Posts by Chris Gardner
Defining Your Dream Job
“How’s the family?” I asked an old friend recently. “I hear you’re with a new company. Like the job?” “Everything’s great,” he replied. “I have to admit, I love it. It’s my dream job.” Dream job? I was curious. What is a “dream job” compared to the jobs most people experience? How can one define…
Read MoreThe “NOT IT” Factor in Interviewing
The decision NOT to hire someone can be as fast as yelling “1,2,3, NOT IT” in a game of tag. Interviewers can often tell within minutes that a candidate is not right for their company. There is a “not it” factor in interviewing. What is the “IT” factor in hiring, and what are some candidates…
Read MoreGlassdoor Reviews – Are Candidates Getting a Clear Picture?
I walked right into a glass door once. No kidding. Nose flat to the glass, backward fall, sprained wrist. I didn’t see the door at all. I had no way to defend myself. I imagine this is how some employers feel when smacked in the face with a negative review on Glassdoor. For all of…
Read MoreOffering High Salaries Makes Business “Cents”
Everyone wants to hire the MOST savvy, MOST experienced, MOST confident candidate for the job. But some companies try to get all of that MOST for the very LEAST in salary. In many cases, offering high salaries makes sense. Does it make good business sense to offer new hires top salary dollars, or is it…
Read MoreWhy Half of Your Employees May be Looking for Other Jobs
Employers should always be mindful about employees looking for other jobs. In a recent survey of over 2400 workers, 43% of respondents said they are not happy in their current jobs (salary.com). If this is true, WHY are today’s employees so unhappy? What is the cause of dissatisfaction? And what can companies do to make…
Read MoreThe Vision it takes to Optimize Employee Performance
They say hindsight is 20/20. True, it is always easiest to see things after the fact. But imagine if you could correctly get ahead of the game and visualize the future? Imagine the power in foresight. You’d have a clear vision for employees. A direct path for managers. A guide to the company’s role in…
Read MoreWhy Background Checks Are Vital for Web Security Candidates
It’s worth your while to run background checks on everyone you consider hiring. You never know what is lurking in someone’s past and how that might impact their on-the-job performance. For certain professionals, however, a background check should be a mandatory condition of employment. Given the nature of their jobs, these professionals are in a…
Read MoreCareer change: Should I stay or should I GO?
You’ve been through the entire interview process with your new prospective employer. Now what? Anyone who is considering a career move knows how challenging this can be. Hopefully, you’ve been taking mental notes and evaluating your personal and professional fit throughout the interview process. You just got the offer you’ve been working so hard for!…
Read MoreDoes Your Job Suit Your Personality?
Dave hardly speaks at dinner. Instead, he looks down and fiddles with his napkin as if being judged on its perfect placement. When directly asked questions, he answers shyly, politely, making sure not to leave anything open ended. “What do you do for a living?” I ask. He gazes down again, obviously uncomfortable. “I’m a…
Read MoreHiring Managers Speak Up About Lazy (yet qualified) Candidates
As a recruiter, I’ve had the luxury of a bird’s eye view into the minds of hiring managers. I’ve admired how quickly they can spot talent, and have also noticed their innate ability to toss qualified candidates aside. Why so quick to judge? Signs of laziness, they say. More hiring managers are speaking up about…
Read MoreThe most important quality your leadership hire NEEDS
Finding the right candidate at any level means more than finding an employee that has the right skill set; it means finding a candidate that fits into the team. Most HR professionals are aware of the importance of that fit in team members, but it is even more critical for your leadership positions. What does…
Read More3 Tips for Preparing for Q4
With everyone focused on back to school and those warm summer football nights still lingering, Q4 feels as far away as graduating high school does to a high school freshman. Realistically, those end of year last-minute pushes and those detailed reporting needs are already budding in the background, long before the leaves turn rusty red.…
Read MoreKeeping current on the job market has its benefits…..even when you’re not looking
Keeping current on the job market offers a world of benefits….even when you’re not looking. Maybe it’s a lateral move– to a Fortune 500 company. Maybe it’s a lateral move—to a city closer to family. Or, maybe it’s the next step forward in your career. Maybe it’s something you never really thought about…until you read…
Read MoreAre your employees getting poached? Tips on protecting your talent.
Today’s top employees are simply getting poached by active, aggressive recruiters dangling golden carrots such as higher salary and more opportunity. On a daily basis, sought-after employees must resist phone calls, LinkedIn messages, emails and letters from recruiters in order to stay focused on their current positions. Companies must also consider what employees value to…
Read MoreWhat Makes You a Dream Candidate?
As a recruiter with over twenty years of experience, I have recruited for some very desirable jobs. Jobs with high salaries, equity opportunity, 401K plans, unlimited vacation time, excellent benefits, etc. Jobs with amazing companies in amazing cities—doing really interesting work. Many people don’t pause to think what makes you a dream candidate. Dream jobs.…
Read MoreHiring: How To Entice Valuable Candidates
You spend time, energy and money attracting high level talent to your company because you want the best personnel to move your company forward. Creating a positive experience for your applicants will improve your ability to hire your highest ranked candidate and your corporate brand. Here are some ways to entice valuable candidates. Courting Your…
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