Recruiting can be a rewarding career for anyone who enjoys working with people. There are many opportunities for recruiting jobs in Boston, but you may be wondering what a recruiter does and how to enter the field.

Many recruiters work in employment agencies, or within corporations to search for new employees. They spend most of their time locating potential employees and finding jobs that match their abilities. Recruiters must be detail-oriented and organized and have an ability to work with a variety of types of people.

If you are considering becoming a recruiter, a college education is a must. A four-year degree in business or human resources is a good base for the knowledge you will need as a recruiter. Another good idea while you are in school is to research the industries that hire recruiters. There are recruiters in every area of business from accounting to medical professions to college administration.

It’s a great idea to take some electives in subjects related to the areas where you might like to one day work. Another worthwhile elective while you are studying for your career as a recruiter is a class in employment or business law. This will introduce you to the basic elements of things like affirmative action laws, sexual harassment and the many different laws relating to employment.

While in college, finding an internship as a recruiter is a smart idea. This will be valuable experience on your resume. Later, as you are getting ready to graduate, begin to contact recruiting firms, sending them your resume and a cover letter. You can also research recruiting positions in corporations through online or personal sources.

Finding a job once you graduate might be a challenge, and you might want to consider seeking help from a professional employment agency. Boston has many positions for recruiters, but a reputable agency can help you get your foot in the door and begin your career in recruiting.

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Support professionals are the core of every organization. You keep things organized and running smoothly; you’re the person behind every great executive.

While your professional experience may have been key to an organization, it can be difficult to translate your past performance to a resume. Yet having a stand-out resume is important if you’re going to secure a new position and/or promote to the next level within an organization.

If you’re beginning a search for Boston jobs and your work experience has been primarily administrative support, you need to be very specific about how your contributions benefited a company. For example, if you worked as the administrative support for a large group, don’t simply write that you worked for the x department. Instead write that you worked for the x department that employed 250 people, with annual sales of over $25K.

In order to know what specifics to include when looking for jobs in Massachusetts or, more specifically, jobs in Boston, ask yourself the following questions:

* Did you help write and/or institute procedures in your office that resulted in greater productivity and/or sales?

* What technologies are you familiar with? Can you create a PowerPoint presentation? Do you know how to set up a database? Did you work on any database creations that improved overall customer service?

* Did you train staff members? This can include other professional support personal.

* Did you work on projects independently?

* Where you give special assignments and, if so, did you have successful results?

* Are you able to multitask? If so, be specific about the number of duties you performed on a daily basis and what your responsibilities were.

Asking yourself how you contributed to a company will help you begin to unearth specifics on what you can bring to a new position. If you’re still unsure about how to write a resume, ask a professional employment agency. Boston recruiters know what makes resumes stand out and what items cause a resume to be thrown into the reject pile.

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There you are, sitting in an interview for your dream job. Your qualifications are great, your experience is perfect, you’ve answered the questions intelligently and with your characteristic charm and style. You think it’s almost over, when your interview leans in and speaks the dreaded question, “Why do you think we should hire you?”

Your pulse instantly increases – this is one of those questions that people just hate to answer, and a question that often catches candidates for jobs in Boston and around the world off-guard. The best tack to take when asked this question in an interview is to not provide a clever quip or comeback – these people aren’t hiring you for the role of office clown. Instead, think about what that question truly means.

The prospective employer is simply asking you what makes you different, what will make you an asset to the company. In other words, (to paraphrase John F. Kennedy) ask not what the company can do for you, but tell what you can do for the company. Here is your perfect opportunity to sing your own praises in relation to past job experiences. Tell the interviewer about the time you found a way for the company to save money, or how you worked your way up from water bottle boy to veep.

Leave no doubt in your interviewer’s mind about what you have done – and are willing to do, for the good of the company. Make sure they see that you are creative and dedicated, and you will have answered the question well.

In these tough economic times, getting a job can be a difficult endeavor, but a company will see your value if you sell yourself to them. You need to look at the dreaded “why should I hire you?” question as an opportunity – prepare an answer before the interview, and take advantage of this chance to shine.

If you are looking for jobs in Boston, contact a professional employment agency. Boston is teeming with job opportunities – but they may be difficult to find on your own. An agency can do the leg work for you and help you find the ideal job for your experience.

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In part one of this article, we discussed three things to avoid when switching careers. In the article’s second part, we’ll continue with the discussion of things to avoid when looking for Boston jobs in another career field.

* Don’t Allow Dissatisfaction Be Your Deciding Factor

It’s easy to want to make a change when you’re unhappy. Many people find they hit lows in their current jobs and have to fight the urge to search for jobs in Boston that would be better than the ones they have. However, allowing dissatisfaction alone to be the reason you leave a career is not a smart move. To make sure you have real reasons for making a change, make a list of the pros and cons for your current job. Then let some time pass before you start looking for Boston jobs. You might just find that your dissatisfaction is temporary and you begin to love your current career once again.

* Don’t Expect Your Employment Agency to Decide on a New Career for You

Only you can decide what’s a good career move for both you and your family. Expecting an employment agency, Boston recruiters or anyone else in the recruiting field to “find” a new career for you is unwise. Being clear on what you want and what you’re looking for in a new position will help assist an employment agency in landing you a job in a new field that you’ll love.

* Don’t Expect to Find a New Career Overnight

Finding Boston jobs in a new career field doesn’t happen overnight. Your new career might require you first get some additional education. Or, you may have to wait to find just the right position that allows you to come in as a newbie and gain some helpful experience. Be patient and you’ll be rewarded.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to switch careers, consider contacting a professional employment agency like ourselves. Our recruiters can help you discover if a new career is right for you!

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Switching careers is becoming more prevalent, especially during a time of economic uncertainty. While there are many articles written about things you should do when switching careers, following are some things you should avoid when searching Boston jobs upon a new career path.

* Don’t Chose a Hot Field Just Because It’s Hot

Often people looking for jobs in Massachusetts try and wage their bets. It’s natural, after all, to put your hard work into surefire efforts. However, going into a field simply because it seems like a no-fail career opportunity is only going to add up to dissatisfaction in the long run. The result will be that you’ll be searching for yet another career at some point in the future.

* Don’t Chose a Field Based Solely on Money

While salary is an important aspect of any job, it should not be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a new career. Boston jobs are plentiful and the pay, for many, is very competitive. Search for careers that encompass aspects that you enjoy along with those that play on your natural talents and you’ll find that your career switch will be successful.

* Don’t Go Back to School Without a Lot of Thought and Research

You may be tempted to simply enroll in some college classes in your effort to switch careers. Before you sign up for classes and pay your tuition, make sure of three things. First, you are certain the new career you’re embarking on is what you really want to do. Second, the field is one you can enter. Third, the education you’re seeking is what you actually need to land a job.

If you have any questions about switching careers, one of the best steps you can take is to contact a professional employment agency. Boston recruiters are seasoned pros when it comes to the job market. Let an agency help you decide if switching careers is right for you.

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Hollister Releases Results of a Massachusetts Workforce Survey

Boston, MA (PRWEB) August 26, 2008 — Hollister, Inc. today announced the results of a Workforce Survey it recently conducted that finds that the majority of the people polled in Massachusetts value company culture, company values and corporate philanthropy above all other factors when choosing jobs in Massachusetts.

“We have seen a major shift over the past five years in what job seekers look for in a company,” said Hollister, Inc. Founder and CEO Kip Hollister. “It used to be salary and benefits above all else, but now people are seeking jobs in Massachusetts that they can feel good about.”

The Workforce Survey polled over 1,000 people throughout the Commonwealth, both employed and unemployed. When asked to rank which factors contribute most to their job satisfaction, the majority of people polled ranked Company Culture first followed by Opportunities for Growth, Employee Appreciation, Work/Life Balance, and a good Benefits Package. Listed last was Competitive Salary/Pay.

When asked how they valued the different components that make up company culture, people ranked Corporate Philanthropy, Volunteerism & Community Involvement above all else. Rounding out the list, in order of importance, was Company Values, Job Perks, Creative Benefits (nutrition & wellness programs, paternity leave, etc.), and Work Environment (diversity, dress code, etc.). Additionally, the survey found that the majority of participants were satisfied with their Massachusetts jobs based on the work/life balance factor.

“This survey backs up what we have been experiencing at Hollister with both candidates and the companies we work with,” Hollister said. “Though competitive salaries will always be a factor, employers have come to realize that employees that feel good about the company they are working for are more passionate about their work and feel a greater sense of loyalty to the company.”

About Hollister
Founded in 1988, Hollister is a leading full-service staffing firm passionate about connecting Massachusetts’ opportunity with talent. Based and home-grown in the Greater Boston region, Hollister is well positioned to see the Massachusetts job market from both sides. They essentially have two sets of clientele that they show up for every day- Massachusetts companies and its active and passive jobseeker. For 20 years, Hollister has been the bridge that connects professionals with jobs in Massachusetts and companies with the best employees. Whether you are searching for Massachusetts jobs or to hire your next best employee, they are the network you are looking for.

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No four words conjure up more dread than “Can I have a raise?” Although you may feel unfairly compensated on the job, most workers in Boston jobs can’t work up the nerve to request a pay increase.

There are ways to ask for more money, however, but you can’t do it spontaneously. You have to be smart when you request more money – and here’s how:

First, do your research. Find out what people in your position are making. You can do this through business networking, the Internet, or professional associations. If you find that you are making a competitive salary, you more than likely don’t have a lot of negotiation power. But if you feel that you are going above and beyond what your job dictates, you still may have a chance at getting that raise.

Next, find out your employer’s policy for giving pay raises. Many employers at jobs in Boston give annual increases across the board. If this is the case, your chances of getting an interim raise are probably not good. If the company gives frequent raises, however, you’ll have more wiggle room.

Once you do this research you can determine if your employer is likely to give a pay raise. If you think it is still in your best interest to request more money, set up a meeting with your direct supervisor. Go into the meeting prepared to make your case, including a list of goals that you have met, as well as contributions made that could be considered above the call of duty.

Asking for raises in Boston jobs is a good idea, if you do your homework. If you do not think that you are being fairly compensated and are looking for a better job, contact a professional employment agency. Boston is a great place to work with many opportunities for you to grow and earn a good living — while being paid what you are worth.

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Consider the following scenario…….You’ve worked diligently at your current position and have been a model employee. You’ve accomplished a lot in your current position and you’ve made a real contribution to the company. Now you’re ready to move on to another job.

There’s just one problem. Your boss, who has no reason to give you anything less than a glowing recommendation, has a reputation for being spiteful. He’s been known to give bad references before and you’re not sure what he would say about you if asked. Do you list him as a reference or not?

If you find yourself in this predicament, it’s best to avoid using a reference who may or may not give an honest assessment of your work. Most employees who are looking for new positions while still employed at their current job feel uncomfortable with giving the names of their bosses as references for fear of retaliation (in the form of bad reviews, demotions, or refusal to promote) if a new job does not materialize.

When looking for Boston jobs, it’s important to keep one eye on your current job and one eye to the future. Avoid burning a bridge by putting down a reference that may not take the news of you searching for a new position very well. Instead, opt to use people who can give credible, positive references like previous bosses, co-workers or even staff members who work under you (if you feel they can be relied upon to keep your business confidential). Even clients, customers and vendors that you work with make for good references.

References can open the door to a new position—if they’re solid. If you have any doubts as to who makes for a good reference, check with your employment agency. Boston agencies can advise job seekers on the best people to use as references and avoid those who will give a less than stellar review.

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There are times, when looking for jobs in Massachusetts, where you may find yourself thinking you would take the first job offered to you. After all, the work that goes into a job search can be exhausting and seemingly never ending.

However, saying yes to the first employer who presents you with a job offer may or may not be a wise decision. Even if the salary offered is what you’re looking for, does the rest of the package match up as well?

Following are some items you need to consider when you’re interviewing for Boston jobs.

Insurance
What type of insurance plan is an employer offering? Will you have to pay a high deductible? Does your insurance also provide dental coverage? How much will you pay for dependents (if that’s an issue)? Medical costs can be exorbitant even with good insurance. Make sure you’re covered before taking a job.

Retirement Plans
What type of 401K program does the company offer? Do they match funds?

Vacation
How much time will you have to take off for vacations? How long do you have to work for a company to accrue vacation time?

Flex Time/Telecommuting
Does a company offers flex schedules (ones that allow you to work your eight hours when you want to) or telecommuting? If so, that can be a huge benefit. Don’t discount the benefits of either of these two things.

One important thing to remember when offered a job is to take a look at the whole benefits package being offered—not just salary alone. Many people make the mistake of looking solely at salary and either accept or turn down a job based on that number. What these people don’t take into consideration is the monetary benefit of good insurance, retirement plans, flex time and telecommuting.

Searching for Boston jobs can be a lot of work but it’s important to remain patient through the process. Take a good, long look at any salary package offered with a job and discuss the details with your employment agency. Boston recruiters can help you weigh the pros and cons and give you a clearer idea of what is a good, solid offer and what is not.

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