Its rare to find good people these days. The team at Scarlett Career Services was not only timely on communication and turn around, but were understanding to the current state of the economy and offered a hand any way. Knowing there are people like this available during the tough times is comforting. I received a Grade A Product with Grade A service..... Thanks!
~H. Allen
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Employers that want the most engaged and innovative employees will support each individual's skills.
I have always believed that people are more motivated, creative, engaged, and loyal when they feel as though their skills and contributions are valued and respected. These factors create a satisfying and fulfilling environment that is more likely to foster cooperation and teamwork -- these are some of the elements that help companies meet (or exceed) their goals and objectives. Without these factors even the most loyal employees become disengaged after a long period of time and the workplace can be miserable -- that's when it becomes just a "job" and not a "career".
I have always believed that people are more motivated, creative, engaged, and loyal when they feel as though their skills and contributions are valued and respected. These factors create a satisfying and fulfilling environment that is more likely to foster cooperation and teamwork -- these are some of the elements that help companies meet (or exceed) their goals and objectives. Without these factors even the most loyal employees become disengaged after a long period of time and the workplace can be miserable -- that's when it becomes just a "job" and not a "career".
Thursday, July 26, 2012
They can't afford me......
In the employment industry, we come across “they can’t afford me” quite a lot. People describe their ideal employer as a “business owner who can afford to invest…”
Let's say an employer is offering $100k for a job - that's their budget and that's about what the market offers for that kind of job in that kind of industry in that kind of location. Let's say a candidate already makes $100k and wants at least $125k to change employers.
If you think you are worth $125k and the if job is a good fit and if you think you are good enough, negotiate a base salary of $100k with performance / contribution based-bonuses to enable you to make $125k.
Don't accept shares in the company instead of cash unless you are in a job where you can directly influence the company's share price. And, as we have seen, the share price of a company often has nothing to do with its financial performance - when the market as a whole goes down because investors are not confident enough to buy shares in anyone, the price of shares in companies with excellent financial results still suffer. Cash is king.
If you think you are worth $125k and the if job is a good fit and if you think you are good enough, negotiate a base salary of $100k with performance / contribution based-bonuses to enable you to make $125k.
Don't accept shares in the company instead of cash unless you are in a job where you can directly influence the company's share price. And, as we have seen, the share price of a company often has nothing to do with its financial performance - when the market as a whole goes down because investors are not confident enough to buy shares in anyone, the price of shares in companies with excellent financial results still suffer. Cash is king.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
"Tell me about yourself..."
While assisting a client with a career change, I came across a question that really made me think hard about what others face while interviewing. At one time or another, we all have been in the situation where a hiring manager or recruiter says... “Tell me about yourself…” It can be at a networking seminar, job interview or just simply having a lunch meeting..... I would like to know, If faced with this question... How would you answer it......but here is the twist.... you can only use....Three words.
My three words would probably be:
Strategic - Results Oriented - Determined
What are your three words?
My three words would probably be:
Strategic - Results Oriented - Determined
What are your three words?
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
#10 - Spelling and grammar issues. This could be the #1 killer mistake on a resume. If you can't put a sentence together correctly or figure out how to use spell check, I might question hiring you too. Proof read it over and over, have someone else read it and proof read it again. It's that important!
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
#9 - Putting months on a resume. This one is a personal preference, but when you tell me that you started a job in Jan of 1990 and left in Dec of 1991, that's a bit more information than I need to know. I think just saying 1990 to 1991 makes it much easier for the reader to determine time frames. You are still being honest, but if someone needs to know more specifics, they can ask.
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
#8 - Putting bullets on every single line of your resume. This one kind of cracks me up because if the point of a bullet is to highlight a key accomplishment, if every line has a bullet - how can I tell what's important? Bullets are great, but always save them for key specific details that you want the reader to find easily.
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
#7 - Way overusing, fonts, bold, and italics. It's OK to use them, but use them sparingly and be consistent. Anything else and your resume can turn into a mess quickly.
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
#6 - You mention "references available upon request" as the last line of your resume. Please, please, please - take it off it now. That is always assumed, if someone wants references, they will ask. It makes it look like you are trying to fill space on your resume - which is all you are doing.
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
#5 - It's too long. I tell clients all the time......unless you are a C-level executive with 40 years of experience, there is rarely ever a reason your resume should be more than 2 pages. Always keep the reader in mind when you know they all have a short attention span. No need to tell us your life story, just need the highlights.
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
#4 - It just doesn't look professional. I compare it to walking into an interview with your shirt untucked or with food on your face from lunch. If you screw up the first impression, you might as well pack it in. Your resume IS that first impression.
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
# 3 - Too much white space. If your key accomplishments are 3 words or the 2nd page of your resume is only 5 lines long, you have a problem.
Mistakes on resume chronicles.....
#2 - It has no focus. If I can't figure out what you are wanting to do in the first 5 seconds that I read your resume, you can be assured that no one else is going to know either. Don't assume, tell us.
Mistakes on resume chronicles...
#1 - It HAS an objective. An objective is very 80's and if you want to make an immediate impression that are you not "with the times", put an objective at the top of your resume. (Don't let anyone tell you any different, there are many better options!)
Monday, July 23, 2012
The importance of using keywords on a resume
To me a keyword 'section' shows you read the ad and can copy and paste. Sprinkle the keywords throughout your points and you have my attention, especially if they are in accomplishment statements. A machine may find the words, but I will be reading those filtered out.
The idea of a keyword section has been around for a few years so maybe you need to clarify when you say "....this new trend of having an actual keyword section...."
Job seekers should consider having more than one resume during their job search. A keyword section isn't necessary or appropriate if a candidate is sending their resume directly to me for a specific position. If a job seeker posts their resume on the job boards, a keyword section can be helpful since they are posting one resume that needs to be general enough for recruiters or Human Resources to understand what they offer. If a job seeker is posting their resume, they should familiarize themselves with boolean strings and understand how a recruiter or HR specialist might use boolean to find candidates. Five recruiters can search for an electrical engineer and come out with 5 different candidate pools when they search on job boards.
With all of this stated, I still advocate that a well written resume shouldn't need a keyword section and networking is the best way to find a new position. If applying to job postings, a candidate will want to write their cover letter for that specific post and they may want to move information around - bringing attention to particular sections.
If posting a resume to the job boards, a keyword section is wise since many companies think it is easy to go to the boards and find the perfect candidate. Companies let the new person do the searches and filter the resumes. Since we don't know who is filtering resumes, a keyword section is beneficial when putting it out their among the millions
To me a keyword 'section' shows you read the ad and can copy and paste. Sprinkle the keywords throughout your points and you have my attention, especially if they are in accomplishment statements. A machine may find the words, but I will be reading those filtered out.
The idea of a keyword section has been around for a few years so maybe you need to clarify when you say "....this new trend of having an actual keyword section...."
Job seekers should consider having more than one resume during their job search. A keyword section isn't necessary or appropriate if a candidate is sending their resume directly to me for a specific position. If a job seeker posts their resume on the job boards, a keyword section can be helpful since they are posting one resume that needs to be general enough for recruiters or Human Resources to understand what they offer. If a job seeker is posting their resume, they should familiarize themselves with boolean strings and understand how a recruiter or HR specialist might use boolean to find candidates. Five recruiters can search for an electrical engineer and come out with 5 different candidate pools when they search on job boards.
With all of this stated, I still advocate that a well written resume shouldn't need a keyword section and networking is the best way to find a new position. If applying to job postings, a candidate will want to write their cover letter for that specific post and they may want to move information around - bringing attention to particular sections.
If posting a resume to the job boards, a keyword section is wise since many companies think it is easy to go to the boards and find the perfect candidate. Companies let the new person do the searches and filter the resumes. Since we don't know who is filtering resumes, a keyword section is beneficial when putting it out their among the millions
When interviewing, many candidates don't realize that the questions they ask are just as important as how they present themselves and the answers they give. Failing to ask questions shows a lack of genuine interest in the job. Asking foolish questions indicates the candidate didn't do enough research prior to the interview. Making either mistake can cost a candidate the job offer.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Illegal Interview Questions to Avoid
ILLEGAL: “Do you have any disabilities? Any recent illnesses or operations?”
LEGAL: “Are you able to perform the essential job functions?”
Discriminating against the disabled, whether wheelchair-bound or clinically depressed, is a classic example of illegal hiring practices. But the employer still has a right to make sure you can do the job you’re hired for and rephrasing the question accordingly is within their rights.
ILLEGAL: “Do you have any disabilities? Any recent illnesses or operations?”
LEGAL: “Are you able to perform the essential job functions?”
Discriminating against the disabled, whether wheelchair-bound or clinically depressed, is a classic example of illegal hiring practices. But the employer still has a right to make sure you can do the job you’re hired for and rephrasing the question accordingly is within their rights.
SCS reader says:
It is widely advised that applicants should NOT put their picture on their resume, however applicants are being advised to put there LinkedIn profile on there resume, which most of them have a picture. For individuals who do not want to be discriminated against, is it a good idea to advise them to not put there LinkedIn profile on there resume or remove the picture from their profile?
SCS Answer
No, I do not think you should advise to have no picture, as long as the picture is professional. The resume is a document, that is often scanned into ATS so a picture would not be ideal. The Linkedin profile is just that, a profile. I see it as a passport to get you to where you want to be and shows where you have been. Having no picture will hurt most candidates, no matter how well their profile is written. (this coming from the majority of employers I have spoken to) because without a picture your profile is incomplete.
LinkedIn Profile Picture vs. Resume Picture
It is widely advised that applicants should NOT put their picture on their resume, however applicants are being advised to put there LinkedIn profile on there resume, which most of them have a picture. For individuals who do not want to be discriminated against, is it a good idea to advise them to not put there LinkedIn profile on there resume or remove the picture from their profile?
SCS Answer
No, I do not think you should advise to have no picture, as long as the picture is professional. The resume is a document, that is often scanned into ATS so a picture would not be ideal. The Linkedin profile is just that, a profile. I see it as a passport to get you to where you want to be and shows where you have been. Having no picture will hurt most candidates, no matter how well their profile is written. (this coming from the majority of employers I have spoken to) because without a picture your profile is incomplete.
Sending a thank you note after your interview is a very important step in your job search.
Job seekers should always send thank-you notes, even if they felt the interview was less than a positive experience. It may turn out that the job seeker was not a good fit for that particular job, but could remain in the mix for something else. Sending a thank-you note and keeping the contact is important for that reason and others.
You got a business card from the interviewer and know their name. Mail should get to them, standard business procedures. They may not have the final say, but the thank you will be noticed (it's such a rarity). Even if they say we will call you, you should ask, could I call you next week to follow up and answer any other questions you may have? The point is to show genuine interest in the company, as well as the position in which you are applying for. Its amazing how far a little courtesy and interest can go. When you do a follow up call, you can ask (even if you are not selected) could I call you in a month or so, just to see how things are going and if there are any new opportunities of interest. The candidate hired might not last through the probation period. You're suddenly the new #1 candidate.
Job seekers should always send thank-you notes, even if they felt the interview was less than a positive experience. It may turn out that the job seeker was not a good fit for that particular job, but could remain in the mix for something else. Sending a thank-you note and keeping the contact is important for that reason and others.
You got a business card from the interviewer and know their name. Mail should get to them, standard business procedures. They may not have the final say, but the thank you will be noticed (it's such a rarity). Even if they say we will call you, you should ask, could I call you next week to follow up and answer any other questions you may have? The point is to show genuine interest in the company, as well as the position in which you are applying for. Its amazing how far a little courtesy and interest can go. When you do a follow up call, you can ask (even if you are not selected) could I call you in a month or so, just to see how things are going and if there are any new opportunities of interest. The candidate hired might not last through the probation period. You're suddenly the new #1 candidate.
Sending a thank you note after your interview is a very important step in your job search.
Definitely after the interview. I suggest to my clients, they get some inexpensive thank you cards(3x5), after the interview, go for a coffee, make some notes on what happened in the interview, then write up the thank you with specific points, and offer to further answer any questions they may have. After an hour, drop it off with the receptionist or mail immediately.
Detailed notes during the interview. What is wrong? - poor memory, inattentive, antisocial, lawsuit ....its an interview, not a university lecture. Making a point or 2 on paper, to come back to near the end of the interview I am fine with. Detailed notes, I would really wonder if you are the right candidate.
Definitely after the interview. I suggest to my clients, they get some inexpensive thank you cards(3x5), after the interview, go for a coffee, make some notes on what happened in the interview, then write up the thank you with specific points, and offer to further answer any questions they may have. After an hour, drop it off with the receptionist or mail immediately.
Detailed notes during the interview. What is wrong? - poor memory, inattentive, antisocial, lawsuit ....its an interview, not a university lecture. Making a point or 2 on paper, to come back to near the end of the interview I am fine with. Detailed notes, I would really wonder if you are the right candidate.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
What Clients are Saying about Scarlett Career Services.....
Mr. Scarlett is a detailed oriented professional. He possess a deep knowledge of his craft, and remains involved with his clients from his initial consultation to final output.
He is highly knowledgeable of the recruiting process and uses this knowledge to help his clients. Most importantly, he is honest,trustworthy and his fees are reasonable. I would recommend his services to any job seeker.
-JOHN CONRAD STE. MARTHE, Mount Vernon, NY
Personal & Private Celebrity Chef/Operations Manager/Director of Hospitality
Mr. Scarlett is a detailed oriented professional. He possess a deep knowledge of his craft, and remains involved with his clients from his initial consultation to final output.
He is highly knowledgeable of the recruiting process and uses this knowledge to help his clients. Most importantly, he is honest,trustworthy and his fees are reasonable. I would recommend his services to any job seeker.
-JOHN CONRAD STE. MARTHE, Mount Vernon, NY
Personal & Private Celebrity Chef/Operations Manager/Director of Hospitality
"50 shades of Black"
Sending a thank you note........
Sending a thank you note after your interview is a very important step in your job search.
I always tell my clients, "If you don't want the job, don't send a thank you note." I go on to explain that you only do this after an interview. If you send it before the interview it's like going on a date with your condom already on.
I always tell my clients, "If you don't want the job, don't send a thank you note." I go on to explain that you only do this after an interview. If you send it before the interview it's like going on a date with your condom already on.
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