Top 3 Hiring Mistakes to Avoid

Top 3 Hiring Mistakes to Avoid As a recruiter, I speak so often to candidates about the importance of being clear about their personal brand statement. It is critical to know your strengths, the sweet spot of your skillset, and how to explain your background to a potential employer. Without this clarity, you may be overlooked in the screening process. I am also seeing companies that are not clear on what they want. Thousands of jobs are going unfilled and hiring processes are going on for so long that companies are losing perfect candidates simply due to a lack of clarity around what they want and need. Clearly, hiring managers want to ensure that they are thorough and hiring the right person. But the answer is not a job description that reads like an engine part specs sheetâ€" packed with a litany of skills, obtuse requirements like “hit the ground running”, and culminating with a subpar salary. Rather than continue with an approach that keeps employers with vacant positions and qualified candidates out of work, here are three hiring mistakes we’re seeing and our suggestions for rectifying them: 1) Overwhelming and unrealistic job description: At our creative staffing firm we require our account managers to collect in-depth, detailed job descriptions. At first, there can be pushback, especially if there is already a formal job description in place. The first mistake is to take the “everything but the kitchen sink” job description at face value and not ask questions. Our job is to decipher, analyze, and probe deeper to uncover the most important aspects of the job the better job order we can take, the better candidate we can provide. Hiring managers need to think about what they cannot live without. Those are the requirements that should be the first bullets of a job spec. It should describe a day in the life of what this person would be doing. It should consider where the ideal candidate comes from. It should include a salary range and “nice to haves.” The clearer and more honest you are in the description, the more likely you will be to attract the best candidate, whether it is on your own or through an agency like ours. 2) The never-ending interview process: I recently heard of a candidate going in for a seven-hour interview. Seven. Hours. In the end, she did not get the job and what an absolute waste of time for both parties. If you bring the village to meet a potential candidate, you are making a big mistake. Limiting the interview process to two to four people should be plenty. I had a creative director tell me he interviewed at a company where the interview process went on for three months. During this time, he interviewed at another company where the interview process was a couple of weeks. Both companies offered him a job, and the one with the drawn-out process offered nearly 30K more. Ultimately, he chose the lesser-paying role at the company where the process moved quickly. He said he was so turned off by the decision-making of the slower moving firm and how they treated him along the way, that he felt like this was a precursor to how they did business in general. A candidate’s time is just as valuable as the client looking to hire. It doesn’t matter if you are hiring an 80K copywriter or a 200k VP of Creative. A company’s hiring process can affect their brand and street cred with other executives and recruiters. 3) Not taking a risk: In this post-recession climate, we’re finding that many companies simply refuse to pull the trigger and make a hire, blaming the “shortage of good talent” and “poor candidate pool” for their inability to fill an open requirement. Some would rather continue to burden existing staff versus hire someone who has 90% of what they are looking for. The remedy for this is for employers to move beyond a recession mentality. Keeping staff flat and never taking the plunge with a new hire might sustain your business, but it certainly won’t help it grow. Conclusions: By all indications, we are seeing the signs of economic recovery, and employers ready to hire would be wise to become more realistic in their approach and expectations. A longer description won’t produce a miracle and a six-month interview process won’t uncover a superhero. However, clear, concise job descriptions, an efficient interview process, and realistic expectations of the job market will put you in the best position to uncover the person you need. Author: Joyce Bethoney is the Director of Recruiting for Communications Collaborative, the marketing and creative staffing division of  pileandcompany.com.

How to Debut Strong Writing Skills on Resume

How to Debut Strong Writing Skills on ResumeWriting your CV in order to mention strong writing skills is something that everyone needs to be aware of. You don't have to work very hard to get a job, but you do need to make the most of your abilities and offer yourself an advantage.When your resume is completed, it doesn't have to be perfect. It's just one of the things that you need to work on. So, when you're CV is completed, you should consider whether or not you have strong writing skills.Here are some tips on how to mention strong writing skills on resume. The first thing to remember is that, if you're in a competitive environment and this is where you're applying for, you need to come across as a professional. One of the ways to do this is to write with confidence. No matter what field you're in, if you're going to be writing you need to know how to use proper grammar and you also need to know how to spell.Another thing to consider when it comes to how to mention strong writing s kills on resume is the fact that you need to use the correct format. If you can utilize the right tools, such as a Microsoft Word template, then you'll be able to highlight certain areas on your resume that you think will help you stand out for a particular position.Don't try to reinvent the wheel because it may look amateurish and you may not stand out in any way if you try to make your own personal style of resume. Most of the time, people who try to go against the grain of the job position they're applying for don't stand out at all. The reason why you want to try to write the resume correctly is because it makes it easier for the HR manager to look at. One other point you need to keep in mind is that you should also highlight any specific skills that you might have that would help you to land a particular job. For example, if you're looking for a job in IT, then you should mention your technical skills and the skills you've been training in, so the HR manager can see how you can benefit them in this particular job role.When it comes to how to mention strong writing skills on resume, it's also important to mention any credentials that you have that would help you stand out in this particular job role. A great way to do this is to highlight previous jobs that demonstrate the skills that you possess.These are some tips on how to mention strong writing skills on resume. The point is to make the most of your abilities by highlighting those that will enable you to get a job and mention those that might help you get the job.

4 Things You Should NEVER Do in an Interview

4 Things You Should NEVER Do in an Interview Looking for a job can often become demeaning, stressful and hopeless. Sometimes it takes time for your luck to shine  and your hard work to bring  results. This does not mean you should stop believing in yourself or that you will never get a job. There will be a time when you will actually realize that the break you had during your job hunt was worth it, once you start working and get into the thick of things. There will be times during your job hunt phase, where you will get the chance of an interview with your prospective employer. Getting to that interview stage is one of the biggest achievements, as in this tough time, an  interview is not something that can be an easy one to fetch. So the moment you get an interview call, take it seriously. Ensure that you take the right steps to  prepare for the interview beforehand and give  your top game when you arrive for the interview. The importance of planning and preparing for the interview cannot be stressed enough, but still people make mistakes that result in interview failure and we are going to talk about four things that you should absolutely avoid during the interview session. 1) Freeze during the session: Many candidates have an amazing job profile as well as decent communication skills. However, when they arrive at the interview, it probably is not their day or they just get lost in the moment. Make sure you have the backup plan arranged in case you freeze up during the interview. No matter how confident you are, people usually end up completely lost and out of answers, this not only makes the situation awkward but leaves a very bad impression. So you can do anything but freeze up during your interview session. Your backup plans to avoid that could be conversational topics already thought of, changing the topic smartly or preparing generic answers for something you might not know about. 2) Try to be dominating: Your prospective employer is experienced and has a much bigger profile or stature compared to you, so you should always respect that. Never try to dominate your employer by being overly aggressive, talkative or over confident about anything. The moment you do that, your employer will start judging you. 3) Being too casual or sloppy: The worst thing you can do during an interview is to show that you are not serious about it or the job. Never leave an impression that you do not want the job or you are taking it too lightly. Employers are busy people, yet they are giving you time, so at the very least respect that. 4) Talk negatively about the previous company or the company you are at: You might not like some policies of the company you are applying for, but do not voice those opinions like you are coming there to change. Always be diplomatic and pleasant in your tone. If you have previously worked somewhere, do not talk negatively about that company. Author:  Katherine has an immense experience in hiring specialized people for different organizations, who are advised by him across the blog. He also quite seriously talks about different interview and recruitment aspects at ChiefPapers.com

The Careers in Asia fair in the UK, for international students (apply for your place this month!) University of Manchester Careers Blog

The Careers in Asia fair in the UK, for international students (apply for your place this month!) University of Manchester Careers Blog The Careers in Asia recruitment fairs have been running for a number of years in the UK and some of our international students at Manchester have secured a job this way in the past. At the fairs, graduate employers visit the UK, from across Asia, to recruit international students (usually from Asia) who are currently studying in the UK. The next fair is in April 2014, but if you want to attend, you need to apply for a place by 28th February, 2014. What is the fair all about? Employers typically have a number of jobs available. Some are experienced hire posts, focusing on hiring either postgraduates or those with previous working experiences. Others are hiring for graduate entry or management trainee posts, where less formal experience is required. Who is attending this year? Some firms are already promoting their opportunities directly to the University and others are just attending the fair. Examples include: Reckitt Benckiser who have sites across Asia and are looking to hire both graduate trainee posts and expeirenced scientific roles. You can see the full list of their vacancies at: Reckitt Benckiser GCC 2014 Maybank with sites across Asia looking for students/graduates with 0-2 years working expeirences. Maybanks opportunities from Careers in Asia NU Skin ( China) is also visiting the UK in March for a career fair (but not this one). To be considered for their visit to the UK in March, please apply urgently to NU Skin using:  http://nuskin.zhaopin.com Other firms include: Henkel, Jardines, Li Ning. Which students should apply? The posts mention students from across Asia India, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Korea, Japan, China, .   Not from Asia? Although this fair is focusing on Asia, Global Career Company also run fairs for Africa too. www.globalcareercompany.com Tips to secure a place   at the fairs Speaking to the organisers of the fairs ( an organisation called Global Career Company), it is vital to submit a good application for a place at the fair. Treat it as if you were applying for a job (quality CV / good covering letter / get the English right / make it look professional. I think you know what I am saying).   You are really taking the first step in applying for the job ( and the first step is usually the hardest) To find out more about the fairs see: www.globalcareercompany.com All International Asia Careers fair China international international jobs international students

Writing and Editing Your Resume - Writing and Editor Resume Examples

Writing and Editing Your Resume - Writing and Editor Resume ExamplesWriting and editing your resume may seem like an easy process, but in reality it requires some work. With thousands of job openings available each year, having a good resume to show for your skills and experience is paramount. At this point, you've worked hard for years, and now you're hoping that your resume is able to propel you into a job interview. There are many writing/editor resume examples that can help you begin to create a more professional looking resume.When it comes to creating a resume, one of the most important things to remember is to choose your words carefully. A great resume cover letter can go a long way towards getting you the job you want, but only if you put forth the necessary effort to create it. To help with this process, there are many professional resume examples that you can use.The first thing you want to do when looking for writing/editor resume examples is to determine how much detail you are comfortable providing. If you're not able to provide full details about yourself, it's possible that you won't be noticed when writing your resume. This is one of the things that you should always remember, so make sure you're as specific as possible when listing your experience and skills.Remember that there are many different types of experience that you can list, such as working in sales, computer programming, or graphic design. These are all vital skills that employers look for, so don't forget about them when choosing writing/editor resume examples. Additionally, there are also many different career fields you can list, such as a lawyer, journalist, or social worker. Again, you can choose how much detail you want to list, so choose wisely.Another thing to keep in mind when choosing your writing/editor resume examples is the need to follow a format. No matter what type of experience you have, there is a certain amount of repetition that is required for each section of yo ur resume. If you've been out of the work force for some time, you should still include these sections in your resume, as well as sections that mention your career goals and achievements.It's also a good idea to keep in mind that when it comes to crafting a full length resume, you need to create a professional look. Many people will have trouble knowing what they should include in their resumes, so the best advice is to make a checklist of what to include. It's always best to leave out the things that you know that you don't need to include, or you know very little about.Other writing/editor resume examples may include keywords in your resume that can also aid you in being noticed. Make sure that you use these words, as well as your job experience, hobbies, and educational background. These things can go a long way towards helping you gain attention from a potential employer.In addition to hiring professional writers, make sure that you research your resume. Once you've finished wri ting, spend some time searching for other writing/editor resume examples. This will give you a good start on what exactly you want to include, and will allow you to focus on creating a professionally looking resume that can get you the job you've always wanted.

Five Unusual Career Paths - CareerAlley

Five Unusual Career Paths - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Maybe Accounting or Marketing is not for you, or maybe you just want to do something different. Whatever your reason for wanting a non-traditional career, there are many ways to earn a living that are challenging, exciting and unusual, you just need to find the career that appeals to you. You dont have to earn a college degree or work a desk job to be successful. In reality, there are plenty of training programs that will prepare you for satisfying careers in a variety of industries. If the idea of attending a four-year university and sitting in a cubicle for the rest of your life just isnt appealing, you should consider one of these five unusual career paths instead. Fire Scientist If youre fascinated by fire and enjoy living on the edge, pursuing a career as a fire scientist might be right up your alley. Fire scientists work in a variety of fields. Some work with controlled explosions while others locate and repair gas leaks. Still, others work as arson investigators for government agencies. The salaries for fire scientists vary by job title and training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for fire inspectors and investigators was $58,440 and the top 10 percent earn more than $ 95,000.The job title may be strange, but the work is challenging and fulfilling. Professional Gambler Yes, this is a real profession, and if you are good at gambling, you can make a very good living. The growth of online gambling has made becoming a professional gambler that much easier. Some of the benefits include setting your own hours, changing what you do each day by changing the sites you leverage not to mention any winner casino bonus you may get.There are many types of gambling you can do online (online casino games, virtual gaming machines, etc.). Getting started is easy, there are many different online casino sites depending on where you live. A word of caution and the age-old saying bet with your head, not over your head.Getting started is easy, Crab Fisherman Although the guys on TV often make it look easy, the truth is that being a crab fisherman is tough, dangerous work. But if you love the outdoors and working hard, this could be the career for you. They pay could be quite good, but you should pursue it because you love the idea of being out on the open ocean for weeks on end. You should also be prepared to be pushed to the absolute limit physically and mentally. Fisherman are typically paid a percentage of the catch, the median annual wage for fisherman was $29,280 in 2016. According to the the BLS, the highest 10 percent earned more than $47,530. Construction Manager So maybe being a Construction Manager is not so unusual, but it is a field with many different opportunities beyond being a construction worker. With an associate degree in construction management, you could work your way up to supervise the men and women who complete the actual physical labor. According to Payscale.com, salaries range from $48,000 to $117,000. Oil Rig Worker Working on oil drilling platforms and rigs can be grueling, but its definitely not boring and it can be very rewarding with entry-level positions starting at $50,000 with some of the more technical jobs paying well over $100,000 per year. To compensate the people who work these demanding jobs, oil companies tend to offer very competitive benefits packages as well as an opportunity to travel. As with some of the other jobs on this list, youll be out in the field 99 percent of the time. This career offers plenty of excitement for those who seek it. Sometimes, the best jobs are the ones that push people to their limits. If one of these careers appeals to you, enroll in the right vocational training program today What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

Time to Change Your Job - CareerAlley

Time to Change Your Job - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. Confucius Author Byline: By Dave Kim Author Website: http://www.whatdoyouwantfromthem.com/ Its that time of the year where a lot of people in the restaurant industry start assessing their current situation. There are a lot of question one asks oneself but the predominate question is Am I underpaid for what I do? This particular question and topic can be debated till the end of time. Ultimately, you have to be truthful to yourself and answer these questions: 1. Did I give it my all at all times? 2. Have I been a team player and have always been there to help others? 3. Am I willing to go the extra mile when there are things to be accomplished? 4. Have I demonstrated accountability for my own development? 5. For Managers Chefs, have you consistently provided the best guidance and mentorship for your staff? 6. Is there someone thats currently mentoring me from the company/restaurant? 7. Have I took it upon myself to find the right mentor whether in the company or outside? If you can answer positively to most of these questions yet you feel that you are still not getting what you need for your career development, then maybe its time to begin the search. However, if you can honestly say that you need to take more accountability for your development and havent given it your all, maybe you need to reconsider the search. Remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side. In this current economy, you need to be absolutely clear of your intentions before you act on your impulse. Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities. Good luck in your search.