I need to take today's posting to describe a recent situation and get your candid feedback. I am quite puzzled by a candidate's actions recently and am at a loss for words.
I have been executing a search for a client in Lower NY & Long Island and have had a difficult time recruiting qualified candidates. The difficulty comes from the company's mere location, as no one is interested in moving to Long Island. By some luck, I identified a passive candidate through a referral, who was in fact interested in the opportunity.
By "interested," I mean that this person would potentially move into a more senior role with his current company's largest competitor, have a shorter commute, and make $20K on his base salary. It was a great opportunity!
The candidate was local so they went straight to an in-person interview and supposedly hit it off. The candidate debriefed with me and indicated the interview went well and he was looking forward to taking the next steps. Shortly thereafter, the client debriefed with me and provided similar sentiments.
Four days later, Sunday, the candidate constructed a well thought out letter, removing himself from the process. No rationale was given, only thanks for our time and consideration.
And then he was gone......
I tried email and phone, no response. I left voicemails asking for a rationale and reason - NOTHING. He just up and fell off the face of the earth. The company HR Manager even tried tracking him down but to no avail.
Now I understand that people change their minds, it's human nature. But if candidates want AND expect open communication with recruiters and hiring managers, then candidates need to show a similar respect. I am obviously never working with this individual again as they have permanently burned a bridge with me - BUT someone please tell what this individual is thinking??
I mean, with a downturn economy, you would think someone would be happier going to a larger, more stable company that would provide a shorter commute and an extra $20K on the base compensation. It's a no-brainer for me, but I am obviously missing something.
Someone please tell me what I should think of this situation....
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
New Year
I was fascinated the other week how a single change in day could spark such a spike in stock market activity - namely going from December 2008 to January 2009. When the markets re-opened from the New Year hiatus, a flurry of trading ensued as if the New Year meant the economic woes of 2008 had been magically erased. Aahhhhhh, not so quick my profit seeking capitalist!
The difference in December 2008 and then moments later, January 2009, is merely a lapsing of minutes. No drastic changes occurred other than the ability to change calendars and date your emails/checks differently. And while I overly simplify this event for discussion purposes, I want investors and job seekers alike to realize that the economic and employment pitfalls of yester-year will follow us, at least initially, into the New Year.
One of the most telling reports will be the unemployment statistics, due out later this morning. I am little unsure of what the report will entail, but if it reflects anything close to the Charlotte market (where BofA, Wachovia, and Freightliner have all announced significant layoffs), then we are destined for additional unemployment woes.
So my advice to you, Jane and John Doe job seeker - take this opportunity to make a positive change. If you unexpectedly fall victim to the HR axe man, don't feel sorry for yourself - because most likely it wasn't your fault. Companies are putting some great individuals in the unemployment lines. Use this career transition as a time to re-focus your efforts on an area you will really enjoy. This may mean going back to school to get the advanced degree you have been talking about for the last few years. Or maybe joining the ranks of our local, state, or federal government. (The FBI announced they will be hiring 3,000+ people nationally)
At the end of the day, you have a skill set that is valuable and of great benefit to an employer. Maybe your current employer didn't recognize your value and skill, but there are companies out there hiring and staffing up. So look at this momentary lapse in employment as a brief vacation. A time to recharge your battery and get ready for the next round in your career. We can make 2009 a good year!
The difference in December 2008 and then moments later, January 2009, is merely a lapsing of minutes. No drastic changes occurred other than the ability to change calendars and date your emails/checks differently. And while I overly simplify this event for discussion purposes, I want investors and job seekers alike to realize that the economic and employment pitfalls of yester-year will follow us, at least initially, into the New Year.
One of the most telling reports will be the unemployment statistics, due out later this morning. I am little unsure of what the report will entail, but if it reflects anything close to the Charlotte market (where BofA, Wachovia, and Freightliner have all announced significant layoffs), then we are destined for additional unemployment woes.
So my advice to you, Jane and John Doe job seeker - take this opportunity to make a positive change. If you unexpectedly fall victim to the HR axe man, don't feel sorry for yourself - because most likely it wasn't your fault. Companies are putting some great individuals in the unemployment lines. Use this career transition as a time to re-focus your efforts on an area you will really enjoy. This may mean going back to school to get the advanced degree you have been talking about for the last few years. Or maybe joining the ranks of our local, state, or federal government. (The FBI announced they will be hiring 3,000+ people nationally)
At the end of the day, you have a skill set that is valuable and of great benefit to an employer. Maybe your current employer didn't recognize your value and skill, but there are companies out there hiring and staffing up. So look at this momentary lapse in employment as a brief vacation. A time to recharge your battery and get ready for the next round in your career. We can make 2009 a good year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Still Happy
I just got off the phone with a incredible candidate I placed with a company about two years ago, who is as pleased today as he was then with his decision to join this growing Motorsports company. I asked Wayne why he was still happy - and his response was simple: I love what I do!
As Christmas rapidly approaches, I like to takes this time to reflect back on the impact my recruiting has had on my client companies, and the candidates I have had the great fortune of placing. And when I look at my own career, I have to echo Wayne's sentiments. Recruiting may be a rollercoaster, with highs and yes, some lows; but I still love coming into work on Monday morning and getting after it. I speak with new clients and candidates and each week presents new challenges.
2008 will be a year to remember! For me, I celebrated my first year with my wonderful wife Shannon, and we together brought into this world our son TJ in April. (For those who know me personnally, you know the health issues we fought to overcome that make this holiday even more special!) From a work perspective, a good year but still room to improve.
So as I prepare to take the next few days to celebrate Christmas with Shannon and TJ, I want to give a warm thought Merry Christmas to you all! We all have blessings to be thankful for this year and while the economy wasn't the most forgiving, I know 2009 has great things in store for us all.
(If for some reason you are not happy at work and want to explore a new opportunity in the new year - email me and let's make something happen! The sidelines have too many people waiting to see what will happen in the new year)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
As Christmas rapidly approaches, I like to takes this time to reflect back on the impact my recruiting has had on my client companies, and the candidates I have had the great fortune of placing. And when I look at my own career, I have to echo Wayne's sentiments. Recruiting may be a rollercoaster, with highs and yes, some lows; but I still love coming into work on Monday morning and getting after it. I speak with new clients and candidates and each week presents new challenges.
2008 will be a year to remember! For me, I celebrated my first year with my wonderful wife Shannon, and we together brought into this world our son TJ in April. (For those who know me personnally, you know the health issues we fought to overcome that make this holiday even more special!) From a work perspective, a good year but still room to improve.
So as I prepare to take the next few days to celebrate Christmas with Shannon and TJ, I want to give a warm thought Merry Christmas to you all! We all have blessings to be thankful for this year and while the economy wasn't the most forgiving, I know 2009 has great things in store for us all.
(If for some reason you are not happy at work and want to explore a new opportunity in the new year - email me and let's make something happen! The sidelines have too many people waiting to see what will happen in the new year)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
"Hunker Down and Wait" Mentality
While a good portion of the individuals I speak with weekly are passively open to hearing about new opportunities, many prospective candidates are employing the "hunker down and wait" philosophy. The current economic conditions certainly aren't making it easy, that's for sure.
A recent CNN.com article highlights this growing trend and I thought it noteworthy to share. As a recruiter, I can tell you there are companies out there growing. The Energy/Alternative Energy arena is certainly growing, and has significant long term projected growth. While it's not for everyone, Americans should feel confident that we will bounce back from this disaster and will be stronger because of it!
Workers saying no to new jobs
Fearful of more layoffs, employees 'hunker down' - but staying put may not be the safest choice.
By Jessica Dickler, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: December 17, 2008: 3:17 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Job hopping, a widely accepted way to get ahead, has gone by the wayside as workers fear making moves will make them more vulnerable to layoffs.
Under normal conditions, workers average more than 10 different jobs by age 42, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and use each move to build a career, network and skill set.
But in today's market, turnover is slowing to a standstill. For the past three months, the quits rate, which serves as a barometer of workers' ability to change jobs, has remained at 1.6%, a near four-year low. The rate, a measure of the number of quits during the month as a percent of total employment, declined significantly across industries, including manufacturing, retail and finance, the BLS said. Only the mining industry has seen the rate rise significantly.
"When times are bad, people don't quit," said Robert Brusca, chief economist at Fact and Opinion Economics.
Not only are there fewer jobs available, but new hires may be at greater risk of being laid off.
"Often it's LIFO, or last in first out," Brusca said. "You don't want to be the recent hire so you stay where you are because you have seniority."
A bird in the hand...
As a result, many workers are staying put - even if they are unhappy.
About 62% of workers surveyed by TheLadders.com, a job search site, said they were not likely to achieve their career goals at their current company. A whopping 96% of them said they were likely to achieve their career goals at another company -- although nearly 37% said they would not relocate for another job opportunity.
"There's a 'hunker down mentality,'" explained Marc Cenedella, founder and CEO of TheLadders.com.
Consulting firm Accenture found that 53% of the middle managers it recently surveyed said they are dissatisfied. But only 13% said they are actively looking for a new job.
Additionally, 66% of respondents said they would consider a new job but are not actively looking; 46% said taking a new job in the current economic environment is risky.
"Talent mobility is frozen in the market place," said David Smith, managing director of Accenture's Talent & Organization Performance practice in North America. And that's not because the opportunities aren't there but because workers are afraid to take them.
Workers are now "over conservative," he added. "They're creating their own frozen mobility....There are companies that are growing, but it's hard to find new talents."
For those willing to take the plunge, Bob Eubank, executive director of the Northeast Human Resources Association, recommends carefully researching any prospective companies to determine their stability, including checking attitudes among current or former employees and understanding why positions are open.
He also suggests asking thorough questions during the interview process. For example, find out if there is an initial probationary period so that there are no surprises after you start.
"Make sure you've done all that you can to determine this is a good fit for you, because if it is a good fit, then you're probably no more at risk than anyone else in terms of being cut," he said.
In fact, you may even be safer than more tenured employees, he added, because of your potential promise: "If you can really add value and be valuable, then you're going to stay."
A recent CNN.com article highlights this growing trend and I thought it noteworthy to share. As a recruiter, I can tell you there are companies out there growing. The Energy/Alternative Energy arena is certainly growing, and has significant long term projected growth. While it's not for everyone, Americans should feel confident that we will bounce back from this disaster and will be stronger because of it!
Workers saying no to new jobs
Fearful of more layoffs, employees 'hunker down' - but staying put may not be the safest choice.
By Jessica Dickler, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: December 17, 2008: 3:17 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Job hopping, a widely accepted way to get ahead, has gone by the wayside as workers fear making moves will make them more vulnerable to layoffs.
Under normal conditions, workers average more than 10 different jobs by age 42, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and use each move to build a career, network and skill set.
But in today's market, turnover is slowing to a standstill. For the past three months, the quits rate, which serves as a barometer of workers' ability to change jobs, has remained at 1.6%, a near four-year low. The rate, a measure of the number of quits during the month as a percent of total employment, declined significantly across industries, including manufacturing, retail and finance, the BLS said. Only the mining industry has seen the rate rise significantly.
"When times are bad, people don't quit," said Robert Brusca, chief economist at Fact and Opinion Economics.
Not only are there fewer jobs available, but new hires may be at greater risk of being laid off.
"Often it's LIFO, or last in first out," Brusca said. "You don't want to be the recent hire so you stay where you are because you have seniority."
A bird in the hand...
As a result, many workers are staying put - even if they are unhappy.
About 62% of workers surveyed by TheLadders.com, a job search site, said they were not likely to achieve their career goals at their current company. A whopping 96% of them said they were likely to achieve their career goals at another company -- although nearly 37% said they would not relocate for another job opportunity.
"There's a 'hunker down mentality,'" explained Marc Cenedella, founder and CEO of TheLadders.com.
Consulting firm Accenture found that 53% of the middle managers it recently surveyed said they are dissatisfied. But only 13% said they are actively looking for a new job.
Additionally, 66% of respondents said they would consider a new job but are not actively looking; 46% said taking a new job in the current economic environment is risky.
"Talent mobility is frozen in the market place," said David Smith, managing director of Accenture's Talent & Organization Performance practice in North America. And that's not because the opportunities aren't there but because workers are afraid to take them.
Workers are now "over conservative," he added. "They're creating their own frozen mobility....There are companies that are growing, but it's hard to find new talents."
For those willing to take the plunge, Bob Eubank, executive director of the Northeast Human Resources Association, recommends carefully researching any prospective companies to determine their stability, including checking attitudes among current or former employees and understanding why positions are open.
He also suggests asking thorough questions during the interview process. For example, find out if there is an initial probationary period so that there are no surprises after you start.
"Make sure you've done all that you can to determine this is a good fit for you, because if it is a good fit, then you're probably no more at risk than anyone else in terms of being cut," he said.
In fact, you may even be safer than more tenured employees, he added, because of your potential promise: "If you can really add value and be valuable, then you're going to stay."
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