Our Leadership
Rob Zumwalt - October 2008
Social Network Rules!
Millions of people log on to their FaceBook, MySpace, LinkedIn, or blog accounts every day. No matter the reasoning behind your profile one thing is certain in today’s job market.
Social Networking can help you get your dream job, or cost you a successful career.
Power Users know how to control the perceptions of employers and capitalize on the multitude of resources at their finger tips.
Below are the rules to being a successful online social networker:
Social Network Rules!
- NEVER put up any pictures, make any posts, join any groups, or blog about something you wouldn’t bring up or show in an interview!
- Your friend’s posts, comments on pictures, and bumper stickers are a reflection of what YOU do/think/say/feel….Delete them if they aren’t PC or OK, and know that everyone won’t think they’re funny.
- DON’T create an event or write notes about your crazy Friday!
- DO join associates and groups that show you care about others and your specific profession/career (just search for an association's name, or a specific software and you can join groups to help you become more valuable to a company...and boost your resume)
- Excessive flirting should be done through messages or texts...spare us, please.
- NEVER put your address or any identifying information you wouldn't put on the front page of your local newspaper.
- Toe the line between adding fun applications/quizzes/etc and having a boring profile…make sure it’s easy to find the important information in your profile to novice users while still letting your personality shine through
- Only join as many social network as your schedule will permit..it doesn't matter if you're up on the latest microblog if you don't keep your professional information current
- #1 is to keep your information current
- If there isn't a group or site for what you are passionate about in your career---create one! Just be sure to take pride and keep the information updated and in working order
- Put your LinkedIn Link at the bottom of your email signature, and always ask others if they are on to connect with---what is the point of being in a social network if you don't network?!
- If your company’s name, website, etc…is ANYWHERE on your page, be even more aware
- Ask your interviewer/company what their policy is on social networks, and KNOW the rules of ethical conduct at your office
The bottom line: Nothing is private online, and you will be judged for the content of your pages!
Tip:
Go through your pages immediately and clear any information that would not benefit your career or reputation (your friends will understand)
Call one of our recruiters for more or specific career guidance regarding Social Networking.
Rob Zumwalt - September 2008
1st Grader's Plan
Recently I attended a "Meet the Teacher" night at my 1st Grader's Elementary School.
After filling out, what seemed to be a thousand forms and listening to the Home Room Moms tell us about the field trips and extra activities there will be, we heard from the teacher on how a typical day is scheduled. Their daily schedule is as follows:
8:35-8:50 Children Arrive (Class starts at 8:50)
10:30 Morning Snack and Recess
11:50-12:30 Lunch and Recess
12:40-1:20 Art/Music/PE
Friday: Library 9:40 a.m.
Computer Lab: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1:20-2:00.
Enough about 1st Grade. What about your daily plan? Sure you might have a plan to address the different responsibilities you have. This task and that task.
But, how does your daily plan contribute to your career objectives (Plan)? What are your career goals? What is your plan for advancement? What is your timeline?
Is your timeline realistic? Are you selling yourself short? A lot of questions, yes.
When was the last time you spoke with a recruiter that works within your specialty in your market? Our recruiters talk with your peers, your supervisor and your soon to be manager on a daily basis. They can help you plot your next move, find your next advancement and counsel against a poor decision.
Our Recruiters have Career Connections.
Rob Zumwalt - August 2008
So you are ready for a new challenge, opportunity- job!!! You have thought about it for awhile, talked it over with family or friends. Your career just isn’t on the track that you anticipated or planned.
What are your reasons for leaving? Seeking counsel on such a decision is always wise!
You will use a Surgeon for surgery, an Attorney for your legal matters and a Realtor for selling or buying a house.
Why? Because they are highly specialized! All the reason to use an experienced Recruiter.
They know the questions to ask? They will help you know if you are really ready for the trauma of change and remind you of the courage it takes to make a move.
Show me the Money!!
Good Recruiters know that Money and Advancement can be dealt with quickly by employers who just received your Resignation Letter.
Here comes the COUNTER OFFER!
If your main reasons for leaving are Money and Advancement you need to address those with your Boss prior to looking or handing him/her a Resignation Letter.
A Good Recruiter will counsel you to Never accept a Counter Offer! All too often they’re ‘Too Good to be True’.
Here's Why:
Your Boss is really thinking:
- I need to keep him/her around until I find a replacement.
- This will bring the department’s morale down.
- I have positions to fill already.
- I can’t deal with this right now.
- How will his/her leaving make me look?
What you will hear from your Boss:
- Wow! I thought you loved working here!
- I’ve been meaning to tell you about the plans (changes) we have coming up for you.
- The executive team has been considering you for some new initiatives.
- I just finalized a raise for you.
- Do you really want to go to work for those guys?
Reasons not to take the counter-offer:
- The company doesn’t like giving raises due to threats.
- You have demonstrated your lack of loyalty, and company now considers you a higher flight risk. True consideration for long term career advancement for you can be questioned.
- Your counter-offer is a stall tactic to find your replacement.
- Your real reasons for leaving still exist. Money and promises just make your situation tolerable for a short period.
David Moore - March 2008
Traditionally staffing has just included administrative and clerical workers. In the past 20 years that has changed. Now just about anyone, no matter what area of specialty can find help through a staffing firm. Our company is a “specialist” firm rather than being a “generalist.” We’re pretty passionate about finding people the RIGHT job. If you’re going to use a recruiter to find your next job…and you should; then find someone you feel comfortable with. Choosing a recruiter is a lot like choosing a doctor.
Don’t just go to a list, close your eyes and pick the luck of the draw.
Get a referral…Ask people you know who the BEST recruiter in your area is.
Meet that recruiter in person and get to know them. Chances are this won’t be the last time in your career that you will need a talented recruiter. It’s estimated that the average worker changes jobs 10 times and careers 3 times in a working lifetime.
It will be important to have a good rapport with your recruiter so that will find the BEST fit for you.
Our recruiters each have over 15 years of technical experience as well as several years experience in staffing in their related field.