By Tracy Lawrence
The job market continues to be difficult, and even the most qualified executives may find themselves out of work for longer periods of time. Whether you are actively looking for a new position or simply keeping your options open for a better one, it’s worth keeping in mind some of the critical mistakes candidates often make:
1) Not cleaning up your digital trail: These days, recruiters and hiring managers will inevitably do an internet search as part of the vetting process for candidates. You will want to make sure your Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc. pages are clean. Basically, you should assume anything you post could be read by a hiring manager and conduct yourself accordingly.
2) Resume problems: Make sure your resume presents you in a way that will be appealing to hiring managers. In past articles we have discussed the best approach to developing your resume. Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or recruiter to give you feedback.
3) Lack of preparation: Most companies want to see that you know their business and understand something about their culture. A great deal of information is available online, and that’s the minimum any candidate should do. In addition, if you can use your contacts to speak with a current or past employee, this can really give you an edge in the interview process.
4) Relying on online job-hunting sites only: A human resources manager recently commented to me that her company receives so many online resumes, they have to determine a cutoff number beyond which they simply won’t read any resumes submitted. If that cutoff number is 100 and your resume is number 101, it won’t matter how qualified you are. Online sites are great, but make sure you are networking and speaking to people on a daily basis to further your job search.
5) Rude to administrative staff: Remember that from the minute you step into the building, your interview has begun. It is very important to be friendly and courteous to assistants, receptionists, and any else you come into contact with during your interview process. Rudeness or lack of respect can ruin your chances of moving forward.
6) Questionable informal references: Many people don’t realize that it is quite commonplace for companies to “ask around” to determine your reputation in the industry. Even if you are asked to provide a list of references, you should expect that the company could call people who are not on your list. This is particularly true for senior level positions. As a recruiter, I have seen a few people caught in misrepresentations this way. If there are any potential problems from your past employment, you may want to give your hiring manager or recruiter a head up so that they hear your side of the story.
Tracy L. Lawrence is a management consultant who works with clients across the spectrum of consumer, technology, hospitality, and entertainment and media industries on strategic planning, marketing and human capital management issues. You may email her with your career questions at tracy@tracyllawrence.com.
An Inside Look at Working with Executive Recruiters
By Tracy Lawrence
Tracy L. Lawrence is a management consultant who works with clients across the spectrum of consumer, technology, hospitality, and entertainment and media industries on strategic planning, marketing and human capital management issues. You may email her with any career questions at tracy@tracyllawrence.com
As you interact with search firms throughout your career, it is important to have an understanding of how each firm conducts business, what their industry specialties are, and whether they work on a retained vs. contingency basis. It is also a good idea to ask who their major clients are and whether you can help source people through your own network for current and future searches.
The bottom line is to always remember that successful executive recruiters base their business on relationships and so should you! Remember to take responsibility for maintaining your own relationships with recruiters, help them source great candidates and be polite, positive and helpful in all your interactions with them. Opportunities from search firms may not always arise on your preferred timetable, but they will come to you when they have the search that is right for you.
Tracy L. Lawrence is a management consultant who works with clients across the spectrum of consumer, technology, hospitality, and entertainment and media industries on strategic planning, marketing and human capital management issues. You may email her with your career questions at tracy@tracyllawrence.com.
On April 29th NAMIC Carolinas kicked off the spring with its Annual Membership Meeting and speed roundtable discussions with industry executives and diversity champions. Approximately 70 members of The NAMIC Carolinas had the chance to participate in a number of Executive Roundtable discussions that centered around topics of diversity, leadership, and mentoring such as the below:
*Staying positive during organizational changes
*Creating your Brand
*Networking effectively
Feedback from the event was resoundingly positive. NAMIC Carolina members commented that this event was valuable and was an excellent resource to receive tips for their professional development with some of the Industry leaders.
NAMIC Carolinas Roundtable Discussions Series NAMIC Carolinas is hitting the road, bringing our popular "Roundtable Discussions" series to your city. Join industry leaders and diversity champions as they tackle topics such as leadership, diversity, and mentoring.
Registration is now open exclusively to NAMIC Carolinas members.
Monday, July 19th: Raleigh, NC Register here
Tuesday, July 20th: Greensboro, NC
Wednesday, July 21st: Charlotte, NC Register here Thursday, July 22nd: Columbia, SC
*Information on confirmed speakers coming soon!
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Digital Media Summit 2.0 Tuesday, August 24, 2010 | ||
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Currently, Dr. Watkins is launching a new digital media research initiative that focuses on the use and evolution of social media platforms. For updates on these and other projects visit http://www.theyoungandthedigital.com/. | ||
Digital Media Summit 2.0 Itinerary: 1pm – Event Registration Opens | ||
Members - $49 | ||
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