When to Hire a Recruiter

When to Hire a Recruiter Most of the time, to fill most jobs, you don’t need the help of a recruiter. That’s a bold statement coming from someone who recruits candidates for a living, but it’s true. And it’s not something every recruiter is willing to admit. Right now you have access to the job sites, social media, networking and other recruiting tactics necessary to find great candidates. In fact, I’d estimate an outside recruiter isn’t needed in up to 80 percent of new hires. Within that small margin of 20 percent, however, is where you need the help of a recruiter. Those instances most often occur when one (or any combination) of three key factors are at play: When there’s scarcity in the marketplace for the position. When the position is critical, and you need to identify A players. When time is not on your side. Scarcity in the marketplace Right now, the ratio of unemployed Americans to open jobs is 1.4 to one. That meansâ€"across the boardâ€"there are only 1.4 unemployed job seekers in need of your open position (compared to nearly seven to one during the last recession 2009). Those aren’t terrific odds, from an employer’s perspective. Many skilled positions are even harder to fill than the national average including those in engineering, technology, education, and medical fields. For example, in the tech field, the amount of data analysis and data mining jobs has grown nearly 40 percent in the past two years with every large player in every industryâ€"from Macy’s to State Farmâ€"in dire need. Positions for UX designers and software developers with certain coding language skills (like Swift for IOS programming and Ruby on Rails for robust websites) remain woefully unfilled. When competition is fierce, bringing in a knowledgeable recruiter can be your key to winning over top talent when others can’t. A recruiting partner can bring value by recruiting passive candidates (those who arent actively looking for a new job) and by helping to communicate things like company culture, which is essential when recruiting top talent. These days, the best recruiting firms also use data and analyticsâ€"even artificial intelligence (AI)â€"to pinpoint precisely the best way to find and recruit exactly who you needâ€"and to reproduce those results time and time again, even when talent is hard to find. According to Data Scientist Ji-A Min: The majority of HR leaders predict AI will be a regular part of their workflow within the next five years. This large-scale adoption of AI and automation will require recruiter re-skilling to adapt to the new workplace. While these skills are critical when it comes to attracting hard-to-attract talent, it’s not something most hiring managers are trained on or have the time to master. A recruiting partner can fill this need. A need for top performers There’s rarely a time in which top performers aren’t the most ideal candidates. But, in some positions, hiring a top performer from the get-go is absolutely critical for success. While this is obviously true for executive positions, it can also be true for highly skilled positions like software developers and even entry-level positions like cashiers or light manufacturing and warehouse workers. Years ago, Dr. Brad Smart coined the concept of an A player as part of his Topgrading methodology of hiring top performers. Topgrading is designed to create the highest quality workforce by ensuring those charged with talent acquisition and management identify, hire, promote, and retain A players in the organization at every salary level.  The methodology has been proven to work well but it can take years of training to get right. For many job openings, hiring a B player who has the potential to be an A player in the future is a great find. But, for roles that need A players from day one, it’s often best to work with a recruiting partner who understands how to implement this type of methodology without cutting corners. It can be frightening and frustrating to pursue only one out of every 10 top candidates who are identified for your most critical positions (a major practice when it comes to Topgrading), but it’s also important in order to find the right fit. Working with a recruiting partner to help cull the field for you can save a lot of headaches…and heartaches. Time is not your friend Currently, the average time to hire is 28 days. Listing, screening, interviewing, testing, onboarding…these each add a significant amount of time to the process. For certain positions, you may not have an entire month to search for the right candidate. Perhaps you’re ramping up your call center for a new launch, or you’ve found yourself with a vacant key position at an inopportune time. Or maybe you just simply have too much on your plate. Many internal reasons can make hiring slow less than favorable, but there are outside factors at play as well. Remember those top performers you’re hoping to reach? Research indicates that the top 10 percent of candidates (the A players) are usually gone from the marketplace within 10 days. Take your time, and you’ll lose out. While that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to decide on a new hire in less than two weeks, it does mean that you need to consistently engage your candidates throughout the process so that they stay interested and invested. A recruiting partner can help you do that. A recruiting partner can also help expedite the process in several waysâ€"from prescreening, to accessing an existing candidate pipeline, to using data-driven methodologies that can help you find candidates and make decisions on your new hires faster. You may be the best-of-the-best among hiring managers but, in some situations, that may not be enough. While enlisting the help of an outside recruiter may be overkill for some positions, take a good, hard look at situations in which forces out of your control could sabotage your efforts. These forcesâ€"like scarcity of candidates, the critical nature of the position, and the lack of time and resources at your fingertipsâ€"can be a recipe for disaster unless you bring in the right help at the right time About the author: Nad Elias is founder and CEO of recruitAbility, a recruiting and retention firm based in Austin, TX. With over 15+ years working in the search and recruiting industry, Nad is recognized as one of the top 50 recruiters in Texas.  

The Benefits of Taking a Short Break Alone

The Benefits of Taking a Short Break Alone For many women juggling a career, social life, and relationships, domestic responsibilities consume most of their waking day, leaving sleep as the only opportunity to rest and recharge; and even that can be in short supply when important aspects of everyday life need attention. Living life at this breakneck speed may be unavoidable at times, but it also means neglecting the essential components that create a healthy, balanced lifestyle. One great way to counteract burnout is to block out a long weekend for some indulgent, essential, alone time. If you have never taken a solo break before, the temptation to ask others to join you may be strong but you should try to resist. This is your chance to be selfish and free and to create space in your life for growth and development. Choosing a Destination Every state in America has something to offer the solo traveler, but for a truly relaxing break head for the countryside over the city. Utah is the perfect choice for a spring, summer, or fall short break, with guaranteed warm weather and little chance of rain. Look online for something like a well-reviewed bed and breakfast near Bryce canyon to use as your base, and all that is left is to look forward to the change of scenery, peace, and downtime ahead. If you are still not convinced, look at just a few of the many benefits this kind of trip offers. Freedom No chores, no cooking or tidying, no timetables or set bedtimes, and perhaps best of all, nobody else to think about and compromise with on the day’s plans. This is the perfect way to retune your body clock and choose to do only what you really want to. The Chance to Connect to Nature Bryce Canyon National Park is home to rocks that have existed for many millions of years; magnificent relics of nature, which make even the most hardened cynic feel some sense of awe at the beauty of the natural world. Enjoyable exercise Hitting the gym or an organized class is fine for everyday life, but combining exercise with fun and taking it outdoors is a different experience again. Spending a day hiking on one of the many trails marked through Bryce Canyon is a popular choice for visitors to the area and a great way to burn the calories you plan to eat at dinner. On the other hand, if you prefer to do things that move a little faster there are plenty of guided horseback or ATV tours to sign up for. Face and Overcome Personal Challenges Taking a short break alone is a good way to face fears and to conquer them. Whether you have concerns about feeling lonely, getting on the wrong plane, eating alone, or any one of a hundred other things, the opportunity to face and overcome them is priceless. Now that you are inspired by the endless opportunities a short solo break can offer, you just need to dust down your travel bag, flex your credit card, and find the next free long weekend in your diary.

Dont Think About How Much You Hate Your Job... You Might Feel The Urge To Do Something About It

Dont Think About How Much You Hate Your Job... You Might Feel The Urge To Do Something About It I meet people all the time who hate their job but rather than help them wallow in their misery, I try and help them see the possibilities.  What do you want to do instead? Whats your dream job? Is it Becoming a Feng Shui consultant Moving to L.A to be an actress and photographer Quitting accountancy to go travelling around the world Starting an exciting new business? Maybe you just want more pay or less stress in your current job. You might want to get out of corporate life and do something much more fulfilling. Or perhaps youve always wanted to work for yourself. Being in the wrong job can be soul destroying. Life is infinitely more fun and exciting when you create it exactly the way you want it. And it CAN be done. For some, it will just take a snap decision and youll resign immediately. For others, it will require a slow and steady plan maybe out of your current job into part time work for example. Many people dramatically quit their much hated corporate careers only to jump straight back into very similar environments just weeks later. Why? Because they dont have the support to change at a deep level. They dont believe their dreams are that realistic. How do you know if youre ready? If youve got a financial buffer, for example some savings or you have a supportive partner willing to bankroll you for 6 months, then go ahead and hand in your resignation NOW. If youre making yourself physically sick from going to work or youre getting bullied or depressed from your job, then you should seriously consider changing jobs NOW. However, if you dont have the emergency cushion and your sanity is relatively intact, I wouldnt recommend quitting just yet. The stress of paying your bills can suck the creativity right out of you and make it difficult to start from scratch. But, start your apprenticeship now! Most careers have a learning curve. If youre looking to start a service based business, like being a life coach or wedding photographer, offer your services for free before you feel confident enough to charge. Most actors have to audition a lot before they land a big part. You can start your apprenticeship, even when you have a job you hate. At least you can feel like youre doing something about it. Put your website together, order some cheap business cards and start working in your spare time to get confident in your abilities. Get that experience and credibility you think you need. Just do  something. If youre that serious about your dream, you will find time to do it, even if you have a crazy life. Stephen King wrote his first published novel on his lunch-break at the laundromat he worked at, but he had been writing for  years, sending in short stories to magazines since he was in his teens. So, if youre sitting at work and longing to be somewhere else. I have some questions for you. In the last month What books are you reading? Who have you reached out to for advice? How many auditions have you been on? How many photos have you taken and uploaded? How many stories, blog posts or articles have you written? How much study have you done towards your course or degree? How many clients have you coached (even for free)? How many classes or workshops have you run? How many speaking engagements have you done? How many press releases have you sent about your new business? How many customers have you got in front of? What steps have you taken towards your dreams? If the answer is zero, nothing, nada you have to ask yourself  Do I really want this?. Because you have to know deep in your heart that you are destined to do more than sit at that desk frustrated. When you begin your apprenticeship, you will start to believe in your talents and the day will come (sooner than you think), when you can easily take the leap and start making money from your passions. It gives you the confidence to think this is only temporary. Life feels a bit sweeter, you have something to look forward to at the end of the day and you dont have the mental head-space to worry about your job. And trust me the universe always rewards action. Youll start to attract opportunities, people, experiences and money to help you on your way. Life starts to get very exciting. But seriously, dont think about how much you HATE your job, unless youre ready to do something about it. Its okay to be scared and not know what to do, but you have to take the first step.  Please dont spend another year, month, week or DAY hating your job. Theres so much more out there waiting for you. Good luck!

Scenic Biking Trails in New Yorks Central Park

Scenic Biking Trails in New Yorks Central Park New York City is the perfect place for anyone to tour by bicycle.   And Central Parks bike trails are the pinnacle of your biking adventure. Central Park should be on your bucket list, because it makes for an exciting trip in and of itself. Prepare yourself for some breathtaking views from the moment you mount the bike and dont forget the selfie opportunities, either. “One of the best things about Central Park bike rental for travelers is the in-depth look at the parks attractions that only the unique perspective of a bike tour can provide,” said Blair Nicole, a spokesperson for Bike Rental Central Park. “One the tours we offer focuses exclusively on Central Parks   bike trails which are often described as being host to several hidden gems.” The park is a green oasis in the midst of the city. It will give you something to look forward to, regardless of how many times youve been previously. They include: The Pond, which boasts some of the most stunning sunset views in the city. It is aserene spot that sits below street level. There are 240 migratory bird species found in this area at any given time, offering the perfect opportunity for nature lovers. Youll enjoy the unique sights of the forsythia and crabapple trees, especially when they reach the height of blooming season in spring. The Central Park Zoo stands out as a place to see when taking a bicycle tour. There are over 130 species to see, all in lush habitats that mimic their natural surroundings. Everything from tropical birds to snow leopards make themselves at home here. Balto Statue has graced the park since 1925. A famous sled dog, Balto is the heroic dog that delivered a life-saving diphtheria antitoxin during an outbreak in Nome, Alaska in 1925. When you encounter this statue up close, youll see why its in so many photos. Alice in Wonderland  has graced the park since 1959. This 11-foot, bronze statue features Alice, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter. Climbing, sitting on, and otherwise touching the sculpture has always been encouraged, making it one of the more iconic pieces of art in New York City. The Conservatory Garden is surrounded by an ornate gate that once stood at the entrance to the Vanderbilt Mansion and beckons visitors to tour an English garden of lilac and magnolia trees. It includes an Italian garden featuring a wisteria pergola and fountain, along with yew and crabapple trees, while the French garden features the Three Dancing Maidens statue and colorful tulips. Belvedere Castle has been a focal feature in the park since 1865, with a stunning Victorian design. Despite its original design as a purely decorative attraction, it has also served as a weather station since 1919. Natural history-related artifacts are on display inside, highlighting its importance as a local landmark. Lastly, one of the most iconic places that you can see during a bike tour is Strawberry Fields, a Central Park location that virtually everybody has heard of. This location covers 2.5 acres and pays homage to the late John Lennon of Beatles fame. The shrubs and elm trees that grace this area offer a colorful contrast to the Imagine mosaic, which provides photo opportunities of its own. Central Parks Bike Trails Taking full advantage of Bike Rental Central Park is an ideal way to drink in all the local sights in Central Park that are worth your time. New York City is one of the best places to explore sights somewhat off the beaten path because of the interesting history behind most of them. When you decide to see what Central Park has to offer, using a bike is a great way to see everything.

Executive Resume Writers Best Kept Secret - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

Executive Resume Writers Best Kept Secret Ill give you a hint. This is  NOT the secret: Writing a resume is easy . . .  anyone can do it. Thats simply not true. If youve ever tried writing your own, you know that its really hard to do. Its just as hard for us. Even  seasoned resume writers with many years experience labor over each resume. It doesnt get much easier over time  to craft resumes that do their job â€" brand and differentiate our clients  to help them gain job interviews. So much goes into the writing strategy. And each resume has to be tailored to each job seekers particular target, situation and career goals. I know youve already scrolled down for this, so here it is. Our best kept secret is . . . Theres no  right or wrong way to write a resume. One of the variables is who will be reading the resume â€"   recruiters, HR professionals, top-level management in on the hiring process, Board members . . . the list goes on. They have different needs and may look for different things in resumes. Resumes may need to be adjusted  to appeal to specific kinds of people. Something often repeated among my colleagues: If you pass around the same resume to 10 different people, youll get 10 different opinions. Thats the thing with marketing . . . and that’s what a resume is, a marketing document. Different things appeal to different people. You just never know whats going to hit home with people. Entirely. But if your resume contains the right information, positions that information in a clear and easily accessible manner, and presents you in the right way, chances are it will do its job. As long as it’s highly targeted â€" as it  MUST be â€" a resume can look and read various ways and still work. The hard part is determining what the right information is and strategically positioning it on the page . . . the paper, digital and web page, that is. This can be hard for you, as a job seeker, to do. You’ve probably only written a handful of resumes for yourself over your career, if that. Many top-level executives have never needed a resume before, or never written one themselves. So how do you determine what the right information is? Decide  who you are targeting, what those target employers needs are, how you can help them meet those needs, and what keywords and phrases their hiring professionals will be searching for when they source talent. You need to align your good-fit qualities with what those employers are looking for in candidates. The biggest resume writing mistake job seekers make is NO CLEAR JOB SEARCH TARGETING. That is, not determining at the start of their job search which companies and positions within them are a good mutual fit. Start there. If you hit all the marks correctly, chances are your resume will hit home, get you the interviews you want, and help you land the gig you want. Related posts: 4 Reasons You Can’t Write Your Own Executive Resume How to Write An Irresistible C-level Executive Resume in 10 Steps What NOT To Put in Your C-level Executive Resume photo by stevendepolo 00 0

Can you cope with criticism at work - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Can you cope with criticism at work - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog I am quoted extensively in this CNN article about criticism and praise in the workplace. The article also quotes two interesting studies: The study, done by the University of Michigan Business School several years ago, compared team performance to the frequency of praise and criticism given within the teams. The best-performing teams used about six times as many positive comments for every negative one. It found that the worst performing teams, on average, used three negative comments for every positive one. American psychologist, John Gottman, has found a similar ratio for positive and negative comments from spouses leading to happier marriages. This is a topic we work with extensively because constructive feedback (both negative and positive) is so important for creating a happy workplace. Check out some of our other articles on this below. Related posts Why your boss thinks criticism is more effective than praise? and is wrong! The top 5 ways NOT to praise people at work How Richard Branson celebrates Virgin employees Specific praise is good praise Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Writing About Yourself in Resume

Writing About Yourself in ResumeIf you are writing about yourself in resume then you may not be thinking about your name. The name may not matter much but it can make a lot of difference to someone who is looking for the correct information about you.One of the common mistakes people do when writing about themselves in resume is they use the name of the city where they were born. This can be a mistake, as many people want to highlight their achievements in their past career. However, if you have given your name in your resume then it is understandable that you have some sort of status in your current job.To get the correct information about you, you need to put your name in your resume. However, there are many people who confuse this type of writing with the lettering of the resume. This is so because of the very fact that the lettering of resume has a small space between the first and last name. Therefore, the person who is typing resumes has more time to write and even under stress the person may forget about the name of the resume and thus the name in it.Now, if you have written your name in your resume and also if you want to get a better job then you need to edit it carefully. People who use the computer have a habit of going to a certain website and clicking a certain button and this action gets reflected in the website. Thus, it is important that you edit your resume accordingly to improve the impression about you.You may consider writing your name in the sentence that is at the end of the resume. To increase the length of your resume you can also add your name at the end of the resume and also put a number at the beginning of the name. This can help you avoid getting into trouble with the company that is considering you for any post.Besides writing your name in your own resume, you also need to write what you are good at. People use this format to highlight what they are good at. Even in this format you can take out your hobbies and interests so that th ey can be highlighted in the resume.In writing about yourself in resume you also need to highlight what skills you have. You need to describe your capabilities and how you can work with others to get them what they need. It is not necessary that you need to mention every single skill you have in your resume. However, you must give a clear description of the skills that you possess.Skills you need to highlight in your resume to include customer service, outstanding writing skills, interpersonal skills, travel writing, organizational skills, etc. You must know that you need to do well in these skills to impress the employer in his company and to get the job offer.