Posted by Ashley Ryall on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 @ 02:01 PM
In the last week, we polled our friends, family, connections and job seekers to answer this question. Some have previously worked with recruiters, others have not. All had their own individual ideas about they want in a Recruiter…here is a summary of their responses:
Give my candidacy some thought. A good friend who currently works as a Data Analyst for 
a supply chain solutions company affirms that if he were looking for a new opportunity, he would “like a recruiter to take what I have said into account, give it some thought and invite me back or call me with jobs that s/he knows will interest me. Also, I have found the recruiters who impressed me the most were the ones that didn’t give me false hope, kept me in the loop and found time to chat—which helped ease my job search concerns.”
Take the time to consider the entire package I bring to the table and pitch me creatively to your hiring managers. I want you to understand not just where I have been, but where I am headed. What if I am undergoing a career transition? “Please do not try to lead me to consider or say “yes” to a position when my interests lie in a different field.”
Make sure both parties win. Another friend of mine who lives in Vermont working as a Product Engineer says “The best recruiter will work with a large number of companies to find me the best salary and a good mutual fit for me and the hiring company.”
Listen—do not assume that each candidate has the same set of job requirements. One person’s high paying salary requirement is another person’s ideal location. “It’s always reassuring to know that my recruiter has my best interests at heart,” says one job seeker.
Use Skype. It can be difficult to rearrange schedules during the day especially if we are currently working. One candidate we spoke to says “Skype is a tool a large percentage of us are familiar with, and it acts almost the same as an in person interview. Recruiters who work with clients to facilitate on-line interviews have an advantage.”
Confirm that your Yelp reviews are positive. “Job seekers want confirmation that they are putting their future in good hands…remember we are looking on Yelp before we call your office to see what others think of you”, says a tech savvy candidate living in the Boston area.
Reconnect with me more than once. “One of the things that impressed me about my John Leonard Staffing Consultant was that he returned my emails and voicemails. We want to be more than just a number and stay on your radar.”
Did we hear you correctly? If there is something we have missed, feel free to add it in the comments section below.
(and don't forget to keep reading below)
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 @ 01:28 PM
Our agreement with you is based on trust and honesty. Tell us your critical job requirements and where you are flexible. “Be open about your current status in the job search (where you have interviewed/where you are currently interviewing)”, says Laurisa Neuwirth – Account Executive. “We want to be efficient with our time and know where to focus our efforts in finding you a new opportunity.”
We need certain information in order to best advocate on your behalf. Communicate what positions and sectors you are interested in and which ones you want to steer clear of. Be aware of your personality strengths and how you operate so we can best gauge what types of work environments you might thrive in.
Reconnect with us! With Greater Boston’s increasingly healthy job market, local and out-of-state professionals are flocking to this area. Unfortunately even with the best of intentions, sometimes “out of sight is out of mind”. Take control of your job search and keep open lines of communication…” Stay on our radar by checking in with us regularly,” Laurisa recommends.
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 @ 12:18 PM
What is the typical time frame from coming in to meet with you to how quickly you can place me?
This answer is determined on a case-by-case basis. Staffing Consultant- Temporary Division Elyse Gonsalves encourages you to be open to a range of opportunities within your interests. “The more flexible you are about the nature of the position, the greater your chances are of solidifying a new opportunity in your preferred timeframe.”
What types of jobs do you get, and what types of companies do you service?
Positions range from administrative to C-level across multiple industries, and while John Leonard has been successful within certain verticals, our footprint continues to expand into new landscapes. Every day, we juggle our open jobs, looking for one person who can wear several hats and thrive in a small business environment while simultaneously seeking out another professional who has stability at one position and whose strengths are anchored in that role.
When we consider you for a position, we provide you with a detailed blueprint of your potential employer: who they are, how they function, and what their goals are. Certain staffing agencies are limited to specific types of businesses and industries, so make sure you do your research.
How is the Greater Boston job market?
The market is cautiously optimistic, but improvements will still have to be made. Technology, Accounting/Finance and Marketing are just three verticals on the upswing, specifically within Boston’s emerging areas. As employers are becoming more comfortable with the current economic climate, they are looking to partner with agencies which have the resources and focus to fill their open positions with untapped talent.
Do a lot of companies use agencies?
Yes. Firms and organizations come to us with a range of agendas, so it is our responsibility to understand exactly what they are looking for in a candidate. According to Jon Singleton, Staffing Consultant-Direct Hire Division, “Some of our client employers are in urgent need of someone and want to see candidates yesterday.” Other hiring managers foresee a need in the near future and put the opportunity on our radar. We respond to each of our clients’ needs on a case-by-case basis to ensure we find the right person for the job, regardless of the timeframe.
Candidates want to be sure that they are partnering with a reputable staffing firm and
a knowledgeable recruiter—someone who ultimately knows the current trends of the market and has their best interests in mind. John Leonard’s Manager—Direct Hire Division, Rob Harvie, asserts, “It is tough enough for candidates not to have a job, but they will not waste their time running around in circles with agencies who are not up to speed.” Rob has no doubt that, “as this year continues, many candidates will ask the above questions before stepping foot into a staffing agency.” If job seekers do not get the answers they are looking for, they will move on in search of a firm who has them…I believe John Leonard is one of those firms!
What questions do you have that we haven’t answered? Post them below!
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Thu, Dec 15, 2011 @ 08:35 AM
Unemployment…
The national unemployment rate fell to 8.6% in November, down from 9.0% in October. Employers around the country added 120,000 jobs last month and 100,000 jobs in each of the previous five months, which obviously has contributed to the decrease.
According to the Federal Reserve’s November publication of The Beige Book, the national economy continues to improve at a slow and moderate pace. Firms around the country are hiring but some have reported difficulty in identifying qualified candidates. Similar results hold true for the Massachusetts and Greater Boston economy.
Massachusetts’ unemployment rate remains steady at 7.3%. Confirmed by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the Bay State has added over 50 thousand jobs in the past year (a growth rate of 1.6 percent) with Boston’s IT services and software industries “getting the gold coin” when it comes to business growth.
Business Confidence…
The National Federation of Independent Business Research Foundation’s Optimism Index gained
1.8 points on its confidence scale in November.
For the third consecutive month, the National Federation of Independent Business' (NFIB) Optimism Index climbed and eight of the 10 index components either remained unchanged or improved.
According to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts’ (AIM) Business Confidence Index, confidence levels for the next six months are positive and “better than the assessment of current conditions which was up a point at 49.9,” says Fred Breimyer, Regional Economist for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Consumer Confidence…
National consumer confidence was down earlier this year and continues to struggle. J.D. Power & Associates’ Executive Director Jeff Schuster is unafraid to give us the cold hard facts, “It really comes down to consumer confidence and consumers just do not have any right now. There just really is not a strong reason to go make that big-ticket purchase.” Consumer confidence has improved since the beginning of 2011 but as Staffing Consultant –Temporary Division Lindsay Peoples says, “overall consumer confidence this year certainly has been a major economic roller coaster ride!”
Massachusetts consumer confidence has dropped in the past few months; however, we refer to Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray for our optimism; “I see the glass half full, 50,000 plus new jobs in a year. That to me is the most important trend.”
2012 Expectations…
According to a recent Wall Street journal article, CFOs in particular are less optimistic about
2012 national economic growth—however 38% of those polled, many of which were Bank Executives, say they expect the U.S. economy to grow next year. CFOs attribute government leaders’ lack of effectiveness as the number one challenge and concern for 2012.
In Q3, the Massachusetts annual growth rate surpassed the nation at 3.9% (U.S. at 2.5%). The local economy is expected to grow modestly at a rate of 2.9% in the beginning of 2012. Locally, we will look to a variety of measurements including, the unemployment rate and claims, productivity, construction employment, taxes, the Bloomberg stock index for Massachusetts, and consumer confidence as key indicators of economic health and growth for 2012.
Post below with where you go to find your latest news about national and local economic and job trends!
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Fri, Nov 18, 2011 @ 10:44 AM
So no one is hiring during the holidays, right?
WRONG!
1) It’s the end of the year so obviously no one is hiring.
Not true! As Staffing Consultant- Temporary Division Kimberly Brown can attest, many organizations need temporary coverage to manage an uptick in business or to cover their employees' vacation time over the holidays. This presents a great opportunity for you to get a foot in the door and show off your skill sets. Also, some hiring managers will need to begin the hiring process now. Thirdly, employers who plan to hire in Q1 of next year will be competing with other employers for the same talent. Therefore, many will be more likely to take the time to review and interview candidates who apply before the January rush.
2) Organizations’ hiring budgets have been allocated already.
Maybe, but also think about the fact that employers have hiring budget approvals that expire at the end of this year. This creates a sense of immediacy to interview and select the right candidate(s) in Q4 so they do not “lose” their budget allocation.
3) Everyone is so busy during the holidays; no one is around.
Maybe they are “busy” celebrating the holiday so use the nature of the holidays to your benefit. The spirit of the holidays can have a positive influence on people as they tend to be more festive, relaxed, and generous during this time. This is your chance to take advantage of every invitation and participate in the holiday celebrations, so network with family and friends! Staffing Consultant-Direct Hire Division Claire McKeown suggests, “Share your story by connecting with others this holiday and offer to help them in return. “
4) I’ll start my job search at the beginning of the year as part of my New Year’s Resolution.
The worst time to start a job search is in January. Many job seekers put their search on hold during the holidays and wait until the New Year. The competition is more fierce in January and so it can be more difficult to stand out from the crowd during this time. People who demonstrate their organizational skills and their ability to be proactive by applying during the holiday season are likely to receive more attention from employers in a smaller pool of applicants.
As a gift to yourself this holiday season, update your resume with this year’s accomplishments and kick-start your job search now! The holiday season is a great time to
develop relationships that are crucial for hiring in 2012, so when the opportunities surface, employers think of you first. Staffing Consultant-Direct Hire Division Barbara Demore contends that, “This may be the best time of year to maintain and even accelerate your efforts and raise yourself above the crowd.” There are many opportunities for employment that come with the 1st of the year if not beforehand, and this year’s early resolution should be dedicated to finding the fit that is right for you…ahead of the competition.
Tell us, what will you do this holiday to boost your job marketability?
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Mon, Nov 14, 2011 @ 02:22 PM
Ever hear the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, the way to a Gen Y’s mind is through technology. This estimated 70 million population segment grew up on the internet and high-tech gadgets; these constantly-changing, “world-at-our-fingertips” devices are second nature to them. Understanding who they are as a generation will shed light on how to best approach Gen Y’s about new opportunities and nurture them as future decision-makers in business.
Note: As a Gen Y myself, I speak generally about Gen Y to illustrate my points but please note that we as an organization support the notion that not all Gen Y’s fall into the described category.
We are the fastest-growing segment in the workforce, and our perspective on work is different than other generations’. The line between work and home is blurry to us, if the line exists at all. We like to spend our time in meaningful and useful ways, no matter where we are. We tend to spend more time “plugged in” online because our “first language” is the internet and because our social network is there.
From the video, Dr. Marc Hill from Columbia University says the fact that Millennials know how to “connect and access information faster than any other generation in U.S. history” makes them highly attractive to employers. The truth is that we, more than any other generation, are comfortable and like working outside the nine-to-five timeframe. Especially so if we find meaning behind our work, which further illustrates the “entrepreneurial” approach we often take to achieve our assignments. Actually, entrepreneurship now functions as a safety net for our generation, especially given the relatively soft job market. We love a challenge and multi-tasking is one of our strongest assets.
The way we engage with our networks is demonstrative of what we look for in a career. Here are some suggestions for reaching Gen Y’s:
To recruit…
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Use technology to make a friendly introduction and share information with us, and in short bites (i.e. Twitter).
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Stay connected and communicate with us via social media for a higher response rate and to nurture our interests from the get-go.
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Pitch our strengths to your clients and communicate how adding us to your (client’s) staff is vital for the success of your business’ growth. Our familiarity with technology, coupled with being described as confident, ambitious and achievement-oriented, are a few key selling points to interested employers.
To motivate…
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Find new ways to incorporate technology into the workplace. “Facilitating technology is vital to gaining the highest level of interaction with this group and bringing them on board to achieve company goals,” says Senior Staffing Consultant at John Leonard, Rob Harvie. “
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Include your Gen Y staff in new marketing initiatives or operation processes and cultivate a team-oriented environment to execute.
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Be open to our ideas. An entrepreneurial approach to completing goals resonates with us. We like to find creative and more efficient ways to do things and often excel with a startup-type of project.
Here are some examples of million dollar businesses started by Gen Y’s who have leveraged these skills and abilities:
My Yearbook ($100 million dollar business started by a 15 year old high school student)
Greenhorn Connect (an online hub sharing real-time opportunity updates and resources with the Boston entrepreneur ecosystem started by a 24 year old)
Dart Boston (an online community of Boston professionals and inventors started by a 20 something entrepreneur)
Facebook (a multi-billion dollar company started by a Harvard undergraduate in a college dorm room)
Gen Y is transforming the way our employers conduct their businesses. Time Magazine online wraps it up the best: Employers and Older Workers--that is, anyone over 30--need to know how to adapt to the values and demands of their newest colleagues. Before too long, they will be running our organizations.
In what ways do you reach Gen Y’s?
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Fri, Nov 04, 2011 @ 02:31 PM
(Click through using the gray arrow to read our interactive blog post this week!)
Share your comments below!
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Thu, Oct 27, 2011 @ 02:06 PM
Still Cannot Find a Job? Be Sure To...
Know what makes you get up in the morning...and I do not mean fruit-topped pancakes.
- Identify what you are passionate about and tailor your job hunt according to what industries and professional roles fall under this umbrella.
- Search job descriptions that are attractive to you and pinpoint roles in which you can grow.
- Identify the keywords that stand out in these job details and incorporate them into your resume. Many employers conduct searches on keywords when looking for someone with certain skills, so make your online resume searchable.
- Be selective but open. Apply to jobs that are right for you.
- It is not about quantity anymore. Applying to more jobs does not necessarily increase your chances of landing one. Do not waste your time or an employer’s time on applying to jobs that do not pique your interest. Be choosy so you can find a job you really want and one in which you can excel.
- Identify and investigate companies that are a fit.
- “Identify employers that you are interested in and market yourself around what will resonate with them. “If you do not know who your target audience is and you try to cover too many bases, your resume and other career documents will not hit home with anyone.”
- In addition to uploading your resume on different job boards, completing a LinkedIn profile drastically increases your chances of getting “found” by hiring professionals. Also, consider Facebook’s Branch Out, and utilize online resources that will allow you to innovatively demonstrate your background and expertise.
- Search and invite industry leaders to connect with you on LinkedIn.
- If you are searching for a job in finance, identify finance professionals on LinkedIn and connect with them. Learn from what they are posting and ask for job search tips.
- Stay up-to-date with your industry news so you can speak intelligently about these topics at networking events and interviews. Demonstrate that you speak the language.
- Want to stand out to employers? You must be creative and think out of the box. Push yourself to design a webpage, start a blog, or create a video pitching who you are and what you want. There are several great, free resources out there! You would be surprised how many “digital” resumes have led to job interviews. Here is a great example:
- “Become crystal clear on your three or four best traits.” If the CEO of your ideal company walked into your elevator one morning, what would you say to him or her in that 20 second elevator ride?
- Refrain from asking for a job; instead, ask for a reference.
- Identify who will be a reference for you in the beginning of your job search. Ask if there is someone he or she can introduce you to or for suggestions with whom to connect.
- Check in with your recruiter on a weekly basis, by phone or in person.
- Make sure you are on their radar screen for when new job openings surface.
- Anyone can send an email. Deliver your resume in person to make the meeting personal. Trust me, from an employer’s perspective, we recognize your efforts to make a lasting impression and are likely to remember you.
- Keep your skills fresh and show that you have current industry experience by volunteering or enrolling as temporary staff. It is likely that you could be considered for a long-term position down the road. In fact, one of our temporary staff representatives was recently promoted to a direct-hire position after excelling on assignment at one of Boston’s leading medical schools. According to John Leonard Temporary Division Manager Jennifer DeLucia, approximately five John Leonard employees per week transition into a direct-hire role from their outstanding performances on temporary assignments with our clients.
Remember that you are the CEO of your own company. Define your brand and market yourself.
Tell us about your experiences looking for a job…What other helpful hints have made you successful in finding a new opportunity?
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Fri, Oct 14, 2011 @ 01:28 PM
Does this look familiar?
Let’s face it –networking and being social isn’t what it used to be. Before the internet, you had to walk “down the road” or maybe get in your car to meet-up with your friends; you communicated as pen pals, and if you wanted to know about a person or a company, you had to be physically introduced by someone who knew them. How things have changed…A Neilson report released three weeks ago stated that Americans spend almost a quarter of their time on social networking sites today. Now, you can meet and talk to your cousin’s long-lost half brother in Thailand, from your cell phone on your way to work in the morning.
We’re introducing ourselves to and getting in front of people within niche communities; we’re engaging in conversations about topics we’re passionate about; we’re listening to what others have to say and responding intelligently; we are growing our businesses…all over the internet.
Professionals in the career industry use online networking to expand their reach by communicating with others outside their network and in a way they never could before:
*Statistics shared by Senior Staffing Consultant, Rob Harvie
“Recruiters are finding new ways to identify talent,” in addition to building credibility and relationships online, says Manager-Temporary Division, Jennifer DeLucia. “LinkedIn is a way to do just that without spending hours at events and on the road.” Hiring professionals can –with a click of a mouse—identify specific groups and virtual spaces in which to have meaningful and productive conversations.
Think about it; it is a fascinating concept. In a way, we’re doing what we’ve always done, except we’re doing it online.
Some Tips for You: Get “virtually” out there and network: invite someone new to Link today;
mention or retweet someone on Twitter; read the comments on an interesting news article and comment yourself; research a new client or employer on Facebook; ask a question on someone’s blog (or start your own blog!); continue the conversation. You never know where it might lead.
…and chew on this: Before the internet, you knew all your friends and acquaintances in real-life, not virtually. Given that we can now rely on online to initiate a hand shake, what function does the internet possess in helping us make introductions and establish connections? Do you use the internet as the initiation or replacement for an in-person conversation?
Posted by Ashley Ryall on Tue, Oct 11, 2011 @ 09:56 AM
When it comes to networking, business cards are only a small part of the process. Networking is an art form which, once perfected, can not only build your credibility but improve your business or propel your career forward. Let us help you improve on your networking etiquette and results:
Let’s start with the basics.
- Notice your appearance: make sure your attire is clean and neat,
check that remnants from your last meal aren’t stuck between your teeth, or that you don’t have chipped fingernail polish.
Reason: your appearance is an extension of who you are, and how you present yourself impacts how people perceive you.
- Eat before you leave for the networking event.
Reason: even if food is offered remember, you are not there to eat but to meet people. You do not want your stomach demanding the sandwich buffet when you’re trying to talk to someone; plus, having your hands full of food does not necessarily allow you to make the best “first impression”.
- Do your homework:
- Contact the Event Planner prior to the event or research who has RSVPed; can you get the attendee list?
- Look up the attendees on LinkedIn or Facebook to get more information about the people you might meet; no need to go crazy, but have a general understanding of a few key people.
- Identify a few people you want to meet beforehand and reach out to them; express your interest in meeting them at the event and provide your cell number in case something comes up last minute.
- Stay up-to-date on current and local events. For example, that Francona is no longer the Manager of the Red Sox and that there is a “tent city” on the Rose Kennedy Green-way.
Reason: so many people refrain from learning about their audiences prior to meeting them, yet this extra effort often makes all the difference and can advance a conversation from the get-go. Make a habit of knowing your target audience it will pay dividends.
- Making Introductions:
- Put your name tag on your right side – most people are right-handed and will see your name immediately when they shake your hand.
- Shake hands firmly and make eye contact - people are more likely to take you seriously.
- “Open the card before you open the present.” - ask about the other person first before talking about yourself.
- It’s not all about business – asking how people are or what movies they have seen lately, breaks the ice and helps build rapport.
- Refrain from looking around the room while you’re speaking with someone - listen and focus your attention on the person to which you are speaking.
Reason: yes, you are there to pitch you or your company but you are also there to gather information. Refrain from identifying someone as your “anchor” just so you can scope out the scene. Instead, treat him/her as your center of attention; you never know who might be able to assist you down the road.
The fortune is in the follow-up.
After speaking with each person, be specific about following up with them: Account Executive, Laurisa Neuwirth suggests asking, “It was nice to meet you, I will follow-up with you and start by connecting on LinkedIn.” People appreciate when you take the initiative and are often pleasantly surprised by prompt follow-through.
Above any other tip we can offer you: be genuine. Yes, the purpose is to promote your business and/or your career, but it takes time to build a strong level of rapport with someone. Walking away with 5-6 contacts who will remember you is far better than giving out 10-20-30 of your business cards to people who will have forgotten you as soon as you have moved on.
Share your thoughts on networking and tell us what has been successful or otherwise for you!