Recruiter Real Talk

  How to Stop Negative References from Ruining Your Career We all know the sting of a job that just didn't go as planned. Whether it was a poor fit or an unfortunate error, these bumps in the career road are a part of life. But what happens when a past job negatively affects future opportunities? For those who find themselves grappling with unflattering references, a different approach is needed—before things go from bad to irreparable. 1. Clarify Before You Amplify One might assume that a past employer would only confirm dates of employment and refrain from offering negative commentary. This assumption could be detrimental. In reality, there are no legal limitations stopping a former employer from providing an unfavorable review. So, what's the solution? Check with the prospective references before listing them. You can even have a friend conduct a 'reference check' to see what kind of information is being shared. If it's not glowing, it's better to leave that ...

Accepting a new job is often accompanied by a cocktail of emotions: excitement about the new opportunity, anxiety about the unknown, and hope for a brighter professional future. However, sometimes, after the initial euphoria dies down, you may begin to see red flags that suggest this new position might not be the right fit. So, how do you discern between typical new-job jitters and genuine signs that you should reconsider your decision? Here are some clear indicators: 1. Misalignment with Personal Values : If you find that the company's core values clash with your own or you're being asked to compromise your principles, it's a significant sign. A job that forces you to go against your beliefs will likely leave you unhappy and unfulfilled. 2. Differing Job Expectations : If the role you're performing significantly differs from what was discussed during the interview or what's outlined in your job description, it's a concern. It could indicate a lack of organizati...

How To Handle the “How Much Salary” Question During Job Interviews Navigating the job application process can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to discussing salary expectations. A common conundrum that many applicants face is recruiters or hiring managers claiming they don’t have a specific salary range for the position. But is this always true? After all, wouldn’t a company budget for its hires? The Predicament Many job seekers have encountered situations where, regardless of the size or stature of the company, the recruiter avoids disclosing the budgeted salary range. This evasion can become particularly frustrating when the onus is then placed on the applicant to specify their salary expectations. Understandably, there's a fear of either under-quoting and not getting fair compensation or over-quoting and potentially losing the job opportunity, especially if one is keenly in need of employment. Pre-Interview Research Before attending an interview, it's pr...

What If I Am Laid Off Tomorrow: How to Prepare for the Unexpected Even working for over 15 years in the recruiting field, I am not sure any amount of experience can prepare you for an unexpected layoff. The mere thought of losing a job can be daunting and unsettling. However, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself for such a situation and minimize its impact on your life. In this blog post, I will share valuable insights and practical tips on how to navigate through the unexpected and emerge stronger on the other side. When experiencing the loss of a job, it is not uncommon to go through a range of emotions similar to the five stages of grief originally proposed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. These stages are not necessarily experienced in a linear fashion, and individuals may move back and forth between them. Here are the five stages of grief that people may experience when they lose their job: 1. Denial: Initially, you may find it hard to accept the reality of losin...

The Power of Recognizing Achievements: Unleashing Employee Engagement Hey everyone! In today's fast-paced business world, I believe that employee engagement is a crucial factor in determining the success of our organization. To achieve unstoppable employee engagement, we need to understand the factors that truly motivate and inspire us. One particular factor that stands out is the need to stop rewarding failure. It surprises me to see how many companies have embraced a culture of failing upwards, promoting employees who repeatedly fail without achieving success. In this article, I want to explore the recipe for success and emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating real achievements in driving higher employee engagement and enhancing overall morale. Recognize and Celebrate Real Achievements: I firmly believe that genuine recognition holds incredible power when it comes to motivating employees and fostering a positive work environment. It is crucial for us to acknowledg...

Navigating Rejection: Overcoming Obstacles in Your Job Search Rejection comes in many different forms. It can be scary, emotional, and let's face it, none o f us like it. Being on the job search during a pandemic is already a daunting task, and adding rejection to the equation adds a whole new level of difficulty.  After talking to numerous candidates currently looking for work, it's evident that one of the worst obstacles they face is rejection. So, let's unravel rejection and explore how we can strip away its power over our lives. What is rejection? Simply put, rejection refers to the feeling of shame, sadness, or even grief that we experience when we are not accepted by others. It can elicit physical reactions, make us lash out, increase anger, anxiety, and even lead to depression. In fact, rejection activates the same pathways in the brain as physical pain does, which explains why we truly feel its impact. But how do we work through rejection during our job search? Here...

Saying goodbye is never easy, its absolute, it is something that we consider to be an unknown.  Saying goodbye is never easy; it's absolute, and it's often accompanied by a sense of uncertainty. We often find ourselves contemplating how the other person will react, whether they will be offended or assume we don't like them. To avoid such confrontations, we sometimes choose to vanish without a word. On the other hand, we might also worry that we're making a big mistake by parting ways. In the context of leaving an employer, here are a few ways to smoothly and professionally approach saying goodbye. First and foremost, remember to keep it professional. While you may have developed a bond with your employer over the years, it's important to recognize that this is ultimately a job. If something were to happen to you, your employer would need to find a replacement and keep the business running. So, it's crucial to maintain professionalism during the farewell p...

It was love at first sight. I was in awe of you. You were perfect in every way. You said all the right things and made all the right moves. This was truly “IT”, I found my perfect candidate! When Candidate Love Turns Sour: How Bad Hires Can Break Employers' Hearts It was love at first sight. I was in awe of you. You were perfect in every way. You said all the right things and made all the right moves. This was truly "IT," I found my perfect candidate! Little did I know, you were about to break my heart. As an employer, nothing stings more than realizing that a seemingly ideal hire has turned out to be a costly mistake. However, in order to prevent heartbreak and mitigate the impact of bad hires, employers must learn to swallow their pride, hire fast, and fire fast, setting ego aside in favor of making effective hiring and firing decisions. The Temptation of Perfection: When we come across a candidate who seems to embody everything we're looking for, it's ...

Hard Knock Life: How to Stand Out in a Hard Candidate Market Think about it. It's a competitive, cutthroat nightmare out there. All the job search competition trying to climb on top of each other just to get ahead. Candidates are being measured for what they can do and criticized for what they can't do. You didn't say this right, you've got to act this way, you need to build your profile just like this to get noticed. It is sheer madness, and unfortunately, it is the reality we face. So, what do we do? How do we stay ahead without losing our minds? In this dog-eat-dog world, it's essential to focus on what truly matters: your skills and the value you bring to the table. It's time to take a step back and reflect on what makes you stand out from the crowd. The bottom line is this: Do you have the skills to pay the bills? Seriously, have you developed the expertise and abilities that make you an asset in the eyes of potential employers? You are not just...

It’s so hard to find great talent in this market.   All the good ones are taken.   That’s the word on the street anyways….. Attracting Talent with an Engaging Story In today’s competitive job market, I’ve realized just how challenging it can be to attract top talent. Candidates have so many choices, and it’s crucial for us to stand out and show why joining our team is a game-changer. That’s where I believe a well-crafted job description becomes a powerful tool. For me, it’s not just about listing responsibilities—it’s an opportunity to tell a story that informs and inspires potential candidates to imagine a future with us. So, when I sit down to write a job description, I start by asking: What’s in it for them? Beyond salary and benefits, I think about what truly matters—growth opportunities, learning experiences, and career advancement. I want candidates to see the path they could take with us, to feel excited about what’s possible. Next, I focus on what makes u...