According to a 2005 survey from the Society for Human Resource Management.(SHRM), about 86 percent of companies use Internet postings to recruit workers. While this number shows the change (from newspapers) in the way people find out about open positions, it still doesn’t always work. 65% of all company hires come from networking and word of mouth.
I believe this number will change once companies spend more time developing their online employment brand and refine their recruiting processes. In other words, I see a lot more hires coming directly from the internet.
You should do some research on companies posting jobs to make sure you fit before applying. Like anything, the internet gives you a lot if choices, but if you do some homework on the job you have an interest in, you will send out less resumes to more quality companies!
Remember, companies don’t post jobs because they don’t want to hire you. Companies want to hire you, but you have to find them first.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
You CAN find a Great Job during the Holidays!
Over the years I have heard countless times that employers don’t hire during the holidays. While it may be true in some industries, hiring for most companies is based on a few factors that favor job seekers looking to get hired by the end of the year. They are:
1) Growing companies can’t find enough employees. In Central Florida, with the unemployment rate at all time lows, companies that want to be competitive need you to accomplish this.
2) Budgets. A lot of companies have “use it or lose it” positions that need to fill. Managers fight hard each year to get employee counts to certain levels and budget money to do this. If they don’t hire to their projections, they scramble to hire before the end of the year.
3) Companies like to round out teams so they can start the New Year with full complement of employees! We call this the “hiring” New Year resolution.
4) Companies receive about 30% fewer resumes between Thanksgiving and New Years. Sending your resume to the right manager or human resource professional will increase your chances of being interviewed for positions that you are qualified.
5) It’s a great time for you to set your career course for 2007. Since the normal hiring process can take a couple of weeks, now is the time to get rocking so you can start 2007 with new hope and excitement!
Good Luck in your search. Great Central Florida Employers are looking for you!
1) Growing companies can’t find enough employees. In Central Florida, with the unemployment rate at all time lows, companies that want to be competitive need you to accomplish this.
2) Budgets. A lot of companies have “use it or lose it” positions that need to fill. Managers fight hard each year to get employee counts to certain levels and budget money to do this. If they don’t hire to their projections, they scramble to hire before the end of the year.
3) Companies like to round out teams so they can start the New Year with full complement of employees! We call this the “hiring” New Year resolution.
4) Companies receive about 30% fewer resumes between Thanksgiving and New Years. Sending your resume to the right manager or human resource professional will increase your chances of being interviewed for positions that you are qualified.
5) It’s a great time for you to set your career course for 2007. Since the normal hiring process can take a couple of weeks, now is the time to get rocking so you can start 2007 with new hope and excitement!
Good Luck in your search. Great Central Florida Employers are looking for you!
Friday, October 27, 2006
Take this test to see if you are ready to Jump Ship from your current employer
Are you still finding your current job satisfying? Do you have thoughts that the grass may be greener at another company? Most of us have these thoughts from time to time. The Career Journal has a short test that I think can at least get you thinking about your career and your current position. Who knows, maybe you will find out that you have a pretty good gig right where you are working!
Take the test and see if you are ready to change jobs!
Take the test and see if you are ready to change jobs!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Career Advice Search Engine.... NEW!!!!
Along comes CHIMPY! Chimpy is a search engine that lets you search over 300 career advice websites at one time. What this means for you is that you have another resource to help your career.
I was doing some research on the “black hole” resumes go into when a candidate summits them to an employer and never hears anything. I was pleased to find 10 articles on what you can do to your resume to try to prevent this from happening.
Other topics include job search, interviewing, exit interviews, negotiating salary, returning to the workforce and almost any other job related topic you can think of!
The only issue I had with the site is the all the “Google ad words” throughout the site. Other than that, I would recommend this site to anyone with career questions. Go visit Chimpy today!
I was doing some research on the “black hole” resumes go into when a candidate summits them to an employer and never hears anything. I was pleased to find 10 articles on what you can do to your resume to try to prevent this from happening.
Other topics include job search, interviewing, exit interviews, negotiating salary, returning to the workforce and almost any other job related topic you can think of!
The only issue I had with the site is the all the “Google ad words” throughout the site. Other than that, I would recommend this site to anyone with career questions. Go visit Chimpy today!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Top 10 Hottest Jobs!
Do you feel like making a career change and not know where to start? Are you getting ready to select your major and not sure what you want to do? Kiplinger’s came out with the top 10 job area you might want to consider.
View Article Here
Here is a summary:
1) Network systems and data communications analyst $60,600
2) Physician assistant $69,410
3) Computer applications software engineer $79,930
4) Computer systems software engineer $79,740
5) Database administrator $58,190
6) Network and computer systems administrator $60,650
7) Physical therapist $60,180
8) Medical scientist $61,320
9) Occupational therapist $54,660
10) College instructor $51,800
All these jobs require at least a four year degree. Most of the job trends we have seen are all pointing to technology and the healthcare field.
What if you didn’t have a four year degree? What jobs pay well that you might want to consider?
1. Home health aide, $8.12 per hour
2. Medical assistant, $24,610 per year
3. Physical therapist assistant, $37,890 per year
4. Dental hygienist, $28.05 per hour
5. Dental assistant, $13.62 per hour
Looks like the trend for higher paying jobs falls right into healthcare!
View Article Here
Here is a summary:
1) Network systems and data communications analyst $60,600
2) Physician assistant $69,410
3) Computer applications software engineer $79,930
4) Computer systems software engineer $79,740
5) Database administrator $58,190
6) Network and computer systems administrator $60,650
7) Physical therapist $60,180
8) Medical scientist $61,320
9) Occupational therapist $54,660
10) College instructor $51,800
All these jobs require at least a four year degree. Most of the job trends we have seen are all pointing to technology and the healthcare field.
What if you didn’t have a four year degree? What jobs pay well that you might want to consider?
1. Home health aide, $8.12 per hour
2. Medical assistant, $24,610 per year
3. Physical therapist assistant, $37,890 per year
4. Dental hygienist, $28.05 per hour
5. Dental assistant, $13.62 per hour
Looks like the trend for higher paying jobs falls right into healthcare!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Test Drive your Dream Career Today!!!!!
Did you ever think about “trying out” your dream job? A new company has emerged and it will give you a chance to test drive your dream job like you would test drive a car. It's pretty cool: Go to this website:
www.vocationvacations.com/
Once you’re at the site, you look for your dream job the same way you would if you were looking for a job at www.orlandojobs.com. The big difference are the categories: Perfumery, Photography, Wine Bar Owner, White Water Rafting, Dude Rancher, Music Production and many more!
Once you find your dream job, you pay a fee to spend time with the person in your dream job. What a country.
I think this website is a great concept. First of all, for a reasonable fee, it gives you first hand knowledge of the job. More importantly, spending time with people who do what you want to do may open your eyes to exactly how real and how obtainable it is to get into your dream job.
If anyone has tried this, I would be very interested in talking with you!
www.vocationvacations.com/
Once you’re at the site, you look for your dream job the same way you would if you were looking for a job at www.orlandojobs.com. The big difference are the categories: Perfumery, Photography, Wine Bar Owner, White Water Rafting, Dude Rancher, Music Production and many more!
Once you find your dream job, you pay a fee to spend time with the person in your dream job. What a country.
I think this website is a great concept. First of all, for a reasonable fee, it gives you first hand knowledge of the job. More importantly, spending time with people who do what you want to do may open your eyes to exactly how real and how obtainable it is to get into your dream job.
If anyone has tried this, I would be very interested in talking with you!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Unemployment rate is 2.7%- What does this mean to your career?
Orlando’s unemployment rate is 2.7%. What does this really mean to you? Here are my thoughts:
1) If you have a good but not great job right now, you have the opportunity to “upgrade” to first class by exploring other career opportunities. Investigate “confidentially” other situations that may not only pay more but have better outlooks for future growth.
2) Companies will hire and train more in a low employment environment if they think you have great ability. This is a great way to get a career jump started!
3) Jobs. A lot of them. Just like a good restaurant, make sure the job you select is with a reputable company, and you will find yourself in good career situation.
4) Benefits. In low unemployment, to attract employees, some companies offer additional benefits. These benefits range from healthcare, extra vacation days to flex time.
5) More jobs can afford you the opportunity to find a similar job closer to your home. Sitting in traffic for one hour each way each day cost you in time 10 hours a week. If your commute was 10 minutes, what would you do with an extra 8 hours each week? What would you do with the money you save in gas?
6) Signing Bonuses. Yes, some companies are offering you cash of 500.00 to 5,000 to come on board. The more technical the job (like a nurse or architect) the higher the signing bonus.
It doesn’t hurt to look, even if you are somewhat happy in your current job. Be very selective and when sending your resume; please make sure you do it confidentially. Keep your “private” job search to yourself. Don’t tell co workers or they may get the job you want!
1) If you have a good but not great job right now, you have the opportunity to “upgrade” to first class by exploring other career opportunities. Investigate “confidentially” other situations that may not only pay more but have better outlooks for future growth.
2) Companies will hire and train more in a low employment environment if they think you have great ability. This is a great way to get a career jump started!
3) Jobs. A lot of them. Just like a good restaurant, make sure the job you select is with a reputable company, and you will find yourself in good career situation.
4) Benefits. In low unemployment, to attract employees, some companies offer additional benefits. These benefits range from healthcare, extra vacation days to flex time.
5) More jobs can afford you the opportunity to find a similar job closer to your home. Sitting in traffic for one hour each way each day cost you in time 10 hours a week. If your commute was 10 minutes, what would you do with an extra 8 hours each week? What would you do with the money you save in gas?
6) Signing Bonuses. Yes, some companies are offering you cash of 500.00 to 5,000 to come on board. The more technical the job (like a nurse or architect) the higher the signing bonus.
It doesn’t hurt to look, even if you are somewhat happy in your current job. Be very selective and when sending your resume; please make sure you do it confidentially. Keep your “private” job search to yourself. Don’t tell co workers or they may get the job you want!
Monday, June 12, 2006
How you “appear” online may influence who hires you!
The web is finally becoming what it was always meant to be; a network of people, not just computers. Sites like MySpace.com and Facebook.com have become so popular over the last year that potential employers are taking notice.
Take all the technology out of the equation and examine this simple fact. You apply for a job and interview with the company. After the interview, the company likes you and begins a series of background checks. Traditional background checks like crime, credit and DMV are still taking place. However, employers are also going to the “social networking” sites with the chance of learning a little more about you. This is easy for the employer! Does your MySpace.com page show in a good light? Or does it have all your personal secrets and thoughts that if read by a potential employer, it may cause them not to hire you. Read the following article that appeared in the Orlando Sentinel June 11, 2006.
Just remember information is king! Social networking is great and really is what the internet is all about. However, if you still have that picture from college on your Facebook.com page showing your awards for “most beers drank”, you may want to update it!
Take all the technology out of the equation and examine this simple fact. You apply for a job and interview with the company. After the interview, the company likes you and begins a series of background checks. Traditional background checks like crime, credit and DMV are still taking place. However, employers are also going to the “social networking” sites with the chance of learning a little more about you. This is easy for the employer! Does your MySpace.com page show in a good light? Or does it have all your personal secrets and thoughts that if read by a potential employer, it may cause them not to hire you. Read the following article that appeared in the Orlando Sentinel June 11, 2006.
Just remember information is king! Social networking is great and really is what the internet is all about. However, if you still have that picture from college on your Facebook.com page showing your awards for “most beers drank”, you may want to update it!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
7 Career Killers you should avoid!
According to an article in Kiplinger’s personal finance, there are 7 career killers you should avoid. They are:
1. Procrastinating
2. Having a sense of entitlement
3. Settling into your job description
4. Avoiding office politics
5. Not being a team player
6. Not dressing the part
7. Failing to network
While some of these are obvious, others are not. In my almost 20 years of recruiting, number 2 (sense of entitlement) to me is the one you should really pay attention too. Everybody wants to excel in their careers as quickly as possible. But what happens more often than not, people get impatient after a couple years and try to force promotion and change. Like the article says, workers (especially young ones who just entered the work force) want instant gratification. Careers that have meaning are built over years, not a few months.
Too many people don’t let their careers mature. But if your impatient with your employer and leave your job for another, you are almost starting your career journey over again. I have met many individuals who get into this cycle and before they realize it, they are 40!
You should not get involved in office politics, but you should know what is going on. Information is king!
1. Procrastinating
2. Having a sense of entitlement
3. Settling into your job description
4. Avoiding office politics
5. Not being a team player
6. Not dressing the part
7. Failing to network
While some of these are obvious, others are not. In my almost 20 years of recruiting, number 2 (sense of entitlement) to me is the one you should really pay attention too. Everybody wants to excel in their careers as quickly as possible. But what happens more often than not, people get impatient after a couple years and try to force promotion and change. Like the article says, workers (especially young ones who just entered the work force) want instant gratification. Careers that have meaning are built over years, not a few months.
Too many people don’t let their careers mature. But if your impatient with your employer and leave your job for another, you are almost starting your career journey over again. I have met many individuals who get into this cycle and before they realize it, they are 40!
You should not get involved in office politics, but you should know what is going on. Information is king!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Orlando Job Scene is really MOVING!!!!!
Wow…this illustration appeared in the May 2006 Business 2.0 Magazine. (Sources include Global Insight, state and regional government agencies)
So what does all this mean? OPPORTUNITY! Orlando ranks 2nd in the country in job growth through 2015. The top fields in Orlando will be hospitality, healthcare, technology, aerospace, banking and financial, sales and teachers.
If all this job creation and growth is true (which it is), you’re living in an area of the country where you can have a MAJOR SAY in your career path. Now is the time that you must gain the knowledge and education about the career path that will feed you financially as well as challenge you to grow in the future. Do some research and learn take advantage of this growth. A great place to start would be by picking up a copy of this month Business 2.0 (May) magazine.
In my next entry, I will explore a few of Orlando’s job growth areas. As always, we are here to help you!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Changing careers...not just jobs!!!
I really do believe a lot of people never really find their "career calling." It's never too late to change careers! Yes, it may take some additional sacrifices and education to excel in your new career choice, but if your current path does not have passion, then it might be time to make a CAREER change. The next problem is deciding out what you want to do. If you are reading this and would like to find out what other types of jobs are out there, I may have some help. If you have children who need some career path information, this information is very valuable.
The US Government has a website that breaks down 1,000's of careers in detail. Please visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/. Here you will find fantastic information about potential career paths. Here is a sampling of careers they profile along with earning potential.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm
Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments. Besides the familiar x-ray, another common diagnostic imaging method is magnetic resonance imaging, which uses giant magnets that create radio waves, rather than radiation, to form an image. Not all imaging technologies use ionizing radiation or radio waves, however. Sonography, or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Sonography usually is associated with obstetrics and the use of ultrasound imaging during pregnancy, but this technology has many other applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers were $52,490 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,720 and $61,360 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,800, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,230. Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers in May 2004 were $53,790 in offices of physicians and $51,860 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Geoscientists http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos288.htm
Geoscientists study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. With the use of sophisticated instruments and by analyzing the composition of the earth and water, geoscientists study the Earth’s geologic past and present. Many geoscientists are involved in searching for adequate supplies of natural resources such as groundwater, metals, and petroleum, while others work closely with environmental and other scientists in preserving and cleaning up the environment.
Median annual earnings of geoscientists were $68,730 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $49,260 and $98,380; the lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,700, the highest 10 percent more than $130,750.
Boilermakers http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos221.htm
Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics make, install, and repair boilers, vats, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric powerplants and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships. Tanks and vats are used to process and store chemicals, oil, beer, and hundreds of other products.
In May 2004, the median hourly earnings of boilermakers were about $21.68. The middle 50 percent earned between $17.80 and $26.82. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14.07, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $32.46. Apprentices generally start at about half of journey-level wages, with wages gradually increasing to the journey wage as progress is made in the apprenticeship.
Go ahead and browse the 1000's of career possibilities at this site. I think you will find some career paths and positions that may grab your attention and give you some career guidance for the future.
The US Government has a website that breaks down 1,000's of careers in detail. Please visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/. Here you will find fantastic information about potential career paths. Here is a sampling of careers they profile along with earning potential.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm
Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments. Besides the familiar x-ray, another common diagnostic imaging method is magnetic resonance imaging, which uses giant magnets that create radio waves, rather than radiation, to form an image. Not all imaging technologies use ionizing radiation or radio waves, however. Sonography, or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Sonography usually is associated with obstetrics and the use of ultrasound imaging during pregnancy, but this technology has many other applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers were $52,490 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,720 and $61,360 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,800, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,230. Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers in May 2004 were $53,790 in offices of physicians and $51,860 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Geoscientists http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos288.htm
Geoscientists study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. With the use of sophisticated instruments and by analyzing the composition of the earth and water, geoscientists study the Earth’s geologic past and present. Many geoscientists are involved in searching for adequate supplies of natural resources such as groundwater, metals, and petroleum, while others work closely with environmental and other scientists in preserving and cleaning up the environment.
Median annual earnings of geoscientists were $68,730 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $49,260 and $98,380; the lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,700, the highest 10 percent more than $130,750.
Boilermakers http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos221.htm
Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics make, install, and repair boilers, vats, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric powerplants and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships. Tanks and vats are used to process and store chemicals, oil, beer, and hundreds of other products.
In May 2004, the median hourly earnings of boilermakers were about $21.68. The middle 50 percent earned between $17.80 and $26.82. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14.07, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $32.46. Apprentices generally start at about half of journey-level wages, with wages gradually increasing to the journey wage as progress is made in the apprenticeship.
Go ahead and browse the 1000's of career possibilities at this site. I think you will find some career paths and positions that may grab your attention and give you some career guidance for the future.
Friday, March 24, 2006
How much money does your neighbor make?
Have you ever wondered what the guy next door is making? In my neighborhood, salary talk never comes up for some reason. You never ask "how's the kids and what kind of money do you make?. " Actually, if someone does automatically provides you with how much money they make, you may look at them in a strange way.
Parade magazine has a great article about this topic. Please read it when you get a chance by clicking on the link.
One of the things this article proves is that education is king. "Education is vital to getting a good job. On average, full-time workers with a high school diploma earn $585 a week; those with a college degree earn $1,029. Men with advanced degrees make $2,887 or more; women make $1,997 or more". In Central Florida, many opportunities are available but without the proper training and education, you can not get these jobs.
A lot of you already work at great companies but feel like you are not getting ahead. Make sure that you take advantage of any in-house training, tuition reimbursement programs or company sponsored training so you can gain the knowledge need to get to the next level. Amazingly, when asked, people claim they don't have the time to do this. Hopefully, the reality of the paycheck and your job satisfaction will be worth the sacrifice.
Here are the medium weekly wages in 2005.
2005 Median Weekly WagesPetroleum
engineers: $1,923
Actuaries: $1,639
Lawyers: $1,609
Economists: $1,569
Chiropractors: $1,531
Aerospace engineers: $1,362
Medical and health-service managers: $1,089
Meeting and convention planners:$912
Loan counselors and officers: $861
Elementary schoolteachers: $826
Funeral directors: $768
Social workers: $700
Pest-control workers: $508
Animal trainers: $482Actors: $481
Child-care workers: $332
Dishwashers: $296
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Parade magazine has a great article about this topic. Please read it when you get a chance by clicking on the link.
One of the things this article proves is that education is king. "Education is vital to getting a good job. On average, full-time workers with a high school diploma earn $585 a week; those with a college degree earn $1,029. Men with advanced degrees make $2,887 or more; women make $1,997 or more". In Central Florida, many opportunities are available but without the proper training and education, you can not get these jobs.
A lot of you already work at great companies but feel like you are not getting ahead. Make sure that you take advantage of any in-house training, tuition reimbursement programs or company sponsored training so you can gain the knowledge need to get to the next level. Amazingly, when asked, people claim they don't have the time to do this. Hopefully, the reality of the paycheck and your job satisfaction will be worth the sacrifice.
Here are the medium weekly wages in 2005.
2005 Median Weekly WagesPetroleum
engineers: $1,923
Actuaries: $1,639
Lawyers: $1,609
Economists: $1,569
Chiropractors: $1,531
Aerospace engineers: $1,362
Medical and health-service managers: $1,089
Meeting and convention planners:$912
Loan counselors and officers: $861
Elementary schoolteachers: $826
Funeral directors: $768
Social workers: $700
Pest-control workers: $508
Animal trainers: $482Actors: $481
Child-care workers: $332
Dishwashers: $296
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Employment Branding in Central Florida-What is that?
Employment Branding.
What companies pop into your mind when you are looking for a job? Have you ever caught yourself saying I wish I could work there? Why is that? For most of us, it is because that company has hired a lot of people, has a good reputation and appears on the outside to be a great place to work. This company has done a great job of employment branding. Companies want you to think about them if you are looking so that you come directly to them when you are ready to change jobs. The money companies spend in employment branding up front helps in the long run to defray recruiting costs in the future.
Do you think Walt Disney World does a good job of employment branding? I do. The ads they run are well written and designed, always with a positive message (along with some of the regions best benefits). Even their “Casting Center” where you must go to gain employment has a fun touch to it. If you are just driving by, you will note this building. In a few years, this might be the very thing that gets you to apply to WDW.
The internet has unlimited possibilities to help companies brand their employment. Unfortunately, most don’t. Employment branding on the internet sometimes is as easy as writing great employment ads, having links to an “about us” section on your company that tells your story and what benefits your company offers.
Central Florida has so many outstanding companies that nobody knows about! If you are looking for great talent, spend sometime branding.
For a great example of employment branding, Google has done a great job of branding over the internet. They have a lot of information about their employment product including videos, testimonials and a typical day. Why this will most likely not work for all companies, I think it demonstrates what can actually be done! To see this list, visit list of reasons to work for Google.
What companies pop into your mind when you are looking for a job? Have you ever caught yourself saying I wish I could work there? Why is that? For most of us, it is because that company has hired a lot of people, has a good reputation and appears on the outside to be a great place to work. This company has done a great job of employment branding. Companies want you to think about them if you are looking so that you come directly to them when you are ready to change jobs. The money companies spend in employment branding up front helps in the long run to defray recruiting costs in the future.
Do you think Walt Disney World does a good job of employment branding? I do. The ads they run are well written and designed, always with a positive message (along with some of the regions best benefits). Even their “Casting Center” where you must go to gain employment has a fun touch to it. If you are just driving by, you will note this building. In a few years, this might be the very thing that gets you to apply to WDW.
The internet has unlimited possibilities to help companies brand their employment. Unfortunately, most don’t. Employment branding on the internet sometimes is as easy as writing great employment ads, having links to an “about us” section on your company that tells your story and what benefits your company offers.
Central Florida has so many outstanding companies that nobody knows about! If you are looking for great talent, spend sometime branding.
For a great example of employment branding, Google has done a great job of branding over the internet. They have a lot of information about their employment product including videos, testimonials and a typical day. Why this will most likely not work for all companies, I think it demonstrates what can actually be done! To see this list, visit list of reasons to work for Google.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Great Interview Questions
Van Thaxton is a retired human resource consultant living in San Diego. She has written extensively about the interview process. If you are interviewing a potential candidate or want to prepare better for your own interview, these questions are good ones! It will make the person your interviewing think. If you are interviewing, it can give you an opportunity to open up to a potential employer. They are not yes and no types of questions.
The Interview Questions:
1) "Can you explain that?" This can press the candidate to give you details about a particular situation.
2) "Paint me a picture of your work day?" You would be surprised of the answers.
3) "If your former boss was here right now, what would they say about you?" This is a great question because it is based on real-life relationships.
4) "Is there anything you would change about your former company?" This can reveal a candidates personality.
5) "An employee comes to you with sensitive information. What do you do?" How does a potential employee deal with a sticky subject?
6) "What else can you tell me?" Give the candidate a chance to open up.
I really like the idea behind Van's questions. If you are interviewing a potential candidate, it may give you additional insight into someones potential. If you are a candidate, it will help separate you from the competition. It is very competitive for the best jobs and anythinseparatean do sperate yourself from the pack is good!
The Interview Questions:
1) "Can you explain that?" This can press the candidate to give you details about a particular situation.
2) "Paint me a picture of your work day?" You would be surprised of the answers.
3) "If your former boss was here right now, what would they say about you?" This is a great question because it is based on real-life relationships.
4) "Is there anything you would change about your former company?" This can reveal a candidates personality.
5) "An employee comes to you with sensitive information. What do you do?" How does a potential employee deal with a sticky subject?
6) "What else can you tell me?" Give the candidate a chance to open up.
I really like the idea behind Van's questions. If you are interviewing a potential candidate, it may give you additional insight into someones potential. If you are a candidate, it will help separate you from the competition. It is very competitive for the best jobs and anythinseparatean do sperate yourself from the pack is good!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Recruiting Teachers for Central Florida Schools Part 2
Driving to work Monday, I heard a commercial produced by the State of Florida talking about the profession of teaching. This is great! Anyway we can get the word out that about teaching as a career choice, the better. But are we doing enough? Here are some more suggestions I have to help the teacher shortage (please read Part 1):
1) I know this is the obvious one, but raise the salaries! We are investing in children who will one day be valuable members of the working society. It goes without saying, the better our teachers, the better the final product.
2) Incentives for teacher who continue their own additional education. This can be in form of a bonus or tuition reimbursement.
3) Direct recruiting of teachers from other states. While this is a very proactive recruiting technique, it can be done with professionalism. Let’s face it, if you live in another state, you probably are not even thinking of a Florida teaching career. What if you got approached and found out the tremendous benefits of joining the teaching workforce in Florida. People love change, but most don’t know what is going on except in their own backyards. (Colleges recruit teachers like this all the time). Target the best teachers in all the other states and bring them to Florida!
4) Wouldn’t a well done, memorable Super Bowl commercial promoting teaching in Florida worth trying? Tie the commercial to a website and if we can recruit 2,000 teachers with this commercial, it would pay for itself. It would cost the state 1,250.00 per teacher.
While some of these ideas are interesting, the real way to get quality teachers is by very sound and proven recruiting techniques. Fortune 500 companies and schools should approach recruiting employees exactly the same. The better candidates you hire, the more profitable the company.
1) I know this is the obvious one, but raise the salaries! We are investing in children who will one day be valuable members of the working society. It goes without saying, the better our teachers, the better the final product.
2) Incentives for teacher who continue their own additional education. This can be in form of a bonus or tuition reimbursement.
3) Direct recruiting of teachers from other states. While this is a very proactive recruiting technique, it can be done with professionalism. Let’s face it, if you live in another state, you probably are not even thinking of a Florida teaching career. What if you got approached and found out the tremendous benefits of joining the teaching workforce in Florida. People love change, but most don’t know what is going on except in their own backyards. (Colleges recruit teachers like this all the time). Target the best teachers in all the other states and bring them to Florida!
4) Wouldn’t a well done, memorable Super Bowl commercial promoting teaching in Florida worth trying? Tie the commercial to a website and if we can recruit 2,000 teachers with this commercial, it would pay for itself. It would cost the state 1,250.00 per teacher.
While some of these ideas are interesting, the real way to get quality teachers is by very sound and proven recruiting techniques. Fortune 500 companies and schools should approach recruiting employees exactly the same. The better candidates you hire, the more profitable the company.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Governor Bush is a recruiter! We need 32,000 teachers across our great state! This is what I would do.
32,000 teachers is a lot of teachers to recruit and hire in Florida. It is nice to see Governor Bush taking some initiate to help this issue by offering a plan that offers relocation reimbursements and some incentives like a laptop computer. Please reference this article. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/education/orl-gov2306jan23,0,4486355.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
I think we have some other opportunities to recruit the best and the brightest, that quite frankly, wouldn’t cost the state a ton of money. Experienced teachers can be recruited! If you are a teacher either in Florida or from another state, where do you find exciting information about openings and career path? Where is this information? Can you find it easily? Even the states website used to recruit teachers, http://www.teachinflorida.com/, has old postings and not much content. If you perform a teacher search in Orange County, your results indicate one teaching job when we know there are many! Recruiting is an everyday event. It takes a great word of mouth referral network combined with the power of internet recruiting to help shorten the hiring cycle. Besides career fairs and college recruiting, what else can be done to find the next 32,000 teachers? Here is what I would do:
1) Have each county professionally write great job descriptions about the “specifics” of the jobs they have available. This job description should paint the picture for what a teacher could expect if they worked for a school in that county. I would write a different description for a math teacher as well as one for a history teacher. It should include all the benefits, information about the county, the school system, awards, recognitions and career path. The states job descriptions for teachers are quite frankly… horrible.
2) Cross post teacher jobs to National and Locally recognized career websites. Get the word out!
3) Form some partnerships with companies like Disney and St. Joes to help cross promote teacher needs in Florida. For example, why can’t the State of Florida partner with Disney to put teacher jobs and recruiting information on the back of all park tickets?
4) Starting in 9th grade through 12th, have a career fair twice a year that focuses on the teaching profession and the process of becoming one in the future. Make it fun and give more students access early to this treasured profession!
5) Each school system should have a separate website designed and optimized for the recruiting of teachers. It should be the complete career center that not only posts jobs and collects resumes, but also can update potential teachers on a regular basis.
I will have more ideas in my next posting. In the meantime, if you know any teachers, please tell them we need them.
I think we have some other opportunities to recruit the best and the brightest, that quite frankly, wouldn’t cost the state a ton of money. Experienced teachers can be recruited! If you are a teacher either in Florida or from another state, where do you find exciting information about openings and career path? Where is this information? Can you find it easily? Even the states website used to recruit teachers, http://www.teachinflorida.com/, has old postings and not much content. If you perform a teacher search in Orange County, your results indicate one teaching job when we know there are many! Recruiting is an everyday event. It takes a great word of mouth referral network combined with the power of internet recruiting to help shorten the hiring cycle. Besides career fairs and college recruiting, what else can be done to find the next 32,000 teachers? Here is what I would do:
1) Have each county professionally write great job descriptions about the “specifics” of the jobs they have available. This job description should paint the picture for what a teacher could expect if they worked for a school in that county. I would write a different description for a math teacher as well as one for a history teacher. It should include all the benefits, information about the county, the school system, awards, recognitions and career path. The states job descriptions for teachers are quite frankly… horrible.
2) Cross post teacher jobs to National and Locally recognized career websites. Get the word out!
3) Form some partnerships with companies like Disney and St. Joes to help cross promote teacher needs in Florida. For example, why can’t the State of Florida partner with Disney to put teacher jobs and recruiting information on the back of all park tickets?
4) Starting in 9th grade through 12th, have a career fair twice a year that focuses on the teaching profession and the process of becoming one in the future. Make it fun and give more students access early to this treasured profession!
5) Each school system should have a separate website designed and optimized for the recruiting of teachers. It should be the complete career center that not only posts jobs and collects resumes, but also can update potential teachers on a regular basis.
I will have more ideas in my next posting. In the meantime, if you know any teachers, please tell them we need them.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Is Your Job Stagnant or Potentially Thriving?
No matter what you do for a living, it is important to make sure that you understand the difference between a stagnant career and a potentially thriving career. A lot of people get these two thoughts confused, but I hopefully will be able to help give you some guidelines to help you decipher between the two.
I have spoken to many candidates over the last 19 years and interestingly enough, I find that they do have positions that one can thrive in, but do not take the steps to do so. In other words, I find people who like their job, but never can make it something more. In my opinion, this is caused by:
1) Listening to career advice from family, friends and co-workers. This is the kiss of death if you are trying to get ahead in a job you believe in. Only you know how you feel about the company you work for and your own potential. If your job is positive and others around you are negative, this can and does have an adverse effect on you staying on a dedicated career path. Co-workers who talk negatively about the company may have a different opinion on the direction a company is headed. Use your gut and talk with your managers on how to get ahead. Remember, some of the best jobs start out as some of the worst. The situation to solve issues and help the company strive will increase your value much quicker than going to work and complaining!
2) Not understanding your career path. If you get into a company and after a few months get a good “lay of the land” to where you want to go with your career, the solution is simple. Find the individual who has the job you would like in the company and take them to lunch. If you are lucky, they may become your mentor! Ironically, they will feel good that you reached out to them to seek career advice.
3) Make sure that you get the training and additional education to grow in your career path. A lot of the larger Central Florida companies will sponsor your additional education. The smaller companies will usually help you in some aspect finically, but you need to ask. Whatever you do, take courses that directly will help you in your career. Don’t waste time taking a film course if you are trying to excel your career in law enforcement. (Take the film course on your own time)
4) Make sure your company is keeping up with the latest trends in your industry. All around the country in the last five years, thousands lost their high paying manufacturing jobs to technology advances that replaced them. A lot of them knew the possibility of this happening, but didn’t do a thing about it. With all the research you can “Google” these days, keep up with the trends in your industry. Who knows, you may even be able to make your own company aware of the future possibilities!
Finally, I know that not everyone out there is looking to climb the career ladder. That is why a stagnant career can also be a good one. You know what you are getting and hopefully enjoy your work. But if you are looking to move your career and are not, it is time to move on if your current company can’t support your career needs! Send me your comments or questions.
I have spoken to many candidates over the last 19 years and interestingly enough, I find that they do have positions that one can thrive in, but do not take the steps to do so. In other words, I find people who like their job, but never can make it something more. In my opinion, this is caused by:
1) Listening to career advice from family, friends and co-workers. This is the kiss of death if you are trying to get ahead in a job you believe in. Only you know how you feel about the company you work for and your own potential. If your job is positive and others around you are negative, this can and does have an adverse effect on you staying on a dedicated career path. Co-workers who talk negatively about the company may have a different opinion on the direction a company is headed. Use your gut and talk with your managers on how to get ahead. Remember, some of the best jobs start out as some of the worst. The situation to solve issues and help the company strive will increase your value much quicker than going to work and complaining!
2) Not understanding your career path. If you get into a company and after a few months get a good “lay of the land” to where you want to go with your career, the solution is simple. Find the individual who has the job you would like in the company and take them to lunch. If you are lucky, they may become your mentor! Ironically, they will feel good that you reached out to them to seek career advice.
3) Make sure that you get the training and additional education to grow in your career path. A lot of the larger Central Florida companies will sponsor your additional education. The smaller companies will usually help you in some aspect finically, but you need to ask. Whatever you do, take courses that directly will help you in your career. Don’t waste time taking a film course if you are trying to excel your career in law enforcement. (Take the film course on your own time)
4) Make sure your company is keeping up with the latest trends in your industry. All around the country in the last five years, thousands lost their high paying manufacturing jobs to technology advances that replaced them. A lot of them knew the possibility of this happening, but didn’t do a thing about it. With all the research you can “Google” these days, keep up with the trends in your industry. Who knows, you may even be able to make your own company aware of the future possibilities!
Finally, I know that not everyone out there is looking to climb the career ladder. That is why a stagnant career can also be a good one. You know what you are getting and hopefully enjoy your work. But if you are looking to move your career and are not, it is time to move on if your current company can’t support your career needs! Send me your comments or questions.
Monday, January 02, 2006
2006-The Ten Things Your Career Should Have!
You check your oil in your car every 3,000 miles. Do you check to make sure your career is also running as efficiently as it could be? With 2006 here, it might be time to run down this Central Florida career checklist:
1) In the last 12 months, have you grown professionally in your current position?
2) Do you enjoy your job and look forward to going to work?
3) Are you being paid like others who do your job at other companies?
4) Do you have a career goal and will your current position get you there?
5) Deep down inside, you know you have more to offer, but just can’t seem to find it, stagnating your career. Can you change this?
6) You want to change careers/jobs, but your current employer has been wonderful. You have reached your peak, but your loyalty keeps you going. Is this good?
7) Are you getting the extra education and training needed to be a top performer?
8) Do you have “visibility” in your company or are you just an employee?
9) If your job this year has the same responsibilities and directions it had the last year or two, you know what the results will be if you do the same thing this year. Are these results acceptable?
10) Are you having some fun at your current job?
Each of these items really requires a tremendous amount of thought. But to me, the common theme is simple. Are you in a job that supports your skill set so that you can be as productive as possible? Are you getting the training and education you need to enhance your career path? With the emergence of new technologies and constant change in business models, companies that embrace this will provide the best career paths. They need people who are trainable and want to excel. These companies will create user friendly working environments that make you feel like your part of something, not just a number. Over the next couple weeks, I will break this down even more specifically for you. But for now, take a good look at your current job. You may already have most of these things going in your favor, so you may just need to tweak it a bit. However, if you don’t have any of these things, a total career evaluation will be needed. That is the nice thing about Central Florida and America; you can do anything you want…as long as you commit to it and really want to achieve it!
1) In the last 12 months, have you grown professionally in your current position?
2) Do you enjoy your job and look forward to going to work?
3) Are you being paid like others who do your job at other companies?
4) Do you have a career goal and will your current position get you there?
5) Deep down inside, you know you have more to offer, but just can’t seem to find it, stagnating your career. Can you change this?
6) You want to change careers/jobs, but your current employer has been wonderful. You have reached your peak, but your loyalty keeps you going. Is this good?
7) Are you getting the extra education and training needed to be a top performer?
8) Do you have “visibility” in your company or are you just an employee?
9) If your job this year has the same responsibilities and directions it had the last year or two, you know what the results will be if you do the same thing this year. Are these results acceptable?
10) Are you having some fun at your current job?
Each of these items really requires a tremendous amount of thought. But to me, the common theme is simple. Are you in a job that supports your skill set so that you can be as productive as possible? Are you getting the training and education you need to enhance your career path? With the emergence of new technologies and constant change in business models, companies that embrace this will provide the best career paths. They need people who are trainable and want to excel. These companies will create user friendly working environments that make you feel like your part of something, not just a number. Over the next couple weeks, I will break this down even more specifically for you. But for now, take a good look at your current job. You may already have most of these things going in your favor, so you may just need to tweak it a bit. However, if you don’t have any of these things, a total career evaluation will be needed. That is the nice thing about Central Florida and America; you can do anything you want…as long as you commit to it and really want to achieve it!
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