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Finding the Right Contract Role for YOU

You’ve decided to consider a contract position – great choice! Contract roles are an excellent option if you are looking for more flexibility in your schedule and control of your workload. They are also a great alternative if you enjoy working on short-term projects/assignments or if you are transitioning careers and looking to gain experience in a new industry.

Now let’s get to work on your search! If you are new to contract positions, don’t worry–Xplora is here to help you through every step of the way. While the overall process is similar to that of a direct hire role, searching for a temporary role requires a slightly different approach and thought process. Keep reading for tips on how to set yourself up for a successful search and find the right interim role to fit your needs.

Step 1: Plan & Brainstorm

Before you begin your job search, take some time to write down a list of what you are looking for in your next position such as industry, type of company, and skill requirements/qualifications. It can also be helpful to highlight what you are looking for in terms of length of contract, work schedule, benefits, company culture, location, types of projects, growth trajectory, etc. This list will be helpful for you to reference throughout the process and will help you stay on track to landing the right position for you.

Step 2: Research & Evaluate

Prior to applying to a position, be sure to research the company and familiarize yourself with all aspects of the role (requirements, qualifications, benefits, etc.).

Here are some factors to consider and questions to ask yourself:

  • Length of the contract – does the length of the contract align with my future career goals?
  • Compensation and benefits – will they allow me to meet my financial goals and other needs?
  • Personal preferences – does this company prioritize work-life balance?
  • Potential for career growth – does this position offer opportunities for professional development and career advancement?

Once you have a good understanding of the company and position, refer to the list you created in Step 1. If you feel this position checks most of the boxes, go ahead and apply!

Step 3: Consider Engaging a Recruiting Agency

Did you know that Xplora has an interim staffing division? We have tons of opportunities (remote, hybrid and on-site) across numerous industries in the greater Philadelphia area. Our team will leverage our vast network and provide you the resources to get you where you want to go! We pride ourselves on providing our candidates the best possible experience and taking the time to truly understand your goals. Reach out to our team today and let’s set up a meeting to discuss how we can help open those doors!

Below are some additional resources to help you through the job search process:

How To Find Contract Jobs in 6 Steps (Plus Tips) | Indeed.com

7 Benefits of Taking a Contract Position – TekCom Resources, Inc.

Working as a Contract or Temporary Employee (linkedin.com)

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How to Set Yourself Up for Success in 2023

Now that we are nearing the end of January and really getting into the swing of things, it is a good time to identify or revisit your 2023 career goals. We all know that it can be easy to forget or break your New Year’s resolutions before January is even over…this year we can change that. Whether you are looking to make a complete industry shift, a lateral move or anything in between, we can help you get started. Keep reading for tips on how to set goals in 2023 – and actually stick to them!


Step 1: Identify Your Goals

If you have already created your goals, take some time to revisit and reevaluate them. If you haven’t, take some time to brainstorm. For career-related goals, it can be helpful to ask yourself questions like…

  • What would I like to accomplish by the end of this year?
  • What kind of company do I envision myself working at?
  • What type of work/projects do I find interesting?
  • What type of culture/team fits best with my personality?
  • What aspects of my current role do I enjoy/dislike?
  • What am I passionate about/what is my dream role?

Once you answer these questions, write down a list of a few realistic, yet challenging goals. Hang the list above your desk, workspace, or anywhere that you know you will be able to see it every day. Later on in this process it will be helpful to have something to refer back to if you ever feel that you are losing sight of your endgame (more on this later!).


Step 2: Create an Action Plan

Now that you have clearly defined your goals, it is time to develop your action plan. This will look different for everyone. In order to make a solid plan, ask yourself questions like…

  • What is the very first step on my checklist for each goal?
  • When can I allocate time each day/week to complete my tasks?
  • What can I do every day/week/month/quarter to get me closer to my goals?
  • Do I have all the resources I need in order to get started?
  • Have I done the proper research (if necessary) to feel confident in this process?
  • What is a realistic time frame for accomplishing each goal?

Once you have a clear starting point and action plan, it’s time to get to work! Keep in mind, this process will not be linear. Any time you are working towards a challenging goal, it is inevitable that there will be some rough points along the way. It can be very easy for discouragement and frustration to cloud your view and cause you to lose sight of the bigger picture. This is a good time for you to refer back to the goals you hung above your desk in Step 1, and then look to Step 3 to evaluate your progress. The important part is that you keep pushing no matter how difficult it may seem…you will thank yourself later!


Step 3: Hold Yourself Accountable

You have created your goals and developed an action plan…now comes the tricky part: following through with it! As easy as it is to set goals/resolutions, we all know it is much harder to actually stick to them.

It will be helpful to develop daily, weekly, and monthly benchmark goals and create a ‘checkpoint’ schedule to ensure you are staying on track. During each checkpoint, take some time to evaluate your progress and ask yourself questions like…

  • What is my progress so far/what have I accomplished during this process?
  • Have I done all that I can today/this week/this month to bring me one step closer?
  • What have been the roadblocks along the way (if any) and how can I overcome them?
  • What have I done well/what has been the biggest challenge so far during this process?
  • What has been working for me/what has not been working for me during this process?
  • Do I feel that I should make any revisions to my overall goals and/or action plan?

This is the step of the process that is the most overlooked, causing resolutions and goals to go by the wayside. Accountability is the key to the following through and achieving your goals.


Looking for a new position in Accounting, Finance or IT? Let us be a part of your 2023 action plan! We, at Xplora, have the resources and connections to get you where you want to go and are always here to help kickstart your search. Reach out to our team today and let’s discuss how we can help you find your dream job!

Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn to stay in the loop on our current job opportunities!

  • On our website, go to ‘Current Openings’ or click here to check it out!
  • On our website, go to ‘Current Openings’ or click here to check it out!

If you liked this post, check these out:

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Career Advancement – Xplora (xplorasearch.com)

Xplora’s Job Search Resources – Xplora (xplorasearch.com)

The Right Team. Right Now.
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Xplora’s Job Search Resources

We, at Xplora, are always here for you when you are looking to take that next step in your career! We have so many resources to help you kick off your job search. Keep reading to learn more!


Social Media Updates

We share tons of content on our social media accounts including weekly ‘hot job’ updates, news about our placements and a variety of industry-related articles. Follow us today to stay in the loop!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xplora-search-group/

Facebook: Xplora Search Group | Facebook

Instagram: Xplora Search Group (@xplorasearch)


Job Postings

Did you know you can apply to jobs on LinkedIn and directly our website? We list both temporary and permanent positions across numerous industries such as Accounting, Finance, and IT. Check out these links every week for updates.

LinkedIn: (10) Xplora Search Group: Jobs | LinkedIn

Website: Current Openings – Xplora (xplorasearch.com)


Contact Us

We are always here for you! Here are some ways you can reach out to our team:

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Tips for Reducing Job Search Stress

You’ve made the decision to change jobs. Congratulations, this is such an exciting time and a great opportunity to manifest your dream position! Whether you are looking to make a complete industry shift, a lateral movement or anything in between, one thing is for certain – you must begin the job search process in order to turn your dreams into a reality.

It’s no secret that this process can get a bit stressful. You’ve heard the cliché, ‘looking for a job is a full-time job’ (let’s just say, it’s a cliché for a reason). The fear of the unknown coupled with countless steps in the process is enough to cause anyone to feel overwhelmed. No need to worry…Xplora’s got you covered. We are here to help you remain organized and stress-free, every step of the way! Keep reading for 5 tips to manage your job search anxiety.

1. Create a schedule

It is helpful to develop a schedule while job searching. In many cases, people who are job searching are still working an actual job! Without a clear schedule, it can be easy to lose control and become overwhelmed. Allocate a certain window of time every day/week that you want to devote to your search and do your best to stick to it.

2. Set benchmark goals

Set realistic goals and deadlines to hold yourself accountable during the process. At the beginning of each week, write down a list of 3-5 things you want to accomplish and check them off as you complete Maybe you have a few applications to finish or need to prepare for an interview. Identifying short term goals is a great way to stay motivated every step of the way.

3. Stay positive

It’s easy to become discouraged or lose sight of your end goals during this time. There may be instances in which you feel like your hard work isn’t paying off. Maybe you haven’t heard back from a company you were really interested in, or maybe you are nervous about an upcoming interview for your dream position. If you feel this start to happen, acknowledge it, and make a conscious effort to shift your mentality. Remember that finding the right job for you rarely happens overnight. We know that a mindset shift is much easier said than done, but patience and resilience will pay off in the end.

4. Celebrate the small wins

Be sure to celebrate your successes along the way—no matter how small! Maybe you moved onto the next round in the interview process or achieved one of your weekly goals. Be sure to take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and how far you have come.

5. Take a break

If you feel yourself starting to get burnt out or discouraged, taking a quick break can go a long way! Take a bit of time during the day to do something that makes you happy—listen to your favorite song, grab a cup of coffee, or take your dog for a walk outside. Whatever it is, you will likely return to your desk feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to face any challenges that come your way!

Just remember to take things one day at a time…you’ve got this!

If you are seeking a position in the Accounting & Finance or IT industries, we can have the connections to get you where you want to go. Reach out to our team today and let’s discuss how we can help you find your dream job!

The Right Team. Right Now.
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How to Handle the Waiting Period After an Interview

You’ve applied for the job, prepared for your interviews, sent your ‘thank you’ emails…so, now what?!

It’s no secret that the waiting periods are one of the most frustrating aspects of the job search process. In our last post, we discussed what to do while waiting to hear back after applying for a job. Now let’s discuss what you can do while waiting to hear the verdict after your interview. This time, you are probably asking yourself questions like…

How long until I know if I got the job?

Unfortunately, there is no magic number of days you will wait between your final interview and a response. It is important to remember that every company has a different hiring process and schedule. However, this question is extremely common, as timing is everything in a job search. A good way to proactively handle this concern is to bring it up to the hiring manager during the interview. At the end of each interview, be sure to inquire about next steps. If it is the final round, the interviewer will likely respond with details about who will be contacting you and when. Asking about next steps is a good way to demonstrate your continued interest in the position and ease your mind as well. Communication is key during this process!

…It’s been a few weeks since your interview, and you still haven’t heard anything. You’re probably feeling a bit nervous and starting to lose hope. This is understandable, as the harsh reality is that some companies do, in fact, ghost candidates. However, this is not always the case…

According to this article,

Jobvite’s 2021 Recruiting Benchmark Report shows a time-to-hire of 14-30 days for 54% of employers, with 70% of employers filling openings in less than 30 days. Glassdoor reports an average of 23.8 days to get an offer in the United States


What should I do if I haven’t heard back after an interview?

While waiting to hear back from a job, there are a couple things that you should do. At this point you are probably feeling disappointed and simply looking for closure. Try not to make assumptions or let your emotions get the best of you at this point. Here are some things you can do:

  • Continue Your Job Search

Even if you are feeling super confident you got the job, you never want to put all your eggs in one basket. During the waiting period, keep applying and interviewing for other positions. You won’t ever regret keeping your options open!

  • Send a Follow-Up Email

You’ve probably already sent a ‘thank you’ email after your interview, but a follow-up is simply meant to check in and prompt the hiring manager to respond with an update.

Worried it is too soon to send a follow-up? Consider the time it took to hear back after applying and after your preliminary interviews. Also, account for what the hiring manager said during the interview (if anything) regarding when you should hear back. Once you take all that into consideration and decide that a follow-up email is necessary, draft out a short message to check in on your status and stay in touch. Whether they respond or not, you will get clarity.

If you receive a response: remember that any update is better than no update, regardless of its nature! They may respond with a final decision, or they may say that they are still deliberating. In some cases, they will let you know when you should expect to hear from them.

If you do not receive a response: if you do not hear anything within a week after following up, it is unlikely you will get a response at all. Unfortunately, at this point it is safe to assume that you are being ghosted and have not been selected for the position. As upsetting as this can be, it will still provide you with the closure you need to move on in your job search.

Follow-Up Email Examples for After the Interview | Indeed.com

  • Relax & Unwind

It is easy to get down on yourself during times like this. You feel helpless and start overanalyzing everything. Now is the time to take a step back. Remember that you have worked hard and have done absolutely everything that you can do – you deserve a break! The job interview process can be very time consuming and mentally draining. It is important to remember to practice self-care. Take some time for yourself to do something that makes you happy.

10 Ways to Practice Self-Care During the Job Search – JobFlare

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How to Handle the Waiting Period After Submitting an Application

Let’s face it…there is a lot of waiting involved in the job search process. These waiting periods can be even more stressful than the actual application or interview. The initial waiting period comes after you submit your application. During this time, you are probably waiting by the phone, checking your email multiple times a day and asking yourself questions like

How long should it take to hear back after applying?

While it would be great if there was one set answer, some companies fill certain positions very quickly, while others take a longer time. Every company has a different hiring process and therefore operates on different timelines. It all depends on things like urgency, company size, number of applicants, etc.

According to this article,

“Depending on what’s happening within a company, the urgency to fill the role can vary. In fact, during a job search, people report a wide range of experiences…

  • 44% hear from employers within a couple weeks of applying
  • 37% hear back within one week
  • Only 4% hear back within one day…”

What should I do if I haven’t heard back after applying?

If you haven’t heard anything for a while – don’t panic! It doesn’t necessarily mean that you did not get an interview…give it a couple of weeks. During this time, apply to other positions and continue your job search as usual – it is always good to keep your options open.

Don’t get too in your head about it or take it personally if you have not received a timely response. It is easy to overlook the fact that hiring managers are often very busy and have many applications to sort through before they can reach out and offer interviews.

If a couple weeks go by and you still haven’t heard anything, feel free to send a follow-up email. Doing so will further express your interest, get the conversation going and help you stand out as a candidate. If you have the hiring manager’s contact information, you can reach out to them directly. These articles have some great templates for follow-up emails for when you are waiting to hear back after applying:

These limbo periods can be frustrating; however, it is important to not stress over the things you can’t control. To get through this difficult time, just remember that you gave your best effort and things will work out the way they are supposed to!

Sad businesswoman leaving office after being let go

Termination vs. Layoff – How Does it Impact your Job Search?

We associate being fired from a job with unsettling words like ‘terminated’ or ‘laid off’. These anxiety-inducing words are often believed to be synonymous. However, they have distinct differences. Keep reading to learn about these key differences and what you should account for as you move forward in your job search.


Termination

What Does it Mean?

Termination means that the employee was let go by the company as a result of performance issues (low quality work, insubordination, stealing time/resources, harassment etc.). In other words, termination occurs when the employee is at fault.

How Does it Impact your Job Search?

Understand the reason for your termination and ask for constructive criticism

The ‘silver lining’ is that it will be a learning experience that will allow you to identify your weaknesses and determine how you can improve in your next position.  

Plan how you are going to explain the situation to hiring managers in future job interviews

This is not something that you want to try to hide – honesty is crucial right off the bat. Ensure that you have a poised and professional response prepared. When explaining what happened, put a positive spin on it by showing all that you have learned from your mistakes and how you are going to improve upon them if hired.

Secure references in case they are needed during future application processes

Think about your past positions…do you have previous employers who would vouch for you? If so, it is a good idea to reach out to them and ask if they would be willing to write you a referral if needed.

Look for a new job that is the right fit for your skill set and a company culture that meshes well with your personality

In certain cases, an employee termination can simply be a result of the fact that their personality did not mesh well within the work environment. That’s okay – some cultures are not the right fit for everyone. Take some time to evaluate and identify all aspects you are looking for in your next company.


Layoff

What Does it Mean?

Being laid off means that the employee was let go by the company for reasons other than the employee’s performance (downsizing, outsourcing). In other words, a layoff happens when the company is at fault.

How Does it Impact your Job Search?

The door may still be open

In certain cases, a layoff could sometimes mean that you are eligible for rehire by the same company at a later date. Your former employer will likely have mentioned this to you. If this was not discussed, it is safe to assume that door is closed for the time being and that you should go ahead and begin your job search whenever you feel ready.

Apply for unemployment

If you are having trouble finding a new job or just want to ensure you stay on your feet and lessen some of that job search stress, it is a good idea to apply. As a laid off employee, you have a high chance of approval!

Explain your situation in your cover letter or interview

A layoff is something that is easily explainable to potential employers, there is nothing to be ashamed of. It is better to address your situation rather than making hiring managers try to fill in the gaps themselves. This will ease their minds and increase your chances of getting an interview/getting hired.

Keep a positive attitude and remain hopeful

Remember, a layoff has nothing to do with your performance…don’t be too hard on yourself. It is just an unfortunate situation that happened to affect your position at the company; you should not take it personally.


Whether you were terminated or laid off, you are still out of a job. Here are some additional things you can do to facilitate your job search:

Network as much as possible

Explore LinkedIn and connect with hiring managers of companies that interest you. Send messages expressing your interest and selling your skills. Attend networking events and get your resume out there. Once you get the conversation going, you never know where it could lead you!

Engage a recruiting agency

Are you interested in a position in Finance, Accounting, or IT? Xplora will help you customize your search and proactively identify the right companies for you, based on your search criteria.

Apply for freelance/consulting work

If you are having trouble finding a permanent position, there are numerous freelance platforms that allow you to market your skills and connect with companies in need of consultants. If you are interested in consulting work and looking to engaging a recruiting agency, Xplora places countless candidates in temporary and temporary-to-permanent positions. Temporary jobs are a fantastic way to grow your network and explore different opportunities.

Let us help you take that next step to finding your dream job!

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10 Tips for Starting a New Job

Starting a new job can be stressful – there’s a bunch of new people to meet, lots to learn and countless new adjustments. We have all the tips and tricks you need to help you get a head start and make a good first impression on the big day!

Plan Ahead

Is your start date approaching? Time to start planning ahead. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to the hiring manager prior to your start date. This will show that you are proactive and organized. It will also eliminate feelings of uncertainty and ease some of those first day jitters.

Practice Your Commute

If you have a commute to the office, consider doing a practice commute prior to your start date. This is a great way to ensure that you show up on time and know what to expect the day of. It will also allow you to determine the best time to leave in the morning and the most efficient way to get there.

Know the Dress Code

Determine the dress code ahead of time to avoid over or underdressing. Think back to how the hiring managers dressed during the interview process. If you aren’t certain – ask! Take your preparation a step further by picking out your first day outfit in advance, that way you have one less thing to think about on the morning of the big day!

Have a Positive Attitude

A positive attitude goes a long way. It will help you make a great first impression and will show that you are excited and grateful for the opportunity. It will also help you feel more confident!

Connect With Your Coworkers

During the first couple weeks, it is important to put yourself out there and establish relationships with the people in your department. Building a rapport with your coworkers will ease some of that new-job anxiety and ensure that you have a smooth transition into the work environment.

Consistently Show up Eager to Learn

Be sure to always show up eager to learn, especially during the training process. You will make a good impression if you show your curiosity and desire for understanding. It will also make your training more enjoyable for everyone!

Communicate Your Learning Style

It is a good idea to communicate your learning style to whoever is training you. Whether that means you learn best from taking notes, shadowing, watching, pictures etc. This will help them, help you! It will also help facilitate the training process for everyone.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

All jobs have learning curves, and no one will expect you to know everything right away. If you are unsure of something and have done everything you could to try and figure it out, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Asking questions is just a part of the learning process – don’t fight it.

Set Mini Goals for Yourself

During training, setting small goals for yourself is a good way to hold yourself accountable and get ramped up as fast as possible. Once you master the small things you will be on the right track to tackle the big things! You will have a sense of pride when you are able to accomplish them.

Don’t be Too Hard on Yourself

Remember, you are your worst critic – minor road bumps at a new job are perfectly natural and expected. All new jobs have growing pains and it is okay to make mistakes in the beginning – don’t beat yourself up for it. Instead, just see every mistake as a learning opportunity.

YOU GOT THIS!

The Right Team. Right Now.
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Focusing on YOU in 2022

Don’t let this year’s work resolutions fall by the wayside.

This year, look at your career and set some measurable goals that you can track. Here are some for the new year that will make it your best work year yet!

Update your resume

Make it a work goal for the year to review and edit your resume, even if you don’t plan on applying anywhere. It’s always best to update your resume periodically before you lose track of the information you need.

Create a new professional connection per month

There’s no downside to increasing the size of your professional network. Try to find at least one person per month to add to your LinkedIn connections.

Improve your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is crucial to your overall personal brand. Just like your resume, you need to keep the information, tone, and look of it up to date.

Get a new professional headshot

Depending on your career, your profile photo may be casual or professional in its nature. The key is to select a photo that is high quality.

Send a thank-you note each month

Each month, think of someone who did something nice for you. It could have been a LinkedIn recommendation, an introduction to a valuable networking connection, a free lunch, or a small, kind gesture at the office.  

Volunteer for a cause you care about

Find a cause that is meaningful to you and sign up to contribute. If you can get your office to make an official event of it and recruit co-workers to volunteer with you.

Clean out your e-mail inbox

Your email inbox is probably flooded with old, useless emails. Organize your email files, sort those emails, and delete what doesn’t need to be there anymore.

Make it a priority to stay healthier at work

Take the stairs. Get up and stretch every hour. Test out a standing desk. Meal prep the night before so you don’t feel the need to rush through lunch. Think small and you’ll find that those little things add up.

Now that you’ve made your New Year’s work resolutions, let’s get it done!!

The Right Team. Right Now.

How to Effectively Onboard New Hires

You have already worked with your dedicated recruiter during the hiring process—identifying and testing for must-haves and building a diverse pool of candidates. 

As a hiring manager, you have the most important role in a candidate’s success. No matter how busy you are, it is worth taking the time to think through their onboarding experience. 

Here are some tips for effective onboarding:

Align expectations.

Nothing will matter more for the success of your new hire than your alignment on what they are expected to contribute and accomplish in their role. Help them understand the full scope of their role. Ask your new hire to propose a few goals of their own. Now is a great time to reflect on your preferences, traditions, and requirements regarding communication, relationship-building, and the work itself.

Let them learn and do.

No matter how qualified they are, your new hire (or newly promoted staff person) will need development to excel in their role. Consider how you will support them through an array of learning opportunities. We would recommend frontloading learning and relationship-building as you ramp up the doing.  Be intentional about pacing and sequencing.

Instill good habits.

You only get one chance to start a new relationship. The best part of a new management relationship is that you can normalize the use of tools, practices, and processes from the beginning. Use your onboarding process to create and reinforce good management habits. Scheduling regular checks in’s is a great practice. Share praise and constructive feedback in your check-ins and do debriefs. The more you can normalize feedback from the beginning, the better you’ll be set up for your long-term relationship.

Let them know that they belong.

The more welcomed, respected, and valued people feel, the more empowered they are to contribute their best.  As the manager, you have a unique opportunity and responsibility to cultivate and maintain a sense of belonging for your new staff member. In their first few months, your new employee will need your help to establish connections across the organization and with key client relationships.

The Right Team. Right Now.