• The official blog of Abacus Group — a place to share our knowledge and thoughts on trends in recruiting •

Having a coffee interview can open the door to many possibilities. From being the first step in the job application process to connecting you with a great professional to keep in your network throughout your career, there are so many positives that can come from this quick, casual meeting.

Having a phone interview is an exciting first step in the process of landing your dream job. It gives you and your potential employer the opportunity to get to know each other before meeting in person.

As cooler weather quickly approaches, summer internships are coming to a close. Adding your internship experience to your resume is one of the final things to do before your last day.

Every professional knows they need a cover letter, yet there is no universal standard for what it should entail. A cover letter is your opportunity to present your experiences and your personality together to show that you are the best candidate for the position.

When preparing for an interview, rarely do you need to practice the answers to questions about your past positions, current role, and the skills you have acquired. However, every interview includes some tough questions that can catch you off guard if you don’t have a plan on how to answer them.

Pursuing professional development opportunities, regardless of how long you have been working, will bring you so many benefits. From getting an advanced degree or taking night classes to attending a conference or conducting individual research, there are so many types of professional development that you can take advantage of.

Congratulations, you have landed your first job out of college! In the mix of all the excitement and nerves, try to focus your energy on preparation.

Regardless of what role you are applying for, leadership skills are sought after across all companies and industries. Compared to technical skills, they are not as easy to quantify but demonstrating that you have these leadership skills will put you above those whom you are interviewing against and assure your potential employer that you have the ability to make a great impact on the company and community.

Staying focused and productive at work can be tough when you know so many others are lying on the beach, hanging out with friend and family, and generally enjoying the warm weather. Instead of spending your time in the office daydreaming of summer fun, push yourself to stay focused and motivated while allowing yourself to bring a little brightness into a mundane workday.

Going to networking events and building a list of industry contacts is a key part of advancing your career. As a recent grad, you might have networked a little at career fairs, but true networking events aren’t only about finding potential work opportunities. Following the tips below will ensure you walk in knowing everything you should, feeling confident, and make the right impression.