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technical skills

As 2011 draws to a close, I reflect on the past year:  the economy, politics, unemployment numbers.  In spite of some negative indicators, I still see job opportunities for those with strong technical training and education.  A technician without a degree, but with a specialized skill set, often earns as much as or more than a degreed engineer.  This is especially true for those willing to travel in field service positions. Education is essential and should be encouraged, but four years or more in college is not for everyone.  As an example, I have networked for 16 years with former Navy techs here in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area.   The impressive training many receive, combined with discipline and a strong work ethic, make for very valuable employees: mechanics, electricians, nuclear workers, generator techs, and more. If you are having a difficult time finding a challenging job with good compensation perhaps you should consider a military career or research apprenticeship prog
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Common courtesy

Does anyone else feel that common courtesy is rapidly joining common sense in disappearing from society?  I am referring to the ever-increasing likelihood of failing to receive a reply to phone calls and emails.  We are all busy and most of us are overworked, especially with the soft economy resulting in layoffs.  Many are literally doing the job of two (or more) workers.  I certainly understand the overwhelming amount of email we receive daily. As a recruiter my job is information gathering.  I spend most of my time calling and emailing clients and job candidates.  When I call or send an email I try to be diligent in remembering that the other person's time is valuable and I keep it as brief as possible.  When I send an email with 2 or 3 short questions and IF I receive a reply, perhaps one question is answered.  With all due respect to my clients and candidates please send a reply, at least within 48 hours.  If the answer is "no" then just send that.  Have your assist
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Saving time finding talent for your company

When the economy is soft or in slow recovery mode trimming the company budget is a necessity.  Caution should be used, however, in attempting to hire using only your human resources department.  Weakened profits may have already resulted in staff reductions.  Many, if not most, employees are already at full capacity performing not only their normal job duties but also that of one or two others who have been downsized.  If critical openings need to be filled your HR staff simply cannot add enough hours to the work day  to expend on wider searches.  Or perhaps the talent pool to be accessed is not in their field of expertise.  An HR generalist who, for example,  may be well-versed and deeply networked in degreed Mechanical Engineers may be more challenged to surface skilled field service mechanics.  This is where a seasoned professional with a well-maintained fresh talent pool can be an invaluable resource.  Visit my website www.dbconsulting1.com.
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Why outsource hiring to a recruiter?

Even in the current economic climate, a full 40% of hiring managers report they are unable to find qualified people for their current job openings.  A professional, experienced recruiter can partner with hiring managers and the h.r. department to streamline the search process.   A good recruiter spends the entire day on the phone and online, networking with people, gathering information, making connections.  Your candidate will be thoroughly pre-qualified prior to presentation to the hiring authority at the company.  The time saved by the recruiter's efforts on behalf of the company's translates into real dollars saved for the corporate client.
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contacting employers

In advising job seekers to contact potential employers, I do not mean to contact online, via email, or even by telephone.  Voice mail and email increasingly goes unanswered quickly, if ever.  You need to appear in person to arrange a meeting for any job that is one for which you intend to be interviewed.  At medium to large corporations it is likely you will be denied access to the hiring manager.  At smaller, local companies there is a possibility a meeting can be scheduled.  The best method to reach hiring managers in larger businesses is through a professional recruiter who has already made progress in building a relationship with department managers and/or human resources officers.
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unposted job openings

As a recruiter, I have frequently taken urgent search assignments from clients and discovered that the positions are not posted on their website.  Think about it.  The company is willing to pay me a fee because it is a critical staff shortage.  This is an opportunity a candidate will only learn of by either being contacted by a recruiter or by contacting the company on their own.
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Online job hunting

In your job quest, research companies of interest with posted job openings as well as companies you would like to approach even though they may have no openings posted.  As a recruiter, I have been hired to fill many positions that are never posted online or elsewhere.  This is one of the many advantages for candidates in aligning themselves with a reputable recruiter.  A reputable recruiter, in my opinion, does not ever charge a fee to the candidate.
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