See the previous post to this series here.

So here we go! I have met with some fantastic organizations this past week. So far, as predicted, all have come from networking. I have received about 3 phone calls from the job boards this past week, but after calling me, the lower ranges of income that seem to be prevalent here in Utah came up within minutes of starting the conversation. As a result we opted not to move forward. Guess how many insurance agent calls I have received? Have you ever noticed that us recruiters get phone calls from insurance companies constantly because "we have" what they are looking for and would be a "perfect fit" for them to start their branch? I just don't have a desire to sell insurance! I wish they would take just one moment to read the objective on my resume and see that the word insurance does not appear there at all! (Sorry, I had to take a moment to vent ;)

I know this is pretty common on the job boards as well, but I have noticed that most postings are so vague about salary ranges that it almost turns some candidates off (in my case). I know there were a few that I would have applied to, but it got to a point with income ranges being non-existent that I just didn't bother anymore because I didn't even know if it made sense to apply if the income goals did not match.

Is there some type of internet phenomenon that does not allow companies to place salary ranges anymore? I understand that you want to be somewhat elusive here so as not to reveal what you would be willing to pay, but in reality, it could save a lot of these folks that have called me the trouble if there was a mutual agreement on the range from the get go. Am I wrong on this? I need comments on this guys! I am not asking for an exact amount, but from a candidate standpoint it would be nice to have the range. What do you guys think?

So I won't go into the details on the interviews, but suffice it to say, my network is the best! Some I have not seen in a long time and yet they are coming out of the works and referring me to others and being of great service. My hope is that I will be able to return the favor one day should there be something that occurs to that in which I can help. I am also surprised by some who have not responded at all, even some that are very close! :) But alas, it is the holidays right? They may be out of town, so that's ok!

I have actually started some contract work already, so that has been some exciting news, and the one gentleman that I have started working with is amazing (some of you guys may want to have him speak on Google analytics or SEO and such one of these days in a webinar for your searches). I promise you that you will not be disappointed at all by this. I have to admit that some of what he says is beyond me, but I appreciate the talent he has that I do not have and also appreciate the fact that he recognizes some of the talents that I bring to the table and I am looking forward to being of great help in my area of expertise. I am sure you may hear more from me on this at a later time.

So Christmas is next week and I imagine it will be slow next week for most organizations. So one more question I want to pose:

Do you think that next week will be slow so is it a good time to reach out and interview and such, or is it just a time to enjoy the merriment in the office and the break from the year and just pick up on things after Christmas?

I have to say when I was working I loved the holidays because it was some of the best times to get in touch with folks and meet and build relationships even if I did have to wait until the beginning of the year. What do you think and what will you be doing these next two weeks?