Check out job boards

Gone are the days when you would scour the newspapers for available positions. The digital age has revolutionized job searching tools and the modern equivalent of “The Classifieds” are job board sites like CareerBuilder, Monster, and Indeed. These sites allow you to upload a resume and browse jobs in your area by searching keywords like job titles, skills, locations, and pay rates. Its job searching personalized just for you, and most major companies have listings on these sites. The only downside to using them is that if you do apply through them, it can take time for the company to review your resume as they could be sorting through hundreds of applications for the same position. Regardless, they are still valuable job searching resources that any job seeker should be utilizing.

Social media is your friend

Social media isn’t just for posting vacation pictures and memes anymore. While LinkedIn remains the professional job searching social media platform, many others like Facebook have implemented job searching tools and hubs that can help users find work while on the platform. This is a fantastic resource as many people have a social media account that could be used to help them find work. Facebook Jobs even has features that allow users to apply for jobs right from the website or mobile app, as long as the employer has enabled online applications. You just want to make sure that you have privacy settings enabled that hide your more embarrassing photos and posts from possible employers while you are browsing jobs.

Network network network

All of the above listed tips are great ways to expand your network, especially visiting career fairs. One of the best, yet rarely spoken of, job searching tools you have is word of mouth. Many times, people working at different companies but in the same industry know each other; especially if they attend job fairs. This provides you with a great opportunity to make a great impression with one employer and have them spread the word about you. While they may not have a position open that you’d be interested in, they can pass your name along to someone at another company who does. Word of mouth works both ways though, and bad news spreads faster than good. Stories about one bad interaction can spread and lead to a few more obstacles when applying at different companies. Always make sure you’re putting your best foot forward when interacting with possible employers.

Try a staffing agency

Another great option to take advantage of when looking for work is applying with a staffing agency. They take a lot of the pressure of job searching off of the candidate by doing most of the hard work for them. At most agencies you submit your resume and conduct a quick interview, and afterwards they work on finding positions open with their client companies that best fit what you’re looking for. Once they find a position they should offer it and see if you are interested in working it. If you are, they will typically inform you of the next steps which may include testing or an orientation depending on the requirements for the position. If you’re not interested in that particular position, they will work on finding more until they find one that you do accept. They will also handle most of the pre-employment paperwork like background and drug tests and can line-up interviews for direct hire positions with companies as well. If you’re in the market for a new job, a staffing agency could just be the answer.

Apply for more than one position

If you’re looking to find work quickly, then it makes sense that you would submit an application at multiple companies. However, quantity isn’t the only thing you want to focus on, but quality as well. Make sure you’re applying for positions that not only work for your schedule and that have pay rates you like, but that are positions you are qualified to work. You’d be surprised how many people apply for our positions online because of the pay rate, location, or schedule; but then meet none of the requirements for the job once they come in for the interview. This wastes not only the recruiter’s time, but yours as well.

Another thing to avoid is disappearing on a company once you schedule an interview for another one. An interview doesn’t guarantee a position, and you don’t want to burn bridges with any companies who may hire you in the future. Always be sure that if you are applying for multiple positions that you are actually qualified to work them; and if you do end up accepting one, let the other companies know that you are no longer interested.

Be creative when writing your resume

These days the standard one-page, black-and-white, boiler plate resume isn’t going to cut it. It’ll pass for an interview, sure; but if you’re looking to stand out then you’re going to need to spice things up. Try looking at templates online that go beyond just a plain format. Add a splash of color, a graphic or two, some more eye catching fonts. Just make sure you still keep it professional and read the situation. If you’re interviewing for a professional position the last thing you want is to have a resume that looks more like an arts and crafts project then a detailed account of your work history. Be playful and inventive with your resume, but make sure you don’t go overboard. Sometimes less is more, and in the world of resumes anything beyond a white sheet of paper with black text on it will stand out instantly.

Research the companies you’re applying at

Knowing about the company you’re applying with goes a long way in impressing your interviewer. If you sit down for your interview and are asked what you know about their company and you’re able to rattle off a brief history of the company and what exactly they do, then you’ll be putting yourself on the right track. During your interview prep spend some time researching the company. Visit their website, read their about page, visit the company in person and talk to people, and if you attend a job fair that they are also at take the opportunity to speak with them. The more resources you use, and the more information you get, the better.

Follow-up after your interview

In case you hadn’t noticed yet, this article is all about standing out to maximize your chances of getting interviewed for a position and one sure-fire way to stand out is to follow up after your interview in a way that says “Thank you for what you’ve done for me” and not “What are you going to do for me”. What we mean is if you do reach out to your interviewer after your meeting it should be to say thank you and not to ask the status of your application. We never.. NEVER.. get thank you calls or notes so when we do, we take notice. Some of the most memorable names in our office are the few people who have taken the time to say thank you for their interview. If you want to be remembered, follow up after your interview.

Update your resume

The MOST important thing you can do when looking for work, regardless of the time of year, is to make sure your resume is up-to-date. In fact, we cover it in almost every one of our interview/job-seeking articles. However, in the spirit of Spring and new beginnings, you should definitely take the time to update your work experience on your resume. Even if you haven’t worked any new jobs since you last updated it, it pays to still take a look and review it. You may have picked up a few new skills, changed phone numbers, moved to a new address, and are possibly looking for a new type of job: all of which would require you to update information on your resume. A good rule of thumb is to review your resume at least twice a year, or once every six months; even if you are already working.

Freshen up your look

If you’re like most people, you probably take the opportunity to get some Spring cleaning done to get a fresh start for the rest of the year. Why not show your closet the same love? We all have those few outfits that we KNOW we look good in, but after awhile they can get a bit over-worn and stale. While you’re busy packing up old clothes you don’t wear anymore, think about picking up a few new go-to interview outfits. Looking your best helps you feel your best and a fresh new outfit can give you just the confidence boost you need going into your next interview.

Get connected with your network

After a long winter of not going out much, its important to reconnect with your professional network. In a perfect world, you would have stayed connected online; but it can be hard to maintain personal relationships through a screen. Once warmer weather hits try to meet up with members of your network. One of the best ways to do so is to go to career fairs or professional events. This not only gives you the opportunity to meet back up with your existing network, but to meet new people who you can connect with in the professional space. Getting the word out about yourself and your intentions to find work is one of the most effective ways to find new positions. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and your network is the best way to spread it.

Look into job fairs

As warmer weather comes, so too do job fairs. These are the perfect places to find new work opportunities. They give you the chance to connect with employers on a personal basis and make a better first impression than if you would have just applied online. They also give you a chance to talk to many different companies at one time. You be able to get as much information about several positions as you want and use it to help make the best decision on employment for you. Be sure to have an elevator pitch prepared for meeting with employers quickly, and if you need tips on how to put one together, don’t worry we’ve got you covered!

Building The Perfect Elevator Pitch

Practice your interview basics

Once you go through all the above steps, chances are you’ll be having an interview scheduled in no time; and odds are your interview skills may be a little rusty. Just like with everything, you want to make sure you freshen up your interview etiquette. If you can, find a few friends who would be willing to help you go through a mock interview. Practice your responses to different questions, pick up on any nervous ticks you may have, and make sure you know your resume top to bottom. If you aren’t able to get any friends to help, try checking out a staffing agency. Most will bring you in for an interview and would be more than happy to give you pointers on improving your resume and interview skills.

Blueberries

The science is in: blueberries are a certifiable superfood. They are known to have a high antioxidant content which has been shown to stimulate the flow of blood to the brain, which in turn boosts memory and focus. Blueberries are also excellent sources of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, resveratrol and tannins, which are all really long names for even more antioxidants. However, these don’t just boost your focus but have been shown to protect against cognitive diseases like dementia, as well as heart disease and even cancer.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Turns out mom was right, you need to eat your vegetables. They have not only been found to contain antioxidants, which we now know are AMAZING for brain function, but they are also full of B-vitamins and folic acid. B-vitamins are proven to help memory, focus, and brain health; while folic acid aids in improving mental clarity. These compounds are crucial not only for brain health, but vitamins B-3, B-6, and B-12 also help with the bodies processing and release of energy to help you feel more alert during the day. If you’re looking to work more vegetables into your diet, just remember: the greener the better.

Dark Chocolate

Those of you with a sweet tooth rejoice! Dark chocolate has also been shown to have cognitive boosting effects. It contains a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine, which can temporarily increase focus; and it also has, you guessed it: ANTIOXIDANTS! Magnesium can also be found in this bittersweet treat and is known to help with the release of endorphins and serotonin which are the “feel good” chemicals in the brain. Next time you’re looking for a treat in the office, think about reaching for a piece of dark chocolate. It won’t only help put a smile on your face, but will help you focus a little bit more while you’re at it.

Nuts/Seeds

Nuts and seeds are superfoods for your brain. They typically include B-vitamins, magnesium, healthy fats, and fiber; all of which help with mental clarity and cognitive function. Nuts are also a great source of vitamin E which has been shown to decrease the rate of cognitive decline as you age which can help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. The best part is you don’t need very much of them to start reaping these benefits as they are densely packed with these nutrients. A small serving of about an ounce will have you start experiencing the benefits of seeds and nuts.

Avocado

One of the most crucial aspects to focus and cognition is blood flow, and avocados have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain and heart which fires up brain cells. They are also great sources of fiber and protein which helps you feel fuller longer, keeping those pesky hunger pangs away while you’re working; keeping your attention on the task at hand and not lunch.

Water

Water is one of the most important fuels the human body has. It is not only crucial for regulating organ functions, but it is pivotal in maintaining concentration, focus, and other cognitive abilities. Water helps the brain with its electrical functions which in turn affects memory and thought processes. As a result, drinking more water can help you think faster, more clearly, and with more creativity. Going forward, skip the soft drinks and reach for a nice cool glass of water when you’re feeling thirsty.

Green Tea

We started this off with a superfood, and now we’re gonna end it with a super drink. Green tea, the natural unsweetened kind, is one of the most beneficial drinks you can consume. It helps you focus in several ways, the first being that it contains caffeine which we know helps to temporarily boost your focus. But where green tea differs from other sources of caffeine is that it also contains l’theanine. Without going into all of the boring science, essentially l’theanine slows the release of caffeine into the body, making its effects last longer without the crash you would experience from getting it all at once like you would in coffee or energy drinks. It helps you power through your morning without that 2:30pm crash, and boosts your focus and brain power while its at it. It also has COUNTLESS other health benefits from helping to prevent heart disease and cancer, to promoting blood vessel health and helping to boost your immune system. Long story short, work some green tea into your diet and get ready to reap A LOT of benefits.

Challenges

Talent Shortages

The number one challenge facing the staffing industry is a shortage of available talent. This is due in large part to the status of the job market. Its no secret, when unemployment is low staffing agencies struggle; and with the unemployment rate reaching 50 year lows in the last year, it has been increasingly difficult for staffing agencies to source candidates for their clients. While general labor type positions haven’t been too horribly affected by the talent shortage, specialty positions have been bearing the brunt of the blow. Anyone who has had to staff for a trucking position can probably tell you how difficult it is to find candidates with the right qualifications to fill positions. Between often needing a squeaky clean motor vehicle record, the number of specialty certifications a driver might need to have, the types of commercial driving license needed for the position, and the wages paid for these positions, it can be near impossible in some areas of the country to staff these positions. The trucking industry is a prime example of how difficult staffing could become in the future with a shrinking talent pool and agencies will need to look into innovative new ways to stand out.

Increased Competition

With a shortage of available workers comes an increase in competition between staffing agencies to get as many workers from the talent pool as they can. Proximity also plays into this, as many job seekers have several options when it comes to staffing agencies depending on their location. We are located within two miles of eight other staffing companies ourselves. In this situation it is important to do your best to stand out from your competition. We have many candidates who come in for their interviews after applying for and leaving other staffing companies. We take note of the reasons they leave and try to solve the problems they encountered at other agencies. Your approach to staffing should be centered around your candidates, and solving their most common issues encountered while job searching is an effective way to stand out from the competition.

Employer Expectations

Another large bump in the road for staffing companies can be the expectations of their client companies. Many are looking for top quality candidates but often don’t provide many incentives to lure in that caliber of talent. Employers need to have realistic expectations about how to obtain the best possible workers and there are several things that they often do that hurt their chances of pulling in top talent. These typically include paying low hourly rates, not offering benefits, offering no training or growth opportunities, and not allowing for flexibility. If you were offered a position that paid lower than average, offered no medical or retirement benefits, didn’t have any way for you to progress out our the position, and that didn’t budge on scheduling, would YOU take it? It is difficult to staff for these types of positions, but the best way to get the top candidates is to negotiate the best possible benefits, wages, and growth opportunities. As staffers, we need to fight for our candidates to ensure that our clients are staffed with the best workers they can get.

Trends

Digitization

The meteoric rise of technology and its integration into the staffing industry has revolutionized the hiring process. Gone are the days when candidates had to come into a physical office to apply. Now, most steps in the on-boarding process are done online through web portals. Our application is even completed online and candidates don’t have to come into our office until the time of their interview. However, many agencies have completely leaned into the technical age. They can have a candidate apply on their website, interview over the phone, and complete any testing required for positions online. This has radically increased efficiency across the industry and has cut the length of time it takes to apply and get out to work down to a fraction of what it used to be. Many agencies are looking for more and more ways to streamline the hiring process and those who adopt new technological approaches to on-boarding candidates are likely to be the ones to succeed moving forward into 2020 and beyond.

The Gig Economy

There has been a recent trend in the job market that has been shaking things up and playing to the advantage of staffing agencies: the rise of the Gig Economy. For those who don’t know, the Gig Economy is exemplified by a good portion of the workforce (especially younger members) who are working several temporary or free-lance positions, often times while also working a full-time position. This means that many young workers are looking to work side jobs, or “gigs”, rather than committing to a single position, and this is where staffing companies come into play. The rise of the Gig Economy has created new opportunities for staffing companies as many people are looking to them to find side jobs and part-time work to help them supplement their income. With a large number of young workers entering the job force each year, this trend is poised to grow year on year for the near future and has the capability to change how employers approach the hiring process across the job market.

Certifications

Many entry-level industrial positions, such as general labor, don’t typically require any special training; but there are definitely those that do. We have had to staff for many positions that require forklift, CNC programming, crane, CDL, welding, and HAZMAT certifications. While the position you are applying for may not require any certifications, it is still a good idea to present them during an interview if you have them. It helps to solidify your qualifications for a position and can open doors to move out of the position into one that can better use your skill set. You could start out as a general laborer at a warehouse but move into forklift position if you have the right certification once the opportunity arises. Always make sure your recruiter is aware of any and all certifications you have obtained in order to find the best positions for you.

Previous Experience in the Field

While entry-level positions don’t require previous experience, it is still important to explain any experience you have in the field you are applying for. Not requiring experience doesn’t mean that experience isn’t preferred. In fact, it often is. Many candidates could apply for an entry-level position but the one who typically gets it is the one with the most relevant, up-to-date, and well-rounded experience. This is why having a complete resume is important even when you’re applying for industrial positions. It gives your recruiter the most complete picture of your experience and maximizes their ability to find positions that you would excel in. Always be sure to communicate your past work experience and give your recruiter an up-to-date resume during your interview.

Knowledge of the Processes Used

Going hand-in-hand with expressing your experience in a given field you’re applying to is demonstrating your knowledge of the processes used in the workplace. You may have experience as a forklift operator, but if you don’t have a good grasp on safety procedures or can’t effectively do the job then you will have little luck finding a long-term position. Be sure that any positions you list on your resume are ones that you have a good understanding of and could still effectively do. If you worked a short-term forklift position five years ago and haven’t been on a forklift since, don’t expect to get another forklift position without going through some training. While you may still know the basics, procedures for operation can change over time and from location to location. Regardless of position, if you are a bit foggy on the details of how to do a job you list on your resume, don’t expect to get a similar position right away when working through a staffing agency.

Longevity

One of the most common things we see in applicants looking for entry level industrial work is job hopping: moving from job to job without staying at any one position for longer than six months or so. Now, the industrial sector can be difficult to navigate and layoffs are common, so it can be hard to stay at one company for a considerable length of time. That’s why longevity is a great thing to express when looking for work: its rare. Companies are looking for candidates who can commit to working within their organization long-term, not one who is looking to use a position as a stepping stone to get into a different company a few months down the line. If you can show that you have worked previous jobs for long periods of time, you will be considered first for any positions that come available.

Spend time with friends

Spending time with friends is always fun, but it’s actually more important than you probably realize. Being active in social groups have been shown to release a chemical in the brain called oxytocin, which counteracts the stress hormone cortisol by lowering blood pressure and helping you feel happy and at ease. This doesn’t just go for friends, but anyone you have a personal connection with like family or romantic partners. Positive physical contact such as hugging, has also been shown to boost positive emotions and relieve stress. So the next time you have a rough day at work, spend some time with your friends to detox.

Exercise

Its no secret that exercise is good for you, and most of us could probably exercise more. If you needed another reason to get started on your fitness journey, here’s a few: engaging in physical activity has been shown to reduce stress hormones in your body, improve sleep quality, and boost confidence. While repetitive exercises like running or walking are most effective at relieving stress, other less-impactful exercises like yoga are also useful. Its important to also note that most of the benefits that exercise provides come into play in the long run; so if you really want to reap the rewards that exercise can have on reducing stress you need to stick with a regular routine.

Reduce your caffeine intake

If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious, you should consider cutting caffeine out of your diet. While everyone has different tolerances for it, caffeine has been shown to increase feelings of stress and anxiety who go above their limit. It can also intensify symptoms like headache and heart palpitations in people who are already experiencing stress. If you’re looking to reduce stress, try switching to decaf coffee or choosing low or no caffeine alternatives like tea or water.

Laugh

Be honest: when was the last time you felt upset or stressed when you were laughing? Exactly, you didn’t. That’s because laughter relieves the bodies stress response and releases tension in your body by relaxing your muscles. It also has amazing long term effects by improving your overall mood and boosting your immune system. It has long been said that laughter is the best medicine; and in truth, if you are feeling stressed, it really can be.

Spend time with pets

Animals are some of the best stress relievers we have at our disposal. Interacting with pets releases oxytocin, similarly to the way spending time with friends and family does. Pets also help by giving you a sense of responsibility and purpose, keeping you active, and providing you with companionship. All of these have been shown to help counteract the effects of stress and improve overall mood. You also don’t need to have a pet in order to get these benefits. Spending time around animals in general can boost your mood and provide you with rewarding experiences. Just another example as to how we don’t deserve dogs.

Chew gum

Bet you didn’t know this: chewing gum has been shown in recent studies to offer a quick and easy way to reduce stress. There are a few different schools of thought as to how and why this happens. The first being that chewing gum causes brain waves that mimic those of a person at ease. The other being that it increases blood flow to the brain which can improve mood and mental clarity. Whichever it may be, it seems that popping a stick of gum in your mouth when you’re feeling stressed can help you reduce the symptoms and improve your mood.

-Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing Assistant

It’s 2020 and we are in the middle of a large-scale, society wide transition to a more digitally integrated world. New ways of reaching candidates, handling inquiries, and creating more engaging content are being discovered faster than they can be understood and implemented. For staffing companies, it can be easy to get lost in the fray. Not to worry though because we have broken down the most influential digital marketing trends for the coming years that no staffing firm should ignore.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is becoming more and more pervasive in the digital landscape and will soon be involved in almost every facet of business. It has the ability to automate basic communication, content creation, email personalization, and e-commerce transactions. Artificial Intelligence can also be utilized to analyze candidate behavior and use data from a variety of sources to help firms understand where their candidates are finding them. With it being one of the biggest commercial opportunities for businesses, any late-comers to adopt the technology will soon find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when compared to their competitors.

Programmatic Advertising

Programmatic Advertising uses aspects of AI to streamline the ad buying process in order to help you target specific audiences for your ads. This approach to digital marketing can create hyper-personalized advertising for your target markets and it’s ability to automate real time ad bidding generates higher conversion rates and lowers candidate acquisition costs. If you are looking to implement a more complete, targeted, and efficient advertising approach; look into programmatic advertising now!

Chatbots

Another AI crossover, chatbots use artificial intelligence to interact with candidates online in real-time. While not necessarily a new technology (in fact many of you have probably already integrated chatbots into your website and other online applications), it is only increasing in value. In today’s digital age, consumers are used to getting information at the push of a button instantaneously, day or night. Unfortunately, it isn’t practical for customer service staff to be on standby whenever a new inquiry comes in, especially for larger firms that have thousands of candidates. That’s where chatbots come in. By automating basic communications with predetermined responses based on the context of the conversation, they can assist candidates with everything from applications to resume building. For more complex tasks, an actual customer service representative may still need to step in, but by taking care of basic tasks chatbots free up your staff to handle the more pressing or complicated issues.

Personalization

One of the fastest growing trends in marketing, regardless of industry or medium, is the demand from consumers for more personalized content. The truth of the matter is that people are annoyed by generic ads and are more likely to do business with companies that provide personalized experiences. Your candidates are unique individuals and they want to be treated as such. Luckily, with the large scale availability of consumer data, creating custom content has never been easier. Think about personalization masters Netflix and Amazon: they provide recommendations for your next viewing experience or purchase by using your previous activity to build a profile as to what you would like to see going forward. Try to build an ad campaign that leverages the interests of your target market and that puts content in front of them that they will have a stake in.

Video Content Marketing

Video Marketing is a titan in the digital marketing landscape, and will likely remain that way for years to come. It is a highly engaging content strategy that can generate impressions on a large scale, especially if the content of the video itself is creative and eye-catching. Video is the most common way consumers learn about new products and a majority of them say that watching a product/service video makes them more confident in an online purchasing decision. Search engines have also noticed the popularity of video and have restructured their results to favor those sites that include video content. Google has reported that sites that include a video are 53x more likely to appear on the first page of search results. If your firm is looking to boost SEO and generate higher engagement rates online, then video is the way to go.

–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing Assistant

Interviews are nerve-racking to say the least, and that’s before you even get asked any questions. One of the most anxiety inducing questions is “Tell me about a time you failed”. Luckily, there are a few ways you can tackle this question and come out of the interview impressing the recruiter rather than scaring them off.

All of us have failed more than once in life, so your first step is to choose which failure to talk about. You want to pick one that is related to what you do professionally, personal failures are ok as well so long as you don’t go too in depth into any personal issues. It needs to be a failure of significant weight as well, something with consequences that had an impact. This sets the stage for developing your answer later on.

After you’ve decided on the incident you will be discussing, you want to explain what failure in this specific instance meant. You want to make sure your interviewer fully understands the context of your short-coming so that they can better interpret the story. By giving them a clear definition of the failure in question, you take away any risk of them misunderstanding.

Once you have made sure that the context around your story has been explained and the consequences understood, transition into how this failure helped you grow as a professional. Spin the story to turn your failure into a future success. Talk about how failing in this moment helped you to succeed in another or gave you the insight to improve your performance at work.

No one enjoys talking about a time when they weren’t at their best. However, if you can explain to your recruiter that you learned something from the incident and are a better worker now because of it, then you should have nothing to worry about. Failure is a valuable tool, and building from past failures is crucial to succeeding. It’s like Robert Kiyosaki once said:

“Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success.” – Robert T. Kiyosaki

-Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant

Make Your Response Relevant to the Role You’re Applying For

When your interviewer asks “Tell me about yourself” you want to make sure your response applies to the position you’re interviewing for. Don’t give your entire life story from childhood to now, that’s not what they meant when they asked you to talk about yourself. Talk about the experience and skills you have that make you a good match for the position. You also don’t want to just read off your resume. Take the time to discuss your experience like a story, make it personal and bring it to life. Give the recruiter the best examples as to why you’d thrive in the position.

Be Aware of Your Tone

When you’re asked to talk about yourself, you want to avoid two things: sounding like a disinterested, boring robot; and sounding like an overly excited lunatic. Instead, you want to find an even middle ground between professional and passionate. Be excited, yet reserved when you’re speaking; you don’t need to be jumping out of your chair. It’s your story so tell it with some energy. Just make sure you stay on topic and don’t start rambling about things that aren’t important for the position.

Know Who You Are Talking To

An interview is essentially a glorified conversation, and just like any conversation it’s important to know your audience. The way you say something can be interpreted differently depending on who it is you’re speaking to. When it comes time to talk about yourself, make sure that your approach is appropriate for the interviewer you’re speaking with. If it’s someone who knows the gritty details of the position or has experience in the role you’re interviewing for, then talk about specific skills and traits that directly line up with the positions requirements. If you’re speaking with a manager who has a rough idea of the position, then stick to general ideas and big picture topics. They may not have the know-how to discuss the technical details of the position and doing so may just confuse them.

Formula for Answering

Lily Zhang, a Manager of Graduate Student Professional Development at the MIT Media Lab and a writer for The Muse, has devised an easy to follow formula for building a response to this common yet tricky to answer question. Start with the present, transition to the past, and touch on the future. This is by no means a be all end all approach, and you are encouraged to find a response technique that works best for you. However, her approach provides a good foundation, and she recommends the following*:

• Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment.
• Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that’s relevant to the job and company you’re applying for.
• Future: Segue into what you’re looking to do next and why you’re interested in this gig (and a great fit for it, too).

*All credit given to Lily Zhang and the Muse for developing the answer formula. Be Sure to check them out for more great tips