Recruiting Introverts Why You Might Be Losing Your Best Candidates

Recruiting Introverts Why You Might Be Losing Your Best Candidates A few years ago, I watched  New York Times best-selling author Susan Cain’s TED Talk on “The Power of Introverts”  and had one of those rare moments in life where everything suddenly made sense. Waitwhat? Im completely normal and just an introvert? It’s hard to believe I never knew this about myself. The signs were always there: I love to connect 1:1 or in small groups, but dread networking events and ice breakers (just writing those two words raised my blood pressure). I play a lot of video games (alone). I prefer to stay behind-the-scenes and out of the spotlight. And most telling, I recharge by spending time alone.  I just needed a little education to understand what all of these things meant. After watching Susan’s TED Talk and reading many subsequent articles about this topic, I am clearly not the only person who felt their introverted tendencies meant something was wrong with them.  This is because our worlds (and our workplaces) are largely designed around those who need and want a lot of social interaction. Our recruiting processes and decisions also favor extroverts, and it’s not hard to see why. Extroverts are more expressive and boisterous and easily form connections with others. And our processes are narrowly tailored towards looking at people through the lens of how well they express themselves verbally under time pressure. Given that introverts generally prefer time to think before speaking, this can present quite a disadvantage. Yet, one-third to half of the population are introverts, and according to many studies, teams perform best when there is a balance of both introverted and extroverted members. In addition, whether a leader is introverted or extroverted can impact leadership effectiveness depending upon the type of team that’s being led. The following quote from a Harvard Business Review article written by Francesca Gino, professor at Harvard Business School,  says it best: Team leaders who are extroverted can be highly effective leaders when the members of their team are dutiful followers looking for guidance from above. Extroverts bring the vision, assertiveness, energy, and networks necessary to give them direction. By contrast, when team members are proactive â€"  and take the initiative to introduce changes, champion new visions, and promote better strategies â€"  it is introverted leaders who have the advantage. As someone who has worked in recruiting and talent management for 16 years, I’ve thought a lot about the ways to fix this issue. 1. Commit to learning about introverts We are in the people business. It’s imperative that we not only understand the job and company we’re selling but also the complex nuances of the people we are recruiting. For instance, did you know that being introverted is not the same as being shy? Both introverts and extroverts are shy in equal numbers. There are a lot of great resources out there about introverts, including Susan Cain’s website,  Quiet Revolution. The more we understand about introverts, the more we can recognize this personality trait in candidates and adjust our recruiting process accordingly. 2. Adjust the way you interview candidates We spend a lot of time during the interview process asking our candidates impromptu questions either on the phone or in person under time pressure. But what exactly does this assess? How well a person answers impromptu questions verbally?  While this may be helpful in understanding how well a candidate may think on their feet, it really only reflects of one of many personality traits that can help determine whether they are a good fit for the job. What about assessing how well a candidate prepares for meetings or how well they can take several pieces of information and clearly articulate their perspective after some thought? Or, how well a candidate expresses themselves in writing? These are often strengths that introverts bring to the table that are overlooked in the interview process. Below are a few tips to help an introvert show off their strengths in the interview process and lead to better, more informed hiring decisions: Before an in-person interview, send some of the questions to the candidate in advance. This helps level the playing field between those who prefer to process before responding (introvert) and those who don’t (extrovert). Send some questions in writing and ask for a written response. This shows how well a candidate expresses themselves in writing vs. just verbally. Some introverts are much better at articulating thoughts and expressing personality in writing. Ask a candidate to do some research on a topic and do a short presentation on it. This helps assess how well a candidate can organize their thoughts around a subject and present it in a meaningful way. Introverts often don’t love to talk about themselves but can really shine when talking about a topic they are passionate about. Recruiters should also think about the tools that can help introverted candidates put their best foot forward in an interview. For most people, an in-person interview is a nerve-wracking experience, but for many introverts, the mere thought can leave them paralyzed with anxiety. Screening a candidate over text message can help put an introvert at ease and let their experience speak for itself. Here are some of the benefits of text-based interviews for introverted candidates: Through a text-based interview platform, the candidate can take all the time they need to clearly articulate their response to a question. Not always quick on their feet, an introvert will appreciate the ability to provide a well-thought out response. Introverts tend to dislike small talk  and get nervous in situations that necessitate it. Screening a candidate over text eliminates the need for water cooler banter and chit chat, and lets the candidate really focus on explaining their skills and experience. Some introverts will spend as much time worrying about the small details of the interview, like what to wear, where it’s happening and who they’re talking to, as they will preparing for the questions they’re going to be asked. Text interviews eliminate the need to focus on the less important details and focus on the task at hand. Introverts prefer to be direct and to the point and dislike having to repeat themselves. They don’t want to reinvent the wheel â€" they would much rather switch gears and tackle something new. An interview over text allows the candidate and the recruiter to eliminate redundant questions and responses. Introversion is not only a natural leadership trait, its a tremendously valuable one. According to experts like Cain, introverts are persistent, diligent and focused on work. By incorporating the advice in this article into your recruiting practices, you’ll avoid losing out on hiring some of your best candidates About the author: Kelly Lavin is a human resources executive who excels at helping companies hire and retain great people through creative and impactful talent practices. Recognizing the need for a method to boost recruiting productivity, Kelly has teamed up with Aman Brar and Jared Adams to launch Canvas, the first enterprise-grade text-based interviewing platform that enables recruiters screen more job candidates and market employment brands. Prior to Canvas, Kelly spent five years with Apparatus, rising through the ranks from director to executive vice president of talent management.

Tips on How to Get a Resume Grant Writing Experience

Tips on How to Get a Resume Grant Writing ExperienceIf you are new to the job market and have no idea how to get a resume grant writing experience, there are some steps you can take. These steps include learning how to write a resume grant and make sure it looks and applies for what you need it to apply for.The first step in getting a resume grant is that you have to have the ability to put together a good first impression for your potential employer. This means that you should have a professional looking resume that includes all of the relevant information on your background. You want this to be a strong first impression that will help you get a job without any trouble. After you have created this, you will need to know how to turn this resume grant into a real offer that can help you get a job.The best way to get this information is through an online job posting. There are many sites that have a large database of such job postings so you can find exactly what you are looking for. F or instance, you can use a site that has a large number of resumes on offer to help you find a job. They can also give you the list of available jobs in your area.Before you contact a company, you should take the time to put together a great resume that includes all of the information they need on their website or in their newspaper ads. You should also put together a good letter that also shows them your educational background. Finally, you should send a resume grant proposal to your potential employer to help you get a job. This type of proposal is what gets you an interview at the company and even more importantly, it helps you get a job for a lower pay rate.If you have never worked with a career counselor before, you can learn about how to get a resume grant through a course. In addition, you can ask a career counselor for help with how to do a resume grant writing experience. Many times, a career counselor can also have expertise with the types of resume grants that are availab le. If you have never done a resume grant writing experience before, chances are that you will run into a bit of difficulty at first.The best approach for any new job seeker to take when writing a resume grant is to go online and search for job listings. Once you have found some vacancies that are suitable for your skill set, you can contact the company that is hiring. At this point, it will be important to make sure that you apply for the position you were contacted for.There are many people who assume that they will only be contacted by employers and that they do not have to apply for jobs themselves. However, when you apply for a job, you must put yourself in the shoes of the employer. In other words, you must really consider the person you are dealing with and what it is he or she needs and wants.In this way, you can find a good example of how to do a resume grant writing experience and have it ready to go when the time comes. Another way to get a resume grant and learn how to m ake the most of it is to ask for referrals from former clients. If you have ever asked for a referral, then you can probably tell someone who worked with you on a resume grant that the work was very professional and not messy at all.

Basic Rules of Boot Season

Basic Rules of Boot Season It is boot season! Whether you are dusting off your trusty leather knee highs or going on a hunt for this years new shoe closet addition, if youre a girl who loves playing dress up like me, you probably are doing so all giddy in excitement. Boots add a great tough-girl dimension to any outfit and is both built to be chic and comfy. With the number of different styles for ladies boots out there, it is easy to get confused with what to wear with which outfit. To save you hours of trying boots on and going does this look right?!, read through this basic boot style guide. Wearing tall boots? Fit is everything. Try loose equestrian pairs or a slim pair that is snug but not tight around your calves. Never try to push your calves in if theyre too slim for  your legs. Seeing jeans or calves struggling at the edge of your boot is a no-no. Tall boots will never look good under loose fitting or flared pants. They are best worn with tight jeans and or tights and leggings. Love the skirt and boot look?  Heres what works best. Tall boots with a skirt or dress whose hem is just a few inches above the top of the boot, and if you are going shorter, wear with tights. Ankle boots are best with a skirts and dresses above the knee. If you go longer you can risk looking matronly and frumpy.   Ankle boots with mid length skirts and capris is dangerous. Unless you are tall and modelesque, this is a risky pairing as it can make you look shorter. Try not to wear uggs unless you are sure that it is a casual affair.  Uggs are the flipflops of boots. It is the kind of thing you dont want to wear to good establishments. If you are going for the full comfort look, go ahead! Pair with a loose and warm pullover. Mid-calf boots are unfortunately best on thin or long lean legs. They accentuate your calves. If you have bigger legs, go for a bit of height. Heel, wedge, platform these are your best friends. The more daring your boots, for example thigh highs, it is best paired with something simple and basic. Let your boots do the talking. Make the most out of fall-winter fashion with your favorite pair/s. Its one of the most fun times to play dress up, so go for it!

Are Clients Excited to Meet or Quickly Depart - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Are Clients Excited to Meet or Quickly Depart - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Do your prospective clients sound excited to learn more in meetings, or is pain felt on both sides of the table? We are all aware of salespeople who brag about their prowess. While they may be well-informed about what they sell, their ego plays too big a part for them to be successful. No one likes to have precious time wasted. And the worst type of meeting is where one person does all of the talking while showing little interest or concern for others in the room. Trying to impress the other people in the room is a waste of valuable time. One can hear the sigh of relief once this type of salesperson leaves, and is never to return. The reason people agree to meet is to find the right representative who strives to solve client problems. Observations of a genuine conversation are underway by prospective clientele. Perception Come to terms with how others perceive you by looking at the percentage of returning and referring clients already in place. If you admit to a low number, give consideration to what may be done to have more energetic and meaningful meetings with clients. Do you: Conduct in-depth research on the company and industry before the meeting? Seek out office clues to speak about family, hobbies or pets? Learn the reasons why others invite you in for a meeting? Should your answer be ‘yes’ to all three questions, your next step is to include everyone at the table in the conversation. You will readily see an increase in energy, enthusiasm, and interest. Being professionally personal with everyone you meet serves to build relationships. In turn, admiration of your personal brand will increase the likelihood of making sales. View each meeting as a place where everyone may participate and discuss current projects, areas of concern, and specific requests for help. Opportunity becomes possible when you are open to hearing of the other person’s experiences, and their approach to making their vision reality. Equality in conversation is the ideal. During the exchange, ideas should easily flow to make recommendations and offer specific introductions that may well benefit each other’s endeavors, or for collaboration on future projects. The last step is to recap all topics covered in the meeting and then arrange a timeline for follow-up. Friendly conversation and perseverance are what separates the successful salespeople from those who quietly leave the profession. Sales Tips Research clients and audiences before meetings. Thoughtfully prepare ahead for needs, wants and desires. Be familiar with potential issues clientele may face. Inquire how your clientele is addressing their problems. Ask what other fixes may be in order as they see it. Should something sound peculiar, ask for the reasoning behind it. Ask ‘what if’ questions to see if your offerings may be of interest. Explain why you believe your service is a good solution. Gain buy-ins for areas that interest each client. Celebrate Success! Following these guidelines will lead you to the Smooth Sale!

Zipjob Resume Writing Service

Zipjob Resume Writing ServiceWhile it is possible to find a good pay survey for any job posting, sometimes the greatest help that you can offer is through the use of zipjob resume writing. If you have ever applied for a job and received rejection letters, you know how painful they can be. Your future job prospects depend on the person that reads your letter. This is why the zipjob program will be of great benefit to you.Zipjob is a product that will provide you with information on how to create a resume that will get you the job. While you might need to spend some time researching this product, the price is really worth it. You are provided with a step by step guide to help you create the perfect resume that will show potential employers that you are a professional in the field you want to work in.One of the main advantages of zipjob is that it includes a sample that has been reviewed and approved by real people. This means that your resume will include the same information that othe r companies use. This may not be what you are looking for, but it can be helpful if you are trying to create a similar looking resume. It will allow you to view the sample as many times as you like to ensure that you are getting the most up to date information.Another advantage of zipjob is that you are provided with a template that you can modify to suit your needs. The sample template is easy to read and follow. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to resume writing. Using a template allows you to focus on creating a resume that includes all of the information that you need without having to worry about something being left out.Zipjob also includes a sample cover letter. It may take a little more time to create a resume, but it is well worth it in the end. Having a cover letter that will help you get the interview that you are after will help you become the professional that you want to be.Zipjob provides you with lots of sample text that you can copy and paste. They do this to help you understand how to create a strong resume. Most of the time, you will need to create a template that is different from the sample text. However, you can use this template to help you understand how to create your own resume.Zipjob also includes a fact sheet that includes the basics on how to make your resume stand out. This is a must have if you are not sure how to write a compelling cover letter. It will provide you with all of the information that you need to know on how to write a resume. A quick search on the internet will give you a list of different resumes and cover letters.Zipjob is a great way to learn about how to write a resume. If you do not have the time to research or work on a job, zipjob is a great option. Using this resume writing service will help you to move forward and to be successful at whatever job you choose.

This student budgeting guide will save your bank account - Debut

This student budgeting guide will save your bank account - Debut This post is written by a member of the Debut Student Publisher Network. Read on for  Chars  reflections on how her work in retail shaped her: There are few things that test your self-control more extremely than receiving an installment of your student loan. There you were, living in near poverty for what felt like eons. Then behold! The SLC gods deign to bless you with a saving grace. A  hefty sum of cash lands in your pocket, and threatens to  wipe your memory of the humbling experience of living off Supernoodles for two weeks. Im here to bring you back to reality and remind you that sometimes you need money for important things. You know, like rent? Groceries? Living? Luckily, Ive whipped up some steps to help you budget and ensure you dont perpetuate the cycle of exorbitant spending that rapidly descends into self-loathing destitution. Step one:  Put your rent aside first For some inexplicable reason, landlords and accommodation services dont like it when you dont pay them your rent. Its a harsh world we live in, having to offer financial services simply to avoid perishing in a field somewhere, but what can you do. Having a savings account with a direct debit to immediately transfer your rent upon your installment saves you a lot of hassle, and its out of the way so fast it wont even devastate you that much. Then you just pretend that your savings are guarded by a ravenous dragon, and if you touch them, all of your friends will perish. Like in The Hobbit. Step two:  Put away emergency funds as well THATS RIGHT, MORE SQUIRRELING AWAY! God, isnt this so fun? Bills are different from rent in that they loom over you more ominously; you know youll be slapped with one at some point, but you dont know when or for exactly how much, and every time you hear the post come in youre consumed by fear of the bomb waiting for you inside an envelope from Scottish Power. Its best to be prepared for the worst, so think rationally about how much youre realistically going to be charged, safely place it away, and guard the heating with totalitarian dedication. Step three: Calculate how this can last you This step requires a bit of math, something we all vowed wed never need upon leaving secondary school. Unless, like, youre doing a Maths degree or something, in which case go you. I know the excitement of one installment is almost too much to bear, but find out when your next one will be, and calculate how much you can spend per week with the remaining amount you have. No matter how abysmally tiny this amount may seem, I promise that you will manage, which leads me nicely onto the fourth step Step four: Set yourself a food budget Its so easy to just follow all your hedonistic impulses when food shopping and sweep everything that looks vaguely delicious into your basket. But honestly, following a food budget is just as satisfying, if not more so. Dedicate a reasonable amount of your weekly allowance to food, and dont go overboard when youre in the store. Plan meals beforehand. Go for basic instead of name-brand. Eat more fresh food. Its surprisingly rewarding following some sort of structure. Your blood sugar will thank you alongside your wallet. Step five: Write things down Okay, Im an obsessively organised person, so I dont know if this is a weird habit or not, but I write down everything I spend. Its easier to adhere to my weekly allowance if I do so, and I can loosen or restrict my spending habits per day depending on how Im doing. Too many of us fall into the habit of thinking that debit payments dont really count, that the moneys only gone in an abstract sense, so this is a way to cut down on excessive splurges since you can physically see the effect of your actions. Step six: Treat yo self (to an extent) Even if you only have £3 left of your weekly budget, you should always try and do something nice for yourself. It could just be getting something from Starbucks, or maybe even a pair of shoes. As long as you have enough leftover at the end of the week, you should totally treat yourself. Budgeting doesnt have to mean sacrificing all material pleasure and living the life of a monk. Being conscientious with your money is hard work, so you deserve a reward every now and then. Prepare for the moment, and dont think about the crushing debt youll be saddled with one you graduate. Download the Debut app and get Talent-Spotted by amazing graduate employers! Follow Char  on Twitter  @charlubby Connect with Debut on  Facebook  and  Twitter

Is This the Missing Link to Your Career Success

Is This the Missing Link to Your Career Success Sometimes, work can feel like a grim and solitary place. Especially when you’re toiling away just to keep up, pressured to keep doing more with less, and watching others move ahead while you’re doing the work unnoticed. When you’re in an environment like that, it’s hard to feel successful in your career. It can put you in a defensive mindset that keeps you from performing at your best, and stops you from demonstrating the great things you can achieve and the value you can deliver. All of which would better position you for raises, promotions and recognition. What if things were different and better? What is the thing that’s missing and that stands between you and greater success? The power of people rooting for you This morning at the gym, I realized that there’s one simple thing that can stand between where we are now and greater success in our careers â€" indeed in our lives: the power of people rooting for you. My “aha” moment came when my workout partner finished her 79th rep (as in repetition) of “Knees to Parallel”. She dropped down from the chin up bar and said, “I never would have done so many without your support. Thank you.” Just 5 minutes before that as she prepared to start the 5 minute AMRAP (“as many reps as possible”), she told me she didn’t think she could do very many. Since we were working in pairs, that meant I was the one to keep count and cheer her on. She had gotten up to 45 reps and was flagging. I said, “I think you’ve got at least 60 in you”. She jumped back on the bar and knocked out 5 more before taking a rest. Then another 5, and so on. With a minute left I said, “You’re crushing this! I think you can get at least to 70, maybe more.” She got to 70. “Okay, let’s go for 75!” She ended up doing 79 reps â€" a personal best! This is a common occurrence at my gym. People support each other and cheer each other on. And the more one person cheers, the more others learn from that and join in as well. The same goes for my husband’s basketball team. The players do the drills faster and better when the rest of the team is cheering and rooting for them. They achieve feats that they don’t think they can do on their own and the positive momentum is infectious. The point is that we can all achieve more and perform at the top end of our potential if we have others around us who are providing encouragement, giving feedback and cheering us on. So how can you harness this in your career? You need a “workout partner” at work Whatever performance goals you may or may not have at the gym, you’re likely to have some pretty serious ones at work. Whether that’s getting a raise, landing a new opportunity, or getting public recognition for the contributions you’ve made. That’s exactly where your work equivalent of the cheerleading workout partner comes in. He or she is priceless as someone who: Helps you silence the voice in your own head that sows the seeds of doubt and hesitation Urges you on, powers you forward, and improves your performance Starts you on a virtuous cycle and encourages you to keep going You don’t have to be wracked by self-doubt to benefit greatly from having people in your corner, rooting for you. No matter who you are and how talented you may be, knowing someone has your back and is looking out for you makes all the difference in the world. Never underestimate the huge power of people rooting for you. Having that supportive cheerleader is often the missing link to our greater career success. The person or people we need to truly perform at our best, and even to find what our best can be when we’re too afraid to explore it on our own. Who’s in your corner? So, who do you have in your corner and are you allowing them to help you discover and perform at your very best? And what characteristics do you look for in your workout partner or cheerleading squad? Here are a few I like to see: Positive energy and enthusiasm Believes in me at least as much as I believe in myself Forward thinking â€" sees possibilities without being naive â€" a “why not” person rather than a “why” person Understands what I’m going through Sincerity Who are you cheering for? Just as important as having a cheering squad is making sure you’re cheering for someone else. And there’s an art to it, so keep an eye out for people who do it exceptionally well. You’ll learn so much from watching them. While this degree of vocal and proactive support does not come naturally to everyone, the good news is that it’s a highly learnable behavior. In fact, I’ve come to think of it as infectious. So why not start a positive epidemic? If you want to improve your chances for career success, then make sure you’re hanging around positive people who are rooting for you and cheering you on. Be one of those people yourself. And teach others to do it as well. That way, we’ll all have a better chance to feel fulfilled in our lives, make bigger contributions to the world, and feel proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. And as The Beatles might say, we’ll be enjoying greater success “with a little help from our friends”. With Thanksgiving coming up, let’s remember to give thanks for the people who root for us, cheer us on and have our back. Who’s in your corner and how have they made a difference in your career? Leave a comment below â€" I’d love to know.

Top 5 Resume Dos and Donts -

Top 5 Resume Dos and Donts - There is a lot to consider when writing your resume. You dont want to miss an opportunity for an interview by offering a less than stellar result.   In her blog, Hire Someone to Write Your Resume, career advice blogger and author Penelope Trunk refers to a resume as a complicated sales document and also a piece of direct mail.  That said, here are my top 5 Resume Dos and Donts DO Remember that your resume is a marketing piece, not a laundry list. Sell yourself; dont just list what youve done. Focus on transferable skills and quantifiable  accomplishments. Determine the employers key words and incorporate them. Include soft skills, otherwise known as emotional intelligence. Use strong, active language that helps the reader picture you working for them. Design your resume to be easy to read and scan both with software and the eye. Remember that the typical first read allows a 10-second glance. (Some say 7 seconds is all you get!) Make it count by using white space, bullet points and bold, appealing design elements. Ensure that your resume is error free. Target your resume to the employer. Do NOT zap your generic resume to 100 different online job postings. If you do not personalize your resume to include key words, you may be wasting your time sending it at all. Be precise. Although the one-page rule no longer applies for all employers, it is important to narrow your information to include the most important material. (Typically, two pages are plenty.) Employers do not want to wade through a lot of extraneous information. DONT Use I, me or my in your resume. The first-person is implied. Dont use the phrase responsibilities included or responsible for. These are passive ways to structure your information. Dont use an objective. Your objective is to get the job, so you are wasting space in the very important real estate of your resume the top! Attract readers with a targeted Accomplishments, Highlights, or similarly named section. Dont list References upon request. This is assumed. Dont include ANY personal information such as age, gender, religion, marital status, social security number, weight, etc. In the U.S., do not include a picture on your resume.   All of this information is inappropriate and will make you seem dated and unaware of correct resume etiquette. Dont rely on standard resume templates, especially from your word processing program. Dont copy text from sample resumes posted on the web. You are unique; your resume should be distinctive. Dont ever lie on a resume. Present the best possible image consistent with the truth. I will design and write a resume that captures your skills and accomplishments and sells your skills!