Is this a trick question? How should you answer?  Answer: BOTH Yes and No!  It can be a trick question for some, and not for others!

When IS it a trick question?
If you’re not the supervisor or in management, you have no business making business decisions. It’s a trick question. What they want to know is how you delegated problems to the proper channels. They want to know if you contacted your higher-ups with the present dilemna and gave them a briefing on the situation. For instance: What you want to do is get the name of the person who has the problem, and his/her phone number. Call your supervisor and if he/she isn’t there, leave a message about the situation and give the person’s name and number. The customer will have to be patient because there’s nothing you can do. You tell your co-workers about the situation, and let the next shift be aware of the situation as well.
It’s all about communication and delegation of authority in business. If you were hired to solve problems, then of course, tell them of your problem solving skills.

When is it NOT a trick question?
Every employee solves problems…
Let’s say you’re a retail associate and you sell faucets. A customer wants a faucet that’s on display. You’re completely out of them. A good way to solve the problem would be to call another store that has some and get one sent to you. You wouldn’t delegate that problem to a “proper channel” because YOU are the proper channel.  Basically, the interviewer wants to get an idea of your judgment and decision making skills as well as what factors you considered in your decision and whether or not you involved or consulted others. More and more, companies are looking for critical thinkers who use good judgment both for the Customer and the company.

There are many more questions like this that can be asked during your job interview!  To find out more “trick” questions that may be asked specific to your industry, call Aspire and speak to a member of our team.  We would be happy to assist you in your job search.  215-654-8050  www.aspire-1.com

Although Aspire is heavily focused in the Mid-Atlantic Region, we have been seeing significant growth Nationally as well.  To assist us with this welcome growth, we have engaged a national job social media company to increase the visibility of our jobs by 400%+!   By Nationally tweeting our client’s jobs, we have had fantastic results in just a few weeks!  Once our job is entered in our system, it gets tweeted out locally and nationally, as specified by the jobs customized job type and location.   Our national followers who have requested these job search specifications are tweeted as soon as the job is entered!  This has helped us improve our candidate / client placement turnaround time considerably.

Visit @AspireJobSearch to see what all the Tweet is about!

Follow US @AspireJobSearch for a current listing of all of Aspire’s Hot Jobs.  Click the “owl-ly” link within the job tweet and you will be forwarded to the job description where you can apply instantly!

Even more than that, you can follow any one of our top recruiters in your specific field!
@AspireJobSearch only follows our recruiters.  For a list of recruiters, just click on our “following button” within our page @AspireJobSearch, and find your recruiter.  You can follow as many of us as you like!

We look forward to Tweeting you!

What are your favorite things to see on a candidates resume?

Our Top Three Answers:

“I like my candidates to list their experience in a chronological format, with most current at the top.  They should have clean, concise bullet points using proper tenses.  Candidates should not write about their experience in a “I did this…I did that” format.  Making a strong statement with solid, to the point information goes much further than long, over descriptive sentences.  *It is very important to keep any and all personal information and photos out of their resume and cover letter.  There will be plenty of time to share these with new friends and co-workers later!”
      Diana Vogrin, Director of Recruiting, Accounting & Finance Division

“I really like to see a well-written professional summary at the top of a resume (and replacing the “Career Objective”).  The professional summary, written in either a narrative or bulleted format, provides the reader with a “snap-shot” of the individual’s career history, as well as his/her strengths and personality characteristics.  Key words relative to the career path and industry should be included in the summary – this will allow the resume to be “picked-up” via an internet search the employer may be conducting.  The educational background and professional certifications can also be summarized in this section.  Employers love this because they avoid having to read the entire resume in order to “qualify” the candidate for the position.”
      Betsy Warner, Director of Recruiting, Healthcare Division
“For an IT resume, it is helpful to have 4 key things in chronological order:
Summary:  A 3-4 sentence snapshot of your experience.
Education:  A chronological list, most recent on top.
Technical:   A bulleted list of all technical skills, programs, systems, etc.
Work Experience: A chronological list, most recent on top, with brief summaries.”
Keep it clean and clutter free.”
      Derek Stewart, Senior Recruiter/Account Manager, IT Division

Here are a few permanent positions you don’t want to miss!

MySQL DBA – - Our Wilmington, DE client has an immediate need for a MySQL DBA.  This is a salaried position with benefits, bonus, and stock options.  The client will also sponsor and transfer H1-B Visas!  They will also look at Oracle DBA’s for the role.  If you are interested, Click here to apply!

Market Area Manager, Sales – Oklahoma City North – - Make the right move and build your career by joining a growing and profitable organization.  Our client in Oklahoma City is currently hiring Market Area Managers.  If you are focused, assertive, persuasive and self-driven, we would like to hear from you!  Click here to apply!

PHP Developer – - Our client located in Bala Cynwyd, PA, is looking for a few experienced software developers with the ability and desire to start contributing on day one.   You will design, test, code and deploy new features for our two primary web applications, our internal CRM tool and a fully customizeable direct marketing magazine.  Click here to apply!

Accounts Payable Associate – - Are you a detailed individual who is looking for a permanent roll located in Philadelphia, PA?   This AP Associate position will be responsible for processing and documenting general AP functions.  Requires in-depth knowledge of PeopleSoft as the primary tool as well as a strong working  knowledge of Excel.  Click here to apply!

Are you considering temporary work?  Look no further!

AP Processor – - Our client is a well established, successful, leading national company headquartered in Horsham, PA.  This temp role has a start date of January 16th thru May.  Strong knowledge in JD Edwards, Tech Match and 10-Key experience a must.  Click here to apply!

Human Resource Assistant – - Are you looking for a career in Human Resources?  This temp position could lead to a permanent role for the right person!  Our client is a mid-sized public company located in the Quakertown, PA area.  This role will assist with the day-to-day operations of the HR department.  If you are a quick study and able to work in a culture with high standards and expectations, we want to hear from you!  Click here for details!

If you don’t see what you are looking for in this list, look here!

A common misconception says that because it’s the holidays, no one will pay attention to your résumé. In fact, even during times of high unemployment, when things slow down at the office there’s a golden opportunity for hiring to finally move to the front burner.

Throughout my career, both in corporate America and at my own firm, during several stretches of low national employment levels, I had openings during the holidays. And because regular business activity took a slight breather, managers like me had more time to devote to personnel matters, including hiring. Granted, this is not a time of “if you have a pulse and résumé, you’re in!” But you just might stand out among the crowd if you ignore your calendar.

Here are some pointers on leveraging the holidays in your job-search favor:

1. Ratchet Up Social Media. Everyone knows that sources such as LinkedIn (LNKD), Twitter, and Facebook are great for networking. But few people have enough time throughout the year to invest in maximizing them. Bingo! Use them during the holiday season. You can bet that, like you, many people are too attached to their computers, social networks, and smartphones to sit around and do nothing but “talk turkey” with relatives and friends for days on end in late November and December. It’s a potential job-search gold mine if you make the effort.

2. Party with a Professional Side. Don’t become a roaming spammer at holiday parties, but have your professional side well packaged just the same. What if you go to a holiday bash and run into the prospective boss of your best dream job ever? Wouldn’t it be great to be ready with an elevator pitch about yourself and your career goals? For exactly this reason, when you party, go easy on the eggnog and other alcoholic beverages and avoid dressing like Lady Gaga. And, of course, bring business cards, even if they only state your contact information and specialty.

3. Make the Call. E-mails are the most accepted way to reach out to a hiring manager. But think about picking up the phone during the holidays as well. You have a better chance of getting an answer around Thanksgiving and Christmastime, when business activities slow from their usual breakneck pace. But don’t pester the hiring manager: Just call once and see where it goes.

4. Be an Agent and Sleuth. During the holidays, you’re going to be out and about more than usual, shopping, running errands, and socializing. Use those opportunities not only to talk about yourself and your career needs and goals but also to ask questions about others. Networking is a two-way street whether online or offline. Find out how you can help other people. These contacts can also provide you with more information about companies than you’ll find online. Ask people about the corporate culture of firms you’re interested in. Who might you be working for?  It is your job, after all, and also your job to choose wisely.

5. Business Casual Is Great … Once You’re Hired. When arranging a holiday-time interview, if you hear “Just dress casually, it’s a ghost town here, and I’ll be in jeans,” don’t be tempted. You get one time to make a first impression, so wear a blazer. It shows respect. Also, while everything may come across as easygoing during the holidays, still take your pad, take notes, and bring a hard copy of your résumé. And regardless of how chilly the weather, don’t waltz in carrying a Grande Caffe Latte.

6. Be Patient. When following up, know that although things may have progressed nicely during the interview, not enough people in the hierarchy will be around to complete the process. In a holiday job search, the process often continues “after the holidays.” Don’t count this as a setback—you’re already way ahead of the game.

Lynn Taylor, CEO of Lynn Taylor Consulting, is a nationally recognized workplace expert and author. Her newly released book, Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT): How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job (John Wiley & Sons), advises employees and senior management on how to mitigate difficult boss and office behaviors for increased productivity.

Courtesy of Bloomberg Businessweek

America is founded on the principle of freedom, justice, and liberty for all. Our nation’s soldiers serve every day to protect our country and its ideals.  On Veteran’s Day, take a sacred moment to remember the those who sacrifice their lives every moment to achieve peace and democracy.

In honor of Veterans Day 2010, which happens November 11, here’s a list of quotes to live by:

“Freedom is never free.” -Author Unknown

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” -Maya Angelou

“When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?” -George Canning

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” -G.K. Chesterton

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” -Elmer Davis

“But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye.” -Thomas Dunn English

“I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot.” -Gary Hart

“Lord, bid war’s trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes

“The most persistent sound which reverberates through men’s history is the beating of war drums.” -Arthur Koestler

“I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, ‘Mother, what was war?’” -Eve Merriam

“Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.” -Michel de Montaigne

“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” -Jose Narosky

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” -Cynthia Ozick

“The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war.” -Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Maintaining up-to-date information technology certifications — especially advanced credentials — is the best way to show civilian employers you’re keeping up with progress in this ever-changing field.

Experts say getting certified will raise your chances of landing a great I.T. job after the military for two reasons: You’ll have industry-recognized proof of your skills, and you’ll be a more likely match for hiring managers searching résumé databases for keywords such as CompTIA A+ and Certified Business Intelligence Professional.

“Most I.T. professionals take it for granted that what they need to know for their jobs will change rapidly,” said Martin Weissflog, Director of Aspire Business Consulting IT division and 21+ year computer-industry veteran.  “You’ll see that most certifications require their holders to update every two to three years anyway, so if you want to keep a credential current, you need to keep taking courses, keep taking exams, or do some sort of continuing education,” Weissflog said.

Civilian companies that employ people in information technology are placing increased emphasis on what hiring managers call “soft skills,” the experts say.

“The technology skills alone simply aren’t enough anymore,” said Weissflog.  Soft skills are personality traits and interpersonal skills such as the ability to interact effectively with others, writing skills, and organizational and management experience.

“Employers are also placing a greater emphasis on business skills,” Weissflog said, “including the ability to understand products and goals and how information technology fits into the business scheme”.

Companies also want their I.T. professionals to be able to translate technology into a language that’s easy to understand.  The good news is that many service members possess at least core soft skills and business savvy by virtue of their military training. Weissflog recommends college-level courses in business or communications to further develop skills in these areas.

Worried about how to emphasize soft skills on a résumé? Don’t be.

“Those are the kinds of things employers pick up on in an interview,” Weissflog said.   “I have assisted thousands of candidates by enabling them to restructure their resumes and professionally showcase their talents.”

8 of the key certifications today are:

SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION

Systems administrators maintain a company’s computer systems and servers. Certifications include:

1. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Candidates must pass four exams, including two that test core knowledge of networking systems, one on client operating systems and one elective exam.
2. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Candidates must pass seven exams including four that test core knowledge of networking systems, one on client operating systems, one on design and one elective exam.

NETWORK ADMINISTRATION

Network administrators maintain computer network infrastructure. Certifications include:

1. CompTIA Network+: This vendor-neutral certification doesn’t require prior work experience, but CompTIA recommends some experience in a networking environment along with CompTIA A+ certification.
2. Cisco Certified Network Professional: A valid CCNA certification or any CCIE certification plus a ROUTE, SWITCH and TSHOOT exams.
3. Cisco Certified Network Associate: The single exam required for this certification covers extending switched networks, determining IP routes, managing IP traffic and establishing point-to-point connections.
4. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert: Fewer than three percent of the people who hold Cisco networking certifications achieve this elite title. The hands-on exam is conducted in a lab.

TECH SUPPORT

Tech-support professionals are responsible for help-desk-type functions, answering computer users’ questions and doing troubleshooting. Certifications include:

1. CompTIA A+: This test verifies proficiency in basic installation, configuration, preventive maintenance and networking, as well as security, safety and environmental issues.
2. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician: This credential proves you can troubleshoot Microsoft’s Windows operating system. It requires two exams: one on the Windows XP operating system and another on desktop applications.

Our Candidate Spotlight:

Senior Tax Associate

Our first candidate is a 2007 University of Scranton grad with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, GPA: 3.72. She is also an MBA, CPA and is pursuing her MST from Villanova. Currently with Pwc as a Tax Senior Associate and has a solid tax background including the preparation of federal and state tax returns for partnerships, corporations, and trusts. She is ready to transition from public to private. She is at a base of 70k plus a small bonus. If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Amy at Aschoen@aspire-1.com!

Senior Tax Associate

Our next candidate has 12+ years of experience providing state and local tax services. Throughout those years, this person has prepared Sales/Use, Personal Property, Unclaimed Property and Payroll Tax Returns. She has also assisted with numerous Sales and Use Tax Audits and Individual Tax Returns and Trusts. You can count on this person to prepare Corporate/Partnership Income Tax Returns (1120, 1120S & 1065). Candidate also has experience with tax research projects as well as supervising associates and interns on tax preparation. If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Nick at Ngidaro@aspire-1.com!

Senior Tax Analyst

Aspire’s last candidate is a 2003 University of Mary Washington grad with her B.S. in Accounting. She is pursuing her Masters of Taxation which will be completed in December 2012. The candidate has worked in Accounting and Tax roles, most recently as a Senior Associate in charge of gathering tax data, analyzing financial statements, and tax planning. She has extensive knowledge worknig with FAS 109 and Federal, State and Local income tax. She also has compliance experience with corporations, partnerships, and individuals. She is at a base of 79K. If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Marc at Mgradwohl@aspire-1.com!