I’m Back

I’m back, up and running and hope you enjoy the new design.  I will continue to make enhancements along the way but look forward to connecting with you and your comments on any of my topics.

 

All the best ~

Break Time

Already????

 

I know, I just started but I am taking much needed advice and really trying to work on the design and layout of this to really get it off the ground (hopefully).  If you would like to share with me any thoughts and/or suggestions, please feel free to do so!

 

Back with you soon…

Forrest Gump HR

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get”

 

A profound quote from the movie Forrest Gump from Forrest’s mom which Forrest then lives his life by.

 

In today’s economic uncertainty and volatility, this quote continues to ring in my ears.  Companies lying off workers by the thousands.  Unemployment reaching an insane volume.  Household companies shutting their doors.  If you read the headlines, follow a blog or surf the web – none of this is news to you.

 

I have really tried to reflect on this time, what it means for my family and what does it mean for me professionally.  Should I expand my experience?  Should I go back to school or pursue other certifications?  Should I look to supplement my income?  What to do?

 

Family is first so I go from here…

 

Life will throw anything and everything at you.  How you handle these moments defines you and provides opportunities to grow.  Something I learned is that when something bad happens, take time (maximum of 1 day) and yell, scream, cry, whatever.  But only deal with it for one day.  Beginning the next day, be positive, grow and deal with this obstacle.

 

Did you loose your job?  Take that day and have a fit but tomorrow, begins your full time job of finding a new job.  The more you dwell on something you cannot control, the more out of control other factors in your live becomes.

 

Are there exceptions, always!  Gray is truly the way of the world but always work towards the positive.

 

Change is constant.  Once you accept this, you can eat more chocolate.

Be prepared

The time will come when you will either consider or be forced to look for a new position.  There should always be a few things on your mind in these times.

 

Active or passive.

Active is when you are fully engaged in a search and you are more in “selling” mode than anything else.  Make it your job, or second job.  Spend the time to research companies, positions, chat boards, post questions on Twitter, etc.  Active candidates are also in a touchy area, don’t over sell and don’t undersell.  Know when to speak, when to add details and when to be precise with your answers.  Companies are interviewing numerous candidates for each position and you want to make sure you are at the top of the list.  This is really the bread and butter for recruiters, have a req fill a req and move on.  Make sure you are prepared even when a recruiter calls without notice.  If you need to, schedule a time to speak with them when you may provide your undivided attention and to make the best impression.

 

Passive is when you have a job and receive calls.  The candidate believes they have the control of these conversations because they do not have to do anything, but this is where top recruiters prove themselves.  Recruiters will turn this more into a conversation, probing and networking are commonly the most advantageous avenues to proceed.  Candidates need to remember it is all about perception so be courteous even if interest is low.

 

Jobs

Keep a list of what you apply for.  I know we are in a paperless world, or strive to be.  Figure out what works for you in your job search.  Create folders for positions or companies will help you to straighten positions out.

 

If you print them out, put them in folders, labeled with a copy of the position from the site where you applied and a copy of your resume (only if you have multiple copies of your resume that you distribute).  This will allow you better organization for follow up and, when the recruiter calls, you will be able to immediately refer to your notes.

 

If you save them on your computer, create a folder (Job Search) and copy/paste a document folder for easy access.

 

Both work, what is your preference.

 

Network

Networking isn’t always about being social.  Sure, there are the social sites (Facebook and MySpace) and the professional sites (ZoomInfo, LinkedIn and Spoke) but it is good to mix your messages at times.  If you are active (and not working), let people know if they hear of anything to let you know.  If you are active (and working), obviously be more discreet in your advertising.  If you are passive, just keep your name out there just in case… it never hurts.

 

These are three quick tips to keep in your mind throughout your career.

How to Approach Work

Work is a part of your life and for most of us it is what you spend the most time doing every day, week, month and year.  What does this mean?  If you are happy and motivated then it is a good place.  If it truly is work or a job, then something needs to happen – make it better or have a goal of finding something better.

 

Work is a huge stress on anyone and the stress often carries over to other parts of a person’s life.  Here are a few things to consider.

 

  ○  Be inspired – Enjoying your work is critical, not only to your happiness but also to your success.  If you are not happy now, become inspired.  What are you able to do to make an improvement, to challenge yourself or to step outside of your comfort zone.  Maybe a bit cliché but you will be surprised of what you are capable of doing.

 

  ○  Dress for success – As the saying goes, “dress for the position you want, not the position you have.”  This always resonated with me.  Look at your manager and your managers peers, how do they dress?  Look up the hierarchy in the company and see how each person dresses and what position they have.  This could be eye opening.

 

  ○  Network – For some of us, meeting someone new or introducing yourself is not the most comfortable activity.  This maybe very beneficial in the long-term though.  Have you ever played “6 degrees of Kevin Bacon?”  Networking is exactly like that, everyone knows someone and your network will spread into areas you never imagined and potentially open possibilities for you.

 

  ○  Keep it professional – This is not about not having fun but watch what you do.  Do you have an account with LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or any other professional/social networking site?  Companies are able to view this so be cautious of what you write and/or display.  That picture of you drinking with your friends… is it needed?  Sure, they are funny to you and your friends but what about a potential employer.

 

Just think a little more long term and good things happen.

What Is A Good Recruiter?

What Should You Look For?  Wanted to put together a list of things to keep in mind as you work with recruiters either actively or passively:

 

1 – Whose best interest do they have in mind, your career or their pockets?

2 – Do they present you with the “right” opportunity as per your conversations and not something outside of your career path?

3 – Do they provide insight as to how to progress in your career and offer feedback or suggestions?

4 – Are they responsive?

5 – Do you interact well and do you have a level of trust?

6 – Do you find value in this relationship?

7 – Are you comfortable networking?

Having worked on both the corporate recruiting side as well as for a recruiting company, I understand each role is a bit unique and individuals tend to feel more comfortable with a corporate recruiter.  Do not let this dissuade you from working with a recruiter but you need to be selective; the more recruiters you work with the greater the chance of a company being presented with your resume by more than one company and that is never a good thing for the candidate.

 

Own your job search, not just for your internet searches but with recruiting companies.  This is your career, take ownership.

Do you talk with Recruiters?

I had a moment of reflection while driving into the office today, why do people choose not to speak with recruiters?  Years ago there was the “used car” salesperson analogy and that still maybe throw around today but this is more of a problem with the candidate.  It is up to each person to determine which recruiter is good to speak with and network.

 

Sure, there are recruiters and recruiting companies out there looking to make a placement and do not have the wellbeing of the candidate in mind.  There are recruiters out there looking to develop a relationship, get to know you, network and if a suitable position arises, let you know about it.  There are also corporate recruiters working for a particular company possibly trying to reach you but with a stigma surrounding some recruiters, everyone pays the price.

As much as a recruiter may want to speak with you, you should take a few moments to connect with them.  Before they go into anything about their need, find out about them and their company to determine if this is worth your time.

In today’s economy, it is in everyone’s interest to take a 10 minute call and filter out whom may meet your criteria or specific needs.  Does this recruiter specialize in a particular industry, particular company, particular position, etc.?  Does the recruiter have a position, want to network or want to send your resume out to their clients and see what happens?

You are in control, but having this conversation maybe in your best interest either now or in the future.  Answer the call or return the call/e-mail, it maybe turn out to be something positive for you.

Hello world! KWM joins the blogging community

After years of reading blogs, I am stepping up and actually creating my own.

My blog will be about me and contain commentary on recruiting/HR, employment, family, sports and life in general.  I hope that it will be interesting for you and feedback is always appreciated.

I hope you enjoy what follows….