Pomp & Surkanstance: recruiting

Showing posts with label recruiting. Show all posts

11 September 2010

job search tales: Making the most of networking events

In this episode, Paul Anderson shares his strategies for getting the most out of networking events. There are numerous social mixers and gatherings for professionals to attend, but you need a plan to really benefit from them. The work starts before you even go to a networking event by 1) picking the right events for you and 2) going prepared with goals and research that will allow you to be effective. Paul also offers strategies for how to strike up conversations, and kindle relationships that will help achieve your career goals.

You can find out about Paul’s ideas and career strategy courses here:
http://prolango.com

NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

10 September 2010

job search tales: Grades alone aren't enough to get a job

In this episode Dan Hallak shares his experiences helping college students plan their careers, helping them develop strategies to build portfolios, and industry contacts, long before they graduate. It's not good enough to just have good grades anymore. College grads have to have a focussed career strategy. Luckily, Dan explains how colleges offer great resources to help both students, and professionals in the broader community, develop career strategies. Students can even "double-dip", using their course-work as tools to build those all critical relationships with the business world.

You can check out more about the career services offered by Dan, and his colleagues at Bellevue College here:

http://bellevuecollege.edu/careers/

24 June 2010

Linked:Seattle Radio: Seattle Job Search Mojo

In this episode of Linked:Seattle Radio, professional recruiter John Polhill guest hosts a discussion about "How to get your Successful Job Search & Interview Mojo back & get hired tomorrow." HR expert, and Linked:Seattle Career Center manager, Lesa Keller also joins the show with Matt Youngquist, a career coach in the Seattle area to offer their advice on job searches as well.

If you are wondering whether employers are only interesting in candidates who already have jobs, or if it is career limiting to take jobs beneath your qualifications, or just want to hear about how to keep your energy up as a job seeker, this is the show you need to hear.

Listen to internet radio with Linked:Seattle Radio on Blog Talk Radio

NOTE: The Linked:Seattle Career Center is the best place on LinkedIn to find jobs in Seattle and participate in discussions with area recruiters, career coaches, and job candidates. You can also check out Michael Surkan’s "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts.

20 May 2010

job search tales: Plan your job search as well as your vacation

In this episode Cindy Pain explains how a little bit of preparation, and research, can go a long way to creating a successful job search. Put at least as much effort planning your strategy for getting a new job as you do in planning a vacation. Cindy also provides insights on interviews: once you've got that interview, the job is already yours, just don't lose it.

You can check out Cindy's career consulting firm at http://www.lhh.com/.

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NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

15 May 2010

Linked:Seattle radio - Finding a job in Seattle

In this very first Linked:Seattle radio show, Michael speaks with Jordan Shaw and Lesa Keller about looking for jobs in Seattle. We answer calls from job seekers, and share tips that can be useful to all candidates.

27 April 2010

job search tales: Making the recruiter your best friend

In this episode Ryan Lum explains how building relationships with recruiters can pay-off. Good recruiters know the value in bulding a network of quality people who they can call on for information or jobs. Recruiters can offer insights on employers, and give tips that help those interviews go over the top.

You can find more information about jobs available through Ryan's agency at http://www.greythorn.com/.

14 April 2010

job search tales: Finding a job is all about marketing

In this episode Dennis Buckmaster explains how the search for a job is a marketing and sales challenge. Job seekers shouldn't waste their time doing an excessive amount of networking, instead they should directly approach the companies they wish to work for with the same determination, and strategy, of a star salesman. A resume is your brochure, and interviews are the face-to-face sales pitch. This is not a time to be bashful: you have a product to sell, and you have to close.

You can find more information about Dennis' ideas for building a successful job search at http://www.dennisbuckmasterassociates.com/.

08 April 2010

job search tales: 5 biggest job seeker mistakes

In this episode Matt Youngquist shares his decades of experience in career coaching to tell about the 5 biggest mistakes job seekers make. Matt explains how many people spend too much time on resumes and innefectual networking activities, amongst other things.

You can check out more of Matt's ideas at http://www.career-horizons.com/.

14 December 2009

job search tales: how to get recommendations without even asking

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Marissa Marsala explains how recommendations can be instrumental in helping a candidate stand out. Writing recommendations for others can be more effective in getting reciprocal testimonials than just asking for someone to write them for you.

Check out more advice from Marissa at http://employerandcandidateconnection.blogspot.com/.

08 December 2009

job search tales: The Undercover Lawyer tells job candidates how to use the law to their advantage

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", the Undercover Lawyer explains how legal issues can have a significant impact on how employers choose employees. There are a lot of practical things that applicants can do to alleviate the liability concerns their employers might harbour, but are afraid to voice. In a tough job market it makes sense for job seekers to take legal considerations into account as they search for a new job.

Check out more advice from the Undercover Laywer at http://www.undercoverlawyer.com/.

02 December 2009

job search tales: By the time a job is posted on the web it's too late

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Kelly Harington explains that tapping the hidden job market requires a lot of effective networking, and how to go about doing it. The earlier a candidate can get in front of a hiring manager the better. By the time a job actually gets posted on a public web site it is often too late to get noticed over the crush of applicants.

Check out http://careermaxgroup.com/ for more of Kelly's ideas on how to build a successful career.

26 November 2009

Job search tales: The human touch still matters when selecting candidates at Google

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Beverly Friedman talks about the challenges she faces doing recruiting at Google, and what candidates do to torpedo their chances. Its no surprise that Google uses automated tools to help sort through the deluge of applicants, but in the end a human being still looks at the resumes and having a friend in the company helps.

NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

23 November 2009

Job search tales: Ask not for help in your job search, ask what you can do to help

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Kevin Kermes explains that today's challenging employment market requires a different approach by job seekers. Candidates need to find activities which allow them to both demonstrate their skills, learn, and network at the same time. Offering free advice, and help, to companies you are interested in working for can build those relationships you will need to get your job. Don't just send a resume asking for a job, tell people how you are going to help them.

Check http://www.kevinkermes.com/ezinesignup/ for more of Kevin's ideas on how to build a successful job search strategy.

Job search tales: Executives approach job searches differently

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Mark Hovind explains that 6 figure executives approach job searches in a very different way from the average job seeker. They pay good money to market themselves. Networking is certainly a good tool, but it has its limitations, and highly compensated individuals understand the need to run marketing campaigns. In particular, Mark has seen that mass mailings by post can bear real results in small to mid-sized organizations, which don't typically post their openings on public job boards.

Check out http://www.jobbait.com/ for information on how job-seekers can hire a service to market them, or see the free information on how to do-it-yourself.

17 November 2009

Job search trenches: Christian Buckley says job searches take patience and a willingness to volunteer

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Christian Buckley talks about how job candidates have to stay busy, doing projects, and work, to keep them mentally fit, and in an optimistic mood, even if that next great role is taking a while to appear. After departing from Microsoft, it took Christian nearly 6 months to find his new position, and this was with a company he had talked with, and kept meeting with, from his first days as a job seeker. His efforts of providing free consulting, and help with clients, for his new employer eventually landed him the job he was after. Candidates need to be patient, and willing to give their time and expertise freely.

Check out http://buckleyplanet.typepad.com/ for more information on Christian's journey in the job search world, and his happy ending with a new employer.

09 November 2009

Job search tales: Your next job may be with your ex-employer

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Jennifer Ellis explains how companies such as Microsoft often like hiring alumni to fill new openings. Job seekers should consider their previous employers as places to work, and ex-employers often value the knowledge of the business, and organizations, that they bring to the table. Better still, the connections that alumni have with their ex-employers give them a distinct advantage over other applicants. Jennifer also offers tips for how alumni, who have been through lay-offs or other difficult situations, when leaving their previous employers can get in a healthy mental state before applying for new jobs.

Jennifer offers more specific help to Microsoft alumni at http://www.microsoftalumni.com/, where ex-employees can find a variety of services and community.

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NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on "Tales from the job search trenches" podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

Job search tales: Lynn Rodriquez offers candidates practical advice on how to stand out

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Lynn Ferrari Rodriguez explains how the intense competition for jobs means that candidates must work extra hard to differentiate themselves. She offers practical advice on how to make your resume stand out, and shine during interviews. The difference between landing the job and coming second place can be miniscule, and candidates need to have a plan for setting themselves apart. Lynn also suggests that having a good job search plan, and being active (even through volunteer work), can keep job seekers mentally fit, and in a mindset that is ready to seized serendipitous opportunities that might arise.

Check out http://achieveresults.homestead.com/ for more of Lynn's excellent suggestions, and to learn more about the career counselling services she provides.

Job search tales: The first step of every job search is to know thyself

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Mark Richards tells how his efforts to help fellow job seekers, with blogs and networking groups, led to landing his own ideal role. He also explains that one of the first things every candidate needs to do is an realistic assessment of their goals and objectives. Make sure you really are the type of person that companies are looking for in the field you are targeting. On the other hand, don't just jump into retraining for new careers (or certifications) without some serious examination of your current goals. Don't jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Check out http://candidateschair.com/ for the extensive list of resources, and advice, that Mark has put together to help job seekers.

29 October 2009

Job search tales: John Polhill gives an insider's view to corporate recruiting

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", John Polhill gives an insiders perspective to the world of corporate recruiting. Amongst many other gems of wisdom, John explains that on-line job applications aren't a complete waste of time, but you have to know how to game the system and prepare your resume to make it through screenings. He also gives guidance on the questions you need to ask before heading into an interview, and to be very wary when you are applying for a completely new position.

You can ask your job search questions to the renegade tech recruiter at http://askjohnpolhill.com/. John also offers http://www.cgtpa.org/ as a great location that not only provides heaps of advice on job searches, but has feeds from all the best job listing services.

27 October 2009

Job search tales: ponkabonk pays for placement

In this episode of "Tales from the job search trenches", Mike Hogan talks about how his desire to have more control over his own job search led him to create http://www.ponkabonk.com/, where job seekers can offer to pay commissions for successful placements. Friends and acquaintances have more incentive to take a bigger role in your job search when they stand to get paid for their efforts. Recruiting professionals have even been getting involved with Ponkabonk, using this as a resource to find great candidates (and make a little extra).