Leslie McIntyre's blog

The Sound of Silence

2012-01-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

Let this letter from a frustrated job seeker make us all realize the discourtesy and frustration that occurs when they are offered the sound of silence. This article was written by a job seeker and posted on Recruiting Blog.

I was laid-off from my job as a telecommunications operations manager a year ago and have since had multiple interviews with seven companies in the city and on Long Island. Without exception, every interviewer closes with, "Thanks for coming in; we'll let you know either way," or, "You'll hear from us in two to three weeks."

It is a hopeful three weeks and I regularly check my emails and voice mails for an answer. Ultimately, I rarely hear back from them -- even after several steps of the interview process. At first I took it personally, but have realized that completely disregarding people you were very courteous to three weeks ago has become the norm. I follow all the rules, including writing compelling cover letters, customizing my resume and composing subsequent thank-you letters, yet I end up with "radio silence" that is both deafening and frustrating.

Job seekers don't expect a response to every resume they send out, but if you are lucky enough to be invited in for an interview, I think most would agree they deserve some sort of answer afterward rather than being left to wonder.

Oddly enough, I've found that invitations for initial and follow-up interviews are quite expeditious, so I can only assume that once a choice is made (that doesn't involve you), you're off their radar for good. There is no phone call, no quick email with any one of the canned responses -- "Sorry, we're heading in a different direction" or "We've chosen another candidate, but thank you for applying."

After the promised waiting period, I naturally assume they have not selected me, but I am compelled to follow up and respectfully ask where I stand. Still my phone calls are unreturned and my emails are overlooked. What we job seekers see as initially being persistent, eventually feels like harassment when each inquiry gets no response. It's as if the company packed up and moved out.

I'm embarrassed that I have been reduced to politely following up every few days, but I cannot afford not to ask. I understand that my priorities are just that -- mine. I suppose employers do not have the time or inclination to be sensitive in this tumultuous economy, but it should not mean courtesy is pushed aside. They say the second best answer you can get while job searching is "no," but the worst is no response at all.

It would be good for all parties to be forthcoming with a truthful and quick response so everyone can move on. For 20-plus years, I've taken management and leadership courses, and what is constantly taught is professionalism, timeliness and honesty. This should not only apply internally but externally as well. I am not looking for a three-page dissertation on why I didn't get the job, but in this age of technology and automated emails, everyone deserves some sort of communication.

I suppose the hiring managers just don't care. So this is the reality -- and it's sad. The law of averages argues for putting lost causes behind you, moving on and pushing forward with other companies and opportunities. But as far as getting a response, I guess I'll never really get used to the sound of silence.

What you don't know CAN hurt you in today's job market!

2012-01-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

Having been in the staffing industry for 27 years I wish to lend some honest guidance on tips and suggestions for a seamless job search. Soe of you may not be recent graduates or new to the job market but let’s be honest; we can always use a refresher course on interviewing tips. Or, perhaps you have a friend or family member that requires some assistance. I wish to offer some candid suggestions to save you from common pitfalls in the interviewing and job search process. My goal is to be refreshing and provide you with some valuable tidbits that perhaps you haven’t read or heard 1,000 times before.

If you’ve just graduated, are new to the market or are re-entering the workforce, you’ve most likely been wearing flip flops and sweat pants for the past four years; so let’s discuss dress attire. Casual attire is still unacceptable in the “real” business world, especially when interviewing. If you want a shot at the top jobs then you had better be more prepared and better dressed than your competition. Sure, some firms do allow casual attire. But leave the flip flops at home until after you’ve been hired. Remember if you want to get ahead and be taken seriously by your colleagues and peers, corporate dress attire sends a very powerful statement and message about who you are and how you wish to be perceived = Serious – Smart – Sharp.

What exactly is corporate attire? Buy yourself a good suit plus some nice accessories to mix it up. Men should buy a few ties in case of multiple interviews at the same firm, and have at least two dress shirts in case you get called back quickly for a second interview and haven’t stopped at the cleaners. I recommend a few different shirts for the ladies for the same purpose plus accessories. There is no need to break the bank – you can find a nice suit for a reasonable price. Stay away from anything that is trendy or will go out of style quickly. A classic style suit should last you for many years to come.

Now for some straight talk. Items that could potentially lose you a corporate job offer: visible tattoos, nose rings, multiple pierced ears, earrings in men, pierced tongues, multiple colored hair, open toe sandals, tall platform shoes, long decorative nails, chipped nail polish, halter tops, and mini-skirts – Whew, I think that sums it up. All of these items are unacceptable for the serious, career-minded individual. Self expression is great, but projecting a professional image is essential in the job interviewing stage. Once you are hired at a company and have the opportunity to meet fellow colleagues you can adjust your style accordingly. But pause for a moment and ask this question: “how many CEO’s, Presidents or high level executives do you see with any of the above?”

Keep your resume short, professional and always include the following: your email address, cell and home phone number. If you have an unprofessional email address or an unprofessional voicemail message – now would be the time to get rid of it. Many an interview has been cancelled because of this! Write an objective on your resume that is short and concise, but doesn’t box you into just one area. If you want a marketing position, write an objective that shows you want to enter into business with a few of your strengths included pointing to marketing. List all pertinent job information including summer jobs, part-time jobs, internships, and all school achievements including your GPA if over 3.0. Include any sports achievements, leadership positions and other achievements that would distinguish you from your competitors. List a few key interests that reveal insights into your personality. For example, a passion for chess shows strategic thinking, sports participation demonstrates competitiveness, etc.

Now let’s talk about manners as they matter quite a bit when interviewing and they seem to be scarce these days. At all costs never be late to an interview as it will leave a very bad impression in the interviewer’s eyes. However, if an emergency occurs call and apprise the interviewer of your emergency immediately. You should only bring two things with you to an interview: a leather portfolio with a paper pad and 5 copies of your resume. Leave everything else in the car including your cell phone. Lately candidates have been coming in with Starbuck’s Lattes, big overstuffed carry bags, and cell phones. This is completely unacceptable! While you are waiting for your interview be aware and attentive - don’t read or get distracted. Observe the environment that you are in and see if you can find anything that may prove to be useful during the interview. When someone comes out to greet you, get up and offer a firm handshake and your name. Always get up when someone enters a room – man or woman. If offered anything during the interview, politely decline. Your focus is the interview not beverages or food – they can distract and cause embarrassing circumstances! Never smoke before an interview (including during the car ride to the interview) chew gum or enter an interview with candy, mints or food.

Make sure that your resume is error free and grammatically correct. If you use “spell check” only, you could find that errors are not always picked up. Show your resume to your parents or a few select acquaintances and ask them to look for spelling or grammatical mistakes. Do not ask them to critique or rewrite your resume. Everyone will have a suggestion or opinion that will lend confusion and become a time waster. The best people you can ask to review your resume are recruiters, as we see thousands of resumes in any given month and know what the clients look for!

Stay tuned for the second portion of this article which will include: preparing for the interview, interviewing questions and pitfalls, and after the interview.

Best of luck!

Outshine and Outwit Your Colleagues to Get Ahead!

2011-10-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Business has changed dramatically over the last twenty-five years, but a first impression never will. The chance to make one is still extremely important and can advance your visibility and perhaps lead to a promotion! Technology has advanced immeasurably and has brought us to levels few thought were possible. But not everything has changed. There are still eager new employees and graduates looking to make their mark and be seen. But as a new employee in an organization, how do you impress the boss and get noticed?

Business Rule Number One – You committed to your current job and the duties that go with it; therefore do every part of your job to the very best of your ability. Personally, I simply don’t understand why people complain about their jobs. No one is forcing you to keep your job and frankly – you picked it. Therefore, do your job in the most superior manner possible. If done with passion, you are sure to get noticed and eventually the boss will hear about it. Enthusiasm, attitude, and commitment really do work!

Business Rule Number Two - If an opportunity presents itself or someone needs assistance, volunteer your services. I don’t mean for tasks like getting lunch, but for projects, extra work, to stay late, to help the firm in any way. This will positively get you the recognition you seek. In addition, whenever possible, do more than asked. If you were asked to create a presentation, create the presentation and write a sample introduction to accompany it. This is of great value to your boss.

Business Rule Number Three – Find ways to save the company money. Review marketing collateral, internal programs, existing marketing projects, mailers, and figure out how to make them better. Decrease unnecessary spending or increase revenue for the company. I have seen administrative level personnel do this for their firm and generate thousands of dollars in savings, as well as promotions for themselves.

Business Rule Number Four - Dress the way you wish to project yourself. Even in a business casual environment, you must dress professionally to get serious recognition from top executives. In my opinion, very few people are taken seriously in anything other than corporate attire. Did you know that less than 10% of graduates entering into the workforce today dress professionally? That fact alone is worth bucking the system and standing out!

Business Rule Number Five - Use your computer and technology abilities. Take a plain looking presentation or document that is in use around the office and improve it. I hate to admit it, but new graduates really do seem to have an edge on the technology front. A few years ago I hired a twenty year old employee, who despite his youth continues to impress me daily with his computer savvy, technical knowledge and sophistication. Take these skills and put them to good use.

Business Rule Number Six - Be careful when using email and social medial platforms. Watch how you represent yourself as it reflects on you and your firm. Also watch your grammar and spelling when emailing and writing in the workplace. I have found that people who are used to IM and text messaging have carried abbreviations and slang words over to the corporate environment. Excellent grammar and proper punctuation will get you noticed as management is always impressed with good writing skills.

Business Rule Number Seven – Prior to leaving the office each day, ask your boss if there is anything else that you can do. As President of a busy firm, I can tell you that this comment is always greatly appreciated, and would only be accepted if a real pressing issue was at hand.

Business Rule Number Eight – Keep your priorities straight at work and keep your personal life private. By all means, interact with your work colleagues and don’t isolate yourself but keep it professional. Avoid office gossip, political games, and concern yourself with what is best for you in the long run. Be a listener, not a talker!

Business Rule Number Nine – If you are due for a promotion or there is an open opportunity that you are interested in, don’t be afraid to ask. Showing interest in advancement is appropriate. You will only fail if you make no attempt at all.

Business Rule Number Ten – People who complain and offer no solution are a drain on everyone around them. Don’t become the office whiner. If there is a problem that continues to crop up, think of a good solution and then bring the problem and solution together to the boss. If possible, once a solution is agreed upon, offer to implement it.

Here’s to outshining your colleagues and using your passion to get ahead!

Setting Expectations

2011-09-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

I have owned and operated a staffing and recruitment firm for 25 years. We work diligently to please all of the people that come seeking job opportunities. However, we know that we can’t get everyone a job. But – can we make everyone happy? Do they leave feeling optimistic and prepared enough for the hard road they are about to encounter in these economic times? What are the expectations that someone should expect when going to a staffing firm? I took the time to think about this a great deal before preparing this article because it is a very important question that deserves some good answers. Here is a list of the expectations you should set when going to meet a staffing professional:
· Dress accordingly and bring a resume. Expect to finish up paperwork and have your personal documentation in order. Prepare to engage in a face to face meeting that should take an hour (often two) with one or more staffing professionals. Expect positive critiquing on your attire, presentation, and resume. We know the market better than most; therefore, we should guide and counsel you on important resume strategies and what hiring authorities want to see on your resume.
· You should feel good and have a positive dialog with your staffing professional. Any questions or items that are troubling you, or feel you need special counsel on, should be discussed at this time. Often, people have been laid off and feel awkward about disclosing this in a professional fashion. We are the experts and can easily assist you with these uncomfortable matters prior to a client meeting.
· We will review your on-line presence and make recommendations if anything should be changed or deleted. We will also discuss all of the relevant tools and protocols that will assist you in landing a job in these difficult economic times.
· Consulting work should always be discussed and recommended with a potential job seeker as it is a superior way to find a permanent job particularly in this economic climate. Showcasing your talents in person is the fastest way to land a permanent job offer!
· Expectations should now be formalized by both sides. A plan including follow-up should be outlined by your recruiter. You should also set criteria for continual follow-up based on your status each week. There should always be a level of communication that is expected from the staffing firm.
You may not leave your meeting with a job but you should leave feeling satisfied, that you established a rapport and cultivated a relationship worth continuing; having all of your questions answered. You should now have a critiqued resume, good solid pointers on housekeeping items that need attention, and a documented plan.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Adam Gietz a candidate who came to The McIntyre Group recently who took the time and had the courage to write me a letter asking “What expectations should a candidate have?”

The War for Talent

2011-05-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Much to everyone’s surprise, the economy is improving and the job market is brightening. Last week’s report on jobs for April was very positive and shows unemployment is slowly declining. It would decline at much greater speed if the proper management, structure, and initiatives were put into place, but that is a different topic, for another article.

Once again, candidates have career options and job choices, and recruiters are under pressure to showcase multiple job opportunities quickly before the top notch candidates slip away. The greater challenge for recruiters is educating our clients, who still don’t believe that they need to move quickly with interviews and offers. Clients continue to request multiple interviews of candidates, often trying to schedule around busy executives who travel or are unavailable for long periods of time. Many offers are being lost and great candidates are going to the competition because of this. It is time to change gears!

In addition, we see that companies are opening up their wallets and offering signing bonuses and creative perks to entice and attract top candidates. We see that some firms are caught off guard by the rapid speed and assertiveness of their competitors going after this top talent. The hiring trends we saw in 2006/2007 are again returning. There are more competitive job offers, sign-on bonuses and perks that allow a candidate with multiple job offers the flexibility to have many options. This is a wake- up call for our clients to move much more quickly in streamlining their interview process and preparing offers.

This market change is affecting the consulting arena as well. Firms that are accustomed to interviewing their consultants are losing them. As we preach, consultants only make money when they are working and they are shrewd about selecting the opportunities where they can simply start and not waste time interviewing. We are using our “4-hour free work interview” to gain the trust of newer clients and to remove the insistence of wasteful interviews for our highly skilled consultants & temporary associates.
As recruiters, part of our process is to educate and offer awareness to our clients on the new realities of the hiring landscape. We want to make sure that everyone is ready to close deals when a hiring decision has been reached.

Here are some tips that we can offer to ensure you get the best and brightest talent:

1) Make sure all of your hiring managers and executives are ready to interview. Schedule multiple managers and executives per interview session so you can maintain the momentum of the candidate’s schedule and keep them interested. “Time kills deals.”
2) Don’t waste time after the offer has been made with paperwork. Have all paperwork prepared ahead of time and have HR informed and ready.
3) Make sure that you are putting your best offer first. Don’t wait to bring out your best offer until you are involved in a counter offer with a highly motivated firm competing against you.
4) Allow your recruiter to pre-close your first choice candidate by giving them the salary and benefits ahead of time. Doing this eliminates surprises and having the candidate pre-closed before an offer is made eliminates the need to spend time negotiating and then renegotiating an offer.

When our clients give us an initial job description, McIntyre will work hard to hammer out the compensation prior to initial interviews so we can pre-negotiate all of our offers, maintain candidate control, and hopefully prevent counter offers from coming in from your competition. We like to know at all times where our candidates stand and the candidates know up front that we are doing our best work to ensure a seamless staffing partnership is being achieved. We hope that your businesses are thriving once again and wish you successful hires.

2011-03-21T11:29:00.001-07:00

First Impressions Make Lasting Ones…..

I am always left a little taken aback when I read articles about Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts. This morning a candidate came to our office for an interview with pants dragging on the ground and soaking wet hair. She was a lovely woman but her presentation put her at the end of the line for potential job interviews. After spending over twenty-five years in the staffing industry, I am amazed that people still don’t pay attention to the details that they can control and improve upon. My philosophy is to always control what you can! There are so many variables when job hunting that you can’t control why not at least control the few things that you can?
Although the economy is in a much better place than it was last year and the unemployment rate is on the decline instead of incline, the job competition is still fierce. It’s time to take stock of your entire image and take personal accountability. Here is a check list of essentials when preparing for an interview or when networking to find a job:
· Wear a classic style business suit – classics never die! Knee length skirt or plain pantsuit, and not trendy
· Always wear closed- toe shoes, nothing strappy or stiletto-like and always wear pantyhose
· Keep make-up light with no heavy eyeliner, colorful shadows, or bright a lipstick. Stick to neutrals
· Do NOT chew gum, bring a food or drink to the interview, or eat at any time during the entire interview process
· Leave your cell phone in the car! A text message or phone call can wait until you return
· Limit what you bring to your interview. You will need multiple copies of your resume, a portfolio (with questions from the research you did prior to your meeting) and a pen. The more you bring with you, the more likely something will either fall or spill, or you will leave an item or two behind
· If you are a smoker: DO NOT smoke before your interview. Everyone can smell it
· Do not wear heavy cologne or perfume, remove any multiple piercings and cover up any tattoos

These recommendations are for professional corporate job opportunities; all companies are not alike. I am speaking from experience and specific to making a good first impression only! Once you land your dream job you will have plenty of time to distinguish yourself and show your individuality and personality. Best of luck in 2011 with your career search!

Early New Year's Resolution

2010-12-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

With a new year forthcoming Gym memberships will soar; diet books will sell-out, cigarette sales will decline, and resumes will get retooled with reignited enthusiasm for a dream job come true. For those who already go to the gym year round and have been looking for their ideal job opportunity already – optimism will be thwarted.

My point – Don’t stop your career search now to fire it up again in January. Start today or keep it ongoing throughout December. It’s true - decision making does slow down in December and traditionally new budgets bring increased hiring in January. However, if you are one of the lucky few to get your resume seen in December, you might be hired for January instead of blending in with the many new eager job seekers.

I have always been of the belief that those who persist in difficult times, will come out ahead and should get noticed. Every time we have a terrible snowstorm or pouring rain, I observe which candidates fulfill their appointments at McIntyre and which candidates reschedule. It certainly doesn’t tell the whole picture but those who make it – always impress me just a little bit more.

So while people are busy, writing their greeting cards, baking holiday goods, or shopping, you should invest every bit of extra time in pursuing either a temporary or permanent job opportunity. I do come bearing good news – I promise you personally that 2011 is going to be a very good year for job opportunities, newly created jobs and lower unemployment in Connecticut. The staffing business is an excellent predictor of current and future economic conditions and 2010 was a much healthier year for employment in all of our Practice Groups. We had an overall average increase of 25%. Because we speak directly to hiring authorities all day – every day, we are the first stop for hiring news and new trends.

So quickly, if you haven’t updated that resume - get on it now and get busy. You will get a jump on all of those over-zealous January folks that are going to storm the New Year. Quite honestly, when I was a local gym member, I took the month of January off. The enthusiasm always wanes by February and I got a well needed rest.
Wishing all of you a healthy holiday season and many job opportunities in 2011!

Fast and Furious Interview Tips!

2010-10-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Fast and Furious Interviewing Tips!

As the economy continues to improve more companies will enter back into the hiring arena. When the market really gets humming companies will start to hire at a fast and furious level. I’d like to offer some thoughts and guidelines on preparing your organization (or perhaps yourself) for the interview and hiring process. At McIntyre we say “Everything starts with the interview.” In a company I believe the hiring process starts with knowing exactly what you want. Here are some points to consider:
· Job description and Average Day in the Life of…..
· Top 3 priorities in this position
· Preferred skill set
· Will not hire without skill set – can’t live without it
· Define personality type, assess culture match and fit
· How critical is this position and what is the timeline for a hire
· Consequences if this position doesn’t get filled
· Consider why position is open – if there was a conflict in the position or a difficult colleague/manager has it been fully resolved
· Ideal salary – What is your highest possible salary (absolute pain threshold)
All of these key factors must be decided on the interviewee side as well. What is the lowest salary you will tolerate? What are your absolute “must haves?” Have all of these questions resolved and commit to them prior to starting your interview process.
It is now critical to ensure that you have a seamless interview process. When the market opens up candidates that have become disenchanted in their current role will start to interview. However, string them along too long and they will remain in their current position. People don’t like to search for a job – its right up there with divorce, relocation out of state, and all those other painful issues so you must ensure a quick, organized, and efficient interview process.
Know ahead of time how many Managers really need to be a part of the interview process and what are their schedules for the next month. Remember “Time kills deals” – more is not merrier in this case – it bogs down the process. Make sure they are prepared for the candidate interview ahead of time and have all of the documentation available. Make sure your reception area is ready to receive interviews and that the candidate is expected. Nothing starts the process off on the wrong foot more than confusion at the reception area. Remember from a candidate’s perspective if your front desk seems disorganized they might make the same assumption about your entire organization.
At McIntyre we send our on-line application and all relevant necessary paperwork to our candidates prior to their interview. This way when they arrive; they can immediately meet with a Staffing Manager and aren’t spending excessive time on paperwork. Remember – Hiring cuts both ways. Candidates must be prepared and have done their research but so must clients. In order to attract top notch talent clients must still court and impress candidates even in a recessed market. I hope this makes your next hire or job interview a little easier.

Flexibility isn't just needed for Pilates.......

2010-09-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

As the owner of a staffing firm and a specialist in the employment market you can imagine when someone finds out what I do for a living they are curious about the market conditions. Over the past two years I have had countless people comment on the numerous amount of people whom are without jobs and the uncertainty in the job market, and of course I agree with them to a certain extend. There are many different things to consider when you are discussing the unemployed: where they live and how willing they are to travel, industry specialty and field of employment, level of position, and the selection and the overall flexibility of the individual candidate.
To lend you insight into the full picture and give you a direct example of a recent occurrence at our firm, I will provide you with a story of two separate candidates that came to us two weeks ago seeking employment. Our first candidate had a solid and stable background, held a degree and had all of the credentials – except flexibility and attitude. This candidate had been unemployed for nearly 8 months. She would not consider a different position, would not travel out of the town in which she lived, and would not consider even the slightest decrease from her last salary = completely inflexible. Because she has been unemployed for quite some time she also had a poor attitude and didn’t present herself as a pleasant person. She had become tainted and poisoned by her circumstances.
The second candidate that came in two days later had the same exact credentials including a delightful personality. She exuded confidence, flexibility, (she told us she would commute from Hartford, CT to Manhattan) and was willing to lower her salary up to $20,000.00. Within two days we had an interview for her and she was hired permanently for the exact salary she had made at her previous position. She didn’t have to go to Hartford or Manhattan but was able to replicate the same commute as she had in her previous position. In addition, she never actually even hit the unemployment market, because her company gave her notice. My point in telling you this story is attitude and flexibility account for a great portion of your job search. In today’s market you must exude confidence and an award winning personality – otherwise you will immediately be out of contention for that second interview. Remain flexible in every way possible ensuring that you have all of the bases covered at home. If you need help from neighbors or friends, don’t be afraid to ask – everyone needs a little assistance now and then. Once you secure your new position and show the firm that you are competent and reliable and have created tenure, firms become much more accommodating and flexible as no one wants to lose a talented and skilled employee.

35 Weeks to get a Permanent Job?!

2010-07-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

I was watching the Today show this morning and a job economist said that it is currently taking 35 weeks to get a permanent job. That is the harsh reality that many Americans are facing today. Last week we had a candidate come to McIntyre seeking a permanent job. Although very reluctant we convinced him to take a 3 day consulting job at a client of ours that we knew would like his background. The first day the client showed interest and asked for his resume. The second day we prepped him for a permanent position and he interviewed. The third and final day of his consulting assignment they offered him a permanent job. He was astounded and shocked as he wasn't very excited initially at the thought of a 3 day temp gig. This job didn't even make it to the open market. He had the inside track and beat the 35 week odds! I know that we can't help everyone but I do believe we can provide valuable information, diverse and creative solutions, and sound proven advice. I am hopeful to offer valuable insightful guidance to help you pursue your career goals. I won't be able to help solve everyone's issues but if I can provide any value then my mission will be accomplished. To McIntyre, one less unemployed person is a wonderful thing! Please feel free to write or ask a question as I look forward to hearing from you. Until then, follow you passion.

Get noticed Pussy Cat!

2010-05-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

I read a great blog the other day from a friend of mine Jim Randal. He is a very successful entrepreneur, author, and mega corporate real estate owner. He writes about a Tom Jones concert that was coming to town. The Armory was readied for the big event. A thousand folding chairs were set up and a stage was erected. The concert was promoted in the newspapers of all the big towns nearby. The concert was scheduled for 8pm. The bus of musicians arrived at 6pm. And then by 7pm mother nature appeared - A huge blinding snow storm! The roads were impassable and as a result no one could get to the Armory except Jim and some of his farm-boy buddies that lived close enough to walk.

You can imagine how excited they were to see Tom Jones. 1,000 seats in the Armory and only 8 of them occupying the front row. At 8pm the promoter had no choice but to start the concert. You can imagine how awkward - 1,000 chairs - 8 filled - big amplifiers.... The first singer went on stage and sang his song as fast as he could. He couldn't get off the stage fast enough! Same for performers 2 through 10. Only the last singer noticed the 8 filled seats. That was of course Tom Jones! He said "Well, I am very disappointed tonight but I hope those of you who are here will remember me." And he belted out his new then (now famous) song "What's New Pussycat" like he was performing it in front of 10,000 screaming fans. He smiles before he leaves the stage to a standing ovation - of course!

Jim knew that night that he had witnessed something very special - A man who loved what he did so much he gave 110% every single time he performed - wherever and under whatever circumstances.

And here is the message - PEOPLE CAN TELL! People can see when you give all that you have in an effort to greet them in a store, assist them in some way, or answer the phone. And when you do, the sky is the limit! I know for a fact - for 25 years ago, I was a clerk in a supply chain division when the Vice President of the firm happened to hear me on the phone with a client. I was "giving all that I could give on that call" and it got me noticed. From that moment on I was the promoted to the Sales Department ultimately to Director of Sales and now owner of McIntyre.

It may take awhile but your audience will stand on its feet and applaud....just as Jim has been doing for 45 years since he first met Tom Jones.

Through Rose Colored Glasses

2010-04-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have been interviewing for over twenty-five years and rarely think about my actions in an interview anymore. What I mean to say is - I am somewhat on auto pilot after such a long period of time. Of course I never forget my etiquette or professionalism but the focus is on the interviewee rather than the interviewer - or is it? In the case of our clients, I read an article the other day that was quite interesting. It stated that for the most part - although the client is in the drivers seat the client is making a first impression on the interviewee as well. Good point! Seemingly small things were pointed out that proved to be quite revealing - A company that doesn't validate parking - could mean they aren't financially stable or cheap. When a drink or break isn't offered during an extensive interview it could give the impression that they don't care or provide for their employees. If the client arrives late and seems to be looking at the resume for the first time it could be a clue that the company is hectic and unorganized. And if the interviewer isn't enthused about the company mission or work responsibilities - then how could you be?

So even though they might be in the interviewing seat they are making an important impression as well and there are two sets of eyes!

Scraps of Life

2010-03-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

I am a voracious reader always trying to fit reading into my daily schedule. If you open the gigantic black tote that I drag around with me everywhere you are bound to find torn out articles, ear-marked books, or magazines with highlights and folds. Even when I am on my treadmill I am tearing out articles and making notes on scrap paper. This might be almost as dangerous as texting while driving - but I digress. I read everything from: business books to business magazines, periodicals, newspapers, and the occasional blog. I am still adapting to blogging and continue to be overwhelmed with the amount of technology that threatens to drown me in a sea of alphas and numerics. However, the other day I read an article titled "Life Is Good...Don't Miss It!" which got my attention immediately. It asked if we were so busy checking email and running our tasks lists that we might have forgotten how to enjoy the little stuff? Your life is happening right now, so ask yourself, Am I truly enjoying the moment? It is the condition of life today - multi-tasking, hurrying, and ironically making connections so constantly that we don't realize how disconnected we really are. I see people text and check their blackberries while they are out to dinner with their families or take their dog out for a walk on a beautiful day while remaining on their cell phone the entire time.... Do we really have that much to talk about? We need to slow down and pay attention to what we're experiencing when we are experiencing it! This applies to work as well - We are so busy "multi-tasking" we aren't doing anything with our full attention anymore.

Our lives are only a series of moments and to hurtle through them on autopilot means you're missing the whole thing.

Your life is happening right now - turn off your phone, do less and ultimately receive more!

Excuse me - I am unemployed

2010-02-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Recently at a holiday party I was cornered by a person whom had been unemployed over a year and heard that I was a Recruiter. This person had me sandwiched between pigs in a blanket and the crudités for what seemed an eternity barraging me with claims of her inability to get work, the horrendous market conditions and how utterly unfair life was.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and thoroughly enjoy a healthy discussion about employment and job hunting. I am always humbled when someone asks my opinion or seeks out my help. However, I find the past year particularly challenging as many people are using our difficult economy as an excuse to be unemployed. There I said it – and it’s true! Let me explain further – First, people seem to hold a certain entitlement and feel they should be able to collect unemployment – They earned it and feel they feel they are owed it! Of course our government processes are so messed up they don’t know or can’t determine who is really eligible and who isn’t – zero accountability – so everyone gets it.
In addition to entitlement, 50% of the unemployed really don’t want to work that hard, or travel too far. They shun the thought of temporary work and could never take less than they have made in prior years – never mind a title less prestigious than what they held before! What happened to being flexible and adaptable? Or taking pride in your work or showcasing your ability to be resilient and roll with the punches?
This may seem harsh coming from a Recruiter. However I speak the truth as I witness it first-hand daily. I am not saying it’s everyone and there aren’t certain people who have particularly bad situations but if you are willing to temp, are super flexible, resourceful, eager, patient and resilient – you will eventually get a job.
After an hour conversation and suffering indigestion from ingesting 5 cold weenies I determined the cocktail job seeking candidate wanted to work part time, earn $80,000 a year, and work in her back yard…….. Point made?

Oh the places we'll go

2009-05-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

I was walking my dog the other morning when I came upon two young kids waiting for the bus. They stood stoically next to one another, white cords dangling from their ears, eyes glazed over, staring dully into their screens.

I couldn't help but stop and think to myself what is happening to the world and how sad it is. Here are two children of the same age, most likely from the same block, waiting for the same bus, going to the same school - uttering not a word.

"Oh the places we'll go" - perhaps we better check back in with Dr. Seuss.

What I learned at the Vermont Country Store

2009-04-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

What I learned in the Vermont General Store........

I have always loved spending time in Vermont especially in the winter months but have always had a hard time convincing my husband to step foot out in the cold. I finally resolved this issue by getting my husband on skis this past winter. He was instantly a natural and forever hooked. He is now a huge fan of Vermont, winter, skiing, the whole caboodle. He has also learned that they have come a long way in the development of ski clothing and that the proper ski attire can keep you remarkably warm! All problems solved.........

We recently purchased a little ski house by Stratton mountain and have spent quite a bit of time in a quaint town called Jamaica, Vermont. I have always been a big observer of people, how they interact and serve customers, how businesses are run, how customer service is applied or not and so on. Over the years I've read more business books than I'd care to discuss and always seem to circle back to the same lessons that I learned at the Vermont General Store.

People want to deal with people they genuinely like and trust. They want value, good service, but most importantly - they want consistency. They want you to always be available and consistent in your service, follow-up and products. They want to be remembered - and in Vermont they are - by name and first name only. If you need your chimney repaired they will tell you to see Joe down the road, or Dale who handles the garden work, or Ryan the mason who was referred by Joe. In the Vermont Country Store a sign hangs over the deli counter that says "We welcome the opportunity to make you a sandwich until 5pm."

Perhaps it really is that simple - provide good consistent service, be loyal, memorable, and all they need remember - is your first name.

Why do we Litter?

2009-03-06T12:48:00.001-08:00

It seems to me that there isn't much we can control of late. The stock market is tumbling down, the economy isn't the greatest and people are fearful to spend. President Obama is working fervently to handle each issue - but our government is overwhelmed. I have a thought that I ponder quite often (okay daily) that if everyone cooperated with could solve an entire major issue overnight that is severly hurting our environent. Why do people litter? Why? - When it is so easy not to. Just think for a moment if you didn't litter what benefits could be gained - State workers wouldn't have to be on the roadsides backing up traffic, you would arrive happier and quicker to and fro, they could be doing more meaningful jobs like repairing our roads. Our oceans wouldn't be polluted and are eco system would be so much healthier. Recently, I went to Disney where we have travelled many times over the years. Every time I go there I am impressed with their garbage patrol. None - I simply can't find anything - not even a random cigarette butt. I look and search - but nothing. How do they do it? And should we consider hiring Disney as a special task force to clean up America? Or - Can't we simply do it ourselves. So I ask - Why do we litter?