Risk

Whew! What a frustrating week. My job as a Corporate Recruiter is very rewarding, and frustrating at the same time.

We keep hearing about the high rate of unemployment almost every time we turn on the television or read the paper. So you would think that finding people that are interested in working would be easy right?

Last week I called and emailed about 300 people. All of these people have their resume posted on Monster. For those of you that don’t know what Monster is it’s a giant database of resumes. Job seekers choose to put their resume there to let recruiters know that they are looking for work. If I actually call 300 people can you imagine how many resumes I actually reviewed?

This week was more frustrating than most. I left a lot of voice mails, and followed up with emails. That’s pretty typical. The frustrating part was how rude the people I talked to were. Most of the resumes that I called on have the last employer listed in 2008. That means that these people have been out of work for almost two years.

Now I know that the position that I am recruiting for is not the right fit for most people. It’s B2B, Outside Sales, 100% commission and 1099. So I expect that about 75% of the people I talk to will pass on the opportunity, and I am completely ok with that.

After this week I am wondering what happened over the last two years? I have been talking friends that are recruiters and they have the same frustrations. I have also been talking with people that I know that are out of work. Their frustrations are high because they are tired of being told they are “over qualified”. What exactly does that mean? I know what “over qualified” meant three years ago, but I have no idea what that means today.

When I was looking for a job, I was just as frustrated as the people I know. I was equally shocked at the way I was treated by recruiters. Now I am recruiting again, and trying to find a way to bring balance back to recruiting.

I recently read an article on ERE. The Electronic Recruiting Exchange, called “It’s Time to Hire Tiger Woods” http://www.ere.net. The title of the article caught my eye, so I just had to read it. I was really glad that I did. It talks about hiring the “over qualified” candidates. Yes there are risks involved, but no great reward ever came with out risk.

At what point do we, as recruiters start taking a risk? It’s time to start talking with those “over qualified” candidates. Are they going to be a fit? Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. Maybe they will be a great resource for referrals. Remember everybody knows somebody.

When are job seekers going to stop being bitter, angry, and rude? If we are not willing to give each other a chance, how will we ever be able to help each other? Recruiters may find that dream candidate, and job seekers you may find that dream job, that you never knew you wanted.

Risk is a very scary thing. It’s uncomfortable, and there is no guarantee. Think about the times when you took a risk, what was the outcome? How did you feel after that? I know that every time I’ve taken a risk there has always been a great reward.

Job searching

In addition to being a Life Coach, I am also a Corporate Recruiter. I spend the majority of my day on the phone talking with job seekers.

Looking for a new job/career in 2010? Make a list of things that are important to you about your next opportunity. Make a list of things that are non-negotiable. Commute, pay, benefits, time off, environment etc. What's THE MOST IMPORTANT to you. Then start a list of things that are important, but not deal breakers. Once you know that you will have a better idea of the type of job you want.

There is ALWAYS a discussion about salary during the interview process. Be as honest with the recruiter/hiring manager as you can. If your minimum salary is $80k then tell them that. If your minimum salary is 10.00 per hour then tell them that to. While companies are doing everything they can to save money they will pay for the right candidate.

Remember interviews are your opportunity to learn as much about the company and the manager you will be working for so ASK QUESTIONS. We like it when candidates are interested. We want to know that you did your research. Do let the interview process be all about the company getting to know you. Remember you want to make sure that the company is a fit for you. You want it to be a win/win on both sides.

Be dressed professionally for your interview. Guys slacks and a button up shirt as least. Girls slacks and a nice blouse. Ask the dress code if your not sure. Keep perfume and cologne to an absolute minimum. There is nothing worse than being in an interview room with someone who bathed in their perfume. Especially if you are allergic to it. Always take a resume with you. Yes they have one, but it's nice to show that you are prepared.

Always, always, always follow-up with a Thank You email, letter or voice mail. I did have a hiring manager that no matter how much he loved a candidate, if they didn't send a Thank You email or letter he wouldn't hire them.

I hope that these things help you with your job search for 2010.

2010 A New Decade

2009 has come to an end. Hopefully you were able to accomplish and achieve all your goals.

2010 is not only a new year, it's the start of a new decade. A clean slate, fresh start. The economy has created lots of opportunity for people to try things they have always wanted to try. Start a home business, go back to school, spend time with family. It has given all of us an opportunity to stop and think about what's important.

Are you ready to be successful this year? Are you ready to bring about change in your life? The best way to do that is write down your goals, create a goal board. Then start with the goal that is the easiest to achieve. Once that is accomplished move on to the next easiest.

Also keep a journal. Every night before you go to bed allow yourself some time to write down the POSITIVE things that happened that day. Keeping a journal is a great way to keep track of your success, and for you to see just how far you've come.

There are so many sayings about how to achieve your goals. My personal favorite is one day at a time. Break it down all your goals into small achievable steps.

Happy 2010 everyone!

November

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Time for all of us to take stock of our lives and think about things that we are "Thankful for". If you are on Facebook you will see lots of posts daily from people telling you what they are thankful for.

I think that is a great idea. Take a moment to stop and think about the positive things in your life. We should all take a few minutes of quiet time everyday to think about things that make us happy or grateful.

For me it's a little different. Years ago I read in a book that suggested you think of three things that you are grateful for every night before you go to sleep. What a difference it makes in how you sleep and how you wake up the next morning.

Don't get frustrated with yourself if you can't think of three things every night. Some people find this harder than others. We are all so programed to find only the negative things in our day, that we forget to stop and think about the positive things.

So give it a try. Tonight before you drift off to dreamland, think about three things that you are thankful for.

Kindness of strangers

Yesterday was my dad's 70th birthday. Since he got a free pass our family went to Disneyland to celebrate. It was a beautiful day. Not to hot, not to cold. It was just right.

For those of you that don't know you get a Free Pass on your birthday. So when you check in they give you a button to wear that says "It's my birthday" and your name on it. So every time a cast member see you they say "Happy Birthday!" and address you by name.

It was great to spend the day with family at the "Happiest Place on Earth". As we were leaving Disneyland for dinner in Down Town Disney my dad realized that he lost his wallet. All his credit cards, over $200.00 in cash, his insurance cards etc.

We were running late so my dad decided that we would go eat dinner then he would go back to "City Hall". Lost and found for Disneyland. It was his birthday so off we went to Down Town Disney.

After dinner Tony and I decided to head home, but wished my dad luck in finding his wallet. We got a phone call as we were getting home, and someone (park employee or guest) found his wallet and turned it in. NOTHING was missing. All his cash, and credit cards were still there.

So "Thank you!!" to the person that turned in his wallet. My entire family thanks you and we are all sending happy thoughts and positive wishes to who ever you are!


Please send me any stories you have involving the Kindness of Strangers. I would love to post them.

My first blog

Welcome to Kailea's Korner,


This is my very first blog. I am very excited and nervous. I am a Life Coach and currently working in the Food and Beverage industry.


As you will see my typing is not formal, and I know that I don't always use the correct grammar or English etiquette. That's just who I am. I type the way I talk. I am very down to earth, warm, compassionate, and casual. I love helping people. I love communicating with people.


Need a positive way to view a situation? My glass is always half full. I can almost always make lemonade out of lemons.


Got questions? Send them to me. I would love to post them to my blog with my suggestions. Of course I will remove your name so the information is private. You never know when your question is going to be something that someone else needs to hear.


This is all very new to me and I have no idea what to expect so let's see where this goes.


Life is about experiences and adventure. Live with no regret.



Warmly,


Kailea

"Shoot for the moon. If you miss, you'll still land among the stars"
-Anonymous-