sparkCast | The Spark Hire Podcast

If you seek an internship this summer, you better start preparing now. Coming from personal experience, you do not want to twiddle your thumbs and tell yourself you'll get to it later. Suddenly, it will be April and you'll realize companies are already looking for interns in the fall! Our goal in this week's podcast is to prevent this from happening to you. If you want to move in the right direction for internship search success, start by updating your resume and cover letter and cleaning up your social media presence. We understand it's difficult to think this far ahead while you're still scraping ice off of your car each morning, but a forward-thinking attitude might be all it takes to get ahead of the competition. We also discuss jealousy in the workplace. In general, jealousy is a common emotion caused by feelings of insecurity about an anticipated loss. In the work environment, jealousy is likely to poke its head out if you feel threatened or insecure about your position or value at the company. Tune into our podcast below for tips on overcoming your workplace jealousy. Articles Covered Why You Need To Start Preparing For Your Summer Internship Now How to Handle Jealousy in the Workplace The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire) ALSO - Alex Wolff (Social Media Ambassador at Spark Hire) IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by LifeSupercharger

Do you ever wonder if it's appropriate to talk about your favorite sports team in a job interview? What if their favorite team and yours are rivals? Will this jeopardize your chances of getting the job? Well, you are not the only one that has ever thought of this if you have. In fact, making small talk and talking about your personal life in a job interview can often be a tricky thing. Thankfully, Spark Hire takes a few minutes to discuss this topic in this week's podcast. We also take a look at what kinds of different company cultures there are out there in the business world. While looking for a job it is really important to make sure you are looking for a good company culture fit as well as a skill fit. Signing up to work for a company with a wacky company culture can really put you in a tough position. Tune into our podcast and try and see what kind of company culture you should be looking for in your job search. Articles Covered Tips For Chatting with an Interviewer Different Kinds of Company Culture The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

Not getting that promotion that you worked so hard to try to get can be really disheartening. It's just about enough to make you want to pack up your desk and head on out of the office for good. While that may be what you want to do, it's not always the smartest idea. Plus, the way you deal with not receiving a promotion can greatly influence the way your employers perceive and treat you. For this weeks podcast, Spark Hire touches on how to deal with not getting that promotion. We also take a look at what Gen-Y job seekers can learn from the job search of baby boomers. Back in the day searching for a job wasn't an online experience because there was no internet! Instead, baby boomer job seekers relied on word of mouth, the newspaper and many other resources. Tune into our podcast here below to hear about those baby boomer job search tactics so you an improve your job search today! Articles Covered How to Deal with Not Receiving a Promotion 5 Baby Boomer Tactics for Gen-Y Job Seekers The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

Job seekers often look for ways to cut corners because, let's face it, the job search is tough. Creating a fresh, new cover letter for every job you apply to sounds time-consuming and tedious, but it's essential. Cutting corners only makes your job search longer! In this week's podcast, Spark Hire talks about how job seekers absolutely need to create a new cover letter each time. Hiring managers will know you are using a cookie-cutter cover letter if you don't. We also touched on some great ways job seekers can build up their confidence before a job interview. It can be difficult and nerve-wracking for some to participate in an interview, but exuding confidence is key. Tune into our podcast here below to hear some of the great ways you can boost your confidence so you can succeed. Articles Covered Avoid the Typecast Cover Letter 6 Ways to Build Your Confidence in a Job Interview The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

What do you do when you have to work for an interim boss? Nothing you wouldn't do while working for a permanent boss! In this week's podcast, we talk about how employees should deal with working for an interim boss. The truth is, you can't slack off around an interim boss because they will eventually meet and speak with the permanent boss, and your review may not be so great. Additionally, recording video resumes from your mobile device can get a bit tricky. Just because you can record them anywhere and everywhere doesn't necessarily mean you should. Tune into our podcast below to hear how you can best record your video resume and work for an interim boss. Articles Covered How to Work for an Interim Boss Spark a Conversation: Mobile Video Resumes The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

What would you do first: quit your job or accept a job offer from a new company? Do you think it really matters which one you choose to do first? Despite what you may think, it certainly does matter! Dealing with the situation in the wrong way could leave you jobless and back on the job search. Tune in to our podcast below to see what is best. We also covered what some of the top work resolutions are for 2013 in the podcast. Did you know that getting a raise, finding a new job and gaining leadership skills are among the top work resolutions this year? What are your work resolutions? Listen to our podcast to get an idea of what some of the best work resolutions of this year are. Articles Covered Job Offer Series: To Accept or to Quit First? Top Work Resolutions for 2013 The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

We're coming to the end of the holiday season, but there is still valuable time left to spend with your family. Do you understand the importance of a work-life balance? It is especially important during the holiday season when people should be spending time with their loved ones. Take a moment today to listen in on our podcast to see how you can start finding a comfortable work-life balance. We also discussed what you can learn in your entry-level job. Of course, there is much to be gained in an entry-level position, but perhaps more than you think. You can start to pick up on what you enjoy doing, and what you don't enjoy so much. Do you know what kind of company culture you thrive best in? Tune into our podcast below to pick up on some of these entry-level lessons. Articles Covered Importance of Work-Life Balance Over the Holidays What You Can Learn at Your Entry-Level Job The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

So you've graduated from college and you're thinking you'll never use those research or study skills again anytime soon. Thankfully you did not learn those skills in vain! Young job seekers navigating the job market today can put a lot of the skills they learned in school to use in their job search. For one, you should know how to write an awesome cover letter with those essay writing skills of yours. Curious what other skills you can put to use? Listen in on our podcast below from this week to see. Also hear if replacing your traditional resume with a video resume is a good idea. Is this what employers want? Tune in to find out. Articles Covered Job Search Skills You Learned in School Spark a Conversation: Video Resumes Replace Paper Resumes? The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

Do you have a personal blog you update regularly? Do you attach that personal blog to your resume, social media handles and job applications? Now most importantly, is that personal blog a professional blog? In our podcast for this week we discuss how having a personal blog can really help you in your job search. However, if it's not professional it can do quite the opposite. We also talked about introverts and the struggles they may face with job interviews. It's not easy for introverts to talk about themselves and their accomplishments openly, but that is an essential part of a job interview. Listen in on our podcast this week for tips on how introverts can ace their job interview and how to properly use a personal blog in your job search. Trust us, it's helpful! Articles Covered Using a Personal Blog in Your Job Search Job Interview Tips for Introverts The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

Do you know how to make your coworkers think you are trustworthy? Even better, do you know how to be a trustworthy coworker? If not, thankfully it was one of the topics we discussed this week in our sparkCast. At the top of the list is dependability, friendliness and consistency. We also talked about No Shave November and how male job seekers should deal with facial hair in a job interview. Do you think it would be acceptable to show up to a job interview with a full beard? How about a 'just starting out' beard? Listen in to our podcast from this week to learn how you can be a trustworthy coworker and how to deal with the hair on your face! Articles Covered Five Ways to Earn Trust in the Workplace No Shave November and Job Interviews The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

The podcast doesn't stop guys! On our sparkCast for this week, we talk about how many resumes a job seeker really needs. Often times job seekers are told to create a new and unique resume for each job they apply to. Is this really necessary though? It really depends on what kind of job search you are doing. We also took a look at how a job seeker should handle a job offer if they are still waiting to hear back from another interview. It can be a confusing and tricky situation, so be sure to tun into our podcast from this week to hear how you can politely and correctly deal with this odd situation. Articles Covered How Many Resumes Do You Really Need? Job Offer Series: An Offer While Waiting for an Interview? The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

This past week the job seeker blog focused most of its attention on Thanksgiving. So it's no wonder it made its way into the podcast this week as well. For starters, we discussed five things you should be grateful for in your job search. Even though it may still be a pretty rough job market out there, there are certainly things you can be grateful for that make your search that much easier. We also tackled the question, "Is any job a good job?" in our podcast this week. The answer really depends on you and what you are looking for in a job. Tune into our sparkCast now and listen in on our discussion! Articles Covered 5 Things to be Grateful For in Your Job Search Is Any Job a Good Job? The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

This week the job seeker portion of the sparkCast touched on how and when job seekers should talk about their personal lives in a job interview, and how to handle a job offer on the spot. Talking about your personal life in a job interview is a slippery slope. Employers will often ask you the question, "Tell me a bit about yourself." There are certain guidelines to follow in answering this popular interview question. You want to tie your answer into how it relates to the position. We also discussed how to handle an on-the-spot job offer. When an employer offers you a job right in the interview, it can be both exciting and confusing. It's a great offer, but is accepting it right away the correct thing to do? Tune into our podcast and listen to how you can handle this tricky situation. Push play and tune into our podcast for the latest in job search and interview tips. Articles Covered When to Talk About Your Personal Life in a Job Interview Job Offer Series: How to Handle an ‘On-The-Spot’ Job Offer The official podcast of Spark Hire. Discussing news and topics for job seekers and human resources professionals. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

This week the job seeker potion of the sparkCast covered two very interesting articles. For starters, we discussed how job seekers can spot a bad boss in their job interview. So often job interviews are focused on what the job seeker is doing wrong, but employers can make a lot of mistakes as well. Knowing what to look for in a job interview can help you pinpoint a bad boss before you agree to taking the job. We also talked about whether or not it's a good idea to work with a friend. Have you ever worked with a friend before? There are a few questions you should ask yourself before making the dive into employment with your close friend or friends. Listen to our podcast to get a taste of what kind of questions you should be asking yourself. Push play and tune into our podcast for the latest in job search and interview tips. Articles Covered How to Spot a Bad Boss Should You Work With a Friend? The official podcast of SparkHire.com. Covering news related to the job market, HR, and more. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Josh Tolan (CEO of Spark Hire) Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)

The Spark Hire podcast is back in action, ladies and gentlemen! For our first week back at it, we tackled articles from both the Job Seeker blog and the Human Resources blog. For job seekers, we discussed both internships and job interviews. It's not uncommon for most interns to wonder how they can turn that internship into a full-time job. In the podcast, we discuss what actions you can take to turn that internship into a job. We also touch on what interview questions you should be asking employers in order to find out if this company is a good match for you. Job seekers need to remember that the job interview is a chance for them to ask questions as well. So push play and tune into our podcast for the latest in job search and interview tips. Articles Covered Ways to Turn Your Internship into Full-Time Job Interview Questions to Ask in Job Interview The official podcast of SparkHire.com. Covering news related to the job market, HR, and more. Follow us on Twitter: Spark Hire Twitter Like us on Facebook: Spark Hire Facebook Page Watch us on YouTube: Spark Hire YouTube Channel HOST - Nicole Nicholson (Content Editor at Spark Hire) ALSO - Josh Tolan (CEO of Spark Hire) Patrick Beggan (Marketing Assistant at Spark Hire)