If you have been sourcing salespeople recently, you have probably noticed some short tenures among the Gen Y candidates. We are sourcing for an intermediate-level sales position that has garnered a noticeable response from Gen Y (or young Gen X) candidates. The remarkable trend is that many of the candidates have 2-4 years in each position before they move on to the next opportunity. Many of our Baby Boomer managers are questioning that “job-hopping” history. This concern is valid but it is also systemic in the younger generations. They are looking to move up in their career and loyalty to one employer is far less frequent than just 20 years… Read More
Continue ReadingTattoos And Body Art
Tattoos & piercings are a growing phenomenon in our society especially as the younger generation embraces this body art. The Rock Star posted on this topic last year and it spurred much debate. And a worthy debate it is as seen in a Pioneer Press’ Body art on the job: Nearly half of Americans between 21 and 32 have at least one tattoo or piercing other than in an ear, according to a 2006 study by the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Men and women alike say their tattoos make them feel sexy and rebellious, a 2003 Harris Poll found, while the unadorned of both genders see body art… Read More
Continue ReadingThe Downside Of Blogging
Obviously we are strong supporters of blogging and encourage everyone we can to join the Blogosphere. However, some people may not benefit from blogging about their company since some things are better left unsaid, or unknown. Foxnews.com’s Blogging Gone Bad at Bear Stearns reports on a hedge fund manager’s blog that went wrong in a big way. The manager seemed to have more than enough self-esteem to discuss his cratering funds in an unconcerned manner. Here’s where the perception created by a blog can have a negative effect: The blog, full of alpha-male inspired phrases likening the demise of his funds to the attack on Sparta would have provided comic… Read More
Continue ReadingClear Communication Or Sucking Up
Yahoo.com offers up a unique article titled Five Myths of Managing Up that purports to help employees communicate more clearly with their boss. I don’t know – many of the suggestions seem like sucking up to me. For instance: Conventional wisdom: If you’re even five minutes late, the boss will think you’re a slacker. Why it’s a myth: In an age of flex time, telecommuting, Blackberries, and instant messages, bosses care more about whether you’re getting the job done than whether you’re warming your seat. Try this instead: Make sure the boss knows you’re putting in extra hours at home or on the road, both by maintaining a rapid-response email… Read More
Continue ReadingGreat Cover Email Line
One guy closes with this line: P.S. – I haven’t taken a sick day in years – I don’t get sick. I don’t know why, but that line caught my attention and made me laugh. Not a bad technique to stand out in a crowd.
Continue ReadingSales Traits Series – Surrendering Control
This week we focus on a trait that is strongly needed in a team-based sale. The salesperson needs to be the lead on a team-based sale, but they have to have the ability to let the other team members do their part. If the salesperson struggles in this area, they will be less efficient and more dictatorial in their interaction. A bad mix in today’s market. Surrendering ControlThe ability of a salesperson to surrender control of a given situation, or outcome, to another person or group of people. The ability to be comfortable in a situation where a significant portion of the responsibility for achieving a goal lies in the… Read More
Continue ReadingHappy Independence Day!
From the JustSell.com guys: In July 1776, 2.5 million people lived in the newly independent United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2007, the nation’s population has grown to 302 million, and to celebrate Independence Day this year, the National Retail Federation reports that consumers will: enjoy a BBQ, cookout or picnic (61.1%) watch fireworks or attend another community celebration (42.5%) purchase patriotic merchandise (17.3%) travel or go on vacation (11.3%) attend a parade (9.7%) Have a Happy and Safe Fourth from all of us at Select Metrix!
Continue ReadingAttract The Best And The Brightest
Here’s a good read from BusinessWeek.com titled Engaging Employees. Retaining top employees has always been a business priority, but the Millenials/Gen Y will take this management skill to a new level. That generation is looking for a strong bond with their manager and will gravitate towards managers who possess this ability. And here is a clear description of why attracting and retaining top talent is mission critical: Today’s business world is characterized by globalization, increasing competition, an ever-accelerating pace of change, an overabundance of information, a never-ending technology revolution, a growing number of mergers and acquisitions, layoffs, and a declining talent pool. In this chaotic world, a business can only survive… Read More
Continue ReadingSummer Is Here – Ads Are Down
From Inc.com’s Online Job Ads Down: The number of new job ads posted online fell by 94,000 to 4,280,400 in June, the Conference Board reported on Monday. Despite the decline, online job ads were up 24 percent in the past 12 months, the report said. One word – summer. The 12 month numbers certainly show a significant shift towards online job boards which is either indicative of increased overall hiring and/or a move away from newspaper classifieds.
Continue ReadingToo Early For References
From a sales ad I read this morning: For more information on this position or to apply please forward your resume and a list of references to… The ad is far too early for references and, quite frankly, I would be a bit surprised if any candidate provided references when simply responding to the ad. References are highly valued by candidates and no matter what they say, a reference check is always an interruption to the reference person’s day. Why would an applicant want to share that information without having any discussion about the position first? References are the last step in the hiring process before the offer. Do not expect… Read More
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