Attracting Talent Over the Christmas Period

Attracting Talent Over the Christmas Period Christmas and the New Year can be notorious for low candidate numbers, as jobseekers look to take some time off the festive season. Permanent workers may be hesitant to launch into a new job so close to the end of the year, while temporary workers may reject work so they can spend an extended period with their families and friends. However, for recruiters, it remains a busy time of year. Job numbers continue to increase, as businesses still need staff throughout the period. It’s also the ideal time to check in with candidates, as January tends to be the busiest time of the year in terms of market movement. So how do you satisfy this demand? Finding candidates in the unlikeliest of places can be made easier with a few simple strategies: Networking and advocacy Every recruiter worth their salt should know the importance of networking. At no time of year is this more obvious than at Christmas, when having a strong contact list can make the difference between filling a role and not. Connections can provide referrals, suggestions and insights and possibly give you the headstart you need over the next few months. Christmas parties and Christmas candidate networking events are just two of the ways you can build and expand your network â€" you never know who you might meet! Employee advocacy can also prove incredibly effective in reaching candidates you might not otherwise be able to access. Research has shown that potential employees are much more likely to trust the reviews of a company when they’re written by existing employees, family or friends, so encouraging existing candidates to spread the word could result in a better-quality talent pool. 1 To do this, consider doubling the referral fee or incentive for existing candidates for the next few weeks, host a social media competition or introduce an initiative to encourage potential candidates to interview before the end of the year. Branding If a candidate recognises and appreciates your brand, they are more likely to approach you for work opportunities. Therefore, building a positive and established voice in the market will make it easier to attract talent and put you above competitors when contending for a candidate’s time. What’s more, with limited resources, it may be time to tap into your database of passive candidates. If your brand catches their eye, approaching them for potential opportunities could be a lot easier. It’s also worth remembering that this isn’t a Christmas-specific activity â€" keeping active in the industry is a year-round initiative and helps to build credibility. Social media 17% of jobseekers now use social media to find a new role2, so advertising across the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn could prove incredibly beneficial when looking to build a consistent talent pool for the holidays. These platforms have been shown to be incredibly useful for attracting passive candidates in particular, with 80% of employers noting that social recruiting helps them reach those that aren’t actively looking3. Think about creating a hashtag, using images and scheduling posts for maximum engagement. However, before embarking on your social media strategy, it’s also worth investing time in ensuring your social media accounts are up to date â€" there would be nothing worse than turning candidates off with inconsistent information or branding. It’s not just social media that can help. Consider using your external communications, including emails and blogs, to encourage candidates to apply over the festive season. Even if they aren’t available for December, it places your database in good stead for the January rush. Increasing the volume of targeted mail merge emails is also worth considering â€" you’ll be reaching right into their inbox with specific roles, encouraging applications. Go mobile Mobile recruitment continues to be one of the more pressing issues in the industry. With 45% of jobseekers searching for jobs daily on their mobile, and 89% thinking mobiles play a crucial role in the job hunting process4, it’s become an incredibly effective way to find new talent. It’s essential to make sure your careers pages are mobile-friendly and any relevant forms are optimized for the smaller devices. The easier it is for candidates to apply for a role, the better! About the author:  David Morel  is the CEO/Founder of  Tiger Recruitment, one of London’s leading secretarial/administrative recruitment agencies. David founded Tiger in 2001 and has written extensively in the press and wider media advising both employers and job seekers on best recruitment practice.

5 Ways to Dealing with Rejection During Your Job Search

5 Ways to Dealing with Rejection During Your Job Search Photo Credit â€" Pixabay.comYou will agree with me that searching for a job is not an easy task. The situation may be worse if you receive several rejections. You need a few things that should assist you to stay motivated during job hunt. There is no need to give up along the way as you may get discouraged when you are nearly succeeding. This article presents some 5 ways to stay motivated during job hunt and dealing with rejection.1. Think PositiveThe way you think defines who you are. One thing that should guide your job hunting should be a positive attitude. Always look at yourself as a winner.evalYou should never allow the current state to define your thinking. As you search for a new job, make sure you are thinking like a person who already has the job.You need to note that the way you think may affect how you handle any interview that comes your way. You may present yourself to be so frustrated before the panel that is interviewing you.Negative thoughts may also make the panel t o view you as a pessimist. The advantage of thinking positive is that it will give you the confidence to face the panel.Positive thinking also gives you hope. You may get some rejections but a positive attitude keeps you going. It will always tell you to try again since it is not the end of the world.Positive thinking will assist you to overcome any frustrations that come your way. As a job seeker, make sure you replace any negative thoughts with positive ones.2. Get RealThere are three attributes that any human being can possess. These encompasses being pessimistic, optimistic, or realistic. Being pessimistic may make you to look down upon yourself.Optimism is good but it may make you to overestimate your potential. When you don’t achieve targets that are overambitious, you may end up getting discouraged and giving up.evalThe best attitude for a genuine job seeker is being realistic. Make sure you set targets that are realistic. Don’t start searching for jobs that need the expe rience you don’t have. If you are entering the market for the first time, make sure you search for entry level jobs.Also set salary expectations that are realistic at that point in time. Understand the rates in the market and quote them during the interviews. If you are a skilled person, look for a job that perfectly matches your skill. What this statement means is that you should be realistic with yourself. You don’t need to set very low or very high targets.You may sometimes begin with a lower job just to gain experience. You should not be so rigid with what you want in life. You will discover that some of these things come as you gain more experience. Being realistic means starting with what comes your ways and growing from there slowly.3. Associate with the Right PeopleThis statement reminds me of an old saying that states that “shows me your friends and I will tell you who you are.” You cannot be moving around with doctors when you are looking for a job as a chef. You s hould learn to associate with people who have an inclination to your career.evalThis does not imply that you don’t associate with other people. All we are saying is that associate more with people who can link you to greater openings.Another thing is that you need to associate with people who are positive thinkers. Stay close to people who can encourage you. You should try your level best to associate with negative thinkers.Look at the career journey of your friends and associate with those people whom you can learn something from their life. You may come across friends who draw away energy from you.When you get a rejection what does your close friend tell you? Use such instances to gauge the kind of friends you have. Make sure you associate with people who give you hope to forge ahead. You will go far in your job hunting if you associate with the right people.4. Have some Time for FunNever be so serious about your job search until you forget about your leisure. Having some fun wi ll remove some frustrations especially during rejections. Make sure you get some time and do what you like doing most.As a job seeker, you may not have money for big retreats. However, you can give yourself some nice treats. Sometimes you may not even need cash like playing some football with friends. You may also go out for coffee as it does not cost much.However, giving yourself some good treats is also advisable. The aim of having fun is to divert your attention from the current state. Fun will assist you to find life worth living even if you are jobless.5. Read Inspirational BooksThere are several inspirational books in the library. You may decide to purchase one or even borrow from friends. If you are a believer, you can find very inspirational verses from the Holy books. Make sure you read a verse or text in the morning to drive you throughout the day.These inspirational texts serve as a driving force to your life. They will always speak positive things in your mind and give y ou the hope to face tomorrow. You can mix these motivational books with some interview tips.evalWatching inspirational videos is another great way of dealing with rejection after interview. Several people have been where you are and you can learn from their experience. You will discover that your beginning is far much better off that a person who is advising you. Feed your mind with such content and you will find yourself moving further.ConclusionIn conclusion, there are several ways of making sure that you don’t get discouraged as you look for a job. These include reading inspirational materials, having fun, associating with the right people, being realistic and thinking positive. You can still find more tips on how to deal with rejections and stay motivated during job hunt.

Where the Jobs Are In 2009

Where the Jobs Are In 2009 I find the holidays are a great time to network and reconnect with past colleagues and friends. So as you toast your eggnog, if you are interested in discussing where the jobs will be in 2009 (and obtaining one) here is some advice.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10 growing industries from 2006-2016 include everything from: Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting, Hospitals, Colleges Universities and Local Government. Despite the recent economic downturn, some of these will stay resilient especially with help from President-elect Obama. His jobs creation plan thus far is focusing on healthcare, education and energy.But how to do you apply your existing skills to these hot areas? -Identify your strengths (and beware of blind spots). Make a list of skills that come naturally to you. And write out examples of where youve used those skills on the job successfully. Many strengths translate across industries, some include problem-solving, serving clients/custo mers and managing others. -Understand key required skills in the new field. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a free resource with information on hundreds of jobs. In-person research such as networking and job fairs are also great tools to understand the training and skills needed for a job. -Dont shoe horn yourself. Rather make the connection between your strengths and the new field in your cover letter and be sure to highlight those strengths on your resume as well. Demonstrate a real interest in your new field by subscribing to industry publications and read up! Your passion and enthusiasm will separate you from those just looking for a paycheck.For more information, continue to tune into my weekly SIRIUS/XM radio show and tune in to my interview on CNN Newsroom with Kyra Phillips Tuesday December 23rd between 2 and 3pm eastern for more advice on making the move into a growing industry in your career in 2009!From your experience, where do you think the jobs will be in 2009?

Why Companies Ask For A Salary History

Why Companies Ask For A Salary History Salary can be a very touchy subject when it comes to negotiating a job offer. Its an issue that can cause candidates to walk away, force employers to spurn one candidate in favor of another who will work for less, and make for tense dialogue between an employer and a would-be employee. Many job seekers are uneasy talking about their salary history with prospective employers. Divulging salary information first can often put you at a disadvantage, but you may have no choice. Potential employers may require a salary history before even considering you as a candidate. In this case it is helpful to know, Why do some companies ask job applicants for a salary history? The answers are fairly simple and they even make sense. Requesting a salary history may just  be a part of the employers screening process. It is their policy with every job applicant and that includes you. Give them the history, get in there and set the hook, get the offer, and then be a good negotiator. Now, while that is a perfectly reasonable answer, there is one that is even better. As an applicant, you are a business of one and you are selling your services. With that in mind, would you buy from a business that, when you asked how much the product cost, responded with We are not going to tell you until you buy? In order to make the sale to your potential employers you need to name your price. Your best course is always to do your homework before going into a negotiation. If you know what you are talking about, then you are more likely to get what you want, even if you have already given a salary history to your potential employers.

Writing Resume Free - How to Use Free Resume Builder For Professional Writing

Writing Resume Free - How to Use Free Resume Builder For Professional WritingWriting resume free is a great way to impress your potential employer as it will increase your chances of landing the job you want. These free resume builder websites can help you with the entire resume creation process.There are lots of websites that offer free resume builder applications, which will ensure you get the most out of your free application. A free resume will be your first step towards applying for a job. As you know, when applying for a job, you are required to submit at least one resume.One of the best ways to apply for a job is to use a free resume builder. Before you spend money on applications, try to apply for some jobs and see what options you may have. Also, if you have already applied for one, this will give you an idea of the potential employer's reaction. So even if you are not willing to spend money on an application, a free resume is still useful.An important thing to remember is t hat when you send in your resume, make sure it is interesting. It should also look professional and you don't want to be using a free resume template that looks like the others, especially when the job you want is of an important one.A free resume application will allow you to add any information you may want to include, if you have any. You can include your contact information and more, this way you won't have to worry about spelling and grammar errors. You can choose to keep your contact information private, but be aware, there are companies that track every email and some data will end up in the database of the company.When writing your free resume, it is good to think about the type of position you want to fill. If you are in need of a new job, think about a career change or a move. If you are in need of a job in a particular field, you can choose what type of business you want to start or do.Writing a free resume can be an effective way to look for a job. The free application c an prove to be an important part of your application, which will help you land the job you want.

Millennial Workers Face Worst Economy Since Great Depression

Millennial Workers Face Worst Economy Since Great Depression A new report about millennials in New York City paints a bleak picture for millennials in the workforce, suggesting that this generation might never regain the ground they’ve lost in the labor market. After inflation and the cost of living are factored into the equation, millennials today earn about 20% less than the last generation did at the same point in their lives. In a statement, the comptroller’s office said this generation entered the workforce in the worst economy since the Great Depression. This sluggish start to their careers could permanently dampen their earnings potential â€" meaning that millennials might never be able to achieve the same standard of living as their parents did. “Every generation is expected to do better than the last, but too many Millennials are not getting a fair chance,” Comptroller Scott Stringer said. The report found more young adults in low-paying fields like foodservice and retail, and fewer in better-paying industries like finance, even though more of them have college degrees than ever before. In other words, young people today are far more likely to be overqualified and underemployed compared to the periods when previous generations were getting their careers underway. Calculator: Becoming a millionaire Given the city’s relatively robust economy, the depth of the financial challenges facing young adults in the Big Apple suggest that things could be even tougher for many of their peers around the country. “Its overall findings mesh with the growing pool of national research suggesting America’s youngest workers have gotten a disproportionately raw economic deal,” U.S. News World Report noted.

3 Great Activities To Keep Your Job Search Moving - Work It Daily

3 Great Activities To Keep Your Job Search Moving - Work It Daily Sometimes, a job search can wear on a person’s motivation to keep moving forward, especially if the search has lasted for weeks or months. Related: 5 Things You Should Be Doing If You're Unemployed While qualifications, resumes, and cover letters make a huge difference in whether you’ll be hired, your attitude also matters. If you’re getting tired of looking for jobs, your positive demeanor could turn negative in the wrong environment (i.e., the interview). You need to keep your job search moving. To maintain a positive attitude, it’s a good idea to consider engaging in the following activities during the process: 1. Exercise Exercising daily, in addition to maintaining a healthful diet, are important under normal conditions. But when you are working through a tough circumstance such as a job search, stress can create health issues at a faster rate. To keep your health in check, it’s good to set up a daily exercise routine that incorporates cardio and strength training. Also, be sure to take vitamins and eat properly. Good health works wonders in improving your mind and body, while also creating a more positive attitude to carry you through your search. 2. Relax Many experts equate a job search to a full-time job; at least, that’s the amount of time you’ll need to dedicate to the process each day in order to obtain the results you desire. There’s nothing wrong with spending a full workday looking for new employment and submitting applications. But as with a full-time job, you need to take breaks, including lunch, to breathe and rejuvenate. Be sure to take some time to relax throughout your job-seeking days. And if you can, try to create a job search schedule so that you don’t constantly overwhelm yourself with thoughts of employment. Relaxing is the only way you can rest your mind and recharge for the next day’s searches. 3. Volunteer Everyone’s home life is unique and allows for certain options, but if you find that you have time in your schedule, then consider volunteering at a local organization a couple of days a week. There are a number of benefits that can arise from volunteering. For one thing, you can help someone (or some animal) in need. Also, you will keep your mind sharp so that you’re ready to hit the ground running when you do find work. In addition, you get to add your volunteer efforts to your resume to show you’ve been busy in between jobs. And finally, you get the opportunity to network with professionals who might be able to help you find your next position. If you’re able to keep a positive attitude while in between jobs, you’re more likely to maintain this attitude when you’re finally employed. Don’t let a lack of employment sour your demeanor. Instead, consider this time as an opportunity to take on new challenges as you wait for your amazing job. This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts 3 Ways To Emphasize Your ROI On Your Resume 5 Easy Ways To Make Yourself A More Attractive Job Candidate How Do Employers Find Their Ideal Candidate? About the author Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, CEO of Great Resumes Fast is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, and presenter. Want to work with the best resume writer? If you would like us to personally work on your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profileâ€"and dramatically improve their response ratesâ€"then check out our professional and executive resume writing services at GreatResumesFast.com or contact us for more information if you have any questions.   Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!