Rouse's Recruiting Roundtable

We finally made it....this is officially the 100th blog post for That's Good HR!!! Most social media experts would probably say "Ah, that's nothin'!"  But for a little Indianapolis Staffing Firm like us, that's a big deal!  It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication, and extreme motivation tactics by our fearless blog leader, Karen Seketa.  If you are a regular follower of our blog, you probably noticed that we started off on a very sporadic note.  But starting in June, we really kicked it into gear (or were kicked into gear if you ask Karen) and started averaging at least 2 blog posts each week.  Each member of our blog team has taken on a different vantage point in their style of writing, but most revolved around hiring trends in Indianapolis, how to run an effective Indianapolis staffing firm, candidate advice for how to conduct an effective Indianapolis job search, or general Human Resource topics. 

Most of our blog team members were openly skeptical of the ROI on this whole blogging deal.  We were worried that the results would pale in comparison to the amount of time it would take to compose our scheduled blog posts (those of you who know Karen, realize there is always a schedule involved).  However, it didn't take long for the data to prove us wrong.  I could spend hours discussing Google Analytics with you, but won't bore those of you that aren't as nerdy as we are, so here are some quick stats that nobody can argue:
 

• When you Google "Indianapolis Staffing", our SEO has pushed us to second on the list!  
• Since June 1, 2009, we've had 3,316 visitors.
• 30% of those have visited more than once

• June 2009: 80 visitors
• July 2009: 217
• September 2009: 484
• January 2010: 439
• 46.44% of the traffic on our blog is direct traffic (people coming directly to the blog site)
• 28.47% is coming from referring sites (company website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
• 24.1% is coming from search engines
• We've even had visitors as far away as New York, California, Canada, Russia, and India!  

I've recently been spending a lot of time assisting individuals with re-vamping their resumes.  A big section of the resume that is commonly overlooked by job seekers is the Accomplishments section.  Many people think that you are either bragging about yourself in that section or just adding "fluff" to your resume.  However, being a recruiter that tries to market candidates for Indianapolis job openings, it is much easier for me to "sell" you for a position if you have a clear trail of accomplishments. 

The Indianapolis Business Journal posted an article at the end of last year appropriately titled "Leave a Trail of Accomplishments, It's Job Security You Can Carry With You."  The article has a lot of great content, but I was specifically drawn to the section of clearly outlining your accomplishments in your resume. 

I would recommend keeping a document that lists all of the accomplishments you have achieved in your career, including your volunteer activities.  That way when you are tailoring your resume for the Indianapolis job openings you are applying for, you can plug those in as appropriate.  As the article mentions, Indianapolis recruiters like myself are no longer just looking at who you worked for and for what length of time.  I want to know what you made, saved or achieved in your positions.  I want to know that you did more than just show up for your job everyday...you actually went in and had a "ripple effect" of sorts.

I definitely understand that it's easy to let the moment pass and forget to document your successes.  But your lack of attention to that documentation now, will just lead to frustration and extra work in the future.  Central Indiana jobs are going to those that have consistently been "movers and shakers" throughout their career.  If you can add "meat" to all of your positions on your resume, as well as have a dedicated accomplishments section, you are going to stand out among others that held similar roles that simply outline their duties on their resume. 

At That's Good HR we take time to work with each candidate in the Indianapolis job search to make sure they are putting their best foot forward.  I would urge you to check out our website to see the types of positions we typically work on and reach out to us if you feel we could assist you in your search. 

• Question #7:  In the article it mentions that this is a great way to gauge a candidate's honesty and integrity.  I completely agree with this, but also feel that it is a great way to measure their level of attention towards providing great Customer Service.  Every single position in every single company is going to require a strong attention to customer service so don't underestimate the importance of proving to a potential employer your devotion to providing great customer service. 
   
• Question #9:  This question not only gives you insight into what kind of feedback a candidate received in previous positions, but also how they handled receiving that feedback, and more importantly what they did with the feedback.  If you were answering this question you would definitely want to focus more on why that feedback was useful to you and how you've worked on those items and demonstrated improvement in those areas.  Employers want to see to that you are moldable and coachable. 
   
• Question #10:  This question goes along with what I preach to my candidates every single day...DO YOUR RESEARCH.  And if you do more than the normal "check out a company's website" research, you will stand out far beyond the other candidates.   

I just read this article on Careerbuilder.com and thought it was the perfect add-on to my colleague Cathleen Litz's August 4th post "Can you get fired from social networking?" 

As she mentioned in her post, there is no doubt that the way you use various social networking tools can definitely hurt you.  I know it is easy to read through these types of articles and think that it is just some annoyed blogger exaggerating a situation.  But I am telling you that these are very real scenarios!  I can't stress enough the importance of making sure that you are very careful with what you use social networking sites for.  I recommend using each site for a different purpose.  For example, here is what I do:
 

• Facebook: Personal only
• LinkedIn: Professional only
• Twitter: Mixture

• Know why you are referring that person.  (Whether it is for a particular position or just in general.)  Remember, your reputation is on the line more than anyone else involved, so make sure you are referring them for a solid reason besides just trying to help that person in the job search.  You are not doing them (or yourself) any favors by submitting them for a position or company for which you know they aren't a fit. 
• Set clear expectations for the person you are referring and don't promise anything!  You don't want them to think that they are guaranteed a position just because they were referred by you.
• Make sure that they are prepared for the interview (if they get one), but don't coach them to the point to where they sound rehearsed.  
• Ask that your family member/friend not rely on their relationship to you in the interview.  It needs to be their own experience and an accurate presentation of who they are.
• If you submit your family member/friend through an online referral system, make sure that you follow up with someone (HR, the hiring manager, etc.) to really explain to them why you think that they would be a good fit for the organization and/or position. 

Our company just started a ritual to have a Fun Friday Wrap Up every week.  The whole company gets together for a few minutes to talk about the successes of the week and exciting things to look forward to for the next week.  It's a great time for us to really take a deep breath and rejuvenate ourselves for the next week.  During this week's wrap up it got me thinking... people in the search should do the same thing at the end of their week.  So let me explain:

1.  Celebrate the successes:  It is very easy to get discouraged during a job search, especially in this economic climate.  Make sure that you really take time to evaluate the good things that happened during the week.  Even if there were negative things that happened during the week, somehow turn them into a positive.  For example, if you didn't get a job offer after a final interview, write down your learnings and feedback from that process...it can only make you a better interviewee.  
Here are some sample questions to ask yourself each week during your "celebrate the successes" time:
What good leads did I find this week?  What good things happened from the leads I generated?  How did I positively influence my network?  How did my network positively influence me? 

2.  Look forward to next week:  Set a game plan for everything that you want to accomplish in your search next week.  If you go into the week prepared, you will be much more focused and productive, which will definitely show through in your conversations and interviews with potential employers. 
Here are some sample questions to ask yourself each week during your "look forward to next week" time:  What exciting things are you going to make happen?  What new "adventures" can you try or old ones that you can master?  What interviews do you have scheduled?  Are there any companies that you can target for an informational interview only?

3.  Take a deep breath:  Make sure to take a little bit of time to step away from the career search process and do something for yourself.  Just like any "job", you are going to get overwhelmed and burned out if you are spending time on it 24/7.  If you are majorly stressed out and discouraged, that is going to definitely show through in your conversations and interactions with potential employers.  You don't want your first interaction with a potential employer (or lead) to be a negative one!  

So start this week with implementing a Fun Friday!  
 

If you are in the search for a new career opportunity or will be in the future, you have probably thought about attending some sort of career fair.  To most people a career fair is easy: you show up, you bring a few copies of your resume, gather some business cards and other goodies, then head home and hope to hear back from someone.  However, there is much more thought and preparation that needs to go into being properly prepared for a career fair and to get the sucess that you want.  Below I have listed several tips to help you make sure you are putting your best foot forward when attending a career fair. 
 

Bring many copies of your resume to submit to employers.   Also make sure to provide a copy of your resume at the registration table. Most career fairs scan in those resumes and send out a database to all employers. 

Come prepared--do your homework.  Before the fair, you can review the online directory of employers and their job opportunities.  If you spend a little time getting some background information organization, then you can ask very focused and specific questions.  This impresses representatives because it shows a genuine interest in them.  
Dress appropriately. First impressions are important.   Appropriate attire for any type of career fair is Business Professional…no exceptions! 

Respect employers' materials/sample items.  Some employers bring large quantities of print materials or "give aways" clearly intended for JOB SEEKERS to take.  Other employers bring a few copies of print materials, sample products, etc. as displays at their tables.  Always check with employers before taking materials from their tables and don't take materials still packed in boxes. Do not ask if you can take some goodies home for your kids. Some employers come to multiple days of fairs and plan to have enough materials for all days.

Prioritize the employers you're most interested in. If your schedule allows, you may find it easiest to start with the employers in which you're the least interested. This will allow you to hone your approach and to be most confident when you approach the employers you're especially excited about. Assume that you will need to wait to speak with some employers.

Be flexible. The fair web directory provides a brief summary of employers' opportunities and may not have been submitted by the same people who come to the fair.  Some positions may no longer be available and other openings may have just emerged.  No single employer representative is knowledgable about all positions available, especially in a large organization.  Some reps attending fairs are there to share their experiences working at the organization and may not be involved in the hiring process. If the employer rep at the fair does not know specifics about jobs/internships of interest to you, ask how they recommend that you obtain that information.

Introduce yourself. Extend your hand, say "hello" and state your name. Have your resume ready to give to the employer.  

Plan a few key questions. Be ready to ask intelligent questions like asking how your skills might be utilized within the framework of the company. Also ask questions about relevant news within that organization. Make sure to ask the recruiter what he or she likes best about the corporate culture to better assess if that company is right for you.

Take notes when you inquire about next steps and the possibility of talking with additional managers. The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all of your questions or know specifics about your job interests. Write down the names, telephone numbers, etc. of other staff in the organization whom you can contact later. You will not be able to take advantage of this information if you don't record it.

Ask the representative for his/her card, and then promptly send a thank-you note. Having the business card of the representative you have just spoken with serves three purposes. First, you have a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the representative's name, direct telephone line, etc. Second, a brief thank-you note acknowledges the help they gave you and the time they took to speak with you. Third, sending thank-you notes is a good professional habit.

Be courteous! In addition to representing yourself, you also represent the organizations to which you belong. Demonstrate sensitivity to other job seekers waiting to speak with employers by keeping your questions brief and offering to continue your conversation at a later time. Enjoy the fair and your interaction with the employers. Let your positive attitude show!

Allow yourself adequate time. Come as early as possible. Typically, fairs are less crowded in early hours and are busiest during the lunch hour and at the end. Fairs close promptly at publicized ending times to accommodate employers'  travel arrangements.

Don’t complain. About anything! The length of time you had to wait in line. The temperature in the room. The economy. Your past employer.   Employers are excited to hear how you may be a great asset to their company and not about how well you can complain about things. 

Be prepared to answer the question “What are looking for?” with something more unique than just, “I am just looking for any kind of job right now.” 

• Make sure you have concrete, specific, well thought out strengths...don't generalize!!  For example, an interviewer cringes when they hear that someone is a hard worker!  Of course you are!  Who is going to blatantly call themselves average or lazy in an interview??
• Know what an opportunities you may have.  Don't call it a weakness!  Again, think about what you are doing to work on it. 

• Know what's going on in the industries that you are targeting so that you can apply your experience.
• Again, be specific.

•  Whatever you do...don't bash your past employer or manager!  Think creatively and turn a negative into a positive. 
• Know why these items are hot buttons for you so that you can be looking for red flags during the conversation.