From the Career News newsletter (sorry, no link-my emphasis): And a growing number of employees have concluded that the best way to move up is to move around. According to international-employment-matchmaker Randstad’s latest World of Work Survey, more than half of today’s employed are searching the Internet for a better situation; yet most profess to be happy in their current jobs, despite a 41-to-60-hour work week. A just-released study by the Conference Board confirms that almost three-quarters of job-seekers are pounding virtual pavement. They’re scanning Internet job boards like Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com and networking with friends, acquaintances and friends of acquaintances on sites like Facebook and its business-networking predecessor LinkedIn.… Read More
Continue ReadingStuck In The Middle With You
When recruiting sales talent, we often get caught in the middle on one important topic. Timing. Sourcing a strong candidate who is looking to move at the right moment is a complex undertaking. Few salespeople will cash in their current job for blue-sky possibilities which is how most opportunities appear at the outset. As we approach Thanksgiving here in the States, the timing window shrinks. With Q4 one third of the way complete, most salespeople have a good idea of how their quarter is going to finish up in terms of revenue and, more importantly, commission. On top of that, they probably have family time, holiday travel and time off… Read More
Continue ReadingI Don’t Think He Got The Job
This story is from Forbes.com – Seven Deadly Interview Sins: David Hoffman (CEO) recalls taking a candidate out for dinner for the final interview. The candidate impressed the hiring committee throughout several rounds of interviews and he was their choice to become a senior consultant…This informal meeting was the final hurdle. The candidate drank so much scotch that Hoffman had to call an ambulance and the candidate was taken by stretcher to the hospital where he was treated for alcohol poisoning. “You think I’m embellishing but I’m not,” says Hoffman. I shouldn’t laugh but I keep thinking of the CEO having to call an ambulance at the restaurant.
Continue ReadingWorking In A Totalitarian Culture
Corporate culture is an intriguing topic and one that is difficult to define. Lee and I both used to work for a company that attempted to measure, ascertain, define corporate culture through a homemade tool. It didn’t work, but the topic was still interesting. I personally believe that culture is experienced directly from your manager. I worked in a company where my dictatorial manager created a department that was far different than other departments within sales. In light of that theory, I give you this quick post from Inc.com Stan O’Neal Failed the First Rule of Leadership. The pull quote: Beth and the other interns were given a strict set… Read More
Continue ReadingThe Craig’s List Tragedy
The recent murder of a young woman responding to a Craig’s List ad here in Minnesota has saddened all of us. Although the details are still sketchy, it appears to be a heinous, planned murder. Unfortunately, it has hit close to home with all of us at The Hire Sense. The murder occurred just 20 miles away from us in the same metropolitan county. Furthermore, we know the victim’s uncle. He is the top candidate for one of the position’s we are selecting for one of our customers. I called the candidate yesterday to follow up on the next step in our process and was utterly stunned when he told… Read More
Continue ReadingEnglish Gone Very Wrong
The latest update to Cover Letters From Hell is out and it is quite entertaining. The cover letter errors will make you laugh along with the snarky commentary from Killian’s people. One of my personal favorites this time (Killian’s comments in italics): “i am a freeelance writer and have worked with a magazine for almost three years before. i came across ur advertisement in [name of magazine]. if you wish i can send you my cv along with some sample writings.” “To seek career in a dynamic & well Organization which offer Good oppertunities & challenging revelant exposure, self enchancement & growth…” While we have no idea what this means,… Read More
Continue ReadingWho Needs Contracts?
I was on a sales conference call with one of our national customers this morning. The sales manager went around the horn asking each salesperson what contract/documentation they use when closing a new customer. The company is lacking a structured contract. I know, scary. But the salty old sales guy in the group who has had success over the years had a great reply. Sales manager: “Jim, you’ve been doing this a while. What do you use for a contract?” Jim the sales guy: “A handshake and a smile.” Good thing I had my phone muted.
Continue ReadingJudge Them By Their Performance
Here’s a mindbender for you – we have a customer who has a relatively new salesperson and a new sales manager. The salesperson has sold more than the 5 other new salespeople hired within a few months of him (mostly before him). The sales manager has not met the salesperson in person yet, but has voiced some concern about him. The concern – this salesperson does not have industry experience (we sourced him from a completely different industry that has a similar sale). The industry they sell in is, well, to be blunt, rather not complex. Again, this salesperson is off to the best start of the group, but the… Read More
Continue ReadingFacebook, Microsoft And Banner Ads
From Inc.com regarding Microsoft’s staggering investment in Facebook (emphasis mine): The software megalith paid $240 million for a 1.6 percent equity stake in the fast growing social network. That’s a lot of money, but the real reason for the Facebook brouhaha is the valuation: $15 billion dollars for a company that has revenues estimated at $150 million, profits of approximately $30 million, a flip-flop wearing 23 year old of a CEO. The idea that Facebook might be worth $1 billion let alone $15 billion seemed like near insanity only a year ago, which makes Microsoft’s investment a huge coup for Mark Zuckerberg. But look beyond the numbers, and you’ll see… Read More
Continue ReadingThis Makes Banner Ads Look Cheap
From the JustSell.com newsletter: The doctors of “Grey’s Anatomy” are reaping rewards “Grey’s” is the most expensive show this television season, bringing in $419,000 per 30-second commercial, according to AdAge.com. That’s $25,000 more than last year’s top show, “Desperate Housewives,” commanded per 30-second spot. Here’s the fall lineup, in terms of advertising dollars… “Grey’s Anatomy” – $419,000 “Sunday Night Football” – $358,000 “The Simpsons” – $315,000 “Heroes” – $296,000 “Desperate Housewives” – $270,000 “CSI” – $248,000 “Two and a Half Men” – $231,000 “Survivor: China” – $208,000 “Private Practice” – $208,000 The show that has them all beat? A 30-second spot in this year’s Super Bowl cost $2.6 million.
Continue Reading