Career Realist

Wine and Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:54:00 +0000

"Does cheese go bad if it's never been opened?" my co-worker asked. No, we don't discuss cheese all day just because we live in Wisconsin. After some thought, we determined that though it may be safe to eat the cheese, only bad things happen with time.

Unlike a fine wine that gets better with time, the hiring process is more like the cheese. As time goes by, only bad things happen. Hiring managers be aware: if the candidate comes off of the interview or initial phone screen with excitement and anticipation, it will be diminished if they don't hear from you in a timely fashion. Do take the time to run background checks and make sure this is the right cultural fit for your company, the right revenue producer. But while you may be taking your time making a decision, realize that the candidate is thinking, wondering why he/she hasn't heard from you, and contemplating another offer that is looking sweeter by the minute.

Indecision is often a decision in itself. Don't let the cheese go bad.

Candidates: Recruiters Need Your Help

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:40:00 +0000

I speak for many recruiters when I say, most resumes do not tell us what we need to know. Specifically, most candidates list companies and titles, but do not describe what the company does and who their clients are. Without that information, we can't relate the responsibilities and achievements to current clients needs that we are trying to fill. My advice is to assume that the reader of your resume does not know who your company is, what your products or services are, and the markets in which your company participates. Be very clear on all of these, and also stay away from industry acronyms or buzz words. You can tell that this is a pet-peeve of mine and of many search professionals.

Good Candidates Go Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:52:00 +0000

We have been identifying some excellent sales candidates lately who are looking to enhance their careers. What I am finding is that sales candidates with very good track records are being hired as quickly in this economic downturn as they were when business was booming. What it should tell you is that when you interview a high-caliber sales person, assume that they are being recruited by other companies. Don't wait on your decision. If you do, they might be hired already.

Hope is in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Spring is fast approaching and people's attitudes in general are rising and thinking more positively. You need to take that same attitude and be confident in your abilities and what you can bring to a new employer. Whenever you interview or talk to a prospective employer, always take the attitude that you bring a lot of value to their organization. The way you feel about yourself will have a great impact on the impression you make in being evaluated for a new opportunity. The phrase "attitude produces altitude" has been around a long time, but is as true as it's ever been. Some employer will see your value, but it will only happen if you see it yourself.

Good News Today

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:19:00 +0000

The Dow went up almost 400 points today. It was the first sign of good news in a long time. It's important that you keep your attitude up and looking forward, not dwelling on what you hear in the news or what is now past. Concentrate on maximizing your performance, and generate the very best results that you possibly can. Opportunities will surface for people who have exceptional performance. It might not come as fast as you'd like, but it will come. If you're in the middle of a job search, and you currently have a job, your first priority is keeping your performance at an excellent level. Don't let your performance drop at a time when you might have your mind on your next position.

Link Up to LinkedIn

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:24:00 +0000

I have found LinkedIn to be a very good tool to both find and network with candidates and people in a particular industry. It's also great to find old business contacts, old friends, and most importantly, names of hiring managers at particular companies. Depending upon level of subscription you have, you would be able to send them a message telling that hiring manager about yourself. LinkedIn also gives you the ability to build your own network of contacts in your industry. Networking has been proven to be the most effective way to search for and acquire a job. Learn how to used LinkedIn, use it, and you will be surprised of the many ways it will help you connect with people that could possibly help you professionally and personally.

Tired of Being Cold

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:41:00 +0000

This morning I walked to my car, and once again, the frozen air of Wisconsin struck me hard. I really am sympathetic for outside sales people. These are the kind of days you just want to stay inside and not call anybody. My hands were cold as I reached my office, and my partner's Pepsi was frozen solid from the vending machine. I appreciated my job today as a recruiter because I could stay in my office, make a lot of phone calls, and talk to some very nice people around the country. If you are an experienced sales person and are tired of the cold and constant travel, maybe you should consider this field. Except for the frozen Pepsi, it was a good day.

Likes and Dislikes

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:36:00 +0000

When you think about your current job as well as jobs you've had in the past, write down a list describing what you liked the best from those positions. Then, write a similar list for what you disliked most about the positions you've had. It is good to refer to these lists when you consider applying or interviewing for a new position. Ask youself, "Does the job line up with my likes and dislikes?"

Don't Be Fooled

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:39:00 +0000

Not all open positions at a company are displayed or identified on the company's website. This is the case because the company wants that information to stay confidential or a person who is currently in that position is not performing to the company's satisfaction. Therefore, if you bring a skill set or background that you feel is a good fit for that company, I would encourage you to send in your resume with an attached note. The note should explain the success and experience you bring that match up with their company's product and market focus. Make sure you express your particular interest in their company. You might be surprised that there is an open job that might fit you.

Performance Counts

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Smart managers look for people who have not only performed well, but have performed well over a number of years. There is a tendency by some sales people to change jobs frequently, looking for that better commission plan or new product that is "hot." However, I find that the sales reps who stay with companies longer these days are the candidates that are more attractive to new employers. Sales managers desire to hire people who show a history of being with a company for a longer period of time, sustaining a good level of performance year after year. Regardless of economic conditions, sustained performance counts.

Return the Call

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:38:00 +0000

If you get a message from a recruiter explaining a position in a very professional and thorough manner, make sure that you return the call...even if you are not presently looking for a position. Quality recruiters should be contacts that you maintain for the time when you might be looking for that next career move. Developing a relationship with a good recruiter assures you that you will be kept informed of attractive opportunities that fit your background and experience. So don't forget to call them back!

Great Candidates For Hire

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:53:00 +0000

Many highly qualified professionals have been victims of the recent economic slowdown. Companies are laying off now in anticipation of a very soft year in 2009. As a result, the availability of highly qualified people is very high at present. It is a great time for companies to interview these candidates for potential future needs or to upgrade their current staff. These candidates are very open to interviewing for future positions and could be a real "find" for your business.

The motto to remember is, "Keep Interviewing." You might just find a star who will significantly grow your business at a time when business is slow.

Positive Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:19:00 +0000

It's always good to remind yourself of the positive attributes that you can bring to a company and to a position. Write down the strength that you think you bring in your current position and add as many thoughts to that list as you can. When you apply for a new position, have this list available to refer to and bring out these "positives" as it relates to the position you are applying for. In summary, STAY POSITIVE.

An Important Resume "Do"

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:29:00 +0000

When describing the positions you've had, it is very important that you describe what your company does, and what type of clients they deal with. Your resume will read more effectively if you clearly state the responsibilities of your position and how that relates to what the company does. This sounds rather logical, but in reality, most resumes do not follow this advice.

Assume that the reader (recruiter, hiring manager, HR) knows nothing about your company and what they do. You need to clearly illustrate the connection between your experience and the requirements or duties of the positions you are applying for. Describing your company and what they do will help you accomplish that.

Who We Are

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Schultz) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:12:00 +0000

As an executive recruiter for over 20 years, I have seen many different methods used by candidates and recruiters in doing a job search. I have also worked with hiring managers and have learned what thought process they go through in determining what candidate to hire. My goal with this blog is to share experiences and thoughts that might help people in finding a position to their liking or helping companies hire the right person for the right job.

Our entries will come in the form of short stories or short comments related to the area of recruiting and job search. These comments are based on my personal experiences and do not necessarily fit every situation.

The main purpose of this blog is to give you the "reality" in searching for a new job or in the hiring of a new employee. It is important for an individual in a search process, whether they're a candidate or a hiring manager to be realistic in their approach but also in their expectations.

I hope this blog will serve this purpose.