Keep These Tips In Mind While Hiring Recent Graduates

It’s always refreshing to watch as your team evolves with the introduction of new ideas, mindsets, and perspectives. If you’re planning to grow your team with the addition of recent graduates, there is much to consider.

While interviewing the fresh faces of the working world, your conversations should include, however also extend beyond, specific details of the job and real-world experience. You can’t expect a recent college graduate with little industry experience to have every hard skill the job entails. It’s important to look at the person as a whole and to identify their soft skills. As long as he/she is eager to grow and take on a challenge, the hard skills can be learned.

There are many other factors to consider prior to hiring a new grad, including developing opportunities for growth, providing diverse pathways, and gathering feedback from your current employees. To learn more about these talent acquisition tips, check out this Forbes article: 16 Talent Acquisition Tips to Keep In Mind When Hiring New Grads.

How To Prepare For A Last-Minute Interview

When a company’s search for talent is a top priority, like it is for most businesses in today’s job market, we often see the interview process pick up speed. A prompt pace in the interview process allows for a more efficient, natural flow of conversation between client and candidate.

While recruiters and hiring managers are working overtime to find the best talent, there’s a good chance that you could be asked to interview without much lead-time. Though they aren’t always ideal, last-minute interviews are pretty inevitable. To be best prepared for an interview that could happen at the drop-of-a-hat, here are some great tips from Forbes.

1. Research the company, team, and role.

2. Review your elevator pitch.

3. Update your START stories.

4. Prepare questions for your interviewers.

   Click here to read the full article from Forbes.

Managing Employment Gaps

We hear all the time from candidates who have employment gaps in their resume about their concerns for how to speak to their gaps in their resume, as well as during job interviews. Great news though, employment gaps won’t disqualify you from a job. Forbes suggests that you should highlight the gaps, add context to the gaps in a cover letter, and always be transparent. Click here to read helpful ways to navigate the conversation.

Interviewing Tips for Hiring Managers

We have created a ton of content around interviewing tips and tricks for candidates, but what about interviewing tips for new hiring managers? Interviewing doesn’t just require preparation from the candidate, but also from the person conducting the interview.

Interviewing is an art, and it can definitely be a challenge for new hiring managers! Luckily we are here to help. Below are some helpful, and practical, tips for new hiring managers, recruiters, and whoever else is interviewing candidates. Candidate care is important, and we organized the tips into: what to do before, during, and after an interview.

What to do Before

• Have an Interview Plan — Decide who is involved in the interview, who will meet the candidate, and in which order. Finally, determine how many steps there will be in the interview process.

• Print and Read the Resume — Just as the candidate is prepared, so should the interviewer. Take a few minutes before the interview to review the resume so you know who the candidate is, and you can develop interview questions to gain a better understanding of their background, experience, and accomplishments.

• Prepare Interview Questions — This an extremely important step because interviews should be purposeful and insightful. As you read over the candidate’s resume, develop questions to determine their level of work experience. This will allow you to gain a more thorough understanding of the candidate and lead you to make a better hiring decision. We suggest open-ended, behavioral-based interview questions because they give concrete and specific information versus yes-or-no responses.

• Lastly, check your Internet/Wifi and your computer/phone battery, make sure the lighting is just right (If it’s a video interview, Ring lights are a great purchase). Also, ensure you are in a quiet space with no background noise.

What to do During

• Keep to the scheduled time frames. Start on time and allot the time you need to fully screen the candidate, describe the company and job, and ask questions. If you’re going to be late or miss the interview, contact the candidate as soon as possible to explain the issue and to reschedule.

• If you do not get a clear response to a question that you ask a candidate, try asking an open-ended question that follows up on the original question or their response. Probing questions are fantastic!

• Be nice. It’s easier to “sell” the candidate on the job offer at the end of the hiring process if they had an incredible and inviting experience.

• Leave time at the end for questions that the interviewee may have, and make sure to go over the next steps so that the candidate is fully aware of the process and what’s to come.

What to do After

• Complete your interview notes quickly after the interview and share them with your team and/or upload them into your applicant tracking system.

• Debrief with your team — we suggest daily to go over candidates and discuss the remaining process.

• Time is everything, and often time kills deals. Therefore it is key to be quick with your process, and if you like a candidate and they are right for the job, then extend them an offer. You can assume that candidates are also talking to other companies. Don’t miss out on great talent because of a slow process. Be deliberative with candidates yet purposeful and quick with your hiring decisions.

We hope these interview tips help you out during your next interview and lead you to add great new talent to your team. From before, to during, to after the interview, there are important steps along the way to ensure a successful method for interviewing and hiring. As always, feel free to reach out if you need any interview training. Our talent leaders are always here to set you up for success and offer personalized training sessions.

Interested in having our team lead an ‘Interviewing With a Purpose’ training session for your team or company? Email us at info@emergingblue.com for more information on our virtual training seminars.

Be Confident During Interviews

Do you have a phone, video or in-person interview coming up? Are the jitters and butterflies kicking in? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us, and we have some solutions for you. Forbes gives practical tips for combatting interview anxiety so that you can ace the interview, and potentially land the job. From researching the company, to practicing your storytelling, these tips will surely have you more at ease during your next interview.

Feeling Stuck at Work? Get a new Career!

Job hunting during a global pandemic can be challenging (and scary), but it can be done. Business Insider provides practical tips for people searching for a new career. If you’re feeling stuck at work and want to switch to a role that you’re more passionate about, or a job that aligns with your values, pays more, or gives greater upward mobility and career progression, then these tips are perfect for you.

If you’re searching for a new job, let your friends and previous workmates know. Your network is a powerful tool — use it.

Build up your confidence and embrace your powerful skills.

During interviews — whether in person, phone, or video — make sure to speak about your added value and what you will bring to the team/company.

Click here to read the full article on Business Insider.

Sign-up for Virtual Office Hours

Staffing, recruiting and talent leaders from Emerging Blue are holding virtual Office Hours every Wednesday from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. pacific standard time. Office Hours is a virtual event where candidates and job seekers can chat with Emerging Blue leaders to get career and job support in all areas. This weekly virtual event is open to anyone and everyone, and is great for people who have questions about job searches, need help with writing/editing a resume, perhaps you need interview tips for your upcoming virtual interview, or maybe you want to learn new networking strategies. Whatever your career need is, we are here to help!

Click here to register for the weekly Wednesday event — or use this link to join in last minute.

Want to know more about us? Emerging Blue is a staffing and recruiting firm that is built on people, and passion to do good.  We are a group that believes in supporting one another and helping others find that support. We partner with people and companies alike to align talent and brands.  We know every day is new, and with that, is an opportunity to embrace a new you.  Emerging Blue. New Day. New You.

Join us for a Lunch & Learn

Want to learn helpful interview tips as well as ways to follow up with recruiters and hiring managers after an interview? If so, then join us on September 2, 2020 at 12 pm PST/ 3 pm EST to learn practical and effective ways to interview and follow up. You definitely do not want to miss this informative conversation with talent and recruiting leaders from top beauty, fashion, footwear, and apparel brands.

Click here to register and spread the word ☺

How to get Hired as a Buyer

Welcome to our new series “Tips on Getting Hired As a …….” where we will share tips and tricks from the EB team, as well as our clients for being hired for specific positions within the fashion, home goods and beauty industries. We hope to help our candidates in knowing what hiring managers are looking for and to help hiring managers know how to narrow down their search and find that perfect candidate.

Resume Highlights

Hiring managers often look for skills that can be transferred from role to role so be sure to speak to these skills on your resume and in your interview. Examples for a Buyer role include strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Erin Hogue, who has worked in Merchandising for The Container Store and JC Penney and has handled the hiring of many Buyers and Assistant Buyers over the years, says she looks for “talent and past successes” that would complement the open role and then trains to the specifics of the role if needed. Since Buyers with experience in housewares can be hard to find, Hogue said “It’s not what the candidate bought previously that is important to me but more their skill level at negotiating, communication and problem solving”.

Interview Preparation

Give clear concise examples of times you have had successes as a Buyer that could translate well to the role you are interviewing for and expect to answer behavioral based questions. One question Hogue asks her Buyer candidates is to share an example of a time that they had a tough negotiation and looks for them to share what happened, how they problem solved and what the result was. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Result, Method) will help you be sure to give a complete answer to these types of questions.

Also, be sure to research the company you are interviewing with! This is advice we give to all of our candidates, no matter what job they are interviewing for. It shows that you are serious about the role, excited about the company, and have respect for the time of the person you are interviewing with. As a hiring manger, Hogue appreciates that prior research by the candidate “allows for the conversation to transition to what they can bring to the company and what they will learn/gain from working for your company.”

First Impressions

Researching the company will also help you decide what to wear to the interview. Buyers need to show that they have a good sense of the company’s style, as well as a strong fashion sense, and your interview outfit should reflect that. Look at a company’s social media profiles and try to reflect the look and the feel of the brand you see there.

One Last Thing

When interviewing for a Buyer position, show your passion for the brand and how your past experiences can help take that brand to the next level by shaping their collections of the future! One of the most important traits Hogue looks for in a Buyer candidate is curiosity. She feels curiosity is needed to go to the next level in buying and naturally leads to problem-solving abilities as well. Ask questions, do your research on the company, and nab that new job!

Want to read more of our tips and tricks? Click here!

Beauty Sites We Love: Wellness Tips To Consider Before Your Next Interview

Video Interview Beauty & Wellness

If you’re stressed out by your job search, it’s helpful to keep your personal wellness in mind. Keeping your skin healthy at home and creating a positive routine will help to alleviate stress during these uncertain times.

Combating wrinkles hardly seems important now given the global pandemic, but if you want to look your best for a Zoom interview, we love the following articles that offer tips to keep your skin glowing. 

1. Refinery29

2. Glamour

3. InStyle

4. NY Times Magazine

Click for more Tips about Interview Prep.

Check Out These Top 5 Sites to Ace Your Next Interview

1. Ambitionbox - You can search company reviews, salaries and interviews via this site.

2. AceThelnterview - bridges that gap and provides tools to write and chat about industry concepts to better prepare you for the interview.

3. Geeksforgeeks - this site offers thoughtful and well explained examples for interview questions.

4. Leetcode - helps enhance your skills and knowledge all while preparing you for technical interviews.

5. Guide4info - provides career insight and advice, and motivational stories.

Video Interviews are Becoming a Common Trend Amid Coronavirus

As we find ourselves in this new work-from-home reality, companies are adjusting their interview processes and are moving towards video interviews.  Whether through Facetime, Google Hangouts, Skype, or ZOOM, being ready for your close-up could make all the difference!

Here are helpful tips from our team of talent matchmakers on ways to set yourself up for success during your next video interview.

1. Location, location. This is extremely important. You want to pick a quiet place to conduct the video interview so that it’s easy for the interviewer to hear you and vice versa. You also want to stay clear of an elaborate backdrop so that you can be the focal point on the screen. No one really wants to see your kitchen…or your ceiling. In short, make sure to check your camera angles.

2. Find your light. Another great tip is to keep in mind is lighting. A bright window or light source behind you may cast too many shadows or bright lights across your face. In this case, the interview will not be able to decipher between you and the background. It is critical to locate a space that has the right amount of lighting where it is not too bright nor too dark, and the color temperature is just right. Try, testing out the camera placement beforehand to get your lighting perfected.

3. Look at the camera, not the screen. We get it, watching yourself during a video interview is oh so tempting, however, it may come across to the interviewer that you are not making eye contact. A great way to avoid this is to look directly at the camera to create that connection with your interviewer. Eye contact is key during an interview.

4. Dress the part. We are firm believers that you should dress for the job that you want. When it comes to what to wear during a video interview, you should treat it like an in-person interview and dress appropriately from head to toe (or at least from head to waist!). If you are unsure of the dress code or culture, do a bit of research, or simply ask the interviewer or recruiter for insight. They are always there to support and ensure success.

5. Practice makes you better.  While practice may not make you perfect, it will set you up for a better interview than no practice at all. A few tips to practice: have a practice interview with a friend beforehand, record yourself and watch it back, write down potential interview questions and your responses, and practice your introductory elevator pitch. These tips are super helpful because your first few video calls may feel awkward, especially if you are getting used to the technology.

6. Close other programs on your computer.  Getting email notifications and other pop-ups during your interview can be distracting (especially if they make noise). We recommend closing all windows on your computer before your interview. A buzz or beep could break the flow in conversation or throw you off your train of thought.

7. Use notes.  This is a crucial tip. Don’t be afraid to help yourself with post-it notes or a copy of your resume. One benefit of having a video interview is that you can have some key reminders in front of you. Another great tip is to put your notes on sticky notes and stick them to your computer so you can glance at them without it appearing as you’re looking down to read notes. Keep in mind however, they are notes, not a script, so make sure to avoid sounding like you are reading text aloud.

8. Avoid interruptions.  While we might personally love if our pet jumps into our laps, we suggest that you avoid this during an interview. If you are interviewing in a house with multiple people or pets, be sure to let people know ahead of time and plan for a quiet space. 

9. Keep your profile professional.  Unlike an in-person or phone interview, during video interviews, your first impression doesn’t involve you. The first thing your interviewer will see is your video username and picture, so if you have one, double-check that they are both interview appropriate (or create a professional video account).

10. Let your personality shine. Sometimes it is hard to get a read on a person’s personality during video interviews. We recommend that you let your personality shine through while keeping it professional. As with any interview, standing out may give you an edge, especially with a video interview. Showing a little personality can go a long way so, bring it to the interview all while speaking about the added value you will bring to the team.

About Emerging Blue:

Emerging Blue is a brand focused talent resource partner that represents freelance, temp-to-perm, and full-time talent in Fashion, Home and Beauty. We fill jobs from San Francisco to New York, and everywhere in-between. We represent top candidates, the hottest brands and innovative companies of all shapes and sizes. If you need recruitment and hiring support, we would love to partner with you. Our talent is your strength.

Video Interviews…Ready for Your Close-up?

As some companies are moving towards video and Facetime interviews, being ready for your video close-up could make all the difference. Here are a few tips from our team of recruiters on being ready for video interviews.

1. Location, location. Pick a quiet place to interview without an elaborate backdrop so that you can be the focal point on the screen. No one wants to see your kitchen…or your ceiling. Remember to check your camera angles.

2. Check your lighting. Keep in mind that a bright window or light source behind you may cast your face in darkness. Test out camera placement beforehand to get your lighting just right.

3. Look at the camera, not the screen. While watching yourself during a video interview is oh so tempting, it may come across to the interviewer that you’re not making eye contact. Looking directly at the camera is a great way to avoid this.

4. Dress the part. When it comes to what to wear, treat your video interview like an in-person interview and dress appropriately from head to toe (or at least from head to waist!).

5. Practice makes perfect.  Having a practice interview with a friend beforehand is helpful because your first few video calls may feel awkward, especially if you are getting used to the technology.

6. Close other programs on your computer.  Getting email notifications and other pop-ups during your interview can be distracting (especially if they make noise). We recommend to make sure all other windows on your computer are closed before your interview.

7. Use notes.  Don’t be afraid to help yourself with post-it notes or a copy of your resume. One benefit of having a video interview is that you can have some key reminders in front of you. Keep in mind however, they are notes, not a script. Avoid sounding like you are reading out loud.

8. Avoid interruptions.  While we might personally love if your dog jumps into your lap during an interview, others may not. If you are interviewing in a house with multiple people or pets, be sure to let people know ahead of time and plan for a quiet space. 

9. Keep your profile professional.  Unlike an in-person or phone interview, your first impression during a video interview doesn’t actually involve you. The first thing your interviewer will see is your video username and picture, so double check that they are both interview appropriate (or create a professional Video account).

10. Let your personality shine through. Sometimes it is hard to get a read on a person’s personality via video interviews. We recommend that you let your personality shine through, while keeping it professional. As with any interview, standing out may give you an edge.  Even more so with a video interview.  Showing a little personality can go a long way.

3 Design Portfolio Tips... For Students & Recent Grads

Recently we were invited by two local fashion schools to review graduates’ portfolios.  It was impossible not to be blown away by the level of planning, the quality of storytelling, and the caliber of designs – from classic to edgy – that went into most of these presentations. Not to mention the energy was electric. Great job teachers and students!

If we were to offer three simple tips to you, inspiring and gifted designers, to help you make a great impression on job interviews, here’s what they would be:

1. DON’T make your portfolio oversized.  Wide open spaces are as unflattering as the superfluous graphics used to fill in the space are.  An 8.5 x 11 portfolio is a standard..and common size. With that being said, if you have a lot of content that you feel confident and passionate about, you should absolutely use the next size up.

2. DON’T bind your portfolio.  An unbound portfolio allows for additional pages to be added, or for the content to be shifted around to highlight your newest work … or, sometimes more importantly, to showcase work for a specific job interview.

3. DON’T do giveaways.  Whatever the “gift”, it’s an unnecessary, and sometimes awkward thing to do.  Let your work impress the viewer. If you feel compelled to give something away, have your business cards or resume ready.

Hopefully these tips will help you to tweak your approach to showcasing your style and essentially marketing your personal brand. It’s a crazy competitive world out there, but your talent, hard work and attention to detail will pay off.