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, Brandee Leonhardt, has more than 5 years in the staffing industry and hails from Stockton, California.
1. What are the advantages of utilizing a recruiter while searching for a job during a shaky economy?
By using a recruiter in your job search, you are provided with one-on-one contact with someone who is really trying to get to know you as a person and help satisfy your career needs. Job seekers will receive helpful assistance with accurate and results-oriented job search information when working with a recruiter.
Recruiters are especially helpful when job seekers are up against a challenging job market. With the unemployment rate rising across the country, companies are receiving an overwhelming response to their traditional job board postings. This has resulted in more companies utilizing our services to help them filter through the hundreds of job applications that are pouring it. It is to a job seeker's advantage to work with a recruiter during these times because we aren't pulling resumes from job boards anywhere near as much as this time last year. In an active economy, we will find you. However during a slower economy, it is critical that you find us. We can provide you with a higher level of exposure to companies that are hiring.
2. What are some tips for job seekers in today's challenging job market?
With an increase in the amount of employers seeking temporary employment options for their workforces, candidates must be willing to consider alternate career paths for the short-term. Employers are looking for highly-skilled, trainable employees. With a growing candidate pool, job seekers need to be focused on acquiring and improving upon their transferable skills. Companies are looking for candidates with basic computer skills, general office abilities, customer service, sales and entry level management skills. If you don't have these skills, our office offers computer training to its candidates, as well as do many local organizations, community colleges and unemployment offices.
I strongly urge job seekers to network, network, network! Participating in local recruiting events and job fairs to put you in contact with a wide variety of opportunities available that will be the best fit for your career objectives. With increased competition for jobs, you can never make too many connections! Another great way to make connections is by volunteering at industry-specific charitable events, this is great way to give back to your community and promote your own job search.
3. What types of things can candidates do to distinguish themselves from the pack?
Study a company's website before the interview to learn more about the employer you are interviewing with; ask valuable questions regarding company and position; send a Thank You letter/email after interview. Distinguished job seekers ask key questions about a company's culture, business objectives, career growth potential, benefits, tuition assistance, etc.
4. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the contact with the people, both candidates and clients. I enjoy being able to build relationships that make our operation successful. I love feeling like what I do changes lives!
Posted by Brandee Leonhardt on October 30, 2008 at 2:29 PM
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