assistance in your hiring needs, we are here to help save you time and money. Career Professionals will do all of the initial interviewing and screening sending you the top candidates for you open positions! Contact us today!
