Higher Hires

Competitive Edge Tips

2011-10-31T17:44:00.002-05:00

In this competitive environment where the candidate pool for a position is filled with top-notch backgrounds, getting in the door for an interview is just the beginning. With clients scrutinizing all aspects of a candidate, it is the subtle, behavioral, soft skills that close the deal.

It is inevitable that at some point in the interviewing process, dining enters the mix; a lunch, a dinner, a reception. An interesting article on the front page of the Chicago Tribune’s Money & Real Estate section (October 9, 2011) written by Bill Daley presents the case for the importance of etiquette and table manners in landing the job---at any level from a new MBA to a CEO. Being able to comfortably juggle eating, using the correct fork and conversing presents a very polished image and puts people at ease and able to focus on the conversation.

Social Media and Corporate Boards

2011-09-20T15:45:00.005-05:00

The effective use and management of social media to connect with consumers and customers present challenges for businesses. For senior executives on corporate boards, social media presents a unique twist. Karen Kane, a contributing blogger, tells us how to manage it.

It’s Not Social Media, It’s Strategic Communication Boards Need By Karen Kane

Concerned about social media, a few boards have actively sought new directors with a social media background to bring that capability into their boardroom. A staff member of the National Association of Corporate Directors mentioned that directors are having a hard time because the candidates are generally in their 30s and 40s and directors worry about upsetting the collegiality of the boardroom. That is, how would a 30 or 40 year-old fit with a group of mostly older directors? In fact, boards are getting older. The number of boards with elderly members is growing because many boards are raising the age limit for retirement to 80 and some eliminating forced retirement altogether according to Joann S. Lublin in the Wall Street Journal.

Social media may be a helpful competency but so much of what is embedded in the Dodd-Frank Act is a call for greater transparency, better communication between directors and the shareholders who elect them. Social media is communication, albeit faster and user-generated. Since the concept of communicating directly with shareholders is a new concept, boards need the assistance of high-level communication strategists—either as board members or consultant –to help boards craft their own communication policy and get them ready for the dialogue shareholders are demanding.

What directors are really worried about is hijacked media where a company’s asset or campaign is taken hostage by those who oppose it. Managing social media is rooted in best communication practices including crisis management.

A recognized expert in corporate governance communication practices, Karen Kane offers unique competencies in working with CEOs, corporate secretaries, corporate staffs and boards on governance communication, including shareholder engagement programs. Her company website, www.karenkaneconsulting.com offers rich content including articles that describe how regulations and shareholder dynamics have changed corporate board work as well as her blog about current governance issues.

2010-09-27T13:28:00.005-05:00

To Consult or Not To Consult

For those senior level executives who are in transition, the question arises as to whether one should spend full time looking for the next position or take consulting assignments. We suggest taking consulting assignments because it:

Keeps one active and up to date in his/her field
Allows a company to learn about a person's capabilities, style and potential for a full-time position with the company
Creates networking opportunities; People feel comfortable referring a person to a colleague if they know the person's work
May provide an entree to a new industry or product category

There are "meaty" assignments available as companies that have cutback senior level positions are outsourcing some of the responsibilities.

Keep in mind that a balance needs to be maintained so that consulting does not overshadow job hunting.

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2010-03-29T14:24:00.001-05:00

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2010-01-08T17:09:00.003-06:00

RESUME FOCUS

More than ever, employers expect resumes to be targeted, precise, concise and grammatically perfect. Some of our clients tell us that if they find a typo on a resume, they pass on the candidate. Their belief: a candidate who isn't rigorous in his/her initial presentation, will not be rigorous in the work they do for the company.

So, don't rely on SpellCheck. SpellCheck highlights words that are misspelled not misused. We see many resumes with the word "Manger" instead of "Manager" in the title because SpellCheck recognizes "Manger" as a legitimate word.

Make sure several people read your resume carefully. It is easy for the person writing the resume not to notice left out words or unclear phrasing because he/she knows what they meant to say.

Remember, your resume is your first impression to a potential employer.

Pulse On the Market 12.23.2009

2009-12-23T12:22:00.002-06:00

PULSE ON THE MARKET

The year has been a real roller coaster, but in the fall we began to see a move by companies toward adding back some middle to senior level management. This has been a welcome change from early this year when companies eliminated levels of management and hunkered down with fewer people to maintain the business. The trend seems to be to hire selectively without multiple levels of senior management.

We are hearing the same scenario from senior level folks who have been in the market this year, colleagues in recruiting and corporate clients.

One of our candidates had a good analogy. At the beginning of the year, everyone was walking around with their fists clenched and now, while they are not wide open, they are more relaxed.

Let's hope the trend continues in 2010.