Candidate Testimony: New Placement in the Network Industry

At NexGoal, we take the placing of our active candidates in their new careers very seriously – which is why our Project Coordinators spend so much time working with each candidate to put them in the best position to succeed. Once our candidates are placed, we like to take the time to share that candidate’s experience with all of you.

Our client is a Gartner-recognized leader in Managed Mobility Services (MMS) providing world-class support and services to organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Last month, we connected with a tenured network industry professional, Michael Materna, in finding him a long-term home. After graduating from The University of Akron in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Networking, Michael had two separate stints as a Network Engineer and Network Security Engineer. With a total of seven years of industry experience, we were able to seamlessly match Michael with our highly reputable client in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He joins the growing list of highly qualified candidates we have helped place into a new career.

When asked about his experience working with our recruiter Emma Sullivan and the NexGoal team, Michael had this to say: “Emma did an outstanding job placing me with my current employer. She was very professional and helpful getting answers from the employer that I had.” He explains further, “She was able to match my skillset with a great company in the Cleveland area that was looking for my level of skill which is a very difficult task for any recruiter.”

At NexGoal, we specialize in placing candidates from all walks of life with our various corporate clients. Entering the specifics of working with Emma and how she helped set us apart from traditional recruiting firms, Michael had this to say: “I think I might be at my best job yet thanks to Emma helping me get this position. Emma worked hard to find a qualifying position for me and she made it look easy and painless.”

In revealing why current job-seekers should come to NexGoal when looking for their next career, he stated, “NexGoal found the perfect job for me. My [new] employer is happy with the talent she was able to find so it’s a win/win for everyone. I would highly recommend Emma for anyone looking for a career change!”

The NexGoal team would like to thank Michael for his thoughtful remarks, and we wish him continued success in his new role as Security Analyst!

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and need some help or guidance along the way, start by filling checking out our Candidate Inquiry page! We look forward to placing you in your next career.

Before You Go
View Current Job Openings
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Follow NexGoal on Twitter
“Like” NexGoal on Facebook
Connect with NexGoal on LinkedIn

Read More

Thought-Provoking Questions To Ask Your Interviewer

Employers take tremendous value in the questions you ask during an interview because they will reveal your level of preparation, engagement, and curiosity for the position. Quit focusing on yourself and how your personal needs will be addressed in the role. Instead, ask stimulating questions to produce a quality conversation that reveals you are invested in the team’s betterment and showcases your unique value.

Captivate your interviewer and position yourself as the ideal candidate by asking these five questions:

“What Efforts Does Your Organization Take To Uphold Its Culture & Values?”

Asking this question shows you take immense value in the company’s work environment and management style. As the candidate, you need to be sure their answer aligns with your most coveted factors and that you can visualize long-term growth. To the employer, it reveals you are not simply looking to jump on the first opportunity thrown your way. Awaiting an opportunity that aligns with your skill-set, core principles, and career aspirations displays yourself as an employee worth pursuing.

“Everyone will tell you that their culture is great, but only examples will prove it.” -Abby Kohut

Does their corporate culture and philosophy prioritize employee happiness and work-life balance? When conflict arises, it is a make-or-break scenario for management to either show authentic leadership or to ensue greater chaos. A poor leader will shut down and pass blame, often leading to a toxic work environment. An admirable leader will set the standard for accountability and turn away from his/her selfish tendencies. Ask your interviewer to share a recent example of when conflict arose and how it got resolved, or create a scenario for them.

“What Goals Do You Have in Mind For Me Within The First Few Months?”

Not all job descriptions are as reliable as the hiring manager or recruiter may claim. Not only should you verify the specific responsibilities, but you should seek to understand the specific goals they have within a 30-60-90 (Learning-Contributing-Leading) day plan. Are the goals realistic and quantifiable, or are they more generalized and open to interpretation? Asking about current projects and objectives within the role shows that you are an achiever, a hard worker, and eager for more responsibility. Additionally, it is your best chance at receiving an ‘inside look’ into a future with the company. 

As the interviewee, you must also be prepared for the scenario of the hiring manager posing this question to you. If you are serious about the job, you can truly set yourself apart by following a similar model in your 30-60-90-day plan. By setting performance goals, learning goals, personal goals, and clear initiatives, you reveal a willingness to work hard and an eagerness to ‘hit the ground running.’ As a result, you will undoubtedly secure competitive advantage as you enter the final interview stages.

“What Do You Like Most About This Company?”

Your interviewer has insight into the company’s strengths, weaknesses, management style, and overall sense of camaraderie. Posing this question naturally gives them the platform to talk about themselves and the topics they know best. They are likely used to hearing this question and know that there is no excuse for a lackluster response. If their response entices you, hitting on key metrics surrounding company values, culture, reputation, and open communication, you can rest assured that no one’s time is being wasted in this process. However, if their answer lacks quality, it is an immediate red flag to your potential job satisfaction and may indicate it is time to move on.

“What New Problems Are You Facing & How Can I Contribute?”

Inquiring on the specifics of other current challenges the company faces (that you have not already addressed) is a great way to start a serious conversation. Your interviewer will not only be able to provide information but share his/her specific opinion as well. Subjecting yourself to the ways your interviewer can see your skill-set being incorporated into their present challenges is a vulnerable proposition but conjointly reveals subtle confidence in your capabilities.

*Pro-Tip* Ask for examples of team chemistry and how the team collaborates daily. Diving into these details will cause your interviewer to picture you as a part of their organization and reveal you as a true team player. 

“Where Do You See Your Company in Five Years?”

Is this company your long-term home? Examining the company’s future provides insight into what makes the company tick. Furthermore, you can uncover whether you would be a fit long-term based on their response. For example, suppose the company reveals no plans to increase in size or expand into new markets. In that case, you have the grounds to fear becoming stagnant in your career. Conversely, suppose their plans to expand into new markets involved shipping you across the country to head up a new branch. In that case, you must be sure that you are open to that prospective scenario.

Asking about the future gives a positive impression to your interviewer because it shows you are thinking about the big picture. In fact, former Goldman Sachs’ Chief of Staff & current Solemates Co-Founder, Becca Brown, revealed to Business Insider that she often wished candidates would ask this question. Brown also stated it was a “great way for candidates to stand out.” Asking this question places stock behind the statement “I see myself here long-term,” because it signifies their answer did not scare you away.

Before You Go
View Current Job Openings
Follow NexGoal on Twitter
“Like” NexGoal on Facebook
Connect with NexGoal on LinkedIn

Read More

The Ultimate Guide To Nailing Your Job Interview

Do you have a firm grasp of what hiring managers and recruiters are looking for during your interview? What does it take to reveal yourself as the ‘ideal candidate’ through your comments and responses? From the interview classics to addressing your work history, future goals, job specifications, and more, our friends at The Muse recently constructed a supremely extensive guide to answering any question that may come your way. Join us as we break down a few of our favorite examples and offer our reaction and comments:

“Why Do You Want To Work Here?”

Clearly, the job listing and description caught your attention if it brought you to an interview, but hitting the bullet points from the job listing is too generic of an approach. If you want to stand out as a candidate, you must point to what makes the company unique and why it appeals to you. Take a deep dive into the history and foundation of the company. Provide specifics as to how and why you want to be a part of their success long-term, and allow your passion to take over. For example, you can reveal how you took a keen interest in a company’s new product line, marketing initiative, or management change. If you can’t come up with specific reasons or you are struggling to convince yourself of your own words, the position is likely not the right fit for you. 

“Tell Me About a Challenge or Conflict You’ve Faced at Work, and How You Addressed It.”

When your interviewer opens the floor to discuss your work history, keep in mind that they already reviewed your resume, and merely reiterating your content will be seen as a waste of time. Although no one prefers to discuss their conflicts and work-related stress, employers will want to hear how you’ve overcome obstacles in your career. Be open and honest, but remember to remain calm and professional, especially if it is not a fond memory. To showcase you are open to learning from difficult experiences, emphasize what you would choose to do differently. Lastly, keep the focus on the resolution more than the conflict.

“Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”

Here’s a question you can certainly expect to be asked by your interviewer. Whether you were let go due to the pandemic or choosing to leave on your terms, any organization considering hiring you will want to know the details surrounding your exit and the relationships you carried. Do you want a salary/promotion your prior employer wasn’t willing to give you? Did you not get along with previous management? There is nothing you can gain from trashing a former employer or manager. Keep things light and straightforward while maintaining an eagerness for the job at hand.

Questions Concerning Your Goals & Preferences

In getting to know the candidates, employers will want to discover what makes you tick. What are your long-term and short-term career goals? If you are asked about your preferences in a work environment and what you want out of a job, the obvious route is to hit the specifics of the company and position to which you are applying (if it truly is the one you want).

As much as you need to prepare for your interview and position yourself as the best candidate, you cannot lose sight of the interview being a two-way street. Ask your interviewer questions such as:

 – Why is this position available? (Is it new, or did someone leave the role?) 

– What is keeping employees happy and long-tenured?

– Upon getting hired, what are the first steps?

– What makes someone successful in this role?

The most prominent leaders are tenacious and decisive, but also adaptable and introspective. If you see the makings of this leadership style within an organization, you may have found a great place to accelerate your career.

Before You Go
View Current Job Openings
Follow NexGoal on Twitter
“Like” NexGoal on Facebook
Connect with NexGoal on LinkedIn

Read More

Six Resume Mistakes To Avoid in 2021

Whether you are looking to get started on your first job search out of college or looking to change careers and reopen your search, having an up-to-date resume is imperative. Recently, our friends at Nexxt revealed six of the most commonly overlooked mistakes made by job-seekers on their resumes. With the help of our friends at Nexxt, we breakdown the key examples here: 

Too Many Soft Skills

With an average of 30 seconds or less to capture a hiring manager’s attention, it’s best not to waste time with self-proclamations of being a team player, good communicator, or a sound multi-tasker, etc. There is no easy way to prove these characteristics through words on a resume, so it is best to leave the comments to be shared by your professional references or to be portrayed naturally during your interview. Place an emphasis on your applicable experience and relevant ‘hard skills.’

Overlooking Your Accomplishments

If you are dead set on an industry and have proven experience to compliment your acquired skill-set, you should jump straight into your career accomplishments as the highlight of your resume and elevator pitch. Don’t waste precious space uncovering the basic details of your previous job, but rather provide perspective as to why you succeeded. Present your accomplishments effectively to hiring managers through the CAR approach (Challenge-Actions-Results): 

  • Challenge – What was the existing problem, need, or situation?
  • Actions – What did you do about the challenge?
  • Results – What outcomes did you produce? Quantify it!

*Pro-Tip: Utilize strong action verbs to begin your statements

Grammar & Spelling

Grammatical and spelling mistakes are the first in the book and easiest to occur, but they continue to surface. If you are not confident in your grammatical capabilities, run your text through a resource like Grammarly. There is no worse feeling as a job-seeker than losing out on a job opportunity due to one typo or one forgotten punctuation.

Failing to Adjust Your Resume

Whether you are locked in on pursuing a specific industry or job title or are broadening your horizon, each job is unique and requires your resume to be unique as well. If you are not tailoring your resume to each job posting you apply to, you are spoiling your chances before you even received a phone call. For example, pursuing an Inside Sales position with a telecommunications firm will vastly differ in qualifications or required skills from that of a Content Writer opportunity for the same firm. Likewise, submitting the same resume for sales positions with two different companies implies you failed to research the company, and that will not go unnoticed.

Nearly 75% say they believe finding a job has become more challenging in 2020. (Jobvite)

Not Providing Timelines

It may seem like a solid strategy to keeping your resume with a ‘neat and clean’ appearance, but checking for dates is a vital part of a hiring manager’s review. Without a clear timeline, you are implying you have an employment gap or a history of short stints with employers you want to keep secret. If you are fortunate enough to receive the benefit of the doubt, you can undoubtedly expect clarification to be desired on your first phone call with the hiring manager. 

Using an Objective Statement

Arguably the most outdated feature on 2019 resumes, this section often takes up valuable space atop job-seekers’ resumes. Focused on general aspirations and ‘fluff’ statements, most hiring managers will skip over the paragraph or, worse, mark it as an immediate red flag. Courtesy of your submitted job application, employers are already aware you are “motivated” and “looking for your next opportunity.” Instead, utilize this space to provide a career summary, or dive straight into your work experience with concise summaries under each position.

Before You Go
View Current Job Openings
Follow NexGoal on Twitter
“Like” NexGoal on Facebook
Connect with NexGoal on LinkedIn

Read More

Avoid These Four Mistakes In Your Next Video Interview

Emanating from the onset of COVID-19, thousands of companies continue to operate under the work-from-home order. Unemployment remains at a high volume, and many organizations rely heavily on phone and on-screen meetings for their hiring efforts. If you are active in the job search, you can anticipate the use of Zoom, or another video conferencing platform, for the beginning stages of your interview process. While your content preparation remains unchanged in terms of having examples, answers, and questions readily available, your interview’s virtual aspect brings new challenges you may not expect.

Courtesy of CNBC Contributor John Bowe, we review four of the most annoying mistakes made in video interviews, as revealed by Zoom’s Head of Global Talent Acquisition, Phil Haynes. 

1. Fidgeting and glancing at your phone

Haynes advises: “With an in-person interview, you’d never sneak a look at your phone. It’s simply not a behavior you would exhibit in real life. So, we remind people: a video interview is still a face-to-face interview.” Don’t forget to smile – your face is still taking up most of your interviewer’s screen. 

If you know yourself to be easily distracted by technology and phone applications such as social media, sports updates, or a need to know who texted you, try muting your notifications. If you fear this won’t stop you, turn your device off or keep it in a different room. In the brief 15-45-minute conversation, there is unlikely to be an update worth more than your shot at a new job. 

2. Darting eyes across the screen

In a virtual interview, maintaining steady eye contact is even more critical than the typical in-person interview. Hiring managers often measure your level of eye contact to gauge your interest in joining their organization. Always looking around will make you appear disinterested or inattentive. One great tip you can quickly implement is to hide the ‘self-view’ feature during meetings. Removing the view will ensure you do not get caught staring at yourself and worrying about your appearance rather than actively listening. 

3. Visibly worried and distracted

Every job seeker fears the uncontrollable aspects of their interview, such as a child entering the room and screaming or a pet demanding attention. Since COVID-19 began shutting down offices, Haynes affirms, “the human element is just pouring through.” In many ways, the pandemic has defaulted a more real, human experience for both sides of the webcam.

What can you do to limit your home office-related distractions? Find a private space and request an hour of quiet from your family members or roommates. If this is not plausible for your current situation, consider completing your interview outside your home.

4. Boring, unenthusiastic answers

If you offer weak, lackluster answers, you will leave your interviewer with nothing of note. Be sure to have questions prepared for the end of your interview and answers for these commonly asked questions. What indicates a weak and ‘boring’ answer? You share too many details and focus on what you did in your previous role, rather than why you did it and the impact you had. However, you must not come off as too rehearsed or scripted in your replies. 

Comparable to how you must keep your body language engaged in conversation, your answers must keep your evaluator engaged. Think back to an obstacle you faced in your career and how you overcame it. Practice telling your story and speaking confidently about your qualifications. 

For more great insight and tips to review before your next interview, check out Bowe’s full article here. 

If you join the millions operating under the work-from-home order, check out these essential tips for Setting Up An Effective Workspace at Home.

Before You Go
View Current Job Openings
Follow NexGoal on Twitter
“Like” NexGoal on Facebook
Connect with NexGoal on LinkedIn

Read More