Job seeker questions and answers

Career resources · Candidate Q&A

Your job search questions, answered.

Clear guidance for applications, resumes, interviews and career decisions. Search below or explore answers by topic.

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Questions candidates ask us

Start with the ten most common questions, then explore more by topic. For account-specific help, see our candidate account Q&A.

Showing all 28 questions

01How do I search for jobs with Scion?

Browse current openings, read each description and apply to roles that suit your experience. You can also register a candidate profile.

02What jobs are open at Scion right now?

See our current job openings for the positions available now. The list changes frequently as employers start new searches and positions are filled, so job titles, specialties and locations may differ from one visit to the next. Read each posting for its specific requirements, location and work arrangement, and check back for new opportunities.

03How do I apply for a position?

Open a role from Search Jobs, read its requirements and use the application link or button on that posting. Follow the instructions, provide accurate contact details and submit your resume. A tailored cover letter can help recruiters understand your interest and relevant experience. You can also register with Scion and keep your candidate profile up to date. If you have trouble applying, contact info@scionstaffing.com.

04Does it cost candidates to work with Scion?

There is no fee for candidates to search jobs or submit applications through Scion.

05What kinds of positions do you recruit for?

Our teams work on temporary, contract, contract-to-hire, direct hire and executive searches. Openings vary by specialty, employer and location.

06Does Scion recruit in all 50 states?

Yes. Scion staffs and recruits for employers across all 50 U.S. states. Check each job listing for its location and whether it is on site, hybrid or remote.

07How do I log in or update my profile?

Visit the candidate login; if you are signed in already, you will be directed to your dashboard. You can update your information or register if you are new.

08What should I include on my resume?

Highlight relevant roles, measurable accomplishments, skills, education and clear dates. Put the experience most relevant to the role near the top. Read our resume guide.

09Do I need a cover letter?

We encourage you to include a cover letter with every application, even when it is optional. It gives recruiters more context about your skills, experience and interest in the specific job. Follow any instructions in the posting, and keep your letter concise and tailored to the role.

10How can I prepare for an interview?

Research the organization, review the role and practice specific examples of your work. Prepare questions of your own. For video interviews, test your connection and sound. See our interview advice.

11When will I hear back after applying?

Timelines depend on the employer and the stage of the search. Keep your contact information current, watch your email and save the recruiter's email address when one is provided. Follow up professionally to express your interest. If you do not hear back, you may send another courteous email 72 hours later. Recruiters are here to help, though they may be handling many requests at once. Continue exploring suitable openings in the meantime.

12Can I apply for multiple jobs?

Yes. Focus on openings that genuinely fit your experience and tailor each application to the role.

13How should I follow up after an interview?

Send a thoughtful thank-you note within 24 hours to each person you interviewed with, including your recruiter and, later, the client interviewers. If you do not have a client's email address, ask your recruiter to pass your note along. Go beyond a couple of lines: mention something you discussed, explain your interest in the specific role and thank them for considering you. Invite any questions or requests for clarification about your experience. If you were given a decision timeline, wait until it passes before checking in again.

14How do I explain a gap in employment?

You can choose how much to share about an employment gap. You do not need to explain personal circumstances such as having a baby, a disability or an illness unless you want to. If you decide to address the gap, share only what feels appropriate for your situation, keep the explanation brief and focus on relevant skills, learning, projects or responsibilities and your readiness for the role.

15How do I make my resume work with applicant tracking systems?

You do not have to change your resume to apply with Scion. If you choose to tailor it for a particular role, use clear headings and relevant language from the job description where it accurately describes your experience. Avoid keyword stuffing. See our keyword guide.

16What interview questions should I expect?

Prepare to discuss your experience, motivation, strengths, problem solving and work with others. Specific examples help make your answers clear.

17How should I answer a question about weaknesses?

Choose a genuine area you have been improving, explain what you did and share the progress you made.

18How do I discuss salary expectations?

Research a realistic range for the role and location. Consider benefits and the full package, and explain your expectations in relation to your experience.

19Can I negotiate an offer?

You can ask about salary, benefits, start date and other terms before accepting an offer. Scion's temporary assignments generally have a set pay rate; permanent roles we recruit for state a salary range. Our recruiters will not ask you for your salary history. Instead, tell your recruiter what compensation you are seeking for this role or your next position. Review the full written offer and discuss any questions with your recruiter.

20Can Scion help with a career change?

Yes. Start by identifying skills and work you have already done that connect to the new field. Employers often look for evidence that you have performed similar tasks, so explain those examples clearly in your resume and target roles where your experience fits. If the connection is less direct, volunteering, an internship or a relevant project can help you build hands-on experience. List that work accurately on your resume, including the role, organization and results, and label volunteer or internship experience as such. Relevant courses, independent learning, conferences and professional activities can also strengthen your skills section and show your commitment. Read our career transition advice for more ideas.

21How can I build my professional network?

Reconnect with colleagues, participate in professional communities and have focused conversations about your goals. Follow up respectfully and offer help in return.

22Should I review my social media while job hunting?

Reviewing public profiles for accuracy and professionalism is a good practice, but it is not required. Keeping a professional profile such as LinkedIn current with your experience and skills can help because employers may look at it while considering candidates.

23How do I stay motivated during a long job search?

Set manageable weekly goals for applications, networking and learning. Tailor each application for a stronger response, and apply to some roles where you have demonstrated experience in the job title as well as roles that interest you. Some positions require prior experience in that type of role. If you need to build it, consider volunteering, an internship or relevant projects where practical. Track responses, adjust your approach and take breaks when needed.

24How can I delete my candidate information?

Scion does not sell your candidate information. If you would like your profile deleted, email info@scionstaffing.com from an address associated with your account and ask us to delete your information. See our candidate account Q&A for more account help.

25Does Scion use AI to select candidates?

No. Scion's candidate selection decisions are made by human recruiters. We use technology to help our team work faster, but it does not decide which candidates we select or recommend. Employers make their own final hiring decisions.

26Who is Phil, Scion's AI receptionist?

Phil can answer general questions about job seeking, applying with Scion and job search best practices. He can also pass urgent information to our team when needed. If you are a Scion associate on assignment, always contact your recruiter directly about any concerns with your assignment.

Interview preparation

Get ready to meet your recruiter and the hiring team

The two conversations serve different purposes. Use these checklists to prepare specific examples and questions for each.

27How should I prepare for an interview with a Scion recruiter?

Your conversation with a Scion recruiter helps us understand your experience, goals and what you are seeking next. Prepare for a two-way discussion rather than memorizing answers.

  • Review your application and resume. Be ready to explain your recent roles, specific accomplishments, skills and any transitions in your own words. You can choose how much personal information to share.
  • Know what you want. Think about the kinds of roles, responsibilities, location or remote preferences, availability, schedule and compensation you are seeking. You do not need to share your salary history.
  • Bring examples. Prepare two or three short stories showing how you solved a problem, worked with others or delivered a result. Include what you personally did and what happened.
  • Learn about the opportunity. Read the job description and note where your experience lines up, what you would need to learn and why the role interests you.
  • Ask questions. Ask about the employer, work arrangement, hiring steps, timing, pay range or assignment details where available. Tell your recruiter about anything that may affect your interest or availability.

Before a virtual or phone conversation, confirm the time and test your connection. Be candid and professional. Your recruiter can better represent your experience when they understand your priorities and have accurate information.

28How should I prepare for an interview with a Scion client?

A client interview is your chance to show how your experience connects to the employer's specific role and to decide whether the opportunity fits your goals. Ask your Scion recruiter what they can share about the interview format and priorities.

  • Research the organization. Review its website, services or mission, and the position description. Identify the work you are most likely to discuss.
  • Match your examples to the role. Prepare concise stories about relevant results, challenges, collaboration and tools or methods you have used. Explain the situation, what you did and the outcome without revealing confidential information from past employers.
  • Practice likely questions. Be ready to explain why this position interests you, how you would approach key responsibilities and what you would bring to the team. Give honest answers when you have not done something before, then explain related experience.
  • Prepare your questions. Ask about the team's priorities, what success in the role looks like, the work arrangement and next steps. This helps you evaluate the opportunity too.
  • Plan the logistics. Confirm the location or video link, arrive on time and choose attire appropriate to the setting. For video, check your audio, camera and a quiet space in advance.

Afterward, send a specific thank-you note within 24 hours. If you do not have the client's email address, send your note to your Scion recruiter and ask them to pass it along. Share any follow-up questions or feedback with your recruiter as well.

Work with Scion

Support for your next career move

Scion connects candidates with employers seeking temporary, contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire talent. Our recruiters learn about your goals, help you present your strengths and share relevant opportunities as searches arise. We recruit and staff for employers across all 50 states, with roles spanning many specialties and work arrangements.

Explore our divisions below and search current openings for the most up-to-date opportunities.

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