Recruiter Real Talk

  When I look back at my recruiting days, I can’t help but smile. It was a wild ride, filled with endless phone calls, countless emails, and the thrill of the hunt. Finding the perfect candidate for a role felt like a victory every time. Now, as I’ve transitioned into Human Resources, my perspective has broadened, but my passion for understanding people and matching them with the right opportunities remains the same. Recruiting wasn’t just about filling seats—it was about connecting the dots. Each job opening had its unique demands, and each candidate brought a different set of skills and experiences to the table. I learned early on that hiring managers weren’t just looking for someone who could do the job; they were looking for someone who could add value, help the company hit its goals, and mesh well with the team. It was my job to find them. To do that, I had to become a detective. I immersed myself in understanding the company, the team dynamics, and the goals driving the d...

Recruiting for advanced manufacturing roles is both an art and a science. With over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition, I’ve learned that this sector comes with its own unique challenges—but also incredible opportunities for those who know where to look and how to connect. In this article, I’m sharing insights and strategies I’ve honed over the years to source and hire top talent in the advanced manufacturing industry. Understanding the Landscape of Advanced Manufacturing Advanced manufacturing is a dynamic field, evolving rapidly by integrating new technologies like automation, robotics, and AI. These innovations mean that the skills required in this industry are also shifting. It’s not just about finding someone who can operate a machine; it’s about sourcing talent who can think critically, adapt to change, and learn new systems quickly. This complexity is why recruitment in advanced manufacturing requires a deep understanding of the industry’s nuances. To be successful, yo...

The Allure and Reality of Prestigious Jobs with Surprisingly Low Pay   In the world of work, some roles carry a sheen of prestige, suggesting high salaries and elite status. However, the reality is that not all prestigious-sounding positions offer financial rewards that match their perceived status, especially given the level of qualifications and dedication required. On "Recruiter Real Talk," we're diving into some of these roles that are great gigs in their own right but might not meet expectations when it comes to pay.   1. Postdoctoral Researcher  Despite needing a Ph.D., postdocs often find themselves earning just enough to scrape by, a stark reality especially in areas where the cost of living is high.   2. Social Worker  Integral to the fabric of social health, social workers tackle critical issues like child welfare and mental health. Yet, their paychecks often don't reflect the gravity of their work.   3. Archivist  The job of preserving histo...

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...

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...

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Overcoming Self to Grow Professionally  Living outside of your comfort zone can be a daunting prospect for many individuals. It requires the willingness to embrace uncertainty, take risks, and challenge oneself in order to grow and achieve personal development. Today, I had an insightful conversation with my networking colleagues about this very topic, and it got me thinking about the decisions we make on a daily basis. When faced with a decision, there are two distinct paths we can choose. We can opt for what feels safe and familiar, sticking to our comfort zone like a cozy refuge. Alternatively, we can choose to venture into the unknown and do something different, even if it means stepping outside of that safe space. It raises the question: when setting goals, do we aim for attainable milestones or dream big, setting goals that are so audacious they make us tremble? Let's begin by understanding what exactly a comfort zone entails. It is a psycho...