Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Vice President of Human Resources - He Speaks - I Listen!
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Folden, Vice President of Human Resources for Tween Brands, one of America's fastest growing retail chains. It is sometimes difficult to reach these decision makers and even more challenging to encourage them to share their secrets in open forum. Here is some of what Steve shared:
- He moved 9 times in 10 years to ascend to his current position. As he prepared to leave the military he networked with another soldier who was aware of a retail opportunity that was to become his first position as a trainer in a distribution center.
- He will many times interview a job seeker in the employee cafeteria. If the job seeker is unable to focus because of distraction he no longer appears to be a viable prospect...no matter his qualifications.
- He is amazed at how many prospective employees know so little about what his company does while sitting in the midst of an audition for hire. They are also no longer under consideration once their lack of preparation is revealed.
- As a general rule of career management, he advises to always be aware of your surroundings. Much like in military engagement, the job market can change as can your false sense of security.
I once asked my congressman, Pat Tiberi, if he were running this year for re-election because I had forgotten if his term has expired. He replied that he's always running for re-election. As careerists we would be well served to learn from these experts.
- He moved 9 times in 10 years to ascend to his current position. As he prepared to leave the military he networked with another soldier who was aware of a retail opportunity that was to become his first position as a trainer in a distribution center.
- He will many times interview a job seeker in the employee cafeteria. If the job seeker is unable to focus because of distraction he no longer appears to be a viable prospect...no matter his qualifications.
- He is amazed at how many prospective employees know so little about what his company does while sitting in the midst of an audition for hire. They are also no longer under consideration once their lack of preparation is revealed.
- As a general rule of career management, he advises to always be aware of your surroundings. Much like in military engagement, the job market can change as can your false sense of security.
I once asked my congressman, Pat Tiberi, if he were running this year for re-election because I had forgotten if his term has expired. He replied that he's always running for re-election. As careerists we would be well served to learn from these experts.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Coolest & Craziest Things in 2007
Every year I like to look back and remember what my clients did to "seal the deal" or "crash and burn" in their quests for job offers. While we strive to teach and train, humans do silly things, brilliant things and disastrous things while attempting to get what they want. Here are some of Worthington clients' more memorable:
Tim the Technology Manager - After a layoff, Tim took an entire year off to lead the fundraising effort for his daughter's high school marching band. They had been invited to journey England by government officials to play at an official event. He led a phenomenal effort and then left the entire victory off his resume! He felt it wouldn't count! I gave it the glory of a corporate achievement and within 60 days he was hired.
Michael the Financial Director - Forgetting that everything is negotiable, Michael responded that company's salary range for a tax director was more appropriate for some accountant who merely fills out forms. He told them all right! It was soon determined that he would not be a good fit for the company.
Cheryl the Engineering Director - She held multiple interviews with a major industry leader. In preparation for extending an offer, the company asked Cheryl if they could contact her previous employer. Without thinking, she impulsively answered, "Id rather you didn't." They didn't.
Maria the Merchandising Manager - With no greed and true sincerity, Maria sadly declined a job offer because her budget wouldn't allow for relocation. She then recommended her colleague in that city so that no relocation was required. The employer was so impressed at her selflessness that within a month this Fortune 500 company found a place for her locally, at a higher pay grade.
I'm going into my 35th year in job search coaching / recruiting, and I see no end in sight. Without question times, transportation and technology have all changed. But as I teach in my interview classes, humans haven't changed in 5000 years. My sources tell me that we never will!
Tim the Technology Manager - After a layoff, Tim took an entire year off to lead the fundraising effort for his daughter's high school marching band. They had been invited to journey England by government officials to play at an official event. He led a phenomenal effort and then left the entire victory off his resume! He felt it wouldn't count! I gave it the glory of a corporate achievement and within 60 days he was hired.
Michael the Financial Director - Forgetting that everything is negotiable, Michael responded that company's salary range for a tax director was more appropriate for some accountant who merely fills out forms. He told them all right! It was soon determined that he would not be a good fit for the company.
Cheryl the Engineering Director - She held multiple interviews with a major industry leader. In preparation for extending an offer, the company asked Cheryl if they could contact her previous employer. Without thinking, she impulsively answered, "Id rather you didn't." They didn't.
Maria the Merchandising Manager - With no greed and true sincerity, Maria sadly declined a job offer because her budget wouldn't allow for relocation. She then recommended her colleague in that city so that no relocation was required. The employer was so impressed at her selflessness that within a month this Fortune 500 company found a place for her locally, at a higher pay grade.
I'm going into my 35th year in job search coaching / recruiting, and I see no end in sight. Without question times, transportation and technology have all changed. But as I teach in my interview classes, humans haven't changed in 5000 years. My sources tell me that we never will!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Four Reasons Why Job Hunting through the Holidays is Productive
Compliments of Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group
1. Fewer job seekers are active during a holiday season - this means less competition.
Many executive job seekers retreat during the holidays, believing their time will be wasted. The reverse is true. Savvy shoppers know that buying a car or a house in late November or December presents the best opportunities. Your job search is no different. In essence, when you are actively seeking jobs during a holiday season, you will often be one of the few applicants for available openings. Your resume is less likely to be lost in a pile and, statistically speaking, you will be more in demand.
2. Many companies have their fiscal year at the end of the year plan adding new staff.
For many companies, the end of a calendar year is time for planning. Your timing often couldn't be better if you propose valid reasons why you will be a great addition to their team in the coming year. As a matter of fact, a good approach may be suggesting to employers that you can help them make the next year more profitable and successful. Smart employers will listen.
3. Hiring decision makers are less resistant to your message.
Holiday cheer and celebrations bring a message of hope and a positive mindset to most people. We are reminded of the joys and celebrations, and often become more relaxed with people around us (unless we are desperately looking for a last minute gift!). In essence, hiring decision makers are just plain nicer during this time of the year. They are less prone to reject your message and more likely to listen.
4. It is often easier to arrange interviews and initiate productive communication.
While you may not get an offer on the spot, holiday season is an excellent time to start negotiating with prospective employers. An informal meeting is usually all it takes to get the ball rolling. During that meeting, ideas are exchanged and mutual interest determined. Sounds too easy? It is. No doubt you've heard stories of successful executives who (during this time of the year) established very good contacts with companies they wanted to work. These contacts became solid job offers a few weeks down the road.
1. Fewer job seekers are active during a holiday season - this means less competition.
Many executive job seekers retreat during the holidays, believing their time will be wasted. The reverse is true. Savvy shoppers know that buying a car or a house in late November or December presents the best opportunities. Your job search is no different. In essence, when you are actively seeking jobs during a holiday season, you will often be one of the few applicants for available openings. Your resume is less likely to be lost in a pile and, statistically speaking, you will be more in demand.
2. Many companies have their fiscal year at the end of the year plan adding new staff.
For many companies, the end of a calendar year is time for planning. Your timing often couldn't be better if you propose valid reasons why you will be a great addition to their team in the coming year. As a matter of fact, a good approach may be suggesting to employers that you can help them make the next year more profitable and successful. Smart employers will listen.
3. Hiring decision makers are less resistant to your message.
Holiday cheer and celebrations bring a message of hope and a positive mindset to most people. We are reminded of the joys and celebrations, and often become more relaxed with people around us (unless we are desperately looking for a last minute gift!). In essence, hiring decision makers are just plain nicer during this time of the year. They are less prone to reject your message and more likely to listen.
4. It is often easier to arrange interviews and initiate productive communication.
While you may not get an offer on the spot, holiday season is an excellent time to start negotiating with prospective employers. An informal meeting is usually all it takes to get the ball rolling. During that meeting, ideas are exchanged and mutual interest determined. Sounds too easy? It is. No doubt you've heard stories of successful executives who (during this time of the year) established very good contacts with companies they wanted to work. These contacts became solid job offers a few weeks down the road.
Labels: job search
