Job Seekers

Looking for the perfect job that suits you? Then you’ve come to the right place. We understand that to search for a new job, is a job in itself. To maximize your time and resources and find a new job as quickly as possible, you could really use some help.

Let Core Team Staffing help you. At Core Team Staffing, we are passionate about being experts in our field and have arranged our company as such. We have dedicated teams with their own areas of expertise to provide you with the knowledgeable, informed and relevant recruitment service you deserve.

Here you will find information on jobs, our specialist areas of expertise, career advice and much more to ensure that we help you find your perfect job.

At Core Team Staffing, we are committed to assisting you at every stage of the job seeking process and we want you to take pleasure in the experience of finding a job. Whether you are seeking temporary, temp to hire, temp contract, contract projects, and direct hire placement positions.

Please use the quick job search to see what opportunities we currently have available and upload your resume and one of our consultants will be in touch.

Tools

How To Write A Resume

  • Resumes are the calling card’s of today’s jobseekers
  • They must be personally tailored and targeted towards the desired position
  • Decide on your resume’s goal (i.e., What position or job are you after?)
  • Good resumes begin with brainstorming of past activities, jobs, special training, and/or past achievements
  • The next step involves selecting the type of resume that sits your needs
  • Most resumes should be one page; two pages for specialized positions is acceptable
  • It is best to use Microsoft Word “. doc” format as it is compatible with our database software and recruiters’ / clients own applicant tracking system.
  • Chronological resumes outline your work history
  • Functional resumes focus on skills and experience
  • Targeted resumes centre on what job seekers can do for that position
  • Combination resumes combine functional and targeted formats; they display skills and experience with clear chronological work history
  • Chronological resumes are generally used within the same field; functional resumes are used during career changes or breaks in employment history
  • Outline past work history, organized by dates
  • It is best to focus on long-term positions held with the least possible amount of change
    Start with present or most recent position
  • List a maximum of four positions; include place and time of employment and a short description of activities
  • Limit repetition in terms of similarities between jobs and/or positions
  • If there are degree(s) to be listed, then include them briefly at the top of that section if they are relevant to that position
  • Writing style should be short and concise
  • Focus on skills and experience
  • Divide skills or past achievements and results into three categories (e.g., supervisory skills and achievements, consulting skills and achievements, writing skills and achievements)
  • The functional categories should be aimed at the targeted position’s start with the most relevant and end with a job experience section
  • Job experience should be brief (i.e./ dates, employers, titles) and do not description
  • Education is listed at the bottom of resume
  • List volunteer activities or community service (if desired)
  • Best suited for very particular positions, tells the employer what the job seeker can do for the position
  • Offers future results rather than focusing on past experience and skills
  • State desired position by title or function
  • Include brief statement of abilities and results achieved
  • Past job experience and education should be listed briefly at the end

How To Write A Great Cover Letter

  • Cover Letters are personal (i.e., customized) guides that serve to explain and enhance the content of a resume
  • Letters are effective networking tools even when they are not accompanied by a resume
  • They are used to request opinions and direction
  • Cover letters tell the employer why you should be hired over other applicants
  • Highlight major achievements from your resume that are directly related to the position
  • Cover letters should be interesting and captivating: do not repeat statements that are pulled directly from your resume
  • A reference about the position that is being offered is attention-grabbing
  • Making such a reference means that you have knowledge about (or interest in) the position
  • Follow standard letter-writing practices for professional letters
  • Begin with an interesting angle on the advertised position or an explanation of why you are sending the resume to the company
  • Main body of the letter should state your case (i.e., why you are the right person to hire for this position)
  • Closing paragraph should be positive and indicate your follow up phone call
  • Do not write anything negative in a cover letter; keep it positive and upbeat
  • Do not repeat basic resume information (except major accomplishments)
  • Always date cover letters
  • Do not overuse ‘I’
  • Do not mention past or expected salary
  • Keep letter length to one page

Preparation Lists

  • Writing preparation lists is the best organizational tool for the composition of a good resume
  • Lists do not have to be limited or particularly thought out: they should be all inclusive and unedited.

Make up preparation lists for the following categories:

  • List any skills you possess
  • Skills include work specific or work-related skills, social/people skills, and any other ability you possess that may be relevant to the job
  • List all positions held, either for the last 10 years or since you started working (whichever applies)
  • If your work history is not extensive, then list volunteer positions and/or job-related duties that you held in school or educational institutions
  • Check that any career breaks or gaps between roles are fully explained. Our recruiters and employers take references and this is always checked.
List all formal education, as well as informal or semi-formal courses or training
  • General brainstorming may produce extra information not covered by the previous categories
  • Brainstorm on everything and anything (e.g./ career goals, various professions, general interests, hobbies, anything else that may be relevant)
  • Do not restrict yourself to “realistic” positions and goals; try to be as general and all-encompassing as possible
    Brainstorm lists can be examined for usable resume insertions or to decide on applicable positions

Checklists

  • Errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar are inexcusable in the eye of an employer
  • Verify spacing; it should be evenly applied and consistent in each paragraph
  • Double check personal information; check dates and other data
  • Layout (e.g., bold, italics) must follow logical and consistent rules of usage
  • Each section should be a maximum of 10 lines
  • Remove all abbreviations (such as etc., e.g., i.e.)
  • Remove unnecessary statements (e.g., title or heading of Resume, References Available Upon Request)
  • Remove other unnecessary information; make sure there is no repetition
  • It is beneficial to have the resume proofread by another person before submission

Writing

  • The language used in a resume is almost as important as the information contained within the resume
  • Original resumes (i.e., self-created, unique) are better than resume-service stock resumes
  • Stock resumes tend to be too general in language
  • Original resumes are person-specific and make better use of the specifics of the position
  • When applying for a specific position, include a purpose or objective (not absolutely necessary)
  • Include a purpose or objective paragraph at the beginning of a targeted resume
  • In many cases, cover letters will contain an opening paragraph which explains the purpose or objective
  • Do not use pre-made phrases and clichés
  • Do not list unnecessary information (e.g., religion, gender, height, weight, health)
  • Hobbies and interests should not be included without specific relevance to the applied position
  • Do not mention reasons for leaving past jobs (even if you left on good terms)
  • Do not include salary expectations
  • References are unnecessary; if we want them, they can be provided at a later date
  • Resumes should interest the potential employer and lead to an interview; therefore, the resume should be captivating enough for employers to want to see you in person

Layout

  • The layout of a resume depends on the type of resume
  • They generally open with your name, address, and phone number centred at the top of the page
  • Heading and titles should be upper case
  • Bold and italics serve to highlight portions that you deem important; do not overuse a variety of fonts and avoid underlining
  • Do not clutter resume with too much type; if requires, expand to a second page
  • Leave space between main sections
  • Use indents sparingly to separate subsections and ideas
  • Type fonts can vary for added visual impact; the main font should be simple and standard

Interviews

  • The goal of the resume is to get the an interview; the goal of an interview is to get a job
  • First impressions count; it is generally understood that the first five minutes of an interview are the most important
  • Remember that an interview is like an oral exam that you need to pass
  • Appropriate professional dress and attitude are indispensable
  • Visual checklists should include hair, teeth, nails, shaving (for men), hosiery (for women) and clothing
  • When in doubt about the company’s dress code, choose conservative wear
  • Flashy jewellery or other accessories may be viewed as a negative in an interview
  • Make sure that you plan to leave early enough to account for unforeseen delays (e.g., traffic) and arrive on time; try to arrive to the premises ten minutes early, and sign in at the reception 5 minutes early
  • Be courteous and polite with receptionist
  • Prepare for different sorts of seating arrangements at the interview (they will not always be across a desk)
  • If it is necessary to fill out an application as a compliment to your resume, then be thorough; do not cut corners (i.e., do not write please see resume)
  • Take an adequate amount of time to read the application and its fine print; ask the receptionist if you have any questions
  • Always have a copy of your references at the interview
  • It is acceptable to bring notes with you (e.g., questions that you would like to ask)
  • Write down sample questions that may be asked; prepare brief but informative answers that are concise and confident
  • Examples: What special experience can you bring to this company? Why should this company hire you over someone else who is just as qualified?
  • Rehearse with other people; allow them to come up with their own questions
  • Prepare questions that you want to ask the interviewer: these questions should be centred on the company and/or the position. At Core Team Staffing we may not disclose the employer in the screening interview, but we are able to answer questions relating to size, what they do, company culture etc…
  • Rehearse the greeting; a firm handshake and a brief “thank you” for the interview are good starting points
  • The more you rehearse, the more relaxed you will be at the actual interview
  • Breathe deeply and make a conscious effort to remain calm
  • Eye contact may help you feel more confident with the interviewer
  • Body language is important; crossing your arms, tense expressions or nervous tics may be negatively perceived by an interviewer
  • Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair, do not slouch. Look alert and interested at all times

Interview Questions

  • Take time to answer questions at a good pace; think about the answers
  • Silences can be used constructively; ask proper questions to fill silence but do not rush to fill them if the interviewer is looking over materials
  • Never ask questions pertaining to expected benefits (e.g., vacation time, medical coverage)
  • Do not ask the interviewer how you did at the end of the interview
  • Do not pressure the interviewer into telling you about your chances of getting the job
  • Do not use opportunity to ask the interviewer for other contacts unless it is directly suggested that you may do so
  • Proper closing techniques include suggesting a follow-up interview, offering to take on a task or volunteering for unpaid training (if you are willing to do so)
  • After questions are over, try to leave behind a reminder, which may increase your chances of getting the position
  • Be fully prepared to answer and ask questions about the job and all related details
  • Examples: Type of job (Temporary, Temp to Hire, Temp Contract, Contract Projects, and Direct Hire Placement) Training Issues (paid, unpaid, length of time)
  • Probation period (length of time) job description and responsibilities, scheduling
  • After you have established some knowledge of the company by either answering related questions or making inferences about the company, you should have touched on major issues
  • Examples: Departmental issues-Chain of Command-Company’s motto and/or pertinent ideologies-Career paths and Growth
  • Company’s general future direction
  • Questions relating to your skills should not be answered by repeating the contents of your resume
  • Take time to itemize the main skills that are directly related to the interview and job at hand; you should rehearse these skills before the interview
  • When discussing your education and training, focus on specific things that you learned or trained for that will come in useful for this new position
  • Answers should be brief and concise; it is acceptable to tell short stories that provide entertaining examples of things you have learned
  • Unexpected questions can have different purposes when different interviewers ask them; do not be thrown off by them; do not be thrown off by them
  • Answer unexpected questions calmly and do not be surprised
  • Take the time to think about your answers, consider interviewer’s motives for asking
Top

Our Consultants

  • Many of our consultants specialise in a functional skill set or discipline and are aligned with specific industry sectors giving them extensive market oversight
  • You should have a good idea and be as specific as you can in selecting which industry sectors and perhaps companies you might be prepared to work for.
  • Understand the recruiter’s timescales and those of the client
  • Remember in most cases there will be other candidates, both external and internal in the hiring and selection process – so don’t forget to market yourself.
  • Core Team Staffing consultants are here to find great people for similarly great careers – our motivation is to source, guide and place candidates who can add significant value to their new role with our clients. To achieve this, we need clarity, integrity, motivation, communication and a mutual respect.
  • Be honest about your past experience, education, income or other issues. The facts will likely surface later on and can minimise your success
  • Keep appointments, return calls, and communicate. Have ready references, both business and personal
  • Avoid unnecessary follow-up. It’s counterproductive. The recruiter or client will call you if he or she has a good reason
  • If, for whatever reason you don’t make it to the next round be aware that there are others in the process

Recruiter Benefits

  • Commitment: Companies using a recruiter are serious about their vacancy
  • Presentation: A recruiter introducing you to a client makes you stand out from the crowd of applicants
  • Opens up more opportunity: Many searches are confidential
  • Preparation: We can provide valuable insight into the client company, culture and people
  • Our relationship with candidates is based on trust and mutual respect
  • Together, we can explore the options within our client list that are best suited to you