5 Reasons to Find a Job This Summer

5 Reasons to Find a Job This Summer

by | Jun 22, 2015 | Career

You’ve probably seen quite a few Now Hiring signs since summer started, and whether you’re looking for a summer gig or something more permanent, here’s why you need to capitalize ASAP.

  1. Employment on the rise. The job market isn’t as bleak as it was once was with job growth reaching a 15-year high in 2014, and projections of stable or even increased growth throughout 2015. And it’s looking like the economists are going to be right! According to the Manpower Group nearly 25% of U.S. employers expect to add to their workforces during the upcoming months, which evens out to about 16% after adjusting for seasonal variations.
  2. Even more so when it comes to summer jobs. Looking for some extra cash this summer? If so, the time is right with 80% of employers expecting to hire the same, or more, seasonal employees as 2014. The industries expected to add the most summer positions are hospitality and retail, with eating and drinking establishments alone projected to add at least 500,000 jobs this summer season.
  3. Competitive pay. If you’re worried about getting stiffed at your summer job when it comes to your paycheck, think again. Summer employers are expected to pay an average hourly wage of $11.52, up from last year’s $10.39. In fact, 53% of employers plan to pay summer works $15 per hour or more.
  4. Potential for long-term. On average, employers are expected to fill at least 35% of their summer positions with previously hired workers. That means that landing a job this summer could mean you’re set for the next few if need be. Not to mention, work experience is a valuable commodity these days and goes a long way in either turning your summer gig into a full-time job or securing your next position.
  5. Flexible work schedule. Summer means vacation for many whether it’s getting outdoors more often than not or going on trips with friends and family. Since most summer positions are part-time, averaging 27 hours per week, you can still find time for both work and play!

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Do’s and Don’ts for Difficult Interview Questions

Do’s and Don’ts for Difficult Interview Questions

by | Feb 10, 2015 | Career

The interview is arguably the most important part of applying for a job. And the most difficult. Here are the do’s and don’ts for some of the tricky interview questions you may have to answer.

“Can you tell me a little about yourself?”

  • DON’T give your entire life story.
  • DON’T regurgitate what is on your resume.
  • DO give a brief history about prior training or experience.
  • DO share 2-3 specific accomplishments that relate to your professional career, and be concise.

“What was your experience like at your previous position?”

  • DON’T speak negatively about your previous employer/company.
  • DON’T just use a vague phrase as your answer, like ‘great learning experience’.
  • DO give specific examples of your experience that lead to successful outcomes or that relate to the position for which you are interviewing.
  • DO include how your previous position or company differ from that for which you are interviewing.

“What are your greatest professional strengths and weaknesses?”

  • DON’T answer based on what you think the interviewer wants to hear; for both strengths and weaknesses, be honest.
  • DON’T give generic answers like ‘I work too hard’ or ‘I’m a team player”.
  • DO provide a specific example of a situation in which your strength served you well.
  • DO explain what you are doing to overcome your weaknesses after you share what they are.

“Why are you interested in this position?”

  • DON’T only talk about what is in it for you, such as great perks, more money, etc.
  • DON’T solely focus on the past, and why you are leaving your current position.
  • DO discuss the company, and how you and your [insert trait here] will be a perfect fit.
  • DO talk about the company’s bottom line, the future, and how you can make it a bright one for yourself AND the company.

“What is your super power, spirit animal, etc.?”

  • DON’T just give your go-to answer. Employers will appreciate an answer tailored to the job, company, or industry as it shows a certain level of dedication.
  • DON’T hold back, as this question is supposed to break the ice and meant to showcase a bit of your personality.
  • DO think outside of the box, but still make sure it relates to the company’s ethos.
  • DO take pause, or use a filler such as ‘that is a great question…’, if you do not have an answer right away.

“Do you have any questions for us?”

  • DON’T SAY NO!
  • DON’T let yourself get caught without a question because it has already been discussed. Think of a few less-common questions just in case.
  • DO ask questions that show you have researched the position and company. Questions about ongoing projects are always a good go-to.
  • DO ask about relevant subjects. Asking if you can wear jeans to work is not relevant.

DOs for Any and All Questions

Be honest. Do your homework. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Do you have more do’s and don’ts for these questions? Or need do’s and don’ts for other tough interview questions? Let us know @gosirvo

Job Security: How to Get It, and Keep It

Job Security: How to Get It, and Keep It

by | Jan 26, 2015 | Career

As the national economy continues to improve, jobs are becoming less and less capricious. However, as is the nature of the service industry, employee turnover among hospitality positions remains high, so what can you do to keep the checks coming? Actually, quite a lot!Climbing the ladder

Many consider positions within the service industry to be temporary, whether it is because, for a considerable portion of the workforce, it is either a first job or placeholder or because the average lifetime of a service industry business is shorter than most. However, this is misleading because, since the perception of service industry jobs is as provisional as it gets, there can be no career advancement or long-term career planning in general. But, this is not the case. According to National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation research, 97% of restaurant managers and 94% of shift or crew supervisors no longer in their first restaurant job have advanced to higher-paying positions in the restaurant industry, meaning that if you stick it out, the rewards will be worth the wait.

Lose the ‘tude…or just change it

So, now that you know that it is possible to turn an entry-level position into a well-paying career, how do you keep the job you have in order to ascend the ladder? It starts with the attitude you maintain while in the workplace. Positivity, as well as negativity, is readily noticed and oftentimes contagious. If excitement and enthusiasm are on your mind, not only will your colleagues be thankful, but your supervisors will be as well, not to mention you’ll have a much easier time accomplishing the next tip.

Go the extra mile

Employees that do their jobs well are the ones that are kept on the payroll, and the first to be promoted. So, go above and beyond your normal responsibilities. Be as helpful as possible in your place of employment, even if that means taking extra shifts or unpopular duties. Demonstrate your commitment to the company, and initiative in getting what needs to be done, done.

Learning is fun

When money is tight, getting the most bang for your buck becomes the most important thing. For employees, this means being as productive as possible, in as many areas as possible. Take the time to learn new tasks, skills, and specialties because when push comes to shove, you won’t be the one going overboard, plus you’ll be demonstrating your potential as well as aptitude.

Build roots

One of the most important, and beneficial, aspects of today’s professional world is networking. Be sure to make connections and build relationships with colleagues and supervisors in departments beyond yours. The deeper your roots are in the organization, the less likely it is that you’ll be cut loose when the storm hits. And even if you are, who knows which acquaintance or friend will be your saving grace.

Just in case

Last but not least, have a back-up plan in case the worst happens. Stay up-to-date on available positions in your area, as well as nationwide because you never know when that dream job will arise. Also, continuing to invest in your education is always a safe bet as the most valuable professionals are those that know their craft intimately. And, don’t be afraid to make a change if it is in your best interest.

We’re here to help at Sirvo!

Watch ‘The Tipping Point: A Short Film on the Lowest Wage’

Watch ‘The Tipping Point: A Short Film on the Lowest Wage’

by | Jan 5, 2015 | Management

An 18-minute documentary on tipping and the minimum wage.

The Tipping Point: A Short Film on The Lowest Wage from Anna Savittieri on Vimeo.

Here’s a short film (funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign) that investigates exactly how difficult it is for servers to earn a living on tipped minimum wage, which is currently $2.13 per hour for tipped employees. In the 18-minute documentary, several servers go on the record to describe how their wages hover just above the poverty line, how restaurant industry lobbyists have appealed to Congress to keep wages low, and how tipped wages are closely tied to gender politics. Go, watch the film above.

This article was first seen on Eater.com