Your Career Site Is A Retention Tool

A job list.

That is literally what your "career" site is. A simple, boring, ineffective list of current open positions.

Oh, wait. You might have a picture of a smiling beautiful person who doesn't work at your company on your "site" too. Nice touch. I'm sure that will bring in the qualified applicants!

Content (hint, your employees sharing their stories)
Their is a reason that you hear employer branding and content so frequently relative to recruitment. It's how you represent yourself in 2017 to prospective employees. What is often not said however, is that employer branding can move the needle on retention as well.

Think about it. A robust employer brand / recruitment marketing strategy uses current employees constantly to spread the good news about the employer. Highlighting your own employees (instead of those 'models') on your career site is a very public form of recognition.

Sure, the certificates you hand out thanking people for being awesome are a sure-fire strategy; but maybe interviewing them for a blog post or video that could reach the entire universe is a bit more impactful? 

Are you with me?

Retain First, Recruit Second
Have any of you ever said this phrase..."our employees are our most important asset." Of course you have... WE ALL HAVE!

Except, how many of us highlight our employees on our digital properties to make sure we keep the best ones, and attract the ones we need like they do and they do?

Anyone?

When you put your people on your careers page, loaded with stories, engaging photographs and videos, you send a powerful message that your employees literally are your most important asset.

How About You
Are you ready to start retaining your people, and show potential applicants that you are the most progressive employer in your industry? What are you waiting for? I'm ready to help you!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to My Career

I had a very clear plan as an undergraduate. It's almost impossible to say that with a straight face now!

A clear plan.

At 21.

Hahahaha.

Plan A
I went off to undergraduate school with a clear vision of what the next forty years were going to look like.

I almost made it to graduation day...
...then changed plans.

Plan B
I worked for a couple of years to figure everything out and then headed off to graduate school.

I had a clear vision of what the next forty years were going to look like.

I almost made it to graduation day...
...then changed plans.

You Will Never Think Big Enough
I've had the privilege to learn, grow, and serve in senior level positions for amazing organizations.

What have I learned?
- I didn't think big enough early on
- I didn't think big enough once things started moving quickly
- I'm still not thinking big enough (although I'm thinking pretty damn big!)

How About You
Is your career mapped out already? How could that possibly be true in a world filled with endless opportunities?

You can be more...if you want to be. There is nothing holding you back.
Literally. Nothing.

Think bigger every day. Even if you're embarrassed about your vision for your future.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The Biggest Networking Truth Revealed

No, this isn’t a trick title. 

No, this isn’t another boring networking post.

Yes, your network is lame and it’s your fault.

Still with me?

But I’m A Successful Professional

Sure you are. So are the people who lose their jobs every day because their company hit a rough patch or their industry was outmaneuvered, or you simply are so stuck on yourself that you don’t think you need a network because you're successful.

Seriously?

If I had a dollar for everyone who has ever suddenly connected with me on Linkedin when they found themselves unemployed and now wanted to start networking I could retire. Well, maybe not retire, but you get the point.

The old line about looking yourself up on the Internet to ‘check to make sure your character hasn’t been hacked’ is actually a desperate cry for you to begin networking. A quick google search is the proof you need to show just how invisible you are.

Yes, invisible. 

I’m Hiring, But I Can’t See You

Consider this scenario…I have a job to fill and twenty-five seasoned professionals apply for the position. 

They are all great people, have strong interpersonal skills and similar experience. 

I can close my eyes and pick any one of them and win. 

They are clones…they have no individual identify…they are simply duplicates that can do the job.

Harsh? Maybe. True? You tell me.

However, if one of them has invested in their network, connected with people (maybe even me or you at some point), or heaven help us established a personal brand, guess which one is going to get the job?  

Instantly. 

How About You

Your ego is the biggest truth about networking. It gets in the way, clouds your thinking, and convinces you that you’re better than you are. (Mine sure as heck did!) Your ego is in the way of you building the network you need. Networks are not luxuries..they are requirements...they take work to develop both online and in person.

They’re worth it.

They matter.

They will help you...

…but only if you’re willing to do the hard work to build one.

Get over yourself, reach out, connect, pick up the phone and get started.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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I'm Hiring Two Talent Acquisition Leaders to Join My Team!

Have you ever wanted to work at a company that has one of those trendy super cool cultures that you read about? You know the ones...they have lots of stories about the great team environment and the energy that you can feel when you walk through the front door.

Do you think those organizations actually exist; or, are they simply a fantasy that Silicon Valley tries to promote but rarely turns out to be true?

Well, I joined one of those companies and I didn't have to move to California to do it. 

Kinetix Rocks

If you're wondering what Kinetix is all about let me summarize for you...we offer a triple-threat of human resources services to our clients:
- Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)

- Staffing and Recruiting

- Human Resources Consulting

Here's the Kinetix difference: we do it better, faster, and have a hell of a lot more fun than anyone else in the industry. There, I said it.

Kinetix Needs Progressive Leaders

Good things are happening here (think growing-faster-than-you-can-imagine) and that's why I need to add two leaders who will report directly to me. 

You need to be an experienced talent acquisition professional who can effectively lead a team of high performers. Your team will consist of 8 - 10 of our rock star recruiting pros. 

You need to understand that social, digital, and all things 2015 are how we operate. So please do not fax me your resume because I don't even know where our fax machines are here.

Are You Ready?

If you think you have the leadership chops, a contemporary view of how the talent game is played, and you want to live in the amazing city of  Atlanta, then you should reach out to Colleen Fitzgerald via email; through twitter, or if you have to you can call her direct at 770-390-8380. If you'd like the 411 on this cool gig check out the posting here.

Oh, and you probably won't need a chair. You'll be so busy leading your team as a real hands-on leader that you won't have much desk time.

One of Those

You've met them before. They've been part of your organization. They contributed, were popular with the team, and had a bright future. They were always selected to work on the interesting, or complicated, or breakthrough projects. We relied on them as a sounding board when things seemed to get out of control. We almost took them for granted.

Then they were gone.

What Happened
Losing good people is not uncommon. Sometimes we simply cannot keep up with their rising star status, and an opportunity becomes available at another organization. Although we feel bad that we lost a great employee, we also feel good that our organization produced someone of such high quality that the competition didn't hesitate to grab them.

It still makes us wonder what we could have done differently though, right?

Emperors, Clothes, and Culture
One of the challenges every organization faces is whether or not the path they are on is actually a good one or not. Is the leadership team so caught up in the "latest thinking" and a "new vision" that they have completely lost touch with reality? 

Is there a dominating personality that forces the others to be nothing more than a team of bobble-heads that simple nod in agreement after every meeting, presentation and speech?

If so, what culture do you think is being created? How does that rising star feel about that environment? If you were to guess, would you think that rising star is likely to stay and be a part of that world?

Um, no...they wouldn't.

That "One" is Different
When we force ourselves to step back and critically assess our corporate cultures, we often can identify gaps or blind spots that we naturally miss. The discipline of taking a virtual time-out and seeking the feedback of your network (both internally and externally) can help us stay on track. 

If you are one of those leaders who isn't excited about being a bobble-head, but actually wants to lead in a world class culture, the environment described above can feel unsettling at best, and toxic at worst. Right? 

Where is the constructive conflict? Where is the back and forth conversation that moves the organization to a new level of excellence? Is it all based on a cult of personality?

How About You
Take a few minutes today and step back and think about your culture. Is there an arrogance that has permeated your organization? Is the "us against the world" mentality getting in the way of seeing the reality of your situation? Maybe being one of those leaders isn't so bad after all. Just think about all the opportunities out there waiting for you if you decide to leave.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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I'm Hiring! - Talent Acquisition Manager

We are expanding our human resources leadership team at All Children's Hospital and I need to find a Talent Acquisition Manager who's ready to live, work, and play in Tampa Bay.

Us

Yes, it really does look like this here.

We are one of the most progressive healthcare human resources teams in the country. (Yes, I said it.) 

We've built social tools into our work, and we're not afraid to try new things. The patients we serve are some of the most fragile souls on the planet, and we consider it a privilege to work here.

One more important thing for you to know...in April of 2011 we were acquired by Johns Hopkins and are proud to be part of the world's number one health care organization.

You
You are an experienced talent acquisition leader who has incorporated social tools and an aggressive (but not mean) style in to your work. 

You see the world as one big opportunity to collaborate with your colleagues vs. chasing personal glory. (The glory comes when you lead well!) You are HRIS savvy, and will ensure our recruitment processes run smoothly and efficiently.

You will lead a recruitment team that is responsible for meeting the unique and challenging demands of a free-standing specialty children's hospital. We think it big here, and you will need to as well!

Oh yes, and you have a personality that jells with our team of professionals across the organization. If not, none of this is going to work.

Next Steps
If you're interested, please do me a favor before you apply: do your homework...learn about All Children's Hospital...and be prepared to ask me lots of questions. Otherwise, I'll know you were only interested in our sunsets.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.








 

I'm Hiring...Can You Recruit?

I'm in one of those bittersweet moments as a leader. One of my team members is transitioning back into a clinical role to provide care for some of our most fragile patients. I'm thrilled for her, and more importantly, for our patients who are going to benefit from her expertise as a Pediatric Nurse.

What that means however, is that I need to hire a social media savvy recruiter to join my team. Yes, a social media savvy recruiter...not someone who "doesn't get" twitter and believes sharing information on facebook will "get you in trouble." If you feel that way, please save us both the time and look for an old school personnel gig.

Check out the new HR page to learn more about my organization, the amazing Tampa Bay area, and how we've completely integrated social into Human Resources.

I'd love to hire an HR pro who has their SPHR or PHR, understands hospital-based healthcare, and isn't afraid to take risks. Going for it in your HR practice means much more to me than telling me you've placed 1,000 ads in the Sunday paper. We don't do the Sunday paper here.

We work in Florida, so recognizing Spanish (let alone speaking it) would be a plus; but is not required.

At my organization we save children's lives everyday who otherwise wouldn't live.  Tell me what other company is doing something more important?  That's right, there isn't one.

If you feel you are a good fit to join our team, check out the position, and get in touch with Clare to learn more.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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The Talent is Coming! The Talent is Coming!

I’ve been reading a lot about the pending exodus of talent from every organization on the planet. Apparently at some undetermined mystical hour when the global economy improves  just enough everyone is going to quit their jobs, or at least the majority will.

Hmmm. I wonder where they are all going to go? Perhaps the rumors about a parallel universe are true and that’s where everyone is headed? Or, there might just be a massive explosion of new companies and they’ll end up hiring every single person who is working today.

Wait a minute…I’ve got it! When every person quits their job…soon…I’ll recruit them to work for my organization. All of that talent has to land somewhere, right? Unless their current companies actually step up, and give their employees a voice now before it's too late.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Killswitch Engage...Your Job

“Things don’t feel quite right in this job.  It’s not that the people are bad, aren’t committed to doing good work, or are disengaged.  But there’s something missing…it’s hard to describe.  I get along with my colleagues, but somehow I don’t think I fit here anymore.”

Have you ever felt this way? It can be a lonely and scary place, particularly in an economy as tight as this one.  But what should you do? Maybe the time is right to begin looking for something new?  It’s almost an impossible topic considering the staggering unemployment rate right now though, isn't it?

“…somehow I don’t think I fit here anymore…”  That voice keeps pushing you.

Hopeless to Hopeful

Before you hit the kill switch on your current position, invest the time and develop a search strategy.  There are great resources available to help you make good decisions, not hurried or emotional ones. Simply because you happen to be in a difficult spot right now doesn’t mean you’ll be there forever.  In fact, it can be quite empowering to make the decision to leave a position that simply is not satisfying at all.  I know, because I’ve been there.

Burning Bridges Are Difficult to Cross

I recently interviewed someone who is frustrated in his current position.  He’s bright, motivated and eager to be in an environment that has hacked up traditional HR.  But he went out of his way to avoid criticizing his current employer.  Instead, he expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity that exists in moving out of his current role versus tearing down his employer.  Big difference - and one that did not go unnoticed.

How About You

Are you feeling like you are the “bad fit” at work?  It’s okay.  Take control of your life, form a plan, and move ahead. Nothing lasts forever, including the nagging feeling you’re experiencing right now.  Let me know if I can help.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


pic courtesy of killswitch

Finding My Priorities

Q4 is underway and along with it comes new performance targets, year-end pressure, and hopes for a strong 2012.  During times of transition it can be useful to take a look at ourselves before we jump into that monstrous task list and unrelenting ping of the Inbox.

Lucky and Happy?

I must admit I am lucky.  I love my job.  I have  a great group of people to work with, and my organization has one of the most important roles to play in society -> caring for sick and injured children.  But does that mean I love every part of my job?  Is that possible for anyone?  I don’t think so.  The reality is that even for those of us who truly are blessed with a good job, even to the point of feeling a bit guilty about it, it doesn’t mean we enjoy every aspect of that job.  And that’s okay…it’s what we do about it that is most important.

Love/Hate Relationship

We all have a long list of responsibilities, and with that an even longer list of issues that require our attention.  So what about those things that take a lot of time and energy but aren’t on our favorites list?  Have you identified what those items are?  Are you aware of the risks these particular issues pose to your leadership?  Avoiding the tasks that you...well...really dislike won’t serve you well or the people around you.

New Focus

It comes as no surprise that the world of work, and in particular leadership, is changing dramatically.  New employees have integrated technology, social media, and a heavy emphasis on work/life balance unlike any other generation.  For Managers that still cling to the “bootstraps” work ethic, the reality of the modern worker is a massive disappointment.  It’s not that expecting employees to work hard is an old fashioned idea; it’s just that how that idea is manifested in the world of work today is very different.  Does everyone really need to be in the office all day and night when email, calls, and updates can all be done from an iPhone?

Boring Comes First

Investing some time to consider what must be done that does not get you excited is worth it…as long as you take care of those issues first.  Hit them while you’re fresh and energized.  You’ll be more productive, and will be able to knock out those items faster than if you wait until you are worn out from a productive day and still have the “mundane list” looming.  I know I’m switching up my routine to follow this plan.

How About You

Do you ever take time to identify the boring stuff?  Or, is your Inbox calling so loudly that you never have time to consider what comes next?  It’s okay to take a breath once in a while, and then to prioritize specifically when you’re going to tackle the not-so-fun part of your job.  Get it done, and then get on with the new, exciting and challenging projects that are waiting!

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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