Lee and I recently attended certification training for one of the assessments we use and found the training to be quite good. The part that made it memorable is the fact that we were asked to use the assessments in real-life scenarios. That type of training sticks, according to the Wall Street Journal’s Simulation Shows What It’s Like to Be Boss: That realistic feeling is a big reason companies such as NetApp use simulations to help train managers in complex subjects such as strategic thinking. Experts say adults absorb information better when they use it, not just hear it. There is a quote from earlier in the article that is… Read More
Continue ReadingJobs In Paradise
ABCnews.com offers a completely tempting story to those of us stuck up here in the frozen tundra. With a snowstorm heading our way this evening, I am stuck on this thought: “We also have a ‘chief of village,’ which is sort of a cross between a cruise director and general manager,” Moeller said. “This is the most aspired-to position for many of our [employees]. It is like being queen or king of the roost.” There is a recruiting opportunity here: Most of these companies that cater to an international clientè have structured recruitment programs to draw worldwide talent. Bases are set up on multiple continents to sell the idea of… Read More
Continue ReadingSocial Network Background Checks
There has been much discussed about the use of social networking sites in doing background checks of candidates. I’m still on the fence, but I am leaning towards using them. Here is an actual example I heard on Friday. An owner of a medium-sized company had a problem with a previous executive assistant – let’s just say it was far too personal. She was dismissed from the role and the company looked to hire a new assistant. The hiring process for her replacement involved the owner’s wife who was going to spend 1 hour interviewing each candidate. Also, the new executive assistant would not be allowed on the company plane… Read More
Continue ReadingThe Power of Humbition
Interesting article here from BusinessWeek.com titled Talent and “Humbition” that discusses a common problem with hiring superstars – they tend to have a me-first mentality. Part of that mentality is what makes them successful, but there are stars out there who approach their work with a humbleness that is inspiring. Here is a good point in regards to this approach: First, to CEOs, HR directors, and the founders of startups: The best-run companies I know are indeed obsessed with filling their companies with great people. But they also believe that recruiting stars doesn’t mean succumbing to a me-first star system. They understand that what it means to be great is… Read More
Continue ReadingPersonality Assessments And Stereotypes
Personality assessments, or “communication style” as I prefer, are highly valuable in the hiring process for one important aspect – communication. How many office conflicts have you seen where poor communication was adding oxygen to the fire? We see it in almost every office conflict. One way to diffuse these situations is to assess candidates before they join your team. Doing so allows the manager to know the preferred communication style of the new employee. This knowledge can also predict potential conflict areas between two employees before any conflict develops. However, there are still companies out there who harbor concerns about assessments. One common concern is mentioned in this BusinessWeek.com… Read More
Continue ReadingA Recruiter’s Role
HR departments and third-party recruiters often go at it with hammers and tongs since each side thinks the other side is…problematic. You don’t need an organizational development specialist to tell you this is not a healthy business relationship. BusinessWeek.com approaches this topic in How Recruiters and HR Can Work Together. The article starts with a tactical point that we encounter during every negotiation: In my experience, the greatest service a third-party search partner provides to the organization, besides the strength of his or her candidate database and relationships, is the intermediary role a search pro performs during offer negotiation. I pride myself on good listening and negotiating skills, but if… Read More
Continue ReadingNo Way They Would Stay
From the Herman Trend Alert (sorry, no link): A global survey of 4,500 workers indicates that more people anticipate leaving their employers this year than last. In the 2006 BlessingWhite study, 65 percent said that they expected to “definitely” remain with their employers through the year. In the 2007 study, that number was down to 58 percent. Also of interest, more respondents in 2007 said that there is “no way” they would stay (eight percent up from six percent—a 33 percent increase). European employers face the greatest threat: eleven percent said there is “no way” they will stay. Moreover, employees in Europe and Asia appear less content with their current… Read More
Continue ReadingDressed For Success-Take Two
Ok, the whole candidate attire topic seems to be floating around the areas of the web I patrol. CareerJournal.com offers a follow up article titled Tassels, Pantsuits and Other Interview Fashion Faux-Pas. Great title. Here is a quick description of the debate from the article: Perhaps it’s lamentable that a person should be judged on how he maintains his car interior or what he wears. “I’ve encountered far too many empty suits who are perfectly groomed but have little relevant knowledge,” wrote Marty Robins, an attorney in Buffalo Grove, Ill. “Conversely, many people who emphasize keeping current their technical skills and industry knowledge do not have time to spend preening… Read More
Continue ReadingHiring Well Sounds Simple
CNNMoney.com’s quick-hitter advice article titled 7 ways to avoid employees from hell offers some simple advice. How about this one: Hire well Even the lowest-level prospect – the kind who is typically hired quickly – should be thoroughly vetted by at least two interviewers. Check references. Well, yes, “hiring well” is the key to strong employees. Eating well is also a key to losing weight…but that doesn’t make it easy to do. Two interviewers is a good start. Objective assessments are a better plan. Having a structured hiring process is the best plan.
Continue ReadingWisdom From Sports Illustrated
I read many things across the web including certain columnists from Sports Illustrated. Peter King writes an insider’s view to professional football that I find fascinating. Plus, the guy is a coffee (actually lattes) addict like myself so I always appreciate his weekly coffee tips. This quote from his article last week caught my attention: But I will say one thing about the firing: It’s always dangerous when you start polling players and people in the building about the job the head coach is doing. If you’ve got a conviction about the coach, act on your conviction, and the beliefs of your closest associates, like president Dick Cass and GM… Read More
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