608 SE 6th Street, Suite 4, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 468-3636

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Are your References working for you?


When looking for a job, references can give you the edge over other qualified candidates. But good references don't just happen, they need to be created, coached and informed.
Choose people that know you and your work. A well known top executive may be an attention getter on your reference list but if he's contacted, and hasn't heard of you, then you are sunk. Make sure your references know who you are, what you can offer a potential employer and that you are looking for a new position.
Get permission from a source before you put them on your reference list. Confirm all appropriate information and find out how they wish to be contacted. Another good idea is to go over what important skills you would like your reference to highlight. If more then one reference refers to the same highlighted skill you will come off as a shining star.
Written references in the form of letters of recommendation can also be an important job seeker tool. Get letters of recommendation throughout your career and collect them with other awards and achievements and place everything in a "Prove It" file. Keep this file handy to present whenever you are asked about your past job experiences.
If you are applying for a very competitive position you need to carefully think about your references. The last thing you would want to happen is to have your co-worker, who was listed as a reference, get offered the job you were interviewing for. Use references that can speak highly about your skills but aren't necessarily doing the same job.
Finally, do not list your references on your resume. When interviewing you should have a typed list of references with contact information ready to be handed out when asked for.
If you follow these simple guidelines you will have complete success with this important part of the job search process.
For interesting articles like this one and for the latest hot job opportunities available visit us at http://www.kuninassociates.com and subscribe to our twice a month newsletter!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Sr. Audit Consultant

Senior Audit Consultant

Great opportunity with a Fortune 500 company in Miami. In this exciting position you will lead and conduct the planning, coordination and performance of financial reviews, internal control reviews, and business process reviews for the company as well as develop and monitor audit programs to promote effective audit coverage, evaluate system controls, and provide written reports of audit findings. 3+ years audit experience needed in a Big 4 or large private firm, CPA or CIA highly desired. Great exposure with excellent career advancement potential.

Salary Range: $65,000 to $75,000
Email resume to: JFarrick@KuninAssociates.com

Friday, May 22, 2009

Phone Interview Tips


Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as a way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.
If you are lucky you will have a predetermined time for a phone interview, but other calls might come unexpected. Make certain you always have your resume, paper and pen within reach. Expect to get questions asking you to show you actually have the skills to accomplish the goals for the open position. Be prepared to give well-thought-out and concise examples of how you have performed in the past.
When the call comes, place your self in a quiet environment, shut off the radio, turn off call waiting and step away from the blackberry. You need to be completely focused on the interview taking place. At the beginning of the interview make certain to get the interviewer's name and phone number. If for some reason, the call comes at an inappropriate time, ask if you can call back later.
Consider getting dressed up for the interview. Even though no one will see you, studies have shown that people act their best and have more confidence in themselves when they are dressed professionally. If you have a favorite suit that fits you well, and you like the way it looks, this will make you feel better about yourself, and thus sound more confident over the phone.
Other helpful phone interview tips include: 1)Stand up while talking, this will give you more confidence and energy. 2) Smile, although it may sound counter intuitive, people can hear a smile. Smiling will make the tone of your voice up beat and project a positive image. 3) Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. 4) Take your time when answering questions, collect your thoughts before responding to a potentially career defining question. 5) Make certain to answer the question that is asked of you. 6) Be a good listener. Avoid interrupting the interviewer before he completes his thought or question. 7) Focus on what you can do and what you can offer.
Finally, if you are truly interested in the position make sure you express your interest to the interviewer and ask what the next step will be. Remember to say "Thank you" and follow up with a thank you note. After the phone conversation write down everything that was asked of you and how you responded.
By following these simple tips you will present yourself in the best possible light and will be one step closer to an in-person interview. Please contact Kunin Associates if you have any additional questions about phone interviewing at 954-467-9575, and one of our Recruiters would be happy to speak with you.
If you would like to receive our twice a month newsletter with interesting articles and hot job opportunities subscribe at http://www.kuninassociates.com

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Kunin Associates Helps Out in the Community


Jim Farrick, Business Manager at Kunin Associates, volunteered on Friday May 15, 2009 at the Riverwalk Trust "Yappy Hour". The event took place in the public park area behind the Cheesecake Factory on Las Olas and was attended by more then 600 people and 200 dogs. Funds raised went to the Riverwalk Trust and the Broward County Humane Society. Jim helped set up the event and also sold tickets at the door. "It was a great event and very well attended and I look forward to the next one" stated Jim. The Riverwalk Trust is planning the next "Yappy Hour" in the fall, check out www.goriverwalk.com for information.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Landing a Job in Another City


Has your spouse or significant other been transferred to a different city? Have you always wanted to live in snow country? Do you need to move closer to family? All of these situations can leave you wondering "How do I look for employment in a different city then where I live?" Below are guidelines in helping you find the job you want in a new city.

1) To begin contact a Recruiting firm. A benefit of working with Kunin Associates is that we are a member of a national network of recruiting firms known as AAFA. AAFA has offices in most of the larger metropolitan areas through out the US and into Canada. You can meet with a Kunin Associates recruiter and we can share your information with other Recruiters in our network, giving you instant national reach and allowing you to jump start your career in a different city.
2) Do research on the area you are interested in moving to. Find out what industries are popular and what major companies have offices there. Determine how your background can benefit those firms. Also contact the local Chamber of Commerce to get a better idea of the business climate and go online to read the local newspaper.
3) Update your resume. Most employers will not seriously consider a candidate without a local address. If you know your future address list it as a 'local address' and then list your current address as a 'permanent address'. If no local address is available to you, then list the date you will be moving on your resume.
4) If you are in the difficult situation of not being able to move until you have a job, you will face a harder challenge. The best way to handle this situation is to pre-plan several trips to your new city and let potential employers know when you will be there and available to interview. All of this information can be explained in your cover letter and demonstrates you are committed to relocating and your job search.
5) Start working your network. Contact everyone you know from business associates, to clients, to vendors, to family and friends and ask if they know anyone in the intended area. This is also a great opportunity to contact a local chapter of a national organization you belong to. Reach out and tell them you are relocating and would welcome an introduction to local business leaders. The point being, everyone has a network of their own, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

Visit us http://www.kuninassociates.com and subscribe to our twice a month newsletter!

Good Interview Questions to Ask or Prepare For


The interview is one of the most crucial steps in the job search process. It allows everyone involved to get a better idea of each party and what they bring to the table. However, it can be difficult in determining what questions are best to ask in order to get a full understanding of someones competency. Below are suggested questions for an interviewer, but also are a great tool for the interviewee.

Leadership: Defined as acting as a role model, anticipating and planning for change and communicating a vision to a team.

How have you gotten a team to improve its performance?
Describe a situation where you led a team through a change.
How have you overcome resistance from a team?
How do you motivate others in a stressful situation?
When were you least successful in being a leader?
Conflict Management: Managing and resolving conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.

How have conflicts been a driving force in your experience?
Describe how you deal with conflict in your team.
Give an example of how you have handled a difficult member of your team.
What have you done to avoid conflict?
Independence: Thinking outside standard policies.

Describe a situation where you went against standard policy to accomplish a goal.
Have you ever made a decision that wasn't yours to make?
When is it OK to go against 'company policy'?
What constraints do you feel you have in your current position?
What type of decisions do you feel are required by a superior?
Decision Making: Being decisive in a timely and effective manner.

What big decisions have you made recently?
What decisions have you put off the longest?
Describe a time when you needed to make a decision without having all the facts.
What has been an outcome of a bad decision you made?
Describe a situation where a decision you made was unpopular with others. How did you handle it?
Integrity: Ethics in the workplace.

Describe a time when it was needed to lie in order to achieve a goal.
Describe a time when someone asked you to lie for them; how did you handle it?
How would you handle it if your boss asked you to do something illegal?
How do you define integrity?


Above are just a few ideas of competency level questions that can be asked. All give an insight into how an employee will contribute to a company's success. Please contact Kunin Associates if you need assistance in phrasing questions that are appropriate to your hiring needs.

www.Kuninassociates.com

Friday, May 15, 2009

The Importance of the Application


Currently most companies will require a job applicant to fill out an application. As tedious as this task may be it is an important step in the interview process. Refusing to fill out an application or stating 'it's all on my resume' does not shine a favorable light on you.

An application will often require more details than what is on your resume including specific dates of employment, prior wages, supervisor's names and how you were referred to the company. Take the time to answer all questions completely and make sure your information matches what is on your resume.

When filling out the application do not leave any questions blank. If something does not refer to you write N/A or not applicable. This will ensure the reader that you saw the question and it has been answered.

Applications are most often given to you upon arrival for an interview. Be prepared by bringing a pen, your resume, the exact dates when you worked, names and numbers for references, an ID and proof that you can work legally in the United States. Take the extra step and have everything written out prior to your arrival and simply transfer the information. Better yet, try and get a copy of the application before the interview and bring it already completed.

Some applications may contain a signed release for the company to complete a background check, a credit check, or permission to contact previous employers and references. Before signing make certain all information is correct and that you are aware of what liberties you are giving a potential employer. A signed application may also represent that you verify all information provided is true and valid.

Avoid abbreviations when filling out an application. What may seem obvious to you as an expert in the industry may be foreign to the Human Resources Specialist or Recruiter that is trying to process your information.

Finally, be truthful in all your answers. Not only can potential employers check your information on line, but they will also verify it with your past employers and references. If the details do not match up you could quickly find yourself out of consideration for the job. If you need help completing an application please give one of our professional recruiters at Kunin Associates a call at 954-467-9575.
To get more interesting articles like this directly to your e-mail address please visit us at http://www.kuninassociates.com and subscribe to our twice a month newsletter!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Thank You Notes


It is highly recommended to send a thank you note after every interview and should go out within 24 hours. A hand written or hard copy thank you will make you stand out, but an emailed note is becoming more and more acceptable. If you interviewed with several people at one firm, it is a good idea to send a note to each person because you do not know who might be the actual decision maker.

Sending a thank you note will demonstrate your writing capability and show how well you can communicate your thoughts. When writing your note, express your interest and enthusiasm for the position. Try to be specific in what part of the job you are interested in and how you would make the right fit for it. This is a good opportunity for you to reiterate your accomplishments and successes.

The thank you note will also allow you to address any issues or concerns that you forgot to mention or is in need of clarification. If additional information has been requested during the interview include it in your thank you note.

Another good suggestion is to personalize your thank you note by directly referring to a discussion that took place during the interview. This will help the interviewer remember who you are amongst the many candidates that may have interviewed for the position.

Make sure to proof read your thank you note. You want it to represent you as professionally as you would in person. And finally, if after a week of sending your note you haven't heard anything, it is perfectly acceptable to call and check on the status of the position.


For this and more useful tips, please visit and subscribe to our twice a month newsletter at http://www.kuninassociates.com

Does Richard Deserve a Raise?


Effective Performance Reviews

Richard comes to you asking for a raise. You think to yourself, what has Richard been doing this past year? You remember the one project that you almost lost due to his mistake, but you also forgot the 2 deals he was crucial in closing. A properly planned out performance review will help you get through this situation.

The purpose of a performance review is to define a clear basis for wage increases, promotions, disciplinary action and other job related issues. By following these tips you will be able to deal with Richard's request for a raise.
• Develop a job description for each position within your firm and update it as a position evolves. Make certain each employee has a clear understanding of what is expected of him.
• Design a standard form for performance reviews that includes a rating system and place for comments. Always date it and make note of all people involved.
• Let the employee know in advance when their review will be in order that they may properly prepare.
• Maintain an employee log through out the year documenting all accomplishments, contributions and mishandled projects.
• Begin with the person's strengths and then tactfully move into any weaknesses. This will avoid the employee becoming defensive and should create a more open dialogue.
• The review should include specific and measurable goals with an action plan on how they can be accomplished.
• Encourage feedback from your employee and make it a two-way conversation.
• Be careful to keep your comments to observable behaviors and not personality traits.
• Conclude the review by summarizing what actions need to be made in the future and re-emphasizing your employee's strengths. End on a positive note.
Remember, Richard as well as your other employees, are your most valuable assets (and one of the most expensive). If they are treated fairly, respected and provided with proper feedback and reviews your efforts will be rewarded by having a successful business.
If you need help in handling a performance review please give the professionals at Kunin Associates a call and we would be happy to provide assistance.

http://www.kuninassociates.com

Friday, May 8, 2009

Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Skills needed for this Hot Opportunity: CPA, 3-5 years of a mix of Public and Private accounting, attention to detail, experience in financial reports and J/Es, and a thorough understanding of accounting principles. This company of top notch professionals is located in Miami and has outstanding systems and resources and will offer you a great quality of life. Apply now, don’t let this one pass you by.

Salary Range: $65,000 to $80,000
Send Resume to: JFarrick@KuninAssociates.com

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Accounting Clerk/Staff Accountant Needed

Accounting Clerk/Staff Accountant

Our client is a growing Miami retail company that needs to hire an Accounting Clerk/Staff Accountant. This position will be responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciling banks statements, recording sales taxes, credit card receivables and other assigned tasks. Qualified candidates must be detail oriented, have 2-3 years accounting experience, knowledgeable with computers and bilingual. Good opportunity for growth in a positive environment.

Salary Range: $27,000 to $33,000
Email resume to: JFarrick@KuninAssociates.com

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

1040k Run

Check our 1040k Run event video!
http://kanetechnologyadvisor.com/1040k/1040k.swf


Networking That Gets You Contacts!


Your faced with a huge dilemma at work. No one on your staff can help. If only you could find that contact you need in your Rolodex. But wait, your Rolodex is anemic. What can you do to avoid this situation in the future? Begin to network. Networking is used for finding new clients, sharing resources, looking for a new job and social stimulation among other things. It is an investment for the future that will grow and prosper over time if nourished and supported. Below are tips for creating an effective network.

1. Know your reason to Network. Do you want to meet business contacts? Are you looking for referrals? Are you looking to promote your business? Or, are you looking for a new job?
2. Know who you want to reach and why. If you are networking for new clients come up with an 'ideal client' and figure out where you would go to meet this person.
3. Keep things in perspective and don't over do it. If you go to too many events you'll burn yourself out and wont want to go again. When trying to build contacts, it is better to frequent a few groups over the long run then to go sporadically to many. Relationships are built over time.
4. Find out who knows who. When you are talking to people find out what they do for work and fun. Continue the conversation and find out what their spouses, friends and neighbors also do for a living and fun. You just never know where that contact will come from.
5. Make notes about everyone you meet and their interests. This will help jog your memory when trying to remember who can help you find that qualified accountant.
6. Be generous with your time and knowledge with others. A good networking contact is mutually beneficial to both parties. You may have information to help someone now, and they may not reciprocate for months down the road.
7. Increase your standing at networking events by becoming a facilitator. Introduce the person you are talking with to other members of the group. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated and will lead to other introductions.
8. Follow-Up. Always provide information that was promised in an initial meeting. This will be a way to put your name in front of someone again and to create a working relationship.
By following the above tips your networking abilities should become second nature and you wont even realize you are doing it. And remember, always look approachable, be charming, and carry plenty of Business Cards.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Controller Needed In Miami

Controller

Our client is a stable, growing Financial Services company located in Miami and is looking to hire a Controller. This is a real hands-on type of position with responsibilities including supervising an accounting staff, preparing monthly financial statements, coordinating SOX work and reporting to the parent company for SEC reports. Financial Services industry experience is necessary, 7-9 years progressive accounting experience and strong organizational and analytical skills. Professional environment that is both family and team oriented.

Salary Range: $110,000 to $130,000
Email resume to: JFarrick@KuninAssociates.com