7 Things to Avoid When Recruiting Salespeople

7 Things to Avoid When Recruiting Salespeople The theory that recruiting great employees is highly difficult is true, but what if your firm was making the recruitment process more complex than it had to be? Almost 1 out of every 4 decisions that a small to mid-size company will make during a recruitment process will hinder their chances at staffing competitive talent. The consequences of these actions can result in a myriad of ill-fated outcomes ranging from higher salary costs and wasted time to losing competitive applicants altogether. Firms that are unable to streamline the staffing process on a regular basis are probably prone to committing one or more of the following 7 deadly sins of recruiting: 1) Not Following the Google Rule of 5: Up to a few years ago, Google would have employees go through a 12 14 meeting process. This would result in dreadfully long staffing cycles, loss of top talent to competing internet companies and overall inefficiency when attempting to recruit employees in the masses. In 2011, Google switched its recruiting approach to limit each applicant to 5 interviews. If Google can hire an engineer in 5 interviews, there is no reason why your firm should not be able to hire your sales and marketing personnel in 3 or 4. Prolonged time is the enemy of great recruiting. When our firm sees a recruitment project exceeding either 4 interviews or 5 weeks, we do everything possible to get the process expedited. The more time an organization lets a candidate linger, the more time that individual has to get another job offer, receive a raise or go back to school. Also, when you let a candidate at the final round of an interviewing go out to other companies, they tend to interview with more confidence and become more desirable. When you find an apt job seeker, losing hiring momentum is a sin. 2) Searching for that Perfect Candidate: We tell clients that shopping for candidates is like shopping for cars. The more requirements they have, the more you pay and the fewer choices you have. In 10 years of recruiting, Ive never seen the perfect candidate. Ive seen a solid candidate write the perfect resume, but am yet to see the perfect candidate. Perfect candidates are not hired. Rather, they are molded through leadership and training. Look for potential today and determine whether they can be the perfect candidate tomorrow. We recommend you analyze the future earnings power of that individual rather than where they stand at the given moment. When it comes to human capital, think Warren Buffet and value investing rather than overpaying for an applicants past. What an individual achieved yesterday will not yield any revenue. What they can do tomorrow can make all the difference in your organization. RELATED: Hiring Managers: Don’t Try to Find the Perfect Employee! 3) Crossing the Line from Under Compensated to Under Appreciated: Some clients whom we work with have a corporate culture of making low initial offers to candidates. This is intended to cushion any financial blow that a counter offer may bring.  While this sounds good in theory, there is a breaking point. Once an offer dips below a certain number (typically anything equal to or less than they are currently earning) that candidate feels under appreciated, under valued and highly insulted. The psychologist and philosopher William James once wrote to a student: The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. You cant renegotiate someones ego. 4) Quick Hires: For hiring companies, quick hires are problematic for a few reasons. The first and most notable is that it makes the company appear desperate and the job seeker will typically reject the prospect of working for the firm altogether. Unless youre recruiting a Fortune 500 CEO, hires should not last longer than 5 weeks nor should an offer should not be made within two. 5) The First Choice or Nothing Scenario: Whether its football, business, chess or just about anything else, life needs contingency plans. A mistake that our recruiters often prevent companies from doing is to not pick a second option.  When hiring, firms arent always going to get their first choice the smart ones have a 2nd place. The companies who have trouble are the ones who start the search process from the beginning hoping to find another #1. Often they come up short and waste an extra 3 months while doing so.  Its a fact: Candidates will get other jobs, decline offers or stay where they are. Nothing ever goes 100% smoothly when recruiting and sometimes your contingency plan will turn out to be a gem. After all, Bruce Willis was the 7th or 8th choice to star in Die Hard for 20th Century Fox. We won World War II under a Vice President called to office after Roosevelt died and, often its the CEO that is quiet and unassuming who gets picked second, but ends up performing best. 6. Not being able to sell the job: Part of recruiting is selling. If a hiring manager cant make a job enticing, they wont attract top talent. Weve had clients that have tried the approach where they attempt to scare an applicant by telling them every undesirable aspect of a job only to find that the candidate doesnt want to stick around for the good parts. When staffing employees, you should be selling in an honest manner, touching on the negatives, but also focusing much on the positives of the job. Right now, we have a great client in the education space. Prior to starting the staffing process, I sat down with a few executives at the firm and brainstormed as to the positive qualities of the company. In their case, they had many and we utilized these as a focal point to draw in potential applicants. 7) Using too many recruiters: Often, firms will go out and hire a dozen contingency recruiters to represent their firm. From their perspective, the more the merrier. Whats alluring is that they only pay on performance which seemingly mitigates risk. Sounds great until a firm realizes that they have 30 or 40 cold-calling recruiters whom they dont know nor have they spoken to poorly representing their company to potential talent in the open market. Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies and sometimes its the small mistakes that make all the difference. Since recruiting is an imperfect science, we must strive to extract any additional difficulties from the process. Have a plan, keep in the mind what you should not be doing and enjoy a more productive, intelligent and competent workforce.

Introductions Is Key for Employment - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Introductions Is Key for Employment - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career This title is all about networking. When I take my walks, I observe groups of teenagers waiting at street corners for their school buses. Two things are common to these groups. The kids are not talking to each other, and the majority of them have their ears plugged with earbuds. They choose to live in total isolation despite the fact that these are the same kids who mingle with each other every day. Now, why is this? Because in the American cultureâ€"in contrast with other culturesâ€"one is not to approach another person until the two have been introduced to each other by a third party. This cultural habit is practiced by adults, and therefore their kids perpetuate it. In many cases, even after being introduced to someone, the kids lack the confidence or skills to communicate, connect, and possibly be of mutual benefit. Plainly put, to network with each other. For people in transition, such behavior amounts to a tactical hindrance to their advancement toward getting a job. It’s commonly known that 60 to 80 percent of job seekers get their next jobs via networking. However, if lack of communication is practiced from childhood and if communications skills never get developed or encouraged to improve on later on in lifeâ€"especially in times of need such as being in transition and letting the world know about your availabilityâ€"that’s, of course, a major obstacle. Job-wise these are good times.   More and more people nowadays are letting me know they have landed. This is a very encouraging sign, indicating that companies have started hiring again. I always ask what led to the job offer, and invariably, the answer proves two things: first, that the lead came through networking, and second that the person had prepared extensively for the interview. After all, winning in a tough competition takes not only skills but lots of practice. Have you ever thought how many hours an Olympian practices before the competition?

Best Restaurants to Try in 2016 - Classy Career Girl

Best Restaurants to Try in 2016 Reading restaurants reviews is the best way to find the best place to dine. OpenTable, a leading provider of online restaurant reservations, has finally revealed their top 100 best restaurants in America.  Great reviews comes with great food and services, right? And when it comes to food, we all look for perfection. So I compiled my top 5 Best Restaurants that I haven’t been to yet, but are  definitely on my bucket list in 2016. This list can be your guide to a weekend trip of fun, relaxation, unwinding and, of course, eating! Here are the top 5 best restaurants to visit this year: Addison Restaurant Of course, I’ll start off with the restaurant in San Diego. And this is the only restaurant in San Diego that made it on the top 100. How can I not try this one? Addison Restaurant is San Diego’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurant. A combination of local ingredients with contemporary French influence is what this restaurant is all about. The menu reflects Chef Bradley’s refined style, simple with intense flavor. Some of the popular dishes are Amuse-Bouche-Gazpacho, Farm Coddled Egg, and Potato Crusted Veal. St. Francis Winery Vineyards OpenTable’s #1 best restaurant is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley. For more than four decades, St.  Francis Winery Vineyards has consistently produced luscious, elegant, and fruit-driven wines from Sonoma County grapes. You can enjoy a seated, multi-course wine and food pairing by Executive Chef Bryan Jones while enjoying a stunning vineyard views and a fine dining presentation at a shared table. They offer three scheduled seating at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Some of the popular dishes are Charcuterie, wine flight, and seared Sonoma county duck breast. n/naka A fine dining Japanese restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA. One of Opentable’s top 10 restaurant in America. n/naka offers seasonal tasting menu rooted in the Japanese Kaiseki style of dining. They use vegetables from their own organic garden. With a combination of traditional and modern techniques, their interpretation of kaiseki will give you a satisfying dining experience. The Capital Grille This fine dining steakhouse where you are always invited to be wined, dined, and dazzled is located in Minneapolis, MN. The dry aged and hand-cut steaks by restaurant’s own butchers and the freshest seafoods and desserts that are prepared on-site every day are accompanied by an acclaimed wine list. Some of the popular dishes are 14 Oz Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot butter, Pan Fried Calamari, and Maine Lobster Roll. Acquerello An Italian fine-dining restaurant in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood. They provide classic contemporary Italian tastes in an elegant dining atmosphere. Acquerello, operating for 26 years, has received countless awards, including two Michelin stars in 2014 and one Michelin star since the first-ever 2007 Bay Area guide. Their Wine list is the recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award in 2012-2015. Some of the popular dishes are Semifreddo, Beef Tartare, and Scallop Crudo. There is no better way to celebrate your career wins of 2015  than by going out and treating yourself to a  good meal. [Related: Dining Etiquette You Must Know For Business Meetings] What are your favorite restaurants?

Stuck in the Cube 5 Tips Make Summer Bearable

Stuck in the Cube 5 Tips Make Summer Bearable During the summer months the weather is nice, and everybody would love nothing more than to be on the beach lounging around enjoying their time. Unfortunately for many, that is not the case. Working in an office all day can lead to some serious summer blues when you get to thinking about all those fun times you’re missing out on. But there are ways to spruce up your look, and your desk to make it a bit cheerier inside.  Even in the cube, you can make summer bearable. 1: Jewelry Summer jewelry can certainly make you feel a bit more care free, even if you’re going to spend the day stuck at your desk.  Think fun things like a bracelet with your favorite charms.  Find that special pair of earrings that just says “summer” like a pair of hoops, or spice it up and find an ear wrap with a floral design to give yourself a bit of uniqueness. Pair that with a nice necklace,  and you’ll have yourself a nice set of lighthearted jewelry that is sure to get compliments.  Plus it will double for those nights you go out and have a night on the town. 2: Shoes Shoes are clearly an important part of every day life, but as the old saying goes, you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. So when it comes to summer and you still need to keep that professional feel around the office, go find a nice pair of wedges that go with most outfits, that are comfortable. Looks aren’t everything when it comes to a pair of shoes. Comfort is huge, especially if you’re going to be wearing those puppies for eight hours a day.  If you need something new (who doesnt?) try shopping at your favorite off-price store.  My favorites are TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. 3: Hair styles   Believe it or not, making an effort with your hair can make a big statement. During the summer, be bold! Highlights will definitely spruce up your look, and looking up how to do some adorable hairstyles off of YouTube isn’t something to avoid. There are videos out there for really cute up-do’s that can make you look ready to leave the office and hit the pool. Whether you have short hair or long, the right up-do with a cute floral headband can not only make you feel better, but also make you more confident. If headbands aren’t your way to go, there are plenty of cute summery scarves that can immediately boost your summer look.  Glamour has 50 ideas for summer.     So many choices, so little time! 4: Desk accessories   If you’re allowed to customize your workspace a little bit, take advantage of it.  Natalie Brown of BuzzFeed has some super cute ideas.  A local fabric store is the ideal place to get swatches of fabric that can brighten up pencil holders, clipboards, and even make a seasonal mouse pad. Buying a cheap vase and some flowers (real if you can but fake lasts way longer) is another great way that you can brighten up your desk, and maybe even put a smile on somebody else’s face. 5: Food and drink What you eat and drink actually has a huge affect on your moods. During the summer don’t be afraid of fruit! Adding fruit like strawberries and blueberries to water bottles, enjoying seasonal salads, and all around changing up what you eat during your lunch break is a fabulous way to not only eat healthier, but get to enjoy the fruits of summer (quite literally). Try to convince the boss about doing a sort of potluck bbq for the office, where everybody brings something to contribute and then you can really get that summery feel while â€" hopefully â€" enjoying a great meal with co-workers. Even in the Cube, You Can Make Summer Bearable As you can see there are plenty of ways that you can spice up your office life during the summer, so that you can still enjoy those warm months if you’re stuck inside. It’s really that easy. Grocery stores have sales all the time on seasonal fruit, most department stores (or wherever you like to shop) offer great coupons on summer clothing, and there’s never a shortage of jewelry and shoe sales. These are great ways to make yourself happier during the summer, and you can do it without breaking the bank. Cubicle Image by Chris Campbell

Be More Creative At Your Workplace Than Ever Before With These 6 Tips - CareerMetis.com

Be More Creative At Your Workplace Than Ever Before With These 6 Tips Creativity is an important ability in many careers. In almost every job you need to be creative at least sometimes. This is especially true for jobs in which problem solving is important. These jobs call for out of the box thinking as well as new and exceptional solutions. Creativity isn’t a skill that you have got or not, but can be learned to a certain degree. It’s like a muscle that gets stronger by exercising and you can practice to be more creative. Your creativity can’t be empty â€" the more you use it the more you’ll have.Read and use the following 6 tips to get more witty, ingenious and original ideas.eval1. Determine a Time FrameBlock a time frame in your calendar for creativity especially if you have a crowded agenda. Set up an appointment only for yourself. Tackle tasks or problems that demand your creativity during that time. Find out if there’s a special time of the day when you are particularly creative. Block this time and don’t use it for routine tasks. Tu rn this a habit. Your colleagues will learn that they shouldn’t interrupt you during these hours of the day. Also, your brain will get used to creative thinking at the same time.2. Start with BrainstormingStart with brainstorming if you have to find a solution or come up with something creative. Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and write down everything you can think of about the topic. Write down even the wacky things that come to your mind. In this case, quantity beats quality â€" if you write down 100 ideas you might get 5 good ones that are viable. Afterwards, sort out which of these ideas you can use.3. Get Inspiration from OthersAfter the brainstorming, the next step is to do research. You might find some information or ideas that you haven’t thought of. Set a time limit for that too, so you don’t stray from the topic.evalGet inspiration from others: Find out how other companies solve a specific problem. Picture how a family would handle it. What would the President do? What would a child do? What would your dog do? How would James Bond handle this situation? Ask yourself these questions and try to answer them for yourself. Find a serious and workable method â€" is that method practicable for you? Why not? What would you need to be able to put this into practice? 4. Get Inspiration from your Everyday LifeGet inspiration from your everyday life. For example, if you are a copywriter, get inspiration from everything you read. Watch your environment â€" if you are on the bus, study posters ads. Think about what is good about them and what isn’t. Ask yourself if this wording could work for your product or brand. Why or why not? What would you need to change?evalTry to find a connection to your topic or problem in everything you see, hear or read. This is how you get What are your tactics to be more creative at work? Tell us in the comments or share the article if you think it’s useful for your friends.

Podcast about emotions at work - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Podcast about emotions at work - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Anna Farmery of the excellent Engaging Brand blog and I had a great conversation about emotions at work. Some of the key points that came up were: Ignoring emotions at work means big trouble. We can try and tell ourselves that we are 100% rational at work. Were kidding no one. How should leaders handle emotions? The main point is openness. Be open to what you and others are feeling. Ask, and be able to handle the answers. And of course the hilarious story of how Anna celebrates at work and when she scores hockey goals. Listen to or download the podcast. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Gordon in Stand By Me says to be unique. I agree. - When I Grow Up

Gordon in Stand By Me says to be unique. I agree. - When I Grow Up Ive recently joined Twitter (you might as well too theres no escaping it) and in looking at the Top 100 Twitter users I found Wil Wheaton. If it wasnt for the fact that hes probably the only Will in history that spells his name with 1 l (is his full first name Wiliam?) I wouldnt have thought it was the actor that was in all of my issues of Bop from 1988-1992. I mean, not that i bought Bop for Wil Wheaton I was after the New Kids on the Block posters so I can have more of them than my best friend Michelle Newman. OK, Im getting off track. And showing what a dork I was/am, as Im attending the NKOTB concert next Monday and I might faint from excitement because I think I have floor seats. So anyway, I found Wil Wheatons Twitter page, which lead me to his blog and one of his more current posts about auditioning. I started audibly shouting Yes! Yes! Yes! upon reading this: This is something I tell actors all the time: you have to find ways to enjoy auditions, and as hard as it is, as counter intuitive as it is, you just cant make success or failure about booking the job. You have to make success or failure about enjoying yourself. Youve got to enjoy the process of creating the character, preparing the audition, and then giving the people on the other side of the desk whatever your take on the character is. You absolutely can not go in there and try to give them what you think they want. The way you stand out, and the way you enjoy it whether you are hired or not, is to take the material, prepare it, and find some way to make it your own. Even if you dont book the job (and the ratio of auditions to jobs is something like 20:1 for successful actors) youve been creative. Casting people will recognize that, and even if youre not right for this particular job, they are more likely to bring you in for other parts, because theyve already seen you take a creat ive risk. I auditioned regularly and professionally for 9 years, and it took me 7 to realize this and Wil Wheaton to put it into words. Once I stopped trying to be like every other twenty-something girl there (and believe me, there were sometimes hundreds of us in the same place), both in the way I sang my audition songs (Dont you sound pretty!) and the way that I looked (Dont you look pretty!) I started getting work. Or if the work didnt come, the callbacks did. I intentionally found an audition outfit that would make me stand out: a strapless A-line dress that had polka dots a la candy buttons, and a matching headband. I found a dozen audition songs that would showcase my big, powerful belt/mix and make em laugh (hopefully). When I was asked to read sides, Id approach them with, How can I make this mine? It was almost like my eyes would shift into funny-focus and Id be able to pull out the moments that werent there on the page. One memorable audition had me called back for an elderly male Asian gangster. Obviously, they were typecasting. I worked on the sides overnight and kept wondering how far I should go with it. When I walked into the callback, I was told unprompted to take it as far as I wanted and they could always pull me back. Are you sure? I asked. Of course, they said, not knowing what they were getting into. I was gonna get into some fun. I got on my knees and stuck my teeth out, and made sure to squint and sound like Kim Jong Il in Team America: World Police. I was the most offensive, and ridiculous, and funny that I could remember being (which made it more offensive). I half expected the linoleum floor to part and swallow me whole when I was finished. But I left the room and the auditionees that were lined up outside the door had their eyes wide open, semi-gaping at me. They asked what I did in there to have the auditors roaring. They didnt hear me, but they heard the laughs. And a few hours later, I got the call to join the cast. As an elderly male Asian gangster: Now dont get me wrong there were times I walked in, did my weird stuff, and walked out callback-less. Ive been given a raised eyebrow and a Thank you? and Ive been told that my audition was kick-ass but We just dont know what to do with you. You wont be able to blend in. And sometimes I get a call from that same person a few months later to be in a new show, where they do know what to do with me. Whether youre an actor, a dancer, a painter, a singer, a sculptor, a writer find your voice. Stand out from the crowd. It might not always get you hired, but itll get you remembered. And use that audition time, or writing time, or sculpting time to feed your art and your soul. Do it for you and any time that you spend creating wont ever be seen as a waste of time again.