Networking

By: Victoria Brienza

As the merriment of the holiday season weaves its way through the land, your job search shouldn’t embrace a silent night. Though most job seekers assume the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a dead zone for hiring, it’s not true. Jobs are filled year-round and companies are agnostic when trying to fill open positions at year end.

The common perception that hiring disappears during the holidays is a myth, says Doug Richardson, a Philadelphia career counselor. "By doubling your efforts over the holidays at a time when many other unemployed workers are focused on activities other than job hunting, you increase your odds of finding a new position,” he says.

By: Jeff Lipschultz

I am often asked how I determine which candidates get submitted to my clients. The simplest answer I can give is: THE BEST ONES!

Of course, the next question is “how do you determine who is the best?” Like in the engineering world, the best candidates have ideal FORM, FIT, and FUNCTION

Form

These are the recruiter’s client requirements centered on absolutes. The candidate should already possess these attributes. It is typically a YES or NO answer, nowhere in between. This may include minimum years of experience, certifications, or specific industry knowledge. Some of the client’s requirements may not seem tied to the job, but are set in stone regardless (for example, graduated from a certain school/program or military experience).

Form can also include the candidate’s physical attributes. Some candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs or be able to climb ladders. Requirements can also include ability to do third-shift or fluency in a foreign language.
With “Form,” you've either got it or you don’t. It is easy to determine a match in this area...