Is Recruiting a Business of Failure

Is Recruiting a Business of Failure So, I had an article already to post, all about why “Hard Closes” never work. Then, as is the nature of our business and life in general, things change I haven’t been able to get some thoughts out of my brain as I watched situations unfold. I said maybe writing about it for The Undercover Recruiter will get me to have some process. Also, I forgot to take my Lexapro last night, so maybe that is contributing? Who cares, we’re all going to die anyway. (Wait, that was 100% missing the Lexapro). In my last article I gave you 10 phrases that were very trite and very true. I promised you I had many more, so without further ado, try this one on for size: Recruiting is a business of failure. When I think about that line, I think about baseball players. (Man, I hope this analogy rings true for my mates across the pond but I’m going to roll with it…) Buster Posey had the highest batting average of every single full time Baseball player in 2012. It was a very strong .336. That means for every 10 pitches thrown his way, he hit the ball a little more than 3 times. I wish I had a placement for every 10 candidates I submitted. I’d be the best recruiter out there and they’d call me King of the Head Hunters with the “Greg Savage Trophy of Excellence in Achievement”. As recruiters, we fail a heck of a lot more than we succeed. If you can’t take failure, then go home or go Corporate (Just kidding. A bit). Any Head Hunter worth their salt will admit, at the end of the day, there is no way to know exactly why someone got an offer for their new opportunity. We can match resumes to a job description. We can find that passive candidate with a left hand monkey wrench skill set and build their resume to perfection. From there, we can get them excited about the opportunity and to where it will lead. We can impart interview skills learned by witnessing why others have failed, both in the specific and the general. We may know our clients to the point that the HR manager came to our wedding, and while we expense that lunch, it was more pleasure then business. We know every hot button on both sides of the aisle and offer perfection on a platter…. And it still falls to shit. Sometime we think we know why, but I promise, it is an illusion. People are not products, though in a way, it is what we sell. More often than not, there is simply nothing that makes sense. That’s what it means to be in a business of failure. I wish I could tell you that if you read every article on The Undercover Recruiter, you’d be guaranteed to be El Numero Uno. I wish I could tell you all the expensive training and webinars and certifications can help. Most of all, I wish I could tell you that Hard Work is all it takes. I’d be a liar, though, and I will not do that. It is all about luck. Skill and Hard Work play 98% of the game. If you do not work on improving your skills, if you do not manage your time, make connections, which become submittals, which then lead to interviews which then become “THE PLACEMENT”, you will fail. You might also fail if you do all those things, too. That’s the luck part. That elusive uncontrollable 2% that makes people think they are good recruiters. They should remember that luck is as fickle as a 15 year old Justin Bieber fan. We have all had our ups and downs, and seen fellow recruiters and sales people come and go. I’ll often hum to myself The Wheel by the Grateful Dead, when I get melancholy about it. My buddy Steve Levy and I once had a Twitter convo. He tweeted: I just read an ad for a “permanent agency recruiter”, There is no such thing! I replied asking him what would make an agency recruiter permanent. His answer did not have to be made shorter for Twitter. It was simple, sweet and to the point: A positive revenue stream. I get up, come in every day and I am still working on that lottery moment. The big 100k+ Fee placement, that client who throws job orders so fast and hard that I think his last job was in the adult entertainment industry, that level of success that I become the Buster Posey, maybe even the Babe Ruth, or, if I dare to dream, the Jorgen Sundberg of recruiting. The key phrase is that I am Still Working, and working hard. Every excellent recruiter worked to get that break. They earned that luck by using their box of tools, techniques, and tricks. Most of all, they never stopped pounding out calls and emails. They never stopped going after new business or sending out candidates.  I could fill 20 pages with stories of failure, of people (me included) who worked very hard, had a crap run of luck and ended up jumping ship, or being made to walk the proverbial plank. Personally, I allow myself what I call “5 minutes of Anger” when I lose something I thought was going to happen. The candidate who vanishes, the client about to make an offer who then tells me they filled it internally, the scheduled interview that never happens, the person fired 89 days into a 90 day guarantee we know them all! If I get fired, I give myself a “Day of Rage”. I have no illusions about the fact that I am only as good as my last deal, or in the words of Mr. Levy, my revenue stream. That is it, though. I pick myself up, dust off and move into whatever is next. If you can’t handle that, you need to find another line of work. Anyway, I’d like to dedicate this article, if I may, to every deal that didn’t happen but should have. To every frozen job order and everyone who had a client who decided a VMO was more efficient then a personal touch. I offer it to every email that said, “After budget cuts, all your contractors bill rates are hereby reduced by 20% across the board”. Most of all, I’d like this to dedicate to the hardworking recruiter and salesperson, that cog in the machine, who toils day in and day out, who makes night calls and Sunday coffee dates chasing an elusive dream that they have no idea if this one will be, THE ONE. For everyone who knows the sad and simple truth that you are only as valuable as your last deal.

The $0 Guide to Your First Employer Branding Content

The $0 Guide to Your First Employer Branding Content You get it. Employer Branding is not just an option anymore. It is a must-have. Just as one should have a Facebook account, otherwise risk the weird stares and comments. You try. You really do.  You look at what Apple is doing, what Spotify has on its career page and before you go to one more, creating your own  is beginning to feel more and more like doing up a Ph.D. thesis.  It is easy to edit a bad copy but impossible to edit a blank one.  The challenge here is to gather enough data to put up a good copy that will attract talent (in hope to convert them).  Its easy when you have the budget to hire marketers or to outsource to an employer branding agency. But if the purse string is tight, these are  going to be a problem.  But it doesnt have to be all or nothing.  Here are some quick and easy tricks to getting your first copy in no time and with minimal effort: 1. Get feedback from existing staff At this stage, all you need are ideas and data. If you suffer from writers block, crowdsource the solution. Set up a survey to find out from your existing staff what they like about the organisation.  In fact, incentivise them to encourage quick reply (how much could a Starbucks card cost?)  This isnt about improvements  to the organisation, so skip the stuff they dislike. Cost: $0 2. Dont forget your ex-staff If you have been doing exit interviews, it is time to put that information to good use.  One typical question asked would be what you like about the organisation. You could get a lot of gems there since this feedback is given when they are leaving. They have nothing to gain by giving fake opinions.  Put these together and you have another set of data on hand. Cost: $0 3. Check out reviews of competition Sometimes even the best of us find it difficult to express what we feel. We just need triggers to remind us things that we probably have taken  for granted.  What you could do here is check out the reviews and comments of your competitors. You could easily find them on sites such as Glassdoor.  Here is what you want to do: focus on the cons that are mentioned about them. Reflect on this  (be honest), relating to your organization.  Do you have the same problems? If so, move on. If not, that is a plus point you could put into your copy. Cost: $0 4. Write it for a 12-year-old This is probably the hardest part. Getting raw data is easy. But transforming it into readable, marketable and emotionall evocative paragraphs, thats tough!  Ok, dont panic.  Writing well may not come naturally for many of us but there are tools which could guide you towards achieving your goals.  To begin with, you would still need some sort of copy to work with. It could be bad copy; thats ok.  What you want to do next is take that copy and head over to Hemingway Editor.  Whats that you ask?  Hemingway Editor is a web application that makes your  writing bold and clear. Think of it like the spellchecker built into your word processor. But instead of checking for typos, it checks for the style. This way your reader will be able to focus on your message, not your prose. Cost: $0 5. Proofread it Of course, you are not going to do it. We are in 2016. Theres an AI for everything!  In this case, Im talking about Grammarly.  As the name implies it helps to correct any grammatical errors in your copy. It will also  spot spelling mistakes and  detects traces of plagiarism in the process. Cost: $0 These are the quick and dirty tips to get your first employer branding content up in double-quick time. Obviously, there is a lot of room for improvement, and that could easily be looked at  when you have some working copy; something that you learned how to do up in little time and with zero cost. Image credit: Shutterstock

3 Simple Strategies To Find More Time For Your Goals - Classy Career Girl

3 Simple Strategies To Find More Time For Your Goals I don’t have enough time. I was sick of not reaching my goals and doing the same thing and having other people manage my time. I created my time. You don’t have to worry about not having enough time to do MORE. The truth is that what I am teaching you doesn’t take more time because it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things which I am going to teach you how to do. And when you are doing the right things, you’ll have more motivation and energy. You have all the time you need to accomplish what matters most. You do not need to do everything. It might be time to start saying no. It might be time to make some time for yourself. I hear you, I struggle as a mom of two to get just one thing done some days. I rarely check email. That’s my no. Sorry if you have emailed me and didn’t get a response. But my coaching clients, you have my full attention in our private group. People who send me 10 emails to get on my podcast, ignore. My kids need me, I’m there in a heartbeat. It’s impossible to do it all. Start letting some things go. You don’t have to be perfect. Subscribe  on  your favorite platform below: iTunes Google Play Music Stitcher Radio TuneIn iHeartRadio Sound Cloud 3 Simple Strategies To Find More Time For Your Goals 1)VISION: Identify where you are headed in the next 5-10 years. This will help you understand your priorities. (Amanda my goals changed) 2) Break your goals up in small steps. The key here is that we have to do our priorities in small sprints. It might be 15 minutes here and 15 minutes there. As moms we don’t have a lot of time, so we have to make the time we do have productive. When you are using my planning system, those small 15 minutes of baby steps every day really do add up because you know what your focus should be for your day. You do what you can, with what you have, where you are right now. You can do this. Don’t let these limiting beliefs make you feel like you can’t do this.   3) Change how you think about time. How can I do this?   Think instead, How can I do this? Do you need to wake up earlier? Turn off Instagram or Netflix? Do you need to say no to something you hate doing right now? Do you need to ask someone for an hour of childcare so you can focus on your goals? It’s not something to feel guilty over. Trust me, I’ve felt guilty asking for help. But, the truth is I am a better mom and coach if I am pursuing my purpose and making an impact on my family and my clients.   I want to be a role model for my daughters. I want to show them that it is possible to do work you love and work isn’t something you dread. You can be anything you want and this is the legacy you and I will leave the next generation when we are impacting others with our work and pursuing careers of purpose and meaning. Sign up for our next Planning Workshop here.

Are You an Old School or New Skool Recruiter [INFOGRAPHIC]

Are You an Old School or New Skool Recruiter [INFOGRAPHIC] The recruiter a position that has changed drastically over many years. What are the differences between a recruiter now and a recruiter a few decades ago? Most Wanted explain all in this infographic. Takeaways: Old school recruiters had more tools a phone (with a cord!), a calendar, pens and highlighters, a rolodex, posts in the newspaper, a fax machine all on a gigantic desk needed for the long paper list of applicants! Old school recruiters used to be able to actually speak to 1 person out of ever 10 they called on the phone. CVs were FAXED to old school recruiters no LinkedIn applications! New skool/school recruiters have less tools simply a smart phone, laptop and (maybe) an iPod docking clock (to celebrate). The laptop holds further tools such as email, digital calendar, and social networking. The new skool recruiter can also create Google trends and gamificaiton on their laptop something the prehistoric recruiter would not have been able to do! RELATED: Are You a Recruiter or a Talent Acquisition Specialist?

Job Search Tips - Resume Writing

Job Search Tips - Resume WritingNo matter what type of person you are, when looking for a job, resume writing can be a necessity. Whether you are just starting out, a stay at home mom or a professional with several different jobs, there are certain skills that will help you with your job search, and they come in the form of resume writing.Resume writing is a skill that anyone can learn, and many people think that you will have to hire a professional to get it done, and do not take the time to look for one. If you want to be successful in your job search, there are some skills that you should be working on, and resume writing is one of them.The first thing that you will need to learn is how to be a good reader. If you take the time to read over your resume and find all the points where you can make an improvement, then you will be better able to understand it and write your own. Reading and understanding the writing that is on your resume will allow you to write it more efficiently, a nd will show you how to make it professional looking as well.Next, you need to be able to add information to your resume as needed. When you come across a skill that you want to include, add it in as soon as possible. By doing this, you will be able to get the information out that you want, and you will be able to add it in easily, and without as much fuss as you would if you wrote everything on the first try.Finally, you need to know how to manage your resume properly. You should be able to edit the resume when necessary, and go back and delete a mistake when necessary as well. It will also help if you do not add all of your accomplishments at the end of the resume, because most people will delete that section.There area lot of places that you can find resume writing help. For one thing, there are free online guides on resume writing that you can use. This is great because it gives you a little education on the process, and you will also be able to do the writing yourself, which ca n be very exciting.There are also professional resume writing services that can be used. These will offer to write the resume for you, and you will have someone to take care of all of the editing and management for you. This is not only cost effective, but you will have someone that can read over your resume and make the edits for you, ensuring that it is perfect for your job search.If you want to be successful at resume writing, there are online services and programs that can help you. You should take the time to look around and find a company that has the resume writing service that you need, so that you can start your job search right away.

Going Global- Is Your Business Ready to Expand Operations

Going Global- Is Your Business Ready to Expand Operations If business is going well and you’re turning a profit that’s great, but it’s no time to rest on your laurels. As a company owner, you always need to be pushing forward, adapting and expanding if you want to continue to be successful and outdo your competition. One way you can do this is by selling globally, entering foreign markets will allow you to increase profits massively and can be a huge leap forward for your business. Here are just a few of the ways you can ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Hire The Right Workers If you’re considering going global then chances are, business is already going well and you have a powerful workforce that you’re really happy with. However, expanding operations and going global will likely mean more departments being opened and new people coming into your company. To succeed in taking this giant leap in your business, you need workers who are reliable, experienced and are going to do their best work for you. If you don’t want to hire more workers, your other option would be to outsource the new departments. This could be anything from an international translation company to a packaging and fulfillment company. Either way, your entire infrastructure needs to be running smoothly with each department doing excellent work. If you have any issues with your current workers then now would be the time to deal with any snags. It could be a case of firing anyone not pulling their weight, or offering new training. Use Efficient Software The right software is crucial in business, as well as having excellent employees you need to be providing them with the right technology to do their job. You will already be using a number of software systems, from customer relationship management software to accounting software and legal software. But going global could mean making upgrades and adaptations along with taking on new programs. For example cargo, shipping and export software will be needed if you’re dealing with this area of things yourself. The right software helps you to automate tasks, making things quicker, more efficient and more accurate which saves you time and money. Consider what programs you’re using now, and whether they will suffice when you upgrade. And what new technologies you will need to implement once you’re selling in foreign markets. Think About Packaging and Shipping One of the biggest considerations when you’re selling globally is physically getting your items to their destination. You will need to use the right packaging, ensure that all ingredients are legal in the country you’re selling to, ensuring that they all arrive in one piece and much more. Will your products be dispatched from your warehouse directly to your seller in another country using the postal service? Or will you be bulk sending items to sellers on huge pallets? There’s a lot of practical issues to think about. Are you considering going global? What are your biggest concerns and worries about doing so?

New Tools Help Job Seekers Do It Better

New Tools Help Job Seekers Do It Better Job Search is a full time job and up until now, there have been few tools designed specifically to help the job seeker manage their job search well. I hope this quick overview of several new tools will inspire you to check them out, what have you got to lose, they dont cost you a thing! Organizing Your Job Search JibberJobber.com by Jason Alba has been around for years, and yet many job seekers still dont know about it or use it. Spreadsheets can be cumbersome and dont send you reminders! Find Inside Connections Dont just apply for jobs and hope. Be smart and find connections within the companies you apply to. This becomes much easier for you when you use JackalopeJobs.com. I wrote about the product back in May and you can read why I think it is a good idea to try it out here. Streamline Your Resume for ATS (and more!) If you are still here and reading, what you will realize is that there is overlap in these tools. I guess that comes with the territory. I want you to think about where you are most challenged with your job search and select the tool that best addresses the core of your trouble. Please let me know if youve used any of these tools and what you think!