Hello Everyone -

I wanted to share information with you as I've been affiliated with Jobcase for quite a while now. Some of you might remember me, but most of you may not. I've been away for a while and have been slowly making my way back off/on. Times are hard and job-seeking is even harder, but remind yourself of these useful tips and information so that you're more aware.

Submitting Applications/Resumes:

• An employer will always accept applications, but may not even be hiring at the time or at the time you've applied for a position. Note: Upper management needs to get the necessary approvals before they can actually move forward with posting an available position, budgeting for the position, etc.

• Your application/resume are submitted through a filtering/recruiting tool such as iCims that scans thousands of application/resume for the best match/qualifications needed for the role in question (again, if they're hiring in that moment). So a lot of the time with the constant filtering, your application/resume can/will either be discarded or overlooked if it doesn't meet whatever minimum applicant requirement(s) set by the employer. Note: This is sometimes a catch 22.

• Just because one submits an application doesn't automatically guarantee one an interview. IF your application/resume sparks interest then you may be called to proceed with an interview, but this is not a guarantee. Note: Too many people believe that because they submitted an application/resume that they are entitled to an interview when this is not the case.

• In most cases, employers can hire anytime they choose to if they have the need and the budget to cover the expenses of on-boarding a new hire (background checks, drug testing, etc.), BUT in some cases employers begin the early stages of hiring in January, March-June, and maybe a little around October (if they need holiday/seasonal help). Spring and Summer are usually the best times when employers look to hire people, so again it depends on the need of the employer, and timing.

• An interview doesn't guarantee one being a potential candidate selected. Often times employers conduct 2 or 3 interviews before making their decision because it allows them to eliminate the less qualified in stages before making a final decision. Sometimes employers have interviewing steps:

(A): Phone screening/interview. (B): In-person interview #1 w/Hiring Manager. (C): In-person interview #2 w/Hiring Manager and/or other members of management (D): Optional - Observational interview allows one to volunteer a couple hours to ask current employee questions, physically looking on the inside to gain better understanding of the role if it is one that interests you.

• One needs to remember that the goal is to sell your experience, your skills, you realistic work history, and NOT your work ethic(s). Employers know you're telling them what they want to hear by saying that you're a hard working individual, that you make every effort to do this, do that, etc. Everyone's work ethic is strong when they need an income but people forget to understand the difference between what you should be selling vs what you are selling to attempt convincing an employer why you're the best candidate.

• Appearance is SO important. I cannot stress this. You are being judged from the moment you walk in, to how you speak, to how you carry yourself. If you're applying for a customer service based position, this means you are someone others will visually see daily, so your appearance is important by presentation followed by personality. An employer sometimes rejects you by cutting your interview short and telling you "we'll be in contact with you" response which is code for "you're not being considered..." just based on your appearance. This also includes facial hair, hair style/color. If you show up dressed in business casual, but come in sporting red, blue, green or some wacky colored hair/hair style or look like a cave man or someone who's wanted by police then you've just killed your own chances of being considered for a role (unless the company's environment encourages people to be who they are). Otherwise, think smart and be prepared. Brutal but true.

• Time management is very important too. If you accept a position knowing you're going to be late or not even show up on your first day, you will only have yourself to blame. Consider transportation alternatives such as Uber, Lyft or some other ride share services to help you. You and your poor time management will only look worse if you show up late or not show up at all. Especially in a world where employment is hard to obtain as is. Don't be that person.

• Last but not least....I see so many people on Jobcase with poor spelling, grammar, etc. One should proof-read before finalizing your post. There are many supervisors, recruiters, and managers viewing your posts, sometimes looking to see who's out there and if you're carrying yourself negatively online this will also match your persona, making your struggle to gain employment that much harder.

I hope some, if not most of you find this helpful.