Candidate Experience How to Get it Right

Candidate Experience How to Get it Right With the first ever CandEs UK Awards Ceremony having just been celebrated recently in February, the issue of candidate experience continues to be a hot topic of discussion across the industry. The awards recognise companies that set high standards for how they treat candidates and is open to organisations that recruit in the British employment markets. Organisations were judged on their understanding of the realm of recruiting and the way in which candidates find and apply for jobs. Three companies walked away with distinctions: Avanade, GE Capital and RMS. Here are some interesting stats (from Recruitment Buzz) that also came to light from the awards: 50% of candidates surveyed said they had a neutral overall experience that was neither negative nor positive. 39% said they had a positive experience. 49% of candidates claimed some relationship with the company they applied to including nearly 1 in 5 being an existing customer and 12% had family and friends working there. 73% of candidates surveyed would definitely tell their inner circle about a positive experience (62% would share a negative experience) and 28% would share a positive experience on Social Media (17% would share if it was negative.) A number of candidates were frustrated by the “black hole”, with 30% citing receiving a “do not reply” automated response and 31% receiving no response at all. For me, determining whether you are offering a good candidate experience or not comes down to understanding exactly what candidates expect. You need to be empathetic in these situations, think about it from a more human perspective and think about how you would like to be treated if you were the job seeker. Too often I see daunting job application processes appear on job sites. It’s surprising to see that in 2013 we still aren’t collectively recognising that this is a far less than ideal first impression we are leaving on our poor candidates.  This is not even mentioning the possibility of  the damaging effects it could have on the website, recruiter or company reputation. Our perfect candidates are constantly being deterred and put off by bad experiences with recruiters and line managers. Sure, not every candidate is right for the roles they apply for, but that’s not to say that they won’t be the perfect candidate for another role down the track leave a bad impression on them, and you won’t see them coming back to your pool of talent any time soon. With all that said, here are few basic fundamentals I believe will help increase your candidate experience: Communication is Key Feedback from candidates who have had negative experiences on various job boards show that one of the main issues is communication. Often candidates will feel that they are being ignored and will even question whether a job role actually exists, or if the recruiter is just posting a phony role to find talent. We all know how busy recruiters are, and our job requires a lot of prioritising, but finding the time to keep each of your candidates updated and informed is only going to benefit you in the long run. Yes this will mean that you have to be honest in your approach as well. Candidates will often tend to think that they are right for a role that you already know they aren’t. Approaching this discussion gracefully is key to ensuring they go away with nothing but a positive impression. Always Give Feedback The hiring manager has told you that a  candidate didn’t get the job, so that’s the end of that, right? Wrong. Your candidate is part of your pool and if you thought they were going to be good for this role, then of course they are going to be good for roles you may have in the future. Make sure you tell them why they didn’t get the job, what their weaknesses were and what that can do better or work towards for next time. Again, this comes under the communication realm, thus only working in your favour. Always Get Feedback on Candidates Experience This is where two-way communication comes into play. You can learn just as much from your candidate as they can learn from you. Make sure you ask them how they felt about the experience, from start to finish, whether they got the job or not. Sometimes you will have candidates become bitter about not getting the role, of course this is one of the worst things they can do from your perspective. But if you’re able to take a step back, accept that to some people, this is a natural reaction, then all you need to do is be completely upfront with them â€" tell them how this is reflecting on your impression of them. An open and honest relationship with your candidates is the only way that you will ever know what type of candidate or person they really are. Addressing the situation will also allow you to see if they hold the key attribute of being able to learn from mistakes. Analyse Your Feedback Using Tools So you are now doing everything you can to ensure that your candidates are getting the best experience possible. How do you actually know for sure that they are? Consider using a research and analysis tool like Mystery Applicant. It’s “an innovative candidate research tool that analyses applicant feedback throughout the recruitment process”. It works like many digital analytical tools out there today, taking large volumes of complicated data and turning it into meaningful and accessible information. Using a tool like this will help you take that information and turn it into a strategic action plan. Churning and burning candidates is an unsustainable, short-term strategy. You must always treat your candidates with the same level of respect that you would treat your clients. For me, it’s not just business; it’s human decency, respect and pure common sense.

How to Start an Ecommerce Site as a College Student

How to Start an Ecommerce Site as a College Student Most people think you have to be a long-established and successful entrepreneur to start an ecommerce website. This isn’t really true. With the right tools and useful information, even a college student could begin an online store. Here’s how to start an ecommerce site as a college student. Consider Cost First off, as a college student, you’re probably looking to be smart about your cash. So, you’re definitely going to have to consider the cost you’re willing to pay when starting your ecommerce store. While hiring a website developer is a great way to get a fully customized site, you’re better off using a website builder from a provider like Shopify to set up your site. They’re easy-to-use and super affordable (many are even free). Using a website builder is also incredibly handy when starting off because it offers you templates to choose from for your site. Further, it’s tools will help you design your site in professional and creative ways. For example, a free logo maker is provided with many platform sites to help brand your business. Time Management As a college student, you’ve probably realized how important time management is in order to be successful. After all, you’ve been juggling classes, assignments, work and a social life. You’ll need to be organized if you’re going to be keeping up with all of your obligations. While you’ll be tempted to put your head down and power through, taking time out of your day to clear your head, exercise, and refocus your thoughts will help your complete tasks with much less stress. Additionally, utilizing to-do lists or an organizer can help you keep track of your daily projects and assignments. Just make sure to continue using them and not to fall behind. The key to this is to be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don’t set yourself up for failure. With baby steps, you can cross one thing off your list at a time, validating your work ethic each time you accomplish something and making you more apt to want to work more. Sell Your Goods Online We’ve talked about the logistics of starting an ecommerce business. Now you might be wondering what the heck you can sell as a college student. Some of you may already have a product you’re passionate about and that’s why you’re here. Others might need a little more help. Luckily, you don’t have to think too hard about what you want to sell online. Especially if you’re using an affordable website builder, it’s really up to you to decide to want you want to sell. For example, many students work on several DIY projects throughout their college careersâ€"especially if they go to a Liberal Arts school. You’d be surprised how many people would purchase DIY, especially if they are buying locally. Additionally, utilizing tools like your own social media pages will help you promote your ecommerce site and get others excited about it, too. All you have to do is pick your product. Start an Ecommerce Site and a Future Dedicating the time and energy to starting an ecommerce business in college will be incredibly useful to you in the long run. It’s a great way to jumpstart your career and start earning you more money. Prioritizing your time and doing simple things like congratulating yourself will help keep you motivated. So, now just figure out what you want to sell, find a website builder that works for you, and start your business. And remember, Facebook was started by a college student too.

She Works Hard for the Money How to Put Your Education to Work for You

She Works Hard for the Money How to Put Your Education to Work for You Here’s a truth nugget that will surprise no one: sometimes things don’t go the way we hope or plan for. This is evident in every area of life, including the professional sphere. But regardless of   â€" whether you have a graduate degree or went straight from your bachelors to your chosen field â€" you don’t have to feel boxed in by what you originally went to school for. Several years ago Forbes contributor Caroline Ceniza-Levine wrote, “There is really only one good reason to quit your job: you should quit your job when quitting is the next step to a better life.” That’s going to look different for different women. But it is likely to boil down to finding the right balance in terms of both professional and personal expectations. If You Need a Change There are multiple reasons you might hate your job, and if you do why not consider moving in a different direction? Assess whether or not your current situation can be altered, first, and then go from there. If you’re burnt-out, is it something that can be altered; are there changes that can be made right where you are? Similarly, if you feel you’re not being compensated fairly, speak up. Job application experts often cite research that proves, “employees with access to better benefits packages experience higher job satisfaction, miss fewer workdays, and are less likely to resign.” Before you move on, tell them what they likely already know. Making your education work for you means seeing all the potential held within both your innate skill set and your schooling, and knowing how to empathize them in alternative career paths if you aren’t satisfied where you are. Here are a couple examples to showcase how you can put your education to work for you â€" regardless of whether your plans and career path change. If You Have an Education Degree Teachers are, obviously, an educated group: over half hold graduate degrees. Plus, over three-fourths of teachers in the United States are women. But, pursuing a graduate degree in teaching can be end up being a vehicle to take you far beyond the classroom, if that’s what you want. “In addition to their knowledge about student learning and development, they often have great communication and presentation skills, high levels of creativity, and lots of experience in dealing with difficult situations â€" emotional, pastoral, practical and logistical,” notes Corinne Mills for The Guardian. Consider: A museum educator has the same opportunities to teach, but they do so in a changing, dynamic atmosphere. And they aren’t bound by grades, instead they’ve got a rotating classroom, always full of fresh eyes. A education liaison is a professional who works as the go-between. Depending on the job, they partner with organizations to do things like hiring the right teachers for the right programs and they often work with colleges and universities in places like admissions departments and career planning. If You Have a Writing or Marketing Degree If you came out of school with a bachelor of arts, then you know that there are often fairly narrow career lanes that people expect you to remain in. However, fields of study like creative writing or marketing prove that you’ve got what it takes to think critically and analytically, all the while maintaining an artistic edge. For example: You could build a subscription-based business from the ground up that focuses on whatever you want to focus on, like writing or the arts. As an entrepreneur you could find alternative work like advising nonprofits or charities, or help start-ups launch new products. Own Your Assets On a certain level, the professional woman is limited most significantly by the limits she is willing to accept. The best way to flesh out how your education can be put to work for you is to assess what your assets are and how they can be applied across specific professional fields. This is not a call to have unrealistic expectations, but merely a reminder that if you’re not happy with where you’re at, you shouldn’t overlook opportunities just because they seem outside your wheelhouse. Several years ago a study was released that showed only 27 percent of college graduates are working in a field directly related to their major. It just goes to show that your ability to gain experience in and out of the classroom, to network enthusiastically, and to pursue what you want are just as important as the degree you earned. This guest post was authored by  Brooke Faulkner

50 Great Questions to Ask on a Sales Interview - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

50 Great Questions to Ask on a Sales Interview - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Without exception, when recruiting sales job seekers, companies want the interviewee to ask intelligent, thoughtful questions. Though, all too often, the applicant does not come prepared with inquiries. Regardless of how well the answers the individual gave were, if they dont have pertinent questions, the meeting is left in an up in the air state. In essence, sales employees should think of this section of the interview as their close. For assistance, our recruiters came up with 50 questions to ask on a sales interview: 1. What motivates the sales personnel at the company? 2. How would you describe the corporate culture of the company? 3. What traits make up the most effective sales representatives at the firm? 4. What is the quota you expect from this individual? 5. What is the ramp-up time until I will be making sales? 6. What is an average sales cycle? 7. Who is the most profitable target market? 8. Whom within those companies will I be selling to? 9. What are some common hurdles the sales team currently faces right now? 10. How involved can a contract negotiation be? 11. How does your organization position themselves in the market? 12. What is the industry outlook for the coming years? 13. What are some of the traits you look for in a sales representative? 14. What are your competitors currently doing that the firm is not? 15. Where would you like to see the sales team improve? 16. Do the representatives use more of a consultative selling style? 17. How much is an average sale? 18. Is new business acquisition a priority or would you rather maintain current accounts? 19. What is a typical day like? 20. What is the typical sales recruiting process at the company? 21. Is this an expansion or replacement position? 22. What type of feedback will I be getting from my manager? 23. Whom will I be reporting to? 24. What is the sales managers background? 25. How would you describe the selling style of the manager? 26. Where do you see this employee being in 1, 3 and 5 years? 27. How would you describe the companys vision? 28. How would you describe the companys core values? 29. How would you describe the people at the company? 30. What do you enjoy about working at the company? 32. What was your experience like during the sales recruitment process when you first joined? 33. Will there be formal training or do you prefer this individual to be self-taught? 34. What advantages does your sales team currently have over the competition? 35. What is the commission structure like? 36. What is the on-target expected earnings? 37. What percentage of sales employees meet their quota? 38. Are there extra bonuses for greatly exceeding quota? 39. Is the company currently coming out with any new products or services in the coming future? 40. How would you describe the current sales force? 41. What type of marketing does the firm currently engage in? 42. Is the marketing helpful to the sales representatives? 43. Do you do in-house marketing recruitment or outsource the job? 44. How does the company obtain its leads? 45. What percentage of leads does the company convert? 46. How would you describe your ideal sales lead? 47. How competitive is the industry right now? 48. What innovations are currently happening in the industry? 49. Will these marketplace changes affect the sales team? 50. If so, how will the changes affect them? In the end Interviewing for a sales job is not about selling yourself, rather its about branding yourself as confident, intelligent and composed. Taking a few of these questions to your next meeting should do the trick. Author: Ken Sundheim is the CEO of KAS Placement Recruiting a sales and marketing executive search firm based out of New York City. He is also a writer for Forbes.

9 Reasons Why Should You Go To Grad School CareerMetis.com

9 Reasons Why Should You Go To Grad School Imagine yourself walking across a stage for the conferring of your master’s degree. The audience claps and cheers, and you can’t stop the smile that’s spreading across your face. You did it! You earned your master’s degree!If that imagined scene fills you with excitement, then you might be a great candidate for grad school. Of course, getting your master’s is not just about having others applaud your success. You will also gain in-depth knowledge and form valuable connections. These benefits can lead to career advancement and increased earnings.evalAhead, you will find nine reasons to consider going back to school. If several of them resonate with you, it might be time to start researching grad programsand submitting applications to your top schools.1) Jumpstart Your CareerevalIf you’re about to graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you may be asking yourself, “What should I do with my life?” Do not be surprised if “Go to grad school!” is the best answer for you .Going straight from a bachelor’s program to a master’s program can be a great choice because you’re already in the college mindset. What are a few more semesters of books and studying at that point?In fact, to encourage you to pursue this path, many schools offer one-year master’s programs that can be tacked onto the end of a bachelor’s program.Once you graduate with both your bachelor’s and your master’s degrees in hand, you will be set to skip over entry-level positions in the workforce. Instead, you may be able to land a mid- to upper-level supervisory or management position right away.2) Advance Your OpportunitiesOf course, if you’re already in the workforce, your reasons for considering grad school might be quite different. For you, one of the best reasons for getting your master’s degree may be that you want to move up in your career.Only about 8% of Americans have master’s degrees. By earning your degree, you will set yourself apart from the other nine-te nths of the population. That credential will look great on your resume and demonstrate to potential employers that you are a well-qualified, highly educated candidate.evalIn some fields, getting a master’s degree is about more than just set yourself apart from other candidates. It is absolutely essential for career advancement. To become a librarian, you must first get a master’s degree in library science.Nurse practitioners must, at a minimum, hold a Master of Science in Nursing. To take the exam to become a certified public accountant, you have to log many credit hours, which can be earned in a master’s program. In these fields and many others, without a master’s, you’re relegating yourself to a lifetime of assistant-level positions.3) Chart a New CourseInstead of advancing along your current career path, are you ready to switch to something new? Earning a master’s degree may be the ticket to getting started in a different field.For example, working as an elementary or secondary teacher requires that you have a teaching certificate. Many master’s in teaching programs offer licensure tracks so that you will be able to earn your teaching credentials for the first time.evalNot every new path has to involve a major leap. Instead, your master’s program may allow you to just tweak your focus a bit. If you’re currently a social worker, you might want to pursue a human services master’s degree so that you can coordinate beneficial programs instead of working one-on-one with clients. You could also jump from business to public relations, accounting to finance, or manufacturing to supply chain management.4) Pursue Your PassionsHopefully, you chose your field of study because it was something that you loved. A master’s degree program will allow you to delve even deeper into your chosen discipline. For several semesters, you can surround yourself with scholarly articles and rich teaching on topics that are important to you. You will also have oppor tunities to talk with like-minded classmates, conduct research, complete projects or even serve internships in your area of interest.Many schools offer concentrations for their master’s degrees. Choosing an area of specialization allows you to take classes that go right along with your field of interest. Even if your program does not offer concentrations, you may be able to select electives that appeal to you. Choosing the right classes may increase your engagement with the program, and it can also ensure that you will gain valuable insight that is directly applicable to your career path.eval5) Gain Networking OpportunitiesClassroom learning is an essential component of the grad school experience, but it shouldn’t be your only takeaway. During your master’s program, you will have many opportunities to network with others in your field. These connections can make a positive difference in your career for years to come.Networking opportunities in grad school include:Student organ izationsYou can join student associations that are schoolwide or specific to your area of study. Even online programs often offer the opportunity to join on-campus or digital student groups.Faculty connectionsMake good use of faculty office hours. It is important to communicate with your professors, ask for their insight and put their advice into practice.Internship experiencesWhether a short-term practicum or a year-long accumulation of clinical hours, the hands-on portions of your studies can be invaluable for getting to know people in the field.Fellow studentsEspecially if your program is geared toward working professionals, your classmates may have valuable connections that they will share with you.Professional organizationsJoin industry-wide organizations for access to conferences, newsletters and more. Many groups offer discounted rates for students.6) Stay at the Forefront of Your FieldIn a world of increasing technology and globalization, industries can change quickly. Going back to school can help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in your field. You will learn about new theories and technologies, and that knowledge will make you a valuable employee.It may also give you an edge when it comes to job security. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, master’s holders have lower unemployment ratesthan people with bachelor’s degrees. The advanced, cutting-edge knowledge that a master’s program provides may help you hold onto your position when others in your company are losing their jobs.7) Prepare for a DoctorateDo you have your sights set on a Ph.D. or another doctoral degree? Earning your master’s can help you get there. Not all doctoral programs require you to first get a master’s degree, but many do.A master’s program will also provide a taste of grad school so you can get a feel for what it’s like. After completing your first graduate degree, you will have a better idea of whether you want to keep going with your education.8) B oost Your ConfidenceevalBig accomplishments feel great. When you graduate from your master’s program, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you worked hard and accomplished something amazing. That boost of confidence may give you the courage to apply for your dream job, open your own business or work toward another goal.Keep in mind that, although it’s great to pursue a master’s for personal satisfaction, you should not do it just to make others happy. Master’s programs require a major investment of time and money. Before beginning, carefully consider whether further education is what you really want or if you’re doing it just to please others.9) Increase Your Earning PotentialFinally, it can’t be denied that one of the top reasons to pursue a master’s degree is so that you can make more money. Yes, a master’s program can be expensive, but the ROI may be worth it in the long run.For example, in the computer science industry, you may earn $14,172 moreeach yea r with a master’s than you would with a bachelor’s degree. In business administration, your master’s degree could net you an additional $27,447 per year.Plus, scholarships, grants, and fellowships can help offset your tuition costs. With these types of financial aid lowering your initial investment, you will be able to fully enjoy your increased earnings in years to come.evalIs Grad School Right for You?No doubt about it, grad school can be tough. You can expect to spend a lot of time, effort and brainpower earning your degree. But if going to school is what you really want, you will likely find that the investment is worth it.What are your reasons for going back to school? Are you looking for a jumpstart in your career, a shift in focus or a higher paying salary? Perhaps you’re hoping to strengthen your network or gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills. If those are your goals, grad school may be the best way to achieve them.To make the final decision about whether you shou ld go back to school, spend time researching master’s programs. Once you find one whose faculty, curriculum and format fill you with excitement and anticipation, you will know you’re on the right path.

LinkedIn, online branding, and federal employment - my new favorite topics - Sterling Career Concepts

LinkedIn, online branding, and federal employment - my new favorite topics LinkedIn, online branding, and federal employment my new favorite topics Having just returned from Career Directors InternationalsCareer Empowerment Summit ’09 in Orlando, FL, I’m excited to share with you some of the conference’s top takeaways: Federal employment opportunities are plentiful â€" with more than 31,000 opening as of late last week and contrary to public perception â€" the government does hire qualified candidates from the private sector according toBarbara Adamsof CareerPro Global. A profile on LinkedIn is no longer optional for professionals, according to Jason Alba of JibberJobber.com. The business networking site has become the go-to database of passive jobseekers for executive recruiters. Your profile should complement your resume, but not be a duplicate. LinkedIn is just the beginning. In today’s employment market, professionals need to have a comprehensive online presence and personal brand, according to Barbara Safaniof Career Solvers. This can include online profiles, business networking sites, and social networking sites, and social bookmarking sites. There are four types of online identities â€" according to Louise Kursmarkof Best Impression Career Services â€" none, bad, haphazard, or strategic, the first three of which are not an option. A strategic online presence is the only smart option for professionals with a consistent on-point branding that builds your credibility and professional reputation. A period of self-employment, time with a family-run business, or a run as an entrepreneur is not a bad thing on your resume, according to Laura DeCarlo of Career Directors International. Accentuate the accomplishments during the time that correlate back to corporate America â€" Did you secure seed money? Did you draft the business plan? Did you brand the business? “Cross the bridge” to the employer by describing your experience in ways that reflect value to the employer. I’ll address other points from the Summit in future posts, but I was excited to share these top takeaways with you today. If you’d like help with anything related to the above points â€" be it applying for federal jobs, developing a LinkedIn profile, flushing out your online professional presence, let us know. We’re here to put our knowledge to work for you. Attending the CDI’s Summit shows our commitment to your job search needs.

Career Corner Career Transition Survival Tip #1 - Hallie Crawford

Career Corner Career Transition Survival Tip #1 Sometimes were so busy taking care of business that we forget to take care of ourselves. Yet, if youre amidst a major career change, there is nothing more important than listening to your Inner Voice and tending to all the little things your body, mind and soul is asking for and needs. Here are some great ways to nourish your whole self and stay balanced while successfully navigating through your career change. 1. Keep a career journal. Career coaches like myself frequently recommend journaling as a way to manage your career transition while keeping a healthy perspective. Devote at least one night per week to writing down your thoughts about your transition, recording milestones in the process, and letting go of emotions by putting pen to paper. Write whenever you feel inspired even if its every night. Your journaling tool could be a plain notebook, diary, scrapbook of writing entries and mementos, or even an online blog where you invite others in a similar situation to ponder your musings and offer their opinions or share stories. Every so often, go back and read your previous journal entries to remind yourself of where youre going and where youve been, in terms of the career you envision for yourself. You will most likely be pleasantly surprised at the progress youve made! Heres to having a career you love, for Singles