hi there. today i represented my company at the job fair sponsored by congressman peter roskam. in college and as an intern, i attended several job fairs as a potential employee. however, this was the first time that i had attended one as an employer. there were some things that instantly stood out to me and i thought i'd share them in my newest addition of my top ten's.
1) breathe.
the first woman i talked to today was so nervous & i simply reminded her to breathe. she instantly became more relaxed.
2) do not show up in a tshirt and jeans.
or shorts for that matter. you can't compare to the candidate next to you in a suit...
3) prepare your one minute elevator speech.
know what information you want to relay to me and keep it short & sweet.
4) do not solicit.
we're there to talk to potential employees. don't take time away from them!
5) bring a notepad.
take notes and reference the companies and jobs you're actually interested in so you can circle back to them.
6) do not stop by just for the pen.
at least talk to me... otherwise, you're wasting time for both of us.
7) pay attention to your personal hygiene.
wear deodorant, eat a breath mint, brush your hair.
8) do not assume you're going to get an interview.
you still need to sell yourself & have a great resume.
9) have a firm handshake!
a limp handshake conveys weakness and lack of self-confidence.
10) do not give your resume to every company.
you're allowed to be picky. take this time to interview the company! ask questions about culture, values, jobs, and benefits!
Showing posts with label recruiting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recruiting. Show all posts
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
why pay?
With the economy the way it is and less companies engaging recruiters, do you think it is worth it for individuals to pay a recruiter themselves?
No matter what type of economy we're in, there is no need to pay for a recruiter. There are tons of firms out there where it is free for the candidate (they'll get the fee from the hiring company).
I'd recommend researching recruitment firms that are free or just keep at it yourself. You can do the same work! Drive around town and write down names of companies you see on buildings. Google companies that you're interested in. Talk to your friends. Attend social/professional networking events. The more you talk to people, the more leads you'll have (and it's still free!).
Monday, February 22, 2010
formspring.me (strange resumes)
What is the weirdest thing you've ever seen on a resume/application?
I don't know if there's one specific thing that I've seen that really threw me off kilter... The main thing that always throws me off guard and makes me ask "WHY????" is the format. Let me tell you... simple is always the better way to go. If it's too flashy, uses crazy font, or simply has no organization, I typically won't read it...
I think I'm going to start saving "bad resumes" as examples for people... Maybe that will help!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
formspring.me (resume: 1 page rule)
I just got an 8 page (technical) resume to consider for a potential hire. Whatever happened to the single-page rule? Are the best resumes you see generally shorter or longer?
Great question! Let me just start by saying there are ALL TYPES of resumes out there.
When I first started as a recruiter, I was doing IT recruiting and only knew the 1 page rule... That quickly changed. I quickly learned that for technical resumes, they need to be longer. Especially for candidates with lengthy experience. Technical resumes require so much detail because you can't simply say that you worked with a specific technology (i.e. Cisco) because that could mean ANYTHING. As a recruiter, I need to know specifically what type of Cisco hardware, firewalls, switches/routers you have worked with. So, the 1 page resume immediately goes out the window unless you just graduated college and have no work experience.
In general, I do not pay as much attention to the length of the resume rather the quality of the resume. The quality of the resume encompasses not only the information provided, but the layout as well. A recruiter is most likely only going to scan the resume at a first glance so you want to make sure that the important information can be found quickly (i.e. education/certifications, job responsibilities, and achievements). If you catch my eye the first go-round, I'll look at it more in detail later.
formspring.me (preferred job boards)
Which job boards/sites have you used, and which did you like the best?
Traditionally, I've used either Career Builder or Monster. However, I've had to be a bit more creative with other postings. I've used LinkedIn, as well as sent out e-blasts to people in the industry.
It's about finding what works best for you, your company, and the specific position you're trying to fill.
formspring.me (tough market and no response)
Lots of job seekers take it personally when they never hear back from companies to which they've applied. What advice would you give to new jobseekers vis a vis maintaining a thick skin and being persistent in a tough market like this one?
This is a tough one for me to answer. Mostly, because it consistently tugs at my heartstrings.
Its easy for me to say "Don't take it personally...", but I truly understand that it is VERY personal. Of course it's personal! Before I give you any advice... Let me give you some perspective and a little insight to how I function as a recruiter.
If a resume is handed or emailed to me as a referral from someone who works with me, I attempt to reply to either those individuals directly or the internal referral with the status of the position or their candidate's qualification.
If I post a position on one of the major job boards (Career Builder, Monster, Indeed, etc), I'm sure you can only imagine how many resumes I get a day. In every job description, I attempt to be VERY clear on what the requirements of the position are. So, I quickly go through all the received resumes and delete those that do not meet the basic requirements. You read that correctly... I delete them without responding. Then, I go through the remainder to look for the ones with the desired qualifications. The reason that this tugs so much at my heartstrings is that I WANT TO respond to every candidate, but it would be physically impossible to do so.
So, my first piece of advice... NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. As for names. Talk to people. Let them know you're looking. You are ten times more likely to get your resume in front of the recruiter if you know somebody at that company than you are with simply applying online. It it impossible? Absolutley not.
Which brings me to my second piece of advice and I'm going to borrow the next quote from a famous poster "Keep Calm and Carry On". If is a very touch market out there right now, but I will tell you that things are picking up. Slowly, for sure, but they are picking up. Keep a think skin. Be persistent. DO NOT GIVE UP. The right job will come along. Everything happens in its own time.
Best of luck!
formspring.me (brainteasers)
Seems like there's a fad for asking really oddball brainteaser questions in job interviews these days...is there any way to prepare for those? Is there anything wrong with just saying "I really don't know"?
You know... It does seem like that's the fad right now... Although, I'm not a huge fan of it. My goal is not to trick you or make you uncomfortable. I've been told often that my interviewing style is more conversational. I want to make sure that you not only have the right qualifications for the job, but that you're going to fit in with the culture of the organization.
However, simply because that's not my interview style, does not mean that it still does not happen. What I can tell you is to prepare for those "typical" questions. Here's a list of the top ten most frequently asked interview questions: http://distinguishingyou.blogspot.com/2009/06/another-top-10.html
Now, for the oddball questions... If you honestly have no clue what the interviewer is asking you, do not reply with "I really don't know". Instead, ask for clarification. Have them expand on the question, or give you an example. Hopefully, this will provide you a clearer picture as to what they are asking you. Best of luck!
check it out
Well, well.... Who would have known? I am attempting to be tech-savvy. Thanks to the help from Nicole! Thankfully Blogger makes it fairly easy to be tech savvy. It's mostly point, click, copy & paste. Phew!
Anyways, I've added the feature on the right-hand side giving you the opportunity to ask me anything related to training or recruiting. I guess you could ask personal questions too... But that doesn't mean I'll answer them...
Anyways, I've added the feature on the right-hand side giving you the opportunity to ask me anything related to training or recruiting. I guess you could ask personal questions too... But that doesn't mean I'll answer them...
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
a small sense of accomplishment
I lead several management training classes on giving feedback, both positive and constructive, and completing performance appraisals. The main piece of advice that I give my managers is that you need to document conversations had throughout the year whether its a notebook, file of pieces of paper, or in electronic format.
Last year, this concept got me thinking a little more about myself and the feedback that I receive throughout the year. So, at the start of 2009, I decided to keep a list of all my accomplishments throughout the year. This simple list turned out to have multiple uses in the long run!
* When it came time this week to complete my 2009 self-appraisal at work, this list helped support my reasoning for "Meeting Expectations" and, even more so, in those cases where I felt like I had "Exceeded Expectations." Merit raises are attached to our performance score. If I can document that I not only stepped up to the plate, but actually hit a grand slam, I'll more likely be eligible for a higher increase! Fingers crossed!!!
* Currently, I'm in the process of updating my resume. Not because I'm looking for a new job, because let's face it.... I have my dream job and I work for a GREAT company! However, it's always beneficial to have an updated resume (but that's a completely separate post). Having this list will help me clearly define my job responsibilities and accomplishments!
* I think the most important use of this list is that it helps build a sense of self and in the best way too. This list shows that I am talented and that when I put my mind to something, I can create and deliver wonderful things! This list proves one thing. I. am proud. of me.
Some of you may be thinking... Tiffany, this sounds very similar to your new year's resolution. Well, you're right. This small list of work-related accomplishments reminded me that I've accomplished many other things in my personal life as well.
So, here are a few of my favorite accomplishments from 2009 that I'm most proud of:
* Designed and implemented a training & certification program for our online tool
* Proposed, Sold the Concept, Designed, & Implemented an internal Career Fair designed to build retention and encourage career development
* Introduced & lead new training program for managers
* Took over responsibility to write articles for the Training & Development portion of our monthly newsletters
* Designed three new online surveys to encourage feedback and obtain metrics on satisfaction for Training & Recruitment
* Successfully filled 24 positions (10 of which were internal transfers!!!)
* Documented the recruitment process & joined our Quality Improvement Process team to improve upon the Internal Transfer Process
Last year, this concept got me thinking a little more about myself and the feedback that I receive throughout the year. So, at the start of 2009, I decided to keep a list of all my accomplishments throughout the year. This simple list turned out to have multiple uses in the long run!
* When it came time this week to complete my 2009 self-appraisal at work, this list helped support my reasoning for "Meeting Expectations" and, even more so, in those cases where I felt like I had "Exceeded Expectations." Merit raises are attached to our performance score. If I can document that I not only stepped up to the plate, but actually hit a grand slam, I'll more likely be eligible for a higher increase! Fingers crossed!!!
* Currently, I'm in the process of updating my resume. Not because I'm looking for a new job, because let's face it.... I have my dream job and I work for a GREAT company! However, it's always beneficial to have an updated resume (but that's a completely separate post). Having this list will help me clearly define my job responsibilities and accomplishments!
* I think the most important use of this list is that it helps build a sense of self and in the best way too. This list shows that I am talented and that when I put my mind to something, I can create and deliver wonderful things! This list proves one thing. I. am proud. of me.
Some of you may be thinking... Tiffany, this sounds very similar to your new year's resolution. Well, you're right. This small list of work-related accomplishments reminded me that I've accomplished many other things in my personal life as well.
So, here are a few of my favorite accomplishments from 2009 that I'm most proud of:
* Designed and implemented a training & certification program for our online tool
* Proposed, Sold the Concept, Designed, & Implemented an internal Career Fair designed to build retention and encourage career development
* Introduced & lead new training program for managers
* Took over responsibility to write articles for the Training & Development portion of our monthly newsletters
* Designed three new online surveys to encourage feedback and obtain metrics on satisfaction for Training & Recruitment
* Successfully filled 24 positions (10 of which were internal transfers!!!)
* Documented the recruitment process & joined our Quality Improvement Process team to improve upon the Internal Transfer Process
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
tiffany's top ten for interviewing internally
Hello All. Most Americans are feeling the pains when it comes to searching for a job, and it seems as if there simply are not any out there. The reality of the situation is that most companies are simply not filling roles, and if they are, they're filling them internally. As a recruiter, I feel that my role is not simply to weed out candidates, but rather nurture and grow my current employee base.
Top Ten Tips for Interviewing Internally
1. When applying, always provide a resume even if not asked for one.
Managers from another department may not be aware of your prior work experience or accomplishments.
2. Provide a letter of recommendation or job-related kudos.
You may be pleasantly surprised about the supportiveness of your supervisor when it comes to helping you advance.
3. Emphasize your specific experience and extensive knowledge of the company.
Discuss how this knowledge makes you the ideal person for the job, but provide details. Don't assume the interviewer knows all about your past accomplishments.
4. User your "insider knowledge."
Come up with answers to expected questions that will target what the interview wants to hear. For example, if they continually emphasize the importance of customer service, be sure to talk specifically about how you've enhanced customer service in your current role.
5. Research the position for which you are applying.
Talk to people who work in that department; find out what they're currently working on, and their goals - then prepare to talk about how you can help to achieve those goals during the interview.
6. Come prepared to the interview.
Prep for some of the "most asked" questions; as well, come with your own questions as well. Internal candidates often forget that they are interviewing the manager as well to guarantee this is the right fit for them.
7. Think outside-the-box with your responses.
In case the hiring supervisor is thinking about bringing in an external candidate because they feel a need for a fresh perspective and/or new ideas, be sure to work your creativity into your answers. Show that you can be innovative and inventive, and are full of "fresh" ideas yourself!
8. "Sell" yourself just as if you were interviewing for another company.
Be careful not to sound too casual or overly confident, especially if you and your interviewer know each other well. You may have a great advantage over external candidates, but don't assume that's all you'll need.
9. Don't assume you will know the interviewer(s).
They may bring in additional interviewers from other departments to provide an unbiased interview panel.
10. Always, always, always ask what the next steps are.
This simple step shows that you are truly interested in the position. This is also a great way for you to hone in our your investigative skills to see how interested they are in you. Interested managers will share the process in detail. Hiring managers that are not interested tend to be vague.
Top Ten Tips for Interviewing Internally
1. When applying, always provide a resume even if not asked for one.
Managers from another department may not be aware of your prior work experience or accomplishments.
2. Provide a letter of recommendation or job-related kudos.
You may be pleasantly surprised about the supportiveness of your supervisor when it comes to helping you advance.
3. Emphasize your specific experience and extensive knowledge of the company.
Discuss how this knowledge makes you the ideal person for the job, but provide details. Don't assume the interviewer knows all about your past accomplishments.
4. User your "insider knowledge."
Come up with answers to expected questions that will target what the interview wants to hear. For example, if they continually emphasize the importance of customer service, be sure to talk specifically about how you've enhanced customer service in your current role.
5. Research the position for which you are applying.
Talk to people who work in that department; find out what they're currently working on, and their goals - then prepare to talk about how you can help to achieve those goals during the interview.
6. Come prepared to the interview.
Prep for some of the "most asked" questions; as well, come with your own questions as well. Internal candidates often forget that they are interviewing the manager as well to guarantee this is the right fit for them.
7. Think outside-the-box with your responses.
In case the hiring supervisor is thinking about bringing in an external candidate because they feel a need for a fresh perspective and/or new ideas, be sure to work your creativity into your answers. Show that you can be innovative and inventive, and are full of "fresh" ideas yourself!
8. "Sell" yourself just as if you were interviewing for another company.
Be careful not to sound too casual or overly confident, especially if you and your interviewer know each other well. You may have a great advantage over external candidates, but don't assume that's all you'll need.
9. Don't assume you will know the interviewer(s).
They may bring in additional interviewers from other departments to provide an unbiased interview panel.
10. Always, always, always ask what the next steps are.
This simple step shows that you are truly interested in the position. This is also a great way for you to hone in our your investigative skills to see how interested they are in you. Interested managers will share the process in detail. Hiring managers that are not interested tend to be vague.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
what not to say
Hello all. My boss sent me an article today about 43 wierd things said in an interview. Let me preface this by saying that you really should not follow suit. Although, it's a hilarious read & I hope you enjoy it! Just click on the following link!
What NOT to say!!!
What NOT to say!!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
say it with a smile
Recently, a friend of mine was scheduled for a phone interview and she asked if I had some tips. It seems like there are more and more of these now-a-days. My guess is because there are so many people on the market for a new job that companies are having to add an extra step for screening applicants. So, here are some tips if you find yourself on a phone interview.
* As with any interview, ALWAYS BE PREPARED!!! Do your research on the company and the job opening - check out their website if you already have that information.
* Anticipate questions from the recruiter or hiring manager like the ones in my top ten. Have an idea of how you want to respond to these questions.
* Type up a list of questions that are important to you and ask them! Remember, an interview is a two way street. You're interviewing the company to make sure its a right fit as well.
* Say it with a smile. Do the interview in front of a mirror and smile at yourself. I know it seems wierd, but it really does make a difference in the sound of your voice.
* Dress as if you were going to the interview in person. Trust me, you'll feel more professional in a suit than your PJs.
* At the end of the interview, always ask "What's next?" This shows your interest in the process and the position!
Go forth & good luck!!!
* As with any interview, ALWAYS BE PREPARED!!! Do your research on the company and the job opening - check out their website if you already have that information.
* Anticipate questions from the recruiter or hiring manager like the ones in my top ten. Have an idea of how you want to respond to these questions.
* Type up a list of questions that are important to you and ask them! Remember, an interview is a two way street. You're interviewing the company to make sure its a right fit as well.
* Say it with a smile. Do the interview in front of a mirror and smile at yourself. I know it seems wierd, but it really does make a difference in the sound of your voice.
* Dress as if you were going to the interview in person. Trust me, you'll feel more professional in a suit than your PJs.
* At the end of the interview, always ask "What's next?" This shows your interest in the process and the position!
Go forth & good luck!!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
doing what i love... with purpose
I really am lucky. I do love what I do. What I love even more is being able to help others while doing what I love to do!!! I recently had the opportunity to do so.
Last Friday, I was able to go downtown to the Atlanta Children's Shelter. They are a day-care facility for homeless children. They also offer programs to assist the parents in their home and job search. I lead a session on the Do's & Don'ts of Interviewing. It was a really great session and I was really impressed with the questions they asked once they finally opened up.
The experience was the best part of it all. I was actually able to take what I do on a day-to-day basis and use it to help those in need and provide reassurance for each of them in the job market. It was such an uplifting day.
Last Friday, I was able to go downtown to the Atlanta Children's Shelter. They are a day-care facility for homeless children. They also offer programs to assist the parents in their home and job search. I lead a session on the Do's & Don'ts of Interviewing. It was a really great session and I was really impressed with the questions they asked once they finally opened up.
The experience was the best part of it all. I was actually able to take what I do on a day-to-day basis and use it to help those in need and provide reassurance for each of them in the job market. It was such an uplifting day.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
shoes that work for you
Hi there. This one is going to be geared to the lady trainers out there, but men, you can probably take a tip or two from it at as well.
A few entries ago, I talked about our dress for success panel. For those of us in training or recruiting roles, we are in very visual positions. We are, at times, the very first person a potential employee meets. so for me, at least, its very important to look my best. To present as professional an image as possible. One thing that many of you may not know is that I'm 5'3" and I definitely do not look my age. We'll just say that I have my own sorted issues with feeling that I'm not taken seriously because of my appearance. Because of this, I tend to wear heels a majority of the time. Nothing to obscene, but just enough to make me feel a tid bit more significant. As a trainer, I spend approximately 4-5 hours a day (at least) on my feet. So those really cute heels tend not to work out so well with the hours of standing, walking, & moving boxes, tables, computers, etc. Needless to say, if I can find a comfortable heel that actually looks cute too - I buy it!!!! Ladies, I have found probably one of the best brands out there for stylish women's shoes designed for you to be on your feet all day!!! That brand is aerosoles!!!! Especially the What's What by Aersoles! These shoes were originally designed for female nurses & doctors that are obviously on their feet all day. These shoes are amazing! I even wear them on the weekend because they're so comfortable. So if you're looking for a way to sharpen up your image but continue to stay comfortable - I definitely suggest these!!!
A few entries ago, I talked about our dress for success panel. For those of us in training or recruiting roles, we are in very visual positions. We are, at times, the very first person a potential employee meets. so for me, at least, its very important to look my best. To present as professional an image as possible. One thing that many of you may not know is that I'm 5'3" and I definitely do not look my age. We'll just say that I have my own sorted issues with feeling that I'm not taken seriously because of my appearance. Because of this, I tend to wear heels a majority of the time. Nothing to obscene, but just enough to make me feel a tid bit more significant. As a trainer, I spend approximately 4-5 hours a day (at least) on my feet. So those really cute heels tend not to work out so well with the hours of standing, walking, & moving boxes, tables, computers, etc. Needless to say, if I can find a comfortable heel that actually looks cute too - I buy it!!!! Ladies, I have found probably one of the best brands out there for stylish women's shoes designed for you to be on your feet all day!!! That brand is aerosoles!!!! Especially the What's What by Aersoles! These shoes were originally designed for female nurses & doctors that are obviously on their feet all day. These shoes are amazing! I even wear them on the weekend because they're so comfortable. So if you're looking for a way to sharpen up your image but continue to stay comfortable - I definitely suggest these!!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
welcome!!!
Hello all & welcome to my blog! I've been juggling the idea of starting a blog designed to specifically talk about recruiting, training, & career development. I've always enjoyed blogging, and helping people find their place in the world is my passion - so why not bring the two of them together.
So, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have a B.S. in Speech Communication from Georgia Southern University. My professional background includes roles in Sales & Account Management Support, Account Management, Recruiting, & Training. My current role is Recruitment & Development Specialist. I'm responsible for developing & maintaining our recruitment program, as well as responsible for the on-boarding of our new hires. I conduct several training classes designed to assist in the development of our current emloyee base, including New Hire Orientation, online training, & career development courses.
So, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have a B.S. in Speech Communication from Georgia Southern University. My professional background includes roles in Sales & Account Management Support, Account Management, Recruiting, & Training. My current role is Recruitment & Development Specialist. I'm responsible for developing & maintaining our recruitment program, as well as responsible for the on-boarding of our new hires. I conduct several training classes designed to assist in the development of our current emloyee base, including New Hire Orientation, online training, & career development courses.
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