A Guide to Video Interviews with Local Candidates

A Guide to Video Interviews with Local Candidates The video interview: it’s not just for international candidates. There’s a misconception that video interviews are only for connecting with candidates far, far away. While video interviewing can be a good tool for bridging large distances, it’s also an effective method to connect with candidates closer to home. The video interview can help your company streamline the recruiting process, whether you’re a staffing company with a high volume of candidates or your company is just looking to fill one job vacancy. Here are some ways video interviews might be the key to shortening your process, even if your top candidates are local talent: 1) Whittle down the candidate pool: It doesn’t matter if you’re a big staffing company or a small scale startup, today’s economy has widened the candidate pool for every open position. On average, top employers are receiving anywhere from 85 to 211 graduates vying for new positions. With this kind of volume, it’s become essential to find ways to streamline the traditional recruiting process so you’re not wasting hours evaluating the wrong people. A one-way video interview can be the answer for quickly yet efficiently weeding through a large volume of candidates. In a one-way video interview, candidates answer an employer’s written questions on video. These videos can then be watched at any time by employers, meaning you no longer have to spend 30 minutes or more on the phone with the wrong person. You get a personal feel for the candidate, yet you’re able to quickly move on if someone is all wrong for the position or company. RELATED:  How To Maximize  Video Interviews  [Useful Tips] 2) The busy passive candidate: Passive candidates are a myth: currently, 77 percent of employed workers are either actively looking for new opportunities or open to new career prospects. While the traditional passive candidate may be an urban legend, there is some truth to the difficulties of connecting with currently employed talent. Passive candidates might not be truly passive, but they certainly are very busy. It can be impossible to schedule an interview around the packed calendar of a really great passive candidate. They might be interested in hearing what you have to say about an open position or the company in general, but it’s likely they don’t have the time. With video interviews, you can work an interview around even the busiest schedules. For instance, passive candidates can answer your questions in a one-way video interview that they record right from their favorite mobile device. They can also connect with you in person in a live video interview whenever there’s a break in their schedule. This removes the hassles of the traditional hiring process, like a candidate getting lost on the way to a new office or finding themselves stuck in traffic. With a live video interview, you can connect personally in real-time, no road rage required. RELATED:  How To Recruit  Passive Candidates  Online 3) Increased collaboration: Your candidate doesn’t need to be located around the world for video interviews to assist with hiring collaboration. For staffing companies, video interviews help you share great candidates with clients, since both one-way and live video interviews are always recorded. For companies hiring for internal positions, it’s great to be able to share talented candidates with the team or department looking for a new superstar hire. Using video interviewing for local talent means easing collaboration with the whole team, making it easier for you to hire the most qualified and best fitting candidate. Video interviewing is certainly effective for connecting with candidates who can’t make it into the office due to distance. But that’s not where the application of video interviewing ends. As a recruiting tool, video interviewing can help you streamline the process, connect with passive candidates, and better collaborate with everyone on your team. This way you can be sure to find the best people faster and easier. What are some ways you use video interviews to connect with local talent? Share in the comments! Author: Josh Tolan is the CEO of Spark Hire, a video powered hiring solution that allows staffing professionals to collaborate with their clients around video interviews.

How to Implement Effective Organization in the Office

How to Implement Effective Organization in the Office If your office is disorganised, it can get stressful and could even reduce your productivity. For this reason, one has to think of ways to organise the office and themselves. Here are some tips to help you keep your office, office schedules, and staff organised: Develop a filing system A filing system is where all records are stored. This can include staff records and project records and could be either online or manual. As a business person, when developing a filing system, you could choose to arrange records according to their alphabetical order in different categories. Filing helps a business to stay organised, as files can be accessed with ease. It also helps to save valuable space. The office becomes much more systematic and efficient. Organise your computer Keep only the information you need and use on a daily basis on your computer. Do not install unnecessary things like games in your office computer as this could disorganise it. The good news is that with today’s technology, you do not have to pile notebooks and pens on their desk since you can store all necessary information on the computer which is easy to search. If there are documents you do not use regularly but that must be kept, store them using the filling system making it easy to retrieve them if you need to. Manage time This can be achieved by developing a time plan for all the tasks to be completed. Create a list of the activities you plan a day before. This will ensure that you are always on schedule and project deadlines won’t sneak up on you unexpectedly. Before making a time plan, track your time for a few days to know how long you take to finish each task then you can assign more time to the tasks that take longer than the rest. This will always ensure that you are organised because you will be taking one activity at a time. Organise your digital work This is done by making folders and subfolders for everything done online. For example, in the case of emails, make different sub- folders for different clients’ emails. This way when an email is received, you can access it easily. Make folders with the clients‘ names where you can file the emails and other documents after reading them, so you can get them easily for future reference. Create space in the office As a business person, you should get rid of all unnecessary documents. Clean up the cabinets and drawers. Go through the piles of paper and get rid of all duplicates and documents that have not been used for more than a year. After you are left with the few necessary documents, it will be easier to organise them. As well as documents, you could also get rid of any unwanted furnishings to create a more open space. Use project planning tools Planning a project can be a headache, as it has to be carried out by different people and each person has to be assigned their part of the tasks they need to undertake. A way to improve this is by making use of online planning tools, this streamlines the process and adds extra organisation, as you can plan the date or particular time when each task has to be done and monitor it’s progress throughout. Make a schedule for communication Set aside time for receiving and sending emails and making phone calls. Write agendas for your phone calls and emails so that you do not forget the main points, and if you do not reach the person on the other side and you have to leave a message, explain yourself clearly. Having this schedule reduces or eliminates distractions as you concentrate on one task at a time. Compile a procedure manual Make a manual with the procedures for each job, so that employees can fully understand what needs to be done in relation to their specific role. Also, include the date when the manual was written so that you will know when it needs updates. Put the manual where all employees can access it, either online or hang it on the notice board. With the above tips, your office, procedures, and staffs will remain organised and the overall productivity will be significantly boosted. . Image credits. Main.  Organized .

Book Review Career Solutions for Creative People - VocationVillage

Book Review Career Solutions for Creative People - VocationVillage Career Solutions for Creative People: How To Balance Artistic Goals with Career Security is authored by Dr. Ronda Ormont. I read this book because the tension of creativity vs. security is one of the most common dilemmas in career decision-making. While the book is older (2001), I still found it valuable because this topic is timeless. Dr. Ormont offers some terrific perspective and suggestions.Dream, Believe, Create    Buy This at Allposters.com Dr. Ormont says that the single most common reason creative people fail to flourish or succeed is that they cannot figure out how to find the time and freedom necessary to pursue their art while also making a sufficiently stable and rewarding living. Dr. Ormont describes the frequent situation of imbalance between the creative imperative and the need for career security in everyday living. She gives as examples two types of imbalance: (1) Honoring the creative commitment but in a way that endangers practical necessities such as food, shelter, and sufficient money for health insurance and retirement savings, and (2) A career path that is so tipped on the scale toward financial security and responsibility that creative gifts wither and die.Dr. Ormont acknowledges the reality that creative careers involve fierce competition, low compensation for the hours invested, subjective evaluation of competence, and exhausting challenges regarding sustainability. Her recommendation for balance inv olves both a creative commitment and a lifeline career. Lifeline careers empower creativity, which is in contrast to survival jobs that merely pay the bills or driven careers that require so much of you, there is nothing left for the creative life.Lifeline work most often looks like one of these options:(1) A salaried position unrelated to the creative path but with sufficient flexibility to allow time and energy for the creative path;(2) A teaching position related to the creative path;(3) Self-employment that is related or unrelated to the creative path but with flexility to allow the creative path.The first part of the book offers worksheets and exercises to help readers identify stuck points and to overcome them, to evaluate values / skills / motivation / decision-making style, and to decide whether self-employment is a viable option. I really like the tables comparing an employment mentality with a self-employment mentality because choosing the best fit for yourself gives you a big boost toward work happiness. Some of the comparisons include need for predictability vs. tolerance for ambiguity, family need for a steady salary and benefits vs. life circumstances that allow risk, desire for frequent and varied interaction with colleagues / supervisors / mentors vs. tolerance of working alone a lot of the time, developmental point where skills need to be honed vs. strong existing skills in a field, preference for getting directives from others vs. ability to be internally motivated, and distaste for the business side of things vs. willingness to sell oneself and manage business details. Note that these are generalizations because not every salaried job is predictable and secure, but the checklist is worth using to identify ones general preferences. The second part of the book is dedicated to the practical process of pursuing employment or starting a business. There are chapters on resume writing, job search, and interviewing. There is also a section on restructuring a current job to better meet your overall needs in the context of work/life balance.If you are worried that you have to choose between creativity and security, this reassuring book is for you. Check it out.NOTE: After writing this review, I discovered that the author, Dr. Ronda Ormont, died unexpectedly at the age of 52, shortly before her book was published. She was a career counselor for 20+ years and a fabulous advocate for creative professionals. I am sad to discover that the world has lost her.

What to Do When Youre Afraid of Networking - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

What to Do When You’re Afraid of Networking - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Does the thought of entering a crowded room filled with strangers make your palms sweat? Networking is a fear many people share. Some would even say it’s one of the scariest steps of finding a job. Whether it’s getting freaked out by small talk or the fear of forgetting someone’s name, networking can be a scary thing to do. If you’re feeling spooked by networking this month, here are some tips that can help you become a fearless networker: 1. Use the magic of Twitter. If you’re not ready to go to in-person networking events, Twitter can be a great resource for connecting with people in your industry. Use Twitter to participate in industry Twitter chats, search for professionals in your area, and coordinate a meet-up. Twitter can also be used to share industry-related content and engage in conversations with people in your social network. By using Twitter, you’ll connect with more people in your industry that you wouldn’t have been able to in-person. 2. Attend fun networking events. Networking doesn’t have to consist of standing around in a dull room while sipping on cocktails and making small talk. There are actually a variety of fun ways to network without being in a boring environment. Consider attending networking events such as happy hours hosted by professional organizations in your city, going to an alumni mixer, or getting involved with volunteering opportunities. These are some fun ways to meet new people without having to stress about networking. 3. Host your own networking event. Can’t find a networking event that fits your needs? Why not host your own? Hosting your own networking is quite simple. Find a location in your city such as a local coffee shop or restaurant and invite 10 of your colleagues to attend. This is a casual what to get a group of people together to mingle in a relaxed environment. 4. Avoid networking events altogether. Instead of focusing on strictly attending networking events, consider going to conferences, workshops, or speaker events where you will meet professionals in your industry. These events will give you opportunities to make new connections without having to directly focus on networking. 5. Stop the small talk. Do you feel pressured to learn about current events or the latest football scores when you prepare for a networking event? If so, you’re going about small talk the wrong way. Instead of focusing on making small talk, shift your focus to learning about the people you meet. Spark conversations with people by asking about their jobs, what they enjoy doing for fun, or why they like their jobs. These conversations will become more meaningful and you’ll learn more about the people you meet. 6. Less is more. Stop feeling like you need to collect 20 business cards when you go to a networking event. Instead, focus on making one or two strong bonds with the new people you meet. This relationships will become more valuable in the future. By following these tips, networking should become less scary and more enjoyable. Remember, networking is about building valuable relationships with people who can become friends and mentors. What are some ways you’ve overcome your fear of networking? Bloomua / Shutterstock.com

100 Womens Voices In Business - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

100 Womens Voices In Business March 8th was the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In tribute, Krishna De (@KrishnaDe on Twitter), a fellow Reach Personal Branding Strategist, has compiled a free Slideshare report, 100 Voices in Business. Reaching out for contributions from women in business across the globe, she asked us to share our best Twitter-sized tips and advice â€" 140 characters or less â€" in several categories. Some are practical, some are inspirational, all are worth taking to heart. It was hard to select just a few juicy tidbits, but here’s a taste. In the category Leadership and Inspiring Your Team: #4 by Jennifer Brennan, a Communications Executive from Ireland (@jenn_bren_ on Twitter): Be fair, honest and helpful. Always do what you feel is right. Help others, say thank you dont forget to pay it forward. #9 by Heather Gorringe, Managing Director at Wiggly Wigglers in the UK (@wiggled on Twitter): Remember â€" success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm. #22 by Gillian Meussig, President and Co-Founder of SEOmoz.org in the U.S. (@SEOmom on Twitter): Always remember to bring your personal values to the corporate table. In the category Networking and Building Effective Relationships: #28 by Toby Bloomberg, President of Divamarketing Blog in the U.S. (@tobydiva on Twitter): The secret to building relationships with women is embarrassingly simple. Listen. Hear. Ask. Respond. Chocolate is always good too! #32 by Megan Fitzgerald, Expat Coach at Career By Choice in Italy (@expatcoachmegan on Twitter): Maximise enjoyment and success by using your values to guide your choice of clients, partners, projects, teams and people in your network In the category Productivity and Time Management: #43 by Jennifer Britton, President of Potentials Realized in Canada (@jennbritton on Twitter): Keep your vision in front of you, your eyes on your goals. One step a day consistently over time leads to results. Celebrate often My contribution, #47 (@MegGuiseppi on Twitter): Resist the urge to check emails and social media first thing each day. Put in 2-3 solid hours of beneficial work before getting sucked in. In the category Professional Development: #68 by Joanna Penn, Author, Speaker and Blogger at The Creative Penn in Australia (@thecreativepenn on Twitter): Identify your passion. Research how other people are making income in it. Learn fast Try it out Fail fast Persist Learn more Share #75 by Viveka von Rosen, CEO and Founder of Linked Into Business in the U.S. (@expert on Twitter): Stop playing small. No more Little old me syndrome. We have the tools to claim our voices and our genius. So lets do it! In the category Work Life Balance: #81 by Grainne Byrne, PR Consultant at GBC PR in Ireland (@grainnebyrne on Twitter): Worried? Ask yourself will it matter in a week, a month or a year? Only the last one needs attention And maybe my favorite, #95 by Anette ni-Dhathlaoi, Marketing Manager at ESB in Ireland (@nettyni on Twitter): Learn 10 different ways to say no, without ever saying No’ 00 0

What Goes Around Comes Around

What Goes Around Comes Around Yesterday morning, someone lashed out at me verbally, including some unkind statements and a veiled threat.   He was upset because something I inadvertently had done while helping a third person was causing him delay on his journey.   Without getting into the details of the situation much less who was right or wrong, because that isn’t the point here, suffice it to say that neither of us was bathed in glory (although I had at least conducted myself professionally through the entire scene, and succeeded in my goal of not escalating the issue further). I spent the rest of the morning recovering from this verbal bruising.   Replaying the scene in my head again and again made it hard to concentrate on all the other things I had to do.   I kept asking myself what I should have done differently, why I didn’t explain myself in a more coherent way on the spot, was it good that I had apologized, did this make me a bad person?   It took a session at the gym to finally reach a more equilibrated state of mind. Maybe not everyone takes as long as me to get over a negative interaction; in fact, I have heard that it can take as long as 24 hours for women to process emotion, so my elapsed time of six hours is not bad. But then again, it was a third of my waking hours spent in an unproductive way, never to be recouped. The episode got me thinking about what we as individuals put out into the world, and the difference that our choices can make on the overall “happiness” quotient. Surely all human beings, regardless of gender, must feel something when an unpleasant situation occurs?   And it stands to reason that there has to be some reaction to this kind of “incoming”, whether internalized or acted on externally.   After all, isn’t it a law of physics that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction? Was it a net gain for the world that this person vented his frustration â€" did his (temporary?) satisfaction outweigh the negative effect on me, and all the potential knock-on effects of my being upset?   What if I had then gone on to lash out at others?   Or maybe we cannot control our behavior in the heat of the moment, and it’s just tough luck? I keep coming back to the idea that “random acts of kindness” can spread goodwill exponentially and create more positive energy/outcomes in the world whereas negative acts can do the opposite.   Which leads to at least trying to temper the way we perceive a situation, and to choose our behavior consciously.   And, of course, this applies equally to all parties involved (yes, me too!). It’s true that we both had choices.   He could have made his point in a different way, or magnanimously accepted my apology, or not made a big deal of my error, or escalated the situation even further.   I could have been more careful about how I helped someone else, or stood my ground more firmly, or become antagonistic myself, or ignored the mishap entirely; I chose to reflect on it and write this blog instead. As we all try to make better choices, even about the seemingly minor events in the course of our day, perhaps it helps to remember what one of my favorite teachers liked to say:   what goes around comes around.

Dos and Donts of Resume Writing

Do's and Don'ts of Resume WritingIf you are anything like me, you are looking for do's and don'ts of resume writing. It is not only important that you have a well-written resume but the information that goes into your resume needs to be accurate and provide some insight about what your specific position is. If you have worked in a particular job or are currently employed and want to quickly grab their attention by highlighting your experiences, then you might want to consider using do's and don't of resume writing. If you are unfamiliar with resume writing, then this may be a great time to start learning more about it and how it can benefit you.Do your research before you start writing your resume. Of course, this doesn't mean that you should spend a fortune on a bunch of textbooks and manuals. Rather, you should spend some time researching your specific position and what employers are looking for. Knowing what they are looking for will give you some insight into how to write a resum e for them. Also, it might also help you to learn what they expect from you.Do take the time to make your resume as appealing as possible. This includes wording and other aspects of the resume. Your goal is to present yourself in the best light possible and to get your resume seen by the employer so that they can see what you are all about.Do include the things that you know about your job in your resume. When writing a resume, you should be as close to true to who you are as possible. If you already have experience in a certain job, it would be in your best interest to list that as well. By adding the little bit of information that you do have, it will give your resume more credibility and will make it more appealing to employers.Be professional. This is of course one of the do's of resume writing. You want to represent yourself in the best possible light and be the most professional person possible. You can do this by using the proper etiquette and taking care when you are speakin g in public. Employers can sense when you are not being professional and you will not be considered a good hire for them.Do write down everything you want to include in your resume. Make sure you have a wide variety of skills on your resume, such as languages, certifications, and general work experience. Including everything that you feel that you are best suited for is necessary. If you are unsure about a particular skill or need, make sure to leave that out on your resume.Do write in an appropriate way. You need to be clear and concise when you are writing your resume. Employers can quickly become confused by too much information on a resume. Make sure you focus on the most important information while leaving other details on the do-not-include list.Do offer to do extra things for them. It can help to brush up on your English skills while you are writing your resume. Besides, it is nice to give the interviewer something extra to look at and to look forward to. In addition, if you have an eye for detail, it might also be worth taking the time to do a bit of homework.