According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 million employees have left their jobs voluntarily every month since June 2017. Every day at Purple Ink, we are contacted by job seekers who want to know if we have any connections in their specific line of work. Luckily, we might have an open position for one of our clients, but if we don’t, we always connect, share resumes, and keep our eyes open for a potential opportunity match.

What helps me when I connect with active job seekers is how much thought they have put in to their current search. I love when they know what industry they want to work in, and even what area of town. I find that keeping options open is good to a point, but ultimately, deep down you have a passion and need to follow it. I truly appreciate the individual that is confident in their skills and knows what type of work culture they want to join. Several of our clients will tell us something like, “Skills can be taught, I want someone who has a passion for innovation and a lively personality to spearhead two new projects on our horizon.” If I’m connecting with a job seeker that can’t stop talking about visions they have and how they love to manage projects – perfecto! – I might have a match!

At Purple Ink, we also get a lot of applications for our client openings throughout the year. As a recruiter, I feel like this old saying holds true: “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.” Even if you do not know much about the specific position, be prepared for these types of questions.

1. Why are you leaving your current position?
2. What did you like and dislike about that job before your exit?
3. What motivates you (do you know your Gallup Strengths)?
4. How are you going to know the next job is right for you?

These questions help me understand what drives the candidate, how passionate they are about this specific opportunity, and how honest they can be about what wasn’t working at their most recent employer.

If you are currently thinking about changing jobs and don’t know where to start, reach out to Purple Ink. Our career coaching can help you understand your Strengths, assess or re-align your career goals, and aim your resume to gain the extra edge in the field. There is a lot of competition out there now. We want to help everyone searching find the right opportunity at the right time!