Candidate Resources

You Lost Your Job ... Now What? 5 Things to do After Finding Out Your Position Has Been Eliminated
1. Share the news. Even though it might be tempting to keep your loss private, career expert and author Billie Sucher suggests otherwise: “It will give you something to do, and telling your story will help.”

2. Cover your bases. Collect any severance owed to you, file for unemployment (if applicable), and look into what kind of healthcare coverage is available while you’re out of work.

3. Take action. In today’s competitive jobseeker market, there is no room for with shabby CVs or outdated skill sets. Make connections through social media sites like Twitter, BranchOut or LinkedIn. Get help sprucing up your resume at a nearby workforce center. Learn skills that can help you get a new job more quickly through community education or other programs. The important thing is to be creative and stay productive.

4. But also – take a little break. Something life-changing just happened to you. Take time to reflect on where you’ve been, professionally, and where you want to go. This renewed focus will make your “take action” time even more meaningful.

5. Be budget-smart. Prepay as many bills as you can, and cut services like cable TV channels, Netflix or other services for which costs seem minor on a monthly basis but add up over time. Also take advantage of freebies or coupons – for food, movies, household products and more.

Losing your job can bring a blow to your ego, and create some very difficult financial situations for you and your family. By maintaining a positive attitude and staying productive, you will make the most of your search for a new opportunity. Find out how Top Talent Solutions can help you with your job search – contact us today!

How to Answer that Dreaded Interview Question
The hardest interview question to answer is often regarding the thing you know most about: Yourself. In your next interview, try one of these 10 ways to confidently respond to, "Tell me about yourself."
 

How to Ask for a Raise
We've all been there: The feeling that our paycheck isn't commensurate with the To-Do pile on our desk. But how do you ask for a raise when everyone else's workload seems just as heavy?
With some research, planning and strategic negotiating skills. Click here for tips on how to make this sometimes scary move pay off - literally.

5 Ways to Make a Great First Impression
Before you head into that interview, read these tips first to make sure you make the best first impression possible. Click here for 5 tips to make a great first impression.
 

Resume Writing
Your resume provides potential employers their first look at your talent, skills and experience. It should be designed to showcase your experience and accomplishments in direct relation to a specific position. Apply the following tips to build a resume that gets you noticed. Click here for sample resumes and tips.

Interviewing Tips & Preparing for the Interview
An interview gives you the opportunity to showcase your qualifications to an employer, so it pays to be well prepared. You can best prepare for job interviews by researching the employer, anticipating interview questions, developing interview response outlines, and practicing your responses. Click here for potential interview questions and tips to help you prepare.

Using Social Media to Promote Your Personal Brand
During the job search process, establishing a personal brand sets you apart from other applicants. But that's only half the battle. Click here to learn how to promote your personal brand by using social media.

Salary Negotiation Tips
Before you accept any position, establish an acceptable salary range. You will want to establish yourself toward the upper end of the range with an agreement to add pay for outstanding work at your first review and on annual reviews. Click here for tips on how to negotiate the best salary.