job interview

December 20, 2020 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

COUNTEROFFERS AND COVID

Counter offers are not as good as they seem.

Counteroffers – good or bad? The rate of revenue collected in the IT and Legal sectors have taken a nosedive this year. This is another economic effect of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID). Many law school graduates still remain in a state of limbo as top law firms have seen pay cuts, layoffs, and furloughs.

With the promise of a vaccine near, there are some bright spots that point to economic recovery. One boost has come from law firms with strong labor and employment practices as their clients navigate cutting jobs and addressing workplace safety issues. There is a trend towards growth as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the legal industry added 1,900 jobs in July.

During these uncertain times, employees attempting to move on to new jobs may be subject to “generous” counteroffers from their current employers. However, as the adage goes, appearances can be deceiving.

Especially in light of the pandemic, most employers with any interest in pulling themselves out of the current downturn in revenue will try to retain you with a moderately attractive counteroffer. This tactic may be to buy themselves time.

The counteroffer is more so for the employer’s interests than it is for you. If your employer valued you and you were satisfied with your wage and the work environment, you would not have looked elsewhere for employment. Remember, a counteroffer is not a solid promise.

Consider these five reasons why you should reject a counteroffer:

1. Your increase may have been a future raise.

If a raise is offered as part of your counteroffer, take into consideration that all firms have budgets with wage guidelines. The increase included in your counteroffer may represent your future raise granted early. Translated this means you will have to wait longer to see another increase.

2. Counteroffers may create a toll on your work relationships.

If you accept your employer’s counteroffer and remain at your current position you may face alienation from the company’s culture. On a ground level, your coworkers may see you as disloyal and no longer a part of the team. In their eyes, you tried to leave them.

3. The same issues may resurface.

If the reason you decided to move on from your employment was any issue other than money, then your dissatisfaction may return after the glow of your pay raise fades. Also, if the corporate culture changes promised in your counteroffer do not last, you will soon be back to job hunting.

4. You may have stunted your ability to be promoted.

No matter what, if you accept a counteroffer, your credibility and reputation within the organization will fundamentally change. Your manager will always question your loyalty as you will be seen as a dissatisfied employee or “the one who wanted to leave.” This may cause you to be passed over for future promotions or important projects.

5. Counteroffers may narrow your job options in the future.

If you make it through a company’s hiring process only to turn around and accept your current employer’s counteroffer, you should not expect the prospective employer to ever consider you for a position again. Also, realize that the legal community is smaller than you think.

When evaluating an employer’s counteroffer it’s important to remove your ego from the equation. Be clear on the issues are that caused you to seek a new job in the first place and evaluate the counteroffer from that perspective. Unless the counteroffer addresses all of the reasons why you considered leaving in the first place, it’s best to move on. Even if the counteroffer does address all your issues, there are always drawbacks to consider.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. Also, our industry-expert recruiters can offer insight and guidance. Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your business goals. Best of all, we offer a free resume review. Find out more information here.

October 30, 2020 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

HOW TO ANSWER ILLEGAL OR INAPPROPRIATE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Some interview questions may be illegal or inappropriate.

Interview questions can be tricky. You certainly want to be pleasant and congenial, but what should you do if you are asked a question that you believe is inappropriate or one that makes you feel uncomfortable?

IT’S THE LAW

The US Labor Department division of Labor/Employee Relations website reminds employers that “it is illegal not to hire candidates because of their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, birthplace, age, disability or marital/family status.” Interviewers should not ask you questions that would elicit such information. However, even though most employers are aware of the law, prepare your answers to these questions:

Do you have a disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protections for disabled employees and job applicants. You do not have to answer a question regarding your disability unless you choose to disclose it. If you have an obvious disability (for example, you require a wheelchair) or if you choose to disclose your disability, your interviewer is allowed to ask what, if any, special requirements you need to fulfill the job requirements.

What’s your age?

If you are 40 years or older, you are protected against age discrimination by the Employment Act (ADEA). It is against the law for the interviewer to ask your age. Interviewers have the right to ask if a job candidate is 18 or older (verifying legal adult status) if this is an important factor in the candidate’s ability to do the job.

Marital status

While it’s irrelevant and illegal to ask this during the interview, employers can ask this question for insurance purposes.

Do you have children?

Your interviewer should not ask you whether or not you have children. However, your employer has the right to ask questions about your dependents for insurance purposes.

What’s your race?

Any questions that inquire about your ethnic or racial identity are not allowed during the interview. You may be required to answer questions about your race or ethnic identity on your employer’s insurance forms.

Can you tell us about your nearest relative or next of kin? This is a question your interviewer should avoid asking. It is appropriate for your employer to ask once you are hired because this information is needed to provide you with employee benefits.

Are you a U.S. citizen?

Your interviewer is allowed to ask whether you are legally eligible to work in the United States (i.e., do you have a temporary visa, a green card, or citizenship). However, it is prohibited to ask direct questions about your national origin or immigration status.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?

Your interviewer cannot ask you whether you ever filed for bankruptcy or any questions about your financial status. Your employer may ask for financial information as it relates to your employee benefits.

HOW TO RESPOND TO ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What are your options in this situation? Here are a few suggestions:

Briefly answer the question, or if you are uncomfortable in doing so, respond to the intent of the question;

Ignore the question and change the subject; or

Refuse to answer the question.

It is best to be tactful but firm. Prepare your answers to these questions in advance by focusing on how to reply without disclosing any personal information.

DISCLOSING PERSONAL INFORMATION IS YOUR CHOICE

When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, this is your opportunity to decide what to self-disclose. For example, if you needed a specific accommodation for your disability or want to know about maternity leave.

If you choose NOT to disclose any personal information, you may come across as secretive. Disclosing too much information may make you appear “needy and high maintenance.” A recruiter can help prepare you for the interview, especially how much to disclose and how.

INAPPROPRIATE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Bizarre, inappropriate interview questions are another topic altogether. These are the questions that are not illegal. However, they make you think about the interviewer’s intentions. Questions that relate to your sexual orientation, personal relationships, political affiliation, or beliefs are off-limits.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. Also, our industry-expert recruiters can offer insight and guidance. Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your business goals. Best of all, we offer a free resume review. Find out more information here.

September 15, 2020 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

TELL YOUR RECRUITER THE TRUTH – Transparency is Key to Finding the Right Job at the Right Pay

Recruiters are like good therapists, they should know the truth. If you are thinking of changing jobs, you need to share your full job history with your legal or IT recruiter. The more they know, the more they will be able to help you find your dream job.

Recruiters should know:

1. Recruiters should know about all your prior jobs, even the ones not listed on your resume

Did you know that 78 percent of job seekers lie on their resume! For the most part, this applies to positions post-college. You should reveal every position you’ve held, even if for a short time. At best, you will appear to be a well-rounded candidate who has the ability to work in a variety of roles. At worst, it avoids the possibility of leaving something in your work history that may come back later to haunt you.

2. Tell your Recruiter the truth about why you are leaving your current job

Employers will always want the answer to this question. Tell your recruiter the truth about the circumstances that led you to consider changing jobs. If you choose not to share the “real” reason at your interview, your recruiter can help you answer the question in a way that puts you in your best light. It may help to make a list of pros and cons regarding your current job: what are the positives and what are the negatives? This information is invaluable in your recruiter’s hands for assisting you in finding the best job for you. He or she will help you avoid toxic environments that pushed you to move on from your current job in the first place.

3. Recruiters need to know what salary you have in mind

Advocate for yourself in terms of salary. If you have a minimum salary requirement, tell your recruiter! Not only will this help you find a job with the right compensation it will also save everyone time. Once you let your recruiter know what you want, the prospective positions can be narrowed down to find the best fit for you.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. Also, our industry-expert recruiters can offer insight and guidance. Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your business goals. Best of all, we offer a free resume review. Find out more information here.

November 30, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

ENOUGH POINTS TO SCORE ON YOUR SECOND INTERVIEW

Utilize your second interview to stand out from the pack

The key to landing your dream job is to score high in points on your second interview. There are those who play the game and those who win. Which one are you? Competition remains high for great jobs so be prepared to impress on your second interview. These five statements will set you apart and help you score:

1. “Please” and “Thank You” – Automatic points.

Showing respect and gratitude are similar to adding the Point After Touchdown in a football game. They should be automatic and are easy ways to score points.

2. Show you prepared for the game.

Let your interviewer know that you took the time to research the company before your interview. This will reveal your ability to plan ahead. Be sure to mention a specific way in which you see yourself as a good fit for the organization.

3. Go for the 2 point conversion to score.

Everyone’s a sucker for a genuine compliment. If there’s something you particularly liked (the people, the corporate mission, the interviewer’s punctuality), say so. Way to add a point conversion instead of an extra point.

4. Show them you came to play and ask, “When can I start?”.

Sometimes you have to try for the field goal from the 50-yard line Eto check the win. Chances are you will not see the immediate results of asking this question, but it still could translate to points on the board. Asking this type of bold question, merely lets your interviewer know you are very interested in the job. That puts you ahead of other candidates who will take the “wait and see” approach.

5. Sealing the win.

Finally, when your interviewer instructs you to do something such as send in references or work samples, make sure you follow up with the task immediately.

If you are a top performing professional looking to forge a new career path, consider partnering with Strategic Recruitment Solutions. We work with most of the law firms and technology companies in the Louisiana Gulf Coast region, as well as top companies throughout the nation. Furthermore, we can provide access to positions in the Legal and IT fields that may not be advertised on job boards or a company’s website. Search our current opportunities or submit your resume to get started!

March 22, 2018 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

FIVE WAYS TO SECURE GREAT REFERENCES

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!