General Recruiting

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!

March 13, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

FOUR WAYS TO GET NOTICE AND HIRED

Get hired by attracting employers with your online profile!

FOUR WAYS TO GET YOU NOTICED AND HIRED

If you are still waiting to be hired, it is time to think about why. In an ideal world, the best jobs should go to the most qualified candidate, but that is not always the case. Finding the right job can be difficult. In order to find that perfect job, you first have to be noticed. Then, your potential employer must like what they see.

To boost your hire-ability, you need to take a good look at your personal brand. Employers will not only look you up on social media sites, such as Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn, what they see may also affect their hiring decisions. Before going to your next job interview, check out your online presence. You will want to look as good online as you do in person. Make sure your profile reflects your best self and keep it updated. Are you someone, you would want to hire?

SPRUCE UP YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE:

Make your LinkedIn profile clear, organized and easy for employers to read. Most hiring managers will review your profile page prior to your interview. They will use it to explore your background, skills and how you present yourself. They may also check other social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to see what you are posting.
Update your professional photograph in your LinkedIn profile so that you appear to be as polished and professional as you are.
Adding a line to your professional summary will show you are open to new opportunities and that you are interested in new roles.
Know your personal brand and own it. Make sure that your online profile and presence are portraying you in your personal light.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

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? Upon receipt of your resume, we will then set up a face to face interview to discuss your goals. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we are here to give you an honest assessment of your resume and let you know how your goals fit into the current market. We will also guide you through the interview process and ensure that your offer aligns with market rates. Let us help you put your best foot forward and get you noticed and hired!

February 14, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

7 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR OFFICE ROMANCE IN CHECK

Ways to Keep Office Romance in Check — Office romance, oh my!

KEEPING OFFICE ROMANCE OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Romance in the workplace. No one ever really plans it. But what begins as innocently as flirtatious small talk can sometimes lead to sharing a lunch and then, you know the rest. Before you get romantically involved, check your company’s policies regarding inter office dating. According to the Society of Human Resource Management, these policies help to minimize the risks of conflicts of interest and promote fairness. Although many companies do not discourage romantic relationships, some do require disclosure once your relationship takes hold.

If you are already locking eyes with someone at work, make sure you follow these 7 guidelines to keep your office romance in check:

1. Be discreet

Involved in a romance, then make sure you refrain from public displays of affection. Not only does it make your other colleagues uncomfortable seeing you kissing or cuddle at work, it also opens you up to gossip. This rule applies to after work drinks, office parties, and other work functions.

2. Do Not Share Intimate Details

People love good gossip. If you choose to share details with co-workers, be prepared for the rumor mill to begin. Not everyone will approve of your decisions to date a co-worker and they will make their opinions known. Avoid bad labels by keeping your personal life close to the vest.

3. Set Boundaries

Before you are in too deep, make sure to discuss how each of you will conduct yourselves at work. Setting boundaries will help you maintain professionalism and prevent your romance from affecting your responsibilities.

4. Stay on Task

Your work product should not change just because you are dating someone at work. Stay on task and act as you did before your romance began.

Keep Office Romance in Check — Office romance starts with the little things

5. Keep Emails Work Related

Exchanging loving messages through a work email can only lead to trouble. Most companies have access to read your emails so keep it professional.

6. Always Behave Professionally

Whether during work hours or at an office social, make certain that your lovers’ tiff stays outside of the workplace. You may still work alongside each other if your relationship ends, so make sure all exchanges remain professional.

7. Never date your boss

Dating your boss almost never ends well. It also makes every one of your work relationships more complicated. Every raise or promotion you receive will not be suspect because of your romantic relationship. The same caution goes for dating someone who directly reports to you. If things go wrong, you may open yourself up to trouble including a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Remember when you are involved in an office romance, you will see each other daily so things can get intense very quickly. Before getting caught up in a whirlwind romance, think about the consequences of your relationship. When an office romance works it is usually because it remains outside of the workplace.

When love is in the office air, take caution

Unsure about how to proceed, call Strategic Recruitment Solutions. We want to be your resource whenever you have a work-related question. Give us a call and we will be glad to go over these 7 guidelines and help you keep your office romance out of the office.

February 12, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

FOUR REASONS WHY ROCK STAR CANDIDATES CALL US!

Looking for a rock star candidate to fill that job opening? — Handful of resumes? Let us help you find your rock star candidate.

Looking for that rock star candidate?

We can help you find the rock star candidate you are searching for! Spend a lot of time and energy reviewing résumés and playing phone tag before scheduling your first interview? Take the easy route instead and partner with Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS).

Why Rock Star Candidates Rely On SRS To Help Them Find The Perfect Job:

Don't you want a rock star to fill that position? — At SRS, we help you pick the perfect candidate!

WE RESPECT PRIVACY – When job seekers are at the top of their game, actively conducting a covert job search can be next to impossible. Even the most casual inquiry about potential opportunities poses a significant risk. That is why rock star candidates, especially from the legal and IT industries, call us before considering a career change. Our executive recruiters know when candidates are open to hearing about positions before they even have time to dust off their resumes.
WE OFFER INSIDE INFORMATION – As recruiters, we are familiar with the culture, reputation, business models and work environment of the most prominent employers. And because of the nature of our business, we stay in constant communication with the companies we represent. This means we usually receive advanced notice on positions before they become available. Great candidates know that this valuable insider information gives them a significant competitive advantage.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO COMMUNICATION – Job-seekers, especially talented ones, do not want to be kept in the dark about the next step in the employment process. At SRS we are committed to keeping the lines of communication open. Often talented candidates slip through the cracks due to lack of follow-up. But not on our watch!
WE OFFER GUIDANCE AND NEGOTIATION SKILLS – At SRS we have a vested interest in the success of all our candidates. One of the most sensitive and awkward aspects of pursuing a new career is negotiating compensation. Our experienced recruiters know how to remove the emotional element of salary negotiations. We utilize our extensive knowledge of the salaries in the current market to seal the deal for all parties involved.

Call SRS for all your recruiting needs — SRS is great at salary negotiations

Don’t Miss The Opportunity

While that stack of resumes on your desk is growing, you could be losing an opportunity to hire the rock star candidate. If you are looking for a top performing professional, consider partnering with Strategic Recruitment Solutions. We work with many of the law firms and technology companies in the Gulf Coast region. Give us a call and see for yourself how finding your next rock star or dream job can be!

January 3, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH 5 NEW YEARS’ RESOLUTIONS

NEW YEARS' RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR CAREER — Want to jumpstart your career in 2018?

5 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

The beginning of a new year provides the perfect opportunity to advance your career. If you are starting a new job or looking to improve your current career prospects in 2018 you’ve come to the right place. These 5 simple lifestyle changes will put you on the right path to achieving your career goals:

Be On Time: Punctuality is incredibly important when it comes to making a good impression on your managers and co-workers. When you show up five or ten minutes late, it reflects your lack of commitment. It also gives the impression that you have poor organizational skills. By being on time, you will do wonders for your reputation. You will also eliminate the stress that comes from running late. You will be surprised how much this small adjustment will help you advance your career.
2. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle: One of the worst things you can do in your career is work so hard that you forget to take care of yourself. In fact, studies show that taking care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and exercising actually increases your productivity. Make it a goal in 2018 to strike a good work-life-balance. This will benefit your personal life and advance your career.
Build Your Network: As you build your network by utilizing your professional-social skills you will create career opportunities. Make a goal in 2018 to make new connections or renew an old connection at least once a month. Staying active with social networking sites (such as LinkedIn and Google Plus), attending business social events and networking events within your industry will help you stay visible. Remember, not all job and career opportunities are listed. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions we are here to help you succeed in your career goals so make sure you keep in touch with us so that we can keep you posted on new opportunities.
Networking can advance your career!
Develop A New Skill: A good way to advance your career is to learn something new or expand your skill set. Make it a goal in 2018 to identify what new skills you would like to learn. Then book yourself into classes or teach yourself using online tutorials. There are plenty of low-cost and flexible training opportunities on the market. You can attend full time or in your free time. Or maybe you want to improve your personal skills, in that case, you may want to read our 15 Tips to Gaining Likeability in the Workplace.
Be More Organized: The start of a New Year is that perfect time to get everything in order. Once you organize everything, you can easily find what you are looking for and increase your productivity. Make it a goal to start 2018 with a clean inbox. This means organizing important emails into folders, deleting unnecessary emails, and unsubscribing from junk emails.

Organization leads to efficiency and productivity — An organized desk leads to a productive career.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

If you are ready 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 and start the New Year off right. Upon receipt of your resume, we will then set up a face to face interview to discuss your goals. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we are here to give you an honest assessment of your resume and let you know how your goals fit into the current market.