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...

How to Turn Negative Employment Experiences into Constructive Career Moves        Identifying Patterns and Opportunities for Growth Navigating the turbulent waters of modern employment can often feel like an exercise in futility, especially after encountering continuous negativity in the workplace. One person I recently worked with shared their struggles with consistent job dissatisfaction despite 15 years of experience, ranging from toxic work environments to perpetual permatemp positions. This article draws on community responses to offer constructive feedback and practical steps for transforming these experiences into career-enhancing moves. Acknowledging the Role of Self-Reflection The first and perhaps most challenging step is embracing self-reflection. While it's easy and sometimes comforting to attribute career setbacks solely to external factors, such as toxic managers or unfortunate company cultures, personal growth stems from looking inward. One r...

How to Navigate Total Compensation in Today's Job Market?   In an ever-changing job market, understanding your true worth is not just about knowing your salary; it is about comprehensively evaluating your total compensation plan. This understanding can empower you to make informed decisions about job offers, negotiate effectively, and plan your career path strategically. Here’s how you can calculate your true worth and break down your total compensation to ensure you're getting what you deserve.   Step 1: Understand Your Total Compensation Package Total compensation extends beyond your basic salary. It includes various elements that can significantly impact your earnings and job satisfaction. Here’s what to consider: ·         Base Salary: Your annual base pay. ·         Bonuses and Incentives: Performance bonuses, profit-sharing plans, and other incentives. ·         Benef...

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...