3/2/2010 - Job Interviewing Do's - • Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview or be sure you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there. • Do dress the part for the job, company, the industry. Err on the side of conservatism. • Do plan to arrive about 10 minues early. • Do shake hands firmly. • Do make good eye contact with your interviewer. • Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company. • Do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview. • Do turn your cell phone off during the interview. • Do write thank-you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you.

2/16/2010 - Time for an Employment Brand Check Up? - Is your company a great place to work? How would your employees answer this question? If you are not sure, this is a good time for an honest assessment. Slowly but surely, this employment market is gaining momentum. The economy continues to stabilize. Unemployment rates continue to drop and hiring activity is gradually increasing. There also seems to be increased focus on employment in Washington D.C. and who knows where that may lead? The cumulative effect is that your current employees will begin to see more and more external employment options. If your “employment brand” is strong, they will be much less likely to leave for another company. If not, you’re at risk. • Are you personally committed to building a strong “employment brand”? • Is the Senior Leadership at your company engaged in building a great working environment? • How would your line managers describe your employment brand? • Is Trust at a high level within your company? • Do you recognize and value your staff? All of the above must be in place to successfully build your company into a great place to work. I encourage you to begin this process soon. It will help you to retain your top talent and will also help you to recruit new talent when the needs arise…

1/26/2010 - 10 Top Job Search Tips - Have a detailed job search plan...work the plan. Focus forward...don't dwell on the past, smile, get going. Work on your job search daily...Mon-Fri, start early. Take the weekends off...recharge your batteries. Get networking...list, contact, track, stay in touch. Don't forget your goal...getting in front of people. Interviews...professional dress, listen to their needs. Know your strengths...at least three, with examples. Communicate clearly...30 second commercial. Be persistent...be positive, be flexible, be a winner.

12/15/2009 - Hiring "Overqualified" Candidates - One interesting and fairly common dilemma for hiring manager in today's market is hiring someone who was earning significantly higher compensation in their previous position, but has been downsized based on recent economic events. In the past, this would often cause enough concern for hiring managers to pass on candidates with significant experience and hire someone with lesser skills and experience that closely matches the original specifications. In doing so, hiring managers reasoned, they eliminate the risk of "overqualified" hired leaving quickly when another "higher level" position comes up. While I agree this situation should be evaluated carefully, many "overqualified" candidates deserve serious consideration. One benefit to employers from the uncertain employment marketplace is that candidates are taking a more "wholesome" look at career options. While compensation is still very important, financial stability, employee benefits and company culture are higher on the list now than ever before.

12/1/2009 - Interview Conversations - Over the years we’ve asked hundreds of hiring managers what they liked or did not like about specific candidates. One common theme that continues today is scrutiny on a candidate’s ability to listen. You’ve heard how important it is to “sell yourself” in an interview. What does that really mean? You have your elevator speech down pat…and have listed a dozen questions to ask. There’s limited time and you want to get through your “pitch.” Please remember, an interview is still a conversation. Healthy conversations are balanced and flow easily. If you find yourself doing more than ½ the talking, step back and consider asking more open ended questions about the company, job, or hiring manager. Good luck. Call anytime.

11/9/2009 - Structured Initial Interviews - Higher than normal levels of unemployment may lead to numerous interviews for a single opening. In an effort to best utilize your time, we recommend that interviewers establish an “agenda” to stay on task in initial interviews. Depending upon the position 30-50 minutes is sufficient for a first interview. Start with a welcome and small talk, move onto a brief description of your company and the position you are looking to fill and move into questions for your applicant. Once you are done provide an opportunity for the applicant to ask questions and then wrap up.

11/2/2009 - Thank-You Notes - One simple, easy and effective way to differentiate yourself today is to send hand written thank you notes. If you’ve received a personal note recently you know what I mean. It leaves a different impression than email. It’s better and more…personal! And, it will set you apart from the 95% of candidates that do not send personal notes. If you are conducting a search now, be sure to send personal handwritten notes to everyone that has helped you and everyone you interview with. Keep it simple, professional and brief and send it right after your meeting. Timely, simple, and professional will make you stand out!