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Recruiter Q & A

In Recruiter Q &A, experienced Spherion recruiters discuss the latest trends in the job market and provide advice on making the most of your job search. This month's recruiter, Phyllis Roberts is a top-performing direct hire recruiter covering Broward and Palm Beach Counties for Spherion. Phyllis has been a recruiter with Spherion for five years and her background includes both temp-to-hire and direct hire experience.

1. What exactly is the role of a recruiter?
The role of a recruiter is to find the most talented individual and the perfect candidate for the hiring company. A recruiter also provides their candidates with valuable interview skills training and always keeps an open line of communication.

2. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search?
There are several advantages of using a recruiter. By working with a recruiter, you have someone who works on your behalf at no cost to you, takes your career search as seriously as you do and thoroughly researches all available opportunities to help match your interests and goals. Recruiters also offer resume writing advice, understand and respect your need for confidentiality and can monitor everything from closing the agreement to negotiating your salary.

Also the recruiter often has a long-term relationship with the client company, allowing them to know of many job opportunities that aren't publicity posted. This ultimately saves you both time and energy in your job search, while ensuring that you are good fit for a particular company and position.

3. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously with hiring decisions?
First and foremost, be prepared for a challenging job market. It is important to go on multiple interviews and be prepared to meet and greet people and present yourself in a professional manner. This includes having a well-written resume, cover letter and recommendations. Keep in mind that the job interview is your first contact with a prospective employer. An interview should be approached with careful preparation. The outcome of the interview is the most important factor in determining whether you will be hired or not. Be sure to research the company and honestly answer all questions the interviewer asks of you in a polite manner. And of course, always be sure to thank the interviewer for their time.

4. Let's talk about interview attire. What type of dress do you recommend candidates wear when they are interviewing?
Never underestimate the importance of choosing appropriate job interview attire. The clothes you wear to a job interview are a big part of the first impression you make to a potential employer. People make judgments about your suitability for a job within the first few seconds of meeting you. It is important to gauge the situation and the nature of the company when choosing your clothes for the interview. Dress one level above the way you would dress if you were going to work at that company. This shows the employer you've made the effort to show yourself in the best possible light. Casual Fridays NEVER apply when interviewing! Try on all your clothes the day before the interview to make sure everything fits well and there are no stains on your clothes. Always avoid loud, bright, excessive or extreme clothing.

5. How did you become a recruiter?
I owned my own business for several years and was responsible for the hiring of my staff. I very much enjoyed the process of interviewing, the enjoyment of giving people jobs and developing their careers. I was good at it and decided to pursue this role full-time. I enjoy the success of matching a great candidate to a great job opportunity. Making the right marriage between a candidate and a company is emotionally, intellectually and financially fulfilling and rewarding!

Instant Messaging or Instant Time Wasting?: Office IM Etiquette

More and more, companies are allowing instant messaging, or IM's, as a way for workers to converse quickly in real time. Although IM-ing is not a new phenomenon on personal time, for the work environment it can be a helpful tool or full blown distraction.

Instant messaging etiquette is no different than email or phone etiquette at work. You have to remember to put your "work hat" on before engaging in any conversations. Although workplaces have relaxed their environments, it is still your place of employment and professionalism reigns supreme to guarantee that productivity is not sacrificed for relaxed demeanor.

If you are allowed to IM at work, make sure the conversation is professional and contains strictly work-related matters. Just like email, there is a record of conversations and a log for how long employees are engaged through chat, which can certainly come back to haunt you if your time card and productivity ever come into question.

You should also turn your chat off or post your away status so that the constant pop up of messages do not pull you away from the tasks at hand. Also similar to email, the need to respond immediately to messages can be overwhelming and distracting.

Keeping your professionalism and good judgment intact are key to utilizing IM, email, texting, or any other real time tools at work. Remember, the best way to lose the privilege of using them is to abuse them.

Making Changes: Junior Employees as Change Agents

I recently read an article about junior employees as change agents within their company. But what exactly is a change agent? When I think about employees I would consider change agents, those who come to mind are employees who offer well-thought out ideas and solutions, as well as those who show follow through. But what about junior employees who are just getting their feet wet in the workplace?

Junior employees have a couple of hurdles to jump over if they want to be considered change agents in their company. To begin with, some more mature workers will view junior employees as inexperienced, leading to trust issues. This may or may not be a fair assessment, but it could be reality. So you will have to gain trust in order to be viewed as any more than an entry-level or junior employee.

You should show enthusiasm for your ideas, but don't be too quick to jump the gun on your ideas. Temper your enthusiasm before moving ahead with suggesting your ideas. If your enthusiasm and excitement cloud your judgment, you could be setting yourself up for failure if your plan is not well-thought out.

As hard as it may sound at first, don't be afraid to disagree with colleagues. It is intimidating at first, but don't underestimate your ideas or ability to contribute to a conversation or meeting. You may have thought of something that no one else has. So don't be afraid to show your "know how" and offer alternative ideas.

Without asserting yourself and expressing your ideas, as well as developing a level of trust among your colleagues, it will be difficult to move up the ranks and be viewed as more than a junior employee. And remember, you always want to be viewed as an employee who is a level higher than you are.

Bridging the Office Generation Gap

For newly graduated employees working at their first job, there are plenty of learning opportunities. Learning how to conduct yourself in meetings, when to contribute and what to contribute; learning how to interact with your boss; learning more and more about your career through experience, the list can go on and on.

But, one the most surprising learning curves may be how to get along with and work with colleagues from differenet generations. Entry-level employees will have colleagues ranging from 25 to over 60 years of age. If you are an entry-level employee, you will probably have more in common with those who have one or two years of experience, but you cannot expect to only work with those you have something in common.

So how do you bridge the gap between yourself and a colleague who may be in their 40's, 50's or 60's?

First of all, you have to remember that when you enter the workforce for your first professional job, there is a "pecking order". More than likely, your manager is going to be 20 and possibly 30 years your senior. So you will need to master the manager-employee relationship off the bat. This is a situation where you can feel comfortable asking more mature colleagues their advice. Life and work experience are a tremendous value that more mature employees can offer entry-level workers.

Secondly, take a cue from workers who have tenure at your company. Pay attention to how they interact with other colleagues and clients. Don't mimic their mannerisms completely, but do take time to understand their tone of voice, how they dress and the manner in which they conduct themselves throughout the work day.

Be sure to take their advice and not be offended if someone pulls you aside and points out behavior you could improve upon or stop altogether. If it's your first job, you are not going to know everything from the get-go. Much of the workplace is about learning as you go. Thank them for their support and appreciate the fact they are telling you before the wrong behavior can result in a big problem with your manager.

Don't forget to give something back in return. As an entry-level, younger worker, you probably have more technological skills than your more experienced counterparts. Offer to help them understand some of the newer technological advancements, and pitch in where you can, especially if you have colleagues with children who look like they could be burning the midnight oil.

Raise During a Recession?

"Asking for a raise during a recession is not out of the question for deserving workers. What should be out of the question is asking for a raise without the backup or proof that you deserve one. If you don't ask, you won't receive. Just be sure to do your homework in determining your market value and contributions to your employer before you "raise" the idea."

How do I ask For a Raise During a Recession?

Q:   Dear Seymour, how do I ask for a raise during a recession?

- Submitted by Bill Green, Nashville, North Carolina

A: Dear Bill,

Economic recessions are tough, and they make asking for (and getting) a raise even tougher. Most companies are tightening belts and watching spending much more closely. However, there are a few strategies you can use to make a convincing argument for the pay increase you feel you deserve.

Most of all, remember to be confident.
It's important to be willing to market yourself. You are your best advocate, so don't be timid. Being respectful and unpretentious is key, but it's okay to openly discuss your accomplishments, talents, and work ethic. Sell yourself as a vital member of your team and the company.

Have some supporting statistics.
When your boss asks why you deserve a raise, be ready to answer. Prepare to have proof of why you're a head above the rest. How have you helped the business develop? How have you improved the bottom line? What ways have you contributed that set you apart?

Set a formal meeting.
Don't ambush your boss with a sudden request for a bigger salary. You boss won't be able to give you his or her full attention unless you request a set meeting time where you can discuss the matter directly in privacy.

Be realistic.
Think about what you are worth as well as what your job is worth to you. Be reasonable when you decide what salary to ask for. If possible, research your company's negotiation process and procedures.

Consider job hunting.
A job search could help you in several ways. You never know--you might find a wonderful opportunity that you didn't know about before. Another job offer could also give you the leverage you might need to swing a pay increase. But beware, because this tactic could backfire if you are not prepared to leave your current job.

Best of luck,

Seymour

Awake, Alert and Ready to Work

We have all been there. The feeling of exhaustion and tiredness at work has crept into everyone's cubicle or office now and then. But you never want to show the outward signs of being too tired to perform your job.

Your reputation is on the line every day at the office. Whether it's the quality of your projects or the manner in which you conduct yourself in meetings, you always want to make a good impression.

But if you are dragging into the office and unable to stay focused because you feel tired, you may be giving your manager a reason to call your ability into question. And that can lead to being passed up for promotions and even termination. So what can you do to inject some life back into your work day?

A blog post I recently read specifically points out what to do when you feel too tired at work. But I think it's important to find out why you are so tired in the first place.

First, you may not be getting enough sleep or have interrupted sleep, which is common for adults. If it's more often than the occasional night when you toss and turn, you may need to consult with your doctor in case you have a sleep disorder, or need assistance with falling and staying asleep.

You should also monitor your diet. Are you drinking too much caffeine during the day or too close to bedtime? This could be the culprit to having "crashes" throughout the day, or having interrupted sleep at night.

When you feel that you are getting tired at work, take a break and go for a walk. Not only will the exercise give you an endorphin rush, but the fresh air and sunshine help pep you up as well.

Also consider the type of work you are doing. Are you stimulated and engaged, or do you find your workload boring and mundane? Talk to your manager about taking on more responsibility or tweaking some of your tasks so that you can learn additional skills. Your boss will certainly be impressed by your willingness to learn and do more, and you can be energized by new and exciting work.

Would you take a pay cut to keep your job?

Given the state of our current economy and a not-so bright outlook being predicted for 2009, more and more workers are finding themselves unemployed and trying to keep their heads above water in one of the toughest job markets in history.

In light of this situation, many employers are scaling back on their employees' salaries in an effort to help conserve jobs and avoid layoffs in quick reaction to this economic slowdown.

If your employer is considering or has already decided to make salary cuts, here are some things to consider during this transition:

- Timeline. Ask your employer to explain where cuts will take place, how often they will be made and how long they will last so that you have a clear idea of what to expect.

- Benefits. It's important to find out if the reductions will impact just your salary or your benefits package as well. For many families, living without benefits is non-negotiable.

- Room for Growth. Take this opportunity to evaluate your future with your current employer. If your stuck in a dead-end job or just feel that your priorities don't align with your company's, now may be the time to consider making a job transition.

- Rebound. Will your company be positioned for growth once the health of the economy improves? When the economy does turn around, it's important to know when and if you can expect your salary to return to it's pre-existing level.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to accept a pay cut. While each worker will likely have a unique set of circumstances to consider when making this decision, it is important to review all aspects of the salary reduction and the impact that will be made on your personal situation.

Break Your Bad Work Habits

The New Year is always a good time to take an "out with the old and in with the new" attitude. A recent Big Time post focused on New Year's resolutions that were work oriented. But one article I came across discussed chronic work bad habits and how to break them.

Some of the worst work bad habits are due to complacency or lack of oversight, and can be anything from being late in the morning to conducting too much personal business on company time.

In order to correct bad habits, you have to identify what they are and be honest with yourself about being guilty of them. Keep track of everything you do throughout the day and make a mental check list of how often you do it.

Breaking bad habits can be tough, but once you get into the good habit it will be as easy to keep up as the bad one. If you always seem to be 10 minutes late, set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier. Are you moved to balance your checkbook at 11 am or 3 pm? Instead use those times to catch up on email.

Starting off the New Year on the right foot can mean great success for you in the long run. Not only can you focus on breaking bad work habits, but now may be the time to start skipping out on mid-morning cigarette breaks, or the late-afternoon snack run.

My friend was laid off, what do I say?

It is unfortunate, but becoming more frequent. More and more workers are being downsized or laid off from their jobs. It can be devastating when it happens to someone you know and is close to. What do you say?

First of all, don't avoid the issue. It will probably alter how you spend time together because of their need to job search and save money. So lend a shoulder to cry on, or just be there to provide a pick me up.

You should also be careful about not inviting your friends to do something because they may not be spending as much money on going out. You may think that you are being considerate, but ceasing to make plans with that person is a painful reminder that they are not currently working. So maybe cook dinner at home and rent movies for a change.

Also, don't hesitate to offer to help with their job search. Losing a job can be overwhelming, and some workers have a hard time focusing and deciding where to start. So offer to help your friend become organized and suggest Web sites, organizations or other possible job opportunities.

Lastly, if you are a member of a networking organization, extend an invitation to your friend. Even if you don't have experience in the same industry, networking anywhere could lead to a new opportunity. You can help break the ice by introducing your friend to other members, and they may know someone who can help your friend find a new job.

Layoffs are tough, but the bottom line when it comes to a friend losing their job is to just be a friend back.

Don't Let the Holidays Break Your Job Search Stride

Ahhh...the holidays. Good food, good fun and time spent with good family and friends. But wait a minute. Don't you need a job? This may have seemed like down time, especially for recent graduates, but just because the holidays were here doesn't mean that you shouldn't be continuing your job search.

As a matter of fact, this is the perfect time for recent graduates to dedicate focus on finding a job. One article points out the many tasks that can be undertaken, as well as ideas to keep your job search top of mind.

One thing to remember is that there are more workers looking for employment than this time last year. So competition may be stiff and there are probably fewer jobs available. You have to do what you can to stand out from the crowd and get noticed as the person who should be hired.

While spending time with friends and family, ask them their expertise on the topic of finding a job and what their employers are looking for from new candidates. Seek out their advice about how to impress a hiring manager and the type of answers they are looking for during an interview.

Now that you have the down time, use the holidays to your advantage and focus on the job search.

New Year - Don't forget your work resolutions

Each year, everyone makes the same New Year's resolutions: lose weight, exercise, clean the house more often. The list can go on and on.

If you are tired of making the same old tried and true resolutions, take a new approach this year and try to make your resolutions apply to work. Here are my top New Year's resolutions for the workplace:

- Be more organized. Start small and then grow into a well-organized machine. Maybe now is the time to create folders for old emails, or develop a filing system.
- Conduct better meetings. Find one pet peeve that makes meetings inefficient, and work on correcting it.
- Be a better colleague. This is an easy one that everyone could use some room for improvement.
- Take your vacation. It's becoming harder and harder, but this year plan ahead and make time for yourself away from the office.
- Turn off the cell phone, blackberry and lap top. This one goes hand and hand with vacation. Technology is great, but you have to shut down so you don't burn out.

Happy New Year!