Andrea Persico's Posts - RecruitingBlogs2024-03-28T09:42:58ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersicohttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1526921664?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://recruitingblogs.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=3id1leugpr49u&xn_auth=noBarbeques, Sun Tans, and Career Networking?tag:recruitingblogs.com,2010-06-11:502551:BlogPost:9767762010-06-11T14:51:36.000ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersico
<div class="snap_preview"><p>In the last three months, more people have <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/More-employees-jump-ship-as-apf-3988721174.html?x=0">quit their jobs</a> than been laid off, according to a recent <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/More-employees-jump-ship-as-apf-3988721174.html?x=0">AP</a> article. Is this a sign of better economic times or an exhausted workforce that in light of recent layoffs have endured more stressful environments? Could it be that…</p>
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<div class="snap_preview"><p>In the last three months, more people have <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/More-employees-jump-ship-as-apf-3988721174.html?x=0">quit their jobs</a> than been laid off, according to a recent <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/More-employees-jump-ship-as-apf-3988721174.html?x=0">AP</a> article. Is this a sign of better economic times or an exhausted workforce that in light of recent layoffs have endured more stressful environments? Could it be that companies are actually hiring again or maybe is it just the lure of the amazing summer weather? Many employees are quitting their jobs without lining up another position. <br/>
Is their tenacity to be applauded? Firms may frown upon this as it is common to fret over gaps on a resume. It may be misconstrued that these candidates aren’t loyal and will quit when things get a little stressful. A prospective employer may even wonder if a sudden departure was due to a performance issues and that the candidate left before getting fired. Actions can be misinterpreted so finding another position first is superlative.</p>
<p>With amazing temperatures and so much to do during the summer, who wants to sit inside combing the internet for networking and employment opportunities? Thanks to the smart phones and the expanding App repertoire, it is now possible to career network while getting a sun tan, mowing the lawn, or kicking back at a local beer garden. As if you needed another excuse to get a Smartphone!</p>
<p><br/></p>
<p>Consider it a career investment and check out a few of these amazing apps that can be accessed from anywhere any time:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/orionrecruiting">Twitter</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/orion.recruiting">Facebook</a>-</strong> available for almost every smart phone – in addition to keeping up with<br/>
social networks, many businesses post jobs and company news via this<br/>
avenue. Get the leg up on the competition and apply first.</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealjones">LinkedIn</a></strong> – Blackberry, iphone and Palm all of have free apps. A business network is just as important as a social one.</li>
<li><strong>Craigslist</strong>- iPhone, blackberry and almost any other smart phone can access Craigslist making it feasible to search new job posts any time!</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=orion+recruiting&start=10">Indeed</a></strong> – A free iPhone app that mirrors their website. What is amazing about<br/>
this app is that in addition to all the jobs on the major job boards<br/>
(Careerbuilder, Monster, etc) many firms put an RSS feed from their<br/>
website so they are also searchable- one stop shopping.</li>
</ul>
<p>If taking the smart phone plunge isn’t in the cards, the old school methods of career networking can be just as effective. Many firms host parties and happy hours during the summer- why not grab your business cards and a cold one?</p>
<p><strong><em><br/></em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>A few tried and true tips still work for these events:</em></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mints -</strong> Who hasn’t gotten stuck talking to “that guy” with the horrendous breath- no one wants to be “that guy”!</li>
<li><strong>Desperado</strong> – As tempting as it is to ask a new introduction for any job prospects, another approach is to take a<br/>
business card and follow up later with a professional email or call. <br/>
It is a party after all and no one wants to be put on the spot.</li>
<li><strong>Money Money Money</strong> - Cash is still king- tipping is appropriate even at free parties</li>
<li><strong>Noted</strong> - after the party while memories are fresh it is helpful to take a few minutes and write down notes that will help<br/>
to establish a rapport later.</li>
</ul>
<p>It is possible to enjoy all that summer has to offer <em>AND</em> grow that career network. Make sure to keep track of all contacts, it is so unprofessional when a candidate doesn’t know where they sent their resumes or what jobs they have applied to. <strong>Maybe the Smartphone is essential…excel spreadsheet anyone?</strong></p>
</div>Top 10 Reasons For Not Getting An Interviewtag:recruitingblogs.com,2010-04-09:502551:BlogPost:9188082010-04-09T20:00:00.000ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersico
<p style="text-align: left;"><br></br></p>
<p>Lately the media is suggesting an improved economy and that companies are hiring. It is hard to cross the street without a self proclaimed career expert giving advice. <a href="http://www.google.com/">Google</a>, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/">CNN</a>, and <a href="http://www.yahoo.com/">Yahoo!</a><br></br> constantly feature articles regarding job searching and yet many<br></br>
candidates find that they are sending out countless resumes and not<br></br>
getting…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/></p>
<p>Lately the media is suggesting an improved economy and that companies are hiring. It is hard to cross the street without a self proclaimed career expert giving advice. <a href="http://www.google.com/">Google</a>, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/">CNN</a>, and <a href="http://www.yahoo.com/">Yahoo!</a><br/>
constantly feature articles regarding job searching and yet many<br/>
candidates find that they are sending out countless resumes and not<br/>
getting interviews. With so much great information out there here are<br/>
some of the real reasons that candidates don’t get interviews.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Resume sent to wrong person.</strong> A recent <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/29/news/economy/resume_jobs_applications.fortune/">CNN Money.com</a> column suggested that sending a resume to a person in a firm at a higher level would yields better results. Right or wrong I don’t know,<br/>
but I would save it for cases only when you are eminently qualified for<br/>
the position.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Follow Up.</strong> As also mentioned in <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/29/news/economy/resume_jobs_applications.fortune/">CNNMoney.com</a>, most HR departments have been trimmed and recruiters are busy people with resumes often getting missed because spam filters, the resume<br/>
black hole…you name it. If you are serious about a position–follow up.<br/>
It’s pretty simple.</li>
<li><strong>Resumes in a bizarre format.</strong> Many firms utilize applicant tracking systems that can really only read word documents or pdfs. Zip files, Notepad documents, and embedded emails will likely<br/>
not make it through. Follow the instructions on how to apply to a<br/>
position.</li>
<li><strong>TMI people, TMI.</strong> Keep the pictures and personal anecdotes to yourself. Cover letters should be concise and focus on your skills. For more tips check out this <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704187204575101940175633532.html">WSJ</a> article.</li>
<li><strong>You aren’t <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealjones">LinkedIn</a>.</strong> Many companies only post jobs on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealjones">LinkedIn</a> and use this as a resource to find what are considered to be <a href="http://mashable.com/2010/04/05/linkedin-employees/">“star employees”</a>. Who doesn’t want to be a <a href="http://mashable.com/2010/04/05/linkedin-employees/">star</a>?</li>
<li><strong>Off key.</strong> If the right key words aren’t included on a resume it will easily get lost into the resume black hole. I hate to be a broken record but it is true. Look at the requirements in the job<br/>
description and make sure as many as possible if not all are on a<br/>
resume.</li>
<li><strong>Socially Unacceptable.</strong> Don’t think employers won’t bat an eye at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/orion.recruiting">Facebook</a> profile, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/orionrecruiting">tweets</a>, or comments. <a href="http://wink.com/find-a-person">Wink</a> is a background check reality for many firms and an employer’s social media BFF.</li>
<li><strong>Disorganized.</strong> I can’t tell you how often I encounter a candidate that doesn’t know what job they applied for or where they have submitted a resume. What this says is that the<br/>
candidate is neither organized nor detail oriented. Reason enough to<br/>
take a pass for many employers.</li>
<li><strong>Not qualified.</strong> Applying for jobs without meeting the minimum requirements- stop already! You won’t get an interview and you are wasting everyone’s time.</li>
<li><strong>Cyber job stalker.</strong> You know who you are. The person that applies to every job on a company website – How could you possibly be qualified for so many jobs? If you were, I doubt you would<br/>
still be unemployed.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>Let’s be real, is it the <a href="http://www.economy.com/">economy</a> or is it you?</em></strong></p>To Tweet or Not To Tweet?tag:recruitingblogs.com,2010-03-10:502551:BlogPost:8973202010-03-10T21:30:00.000ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersico
<p><font size="2"><em>My name is <a href="http://twitter.com/apersico">apersico</a> and I am a tweetaholic. Ok well I am not quite there….but if I lose focus I could be.</em></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><em><br></br></em></font></p>
<br />
<p><font size="2"><a href="http://twitter.com/OrionRecruiting" target="_self" title="Orion Recruiting's Twitter ">Twitter</a> is my latest social networking obsession, and for those of you that have been on the moon (although even some…</font></p>
<p><font size="2"><em>My name is <a href="http://twitter.com/apersico">apersico</a> and I am a tweetaholic. Ok well I am not quite there….but if I lose focus I could be.</em></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><em><br/></em></font></p>
<br />
<p><font size="2"><a title="Orion Recruiting's Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/OrionRecruiting" target="_self">Twitter</a> is my latest social networking obsession, and for those of you that have been on the moon (although even some <a title="Astro_TJ's Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/Astro_TJ" target="_self">astronauts</a> are using it); Twitter is a social networking and micro blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as <em>tweets</em>. Popularized in 2009 by celebrities and celebutantes, today Twitter has roughly 18 million users and that number is steadily growing. <br/></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><br/></font></p>
<p><font size="2">I set up a <a title="Andrea Persico's Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/apersico" target="_self">Twitter</a> account almost a year ago and toyed with it on and off until recently when my addiction manifested. I now tweet daily. This isn’t because I have a desperate need to know what <a title="Kim Kardashian's Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/KimKardashian" target="_self">Kim Kardashian</a> is doing, or to share my every thought, but more because I feel like it keeps me in the know. I learned through a <a title="TMZ's Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/TMZ" target="_self">TMZ</a> tweet that Michael Jackson died before it hit the news, <a title="Chitownnews' Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/chitownnews" target="_self">Chitownnews</a> tweeted Loul Deng was ready to play this week after the flu, <a title="Billy Dec's Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/BillyDec" target="_self">Billy Dec</a> tweeted about Sunda’s first birthday, and <a title="Crains Chicago Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/CrainsChicago" target="_self">Crains</a> that financial firms and banks will do more hiring in the second quarter. Most of this information is only useful if I plan on being a game show contestant but twitter does have some professional aspects and by following tweeters that share relevant professional information it can be very useful. My firm, <a title="Orion Recruiting's Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/OrionRecruiting" target="_self">Orion Recruiting,</a> along with many others are using twitter to post jobs and communicate with potential candidates. The trending topic,” <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23jobs">#Jobs</a>“,is getting hundreds of tweets a minute which could be very useful to a job seeker. Many firms are also advertising on Twitter and using it to share information, even financial industry firms such as <a title="CMEGroup's Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/CMEGroup" target="_self">CME</a> and <a title="FIA's Twitter " href="http://twitter.com/FuturesIndustry" target="_self">FIA</a> are tweeting. Let’s consider some of the twitter pros and cons:</font></p>
<p><font size="2"><em><strong><br/></strong></em></font></p>
<p><font size="2"><em><strong>Tweet Pros</strong></em></font></p>
<ol>
<li><font size="2">You are in the know and up to the minute on everything.</font></li>
<li><font size="2">Free Advertising to your followers to post jobs and share information about you and your firm.</font></li>
<li><font size="2">Easy- Twitter is user friendly and mobile with cell phone apps it can be used anywhere anytime.</font></li>
<li><font size="2">You have a voice. Twitter is always available to listen to your thoughts even when no one else is</font></li>
</ol>
<p><font size="2"><em><strong>Tweet Cons</strong></em></font></p>
<ol>
<li><font size="2">Everything you tweet can and will be used against you. Tweets are short and can easily be misunderstood. If you don’t use privacy<br/> settings, your tweets can be read by anyone so you never know who is<br/>
reading your tweets.</font></li>
<li><font size="2">It’s addictive</font></li>
<li><font size="2">Twitter can be a waste of time- some tweets and stories while interesting can be enticing when you should be doing something else.</font></li>
<li><font size="2">You are too connected and there is just too much information!</font></li>
</ol>
<p><font size="2"><strong>As with all social mediums there positives and negatives that beg the question: <em>what is your Twit pro Quo?</em></strong></font></p>The Five Day Digital Detoxtag:recruitingblogs.com,2010-01-08:502551:BlogPost:8465732010-01-08T16:00:00.000ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersico
Happy 2010! With the turn of a new year and decade, many people set resolutions which commonly revolve around fitness and health. I, like everyone else, have a few of those, but have also been thinking about my career goals and what I would like to accomplish professionally in 2010.<br />
<br />
In the last year the business world continued its exposure on social networking sites such as <a href="http://www.twitter.com" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and…
Happy 2010! With the turn of a new year and decade, many people set resolutions which commonly revolve around fitness and health. I, like everyone else, have a few of those, but have also been thinking about my career goals and what I would like to accomplish professionally in 2010.<br />
<br />
In the last year the business world continued its exposure on social networking sites such as <a href="http://www.twitter.com" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">Facebook</a> as well as a bevy of new competitors. The terminology associated with these mediums has become a part of our vernacular. Last year I joined so many groups, networking sites, and read so many blogs about personal branding that it has me feeling so over saturated. I can’t even keep track of all my usernames and passwords.<br />
<br />
Am I alone? It is time for a social networking cleanse – <b>a five day digital detox</b>. Unlike a health detox, this one can be done any five days you want with as much of a time commitment as you like. Whether you are planning on a major career overhaul, changing jobs or just refocusing your objectives—you may be in need of this cleanse.<br />
<br />
<i>Care to join me in a digital detox? This might not make you feel less bloated, but it will help to refocus your career.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Day One – <i>Objectives</i></b><br />
As with any resolution, it is important to set reasonable goals. This involves determining your career focus and creating a game plan. Are you looking to grow within your own firm or is it time to look elsewhere? Look at how and where you want to focus your personal branding efforts. Select 3-5 sites such as <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealjones" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, Twitter, Facebook and a few niche sites relative to your industry. Set realistic goals on how often you should update your status, make comments etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Day Two – <i>Cleanse</i></b><br />
This is the time to get rid of your digital toxins- whether it be annoying toxic Facebook frenemies, the LinkedIn connection that continuously sends you unrelated emails, or the sports blog that you spend hours reading at work. Go ahead just do it and do it immediately– unfriend – disconnect- unfollow or whatever you need to do. These connections are a waste of your time and keep you from reaching your goals. In a world where people are <a href="http://www.whec.com/news/stories/s1320757.shtml?cat=565" target="_blank">getting fired for fantasy football leagues at work</a>, it is important to make sure you toxic-free. Refrain from fads that promise you more followers and work on building relationships in your niche network. It is like ripping off a band aid –you will feel bad for a moment but better in the long run. Evaluate your subscriptions and connections and get rid of your technical toxins!<br />
<br />
<b>Day Three - <i>Diet</i></b><br />
The word diet has many meanings, one of which is to feed. Choose what resources you will use in 2010. In 2009 I spent a ridiculous amount of time on webinars and reading information during the workday that had no impact on my career. We all do it- you get sucked in. It is time to take control and be a cognitive miser. Subscribe to industry related sites and spam those that are not. Spend your work time reading something meaningful and change your online obsession.<br />
<b><br />
Day Four – <i>Supplement</i></b><br />
Make sure your online profiles are completed and reflective of your current credentials. All of your profiles should have accurate information be complete with a picture. Link all of your sites together. I am trying <a href="http://ping.fm" target="_blank">Ping.fm</a>- I can update Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook and WordPress all in one location. Not everyone is the same so follow what recommendations that work best for <b>you</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Day Five – <i>Rejuvenate</i></b><br />
This is my favorite part. Keep track of your goals and reward yourself for attaining them. Celebrate your successes with whatever your vice may be a glass of wine or a delicious meal, the new iTablet or better yet –your reward may just be an improved career!The 7 Habits of the Highly Annoying Social Networkerstag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-12-14:502551:BlogPost:8193992009-12-14T15:50:28.000ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersico
1. Sending spam messages selling products on professional focused social networking sites. Yesterday I received an InMail on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealjones" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> with a list of recommended holiday presents and links to purchase them from a fellow group member…seriously? How is this related to professional networking?<br />
<br />
2. Sending personal anecdotes or jokes to people you do not know personally. Such as the…
1. Sending spam messages selling products on professional focused social networking sites. Yesterday I received an InMail on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealjones" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> with a list of recommended holiday presents and links to purchase them from a fellow group member…seriously? How is this related to professional networking?<br />
<br />
2. Sending personal anecdotes or jokes to people you do not know personally. Such as the <a href="http://www.constantcontact.com" target="_blank">Constant Contact</a> email I recently received featuring a picture of Tiger Woods beaten up and then below it information on a financial firm – do I need to say more?<br />
<br />
3. Writing disparaging and personally mean messages to other members in comment sections of networking sites (flame wars). If you don’t agree with another member’s opinion – show some class and share your opinion, don’t take personal pot shots at the author or any other member for that matter – the only credibility questioned in these types of comments is yours.<br />
<br />
4. Post products you are selling under group discussions. I recently saw an advertisement in an IT group I belong to under the discussions section pushing fictional books on tape – again how is the professionally relevant to developers?<br />
<br />
5. Ignoring your audience – the reason you joined a social network is to have a voice. A message from another member should be responded to – they are listening to you, don’t turn them away.<br />
<br />
6. Post links to anything you are promoting on someone else’s wall. I recently accepted a friend request on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/orionrecruiting" target="_blank">Facebook</a> from someone I barely knew and they actually posted a link to my wall promoting a book they wrote – needless to say it was quickly deleted and that person de-friended. Is my wall really a place for you to promote your book?<br />
<br />
7. Posting Profanities – If an f-bomb is really necessary to get your point across, don’t do it on a professional site and make your comments unsearchable. Keep in mind that prospective clients, employers, and colleagues are going to <a href="http://www.google.com" target="_blank">Google</a> you. I am not judging you – but they probably are.<br />
<br />
Professional networks are a great resource, yet if they are used to hawk products & services it only decreases their value. Use your network, don’t abuse it. If you do fall prey to any of these online foibles there is an appropriate way to handle it. Contact the poster directly and let them know your thoughts- don’t start an online argument. I have found the following approach to work best: Contact, De-friend or Unlink, and lastly report. <a href="http://orionrecruiting.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/the-7-habits-of-the-highly-annoying-social-networkers/" target="_blank">Any other recommendations?</a>Branding Yourself on Social Networks During the Job Search…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-12-08:502551:BlogPost:7913702009-12-08T20:26:10.000ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersico
Social networks are the new job boards. Recruiters and employers heavily rely on business communities such as LinkedIn and are even exploring Facebook and Twitter to extend their search for talent. Business groups on social networks are exploding and the want ads and job boards are becoming a thing of the past. If you are in the market for a new position, it is critical that you use these networks to your advantage.…
Social networks are the new job boards. Recruiters and employers heavily rely on business communities such as LinkedIn and are even exploring Facebook and Twitter to extend their search for talent. Business groups on social networks are exploding and the want ads and job boards are becoming a thing of the past. If you are in the market for a new position, it is critical that you use these networks to your advantage. <b><i><a href="http://orionrecruiting.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/branding-yourself-on-social-networks-during-the-job-search%E2%80%A6/" target="_blank">Here are a few tips on some of the more popular sites.</a></i></b>Manners Matter in the Interview Processtag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-12-08:502551:BlogPost:7795812009-12-08T20:24:21.000ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersico
Is common courtesy essential in the interview process? Do manners matter? The obvious answer is yes. Yet recently, I have witnessed a number of candidates that seem to think otherwise. Despite the economic climate candidates are still no-showing interviews, blowing off client requested tests and not returning calls. I am left wondering….do candidates really think this is acceptable?<br />
<br />
People don’t blow off doctor, hair, or even car maintenance appointments for fear that they will be charged.…
Is common courtesy essential in the interview process? Do manners matter? The obvious answer is yes. Yet recently, I have witnessed a number of candidates that seem to think otherwise. Despite the economic climate candidates are still no-showing interviews, blowing off client requested tests and not returning calls. I am left wondering….do candidates really think this is acceptable?<br />
<br />
People don’t blow off doctor, hair, or even car maintenance appointments for fear that they will be charged. Yet, many don’t think it is a big deal to no-show an interview when the consequences are much graver.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://orionrecruiting.wordpress.com/2009/10/05/manners-matter-in-the-interview-process/" target="_blank">Here are a few reasons why this is poor business etiquette</a>Ask Andrea…I am a Senior Level candidate and can’t seem to find a job – what should I do???tag:recruitingblogs.com,2009-12-08:502551:BlogPost:8164692009-12-08T20:22:02.000ZAndrea Persicohttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AndreaPersico
Job Qualifications are changing as rapidly as the markets themselves. A year ago everyone was desperate to hire the most technically savvy candidate they could find. If you made less than six figures you were quickly dismissed because it was assumed that you didn’t have the skills to fit these high tech roles. In the last year, like many markets, that paradigm has changed. Budgets are cut, firms are folding and suddenly the most sought after candidates of yester year are plentiful. Every day I…
Job Qualifications are changing as rapidly as the markets themselves. A year ago everyone was desperate to hire the most technically savvy candidate they could find. If you made less than six figures you were quickly dismissed because it was assumed that you didn’t have the skills to fit these high tech roles. In the last year, like many markets, that paradigm has changed. Budgets are cut, firms are folding and suddenly the most sought after candidates of yester year are plentiful. Every day I speak with senior level candidates that can’t find work. Clients are indicating that they would prefer a more junior candidate and salary ranges are shrinking. The once expert is now looking for work and wondering what to do while they wait for their skill set stock to rise. <a href="http://orionrecruiting.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/ask-andrea%E2%80%A6i-am-a-senior-level-candidate-and-can%E2%80%99t-seem-to-find-a-job-what-should-i-do/" target="_blank"><b>Click here to find out my tips for finding a job!</b></a>