What Recruiters Can Learn From Paparazzi Mistakes

What Recruiters Can Learn From Paparazzi Mistakes This article is  sponsored  by Technically Compatible, an online skills testing tool designed to streamline the recruitment of web, IT and software professionals.  For tips and tricks on avoiding baddies and attracting goodies, download their  guide for free: The Gamification of the Hiring Game â€" Complete Your Hiring Mission. Let’s begin with a story. A top US recruiter was approached by a client who wanted to  poach  the lead developer of their main competitor, but  didn’t have his or her name. Undeterred, said recruiter took some tips from the paparazzi and went out of his way to get access to the star. He even hired a food truck and disguised himself as a fast food vendor (hairnet and all). For days he parked his truck in the competitor’s industrial park and questioned customers about the identity of the top tech dog, while selling them cigarettes and sandwiches, until someone finally gave up the goods. Where we recognise that in today’s competitive recruitment market the adoption of innovative tactics is needed to attract the best talent, we do want you to keep your dignity.  To help you stay on the right side of bagging journalistic exclusives, we’ve put together a few quick tips: Don’t hide in bushes Let’s be honest, if you were the target of a recruitment stalk-a-thon, you would feel flattered for all of 3 minutes before a large dollop of ‘weirded out’ landed on your lap. Don’t be creepy, kids. Try not to freak your potential candidates by appearing out of nowhere like a CIA agent and interrogating them and their colleagues. It’s fine to act like a regular human being with a job to do  â€" if you believe in what you’re selling, it’ll be catchy. Enthusiasm is infectious. Go for the right angle, not the embarrassing shot Nothing good comes from researching candidates on social media, with the exception of LinkedIn â€" where things are more professional. You may discover their Facebook photos showing them dressed as a Wookie wearing a bikini while drinking shots of tequila on a stag do. Don’t judge them on this alone (I’m a good person… I mean my friend is). If you do feel the need to delve into this dark art: Be prepared for a bumpy ride. Try  to get a well-rounded impression of the professionalism of said candidate â€" not every Wookie looks great in a bikini. Shift your focus It’s always good to know what your competitors are doing, but don’t jostle with the pack waiting for the best shot. Find your own angle for scoring points with your potential candidates. Just like placing an article with an editor you may need to play the long game to work out what is most appropriate for your organisation. For instance, build your employer brand by launching initiatives like confidential career planning 1:1s in lunch breaks, or a CV amnesty where you review any LinkedIn or CV profiles that have been submitted and give hints and tips on what works and where they could improve. Nothing builds loyalty, respect and great employer branding like giving back and being useful. Think inside the box A little recruitment innovation can go a long way. In 2011, IKEA wanted to recruit new staff for its Australia stores. Step forward: Career Assembly.  They popped an A4 print out of ‘career instructions’ (i.e. apply for jobs at IKEA) into the boxes of hundreds of their bestselling flat pack products. When customers bought the items and took them home, they found the Career Assembly instructions inside. This no-to-low cost campaign targeted people who were already fans of the IKEA brand and resulted in 4,285 applications and 280 ‘careers assembled’. Neat, huh. To kick-start some inspiration for your own organisation, check out this video about the scheme: Greasing your way IN to situations We’ve mainly been sticking to the play nicely philosophy to attract candidates, but sometimes being a little crafty can pay off. All’s fair in love and business, right? Right?! VW needed more skilled mechanics for its workforce so they sent a number of cars to garages across Germany to be repaired, secretly securing signs with ‘Help Wanted’ to the undercarriages of the cars. This brought them a number of skilled applicants, discreetly poached from their competitors. Don’t have a physical product? Fear not, just change your Wi-Fi SSID name to something like ‘We’re hiring â€" contact X’. Just say no to hairnets It’s becoming increasingly more important to think creatively when trying to attract candidates, but try to avoid the creepy tactics. This article is  sponsored  by Technically Compatible, an online skills testing tool designed to streamline the recruitment of web, IT and software professionals.  The Gamification of the Hiring Game â€" Complete Your Hiring Mission. Image: Shutterstock

Answering the question What do you do

Answering the question What do you do When someone asks me, What does your husband do? I say, I dont know. This is not an answer our society is set up to deal with. It is not okay to have no idea what you want to do, let alone be married to someone with no idea. We have two kids, and Ive noticed that the more responsibilities you have, the more unacceptable it is to have no idea what youre doing. But the truth is that my husband is trying to figure out what to do. He is an artist, and a former game producer, and a former a lot of things, but right now he is being a dad who wants to be a dad-slash-something but he cant figure out what. There is a lot of good advice about how to craft an answer to The Question. Pamela Slim, at Escape from Cubicle Nation has a classic post titled, So, what do you do for a living? about how to talk about your new entrepreneurial escapade while you are still working for your old employer. And Herminia Ibarraha, a professor at INSEAD, shows that if you talk about yourself how you want to be, then you will probably become that person. In both cases, the advice is to answer The Question by focusing on where you are going instead of where you are. That is excellent advice, for everyone who knows where they are going. But how do you craft an answer if you have no idea where you are headed? I know my husband is not alone in the world because I do a lot of career coaching for very smart, talented, ambitious people, and many have no idea what they want to do with themselves. Ten years ago, if you didnt know what you were doing, the typical response would be, Im consulting. Today, you dont need to do that. Its okay to be lost. For people under 30, feeling lost is de rigueur. But if youre over thirty, its okay too, if you believe its okay. The first step is to respect the fact that you are in transition and that transition is part of normal life. In fact, with the right attitude, coping with uncertainty can be a positive experience. The important thing is to be honest about it. If you hedge, and look embarrassed, ashamed or evasive, you will look bad answering The Question. But if you look someone in the eye and say, I dont know. Im trying to figure it out, its reasonable to trust that people will respect you. They will ask you about your process for figuring things out. Maybe theyll say, What have you done in the past? or maybe What are you thinking about doing? These are not personal attacks. They are genuine curiosity because we are all fascinated by the process of self-discovery its the basis of our whole literary canon, after all.

How and Why to Throw a Customer Appreciation Party

How and Why to Throw a Customer Appreciation Party Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, so why not throw your customers an appreciation party? Customer appreciation parties come in many shapes and sizes, but all of them have significant benefits for your organizationâ€"far in excess of what you’ll spend throwing one. They could be elaborate as a gala or simple as a get-together, but all of them carry valueâ€"if you know how to throw one successfully. The Benefits of Customer Appreciation Parties It’s true, you’ll probably spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on a customer appreciation event, and several hours just on planning, but it’s worth it to see the following benefits: Employee morale. Don’t forget that your employees will also be invited to the customer appreciation party. This is a chance for them to mingle with one another and their clients in an informal setting, and enjoy some free food and drinks. If morale has been low lately, a customer appreciation event could turn it aroundâ€"just be careful not to make the event too formal or stress-inducing for your workers. Customer loyalty. One of the most obvious benefits of a customer appreciation party is its influence over customer loyalty. Though not guaranteed, most customers who notice how appreciated they are with your company will be more likely to stick around for the foreseeable future. If they’re on the fence about switching to one of your competitors, your kick-ass customer appreciation parties might be the tiebreaker that keeps them around. Networking. Even though you probably know most of your clients, your customer appreciation party can double as a networking event. You’ll get the opportunity to meet some people you’ve never met before, and your employees will get a chance to see all your clients in person. You may also attract more attendees because they see it as a networking opportunity for themselves; imagine the possibility that two of your clients work together to form a partnershipâ€"and have you to thank for the opportunity! Attracting new customers. Customer appreciation parties get billed as an opportunity to thank your existing customers for what they’ve already done, but they’re also a chance to attract more people to your network of clients. If your existing clients bring new people to your office, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to talk about your business. Plus, word will spread about how well you treat your customers, and you might get some referrals and new deals out of that good press alone. Customer relationships. Finally, a good customer appreciation party allows you to forge stronger, more personal relationships with your clients. You’ll understand them better, including their needs, their goals, and how they like to operateâ€"and that means you can serve them even better in the future. How to Throw an Effective Party Those benefits are nice, but they’ll only take effect if you can throw an appreciation party that leaves a positive impression. So how can you throw an effective party for your best customers? Set a date early. Your customers are busy people, and probably have schedules that fill up quickly. If you want to maximize your turnout, set a date as far in advance as possible. Offer plus-ones. Offering plus-ones to your guests will increase your costs, and may impose stricter limits on which customers you can invite, but it’s worth it. Plus-ones serve a number of functions; they give your customers flexibility to invite colleagues or loved ones, they add more new faces so you can capitalize on the networking aspect, and they give you the opportunity to get to know your clients better. Customize your party decorations. A good appreciation party should have your brand on display, calling attention to your business and making the event unique. It’s relatively easy to customize your party decorations online, so it shouldn’t cost you much extra time or money. Offer food and entertainment. Food and drink should go without saying; this is where the appreciation comes in. You’ll also want to provide some kind of entertainment, whether it’s a pool tournament, an interactive game, or just good music playing in the background. Have multiple representatives on the floor. Hosting the party is going to demand much of your attention, but you’ll need to make sure your customers are all attended to throughout the night. For that reason, you’ll need multiple people representing your company (such as your employees) on the floor, interacting with customers regularly. Customer appreciation parties don’t need to be extravagant or take a week of work to plan; anything you do for your customers will likely be beneficial. They’re the ones providing your revenue, so the happier you keep them, the better.

How to Get the Best Professional Photography

How to Get the Best Professional Photography These days, almost everyone has a DSLR camera but it doesn’t mean that everyone can shoot. It’s not enough to have expensive gear; you gotta know angles, lighting, editing, and much, much more. It’s not easy as it sounds to be a professional photographer and there are only a select few who are really good at what they do. Luckily for you, there’s no need to filter through many average photographers because today, we bring you some tips to help you find the best professional photography. We’re talking about professional photographers that work for different events whether it’s for a wedding, a birthday party, Christening, or an engagement party. They have to be professional Well, this one deserves one big “Duh!” but it does help to narrow down your choices to only professional photographers and cancel out the average and inexperienced ones. You will know when someone is a professional photographer if they mainly earn a large part of their living from photography. Do they belong to a photographer’s association/organization? Make no mistake; not all photographers who belong to an organization are good. So be careful if they claim to belong to one. Verify whether it is indeed a reputable organization; these groups often follow certain regulations and have established a standard for quality imagery. They’re certified A truly professional photographer may also have a certification. Wait, photographers have certifications? Yes, they actually do. Photography is an on-going learning experience and a good photographer will take the time to become good at their craft. If they’re certified, it means that they have committed themselves to continuous education in this field. There is more to photography than just pushing a few buttons. There’s also angling, lighting, post processing, retouching and more.  They likely have a large array of professional equipment.  But it they dont have whats necessary for a specialized shoot, they use a reputable source for the quality equipment they need. Check out their website Many photographers these days will have their own website to showcase the packages they offer as well as their portfolio. Take your time sifting through their photos and see if you like it. If you need more photos to see if they are good at, say, family photography, feel free to contact them via email to ask for more samples. They’re tried and tested They should have been in the industry long enough to know what looks good and what doesn’t. They are also easy to negotiate with as they won’t settle for a client who doesn’t realise the value of good photography and will only pay a subpar fee. Careful though; some can be in photography for so long and still provide terrible photos. Again, make sure to check out their portfolio. Has it gotten better throughout the years? If they have what you are looking for, look no further. They specialize in your event Before you decide to book a wedding photography in Melbourne, make sure that your photographer has experience shooting for a similar event. Much better if they specialise in it since they will already know already which angles look best, poses that you should do, and find the right moments to capture. Get a friend’s opinion Your friend can either give you a recommendation for a good photographer or they can help you judge a portfolio if you don’t have a good eye for photography. It always helps to have a second opinion, particularly someone who is good at photography. No idea which friend to get? Pick the one with the most beautiful Instagram feed. Voila! In Conclusion Those are just some of the things to consider when looking for professional photography. We hope they help you in finding a professional photographer for your event. Image Source; Image Source

Beating the anxieties of travelling solo during the summer

Beating the anxieties of travelling solo during the summer This post was written by an external contributor.  Michele Theil advises how to combat those anxieties and enjoy travelling by yourself.   Travelling by yourself is usually associated with those who quit their jobs, sell all of their belongings and decide to go an adventure with only their backpack and a pair of hiking boots. Whilst of course this is very rewarding, there’s really no need to do something so dramatic to enjoy the perks of travelling solo. Particularly if it’s your first time. I’ve always had grandeur dreams of seeing the world. My bank account has disagreed on numerous occasions, but I have found ways of taking trips with various friends. Unfortunately, as we all get busier and busier in our university lives and our future careers, scheduling has become difficult. Thus, I’ve decided to travel by myself and see the places I’ve always wanted to see. My desire to travel solo has been plagued with various anxieties. Just relying on my own intuition and going to a foreign and unknown place has made it difficult to be excited about where I’m going. But, there are simple ways to quell the worries and enjoy a holiday alone Start small As a kid, I was given the privilege of travelling by myself to visit family. However, this didnt worry me because I only had to fend for myself through the airport. On the other side, there would be someone waiting for me. So, I’d recommend starting small with your solo trips and going somewhere close but far enough away to call it a ‘trip’. My first solo trip was to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for four days. Whilst I was there, I met up with a friend who was performing. This meant that I didn’t feel so alone and allowed me to ‘dip my toe into solo travel. Plan a quick getaway, even if it’s for a short weekend, and do it the way you want to do it. Someone else’s method may not work for you, so it’s up to you to take the plunge and calm the worrying waves yourself. Plan Everything If you suffer from anxieties or worries, you may find  planning your schedules to be a comfort. I know I do. Many say that travelling solo means you have the freedom to do what you want. However, that doesn’t mean you have to be entirely spontaneous about it. No one will judge you if you choose to plan out your trip down to the last detail. There are many ways of facilitating this. Apps such as Interrail allow you to choose which train you’d want to take almost anywhere in Europe in accordance with your ticket. Alternatively, a travel-specific planner is also a great way of keeping track of your bookings and such. Keep in Touch Keeping in steady contact with friends and family about what you’re doing can be a real comfort. It may seem tedious, but having someone else know where you are will help you to feel more calm about being by yourself. Plus, it will also likely stop your loved ones from worrying. If you’re feeling alone, chatting to a friend back home about your plans and the places you’ve visited can make you feel ten times better. Being by yourself can be a tricky thing. But while you’re on your solo trip, take a good look around you and try to enjoy the amazing place you’ve chosen to go to. By worrying constantly, you’re stopping yourself from embracing the joys of travelling. Download Debut  and  connect with us on  Facebook,  Twitter  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

Kom til Arbejdsgl - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Kom til Arbejdsgl - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog We just announced our annual conference about happiness at work in Copenhagen. Heres the announcement in Danish. Vi er super glade for igen at kunne invitere til Arbejdsgl?de Live! konference, hvor du og 300 andre deltagere blandt andet kan h?re: Will McInnes ? M?ske Englands gladeste direkt?r. Hans Erik Br?nserud ? Direkt?r for en af Danmarks absolut gladeste arbejdspladser. Wikke Rasmussen ? Fra Voldsom Volvo til Flyvende Farmor. Med gl?de. Lise Egholm ? ?rets leder i Danmark 2011 fort?ller hvordan hun skaber arbejdsgl?de. Rowan Manahan ? En ekspert fort?ller hvordan arbejdsgl?de fremmer din karriere ? ogs? i en krisetid. Paula Larrain ? Dagens konferencier. L?s meget mere om konferencen og k?b billetter her. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Writing a Captivating Objective on a Resume

Writing a Captivating Objective on a ResumeWriting a captivating objective on a resume is an important step to ensure that your application is approved for the position you are applying for. It is crucial to write it for a few reasons.It not only tells the hiring manager who you are but also helps in deciding if you have what it takes to apply for the job. A well written and targeted resume gives a company a lot of information about you and what you can bring to the company. As a matter of fact, your resume will usually contain about a page or two of your information and then a call for action.To understand why a writing a captivating objective on a resume is important, it is good to know a little bit about objective writing. In simple terms, this type of writing means that you will show a company you are serious about the job you are applying for and you can do so by writing something that shows your skills and what you can do for the company.Your objective should be brief and to th e point. It should tell the hiring manager everything they need to know about you. The first page of your resume should be about you and your goals and dreams. By writing a sentence or two about how you became interested in the job and what you would bring to the company, it gives a hiring manager a better idea of how interested you are in the position.For example, if you are applying for a call center manager position, you can simply say 'I am a dedicated and motivated individual who thrives on the challenge of customer service.' Now you have given a little bit of information about yourself and you call for action. Tell the hiring manager that you have the abilities to handle the job and do it well. If you're looking for a CPA position, you could write the same statement on the second page of your resume.If you are applying for a CPA job, you would write the statement on the second page of your resume and talk about the rewards of the position and what you can bring to the company. You could even use this kind of statement as a sample objective to come up with your own because the rest of the information will be all that you need to know.For CPA positions, you would have to be passionate about the position, have relevant work experience and also show your ability to handle the business, how you can boost the business in order to achieve the goals of the company. You would have to be willing to learn more about the position and prove to the hiring manager that you would fit in well with the company. If you are an engineer or work in marketing, you could use that same sample objective statement to show how you can help the company and bring out the best in you.No matter what you are applying for, it is important to get this objective written. This shows that you are focused on the company you are applying for and how you can contribute to its success.