General Recruiting

June 26, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION – START WITH NETWORKING

Are you ready for networking?

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION- START WITH NETWORKING

Networking can help you narrow down your choices and focus on getting the job you want. According to the 2017 Graduate Outcomes Survey, nearly 72 percent of students who completed an undergraduate degree obtained full-time employment within four months of graduation. This is excellent news until you read the other statistics. Of the 72 percent, 28.2 percent of undergraduates employed full-time said they were working in a job that did not allow them to use their skills or education fully. That means one-third of them may have settled for employment without strategically planning their long-term goals.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS), we can help you overcome the challenge of finding your legal or IT dream job. By partnering with us, you will gain an advocate, coach, and agent. It’s our job to provide you with resources and to guide you through the job search process. We will then help you find the best job match available and assist you closing the deal.

Our first advice – invest in developing your networking skills. Networking involves building mutually supportive relationships that lead to information and opportunities. It’s one of the best ways for young job seekers to get a leg up in this challenging job market. Job networking events are often intimidating for recent graduates. They don’t need to be! The key to a successful networking event is knowing what to say and how to say it.

Here are ten networking tips that will help you start and further your career:

1. DEVELOP YOUR ICEBREAKER

Whether you like networking events or not, they are necessary. If you are nervous or feel awkward about starting a conversation with a stranger, remember all you need is a simple statement to ‘break the ice”. Icebreakers such as commenting on the food being served or the weather are a great way to spark the conversation. After that, you can lead to a short bio that explains who you are, that you recently graduated and where you are looking for opportunities. Remember, when introducing yourself, use a firm handshake, maintain good eye contact, smile and be confident. Once you have started a dialogue, expand the conversation by asking open-ended questions. Open-ended questions can’t be answered with a “yes” or “no.”

2. SHOW PASSION FOR THE INDUSTRY

As a new graduate, your strong point will not be your relevant work experience. To impress potential employers, you should demonstrate your passion for the company and its industry. If you research industry trends and know which companies are the top in your field, you may impress your future employer.

3. LESS EATING AND DRINKING, MORE NETWORKING

Business networking events are for moving around, meeting people, listening and joining in on conversations. You are not there for the free food and drinks. To be most effective, you will want to keep your right hand free to shake hands and accept business cards. When you do decide to have a drink or snack, step to the side and finish your food before you “work the room.” Keeping a phone in one hand may also prove challenging. For men, it’s best to keep your phone in your pocket if you are mixing and mingling. Women can slip their phones into a small purse close enough to the body to feel it vibrate or to access it to make an introduction.

4. TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE

Although you may be networking to increase your business contacts or clients, the conversation shouldn’t be focused on you. When telling your story, be brief. When it’s time to listen, make sure you appear genuinely interested in what the other person is saying. Company representatives respect the sincerity and will open up if you ask thoughtful questions. Most people are happy to talk about themselves (such as what they do for a living and how they got involved with the company). When you listen attentively, you can ask follow-up questions and ensure that the conversation is memorable.

5. CREATE A 30 SECOND BRANDING STATEMENT

Networking conversations are like mini-interviews. You need a brief 30-second speech to project a personal brand that sets you apart from other recent graduates who are seeking the same kind of job. As an entry-level candidate who lacks direct work experience, you need to identify what skills you possess that add value to the workplace. Think of real-life examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your 30-second spiel.

6. EXPLAIN YOUR IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM GOALS

Your 30-second branding statement explains what you bring to the company. Now it’s important to explain how you see what the company will bring to you. By articulating your career goals and explaining the qualities you are looking for in your future employer, you separate yourself from the pack. Try a statement like this, “I am looking for a _________ (attorney, paralegal, or in IT) position where I can immediately apply my organizational and communications skills to assist the team. It’s my long-term goal to gain exposure to wide range of _______(legal or IT) opportunities that will help me make even greater contributions down the road.”

7. COLLEGE GRADUATES – DON’T ASK FOR THE JOB!

As a recent college graduate, your goal in attending networking events is to land a job, but you should never flat-out ask someone to offer you one. Instead, ask questions about the industry as well as the company, and talking about your skills and qualifications. After that, ask for advice on how to break into the industry. Most people will be kind enough to offer insightful advice and may even offer to be your referral. Be patient, make introductions and continue to build your network.

8. REALIZE NETWORKING IS A TWO WAY STREET

Job seekers who research prospective employers can discover company weaknesses as well as find opportunities unrealized. When researching companies in advance of the networking event, look for ways you can offer potential solutions to any problems you find. For example, after viewing the company’s social media campaign, you may discover the posts are outdated and provide some new ideas. You can also set yourself apart as an invaluable resource by simply sending a relevant industry-related article to someone you just met. By sharing your knowledge, you can establish stronger connections and demonstrate to others that you value their relationship.

9. KEEP IN TOUCH

Once you’ve established new connections, stay in touch with them. While you may see certain classmates and professors frequently, make sure not to lose contact with your peers. Be prepared to help them when they need a favor.

10. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR ADVICE – Relax and enjoy the event.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Networking works best when you are unafraid to ask for support, from advice to mentorship and resources. If you’re at a networking event, don’t forget to relax and try to enjoy the interaction at the event.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we are here to help you forge your new career path. We have been instrumental in helping job seekers find their dream jobs for more than a decade and have done so by working closely with candidates to find the companies and opportunities that match their skills, experience, interests, goals, and career aspirations. Because we work with most of the law firms and technology companies in the Louisiana Gulf Coast region and the nation, we can provide access to positions that may not be advertised on job boards or a company’s website. Search our current opportunities or submit your resume to get started!

June 5, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

PREPARE FOR THESE 5 INTERVIEW ANSWERS IN ADVANCE

Job Interview — Prepare For Your Next Interview

Interview questions are not trick questions. Although no one can predict which questions will be asked, one or more of these top five questions usually make the list. After preparing and rehearsing your answers, you will gain the confidence you need to impress your interviewer. Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances once you land that interview.

PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

Do not make the mistake of being unprepared. Learn as much as possible about your prospective employer before the interview. Reviewing the company website is the bare minimum. With so many social media tools at your disposal, why not take the time to review your prospective employer’s Facebook page or LinkedIn profile? By doing your due diligence, you will be able to show how your skills and experience make you the perfect candidate for the job.

QUESTION # 1 – TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?

It is important that you do not let this question take you down the path of your personal life by disclosing information an interviewer cannot ask such as the number of dependents, religious affiliations, sexual orientation, etc. What your interviewer wants when asking this question is a summary of your career highlights and key accomplishments. This is a great opportunity to sell yourself. Remember to keep your answers relevant to the position you are interviewing for. While you are answering this question, your interviewer is accessing your confidence level and listening for an indication of how your past roles and responsibilities match the position offered. Be sure to include information about your goals for the future. Companies want to hire people who strive for ways to improve.

QUESTION #2 WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS?

Interviewers ask this question because they want to see how confident you are in your abilities. The example that you choose will reveal a lot about you. First, it provides a clue into what you value. Second, it will help the interviewer envision you at your best. When you speak of an accomplishment, emphasize your best thinking and contributions. You want the interviewer to see you as someone who has a great track record of producing results.

QUESTION #3. TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN?

Fill in the blank with situations relevant to the position. This is a behavioral question and should be answered using the STAR approach. STAR (Situation, Task, Approach, Results) will help you focus on the key details so that your story is authentic, memorable, and concise. Start by briefly describing the situation, then walk through your key actions in addressing the problem and finish with concrete details that reveal your pride in accomplishment. You may be asked a number of versions of this question. The questions range from asking about a time when you had to take the initiative, deal with a difficult customer or respond to a crisis. Be prepared to answer each one of them.

QUESTION #4. WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE A GOOD FIT FOR THIS JOB?

To answer this question, you should be prepared to explain how your past experiences and skills put you in a position to excel. Prepare a concise summary to show that:

You can do the work and will deliver exceptional results.
You will be a great addition to the team.
Your unique combination of skills and experience make you stand out from the crowd.

Finally, anyone can rattle off the bullet points listed in the job description. Make sure you answer is unique, in your own voice and reveals your specific strengths.

QUESTION #5. DESCRIBE YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?

Many candidates find this question difficult to answer. After all, you prepared to come to the interview ready to describe all of your great qualities. The best way to answer this question is to tell a story that describes a genuine weakness and then explain how you overcame the weakness. Everyone loves a happy ending.

If you are ready NOW to take the next step to advancing your career, call us today. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we make the job search process a candidate friendly experience. So why not send us your confidential résumé today? SRS will help you put your best foot forward and guide you through the interview process from beginning to end. Contact us about your future today! Give us a call today at 888-366-6508.

May 7, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

BENEFITS AND PERKS ATTRACT AND RETAIN GREAT EMPLOYEES

Employees feel valued when they have good benefits — Benefits and perks attract and retain employees

In a recent study, 2000 employees were asked to choose between a high-paying job or lower-paying job with more benefits. Out of the 17 benefits listed, the top four chosen by employees are:

1. Better health, dental, and vision insurance. Health benefits were the top benefit for 88% of respondents. 54% gave health benefits “heavy consideration” when selecting a job, whereas 34 percent gave it “some consideration”.
2. Flexible hours, work-from-home options and unlimited vacation. Respondents said they valued benefits that provided them with a “work-life balance”.
3. Student loan and Tuition Assistance. When employers offer these benefits, employees feel valued.
4. Paid Parental Leave and Free Daycare. A number of states have started paid leave programs. Typically, employers and workers will make small contributions to a fund. When the employees are ready to take maternity and paternity leave, they can draw from the fund.

Benefits and perks continue to play a major role in employment consideration. A well-designed employee benefits and perks package will restore loyalty, drive employee engagement and increase your employee retention.

Benefits and Perks Help Employees Feel Appreciated

In another employee survey, over 40% of full-time U.S. employees consider flexible hours their most important perk and the perk that matters most to their job satisfaction. Furthermore, employees valued perks such as professional development, fitness/health perks, food snacks and the ability to work from home.

When asked why employees valued free food on the job, they gave three reasons. They believed the free food was a reflection of the company’s generosity. They saw the food as an indication that the company cared about their health and well-being. And finally, by having food available, they were encouraged to take more breaks.

Also, when deciding between a high-paying job and a lower-paying job with more benefits, 10 percent of those surveyed said they would give free snacks “heavy consideration.” Having food at work was most important to millennials. Of all the age groups, they are the most likely to say they wish their employer offered more snack options. Snacks may even lure employees to new companies: 48% of respondents said that if they were looking for a new job, they would weigh company perks, including the availability of snacks, in their decision. Other perks that attracted new employees including offering a gym membership, parking, and casual Fridays.

Adding Value

In today’s hiring market, it is becoming more difficult to recruit great employees. By providing great benefit packages and perks, your company can retain and attract employees. When companies create a benefits package, the result is that their employees feel valued. This becomes a great tool to attract new recruits. Over half of the employees who received employer-sponsored perks said that they had a better quality of life. A happy employee is a more productive employee, so benefits provide a win-win scenario for everyone.

What is especially relevant is that word of mouth spreads when employees feel great about where they work. When you are ready to add to your team, consider partnering with Strategic Recruitment Solutions. We work with many of the law firms and technology companies in the Gulf Coast region and have a deep understanding of what type of benefits and perks are attractive to new employees. Give us a call today at, 888-366-6508. We can help you recruit and retain employees now and in the future.

April 27, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

5 REASONS TO BRING DIVERSITY TO YOUR WORKPLACE

Diversity through the internet — Diversity in the digital age

Diversity in the workplace is becoming more essential. We live in a global economy. As we expand our digital reach, your business interacts with people from different generations, backgrounds, and cultures daily. Diversity can influence how your employees perceive themselves and how they will treat others. In addition, implementing a diversity plan will help create a healthy company culture and foster workplace unity.

Here are five reasons why diversity is essential to your business:

1) You Will Gain More Talents, Skills, and Experiences on Your Team.

By hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, your company will have more opportunities to succeed. Each team member brings their own variety of skills and experiences to your business. Therefore, it is essential that employees learn from each other and grow.

2) Creativity and Innovation Will Thrive.

By adding people with various backgrounds, experiences and working styles, you can create a thriving culture of creativity. Innovation thrives in an accepting environment. Furthermore, jobseekers value a company where everyone can be themselves.

3) Diversity Brings New language skills.

Language barriers and cultural differences can act as an obstacle to commerce. In addition, by hiring individuals who speak different languages, you will open opportunities for learning and commerce.

4) Your Talent Pool Will Grow.

Furthermore, studies show that employees are happier and feel more comfortable when inclusivity is a priority. Therefore, companies who embrace diversity attract a wider range of job applicants.

5) Your Employee Performance Will Improve.

The higher your team’s morale, the more productive your employees. It is the “all for one, one for all” mentality. By encouraging workers from all backgrounds to achieve their best, you are increase your chances for success.

Don’t Miss an Opportunity To Hire The Best

Finally, each individual brings something different to the team. Consequently, by hiring a variety of people, you will gain fresh perspectives and ideas. If you are ready to add to your team, consider partnering with Strategic Recruitment Solutions. We have decades of experience working with law firms and technology companies throughout the Gulf Coast region. SRS can show you to add diversity to your team. Give us a call today at 888-366-6508

March 22, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

FIVE WAYS TO SECURE GREAT REFERENCES

Good job references can land you the job! — Be organized and have your references ready!

Obtaining good references is essential to seal the deal after your job interview. Strong references will complement your résumé and set you apart from other candidates. Providing a weak reference is like taking the icing off a cake. Although the cake remains, it may seem less appetizing. After you have spent time updating your résumé and spent hours looking your best at job interviews, you should plan for a strong finish and have great references to offer.

Follow these five tips to secure great references:

1. Stay in Contact with Your References

Make sure the contact information for your references is up to date. Reach out to those on your reference list a few times during the year to keep your connection strong.

2. Keep a Portfolio of Reference Letters

Keep your letters of reference and any other accolades, such as employee reviews or awards, in one handy folder. If all your reference letters are printed and in one place, you can easily pick which ones to hand over after the interview.

3. Let Your Reference Know What You Need

Before adding a name to your reference list, take the time to let your reference know what type of job you are looking for. Each reference on your list should highlight one of your skills. For example, one may highlight your “people skills” whereas another may give details regarding your project management skills.

4. Provide an Outline

Do you have a stellar reference that will really help you land the job? If so, make sure you provide him with an outline or list of your key attributes. Because your references are doing you a favor you should make it easy for them. Also, by providing a list of talking points or an outline for written communication, you can ensure your future employer gets laser focused information.

5. Remind Your Reference of Your Timeframe

If you are requesting a written reference, make sure you are clear on when you need it. Give your reference a deadline of two weeks to write the letter and add another week if the letter is being mailed to your potential employer. For a verbal reference, make sure you check in with your contact directly after your interview. That way he will be anticipating the call for the next few days and have your resume or list of talking points handy.

Remember to thank your references! After someone has taken the time to go to bat for you, the least you can do is thank them. Showing you appreciate them by sending a thank you note or email is good business etiquette.

If you are ready NOW to take the next step to advancing your career, call us today. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we believe in making the job search process a completely candidate friendly experience. So why not send us your confidential resume today? At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we are here to give you an honest assessment and let you know how your goals fit into the current market. We will also guide you through the interview process from beginning to end. Let SRS help you put your best foot forward!