The HeadHuntress Blog

July - Is It Over Yet?

July is notorious for the Big Pause. Lot's of activity, lots of vacations to maneuver around. Trying to rush any process in July is a lesson in patience and patience, and um - patience. Meetings are rescheduled, interviews are pushed around, feedback is almost never on time. Everyone is thinking - Beach, Lake, Ocean, BBQ - okay, and Beer.

General - Stream of Conscience - Tips on Surviving -

1. Find that balance between stalking and diligence.
2. Have I mentioned Patience yet?
3. Follow through - make sure everything's in order - resume, references, etc...
4. Know your calendar. Know what days you are available and not. Over the Summer especially, company's hiring will often go a few weeks before you hear from them - and when you do they'd like to see you tomorrow.
5. As much as it's a candidate market right now - remember 01, 02, 03 - it's a good time to be looking for a new role - but don't get greedy. When the market improves, you'll be the first to be let go.
6. Squeeze in some time for yourself - vacation time - the market will remain yours for the next year or so - balance your search with a little R&R.

JT

IM - Anyone there?

I received an Instant Message (IM) the other night - an after mid-night, "you may not believe who this is" - IM.  Has the blind IM replaced the "drunk dial"? My curiosity died after a few days, but it did leave me thinking. IM is a tool we all use regularly, as much in business as in our personal lives. We IM clients, friends, peers who sit two feet away - it's the new whisper. Is that a good thing?

It gives immediate access; you know when someone is online, available. It is great for client interaction - we know when they are available and can schedule a meeting in under two minutes - in that way - it's incredibly efficient. With colleagues, we can gain immediate information - If I'm on the phone and need available times to schedule an interview - I instant message my recruiter for that information. Candidates too - they IM without the boss over hearing - my own boss IM's me all the time – “Hey JT, do you have....” It allows for smarter, more efficient work habits, and discretion where needed – Bottom-line: I love the time it saves.

So - we block our mystery friend who blind emails at midnight asking "anyone there?", and ignore (omg-ttyl!) the friend who asks you out for sushi every other day, and Mom – who just discovered IM and thinks it’s hilarious - well, you patiently explain what "brb" means.

Whether for business or personal use - IM works more than it doesn't. That's enough for me.

Sink or Swim - A Poolside Perspective on Independance in America.

Okay, so I don't spend every "Fourth" feeling grateful for my independent citizenship in a free and prosperous country. Usually I spend it flipping every twenty minutes pool side with a cold beverage of choice and hoovering down ribs, burgers, and a variety of other disgustingly good foods - and then there are the rather benign, yet still so fun - sparklers. I love them like I'm five.

This very American holiday is the perfect time to reflect on how fortunate we are to have the ability to achieve financial independence and the freedom to pursue happiness in all its forms; how lucky we are to have the FDA, Solar Panels, National Parks, and clean running water.

There are few other countries in this world where we have so much individual power to achieve personal and professional success, where we have access to choice around our health and bodies. For all I growl, re: ridiculous politics, corrupt corporations, the health care system (37th in the World?!!), Taxes and the "Will it be there or Won't it" Social Security issue, I am fiercely proud to be a part of a country that gives you ample room to either sink or swim.

Thought I'd get that out before I start in on the Cosmo's.  - JT