The Most Bizarre Items That Have Been Sent to Recruiters Ever

The Most Bizarre Items That Have Been Sent to Recruiters Ever Its not uncommon for recruiters to receive gifts from candidates, in a bid to either stand out from the crowd or thank them for their hard work. A  card or email would generally do the trick, however some people clearly had other ideas. JobMob  recently asked recruiters to reveal the most bizarre objects they have ever received from candidates and there are some shockers on the list! If youve got plans to send breast-shaped cupcakes or baby photos  to a recruiter in the near future, I suggest you rethink your job search strategy. 1) Breast-shaped cake Lyman A. Montgomery explained how she had once received a thank you card and gift a few days after interviewing a young woman for a role. Upon opening the gift she was faced with a cake shaped as a pair of breasts. The candidate later explained it was meant for her husband and withdrew her application in embarrassment.  Sounds like she mad a bit of a boob of that one! 2) A bag of fried pork Jane Perdue told the tale of when a candidate sent her a packet of fried pork. Their explanation was that hed Crunch all the companies problems away.  I just hope that Jane isnt a veggie. 3) Dog biscuits This might sound barking mad, but the candidate was interviewing for an advertising role at a Pet Products Company, so its more relevant than it sounds! He cleverly sent  Valentino Martinez the  dog biscuits designed and packaged carefully, demonstrating how he would market them. 4) A tea bag Samantha Lacey says that she once received a resume with a teabag attached to it with a note saying take the time to make yourself a cup of tea before you read this. This will be the most important document you read all day. Unfortunately his arrogance held him back and he did not get the role. I guess he wasnt everyones cup of tea! 5) A resume written as a Playboy centrefold Rich Arzaga told JobMob about a resume he received that was written in the style of a Playboy centrefold, e.g. Height, Weight, Measurements, Most Likes, Least Likes, etc. Under “biggest turn-ons”, she said that she liked intelligent people.  She misspelled intelligent. Awkward. 6) A picture of a key Duane Roberts shared how a candidate sent a picture of a key with the caption Thanks for opening that door for me. Very clever! 7) A resume in a Chinese takeaway box Lisa A. Doorly received a resume folded in the shape of a fortune cookie in a Chinese takeaway box. Unfortunately  they werent destined to land the role, as the resume content didnt live up to the creative delivery! 8) Newborn baby photos Rich Matteo wasnt sure if the candidate was just a proud father or was trying to trick him into giving him the role when he received a collection of baby photos. And a few from the Twitter community 9) Super cool sunglasseson sticks Im not entirely sure what these are, but Tricia was happy with it so it did the trick! Awesome gift from a candidate! I love my job! #TeamLuxottica pic.twitter.com/WNw3q06MuS Tricia Nenni (@TriciaNenni) November 21, 2014 10) A babygrow I hope she has a baby or this could be pretty random. If not she could always send it to the guy with the baby photos A gift from a candidate I helped find a new job. Unecessary, but appreciated! @DubinGroup is the Best Place to Work! pic.twitter.com/Y4yh7comUY Kelly DeFinis (@KellyDeFinis) July 31, 2013 And this. If youre having a bad day, just know that my friend accidentally sent a sext to a college recruiter. Lauren Cano (@flauresc3nt) November 13, 2015 Not one I would recommend. [Image Credit: Shutterstock]

The Benefits of a Resume Writing Workshop

The Benefits of a Resume Writing WorkshopThere are many benefits of a resume writing workshop that most companies can use to improve their chances of hiring the right person for the job. However, there are also a number of disadvantages to attending a resume writing workshop as well.One of the benefits of a workshop is that it allows you to get feedback from a group of people who have just recently been hired and have little or no experience with your company. This is a good way to go if you have a big challenge in getting a new hire on board. On the other hand, if you do not, a workshop is more likely to teach you all the wrong things about the job market.You might be so nervous about attending a resume writing workshop that you get into an argument with another participant over something such as grammar. That's the main disadvantage of a workshop, as the participants will become so accustomed to each other that they end up making comments that are based on preconceived notions. It is very easy to have a heated debate at a workshop because everyone there has a different point of view.Another disadvantage of a workshop is that they tend to be scheduled far too late in the year to help you catch up. You should be able to catch up to new hires before they start leaving for the summer. So you should consider the advice that you hear from all the sessions and consider whether it is feasible for you to take advantage of. If it is not feasible for you to do so, you might end up not receiving the top talent you would otherwise get if you had attended a workshop a year ago.In most cases, you should expect to get a variety of different options on how to construct your resume. This makes it hard to prepare for all of them, so many people end up letting their best ideas go. Therefore, it is crucial that you have some kind of structure or plan for yourself.Resumeprojecture workshop participants know what the parameters for their discussions are going to be, and they also k now what questions they should ask you. Even if you don't get anything out of the workshop, at least you will still have gained some new information about the industry that you are trying to break into. Most workshop participants are likely to recommend certain tools, modules, or processes for helping you make your resume stand out among the thousands of others that are already on the market.One benefit of a resume writing workshop is that you will be able to come away from it knowing what kind of information you need to include in your resume. If you do not already know what your skills and qualities are, then you should learn about those things as you attend the workshop.On the other hand, you should also be aware that just because a resume writing workshop can offer advice, it does not mean that you should always take the advice that you are given. Many workshops that offer tips and advice will give it in an informal setting and you should always take things with a grain of salt. You should also consider asking questions about any advice that you are given, in order to make sure that it is something that you really need to know.

Why Bother with Employer Branding

Why Bother with Employer Branding Oh, brother. Here come more “shocking” statistics that are actually quite pedestrian. Another clickbait headline that elicits the oppositeyawn. Well, the data points in this article are genuinely true, and we’re willing to bet most of them haven’t been heard, or at least, taken to heart and acted upon. With employer branding being so critical to winning the talent war, we want to shout each of these stats from the rooftops. Hopefully, when you read through the list, you are floored by at least a few of them. I know I was when I first came across them. 1. 75% of job seekers consider employer brand before applying for a job. This means that candidates check your social media profile updates, how others talk about your company on social, employer review sites like Indeed and Glassdoor for what your good/bad review ratio is, your website for how you talk about careers as well as the work you do for customers and do you do meaningful/purposeful work there. This isn’t just about competitive pay and benefits; those are table stakes compared to culture and job satisfaction/fulfillment. 2. The best candidates are off the market within 10 days. What? You mean if I don’t interview them and make them an offer before day 11, my company/job is out of the running? Yep; while these numbers are an average, the key thing is that while employers shouldn’t rush into a hire too quickly, the best candidates know what they want and are ready to commit, given the right opportunity. 3. By failing to invest in the employer brand, companies are spending up to $4,723 more per employee in salary. The hidden cost of turnover is insidious, but just because it isn’t tangible doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt the company. 4. A poor candidate experience would make 60% of job seekers less likely to purchase the employer’s product. Whoa, you mean that if we don’t provide a stellar candidate experience, they won’t purchase our products? YES. Talk about a negative ROI for sales 5. A bad reputation can cost a company with 10,000 employees as much as $7.6million in additional wages. Turnover is a killer, maybe more than we even realize or choose to calculate. Don’t forget to count these costs; while we don’t pay an invoice for turnover, the organization pays dearly for high turnover over time. 6. 84% of employees would consider leaving their company for a company with a better reputation. Perception is everything, right? How employees, not just customers, view your company’s reputation will impact your company, for better or worse. 7. A strong employer brand can result in 50% more qualified applicants. If the word on the street is not good about your organization, you will have less qualified applicants. They won’t even applywhich means you don’t even get to try to set the record straight about your culture. 8. 91% of candidates seek out at least one online or offline resource to evaluate an employer’s brand before applying for a job. You’d better believe that candidates contact people in their network that have or still work at the company. While you can somewhat control what is said about your company online, you have no control over what is talked about behind closed doors. Creating a good employer brand will mean current employees will naturally want to speak positively about the company to candidates. Focus on pulling the levers you have control over and let the rest take care of themselves. 9. The competition for talent is so fierce that some premier employer brands like Salesforce are sending candidates ‘thank you’ notes following the interview, not the other way around. Um, is this microphone on? Hello! This one should stop us all in our tracks. While this might not be the case in your industry (yet), it should at least make us pause and reflect on how we need to flip recruiting efforts on their heads, thinking of candidates needs/wants first and the company’s second. Want to get the scoop on these tips more on Employer Branding? The Significance of Employer Branding: 2 Key FindingsEmployer Branding Strategy: 8 Vital ComponentsYour Employer Branding Guide: 5 Critical Elements to Define About the author: Miles Anthony Smith, a digital marketer, delights in delivering solid content for people hungry for answers to their most vexing questions or challenges.

Beyond My Blindness in the Workplace

Beyond My Blindness in the Workplace Friendly colleagues, a flexible employer, and the right digital support really help when you’re new to managing an acute illness, have a disability or an impairment. I began working at First Ark Group in 2014, as a governance administrative assistant, and three years ago my life changed completely. I went from going into hospital for surgery on my left eye for an inflammatory tumor, to taking a year off for more surgery and then later my vision deteriorated completely. Adapting office life For me to flourish in my role I needed many adaptions in the office to accommodate my impairment, not least adjusting to the fact I had a new partner in crime my guide dog, George. On a daily basis, he accompanies me to meetings, guides me to the kitchen to make drinks and I take him for a walk every lunchtime. I waited for a year to pick him up and we began our partnership by both going on an intensive three-week course. His training was specifically adapted so that he could behave appropriately in an office environment. Working with our health and safety team, we installed a dog bed and water station in a suitable space, so he has a designated space and doesn’t disturb other staff. Teamwork My colleagues had my back from the word ‘go’, offering me emotional support, making me hot drinks and even taking George for a stroll in icy or snowy weather. They know that because of my visual impairment I find it tricky to cope within an office environment, for example pouring boiling water is really dangerous for me and I often feel unsure on my feet when walking George at lunchtime. Going digital My toughest challenge following my loss of sight has definitely been digital. I suddenly struggled with not being able to complete work as quickly as before and having to re-read my emails.  Finding the right equipment to help me back into my role was key. My office space was adapted to accommodate my sight. Following advice from Access to Work, a government program aimed at supporting disabled people to take up or remain in work, First Ark Group were happy to fund the new technology and tools I needed to aid me in my role as a business support assistant. ‘Zoom Text’ was installed on my computer, which magnifies all text and has a talk-back feature, so that I can ‘hear’ what I’m reading and typing. Now my PC has a darker background, as I find it difficult to read on white screens and my keyboard is non-reflective, with a black frame and yellow keys. Adaptable employers My employer is a social impact business in Knowsley, which provides life-changing opportunities for our customers and inspires the communities in which we work. Being an inclusive organization and generating social value is at the core of everything we do. After speaking to friends and family about the core values and purpose of their workplaces I know many companies could learn a lot from us and should replicate our model. An encouraging employer is essential, and a person’s condition should not be a barrier to excelling in a role. Yes, adaptions may have to be made but if an organization invests in you and you receive support from government programs like Access to Work, you’re more likely to commit to them in the long term. Equality is key, and the housing sector has always been known for its inclusivity which reflects our customers and society-at-large. Different life experiences mean many of us can relate to a range of stakeholders. About the author: Helen Brady, is a Business Support Assistant at First Ark Group.

Using a Resume Writing Pen in Pensacola Florida

Using a Resume Writing Pen in Pensacola FloridaIf you are looking for online employment opportunities then using a resume writing pen in an island location such as Pensacola Florida is an effective way to get an interview. Pensacola is an excellent place to conduct business and locate employment. We have worked with many people seeking employment opportunities that came to us through a good network of local business owners and other job seekers.Using a resume writing pen in Pensacola Florida is not only a viable option for the employee but the employer too. The Pensacola area has a small population compared to other major cities but has a great business climate. Not only are there many employers, there are also many job opportunities available. Companies located in Pensacola Florida have opened up new positions as a result of the fact that more companies are making their headquarters located in Pensacola.Resume writing pens have been utilized by both people who are self-employed and those who work for larger corporations. When an employer is offering an opening, the company is looking for qualified candidates. Using a resume writing pen is one of the best ways to get noticed and get an interview.Some of the benefits of writing resumes and CV's with a pen rather than paper include the fact that it can be removed if need be, the pen can easily be replaced if lost or damaged, the pen allows you to see all your information clearly and easily, and because it is not damaged, it does not show any writing whatsoever. Your personal information is not hidden behind a computer screen and is easily viewable. Using this type of writing instrument is a lot easier on the eyes and decreases the amount of eye strain on the fingers.The cost of using a resume writing pen for all of your applications will vary based on the brand you choose, the number of resumes you are printing and the size of the resume you are printing. Tofind the cost of a resume writing pen in Pensacola Flori da you should do some price comparison shopping. There are many online sites where you can go to price your resume writing pen and select the right one for your business or employer.One of the advantages of writing resumes using pens is that it is a much less expensive method of writing resumes than paper. This is a very important consideration when conducting business. The majority of people do not like or need to invest a lot of money in purchasing a resume writing pen, but it is a cost effective alternative.Resume writing pens are a quick and easy way to market yourself in Pensacola Florida. Because most employees are looking for a job, they will use a resume writing pen to record all of their work related accomplishments. It is easier to understand how to record work history if your resume is also written in a hand held pen rather than a paper document.The process of finding a job and getting an interview is an arduous task. Using a resume writing pen pens are some of the best t ools available to use to help you market yourself and get your resume noticed.

5 ways to get better, faster replies to business emails

5 ways to get better, faster replies to business emails Inboxes are crowded places. With the constant flow of email marketing vying for our attention, it’s more important than ever to get strategic about business email. Emailing eats up a quarter of the working day. That means that on average, we spend two hours a day clearing out the inbox. No surprise that so many of us fall into the category of “stress emailers.” We react quickly, skim emails, and respond either right away or not at all. (A USC study found that 50 percent of email replies are sent in fewer than 60 minutes.) I spoke to Tarzan Kay, a copywriter specializing in email marketing, who shared some simple tricks for highly effective emailing. “There’s so much great science to help us understand inbox behaviors, and how to get better, faster responses,” says Kay. “I limit emails to one subject, and keep them to a grade 7 reading level. Not because I don’t think my reader is smart, but because she’s incredibly busy â€" if she can’t digest it in 20 seconds or less, there’s a good chance it’s going into the ‘save for later’ pile. Later rarely comes.” Language is a powerful motivator, and an equally powerful de-motivator. Even a subtle turn of phrase can change the mindframe in which the remainder of an email gets read. “I sprinkle my emails with lots of feel-good ‘ trigger phrases’ to warm up my reader and put them in the mood to reply. Starting an email with a simple phrase like ‘I like the way you’ve [insert admirable thing]’ can be the difference between a glowing reply and getting sent to trash.” ( Grab her free “trigger phrases” cheat sheet here.) Here are Tarzan Kay’s top 5 tips for getting faster replies to business emails: 1. Write a straight-to-the-point subject line Subject lines don’t need to be stylish or pique curiosity. Save that for email marketing, or cold prospects that need to be courted. Subject lines are most effective when they’re crystal clear and affirm the body of the email. For example: “Speakers for Job Convention” is better than “Convention Ideas” “Sat Aug. 4 Meeting @ 10am” is better than “Meeting Time” 2. Get to the point fast and reaffirm the main idea Don’t assume the recipient remembers the subject to which you’re referring. Inboxes are chaotic, and it’s inconvenient to have to search through previous emails to pick up the thread. For example: “Very generous of you to offer me the corner office. I accept.” is better than“Wonderful. I accept.” “Glad you liked my presentation at last week’s job convention.” is better than“Glad you liked it.” 3. Play copycat to the recipient’s email style Some busy execs love to send zero-frills emails â€" one-liners with no greetings or small talk. If that’s the case, you can dispense with the foreplay as well. Say what you need to in as few words as possible. On the other hand, if you’re just getting to know someone, and his emails regale you with tales of last Saturday’s golf game, feel free to reciprocate. Bonus points if you can relate back with a tale of the famous hole-in-one you hit in the summer of ‘92. 4. If you need action on multiple items, number them If there are multiple questions that need answering, and they’re scattered throughout the email, it’s a lot of work for the recipient to comb through and answer each question. It’s quite likely at least one will slip through the cracks. Don’t make the recipient work too hard. Number your questions, and add bullets to action items, if you’ve included those as well. That way she can reply back in the body of your email, using it as a template. 5. Add formatting Most of us scan emails the same way we scan articles. This is especially true for group emails, where tasks are delegated to a few different people. Use bold text. Underline it. Write it in red. Highlight names. Your point will come off quicker. Anything in caps draws the reader in immediately. THIS WORKS great for highlighting the main call-to-action. Finally, shorter is almost always better. Say what you can in the fewest number of words possible. Comb through it before sending, and eliminate any extraneous words. You won’t win any literary awards, but you’ll most certainly get more helpful replies, quicker. Consider that your gold star.

Fact Employers are using social media content to screen job applicants - Sterling Career Concepts

Fact Employers are using social media content to screen job applicants Fact: Employers are using social media content to screen job applicants If you’re still in denial about whether or not companies are using social media networks to screen prospective employees, you need to watch the following two-minute video infographic that Jason Alba of JibberJobber recently shared. The video is courtesy of CIPHR or Computers in Personnel HR, an HR software company. Social media screening is real. It’s here, and it’s not going away. The video may be sobering for some. If you are not paying attention to your online profiles and interactions, you need to start doing so immediately. The take aways* â€" 91% of employers use social media to screen prospective employees. 47% of them start screening as soon as an application is received. The #1 network used? 76% use Facebook. Twitter and LinkedIn (not surprisingly) round out the top three. 61% say they have rejected an applicant for social media content for reasons such as: inappropriate photos or comments, references to drinking or drugs, discriminatory comments, comments about past employers, poor communication or lying about qualifications. On the flipside, reasons a prospective employee is hired because of social media content include: positive impressions of personality, profile supported qualifications or showed good communication skills, creativity, strong professional references, accolades and awards, or a well-rounded personality. Final thoughts â€" As a current or potential job seeker, not only do you need to avoid associating negative material or behaviors with your name at all costs, but you can and should be proactively building and incorporating positive, on-brand content so that when your name is searched and screened, the results are professional, influential and effective. What to do if you have prior negative content? You may or may not be able to delete it. There are strategies for minimizing it though. Email or call me if you’d like to learn more. *Survey conducted by Reppler and Lab42 of 300 randomly selected professionals involved in the hiring process.