Jobing.com: Tucson Community Blog

Social Recruiting 102 - Peter Weddle - Weddle's

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:12:06 GMT

Social recruiting is now emerging from its adolescence. It’s moving beyond the wide-eyed exultation of early adoption to the squinty-eyed assessment of mature users. The focus is less and less on what we can do with social media and more and more on how best to put it to work.

That’s especially apparent in the subset of social recruiting we call networking. Social or professional networking online now clearly falls into two general categories of activity. They are probably best described as content and contact networking. Both can help you access high caliber passive prospects for your organization, but each is performed differently.

Content Networking

Content networking occurs in the discussion forums on job board and association Web-sites, in blogs on corporate sites and in Google’s newsgroups. These destinations attract visitors who share a common career field or occupational interest and like to communicate and commiserate with each other about it. The interaction is social—a community of sorts does form—but it’s primarily based on the topic being discussed.

In most but not all cases, the members of these communities are passive prospects. They are not looking for a job. More often than not, however, they are interested in advancing their careers. Indeed, that’s why they are engaged by the content. They want to be smarter in their career field and better able to put their occupational interests to work. Said another way, they are top talent.

The only way to connect with these prospects effectively is by practicing the Golden Rule of Networking. That axiom is simple yet inviolate—you have to give in order to get. In other words, if you want the participants in these discussions to consider your openings, you have to first contribute to their content.

How can you do that? By being the expert you are. You know more about what employers are looking for in their field than they do. You have a much better understanding of how to interact with a group they consider exotic and hard to understand: recruiters. And, you have a more realistic sense of what employers will pay for certain kinds of expertise and different levels of experience.

So, don’t pretend to be someone you are. Be yourself. Then, when a participant’s contributions to the discussion single them out as a gem of a prospect, you can reach out to them privately and they’ll know who you are. You will have established the familiarity and trust necessary to move even the most passive of prospects into a more active frame of mind.

Contact Networking

Contact networking occurs on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, Ryze, Yorz and Ziggs. These sites enable people to build out their connections in the workplace and thereby enhance their stature in their profession, craft or trade and/or make themselves “findable” by recruiters. While the groups within LinkedIn and similar sites do facilitate content networking, most of those who join these sites do not participate in them. They are simply interested in creating passive links that may prove helpful to them right now or at some point in the future.

The majority of those who sign on to professional networking sites would normally be passive prospects. In today’s economy, however, it’s likely that a significant percentage are, in fact, active job seekers. As in the real world, they are forging connections with others in the hopes of bumping into or being referred to a recruiter with an opening appropriate for them.

Networking in such a population, therefore, is basically an exercise in doing old-fashioned cold calling by email or InMail. Just as executive search consultants have done for years, it involves moving through concentric circles of contacts to uncover candidates for an open position. With the exception of the first circle—your own direct connections—the contacts are not personally known to you. They are, instead, leads that may either identify a genuine prospect or provide yet another lead to someone else who could be.

The key to successful contact networking, therefore, is two-fold. First, as with cold calling, the activity is basically a numbers game. You have to keep pouring a lot of contacts into the top of the funnel in order to reach even a small number of legitimate prospects at the bottom. Second, you have to know how to message with clarity and impact. Long and windy communications are unlikely to be read so active job seekers are more likely to apply when they shouldn’t and passive prospects are unlikely to read them at all. In effect, you have to find just the right balance between speed and engagement.

While we are still developing the best practices for both content and contact networking, these tools already represent some of the more mature applications of social recruiting. They are not, however, a substitute for the array of other sourcing methods we employ to identify top talent. They enable us to tap the power and promise of the social Web, but they incur a cost—the time commitment of the recruiter—that must be carefully managed within the context of your overall recruiting strategy.

Thanks for reading,

Peter

Visit my blog at Weddles.com/WorkStrong

Peter Weddle is the author of over two dozen employment-related books, including Recognizing Richard Rabbit, a fable of self-discovery for working adults, and Work Strong, Your Personal Career Fitness System.

TREO reports results of job creation efforts - Doug Mayes - Jobing.com Community Relations - TUC

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:04:17 GMT

Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities (TREO) is dedicated to promoting business growth and economic development in our city. At their recent annual meeting, CEO Joe Snell reported that the groups efforts contributed to the creation of 1600 new jobs, 78% of which were in higher-wage industries. The group is also working on a major initiative to encourage entrepreneurship and small business growth. This makes good sense for the job market, since the vast majority of employers in Tucson have fewer than 20 employees.

In my humble opinion, not that you asked or anything, I'm pleased to see efforts to encourage all sizes of business. Don't get me wrong, flagship employers are welcome and important, but they're one piece of a larger economic development puzzle that directly impacts the future viability of our city. We need a balanced portfolio of small business, diverse industry including manufacturing (read not just services, new money) and a robust entrpreneurial environment that encourages risk taking by removing impediments that prevent entry into the marketplace. I'm looking forward to seeing more positive results from TREO in the near future. http://treoaz.org

Jobing.com Announces Partnership with the Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce - Doug Mayes - Jobing.com Community Relations - TUC

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:13:02 GMT

Today, I'm delighted to introduce you to our newest community partner, cue the orchestra...

Northern Pima County Chamber of CommerceNPCCC is the voice of business in the area. Did you know that Northern Pima County is the 2nd fastest growing area in our state. Small local businesses are the main engine of this growth, and we like that. The Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce has evolved into a viable business and economic development organization that works.

NPCCC's MISSION
To serve, promote and protect its members and the business community of Northern Pima County.

WHO THEY SERVE
Since its inception in 1992, the Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce has served the business communities of Oro Valley, Marana, Casas Adobes, Catalina, SaddleBrooke, Oracle and the Catalina Foothills.

WHAT DOES OUR PARTNERSHIP DO?
We'll for starters, we are building a customized employment page that will offer employment resources for local businesses and job seekers. We will promote and support each other by publicizing our events and activities. You can also look forward to reading their blog postings about doing business in Northern Pima County.

We'd like to thank Ramon, Cecilia, Gloria and the NPCCC Board of Directors for their support.

One last Career Expo follow up tip... - Doug Mayes - Jobing.com Community Relations - TUC

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:21:02 GMT

I almost forgot the most important Career Expo follow up tip. Here's goes.

Complete the online application process for companies that expressed interest in you yesterday. Take your time, and do it right. Don't forget to mention where you met them. Recruiters go to lot's of events. Help them remember you.

Doug

This just in from the FBI - Kim States - Better Business Bureau - San Diego

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:11:04 GMT

I had the pleasure of presenting at the local career expo at TCC yesterday. The local Jobing.com office is taking the lead in educating job seekers about the many ways crooks try to rip them off. My Jobing.com presentation covers the top five employment scams fo the day, but I qualify that by letting attendees know that those top five can change within hours. Here's an example - we received the following email from the FBI this morning about a new scam targeting job seekers. While we haven't had any calls from consumer locally about this particular scam, it's only a matter of time. Remember, if you're ever unsure about an offer, suspicious email, or company, the friendly staff at BBB is just a phone call or mouse click away: 520-888-5353, www.tucson.bbb.org, info@tucson.bbb.org.

FBI ALERT Courtesy of your Local BBB

Fraudulent Money Transfers Connected to Malware and Work-at-Home Scams:

The FBI is reporting a significant increase in fraud involving the exploitation of valid online banking credentials belonging to small and medium businesses, municipal governments, and school districts this year. In a typical scenario, the victim receives an e-mail which either contains an infected attachment, or directs the recipient to an infected website. Once the recipient opens the attachment or visits the website, malware is installed on their computer, and steals the recipient’s business or corporate bank account login information. Shortly thereafter, the perpetrator either creates another user account with the stolen login information or begins transferring funds as the legitimate user.

These transfers have occurred as both wire and as ACH transactions to the bank accounts of willing or unwitting individuals that have been recruited by the scammers through bogus work at home advertisements. The scammers often target individuals that have placed resumes on well known job search sites. These persons are hired and told that they are to “process payments,” or transfer funds received into their bank accounts, and immediately forward most of the money overseas via wire transfer services such as Western Union and Moneygram.

Businesses are urged to never respond to e-mail requests for personal or bank account information, and do not click Web site links received in unsolicited e-mail messages. Bogus sites are designed to look nearly identical to the real ones; however, there are usually slight variations, such as ending in “.net” when it should be “.com.” Notify the real company, financial institution or government agency if you receive questionable correspondence and contact them using a phone number or e-mail address from a reliable, public directory such as a phonebook. Individuals that have been offered work at home opportunities should contact BBB to determine the legitimacy of the offer.

Job Fair Follow-Up...the old school way - Doug Mayes - Jobing.com Community Relations - TUC

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In some ways, I guess I'm old school. I hold the door for my wife. I like pocket squares. I love Cadillac Eldorados. I even have an 8-bit Nintendo! This may seem out of place in this age of multi-tasking, Blackberries, and wireless internet, but there are times when your Grandma's good manners can work to your benefit.

So you scored an interview with a great employer. Congratulations. When you make that connection, seal the deal with a hand-written thank you note. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? You were supposed to send them after you got married to thank Aunt Gertrude for the fabulous advocado green blender she bought you! Here's what to do. Find yourself some understated professional stationery, and write a little note. Don't type it. If your handwriting is as lousy as mine, ask a friend to help you. Thank the recruiter for his/her time and let them know that you are definitely interested in pursuing an opportunity with that company, and suggest an interview time. Stick it in the mail, and I guar-an-tee that you'll impress the heck out of that recruiter.

Good luck! Get Hired!

Career Expo is this Tuesday. Register now. - Doug Mayes - Jobing.com Community Relations - TUC

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:42:10 GMT

Hey Guys,

Jobing.com Career Expo is returning to the TCC on Tuesday November 10th. That's this Tuesday! We're expecting 75 employers, so you don't want to miss it. Go to tucson.jobing.com/expo and register as a job seeker. Print out the form and bring it with you to the TCC. It's your ticket to get in. See you on Tuesday.

Click here to see the list of participating employees

Register Here

Jobing.com Career Expo
Tuesday, November 10th
2-6pm
Tucson Convention Center

Career Expo last minute checklist - Doug Mayes - Jobing.com Community Relations - TUC

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey folks,

Career Expo is Tuesday November 10th from 2-6pm at the TCC. You can meet dozens of local employers who are actively hiring. Here's what you need to know.

1. Dress for an interview. I know this isn't a fashion show, but you want to make a great first impression and looking sharp is a key part of this.  No shorts, flip flops, or inappropriate t-shirts please.

2. Be prepared to apply online. Many employers will ask you to apply online. Some will accept a paper resume while others will not. Be prepared by bringing several copies of your resume. If an employer asks you to apply online and/or doesn't accept your resume it DOES NOT mean they're not interested in you. It simply means they've moved toward an online application process. Career Expo is an opportunity to make a personal connection with another human being, and to ask questions about the company.

3. Don't forget to take advantage of free resume review offered through the day.

4.  Bring $6 if you plan to park at the TCC. The City of Tucson charges for parking at these events. It's not a Jobing thing.  There may be free parking on adjacent blocks and there is a parking deck near the big cathedral across Church Ave.

Put Some Sideboards on It - Marnie Green - Management Education Group

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:08:26 GMT

There is a natural tendency to avoid asking questions when you are uncertain as to what the answers will be. As a result, managers often avoid asking questions. Instead, they just tell the employees the answers they really want to hear. It may seem like you are giving up control when you ask an open-ended question that engages the employee. But, it doesn't have to be a scary proposition. One way to encourage dialogue while still guiding the direction of the conversation is to use sideboards to frame the question.

Frame the question with sideboards.

Sideboards are the parameters that frame an issue. They are the "givens." Sideboards are the assumptions you have already made that are non-negotiable. In most situations, there is background information that must be considered before a conversation can progress. Those are the sideboards. Usually there are limitations (time, money, resources, etc.) that must be noted when you are exploring options. Those are the sideboards.

The challenge is to state the sideboards clearly before asking a question that involves the employee in finding the solution. Here are some examples of sideboards in action:

Given our current budget situation...which of our projects is the highest priority?

Assuming we will meet our end of the year objectives, what additional tasks should we pursue?

Knowing that our relationship with this client is tenuous, what options do we have for satisfying this order?

Given the restrictions placed upon us in the regulations, what alternatives should be considered?

As a manager, you can establish parameters that will help employees find workable, effective, and successful solutions to issues and challenges. Think about the sideboards.

You can also reply to this blog with your comments, send me an email, or visit me online at www.managementeducationgroup.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Mythbusters: Career Expo Edition - Doug Mayes - Jobing.com Community Relations - TUC

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Warning: this will tick some of you off. I'm ok with that.

Jobing.com Career Expo is returning to the TCC on Tuesday November 10th from 2-6pm. This is the biggest job fair in Southern Arizona, and this time we expect 55-65 employers. If you're looking for a job, I'd invite you to consider attending the event. The opportunity to get in front employers is HUGE. People are still hiring and they want to hear from you! We'd love to have you and we wish you all the success in the world.

Here's one thing I know for sure. Our world has changed. Our job market is tough. There are fewer jobs to go around. It's just the truth, and I'm not going to insult you by saying that everything is all sweetness and light. You would believe that anyway.

So what? Well, if we expect different results we're going to have to do different things. With that said, I'd like to take the opportunity to correct a few misconceptions about job fairs and address some concerns that I've heard lately.

Gripe #1. They ask me to apply online instead of taking my resume. This means they're not really hiring. Not the case. Employers receive a large volume of resumes for each open position. It's supply and demand 101. To treat everyone fairly and legally and to organize their workload, they ask that people apply online. By the way, these companies drop cold hard cash to participate in our job fair. It ain't cheap. They wouldn't do it just as an excercise.

Gripe #2. We have to pay to park. Yeah, you do. The city of Tucson charges $5-$6 to use their parking lot even though we rent the TCC for the event.  It's not a Jobing thing.  If you don't want to pay, find a spot in the neighborhood off Cushing Street. There's also a parking deck across Church Ave that's a little cheaper.