Posts in Employer Tips
THE POWER OF A GREAT INTERVIEW QUESTION: HOW TO UNLOCK CANDIDATE POTENTIAL

In our quest for excellence in recruitment, we often return to that one pivotal interview question that stands as a cornerstone in our toolkit. Each of us relies on our preferred questions, those reliable probes we turn to when assessing potential hires.

A truly effective interview hinges on the use of insightful, open-ended questions. These questions serve a dual purpose: they encourage candidates to speak freely and extensively, thereby opening a window into their unique styles and personalities. Our goal is to delve deeper into the candidate's thought processes, motivations, and communication styles, seeking alignment with both the specific role and the broader organizational cultural fit.

These questions offer candidates the latitude to divulge details at their discretion while granting you the opportunity to unearth unexpected insights.

My Go-To Interview Question:

"Can you describe how your peers and direct reports might talk about you in your absence, say around the water cooler?"

This query is not just about gauging self-perception; it's an invitation for the candidate to articulate how they believe they are perceived by others. It uncovers attitudes of humility or arrogance, self-awareness or self-aggrandizement. My objective in posing this question is to glean critical insights into the candidate's willingness and ability to introspect and discuss their interpersonal relationships.

My Secondary Go-To Question:

"Could you detail a specific, measurable achievement of yours, clarifying whether it was a solo endeavor or a team effort?"

The specificity of this question is key. It sifts out vague or generalized claims, compelling the candidate to provide concrete examples. For instance, a claim like, "I contributed to a 20% increase in sales last year," might be superficial unless backed by substantive evidence of personal involvement. We're looking for quantifiable impacts directly attributable to the candidate's actions.

An experienced interviewer will not stop at the initial response. They delve deeper with follow-up inquiries: "How exactly did you influence sales figures? What specific strategies or actions did you employ? Was this a solo achievement or a collaborative effort?"

These follow-up questions are indispensable. They cut through rehearsed responses, revealing whether a candidate is genuinely accomplished or merely adept at self-promotion. This approach not only mitigates the impact of nerves or overconfidence but also magnifies the potential and talent of the individual before you.

This enhanced version and structure, adds depth to the explanation of each interview question and emphasizes the strategic value of follow-up questions in uncovering genuine candidate capabilities.

These questions can be tailored to specific roles and obviously, these are not designed for entry-level hiring.

By incorporating some powerful questions into your interviewing strategy, hopefully, you’ll unlock and hire more candidates with IMPACT PLAYER potential.


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23 Hiring Tips for 2023


Bill O’Malley is President of Connector Team Recruiting a firm headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia specializing in the Furniture | Appliance and Sleep verticals. Connector Team is a full-service Search Firm offering permanent placement recruiting and interim staffing solutions.

Feel free to contact Bill at bill@connectorteamrecruiting.com.

© 2023 Connector Team Recruiting

HARNESSING THE POWER OF LINKEDIN: CREATING A COMPANY PAGE TO ENGAGE WITH TALENT

In today's digitally connected world, businesses must adapt and embrace social media platforms to stay competitive. LinkedIn, in particular, has emerged as a vital tool for professionals, offering unique opportunities for companies to engage with talent and clients. With more than 900 million members and over 58 million registered companies, LinkedIn has become a powerhouse network for building your brand and connecting with potential employees and customers. In this blog post, we'll explore why creating a Company LinkedIn Page is essential and how you can leverage its potential.

Note: in today’s highly competitive job market, the executive aka the talent is looking at you as much as you are interviewing them.  Having a professional presence for both your personal and your company profile is very important.  Statistically speaking the vast majority of candidates are now on LinkedIn.

Why Create a Company LinkedIn Page?

Showcasing Your Company: A Company LinkedIn Page acts as your business's digital storefront. It provides a platform to showcase your company's culture, values, and mission. This can be a powerful tool for attracting like-minded talent who align with your company's ethos.

Engaging with Talent: LinkedIn is a hub for job seekers and professionals looking to network. By having a Company Page, you open the door for potential employees to connect with your organization, stay updated on job openings, and learn about your company's culture.

Expanding Your Network: As you post updates and share content on your Company Page, your followers can engage with your posts, further extending your reach. This can help you tap into a broader talent pool and potential clients.

Creating Your Company LinkedIn Page

Creating a Company Page on LinkedIn is a straightforward process that requires some initial time investment but offers numerous benefits. Here are the steps to get started:

Design Your Page: Use high-quality images, your company logo, and a compelling banner image that represents your brand. Your page should visually reflect your company's identity.

Complete Your Profile: Fill in all the relevant information about your company, including a concise description, industry, website link, and company size.

Share Engaging Content: Regularly post updates, articles, and relevant industry news to keep your followers engaged. Content can include product announcements, brand updates, and employee activities.

Connect with Employees: Encourage your employees to link their profiles to your Company Page. This not only increases your reach but also demonstrates a united front of your team.

Invite Your Network: Invite your existing LinkedIn connections to follow your Company Page. This is an effective way to build your initial audience and generate interest.

Use Hashtags: Incorporate relevant hashtags into your posts. This can help your content reach a broader audience interested in specific topics.

Leveraging the Power of Cross-Posting

A best practice also includes directing your web marketing arm to cross-post on LinkedIn. They can highlight product announcements, brand updates, and employee activities. This is free advertising that provides your company with the additional reach and brand awareness and it will build your page followers especially if you use hashtags.

  • Coordinate with Marketing: Collaborate with your marketing team to ensure that they cross-post relevant content from your website or other social media channels to your LinkedIn Company Page.

  • Highlight Key Announcements: Use your Company Page to showcase product launches, major announcements, and company achievements. This not only keeps your followers informed but also bolsters your brand's reputation.

  • Boost Brand Awareness: Cross-posting on LinkedIn provides free advertising for your company. It exposes your brand to a wider audience and helps build brand awareness.

Low-Cost Investment

There is no cost to creating a basic company page on LinkedIn other than some initial time investment. Maintaining a company page on LinkedIn gives you the ability to reach candidates that are using Social Media as their platform for conducting their job search.  You can invite the contacts that you already have in your LinkedIn network to follow your company page and build your audience. 

Throughout the industry and my practice I work with many what I consider small but mighty companies.  As I perform a needs assessment with a client I frequently point out and encourage all our clients to leverage this growing media channel and a true powerhouse platform.  I encourage them to make the minimal investment in time and resources to reach this audience.  In many cases most of the content is readily available via other platforms.

In conclusion, a Company LinkedIn Page is a valuable asset for any business looking to engage with talent and clients on a professional network. With the ever-growing LinkedIn user base, it's a platform that should not be overlooked. By creating and maintaining an active Company Page, you can effectively showcase your brand, connect with potential employees, and expand your network, ultimately boosting your company's success in the digital age. So, go ahead and harness the power of LinkedIn to propel your business forward!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a Company LinkedIn Page is a valuable asset for any business looking to engage with talent and clients on a professional network. With the ever-growing LinkedIn user base, it's a platform that should not be overlooked. By creating and maintaining an active Company Page, you can effectively showcase your brand, connect with potential employees, and expand your network, ultimately boosting your company's success in the digital age. So, go ahead and harness the power of LinkedIn to propel your business forward!

We encourage all our clients to leverage this growing media channel and a true powerhouse platform.

A best practice also includes directing your web marketing arm to cross-post on LinkedIn. They can highlight product announcements, brand updates, and employee activities. This is free advertising that provides your company with additional reach and brand awareness and it will build your page followers especially if you use hashtags.

FINAL TIP:

LinkedIn has tremendous tips and ideas on its website. Click each button below for direct links to articles and tips out there from LinkedIn.  They are full of great ideas.


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23 Hiring Tips for 2023


Bill O’Malley is President of Connector Team Recruiting a firm headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia specializing in the Furniture | Appliance and Sleep verticals. Connector Team is a full-service Search Firm offering permanent placement recruiting and interim staffing solutions.

Feel free to contact Bill at bill@connectorteamrecruiting.com.

© 2023 Connector Team Recruiting

THE POWER OF A THANK YOU NOTE AFTER AN INTERVIEW

In a world where digital interaction is increasingly overshadowing face-to-face engagement, some may argue that certain social courtesies are becoming outdated or unnecessary. However, there is one tradition that remains as significant as ever: sending a thank you note after a job interview. While the gesture may seem small or even trivial to some, it can make a considerable difference in the impression you leave with a potential employer.

First Impressions Count, But So Do Lasting Ones

A job interview is a chance to make a strong first impression. You dress well, speak clearly, and present your qualifications in the best possible light. Yet, once the interview is over, the process of forming impressions doesn't stop there. A well-crafted thank you note offers a final opportunity to leave a lasting impression that sets you apart from other candidates.

The Good Egg Test 

As a recruiter I believe sending a thank you note is an indication that the candidate passed the “good egg” test. I believe that the thank you note lets me know that a candidate is a person who is pleasant, agreeable, follows through and is trustworthy.  I constantly hear from clients that they form an impression based on two things in the interview process.

  1. The candidate ended the interview by asking for next steps, 

  2. They are always impressed by the follow up Thank You note. 

The Good Egg test goes both ways

As a hiring authority, I recommend that you respond appropriately to the thank you note, after all candidates are looking at your actions and the company as much as you are screening them for the role.  By not sending back a simple acknowledgement of the thank you note you may give the candidate the wrong impression that you are too busy or disinterested. 

Why a Thank You Note Matters

Gratitude is a Virtue

Expressing gratitude is not just polite; it shows a positive character trait. Hiring managers are not just looking for the most skilled individuals but also people who would be a good fit for the company culture. A thank you note demonstrates that you are appreciative, courteous, and proactive.

It Keeps You in the Loop

Sending a thank you note can also serve as a timely follow-up. It keeps your name fresh in the interviewer's mind and may even put you one step ahead of other candidates who neglect this simple act.

Opportunity for Recap and Reinforcement

A thank you note offers a chance to recap some of the essential points discussed during the interview. It allows you to reiterate why you are a strong candidate for the position and how you can contribute to the organization.

Differentiate Yourself

When all candidates have similar qualifications, it's the little things that set you apart. A thank you note could be that extra touch that makes you more memorable and casts you in a favorable light.

How to Write an Effective Thank You Note

Make it Prompt

Send the thank you note within 24-48 hours of your interview. The sooner, the better.

Personalize It

Use the interviewer's name and refer to specific topics or conversations that came up during the interview. This personal touch shows that you were attentive and engaged.

Keep it Professional

While it’s okay to be appreciative and enthusiastic, remember to maintain a professional tone. The thank you note is not just a courtesy but also another element in your professional portfolio.

Format

Whether you opt for email or handwritten notes will depend on the company culture. Tech startups might be more comfortable with emails, while traditional firms may appreciate a handwritten note.

Proofread

Before sending it off, make sure to proofread your note carefully. An error could undo all the positive effects you’re trying to achieve.

In conclusion, the art of saying "thank you" may seem old-fashioned to some, but its impact is as powerful today as ever. A thank you note is more than just a polite gesture; it's a strategic tool that can set you apart in a competitive job market. In a world where everyone is rushing to the next big thing, taking the time to say thank you shows that you are thoughtful, considerate, and just the kind of person a company would want to have on board.  

So why not stand out and pass the test and make sure you fall into the “GOOD EGG” category. 


FREE DOWNLOAD!

23 Hiring Tips for 2023


Bill O’Malley is President of Connector Team Recruiting a firm headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia specializing in the Furniture | Appliance and Sleep verticals. Connector Team is a full-service Search Firm offering permanent placement recruiting and interim staffing solutions.

Feel free to contact Bill at bill@connectorteamrecruiting.com.

© 2023 Connector Team Recruiting