Many people are in and out of the office, with varying schedules and summer commitments. The best way to avoid gaps and remain productive is by planning strategically for your time away, particularly if you are in a production role like sales or recruiting. We recently shared several tips with our team to promote productivity in the summer that can be applied regardless of your role or industry as producer.

While it’s critical for employees to take time away, we believe focusing on managing expectations, preparation, and utilizing technology to fill gaps will keep business opportunities flowing while you’re away, resulting in positive outcomes for you, your colleagues, and your business.

Expectation Management

• Prioritize clear and consistent communication throughout the summer.
• As you prepare for time away, be sure to clearly communicate your plans and time away with your team internally, as well as externally with important stakeholders. Don’t forget to communicate appropriately with each audience.
• Set your out of office message and ensure you have a plan for coverage for any needs that arise while you are away from your desk.
• Consider your time away and think about what might typically come up during that time of the week, month, quarter, etc. Prepare your colleague who is covering for you appropriately.

Activity

• Even if you are away from your desk, other people are still working. To avoid any lags in new business opportunities, work to keep your proactive outbound activity consistent.
• Think about your typical outreach & activity and try to achieve that same level throughout the summer – perhaps just more one week than another. For example, if you will be out of the office for a week, send twice as many emails or phone calls for two weeks prior to your absence. That way, when you return you will still have a healthy pipeline of opportunities. Don’t forget to make sure someone is following up with them in your absence!

Technology Utilization

• Think about maintaining consistency both internally and externally, even if you are gone, and consider how technology might be able to help you achieve those goals.
• Whether it is utilizing automated communication or scheduling emails or calendar reminders for your internal or external contacts, be sure to leverage all the technology available to you to help you sustain a consistent workflow this summer.
• Make a list of holidays, regular tasks, and other things you typically “check in” about that might occur during your absence. Then, automate that outreach or set reminders for your team to check in on those activities while you are away.

Have questions about how to manage your team’s productivity or time off? We can help. Contact us today!

The post Preparing for Time Away appeared first on Find Great People.

1. Take time to properly prepare.

Before your interview, take time to research the company you are interested in and the position you are interviewing for. Take a look at the company’s website and social media pages. Try to understand what they do, their industry, clients, and even past projects. Being knowledgeable about the organization can impress the interviewer and demonstrate you care and respect their time. It also allows you to see if the company’s past projects align to your own skills and work experience, which you can then share.

Make sure to review the job description. Look over the responsibilities and duties that would be expected of you if you were to be chosen for this position. During the interview, there might be questions regarding these responsibilities, and you can also use this as an opportunity to connect your experience to the role. Also, think about typical interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses.” Prepare some thoughtful answers to these questions that will help interviewers better understand you and how you will be successful in their company.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider your attire. An interview is one of the instances where the saying “dress to impress” can apply. Choosing the appropriate attire helps you make a positive first impression and showcases your professionalism. When in doubt, choose formal or business attire.

2. During your interview

Plan to arrive at your interview location about 10 to 15 minutes early. Have a copy of your resume, portfolio, or previous work ready to go so that you or your interviewer can easily reference them during your time together.

During the interview, your primary focus should be on answering the interviewer’s questions and highlighting your relevant skills and experience whenever possible. Aside from that, you can also write down important information you might need for future reference. Stay focused and minimize distractions so that you can listen attentively to the interviewer’s questions, respond thoughtfully, and ask for clarifications if needed. The interview is your chance to showcase your enthusiasm and passion for the role, so don’t be afraid to express your interest. Think back to your company research and the job description, and have thoughtful questions prepared to contribute to the conversation. Try to avoid redundancy and focus on areas not covered by the interviewer.

3. Following up

After your interview, make sure you follow up. Review the notes you took during the conversation and send an email to the interviewer thanking them for their time and attaching any additional information such as work examples you discussed. Consider this an additional touchpoint for you to express your interest in the position. Offer to answer further questions or provide additional information if they need any. After your follow up email is sent, if you haven’t heard back after several days, send a polite follow up email asking about the status of the position.

Interviewing can be intimidating, but with the right tools you will be able to approach it with the confidence you need to take your career to the next level. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you navigate the job search process!

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Your personal brand sets you apart from the crowd. It is the reason employers will remember you, clients will choose you, and colleagues will want to work with you. It’s your competitive advantage. Today, we are breaking down four key elements of your personal brand and how you can optimize them to help market yourself professionally.

1. Resume

Your resume will be the cornerstone of your personal brand. It should be a well-crafted document highlighting your skills, education, certifications, acknowledgements, and community involvement. Ensure that your resume aligns with your personal brand by being authentic and truthful to you, while also customizing your resume for specific companies and positions as needed. To dive deeper into crafting an irresistible resume, check out our blog.

2. Online presence – LinkedIn

Your online presence takes many different forms. It reflects your personal life, as well as your professional life. These two will often blend online, but it’s important to be strategic about your professional presence online, to capture the attention of hiring managers and key individuals within your network.

LinkedIn is the go-to platform for your professional online presence. LinkedIn’s main goal is to get you connected with other people in your preferred field. Less than 40% of LinkedIn’s traffic is from job seeking, emphasizing the importance of using the platform to reach out and make an impression on potential employers rather than solely looking for job opportunities. By establishing connections over time, being visible on the platform, and adding value strategically, when the time comes to apply for a job, you will have a built-in network to start your outreach with.

We’d encourage you to periodically evaluate your LinkedIn to ensure it is updated and ready for someone to look at. Here are the basics of setup and recommendations for content.

3. In-Person Interactions

There are two primary instances where you will have the chance to sell your personal brand in person: networking events and interviews. Networking is more than just a chance to hand out business cards – it is an opportunity to present your personal brand and connect with other professionals. These events are designed to help you show who you authentically are, not just a name and some achievements on a piece of paper. Networking events are your chance to showcase your personal brand in many ways – whether that be what you wear, how you introduce yourself, or topics you discuss. These events are less formal than an interview and provide opportunities to talk about your hobbies, your interests, and things that motivate you. Networking events are where you want to establish an initial relationship with a possible employer and connect with them on a more personal level.

An interview is your second opportunity to present and sell your personal brand. This is where you have the opportunity to let the interviewer know what motivates you in your career, who you are professionally, and why you would be a fit for their team. Be sure to carry the authenticity you established when networking through to your interview. This will drive your personal brand home and convey that you are who you claim to be. Additionally, prepare for your interview by doing some preliminary research about the company you are interested in. For example, understand their company values and what drives them as a team, enabling you to make a personal connection to them and speak to them during your interview. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about company culture, organizational structure, and benefits. You want to make sure that this role will be mutually beneficial and that the opportunity will elevate your career and long-term success. This preparation demonstrates a level of respect for their time and a genuine desire to work for their company.

4. References

References are another piece of the personal brand puzzle. Most people can pull together a resume, and polish up their LinkedIn, but having real people who will attest to your character and work ethic will help you stand out from the competition. References should be attained in a four-step process: choose your references, reach out to them personally, keep them updated on the process, and express your gratitude. These references are a testament to your personal brand and can demonstrate how you live out what you claim to value.

Maintaining a strong personal brand helps you as well with “unofficial” references, or ones that you have not specifically requested. When you are being evaluated by an employer, they may see if they have mutual connections on LinkedIn, for example. If they reach out to that connection, that person may share their experience with you, so make sure you are presenting yourself well in all your professional interactions.

Your personal brand is an important tool in your professional journey. If optimized, it can help you grow your career and set you on a path to success. If you are looking for more guidance or resources, contact us today.

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It’s not just about what you know, it’s also about who you know. In today’s world, having a strong network of connections can open doors to exciting career opportunities. While online networking has its advantages, there is an undeniable value in in-person interactions. In today’s blog, we will give you three tips for effective in-person networking.

1.  Attend in-person events.

You know networking is important, but where exactly can you have conversations with like-minded individuals who work in your industry? It can be intimidating to put yourself out there, mostly if you don’t know where. Fortunately, there are many events geared towards networking and making business connections. You can start by looking for networking events being held in your area. These events offer a focused environment where you can actively seek individuals who share your passion and drive, discuss ideas, industry challenges, and form connections. These events are often sponsored by local chambers, business groups, and industry-specific organizations. Look at their websites and subscribe to their newsletters to be notified about opportunities.

Another great way to build your network is through attending conferences. Picture yourself surrounded by industry leaders, innovators, and colleagues sharing their wisdom. You can attend workshops, conference sessions, and network with the people around you during free time before and after the sessions. When you attend these events, remember to embrace the opportunity to engage in conversations, share your experiences, and learn from others. You’ll get out of it what you put into the experience.

2. Know How to Pitch Yourself

When you are networking with someone in-person, it is not only important to know where to go, but what to say. Let’s say you meet someone you want to have a conversation with. One of the first questions they are going to ask is, “Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?” That is a broad question, so what is the best way to answer it?

It is crucial to be able to effectively present yourself and communicate your abilities. Crafting an elevator pitch can help you make a memorable impression and leave others intrigued with your abilities and skillset. Your pitch should include a brief personal history, highlighting key achievements. Also, you can connect your past experiences with the future position you aspire to hold. Finally, conclude your pitch by asking for a recommendation of a company that aligns with your career goals. Keep in mind that most elevator pitches should only last about 30 seconds, so keep it concise and relatable.

3. Gather contact information and follow up.

While you’re networking, it is important to build connections that you can potentially reach out to in the future. When you’ve had a positive conversation with someone, ask for their contact information. You can do this by exchanging business cards or connecting on professional networking platforms, like LinkedIn, to maintain those connections beyond the event. Once you’ve collected their contact details, make it a priority to follow up shortly after the meeting. Sending a personalized message expressing your pleasure in meeting them can go a long way.

In-person networking is a powerful tool for professional growth. By attending industry events, crafting an impressive pitch, and following up with contacts, you can make the most out of your networking experience. So, step out of your comfort zone, attend those events, and engage with fellow professionals. You never know where your next meaningful connection may lead you.

Remember to follow our blog for more insightful tips and best practices on networking and other career-related topics. Happy networking!

The post The Power of Networking: How to Network In-Person appeared first on Find Great People.

A popular interview question is often to speak to a challenging time you’ve faced in your professional experience. While this can seem like a difficult question, in today’s blog, we’re breaking down how to put a positive spin on a negative experience.

1. Don’t get too specific.

While your negative experience is important to you, consider what details actually need to be shared in an interview setting. Avoid mentioning specific names. You don’t want to give the impression that you are “bashing” a former employer, so as you share your experience be sure to keep it high-level and share how it affected you specifically. Think about outlining how it challenged you, rather than sharing every detail of what might have happened.

Always be sure to accurately convey what happened, but don’t feel the need to overshare in an interview setting.

2. Focus on what you learned.

The things that challenge us often teach us some of the biggest lessons. So, when you speak to a difficult experience in a professional setting, be sure to share actionable takeaways that you learned from the experience. Perhaps a challenging experience with a supervisor taught you the importance of strong communication skills, or a difficult experience with a client helped you understand the importance of outlining exact roles and responsibilities in an agreement.

Showing how you have navigated the challenging experience and sharing what you’ve learned demonstrates your ability to proactively and professionally move through difficult situations.

Interviews can be intimidating, so we always recommend thinking ahead about what questions you might be asked and preparing accordingly. You can follow our social media pages and keep reading our blog for more interview tips and best practices!

The post Interview Tips: Putting a Positive Spin on Negative Experiences appeared first on Find Great People.

According to a recent Gitnux survey, 29% of employers offer counteroffers to retain top performers, but at the same time, 50% to 80% of employees who accept a counteroffer end up leaving the company within six months due to similar issues they faced earlier.

So, as you consider a counteroffer, think back to the beginning of your job search – what prompted you to start the job search process?

When you begin a job search, there are often many factors that contribute to the decision to start looking. Was it poor management in your current role, misalignment in company ethics, a company layoff, or a desire for new flexibility in schedule or location, growth opportunities, or increased compensation?

Depending on your motivations, the counteroffer may or may not change any of your reasons for wanting to make a move. Typically, a counteroffer will include a higher salary and potentially promises that might address your reasons for leaving. As you review your counteroffer, we’d encourage you to consider if more money would resolve any other grievances you may have had in your role and if you think those promises would be kept?

In most cases, by the time you are deciding to leave a role, you would have likely voiced some of your concerns to your manager, so consider why it took your company receiving your resignation to start making changes. Based on your experience with the company, you will likely have a gut feeling as to whether or not the promises made in a counteroffer will actually come to fruition for you if you stay in your current role.

When it comes to the higher salary, it can cloud your decision, especially if it is higher than your new role’s offer. But as you think back to those initial reasons for starting your search, consider this:

• If you were wanting a different position with a different work model, for example, remote or hybrid work, does the counteroffer resolve that with clear and actionable steps?
• If you were wanting a different position with more growth opportunities, does the counteroffer resolve that through an action plan to help you get to where you would like to go professionally?
• If you were seeking a different company culture, does the counteroffer change anything about that desire, or demonstrate any attempts at change within the company?

At FGP, we know that navigating the job search process can be an intimidating and sometimes confusing process, but our recruiters are here to help. If you’d like to learn more about working with a recruiter, contact us today!

The post Counteroffers: What you need to know appeared first on Find Great People.

As people and organizations return from the holidays and plan for 2023, many are taking stock of the last year and beginning to think about what is to come. Looking back, there is no question that over the last 2 years, many companies benefited from having more business, and as a result, had more hiring needs than I’ve seen in my 30-year career in the industry. Having said that, we have already started to see changes in the market with inflationary pressures creating economic uncertainty for many businesses in the new year, which means we could certainly see a slow down on hiring and effects on current employment status.

At this time, we’ve already witnessed layoffs in several industries affecting many people. And, even in a labor short market, which may seem like a more advantageous time for job seekers, there are daily struggles in a job search. Those existing challenges are compounded in a more difficult hiring market, and many job seekers can start to feel like their efforts aren’t producing any progress. If you have been affected by a change in the market or are looking for a new opportunity in this unique time, you may be asking – is there a better way to search for a job besides scrolling through job boards?

For many years throughout various hiring markets, I’ve had conversations with countless professionals who are frustrated that their efforts to apply to job postings result in a “sorry but we’re not interested” email or even worse, receive no acknowledgement that the company received their application. It can be a lonely journey, but there are resources available to help guide and support job seekers through the process.

Through FGP’s HR consulting services, we offer Career Transition programs for individuals. The programs are designed to support job seekers and provide structured guidance throughout the entire process – from start to finish. Candidates partner with a Talent Consultant who becomes their advocate, providing professional guidance, encouragement, and accountability from a partner who cares.

The talent consultant plays a strategic role in assisting job seekers, ensuring they find a position where they will thrive and experience further career growth. Here’s the steps our consulting team takes during the process:

• First, the talent consultant takes the time to understand both the wants and needs of the job seeker before defining clear objectives and goals for the search process.
• Next, they collaboratively identify industry types, potential companies to target, and roles they are open to exploring. What does this mean? Intentionally applying to specific roles that are a good fit from the beginning, avoiding mass-applying on job boards.
• After outlining the criteria of the search and conducting a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s background, the talent consultant works with the candidate to develop a customized resume that accurately presents capabilities and accomplishments to potential employers.
• Throughout the process, the talent consultant coaches the candidate on developing and utilizing relationships to support their job search, both through online tools and in-person opportunities.
• When it comes time to interview, the candidate is coached through mock interviews and follow up debriefs that provide invaluable confidence and training. Candidates gain the confidence they need to successfully navigate the interview process.
• Once an offer is on the table, the consultant provides offer negotiation training on appropriate techniques to negotiate an agreeable offer where you strike a balance that is mutually beneficial and reasonable.

With the help of FGP’s HR Consulting team, you can find support from start to finish in the job search process. For more than 15 years, our consultants have helped thousands of candidates navigate the job search process and find their next great opportunity. While a program like this may not be feasible for all job seekers, past participants expressed that it was well worth the investment because of the knowledge, experiences, and commitment they received from our team leading them to a fulfilling job search.

If you’d like to connect with our team to learn more about individual career transition programs, please contact Steve Hall.

The post Kickstarting Your Job Search: Individual Career Transition Services appeared first on Find Great People.

Right now though, the hiring market is a candidate’s market, so if you are interested in making a change, it is the perfect window of time. Many companies are looking for great talent, and you can really take the time to find the best culture and role fit.

To help job seekers get started, we’ve pulled together tips for navigating the job search process.

1. Pinpoint the motivation behind your search.

When you decide you are ready to make a change, you are typically spurred by something. Maybe it is the state of the hiring market, but more than likely it stems from something else. Think about why you are looking for a new position – maybe poor management in your current role, misalignment in company ethics, a company layoff, or a desire for new flexibility in schedule or location, growth opportunities, or different compensation. There’s no right or wrong answer here, but understanding your desire for change can help you figure out what opportunities will be most worthwhile in your search.

2. Make a list of your priorities.

As you consider your “why”, think about what you are looking in the process, too. Make a list to prioritize what you are looking for in a new position – including wants and non-negotiables. This list can help you to navigate your search, hone in on more appealing positions, and weigh certain criteria against different options. Remember, this is a working list that may evolve throughout your search. Consider the basics like salary, health benefits, and location, but also don’t forget to consider things like growth opportunities, workplace style, and company culture in your list.

As companies continue to shift workplace models, job seekers need to think about the culture and environment that aligns best with their situation. If you are highly independent, remote work might make sense. But if you have a high need for collaboration, make sure you look for companies that offer an in-office element. Also pay attention to culture and how a company supports employees, how teams work together daily, and what the overall company dynamic is on a macro scale.

3. Leverage your connections.

Network, network, network! You can utilize your network to get your resume in the hands of the right people or even meet someone who can recommend other positions or employers. Networking offers the opportunity for creating a great first impression and can present avenues for your search. While traditionally networking is done in person, you can leverage digital platforms like LinkedIn to foster connections. You can also use job boards and community networks like a local chamber of commerce, for example, to help make connections in-person and digitally.

When you apply to jobs, consider who you know there and don’t be afraid to ask them to share their experience. You don’t want to overuse your connections, but they can provide real insight and value when tapped into in a meaningful way.

4. Stay organized.

Looking for a new job involves a lot of research and contact with many people. Be very organized in your search: keep a running document of who you have spoken to, details of your communication, a timeline of your search, any positions you have flagged, miscellaneous notes, etc. Being structured in your search makes it easier to navigate the process, saves time, and as mentioned previously, provides clarity of wants and needs.

As you navigate the process, you will find that it’s true – you really will get out of the process what you put in. Be true to yourself and listen to your intuition, including your wants and non-negotiables. If you don’t, you can end up in a job or with a company that won’t work long-term. If you’d like to connect with a recruiter at FGP to help guide you through the job search process, please contact our team today!

The post Getting Started: How to Navigate the Job Search appeared first on Find Great People.

Despite LinkedIn’s powerful network and influence, what’s one common trend? People often neglect their LinkedIn presence until they are actively looking for a job. As a best practice, we recommend using the platform to engage and network consistently. It may be surprising to some that less than 40% of LinkedIn’s traffic is related to job seeking – it’s mostly business professionals connecting with each other. So, why not build your network and presence now so that when it comes time to find your next opportunity, you have a network of people already engaged and ready to help?

So, what’s the first step? You need to make sure your profile is up to date. Your profile reflects both your personal brand and your professional brand, so you want to be sure you are presenting a cohesive, authentic, and polished representation of yourself.

Here are a few basic items to consider:

1. Do you have a professional profile picture and relevant banner image or graphic?
2. Is your education and experience up to date? Are you affiliated with your company and educational institutions?
3. Does your “about” section give an accurate reflection of your current role? This is your chance to tell page visitors who you are and how you stand out in your role, field, or industry.

Bonus tip: is your unique URL as simple as it can be? You can remove the numbers at the end by editing your “Profile URL” under your contact information. This makes your page easy to share!

Once your profile is set up, it is equally important to consider your strategy around connecting with others and engaging within the platform. The best way to stay relevant is to stay engaged. To do that, we’d recommend:

1. Connect with others – think of former and current colleagues, neighbors, classmates, people you’ve networked with, prospects, etc. that you can add to your network. You can even use LinkedIn’s tools to connect your address book with your account to find suggestions based on your contact list.
2. Make sure you are interacting with content your network is sharing – like, comment, and share things that are relevant to you and your industry. If your company and your colleagues are pushing out content, consider sharing to your page to help build the overall brand. If you’re sharing, take it a step further and think about adding your own thoughts or insights when posting from your page.
3. Follow relevant pages and accounts – there are so many thought leaders, businesses, and groups that you can follow on LinkedIn to stay informed and to interact with. You never know who might be running those pages and how you may benefit from a positive connection with them, even if it’s virtual!
4. Share your own content – what are you doing that your network may find interesting? What events are you attending? What professional development courses are you completing that you can share findings from? Add value where you can and position yourself as a subject matter expert.

Bonus tip: you may know that on LinkedIn you can give and receive endorsements for skills, but did you know that you can also give & receive recommendations on LinkedIn? These are more like testimonials, where your connections can publicly share their specific experience(s) about you. These will live on your page so others can see your reputation first-hand. By giving recommendations, you may encourage others to give you one in return. You can also request recommendations from specific contacts.

Once your profile is set up and you’re engaging with content and people, you are already one step ahead of most LinkedIn users. Maintaining a consistent presence is helpful for staying relevant. Then, whenever it comes time to find your next opportunity, you are already on people’s radar.

If you need help finding your next opportunity, FGP is here to help. Please contact us to connect with our team today!

The post LinkedIn: Getting Started appeared first on Find Great People.

What do you include? How do you format it? How do you personalize it? We’re breaking down our top 3 tips to make your resume standout in a digital landscape.

1. Start with your content.

Your resume tells your professional story and outlines what you bring to the table. Start by creating a high-level summary about yourself, making connections between your skills and personal attributes to the core competencies of the job you are applying for.

Then transition into your background, experience, and achievements. Keep it concise and relevant. Use strong action verbs and quantified results. For example, instead of saying, “answered phone calls from clients” you can say “interacted daily with 20+ clients across the Southeast, ensuring excellent customer service and contributing to over 90% customer satisfaction.”

Consider this: when the recruiter narrows down hundreds of applications to the top 10, all of which reflect the prerequisite job experience, and the hiring manager only wants to interview the top 4 candidates, how do they know who to select? Position yourself for success by showcasing proven results that would be essential for this role.

2. Be intentional in layout.

The best tip here? Keep it simple, and don’t forget that online systems, not a real person, are often the first ones vetting your resume. Use an easy to read and clean font like Calibri or Cambria. Avoid italics, and don’t shout with ALL CAPS. Use bold and underlighting lightly. Avoid including logos or other graphics on your resume. Also avoid too many elements of color, as you never know how resumes might be printed and reviewed.

The order of your resume should generally follow:

• • Name and contact information including email and LinkedIn profile URL
  • Top-level summary, referencing desired job title and core competencies
  • Relevant experience, in reverse chronological order
    • • The key here is to make it relevant: if you are applying for a mid-level position and you have 5 years of directly relevant work experience, you probably don’t need to include a part-time job you had in high school.
  • Education
  • Certifications
  • Relevant Systems/Technology/Equipment
  • Languages, if applicable
  • Honors
  • Civic Leadership & Community Involvement

Don’t forget: Layout will of course vary on an individual basis. For example, those in the educational sector or with less than 5 years of work experience should generally list their education first and work experience second.

3. Remember your audience, every time.

Each time you submit your resume, you need to think about your audience and make sure your resume is relevant to that specific job posting and company.

We know job boards make it quick and easy to submit your resume to many jobs, and you may be tempted to submit the same resume for all of them. But be aware, today most online applications are vetted through an applicant tracking system. This system scans for keywords that reflect a match between the resume and the job description. When you are reading the job description, be sure to edit your resume to include specific keywords that are highlighted as necessary skills or experiences. As long as your resume is accurate and truthful, this can help ensure a recruiter or hiring manager sees your resume.

Note: Most applicant tracking systems search for keywords on the resume only, not the cover letter, and many don’t even require a cover letter. Customizing your cover letter is not good enough. You need to customize your resume if you want to optimize matching the job’s keywords.

How FGP can help

At FGP, we work directly with candidates to help them find the perfect fit for their next position. If you’re looking for your next career opportunity and need help navigating the process, check out our job board or submit your resume today!

The post 3 Tips for Crafting an Irresistible Resume appeared first on Find Great People.