tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25408412553733161922011-07-07T22:28:15.502-04:00Candid Ramblings Of A Professional Recruiter Who Has Seen It All. - Copyright © 2009 Recruiter UncensoredLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.comBlogger731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-23398494009385056482010-02-23T19:01:00.003-05:002010-02-23T19:06:07.848-05:00

I have officially moved my blog to www.RecruiterUncensored.com. Please join me there. Blogspot was fun while it lasted. The new blog still needs some tweaks. You'll notice the new features as they are added. Thanks in advance for following me to my new site.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-55661326218045948552010-02-19T14:36:00.019-05:002010-02-19T15:56:54.094-05:00

What could airplanes possibly have to do with a job search? I'll get to that in a moment. First, a little background. I hate to fly. HATE IT! Even though I look composed while securely strapped in my seat, I'm a mess of nerves. When I fly there is always a Reader's Digest in my hands. The humor pages help distract me from my anxiety during take-offs and landings.Because I hate to fly, I am only

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-71380042539612231282010-02-17T18:26:00.003-05:002010-02-17T18:44:48.586-05:00

This is going to sound like a no-brainer, but when you make a networking connection it is important to provide that person with a way to get in touch with you. Job seekers who are out mingling with the business crowd have the ear of a number of people in a position to learn of opportunities soon to hit the market. It's fantastic to give those you meet an idea of what leads would benefit you.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-2814538069785179712010-02-17T09:37:00.003-05:002010-02-17T10:02:54.472-05:00

Do you want to add more energy to your job search? Commit to sending out at least one thank you letter a day. Truly motivated individuals will shoot for more. Why assign a goal to the process of sending out thank you letters? It's simple. When you have a goal like that you are more likely to stay focused on having the type of contact with people that would warrant sending a thank you. This

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-10933958072958363882010-02-15T17:12:00.008-05:002010-02-17T10:14:22.079-05:00

A dear friend of mine is on the umpteenth version of her resume. She's constantly tweaking the content. She's been looking for a job for several months now and keeps feeling the need to make changes. Everyone is weighing in on what could be different or better. What's interesting to me is she hasn't really had trouble landing interviews and connecting with people. Since the resume serves as part

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-88318900594119720892010-02-14T15:48:00.003-05:002010-02-14T16:48:19.079-05:00

When I encounter a job seeker determined to dwell on the negative, it feels a lot like when a slow moving vehicle pulls out in front of me and forces me to take my foot off the gas pedal. One moment I'm cruising along, accomplishing things on my mission. In the next moment, I'm stuck waiting for a person to speed up or pull over so I can continue on my way.I understand there are many things that

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-60927526343068474312010-02-10T08:05:00.008-05:002010-02-10T10:11:44.999-05:00

Have you ever had a palm-to-forehead moment after an interview when you realized you failed to mention key details about your qualifications and accomplishments? You're not alone. I'm going to skip the lecture on how proper preparation prior to an interview helps prevent this outcome and jump right to what to do when it happens. Keep in mind what employers hope to accomplish from an interview.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-19697766493928039552010-02-09T13:22:00.003-05:002010-02-09T14:03:34.970-05:00

When interviewing someone, one of the main things I look for is whether or not the person gets it. Now, what is "it?" In a nutshell, the person needs to show me they have a clue of what it takes to successfully navigate the job. Their words and actions must convey they are engaged in the task of delivering quality work versus simply going through the motions or telling me what I want to hear.To

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-53401886475963307122010-02-08T14:01:00.005-05:002010-02-08T14:17:19.732-05:00

Some of you are aware I am working on a special project to bring unemployed professionals together and increase their exposure to corporate decision makers in the Lansing, Michigan. As of last week, Capital Area Michigan Works has given me the green light to organize career networking groups. These groups will be organized by profession, meet regularly at Capital Area Michigan Works, encourage

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-62693018539201318462010-02-05T13:21:00.007-05:002010-02-05T14:27:32.760-05:00

Sob stories are problematic. When I find myself on the receiving end of one there is often the sense the individual spinning the tale believes he or she is the only person to have experienced some sort of obstacle or set back in life. Solutions and suggestions of how to look at the experience in a more positive way are met with head shakes and comments about not understanding. I haven't walked in

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-19368796129001719972010-01-27T09:04:00.007-05:002010-01-27T09:36:02.721-05:00

You know that little guy sitting on your shoulder whispering all sorts of negative stuff in your ear? Flick him off! Seriously. He's not doing you a lick of good. It frustrates me to no end when I meet someone more willing to embrace the opinion of an imaginary person than a seasoned professional. What gives this little guy so much power? Even if he knows some deep dark secret about you, it's not

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-45930809480594697382010-01-26T15:39:00.006-05:002010-01-26T16:00:09.452-05:00

As a resident of the state with highest level of unemployment in the nation, you'd think I'd be tripping over job seekers right and left. Not so. Except for my clients, who actively network with me, I rarely encounter the unemployed in business circles. It's astonishing to me how hard it can be to find a job seeker at times. The few who cross paths with me because of their own efforts to be seen

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-25127782090488913212010-01-23T15:49:00.007-05:002010-01-23T16:37:02.759-05:00

Do you want to avoid your cover letter being more about you and less about your reader? I have an easy solution. As a rule, I encourage all of my clients to make sure the first thing the cover letter says is the name of the company they are writing. For example, "Smith & Sons is currently recruiting for a Director of Communications. The desired skills emphasized in your company's posting include

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-24390750573759047262010-01-15T12:04:00.003-05:002010-01-15T14:52:04.172-05:00

John was one of those people you just fell in love with instantly. I'm not talking romantic love. His spirit, energy, warmth and humor made itself known immediately. Those drawn to vitality were easily pulled under his spell.I first met John when he interviewed with me to be a recruiter on my team. Though I recognized how special he was as a person, I also saw how he was not a fit for the job I

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-89555601534318096512009-12-29T15:10:00.005-05:002009-12-29T15:47:07.561-05:00

For the new and soon-to-be college graduates out there, I'd like to alert you to a simple fact. As cold as it sounds, once you graduate it's no longer about you. Roles reverse. Circumstances change. Think of the relationship of students and colleges in a basic way. Students are the buyers. They are the paying customer to the college who is in the role of the seller. In any sales setting it's

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-4737512046342761732009-12-24T09:05:00.003-05:002009-12-24T09:34:26.454-05:00

No, this isn't about me being viscous. I had a photo session earlier this week, which is tantamount to torture. Cameras and I do not get along. My fragile grasp on confidence gives way and insecurity creeps in. Insecurity isn't something I like to pay much attention to normally, but humanity makes it impossible to ignore at times. During the shoot, the photographer was assisted by Susan, a woman

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-664701600568197202009-12-16T09:48:00.004-05:002009-12-16T10:41:30.587-05:00

I've mentioned before companies are more inclined to hire by the balance sheet versus by the heart. What does this mean for job seekers? It's critical to focus on how your experience and talents can have a positive influence on an organization's profit margin. Candidates who are able to give a company a clear picture of how hiring them will improve the company's bottom line are going to have the

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-88369708188882173252009-12-13T13:20:00.005-05:002009-12-13T13:51:41.007-05:00

So many talented and skilled individuals are struggling in this current job market. Why? Because they've never had to look for a job before and aren't certain how to navigate this tricky economy. They frequently tell me how, in the past, jobs always came to them. Now they are having to hunt for jobs and it's unfamiliar territory.My answer to that problem is to make it familiar territory! When you

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-11201766862795642152009-12-10T07:39:00.004-05:002009-12-10T08:35:09.756-05:00

Advertisements and emails tell me everyday to act immediately in order to get in on some amazing opportunity. Of course, the opportunities usually aren't all that amazing. The products or services offered rarely even hit the "I might need this once in a blue moon" spectrum. As much as these messages annoy me, worse are the times I catch myself actually considering something I don't need simply

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-4571583569711627682009-12-06T09:00:00.000-05:002009-12-06T09:00:08.658-05:00

Family gatherings are such a joy for those out of work. There's nothing like the a room full of friends and family members to bring out tons of inquiries on your job search efforts (usually in the form of "got a job yet?"), comments on how bad the economy is, suggestions on what you should be doing differently, and remarks about how you should or shouldn't be spending your money this season.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-47574525650204073392009-12-05T07:58:00.004-05:002009-12-05T09:08:00.284-05:00

I promise I'm not nuts when I tell you the unemployed have advantages in the job search process. Yes, employed individuals have the appearance of being in demand and are less likely to receive offers below their true value, but being unemployed has its perks. Let's talk about some of them so those of you clinging to obstacles can refocus a bit.First and foremost, the employed often have the

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-76301908680218901392009-12-02T14:52:00.005-05:002009-12-02T15:44:12.622-05:00

Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? We've heard that before. Usually it's tied to romantic relationships and the quest for commitment. These days some job seekers need to come to terms with the concept professionally.At a recent round table for job seekers the topic of unpaid internships came up. Heavily experienced individuals were hearing stories about people working for free

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-4489840863554767992009-11-28T08:35:00.004-05:002009-11-30T11:30:19.305-05:00

My kids love the song, "Five Little Monkeys." Even if you don't have kids, you've likely heard it at some point in your life. It's a counting song. You start with five little monkeys jumping on the bed. One falls off and bumps his head. Mama calls the doctor and the doctor says, "no more monkeys jumping on the bed." The song then moves on to four little monkeys jumping on the bed. The inevitable

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-91980994429489086892009-11-02T09:17:00.003-05:002009-11-02T09:39:22.901-05:00

There are several documentaries running right now showcasing individuals struggling to find work in this economic mess. It doesn't go unnoticed many are in the 50+ crowd. To their credit, they are shown at various networking functions and support groups. Getting out of the house is a big step. Still, I find myself frustrated and practically shouting at the television screen at times. Footage runs

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-57475741693186772802009-10-30T13:33:00.002-04:002009-10-30T13:45:26.072-04:00

This week I heard a lot of good news. Several friends and clients are basking in interview requests and job offers. Care to know what all of them happen to have in common? All of them have connections to someone associated with the companies involved. They have an extra edge because they know someone, or know someone who knows someone, on the inside. These individuals aren't lucky or special.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-17733331764779545512009-10-26T14:45:00.003-04:002009-10-26T15:15:38.260-04:00

When I first got into the world of recruiting, the computer wasn't a big part of the job. I had a computer for access to our company database, but I wasn't trolling the internet and emailing all day long. In order to build relationships with candidates and corporate leaders and be in the know of key happenings in the business community, I had to get out as much as possible and stay visible.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-89467177812739929162009-10-22T10:43:00.002-04:002009-10-22T11:03:49.703-04:00

My husband says the 'F' word. A lot. He doesn't realize how often that little monster of a word works its way into his conversations. He is desensitized to the word from years of working around military personnel with a flair for colorful metaphors. If you asked my husband, he'd tell you he is good at self-censoring. He believes he is careful only to say such things in appropriate circles. Wrong.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-66124099028827696162009-10-14T16:29:00.003-04:002009-10-14T16:57:39.996-04:00

While grocery shopping today, I had an interesting encounter with a cashier. She was wearing a frown as she scanned my groceries. People attempting to line up behind me were quickly told of other available lanes with no waiting. Though that could count as good customer service, her suggesting they consider other cashiers had nothing to do with customer convenience. She was frustrated, as she

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-26753585377950339702009-10-13T09:52:00.002-04:002009-10-13T10:03:05.161-04:00

Remember that company you approached 3,6, 9 or even 12 months ago that said it had no openings? Is that still true? There is no way to know if you haven't kept in touch with the contacts you made there. Many job seekers make the mistake of turning a company's account of its current situation into a permanent truth. Just because a company didn't have much in the way of opportunity in the past

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-68773192326022075032009-10-04T17:58:00.007-04:002009-10-07T10:47:47.371-04:00

Networking for a job while employed is tough. This is especially true for those in sales and marketing roles who may already be heavily involved in networking on behalf of their current employer. So, how do you handle networking for the benefit of self-promotion while also representing a specific employer? Discretion and good judgment are key. In your networking circle, cherry pick a select few

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-10428856059449512222009-09-25T14:48:00.002-04:002009-09-25T14:56:17.917-04:00

When a recruiter or hiring manager calls you and asks if this is a good time to talk, be honest. If it's not, it's much better to reschedule the call for a more ideal time than to attempt to have a conversation with chaos going on in the background. Yes, potential employers want to feel like they are high on the priority list for a job candidate. More importantly, they want to know the person has

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-64511495583239998252009-09-19T09:06:00.003-04:002009-09-19T09:21:35.073-04:00

Just for the sake of discussion, advancing your education is supposed to open doors for you. Too often I find individuals turning the tables on that notion and allowing the knowledge they've gained to push them into a corner.What do I mean? It's the belief once you have a degree in 'XYZ' it becomes your sole focus and option. In a world with job descriptions beyond your wildest imagination,

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-1537252077785016052009-09-17T13:47:00.003-04:002009-09-17T13:59:15.594-04:00

It's been over a week since my last blog. Naughty, naughty, naughty on my part. In the blog world that kind of absence can dramatically affect your following. I could have mind blowing blogs, but by neglecting to stay in front of my readers with fresh content, I am at risk of losing their interest and following. It wouldn't take long to become a blogger they enjoyed at one time, but no longer

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-44492775072986191352009-09-09T17:34:00.002-04:002009-09-09T17:55:19.132-04:00

At the risk of sounding like a Bart Simpson groupie, I have to tell you about my favorite episode of "The Simpsons." Of course, I've only seen three or four. Here goes.The show begins with Bart's sister Lisa trying to come up with a science project for a school report. She decides on a test to determine who is smarter, Bart or a mouse. The test involves a treat rigged with an electrical current

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-81047457536508075912009-09-02T15:21:00.005-04:002009-09-02T15:59:14.144-04:00

A colleague of mine was talking up a woman he was hoping I could help with her job search. He didn't know much about her work history and skills, but he was able to offer up "she's got instant like!" He said it with a smile and a wink. He wasn't discounting the value of a person's expertise, he clearly understood the advantage people have in a job search when others like them on the spot. Lucky

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-86267960968992007502009-09-01T10:35:00.003-04:002009-09-01T10:57:50.233-04:00

Are you sending your resume to potential employers via email? If so, please pay attention to the document name you are using for your resume. You certainly don't want a hiring manager's chuckle for the day to come at your expense. When we save documents on our computer, we give them names that will help us know what the document is without always thinking how it might look to others. I've

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-73138816356184888692009-08-31T14:54:00.008-04:002009-08-31T15:36:06.865-04:00

There's been an increase of what I like to call Mulligan Stew job descriptions. If you aren't familiar with Mulligan Stew, it's essentially a meal made from all sorts of things thrown together. In cooking, the outcome can be delicious. When it comes to job descriptions, mixing a whole bunch of random responsibilities together can be a catastrophe. My client, we'll call him Pete, found one of

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-62464712325735014492009-08-27T17:11:00.005-04:002009-08-27T17:58:00.872-04:00

Receptionists deserve an apology. They get blamed by the masses for not putting calls through to key personnel. They are the supposed obstacle to job seekers being able to effectively follow up on opportunities and make valuable connections with decision makers. Contrary to popular belief, there is no receptionist boot camp where those screening phone calls are taught to make your efforts futile.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-61839796528818692192009-08-20T20:20:00.001-04:002009-08-20T20:21:51.145-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know I'm stepping away from the blogosphere for 5 days. New York City, here I come. Don't forget about me while I'm gone.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-15309397421754870182009-08-18T21:39:00.006-04:002009-08-18T23:12:08.264-04:00

Many companies are having a hard time hiring qualified individuals to fill their open positions. Yep, I'm writing this post in August of 2009. I'm fully aware of the economy and high unemployment numbers. Living in Michigan, it's impossible not to be. Care to hazard a guess why some companies can't seem to find the right person for their needs? One reason is somewhat obvious. What companies need

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-30645354721566365612009-08-17T08:56:00.001-04:002009-08-18T21:39:05.215-04:00

This post could get me into trouble. I have a love/hate relationship with recruiting experts. Though the intentions to educate and inspire creative thought are clear to me, I worry their readers are missing the boat on what is really happening at times. So much advice comes off as "do this" and "say that" directives. I fully believe the goal is usually to help job seekers understand the reason

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-89042119523848853712009-08-16T09:36:00.000-04:002009-08-16T09:37:31.155-04:00

It's been said timing is everything. For me, that's bunk. Waiting around for the right time often results in nothing. What do I mean? Those putting off making contact with key individuals and companies with the thought of waiting for a more perfect time, often end up with nothing to show for their careful planning. I've witnessed far too many job seekers and sales professionals missing out

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-82800257303260130812009-08-14T08:08:00.003-04:002009-08-14T08:41:21.755-04:00

Imagine with me, if you will, a hiring manager reading a resume of an individual who interests him. He calls the person, they talk, and he decides he wants to bring the person in for an interview. "When are you available?", he asks. "Anytime that is convenient for you. I'm wide open," the accommodating candidate offers. To many candidates, the above response to a potential employer's request

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-86292745608509943902009-08-09T18:29:00.004-04:002009-08-13T14:37:10.992-04:00

Feeling frustration when coworkers aren't pulling their weight is understandable. Those who show up and give 150% of themselves often find their efforts enabling others to only give 50%. What's a person to do? Give less? Lash out at coworkers for loafing or supervisors for failing to take action? Nah. Doing so might feel good, but it rarely does anything positive for those set on making a

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-21609951927636668862009-08-08T09:42:00.005-04:002009-08-08T15:55:13.410-04:00

Lucy knows this is coming. I warned her fair and square she'd be getting a blog in her honor. Of course, her name isn't really Lucy, but she'll know it's her just the same.Lucy thinks she has a big problem. Despite her brains, down right likability, dedication and the fact she's been consistently employed since the age of pimples and Friday night trips to the mall with girlfriends, she thinks

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-7017211217370224772009-08-03T12:39:00.007-04:002009-08-03T15:17:19.094-04:00

A recent college graduate is suing the school she attended because she has yet to find a job since graduating in April. The basis of the complaint is that the school hasn't done enough to provide leads to her and give her career advice. Because she hasn't managed to find a job, all of her education is worthless and not relevant to employers? I can't help but wonder if the reason she hasn't

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-40523485826238771852009-07-31T07:53:00.009-04:002009-07-31T11:54:19.423-04:00

Do you have a no smoking policy with friends, family members, colleagues and mentors? This has nothing to do with nicotine sticks. The no smoking policy I'm referring to is an agreement no smoke will be blown when giving you constructive feedback. When looking for a job, you need the people in your life's circle giving you their honest take on how you are presenting yourself to others. Whether

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-84093622923765296192009-07-29T10:11:00.000-04:002009-07-29T10:11:30.339-04:00

Ah, cover letters. I'm not sure who has the shorter end of the stick, candidates who have to write them or prospective employers who have to read them. They can be painful to both parties. I read too many cover letters that beat hiring managers over the head with personal circumstances, irrelevant qualifications and desperate pleas for opportunity. Writing and reading that stuff is toxic to

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-60462989507650128142009-07-27T16:41:00.005-04:002009-07-27T18:02:54.230-04:00

Last week I had an interesting conversation with a man we'll call Tim. Tim is on the young side, but mature well beyond his years. He understands more about bringing value to the table and not wasting people's time, or any time for that matter, than many people twice his age.Tim's struggle is that he is a bit on the shy side. He finds himself avoiding making key connections in his job search.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-16359441082115047912009-07-26T09:45:00.006-04:002009-07-26T16:11:28.503-04:00

Wouldn't it be handy if job seekers knew exactly why they were passed over for positions? So much is left to guessing and assumptions. It's not always possible to get solid feedback as to why, but if you make a habit of posing well-timed and value added questions to those you interview with, you may have a better idea of where you missed the mark.Before we dig into strategies for soliciting

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-1804590548063484882009-07-25T10:25:00.003-04:002009-07-25T10:31:28.959-04:00

I shared this nugget in another forum and thought it would be wise to post it here as well. Please indulge me if you've read it before.There is no doubt the media loves to focus on negative news. A company who finds itself in the spotlight for not so positive reasons tends to become the company with a big X over its name. Job seekers and sales professionals fawn over those getting good press

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-6708091340792515932009-07-22T13:26:00.008-04:002009-07-22T17:54:43.285-04:00

Rejection is part of the human experience. Even those exuding confidence wrestle with concerns of not being wanted. They're human too, right? Their ability to risk hearing a no, and move past the no's they've received along the way, is what sets them apart from the crowd. As a recruiter I encountered rejection on a regular basis. My experience was two-fold. There was the rejection dealt to

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-12814361413853635492009-07-19T10:07:00.005-04:002009-07-19T11:06:09.398-04:00

So many people find themselves playing dodge ball with mistakes of the past. They've burned bridges with people and end up in a never ending game of having to find alternative routes to their destination. So often this isn't necessary. Just as we fix the broken bridges in our lives we use for driving and walking, the bridges we have with other individuals can usually be repaired with a sincere

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-3708538471970828582009-07-14T14:05:00.007-04:002009-07-14T21:32:18.330-04:00

If Google knows any of your personal business, he's going to blab it to anyone who asks the right questions. Every detail you provide to a company during your job search could be used on search engines to reveal more information about you than you ever intended to share. It is important for every job seeker to safeguard themselves from unintentionally giving a potential employer access to

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-26639932372323388442009-07-11T13:45:00.002-04:002009-07-14T21:34:16.720-04:00

"Employers are intimidated by me." I often hear this from older or executive level candidates. When I hear it, I find myself chewing on my lip. It's not that I don't think it is possible for decision makers to pass over candidates who may threaten their professional advancements or who may feel the individual's qualifications are such it would be awkward to offer something with less

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-91904130580103176652009-07-06T15:51:00.008-04:002009-07-14T21:34:55.538-04:00

I don't envy job seekers. There are experts at every corner telling them what they thought was a good approach stinks. Just today I read an article by an HR professional going on about phrases on your resume sure to send it to the trash can. She cited phrases like "team player," "results oriented," and "proven track record" as resume killers. I couldn't help but shake my head. I agree phrases

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-31684918805899156582009-06-19T16:49:00.004-04:002009-07-14T21:36:28.081-04:00

I'm not sure why, but resumes noting an individual's "attention to detail" frequently have a typo or grammatical error within the next few lines. Now that's irony. Though I'm one to notice mistakes on a resume anyway, I have to confess an increased desire to look for them on resumes where candidates have noted their attention to detail as a reason I'd want to hire them. It becomes a challenge

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-88510594474493612042009-06-11T11:53:00.003-04:002009-06-11T12:11:15.170-04:00

Who is your weakest link? Go ahead and ask. "Why Lisa, whatever do you mean?" I mean, who is the person in your life with access to your mail, computer or phone who you'd least like interacting with a potential employer? If bad luck finds you easily, that is the person who is going to answer the phone or accidentally delete an email when the employer you've been crossing every finger over

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-77923253916038621692009-06-08T16:32:00.004-04:002009-06-08T17:20:32.390-04:00

Objectives. Sigh. It's rare I encounter an objective that actually adds value to an individual's resume. When you consider they are positioned right at the top and sure to have the prospective employer's undivided attention, it is a shame they often do little to capture interest or set one candidate apart from another. What a waste of prime advertising space. Most objectives read something

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-14850546109125174372009-06-04T15:50:00.004-04:002009-06-04T16:09:32.198-04:00

Many sales professionals know the phrase "balls in the air." In basic terms, you want lots of things going so you have the best chance of something good happening. Juggling one or two balls at a time leaves you with little to hope for should one or both fall to the ground. The more balls you toss into the situation, the more there are to make up for whatever falls through. Since job seekers

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-11240791800226824982009-05-15T10:27:00.004-04:002009-05-15T12:44:44.479-04:00

If I had a nickel for every time a candidate's references ended up being a family member or close friend I'd be bathing in the sun on some exotic Caribbean island. Okay, so I'm exaggerating. Considering it takes 100 nickels to make 5 bucks, I'd probably have enough for a super sized fast food meal. Still, it happened too often for my taste. I know providing references can be difficult. If

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-63370013967319239582009-05-14T20:43:00.007-04:002009-05-14T22:23:49.911-04:00

This blog is about being uncensored so I'm going to take advantage of that and share a pet peeve of mine. To do that, I need to tell you the story of Alice. At least I think her name was Alice. It's been a while and my brain is dusty.Alice was a thirty something woman trapped in an 5 year old's mentality. Not a very nice thing to say, I know. I'm not trying to be mean. There is a point to

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-54604650135153112009-05-13T08:04:00.005-04:002009-05-13T09:58:01.224-04:00

Job hunting is like dating. Don't believe me? In both situations there is a lot of worry over how well you're liked, how to show the right level of interest without coming off aloof or desperate, when to call after contact, how much to share right off the bat and how many other people may also be of interest to the other party. Couple that with nerves and the tendency to say what the other

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-59976045351801458432009-05-08T10:35:00.008-04:002009-05-08T15:27:22.455-04:00

What makes for a successful interview? Isn't that the million dollar question. There are plenty of resources for job seekers these days outlining how to look and what to say to increase the odds of a positive outcome. I agree with much of the advice, however, much of it stops short of driving home the most important concept when it comes to interviews.Before I reveal what is being overlooked,

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-11697316426199603392009-05-07T16:21:00.005-04:002009-05-07T17:37:11.141-04:00

About 5 years ago there seemed to be a dramatic increase in the number of candidates bringing portfolios to interviews. What had been a practice primarily for marketing and creative types became more frequent across other professional lines. At least that was my experience. More individuals began to see the benefit of having samples of their work with them as proof of their abilities. Portfolios

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-87723710161637145862009-05-06T08:53:00.004-04:002009-05-06T10:51:29.858-04:00

We all have value. When enduring a job search, it's easy to lose sight of that and struggle with a positive attitude. The process of losing a job and finding a new one is riddled with bullets of rejection. What's worse, sometimes you don't even get rejected. You get nothing. Your efforts and actions aren't even acknowledged. What's a job seeker to do?The most important thing a job seeker

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-89099630271082870702009-05-05T14:33:00.006-04:002009-05-05T15:47:42.819-04:00

If you ask job seekers if they've ever been tested when applying for a job you usually hear 'yes.' Potential employers are using all sorts of tools to measure and evaluate candidates. Personality assessments, typing tests, software proficiency applications, grammar/spelling/math quizzes and the list goes on. These are the tests candidates are aware of. Are they the only tests though? Maybe.

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-10817886348367673962009-05-04T12:10:00.011-04:002009-05-05T13:53:45.844-04:00

Through the course of my career I've frequently encountered the job seeker who doesn't know what he wants to do professionally. "What do you think I should do?" That is the question inevitably tossed my way. Lovely. What do I think a relative stranger who I've known a grand total of an hour or two should do professionally? What's going to bring them satisfaction? What's going to be in

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-63998161805534133412009-05-03T07:47:00.003-04:002009-05-03T08:27:15.043-04:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, compensation should be tied to the level of work an individual is doing for a company. What value does the company gain from that function? How does that role or that person's skills affect the bottom line? What is the street value for that person's abilities? How much would it cost to replace the person?Compensation shouldn't be a number picked out of the

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-30046248163577439062009-05-02T22:26:00.008-04:002009-05-02T22:55:08.505-04:00

"How much are you looking to make?" It's the question most job seekers dread. Say too much and you might be ruled out. Say too little and you might get stuck earning less than the position had the potential to pay. What is a person to do?One thing to do is to avoid being too specific with an answer before more is known about the actual job. Often times candidates are being asked up front

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-54303521299501320942009-05-02T16:02:00.003-04:002009-05-08T10:04:36.952-04:00

I've given a number of workshops over the years to job seekers. Topics have typically covered things like resume/interview techniques, networking your way to new opportunities and adding sales strategies to standard job seeking activities. Most of the content has been pretty straight forward. Finding a job isn't rocket science. It's mostly an exercise in creativity, consistency and

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-30099751319276377462009-05-02T13:42:00.004-04:002009-05-02T15:30:47.661-04:00

I've met many a thief in my life. Most were clueless of their criminal ways. They floated through life robbing others of time and opportunity. It's not that they intended to be thieves. Far from it. They were so wrapped up in themselves, they simply didn't have the awareness of what they were taking from themselves and others. The thief didn't overpower his victim with a gun, knife or blunt

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540841255373316192.post-65902472543584990782009-05-02T12:43:00.005-04:002009-05-02T13:22:48.099-04:00

With over 10 years of my professional life spent in the recruiting industry, I've crossed paths with a lot of job seekers. The numbers are easily in the thousands. Over time many of the names and faces have become a blur. The mind can only hold so much. There are standouts though, good and bad. I'm creating this blog to talk about the good, the bad and the blurry. I thought it might interest

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16737972369295457186noreply@blogger.com0