Only a few decades ago, applying for a job meant reaching for the classifieds and dusting off the old typewriter and fax machine. Needless to say, things have changed… and the resume and hiring process are constantly evolving. To help you keep up, I’ve outlined to the top 6 ways resumes have changed and what you need to know before your next job search.
I once worked with a technology organization that hired large volumes of sales representatives on an ongoing basis. This company had agreed on the basic definition of an ideal candidate, but still individual hiring managers often inserted personal biases that were largely unimportant. Things like…
Are you just going through the motions at work? Working for the weekend? You’re not alone. According to a Gallup study published in the Harvard Business Review, only 16% of Canadians are engaged in their jobs. So it’s not just you. But remember, your career is your career and you alone are responsible for its growth and direction. Here is how to take control of your career in 5 steps:
Who are your heroes in business?
My dad (with my mom’s support). He and my uncle ran a construction company called Quarin Brothers for 30 years. In the same vein, my heroes are every small business person who has an idea, empties his/her wallet, and gives their soul into building something.
Dear Corporate Recruiter,
As an Agency Recruiter (headhunter), I/we am/are pleased to be chosen to assist you in your important search. It is our aim to be able to partner with your company and truly become an extension of your function. As Jim Collins says, “People are not your most important asset. The right people are.” As headhunters, our goal is to find you those right people who will reflect well on your function and within your company overall.
Hiring managers have lots of options when it comes to finding top quality talent. You can leverage your personal network, employee referrals, social media (LinkedIn), online job boards, using HR, and of course… an excellent headhunter.
To help you decide, keep in mind that 2 things will never change:
1) The best candidates are not “looking” for a new career;
2) A poor hire is extremely costly to your organization.
… So you’ll need to invest some resources, whether they be time or money. Here are 3 points to consider when deciding, “should I hire a headhunter or just use HR?”
You’re a job candidate being screened over the phone by a recruiter or hiring manager. How do you make a good impression when the only touch point is your voice? Phone interviews can be intimidating but they don’t have to be. As recruiters, we’re on the phone all day long. We’ve heard our share of great phone screenings … along with not-so-great ones. A good recruiter will work with you to make the process smoother.
With so many search firms of all shapes and sizes out there (global or independent; retained or contingent) selecting a partner to help fill a critical vacancy can be challenging. However, there are simple questions you can ask a potential recruitment partner to help ensure a successful search.
As a headhunter, I screen and interview candidates regularly, so I know first-hand about putting candidates on the spot with difficult questions… and how stressful it can be! The only way to handle tough questions is to be as prepared as possible. In this post I’ve outlined the 13 toughest questions interviewers almost always ask, and provided guidance on how to answer them.
