Find a Quality Mentor

May 3, 2010

A mentor acts as a positive role model.  They’re the person you want to be in your career, and if you’re matched with the right one, they’ll want you to get there, too.  Follow these tips for finding a mentorship match:

  • Know yourself and what you want out of a mentor.  This is an essential starting point for anyone considering the benefits of finding a mentor.
  • A great mentor will empower you. They will want you to develop your own strengths, beliefs and personality to be the best person you can be.
  • Find someone willing to share.  Your best mentor will be someone trustworthy with a positive outlook who’s willing to share the secrets of the trade. The mentor will impart knowledge, advice and skills that are necessary in your career path.
  • Be sure that they are good listeners.  You want to be able to have an open dialog with your mentor and be able to trust that they are listening to you and your needs as you face career changes and challenges.
  • Ask for referrals. Those who know you or people in the industry may know someone who might take you under their wing.
  • Consider where your mentor sources might be. Your perfect mentor might be part of your management team, from an industry association, your online communities, your clergy and/or congregation, and professors.

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Posted by Social Maven

Go Beyond Traditional Recruiting

April 8, 2010

How to Improve Your Recruiting Success

STILL DOING THE SAME OLD THING?

In the face of increasing technology and continued demand for qualified applicants, traditional recruiting methods are no longer enough. Talented people remain hard to find, and most businesses that are hiring are not finding as many qualified candidates as they would like—even with more people on the job market. Here are a few ideas to boost your recruiting efforts.

Participate in job fairs or make your own.

It’s great opportunity to meet a lot of applicants in a short amount of time while also doing some preliminary screening. Recently, one high-tech company in Honolulu used social networking to leverage open positions in a “meetup” for potential candidates to visit their offices and learn more about job opportunities with their firm.

Referral bonuses.

Take advantage of a recruiting network of people who already know a lot about your company. Incent your employees to refer applicants. Pay bonuses once the referred applicant has been working at your company for a set period of time, say 60 or 90 days.

Build your own recruiting network.

Sometimes the people you do business with can be your best ally in your struggle to find good applicants. Your vendors and clients know your business and may be able to refer appropriate candidates. All you need to do is let them know what you’re looking for.

Go online.

Using sites like JobsFreeForAll.com and Craigslist is a cost-effective (i.e., free) way to gain more exposure for your job openings.

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Posted by Biz Dev

Do you Know How to Network Effectively?

February 8, 2010

In your everyday interactions with friends, family and acquaintances, opportunities arise that could help you in your job hunt.

Some methods to increase your network include pursuing outside interests and activities like joining clubs, athletic organizations and professional organizations.

Another method is to attend community events and social functions. Becoming a volunteer in the community or volunteering to organize a community event can bring you in touch with lots of new people to add to your network.

Joining on-line communities like forums, newsgroups and chat rooms can bring your network to a global scale.

Once you’ve grown your personal/professional network, there are some courtesies that should be extended. It’s very important that you stay in contact with your network from time to time. But don’t be selfish! Don’t just contact these people when you need something, remember they have needs and interests too.

Don’t be afraid to ask your contacts for referrals. If your contact can’t help you, maybe they know someone who can.

Finally, remember to adequately thank your contacts and send notes of appreciation to your network members who offered help and assistance in your job hunt.

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Posted by HR Diva

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