Blog - CareerPaths NW

Using References in your Bellevue Job Application Process

July 1, 2022

Your job references are important in confirming the skills, motivation and attitudes included in your resume and demonstrated during your interview. Ideally, your referee is someone you have reported to in a professional capacity.

Choose a job reference who can confirm

Your employment and responsibilities
Your strengths and possible areas for development
The type of people you work well with
The management style that suits you best
Your ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team
Your capacity to take direction, and most important
Your suitability for the role you are seeking

Job reference tips

Always have your job reference’s permission before giving their contact details to a prospective employer. Your referee should never be caught off guard by an unexpected phone call, as this can work against you.
Make sure your referees know about the role you have applied for so they can focus on your relevant skills and strengths.
It’s good practice to contact your referees after the interview and let them know how it went. This way they can emphasise your key strengths or skills relevant to the job.
Every time you change employers, make an effort to ask for a reference from your manager or co-worker. This enables you to create a file of recommendations from people who you may not be in contact with in the future.
Keep your job references up to date and let them know where your job search stands. This keeps them on guard and be better prepared for a potential call. When you become employed, send a thank you note to anyone who provided you with a reference.
Keep your business network up to date, LinkedIn is a great way to do this. Maintain continual contact with your references and if you feel it’s appropriate ask them to write you a reference that you can post to your LinkedIn profile too.

Weekend Motivation for job seekers in Bellevue

July 1, 2022

Persistence beats resistance.

Keep yourself motivated. Create a vision board if you need to, read inspiring quotes on your morning commute. Do whatever you need to, to keep going. Professionals have trudge through the valley to reach their mountain-top moment — you’re no exception. When things get hard, don’t cave under pressure. Use your struggles as an opportunity to learn and grow professionally. Try not to complain. It will only bring down both your morale as well as the other members of your team.

Diversify your skill set.

It’s good to master your usual set of skills, but don’t get stagnant. Continue to develop your love of learning. If your job has tuition reimbursement perks, take advantage of it! Set out to learn a new skill. If you’re worried about time, it’s not about becoming a full-time student all over again. Take a couple courses at a time, earn some new certifications — become a wearer of many hats. It will set yourself apart professionally and who knows? It may help place you on the fast-track to your next promotion.

Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for it.

Money. We all need it to survive. However, there’s a fine line between needing money and becoming obsessive over it. The more passionate you are about what you do, the faster success will follow you. It may not happen in the time frame you expect it to, but the more you focus on strengthening and edifying yourself as a leader in your specialty, the more likely the success of your work will follow. And as a bonus, you’ll enjoy waking up for work every day!

Video Interviews and how to ace them?

July 1, 2022

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to remote work, video interviews have become a staple in the hiring process. While they are similar to in-person interviews, here are a few specific tips to help you excel in a video interview:

1. Prepare as You Would for an In-Person Interview

The fundamental preparation for a video interview is the same as for any interview. Research the company, understand the role, prepare to answer common questions, and formulate insightful questions for your interviewer. Despite the virtual setting, your interviewer will still evaluate how passionate and knowledgeable you are about the position. Conveying your professionalism and fit for the role is just as important online as in person

2. Dress Professionally (From Head to Toe!)

While the temptation may be to dress more casually since you’re at home, it’s crucial to wear professional attire, just as you would for an office interview. Wearing business attire from top to bottom signals your interest in the role and ensures you’re ready for any situation (e.g., standing up unexpectedly!). Additionally, be mindful of how your outfit looks on camera. Some colors or patterns can be distracting or unflattering on screen, so test your look on the platform beforehand.

3. Environment

Find a quiet, well-lit, and clean space to conduct your interview. This will minimize distractions and create a professional setting. Make sure the background isn’t cluttered or overly personal, as it can take away from the focus on you. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not available, use soft indoor lighting to illuminate your face clearly.

4. Test Your Technology

Avoid last-minute technical issues by testing your microphone, camera, and internet connection ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with the platform being used (e.g., Zoom, Skype, Google Meet) so you know how to navigate it during the interview. Keep in mind that you may need to download the platform, so be sure to do so with time to spare. It’s especially important to know how to mute and unmute your mic to avoid awkward moments . Doing a test run with a friend / colleague ensures you can be seen and heard clearly and helps reduce interview-day jitters related to technology.

5. Body Language Matters

Even in a video interview, non-verbal cues like eye contact and posture are critical. Look into the camera when speaking to mimic direct eye contact. Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting, as poor posture can come across as disinterest. Nodding and smiling can help convey that you’re engaged and enthusiastic.

6. Minimize Distractions

Ensure that all notifications, apps, or pop-ups are silenced during the interview. Close any unrelated windows on your computer to avoid distractions. If you live with others, let them know about the interview in advance so you’re not interrupted.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to present yourself professionally and confidently, even from a remote setting. Video interviews may have become the norm, but with proper preparation, they offer a unique chance to showcase your adaptability and technological proficiency, two qualities many employers are seeking post-pandemic.

Value of an inside referral

July 1, 2022

If you’re not seeking out referrals from employees within the company you’re applying to, you could be missing valuable opportunities.

Don’t forget to leverage your professional connections when it comes time to make a career change; they could prove more effective than you believe!
The network effect is significant when it comes to employee referrals. Since the average employee has around 150 social connections, a company with just 100 employees can potentially reach 15,000 candidates through personal networks. This vast potential pool increases the chances of finding the right talent quickly, though the reverse can be true as well. Make sure to be intentional about building your network so that it can be a potential resource for you in the future. (GoRemotely)

Referral Effectiveness: Referred candidates account for 30-50% of all new hires, with referral applicants being 4 times more likely to land a job compared to those who apply through job boards. While only around 7% of job applicants come through referrals, these candidates make up nearly 40% of total hires.
Candidates hired through referrals generally stay with companies longer and are more likely to fit into the company culture. Studies show that referred employees tend to stay at a company for at least a year (46%), and nearly 47% remain for over three years. They also show higher job satisfaction, likely due to better cultural alignment, which makes them more engaged and productive. (Enterprise Apps Today, Erin, AttoTime, GoRemotely)
Faster Hiring Process: Referral hires typically start their roles in 29 days, compared to 39 days for those hired through job boards and 55 days through career sites.
Employee referrals significantly speed up the recruitment process.

Referred candidates tend to get hired faster than those from traditional channels. On average, referral hires take about 29 days to start, compared to 39 days for job board applicants and 55 days for career site applicants. This acceleration is largely due to the pre-vetting that comes from the referrer and a shorter decision-making process. (Enterprise Apps Today, Erin, GoRemotely)
Retention and Satisfaction: Referral hires tend to stay with companies longer—46% remain after one year, and nearly 47% stay for more than three years. They also report higher job satisfaction compared to non-referred hires.
Candidates hired through referrals generally stay with companies longer and are more likely to fit into the company culture. Studies show that referred employees tend to stay at a company for at least a year (46%), and nearly 47% remain for over three years. They also show higher job satisfaction, likely due to better cultural alignment, which makes them more engaged and productive. (Enterprise Apps Today, Erin)
Cost-Effective: Referrals not only result in faster hires but also save companies significant money. Organizations can save an average of $3,000 per hire when using referral programs. Referrals are more cost-efficient than other recruiting methods. Companies report saving approximately $3,000 per hire through employee referrals. This is because there’s less need for extensive advertising, and onboarding times are shorter. Recruiting costs through other methods (like job boards and career sites) tend to be significantly higher. (GoRemotely, Enterprise Apps Today, Erin)

These statistics highlight the immense value that both job seekers and employers can gain from leveraging employee referrals. Not only do they speed up the hiring process, but they also contribute to higher employee retention and satisfaction, making referrals a win-win for all parties involved. Use this knowledge to your advantage and leverage your relationships to achieve professional success!

Want to succeed at your new job?

July 1, 2022

Here are three essential tips to help you thrive in your new job:

Focus on Meaningful Goals

Prioritize tasks that align with key objectives. Show genuine commitment to your assignments and demonstrate enthusiasm in your work, as this will stand out to your employer. If a task isn’t particularly exciting, find ways to connect it to personal goals to keep yourself motivated. By setting clear goals, you can structure your work, making even large projects more manageable and less overwhelming.

Stay Organized

Establish a system to organize your tasks and time effectively. Whether through a planner, digital tools, or a daily to-do list, having a structured approach helps you develop strong habits and keep your workload under control. You’ll likely find that you accomplish much more when you have a clear plan for each day, as opposed to tackling tasks spontaneously.

Embrace Teamwork

Collaboration is key in any workplace. Be the kind of person who values teamwork, as this fosters respect and strengthens relationships with your colleagues. When you work well with others, you contribute to a positive work environment and build a strong network. By encouraging a collaborative spirit, you can positively influence those around you and create a more supportive workplace culture.

Want to succeed in your career?

July 1, 2022

Know Your Strengths and Areas for Growth

To achieve success, having a deep understanding of your capabilities and limitations is crucial. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can focus your efforts more strategically. Regularly assess your professional and personal skills, recognizing areas where you excel and those that could use improvement. This reflection isn’t a one-time exercise; revisit it periodically to stay on track. Don’t shy away from seeking feedback from trusted friends, family, or colleagues. Listening to constructive criticism can provide valuable insights that help you grow.

Invest in Continuous Learning Across Fields

Once you have clarity on your strengths and areas needing development, it’s important to take action. Make a conscious effort to expand your skills and address any gaps. This could mean attending workshops, reading books, or enrolling in classes that push you to develop both professionally and personally. Be open to learning about topics beyond your immediate field, as cross-disciplinary knowledge can boost your overall value and adaptability as an employee.

Maximize Efficiency in Your Work

Effective organization is key to building a successful career. This involves mastering time management, setting clear work objectives, and regularly evaluating your progress. Break down tasks into manageable steps and create systems that help you streamline your workload. Eliminate unnecessary steps where possible, and don’t hesitate to delegate or seek assistance when needed. Observing and learning from highly efficient individuals in your workplace can also provide helpful strategies for managing your own work more effectively.

Want to make forward progress in your career?

July 1, 2022

Building a successful career doesn’t require you to be overly aggressive or take advantage of others. Instead, it’s about being motivated, adaptable, and ready to embrace opportunities as they come your way. It means actively managing your own growth, whether by stepping out of your comfort zone to connect with experienced professionals, continuously seeking constructive feedback, or surrounding yourself with colleagues who inspire you. Whether you’re launching your career or navigating a tough patch, consider these straightforward, yet impactful strategies to help you network, grow, and ultimately secure a fulfilling career that suits your goals.

Connect with Someone in Your Desired Field

If you’re just starting out or considering a significant career change, an informational chat with someone who already works in your target field can be invaluable. Reach out to someone in that role, and ask insightful questions about the day-to-day tasks, required skills, educational pathways, and potential networking opportunities, like professional associations. If possible, inquire about job shadowing to get a firsthand perspective. Use the insights gained to refine your qualifications, and ensure decision-makers know the steps you’re taking to prepare for the role you aspire to.

Navigate Office Dynamics Effectively

Regardless of your preferences, workplace dynamics are a reality. However, navigating these successfully doesn’t mean engaging in cutthroat behavior. Instead, focus on observing how decisions are made and tasks are accomplished within your organization. Build relationships by collaborating effectively, maintaining professionalism, and steering clear of office drama or negativity. This way, you’ll foster strong connections and create a reputation as someone reliable and respectful.

Leverage Your Network Wisely

While skills and experience are crucial, knowing the right people can also make a big difference. If you have a professional connection to someone who can open doors to your ideal job, don’t hesitate to reach out. This isn’t about unfair advantages but about using your network strategically. Whether it’s a mutual acquaintance or someone who can offer an introduction, tapping into your connections can help set the stage for meaningful career opportunities.

Use LinkedIn for finding recruiters

January 4, 2022

Using LinkedIn Filters to Find Industry-Specific Recruiters

When preparing to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn, carefully select five to 10 of them. Don’t randomly send connection requests to those who might not have any openings in your industry or jobs that match your skills. Your smartphone might not offer all the options you need for this process, so use your laptop or tablet instead.

Here’s how to use LinkedIn’s filters to find recruiters:

From the home page, click on “My Network.”
Click on “Connections” at the top left-hand column.
Click on “Search with filters”, then select the “All filters” box (highlighted in blue at top right).
In the pop-up box, choose 1st, 2nd, and 3rd connections.
Scroll down to the “Industry” section (a couple of sections below in the pop-up box) and click your industries of interest. You can also add industries. This is important because you want to choose a recruiter that works with people in your fields of choice.
Scroll down to the “Keywords” section at the bottom of the box. Under “Title,” type in “Recruiter,” “Headhunter,” “Talent Acquisition,” or “Hiring Manager”
Click “Show Results.”

Within your search results, click on the “Connect” button of each recruiter you want to reach out to. Then, choose the option “Add a note” and send them a customized message. In addition to your first-level (1st) connections, these search results will offer the names of other people in your network who you may be familiar with. Don’t be afraid to ask your connections for an introduction.

You need a killer resume, make sure its ready for the job you want.

January 4, 2022

1. Find a Professional Font

As fun as it might look on the page, now is not the time to use weird fonts. Unless you are working in a creative field where you should be showing off your style, stick to something classic. Times New Roman is great go-to, or try a serif font with a little more individuality, like Book Antiqua or Lucida Bright.

2. Put the Good Stuff First

The real secret to a good resume is focusing your reader’s attention. In an ideal world, recruiters would read every word on your resume. In reality, that rarely happens. I’ve screened hundreds of resumes, and though I’m more meticulous than most, I’ve been surprised by how many I nearly tossed, only to find something truly interesting buried at the bottom of the page.

Also, the biggest mistake is to use chronological order. Why lead with “Babysitter in High School” when you could lead with “Strategic Planning Analyst?” Even reverse chronological order (which is more common) may not give you the flexibility you want to highlight your best and most relevant accomplishments.

3. Be Specific

You increased recruiting? Give us the percent increase. You raised money for charity? Tell us how much you raised! This can turn average-looking experiences into impressive head-turners and help distinguish you from other candidates. The flip-side of that is that specifics can also make some accomplishments look worse. If you only raised $150, you might want to think twice before including that—it’s unlikely to impress a billion dollar company.

Hint: This is true of your classes as well. Mentioning relevant coursework can help catch a recruiter’s eye.

4. Vary Your Verbs

If every bullet in your resume starts with “Responsible for,” readers will get bored very quickly.

5. Make Every Word Count

Unless you’re a tenured professor who needs to list every book and article you’ve ever published, your resume should be one page. While this limits the space you have to share your experience, think of it as a blessing in disguise: It forces you to focus.

You don’t need an equal number of bullets under each experience. You should be spending more words on your most impressive set of experiences. Moreover, if a job isn’t relevant anymore, take it out! You don’t need to prove that you’ve been employed since 1997.

Can’t make things fit on one page? Keep cutting it down. You can play with margins and font sizes a bit if necessary—but don’t overdo it. The point is to choose the right experiences, not squish them in. Plus, a dense resume is harder to read. And the harder your resume is to read, the more likely people will just skim it.

Hint: You can make the font size of the spacing between text smaller without losing legibility

6. Proofread

Grammar or spelling errors in a resume can be the difference between the “keep” pile and the “trash” pile. At best, you look sloppy. Enough said.

7. PDF, PDF, PDF

This one is simple: PDFs look the same on any computer. Word documents, on the other hand, can show up with wacky formatting or spill onto a second page if opened with a different version of Word or on a PC vs. a Mac. Make sure companies see what you wanted them to see.

Major Recruiting Challenges Business Leaders are Facing Today

January 4, 2022

Hiring today is quite different than it was a few years ago, and this isn’t just due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it may seem relatively easy on the surface, hiring the right employees can be overwhelming and taxing on many different levels, regardless of the size of an organization. Human resources departments today face significant challenges as their roles become broader and more strategic. The HR function goes beyond recruiting, training and retaining employees. It is a key element in developing a workforce that aligns with the mission and vision of a business.

With that in mind, we thought it might be useful to get some insight into how hiring in today’s job market is for the business experts in charge of these operations. To get that insight, we asked some experienced business leaders across various industries what their thoughts are about today’s biggest hiring and resourcing challenges. We analysed their opinions and the answers gravitated to five main issues. In this blog, we will discuss these five major hiring challenges business leaders are facing in the job market in today’s climate. Keep reading.

What have been the main challenges?

Adapting to Remote Work

When the pandemic struck, in compliance with government directives and regulations, most companies had to switch to the remote work model to continue business operations. Now, before the pandemic, very few companies offered remote work and those that did included it as a perk. For companies that were completely new to this new culture of work, the transition to remote work was tough, not just for the staff but employers as well. Hiring new recruits, tracking employees’ productivity and performance, and keeping employees engaged and motivated can be difficult when you’re not in a traditional work environment.

Another Insurance industry leader, told us that, luckily, the company already had a remote working infrastructure in place, so adapting to the new work norm was not as difficult for them as it had been for other organizations. “The current climate has created some challenges, but our office has been equipped to weather the storm. The majority of the sales team had already been working remotely so thankfully we were prepared as anyone could be to continue despite the inherent challenges and as a result, we have continued to move business forward.”

Retaining Talented Employees

Recruiting is one thing, retaining and motivating your employees is another consideration altogether. According to research by the Society for Human Resource Management, HR professionals project that retaining the best employees will be the greatest HR challenge in 2022. But why? Well, the world of work is changing. Historically, job-hopping was considered to be a negative thing. Landing a role and staying at one company until retirement was the norm, and if you were moving around alot, it tended to lead to negative connotations. This is no longer the case. It is now acceptable to move companies more often, in pursuit of better salary, culture, learning opportunities or clearer progression paths. Rather than stagnating, or feeling (and being!) undervalued, it is seen as a positive attribute to know your worth and chase it.

Building a workplace where employees are motivated is another ongoing issue confronting HR professionals, because the work doesn’t stop at landing top talent. Retention is the next consideration. Knowing what motivates your staff, and implementing strategies and packages that cater to their motivations, is how you keep the best employees happy and productive. A leader in electrical distribution spoke to us about how finding talent that wants to build a career with your company in the long term can be tricky – especially in niche industries. “Our primary challenge is identifying talented individuals who want to build a career within the commercial lighting industry.” they said, with “getting the word out that you can build an excellent career within the trades and create long-term stability for yourself and your family” being a particular area they need to focus on. Another challenge they’re facing? “Identifying motivated candidates that actually want to work.”

Finding And Recruiting High-Quality Talent

Identifying and acquiring high calibre talented individuals has always been a critical challenge for HR managers. Sure, the job market is full of job seekers especially after the devastating lay-offs of workers caused by the pandemic. But how many of those job seekers actually have the skills and qualifications that match the candidate persona of what a recruiter would consider their ideal applicant for an open role? It can be tedious and time-demanding to sift through dozens of applications to discover the right candidate in a pool full of unqualified talent.

One of our clients within the Insurance industry tells us that the difficulty in identifying high caliber talented individuals is a big issue, especially within a niche industry like insurance, that often requires candidates with a unique set of skills and competencies. He does note, however, that this was an issue before COVID-19 struck, so isn’t a challenge to be exclusively attributed to the pandemic.

Promoting a Strong Employer Brand

A strong employer brand is built by investing energy and resources into numerous channels, as well as through ensuring a company culture that resonates with clients, employees, and other stakeholders. You can nail your social media presence, and promote a brand that looks desirable, but longevity comes in living your values with your employees and your clients.

We spoke to a leader in the manufacturing services provider in the aerospace industry, who believes that investing in relationships with your clientele can help business leaders weather the storm especially in a time like this with so much uncertainty in the air. “Relationships are extremely key and spending time with your clients to let them know that you care “more than just a sale” has also proved extremely advantageous in helping navigate these unchartered waters.”

Building Solid Professional Networks

The importance of networking in the corporate world is something every business leader should not underestimate. As essential as it is to have talented people in your workforce, if you want to build a successful business, it is vital that you have a network of professionals who can help you with attracting and engaging highly skilled candidates in the job market. Without a solid professional network, as a business leader, you might find yourself struggling to find and recruit the best talents in your industry.

One Insurance industry company identifies networking as being key to maximising opportunities. They advise that you need to “develop a network that views you as an asset [or] you are going to struggle to do well in this market. Networking is still key and maximizing opportunities as they present themselves. As well as identifying new hungry, humble, and smart individuals to be apart the team is still an issue. But we are equipped to bring on board new talent despite the current climate.”

How are things going for leaders at the moment?

The pandemic has caused global unrest. It disrupted many businesses and upended several business operations. We asked the business leaders we reached out to about the impact of the pandemic on their organizations. The insurance industry (especially in the areas of employee benefits and commercial line coverages for companies) is up over last time this year.

“Overall things are going well. [Our] physical office has been closed since March, but the current team has acclimated to the new process and things are continuing to improve. There has been a bit of decrease in revenue as it relates to funding within industries directly impacted by covid related projects along with some delays in the servicing of some accounts as a result of available team members but overall business is doing great and continuing to improve despite the current climate“. – Insurance industry firm

“Things are going well. Company and business is up over last year at this time. There has been an uptick within the Insurance industry for obvious reasons especially in the areas of employee benefits and commercial line coverages for companies.” – Insurance industry business

In addition, the construction industry (in particular custom home building) and real estate is seeing some significant growth, benefiting from boosted disposable incomes and increased numbers of households. According to a report, “The necessity of shelter and the desire of many urban renters to move to suburban homes with greater distance from neighbors will support revenues in the residential segments,” and coupled with lower interest rates and high inventory, those with stable finances are moving away from renting and into ownership instead.

However, as expected, some industries have been affected worse than others. The aerospace industry has been hit pretty hard, as a result of the pandemic and lack of air travel. Construction is another industry that has seen disruption too.

“Times are challenging. The majority of our clients are in the aerospace industry and that industry has been massively hit. Contracts have been out right cancelled or not renewed as a result of the virus and lack of airplane travel.” says a manufacturing services provider.

It’s important to understand that these challenges might play out differently depending on the size of the company, hiring needs and several other factors, but it reaffirms the fact that there’s some sort of consensus in the market and that these challenges are common.

Whether you are a business owner, HR professional or a recruiter, understanding these challenges can help you survive the pandemic, and even come out of the other side stronger and more equipped to handle future challenges.

At CareerPaths NW we pride ourselves in providing qualified candidates to leading companies all across the nation. If you are looking to make a hiring decision soon, contact us today and we can source qualified, professional candidates for you as soon as possible.

Choose a job reference who can confirm

Job reference tips

Persistence beats resistance.

Diversify your skill set.

Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for it.

1. Prepare as You Would for an In-Person Interview

2. Dress Professionally (From Head to Toe!)

3. Environment

4. Test Your Technology

5. Body Language Matters

6. Minimize Distractions

If you’re not seeking out referrals from employees within the company you’re applying to, you could be missing valuable opportunities.

Here are three essential tips to help you thrive in your new job:

Focus on Meaningful Goals

Stay Organized

Embrace Teamwork

Know Your Strengths and Areas for Growth

Invest in Continuous Learning Across Fields

Maximize Efficiency in Your Work

Connect with Someone in Your Desired Field

Navigate Office Dynamics Effectively

Leverage Your Network Wisely

Using LinkedIn Filters to Find Industry-Specific Recruiters

1. Find a Professional Font

2. Put the Good Stuff First

3. Be Specific

4. Vary Your Verbs

5. Make Every Word Count

6. Proofread

7. PDF, PDF, PDF

What have been the main challenges?

Adapting to Remote Work

Retaining Talented Employees

Finding And Recruiting High-Quality Talent

Building Solid Professional Networks

How are things going for leaders at the moment?

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