Top 5 Ways to Spot a Problem Candidate

Top 5 Ways to Spot a Problem Candidate Most of the time, working with candidates is a pleasure â€" you are providing a service, helping them find their new dream job. Sometimes, though, you encounter a candidate who is going to cause you problems, who is difficult to work with and is generally more trouble than they are worth. These are some of the key ‘red flags’ of such candidates to help the recruiter identify them early on and manage that risk more effectively. 1. Money, Money, Money It may surprise you to learn that money isn’t the main motivator for most candidates â€" most studies conducted on employee motivation show that for most employees, the nature of the work itself is the main motivator: is it ‘worthwhile’; will there be a sense of accomplishment; will they enjoy the work. Money is an important factor, but usually second to job satisfaction. Therefore if a candidate’s primary motivation for moving on is money that would ring alarm bells. This candidate will be harder to place as they will simply choose the highest value job offer, so are likely to be more flaky and harder to secure. Not impossible, but more effort will be needed. Furthermore, some money-motivated candidates are only interviewing to get a pay-rise at their current job, and will use the new job offer as leverage for a raise. There is nothing more frustrating than a counter-offer at offer stage. If your strongest candidate for a role is money-motivated, then you need to keep looking to have a contingency candidate as a back-up. (There is nothing wrong with being money-motivated of course, but my point is it can cause problems for the recruiter than need to be managed). 2. My phone was, erm, broken… Recruitment takes place over a number of, often non-consecutive, days. You need your candidates to want your opportunity or you are never going to place them. One of the ways they can show this desire is by keeping in touch with you. Ask them to call you at specific times, such as the morning after first speaking to them about the role, or immediately after an interview â€" if they fail to do so, then it may be a sign that they aren’t that interested in the role. By giving them deadlines to contact you, you can assess their desire for the position. An incommunicado candidate at any stage of the recruitment process is a major cause for concern. 3. My CV’s fine, thank you! Recruiters are experts in recruitment â€" we know what a strong CV looks like, and we know what our clients are looking for. A lot of great candidates have CVs that are somewhat pants, or are OK but need adjusting for the role. Candidates need to work collaboratively with recruiters, so if a recruiter tells a candidate they need to make changes, then they need to make changes. Candidates who refuse to do so, or will do so but only make a minor change (sending a new CV with one extra sentence added in) aren’t going to work collaboratively with you, making your job that much harder. Be wary of such candidates. 4. How very dare you?! A big part of a recruiter’s job is giving feedback, both positive and negative. When a candidate is rejected, we find out why and will try to pass that on to the candidate. Often the feedback is along the lines of, ‘we liked him but saw someone better’. Sometimes, feedback is more critical â€" maybe they have a problem with their interview style, maybe they made some mistakes on the more technical aspects of the interview. In this case, the recruiter has to give honest feedback to help them improve. If a candidate objects, or refuses to acknowledge the feedback, then that is a major issue (I have known candidates to insist that their interviewer, often many years their senior with far greater technical knowledge, were wrong and had made the technical mistake!). This kind of response tells you all you need to know about a candidate â€" they don’t respond to criticism well, and so will always be difficult to work with and place. At this point you may have to walk away from them. 5. I’m not telling you that! A key aspect of the recruiter-candidate relationship is trust. Trust is reciprocal; it is about entering into a relationship based on sharing of information. Studies on knowledge-hiding (refusing to share requested information) suggest that the key cause for not sharing requested information is because of mistrust. If a candidate doesn’t trust you, then your job becomes so much harder â€" you will never know if they are giving you the full story, or hiding things from you. In any industry, knowledge is power. The more you know, the more control you will have over events. If your knowledge is compromised, or incomplete, then you risk the recruitment process falling apart, leaving you with a vacant role and a miffed client. If your candidate is hiding reasonable information from you, or is being evasive and non-committal, be concerned. The main onus is on the recruiter. Recruiters should understand what the candidate is looking for and ensure that their opportunities are a strong match for the candidate. People’s needs are heterogeneous (a fancy way of saying different people have different needs), and a recruiter’s job is to find candidates whose needs strongly correlate with the opportunity on offer. Most candidates will work collaboratively with their recruiter, and problematic candidates are very much in the minority. However, keeping an eye out for red flags helps you to continually assess your candidate, so you can stay in control of the recruitment process at all times, even if that means occasionally making the decision to withdraw a risky candidate from the process. It is your reputation at stake, after all.

Why Would I Need a Cover Letter?

Why Would I Need a Cover Letter?When I see a cover letter resume examples, I always wonder why I would need one. A cover letter is just a few sentences and is really only necessary when your letter does not get picked up by a hiring manager. You should not have to use it unless you are applying for something that requires you to submit a resume.Cover letter sample shows that there are many different types of covers on the market. Of course, when I think the cover letter, I immediately think 'cover.' In fact, you may think you have to use this letter on all your applications, but in reality you may only need it on your cover letter. This is important because if you know the difference between an 'application' and a 'cover letter,' you will get better results.Cover letter samples are very easy to read and are usually illustrated. The illustrations will tell you if your letter needs an overhaul. When I am searching for a cover letter sample, I scan the cover letter examples for the info rmation that I am looking for. If I do not find what I need, I move on to the next letter.Using cover letter samples can save you time and make your application easier to read. For example, if your letter is not very good, it will make your resume look worse. If you know what your goals are, you can tailor your cover letter to the type of job you are applying for. If you know what position you are applying for, you can tell the company exactly what you want.The cover letter samples are a great way to see what is expected of you. Even if you do not have experience, your cover letter will show that you care about getting the job. If you need experience, you can always use your cover letter samples as a starting point and work on your resume later.There are a lot of things that you need to know when using a cover letter. I usually look at my cover letter samples once a week, so that I am always aware of how I am doing. When I do not know what to write, I follow the examples closely to get a feel for what I need to do.By using cover letter samples, I also know how much time I have to spend on my resume. I need to add in all the things I need to add to it, so that I know how long it will take me to get my application ready. You can also save time by writing the cover letter yourself.So, why would I ever use cover letter samples? I believe they are really helpful. You can check out the samples from other people, but you have to make sure that you have a copy that you can use as well.

Is Your Elevator Pitch Working - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Is Your Elevator Pitch Working - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career I frequent job search networking groups where people stand up and recite what’s called the elevator pitch. Ideally, people are supposed to be able to concisely sum up unique professional aspects about themselves in a way that intrigues and excites listeners so that the listeners will want to connect laterâ€"for mutual benefitâ€"with the one giving the pitch. Yet most people fail to achieve that objective. It’s too bad, because the elevator pitch is the single most important part of group networking. If you’re unsuccessful and simply sound like each of the other fifty people in the room, you miss the opportunity to brand yourself. Most people at such job search networking meetings disappoint for a number of reasons. First, they announce their first and last names way too quickly and way too softlyâ€"to the point that the name is not audible by those sitting at a bit of distance from them in the room. Second, the overall gist of most people’s pitches involves praising themselves by talking about how great they are at what they do and how much they saved their companies. Frankly, probably no one in the audience cares about those self-promoting sound bites. Most of the people in the room look at you and pretend to be listening, but their minds are elsewhere. If they haven’t had their turn yet, then they’re most likely preoccupied with reciting in their own mind what they’re going to say when their turn comes. And if they’ve already given their pitch, everybody else is boring them. A successful elevator pitch is much more than words and facts. It’s supposed to inspire the listener to action, but in order to achieve that, your delivery must express authenticity, and it has to involve your body, your voice, and the content of your pitch. You are onstage. People want you to be successful and not to disappoint. Your attire matters too, because attire is part of your overall image. If you look like you just finished mowing the lawn minutes before delivering your pitch, you’ll probably be memorable, but not in a way that’s positive. Project your voice so that everyone can hear you. Make sure there’s congruence between your body language and the words you say. Show passion and excitement that will radiate through the audience. And most important of all, offer your assistance to others. That’s what will attract the audience. I’ve seen many people fail with their elevator pitch because it was evident that they were winging it. They had not prepared for it, which completely eroded their confidence. A first impression happens only once: at first! Listeners are picking up on this instantly. It takes only seconds to set the stage for a great elevator pitch or to ruin one. Craft your elevator pitch very carefully. Run it by people who have a flair for marketing. Adjust it till it seems comfortable for delivery in front of a large audience. Practice it several times till it feels natural. Then improve on it to make it even better. It needs to sound confident and natural. Make it short, because in this case, less is more. Don’t expect at the end that someone’s going to offer you a job; that would be highly unrealistic. The purpose of the elevator pitch is to establish relationships with new people. So it’s all about relationship building, because relationships are the sources for 60 to 80 percent of job offers.

What is a Research Coordinator What Do They Do - Algrim.co

What is a Research Coordinator What Do They Do - Algrim.co Clinical Research Coordinators organize and conduct clinical trials and studies in the medical industry. They ensure that all studies under their purview are conducted according to the highest ethical standards and good clinical practice. They are responsible for organizing quality clinical trials and ensure accurate reports of observations and final results. What Does a Clinical Research Coordinator Do? Clinical researchers have a wide variety of important tasks from the onset of clinical trials up to their completion and analyses. One of their most important duties is ensuring that all clinical studies meet clinical research ethical standards and that all research team members comply with applicable regulations and rules through the clinical trial process. They are also responsible for keeping materials and supplies safe before, during, and after the clinical study. They also oversee the complete and accurate documentation and records keeping processes over the duration of the clinical research trial. Another main responsibility of a clinical research coordinator is the recruitment and management of patients and test subjects before and during the clinical trial. They ensure a high level of patient care during the study, explain the trial objectives, and answer any questions the patients may have regarding the clinical trial processes. They make sure that all patients have the knowledge they need regarding the study and know what will happen over the course of the trial. Clinical research coordinators also oversee funding and budgets of the clinical trials they organize. They must determine the cost of the study and apply for grants and funding for their research study. How To Become a Clinical Research Coordinator Clinical Research Coordinators need a science background, either in chemistry, biology, clinical research pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, health psychology, or biomedical ethics. To develop this foundation, clinical research coordinators must earn a Bachelor’s degree in the science of clinical research. This way, you will learn not only the scientific and medicinal aspects of clinical research but how to accurately conduct clinical tests and studies. Once you’ve earned your Bachelor’s degree, you must take the Clinical Research Professionals examination in order to become certified as a clinical research coordinator. This is an essential step. If you have not taken and passed this exam, you are not certified and are not qualified to conduct or participate in clinical research studies. This is a mandatory step because the certification program teaches essential areas of expertise including lab skills, communication, analysis, pharmacology, regulations, and more. Once you’ve taken all necessary courses and passed the exam, you’re officially qualified to become a clinical research coordinator. Related Hiring Resources Clinical Research Coordinator Job Description

How to Write USJobs Resume

How to Write USJobs ResumeJust as important as the qualifications and relevant work experience are your USJobs resume. Without it, it is next to impossible to land a job. So, how do you properly write USJobs resume?For those that don't know any of the basic terms used in this type of resume, I'll briefly touch on them here. First, we have the introduction. This is the first section that contains information about yourself. It can be anything, but normally, it will contain some history of your education, experience, or training in the field, etc.Second, the objective of the resume's purpose is generally the next section. This section will highlight your qualifications and/or skills in relation to the job opening. Normally, it will list the following: skills, education, work experience, etc. Again, the format should be stated clearly in the introduction.Third, the organization or specific job-related details are the next sections. Usually, the organization you are seeking employment wi th will be listed first. For the most part, the format will follow the resume format.Then comes the details, and information is generally listed based on job type. For example, when applying for a job as a vendor, the most common information that will be included is the type of merchandise you sell, your location, etc. Most vendors prefer to include a short description of themselves. And the information becomes increasingly detailed as the job position progresses.The last section is the complete listing of information about you. You may write a personal statement, briefly outline your interest in the job, and even provide a possible area of study. However, the information listed here is generally the key piece of information that makes upyour resume. Everything after the information about you is background information, which is extremely important information for your prospective employer.There is no better way to get past a manager than to include all of the information on your res ume in the right place. I hope you have found this article helpful in understanding the basic format.Just remember that in order to pass an USJobs resume through the hiring manager's eyes, all of the information listed must be in the proper order. Not only will it look much better and also more professional, but your chances of getting the job will increase significantly.

Janitorial Resume - What To Look Out For

Janitorial Resume - What To Look Out ForA janitorial resume needs to be drafted well before you apply for a position as this is going to decide whether you get the job or not. For someone who has worked in a commercial cleaning company for a few years, a long term contract is out of the question. It is usually only worthwhile hiring a person on a full time basis. If you are not able to land a permanent job after a while, then a part-time job is more than worth it.The most important part of your resume is your contact details. At the same time, a professional looking resume does not necessarily mean that you are a professional. Try to present your resume in such a way that it attracts the attention of the hiring manager. Make sure that you present all your previous work experiences and abilities accurately.Cleaning contractors are in the business of hiring people to clean their buildings. With this comes lots of opportunities for advancement. For instance, you can shift to the later s hift if you find that you are not making enough money as you were supposed to do and that you are satisfied with your role as a janitorial employee.Finding janitorial jobs can be difficult for some people. They have to spend hours searching for employment. However, there are some steps that you can take to speed up the process. Once you know what type of janitorial jobs you are interested in, start looking for employment.First of all, try to study the profiles of potential employer. Try to see if the company has been doing a good job in the past and whether it is still a dependable employer. Always remember that it is better to be safe than sorry.Another thing that you need to look out for is how reliable and proper service isprovided by the company. Some companies might offer you some type of discount if you work for them for an extended period of time. You might also get an opportunity to work for them by referring them to someone else. Remember that every company has one client a nd you should take advantage of that privilege.The type of cleaning services you want to work for is another factor that you should consider. There are two basic types of cleaning: residential cleaning and commercial cleaning. Residential cleaning requires you to stay in a particular place while commercial cleaning involves customers' houses.Residential cleaning has different techniques while commercial cleaning has completely different methods. Each has its own specific features. For example, residential cleaning uses water while commercial cleaning uses chemical cleaning solutions. Every company has a particular way of doing a particular cleaning technique.

Truly Scary Taking Halloween Too Far In The Office Can Damage Your Career - Pathfinder Careers

Truly Scary Taking Halloween Too Far In The Office Can Damage Your Career - Pathfinder Careers Truly Scary: Taking Halloween Too Far In The Office Can Damage Your Career There really isn’t any other time of the year where we can adopt a totally new persona than Halloween.   This holiday can be fun, creative, and totally freeing for us to break from our traditional selves and adopt a whole new character for a day.  In general, Americans tend to revere this holiday and adore the opportunity to don costumes and other outfits we would never wear otherwise to the office. But some people get into this a little too much. You know who these folks are… the ones that truly go all-out with detailed costumes and character play. It’s like all of a sudden, the office is full of Dr. Jekylls and Mr. Hydes. While it is ok to have a little fun if the office has a policy allowing costume dress-ups, but you should also consider what you wear and how that might impact people’s perceptions of you.   Dressing as a busty nurse or beer frau is just as unflattering to your career as coming up with albeit clever yet divisive topical costumes that could be political or religious in nature.  It could come across offensive if you dress up like a national political figure and take the opportunity to ridicule them. One of your office mates could likely be an avid supporter and become highly offended. Another big no-no is wearing a costume which would lead to non-professional character dialogue â€" i.e. men dressing as pirates and referring to women in the office as ‘wenches’ â€" not a smooth move. So before you run to the costume store and plan out a lavish outfit, think practically first about what impacts, if any, there would be on your career by assuming this persona. Your future could depend on it and your reputation is at stake.

Protect what is yours -

Protect what is yours - I was reading through some Facebook status updates and   came upon an interesting one from an old high school classmate. It said, Bill (not his real name) is Married. Now, I dont keep up with Bill, and I really had no idea of his marital status prior to his post. Nice, I thoughtBill got married. Curious, I read the comments. (Does that make me a voyeur? Or, is that the POINT of Facebook?) Anyway, the few comments made it clear that Bill and his wife (who apparently have some kids) were going to make a go of their marriage, which had apparently been on the rocks. (I guess that would be complicated in FaceBook lingo.) None of this would be all that interesting or topical for me, except Bills comment at the end of the messages congratulating him   for sticking it out. He said, Ya, were going to give it a go. Dont tell anyone as I havent told my family yet. I didnt realize Facebook was going to post it. HmmmMaybe not the best idea to announce your status on a social network if you want your friends and family to know first. Why didnt Bill realize that Facebook was going to announce his status to the world? Or, at the very least, that it was not going to be their little secret? I was thinking about this in light of the buzz about Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerbergs recent comments about privacy. In an apparent about-face on the subject, he indicated that todays consumer is not as interested in privacy as in the past. PC World quoted him: People have really gotten comfortable not only sharing more information and different kinds, but more openly and with more people. That social norm is just something thats evolved over time, Zuckerberg said. We view it as our role in the system to constantly be innovating and be updating what our system is to reflect what the current social norms are. Zuckerberg then pointed to Facebooks recent privacy policy change that made users key information open by default as an example of the social networks willingness to reflect current social norms. For those unfamiliar with the recent changes, Facebook recently changed settings to allow your name, profile picture, gender, current city, networks, friends list, and all the pages you subscribe to to be publicly available information on Facebook. What does this mean to you? Everyone on the web can see it; it is searchable. (Yes, that means Google can come looking for you.) Making the default public is kind of   like when you sign up for anything and the default is to subscribe to their newsletter and learn more information not taking action is so much easier, many businesses get subscribers who had not intended to hear from them ever again. By the same token, if youre not paying a lot of attention and being vigilant, you may be sharing more than you intend to online. And, if you are my old high school friend, you are sharing because it feels natural, only later realizing the ramifications. Think about itIf you are who Google thinks you are, you need to step up and make sure you actively manage what it sees and knows. Dont forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?   If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans,  learn more about how I can help you! While youre at it, dont forget those social networks! Be sure to become a  fan of Keppie Careers on FacebookId be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since were on the subject of doing something newAre you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me  @keppie_careers. photo by Bill Gracey