For those of us who have worked in or run one or more NJ staffing agencies through a few economic upturns and downturns – there is a very clear cycle to every recession and subsequent recovery. When a recession first hits, the temporary employees are the first to be let go. And, when a recovery arrives, temporary employees are the first to be brought on board, as companies are still a bit gun-shy about hiring full time, permanent staff.

The job market is starting to show some signs of life, particularly with lower and middle level positions. Of course there is also a lot of competition for these newly open positions. You want to make the best impression you can right from the beginning – and that starts with your resume. In a competitive job market, a bad first impression can mean you don't get the chance to make a second impression at the interview.

So, follow these 7 useful tips to help you make a good first impression and land an interview for the position you seek:

Happy Groundhog Day! It is no surprise that our favorite groundhog has seen his shadow!  Very disappoinging news for all of us that are yearning for the brighter and warmer days of spring and the flowers beginning to show their buds.  But, we when we get to this day it is a reaffirmation - spring is around the corner.  We have a little more to get through but it is right ahead.