How Should I Make My Resume “Pop”
Well
EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRMS
WHY AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM IS STILL A GREAT VALUE
We are obviously in the age of Social Media, Job Boards, Chat Rooms, and Online Recruiting. You may think that avoiding the cost of Executive Search Firms is the ticket to lowering your hiring costs and secure top talent that will drive revenues and provide much-needed skill sets. On paper, it may seem that way. And while many Human Resource Departments and hiring managers are hamstrung by hiring budgets, that philosophy may not be the best strategy in the long run. [Read more…] about EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRMS
ACHIEVEMENTS
Useless Accomplishments That Should Not Go On A Resume
Your resume should contain accomplishments designed to attract the attention of a VP of Sales. Keep in mind that the accomplishments should not be what YOU think is important, but what the VP thinks is important. Having said that, let’s review the most useless, boring, and mundane accomplishments that are posted on many resumes. Please forgive my sarcasm, but this sarcasm is shared by hundreds of RSMs and VPs as they sift through piles and piles of resumes. Some of these responses are actual quotes from hiring managers: [Read more…] about ACHIEVEMENTS
TOO CASUAL
Don’t Be Too Casual During An Interview
Recently, an exceptional candidate of mine went in for a second interview for a surgical device client. He had made such a good impression on his phone screen that the hiring manager arranged a second interview on the spot. Expectations on both sides were high- the manager thought that he had HIS candidate, and if the candidate was even half as good as he sounded on the phone, the manager was going to expedite the process. The candidate’s expectations were high too- so high that he figured that he was a shoo-in for this position, and all he had to do was show up, maintain the momentum, and the job was his.
[Read more…] about TOO CASUAL
WERE YOU LAID OFF?
Should I Admit That I was Laid Off?
Yes. When it comes to explaining separation from a company, it is always best to tell the truth. There is NO SHAME in being downsized- none. In fact, most medical managers understand that there are circumstances where good people are laid off due to no fault of their own. In fact, many of the best candidates are riffed from a company because they are top of the line producers and the company cannot afford them! It is true. And many startup companies recruit the very best sales reps to drive revenues, and it is not the sales reps’ fault that said startup company goes out of business or is acquired. But it is how the candidate handles the termination which can make all the difference in the world. Here are some tips;
1.) Never say that the separation “was mutual,” and yet you received a severance.
Not too many companies will pay a severance if a sales rep leaves voluntarily. If you were terminated just say you were terminated. A hiring manager will respect you for your honesty.
2.) Never say that you had a disagreement with your former boss- even if it is true.
Your anger will be self evident- in facial contortions, voice inflexion, and long winded explanations. Just say that your manager was a great manager, and you had philosophical differences as to the nuances of the job. But unless the hiring manager does not press you for an explanation- try to move on. If not, be as diplomatic as possible.
3.) Never bad mouth your previous company
Always explain that it was a pleasure to work there- the people were great, the products awesome, you hated leaving it, etc. Show that you can maintain a good attitude despite bad circumstances.
4.) Be positive. It is not the end of the world.
Have confidence, and be positive. Do not let your face and eyes fall. Show that manager a bright and sunny disposition. Tell that manager that you are either going to get a job with that company, or the other three companies you are interviewing with right now. Create a demand. Do not come across as damaged goods. Managers LOVE people who can rebound!
5.) Finally- keep the Faith!
Someone is always looking out for you. And He will lead you to where you should be in life. Trust in HIM. And remember, termination is not the end- it is the BEGINNING!
THE DECISION MAKER
During the Interview Process- Treat Everyone As A Decision Maker
Most interview processes end with a trip to Corporate headquarters. This is especially true with startup companies, as there is usually a ” consensus hire.” When a candidate goes into the company headquarters there will generally be a 3-5 person interview itinerary where H/R, Product Managers, Operations Managers, VP of Sales and possibly the CEO of the company will be part of the process. And while it is important to impress all of those decision makers, it is also vitally important to impress the people whom you will NOT be interviewing; The Receptionist, Administrative Assistants, Back Room Personnel, etc. Believe it or not they will have a hand in the decision process, and if you dismiss any of these people, you may risk losing this job. In a small company, everybody’s input is valuable- primarily to determine if the candidate fits into the company culture. So watch what you say and how you act with EVERYONE.
[Read more…] about THE DECISION MAKER