THE TALENT MAGNET - CAREER MOVES

We all understand that many people have remained in jobs they were unhappy in --- due to the economy. Now, that there are --- some "OPTIONS"...what things should you be considering when contemplating your next career move? When we are in "INTERVIEW MODE" - we are keenly focused on SELLING ourselves - selling all the incredible SKILLS - TRAITS - QUALITIES + ACCOMPLISHMENTS that will make hiring us --- irresistible ! However, it is important to make sure you are doing some interviewing too! If you truly intend to spend 9, 10, 11 hours/day - with these people --- you better make damn sure of a few things about those who you will work with/for: 1- These are people you see yourself enjoying being around...they are people that you genuinely LIKE 2- They seem HAPPY - in general...and more specifically with "the group" or "the company" 3- You have things in common (that's a lot of time to spend - just exchanging pleasantries) ...

There are many folks out there - with fancy titles or impressive letters after their names - who will hand out all sorts of "INTERVIEW ADVICE". Since I am responsible for choreographing this "employment dance" - in a way that insures the candidates I represent are successful in the interview process --- I figured I may have something to add to this discussion as well. Here are some things you can do to be INTERVIEW READY: 1- Have a clear understanding of the job you are interviewing for (review the formal job description several times) 2- Research the company - find out about any recent events that may impact the way they are doing business 3- Based on the Job Description...have an idea of what you will be SELLING about yourself that relates most closely to the skills, qualities and experience sought 4- Try to get some insight into the "corporate culture" of the employer...and if possible; the culture of the specific group or division you a...

It appears that very often --- basic expectations --- are not being met --- by employers and candidates alike! My Mom would tell me...and still does... "treat people the way you would like to be treated". This is my business/personal mantra --- and the thought I keep in the back of my mind when I am communicating. I am human...so I certainly fall short from time to time --- but I consistently make the effort. I understand that not everyone subscribes to the same philosophy - so I try to adjust my expectations accordingly. However; I have to say that am noticing an increasing lack of COURTESY....lack of ENERGY...and apparent lack of COMMON SENSE that is somewhat disturbing. Many companies have been - what I call "CANDIDATE WINDOW SHOPPING". They see a lot candidates --- schedule multiple interviews --- only to NOT MAKE ANY DECISION! Employers seem to be showing a lack of courtesy in the greatest measure recently - specifically related to interviewing. I hear everyday...

To think that when I started recruiting 17 years ago: -I did not have a computer on my desk - I did not have a smartphone - I FAXED resumes - I still used "white-out" - There were no JOB BOARDS (Monster, HotJobs , Careerbuilder ) - I placed ads in HELP WANTED section of the NYT - Social Media DID NOT EXIST -no FACEBOOK , MYSPACE , LINKEDIN , TWITTER HOW THE HELL DID I FUNCTION :) ? When I begin to reflect on the tremendous changes that have occurred - just since my graduation from college in 1990- I feel like my grandfather - telling stories of the first TV he got...or the guy that delivered ICE for their ICE BOX (Refrigerator for those who did not know). The need to acquire a "DIGITAL SKILL SET" has become MANDATORY across almost every industry & necessary to establishing a career path. I am focusing on the DIGITAL world to underscore it's dominance in the way we interact - work - gather information - communicate - look for jobs - socialize - make purchases...

It's been a little while - since I put pen to paper...or in my case - typed frantically with one finger! Over the past month or so - the subject of HONESTY has come up frequently in my dealings with clients and candidates. We are all taught from a very young age that lying is wrong and that it is ALWAYS best to tell the truth. However; as we mature and experience life; it becomes apparent that the truth often has consequences. We also learn that many people would just prefer to not know the truth. This is especially true when it comes to employment, job search & interviewing. One of the most popular reasons candidates give (initially) for wanting to leave a job...is what they describe as "not being a good cultural fit". This is really a catch phrase - that encompasses a wide array of subjects...that reveal themselves with further investigation. TRUTH TRANSLATION: - I loved the person who hired me. Unfortunately; after 3 months - they left and I hate the person that ha...

Well...it only took 2+ years - but I am happy to report that it appears a STEADY appetite for new TALENT is the trend (at least with my clients in NYC!). There is also a new trend (returning from the past) of.... COUNTER-OFFERS, MULTIPLE OFFERS, ROOM FOR NEGOTIATION, SIGN-ON BONUSES ...and other positive job change news!! Slowly; the companies that were passively meeting candidates for "exploratory" interviews have now stepped up their efforts to ATTRACT TALENT, EXPEDITE THE INTERVIEW PROCESS & "GO THAT EXTRA MILE" TO CLOSE THE DEAL! There exists a perfect storm of resources being allocated for new "head count", economic recovery/consumer spending + ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO STAYED IN JOBS THEY WERE UNDERPAID OR JUST UNHAPPY IN....ARE LEAVING...IN BIG NUMBERS!!! You don't need to be an employment analyst to just talk to your friends & see how many are actively searching for a new job...or have already made the move. On LinkedIn ; you can view the n...

With the increasing peek into your entire life afforded by technology - to anyone who cares to look - much more information than you may be aware of is shaping your "brand". How in control are you of your brand? Did you even think you had a brand? Most people believe that branding is for companies like Nike, Coca Cola & McDonald's. However; people are "brands" unto themselves. Thinking of people as brands came to light when the most gifted basketball player in history - Michael Jordan - became the most recognizable name, likeness, jersey, silhouette, BRAND --- "AIR JORDAN" in the world. By definition - a brand conjures up an IMAGE...an EXPECTATION...an EMOTION...an ASSOCIATION with qualities that far exceed what is accepted as "standard". Average folks rely on their resume - or some cheesy corporate bio to "paint their brand picture". However; a great many professionals (in a wide array of industries/skill sets) recognize the p...

Technology is advancing in every aspect of our society. New planets are being discovered, we are making progress fighting diseases, we have the ability to split atoms... THEN WHY THE HELL CAN'T SOMEONE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY RESUME HAS BEEN RECEIVED...OR AFTER MULTIPLE INTERVIEWS WHY DO I SUDDENLY HEAR NOTHING??? How many times have you heard about this "RESUME BLACK HOLE"? I speak to candidates everyday who tell me "I sent my resume to the "Career" or "Current Openings" page on a corporate website and never heard back." There are several reasons for this LACK OF CONTACT - it still takes a human being to sift through the hundreds, sometimes thousands of resumes being received....and choose yours to respond to - many job postings are "stale" or "bait" postings - simply meant to keep candidate traffic flowing into their resume database - you may simply be UNQUALIFIED for the position you are applying to....and therefore - this ...

It always amazes me when we get this close to a New Year - just how fast it went. Then, I recall periods of the year that seemed to last forever. Still...it will be strange for quite a while to write & see 2011 as the year we are in. This was a year that tested many people in many extraordinary ways. We saw tragedy, triumph, despair and hope all battling for top honors. Here's a snapshot of some of the top attention grabbing events of 2010: - An estimated 230,000 people die in Haiti following one of the more powerful earthquakes in recent history rocks this poor country (we also the entire world step up to offer support) - Apple continues to amaze us by unveiling the i-Pad in April - selling more than 3 million in the first 3 months it was available - Tiger Woods proved that heroes are just people like you and me - with flaws and ugly things they would not want others to know about them - Air travelers are now offered an option - be viewed through a "see-through" scan...

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT (Boutique SoHo Ad Agency) ---NYC-- My client is one of the most cutting edge, full service Advertising Agencies in NYC...known for their "creative culture", amazing campaigns, and talented professionals.... They are currently looking for a TALENTED RISING STAR to provide support to 2 of the agency's senior executives... This position is a unique "stepping stone" role where someone who is eager to learn about Advertising...can support 2 dynamic executives....receive amazing mentorship...and 2 years down the road...move into another role within the agency!!! __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT RESPONSIBILITIES: >handle very busy/constantly changing calendar >manage a wide array of projects >prepare a variety of PowerPoint presentations & reports >handle all correspondence, memos, letters, agendas >act as a liaison regard...

As we move further into 4 th quarter; many job seekers become stressed about landing their new job before the year is out. Historically, the job market slows considerably a week or so after Thanksgiving and remains that way until the end of the year. There are several reasons for decrease in new opportunities offered by employers during this time: 1- Many times, annual budgets have already been exhausted - leaving the Hiring Manager to ask that money be allocated in the 2011 budget for a "new hire" 2-Most job seekers that currently hold positions that offer a "year-end review" or "annual bonus" will remain in their position through the end of the year...so their vacancies won't become opportunities for others until mid-January 3- In general, people associate "change" with calendar year benchmarks - both employers and job seekers get lost mentally during the "holiday season" - as a result, many with the best of intentions...do...

My beloved YANKEES are not going to advance...but you/your career can!! I am very pleased to report that there remains a steady increase in the number of "quality" openings I am able to offer beauty industry TALENT! I am currently contracted by both major industry leaders and boutique brand groups that have needs in PRESTIGE, MASS, FRAGRANCE, COLOR COSMETICS, PERSONAL CARE, SKIN CARE & MORE! BELOW IS A SNAPSHOT OF CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT COST ANALYST DEMAND/FORECAST ANALYST PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER NATIONAL SALES MANAGER TRADE MARKETING MANAGER ONLINE/E-COMMERCE MANAGER MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER SENIOR MANAGER - GLOBAL MARKETING So...if you have remained in a job you are miserable in...have been underpaid/overworked...are no longer challenged...or simply ready for a change....allow me to introduce you to an amazing career opportunity! $$$$$ PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TALENT MAGNET PAYS A FINDER'S FEE IF I AM SUCCESSFUL PLACING ...

Well...the weather will soon be cooler (for good) - the Yankees will be heading to the post season (AGAIN)...and we are looking at several BACK TO BACK months of NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES coming to the market! I am cautiously optimistic . You see...I have seen some "flickers" of life over the past two years...only to see another round of FREEZES, RESTRUCTURING, DOWNSIZING start up again. This time...seems like the REAL THING though based upon the number of openings, the diversity of skill sets and levels being sought, and multiple industries seeking new TALENT. My colleagues that specialize in IT & Financial Services have been busy since the beginning of the year. In contrast; my colleagues and I recruiting in BEAUTY/ CPG , ENTERTAINMENT, and ADVERTISING/MEDIA have witnessed a JUMP in hiring for around 5 months now. The DIGITAL side of things remained constant - using consultants even when there was no budget for perm hiring. The telling sign is not even the industries t...

I find myself telling the same stories over and over again about candidates and clients. This is because human nature does not change. There will always be UPBEAT, ENERGETIC, HUMBLE PEOPLE...and there will always be UNGRATEFUL, BITTER, ARROGANT folks who believe they are owed something by the world. NEW OR RECENT GRADS First...if you are a new or recent graduate... YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE! This is to gently remind you that an internship for two months that took place 2 years ago - DOES NOT EQUATE TO EXPERIENCE. This was a glimpse into a company or industry that you may choose to pursue after graduating. Second...since your are predominantly selling POTENTIAL...then your ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of the job you are interviewing for, some level of enthusiasm/excitement, FLEXIBILITY, COMMON SENSE and HUMILITY is the key to landing your job! Employers, Human Resources and Recruiters are very different than the admissions counselors at your University or College. Admissions peo...

Several of the most prestigious global and boutique beauty companies in the world have asked me to introduce talented marketing pros for consideration as an... International beauty leader is actively seeking a "rising star" to join their Fragrance team as an ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES: - Contribute to various aspects of the marketing process including: Strategy, Operations & Creative - Provide ongoing analyses of brand positioning & competive information - trends - sales performance - Contribute to the content of various marketing materials & website - Assist in the development & implementation of strategic marketing plans & objectives - Recommend new approaches, programs & initiatives relative to Brand Management - Participate in Brand Review process - Review monthly statements relating to P&L and profitability - Act as a cross-functional team liaison (Finance, Packaging, Sales & Research) REQUIREMENTS: - Bachelors degree is ...

So...there are many reasons to feel HAPPY...or at least HAPPIER at this moment then perhaps a few months ago. The Yankees are playing & WINNING, the weather has been HOT (making it great for the pool, beach, summer shares, etc.), the BP oil leak seems to be clogged finally and...oh yeah... THERE ARE ACTUALLY NEW JOBS BEING LISTED REGULARLY!!!! Never in my life have I had so much empathy for all the wonderful candidates who were downsized, had some family emergency and had to leave their job or for the ones stuck in a position they were miserable in...and just had no options. If the past 2 months are any indication; we can begin to....I said begin to...breathe a sigh of relief! Now the key is to understand which employers are "CHECKING OUT THE TALENT POOL" and which employers are serious about adding to their staff. Many employers are making a mistake by getting candidates (AND RECRUITERS :)) excited about openings...only to put people through several rounds of interv...

This spot is so HOT...that I had to make it a blog entry... Global Beauty/CPG leader is actively seeking a seasoned marketing "strategist" to join their team... SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER - Strategic Consumer Programs RESPONSIBILITIES: - Lead 360 degree initiatives to capitalize on brand assets/messsaging to drive Brand Messaging, Merchandising, Promotions & Pricing - Drive Marketing strategy/planning along with cross-functional team - Education, Sales, R&D, Product Development - Deliver a variety of Strategic Consumer Marketing programs aimed at ensuring continuity/innovation relative to: Displays, Graphics, Logo, Direct Mail Campaigns, Marketing Collateral & Website Content - Contribute to P&L structure, allocation, tracking & reporting - Provide ongoing leadership with respect to: Portfolio Strategy, Consumer Research, Brand Building & Media Management - Lead cross-functional team efforts to create compelling Consumer Education Programs, Surveys, Foc...

So...it's Summer...it's nice out...you are feeling good...you know... BBQs , GOOD TUNES, BEACHES...maybe you are thinking - I will start looking again at the end of the summer... DON'T SLEEP ON THE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES OPEN NOW --- THAT WILL BE FILLED BEFORE THE SUMMER IS OVER! The Talent Magnet has been hard at work getting OFFERS for our candidates and NEW JOB OPENINGS from NEW & EXISTING CLIENTS... BEAUTY/CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS Production/Marketing Coordinator - to 45K Executive Assistant to Group President - to 50K Assistant Brand Manager - to 60K Brand Manager - to 80K Senior Product Manager (MBA) to 130K + bonus National Sales Manager - to 130K + performance pkg to 50K ADVERTISING Assistant Account Executive (6months of exp) to 40K Account Executive - multiple spots ( CPG / PHARMA /RETAIL) to 55K Digital Strategist - to 80K Interactive Web Producer - (Senior & Executive level) to 175K Digital Ad Operations Manager - to 120K ---------------------------------...

Ups & Downs...isn't that what life is about? The past 2 years have taught a lot of us about living life on life's terms. None of us has control over: Natural Disasters, The Stock Market, The Unemployment Rate, Corporate Re-Structuring, Budgets For New Hires, etc. Change is an ABSOLUTE...but change is also TEMPORARY (unfortunately, it tends to feel like a very long time when the change brings about great challenge). Just in case you were in a coma...let me bring you up to speed... - 2008 saw a decline begin in the economy, real estate market & eventually hitting the job market - 2009 was the worst year for EMPLOYMENT in nearly 30 years - within 90 days; I saw the biggest names in BEAUTY, ADVERTISING & ENTERTAINMENT simply STOP HIRING. In addition; these Hiring Freezes were followed by massive restructuring and lay-offs. No jobs...no temp...temp to perm...NOTHING. Job Fairs popped up all over NYC with lines resembling an American Idol audition...and they continue to...

So...you have been "hanging in there" or "patiently waiting"...for what seems like an eternity. If you have 3 years of experience in BEAUTY MARKETING or in ADVERTISING...times they are a changin !!! The Talent Magnet has been asked by some of the most prestigious BEAUTY COMPANIES/BRANDS & NYC ADVERTISING AGENCIES to introduce/uncover candidates that are "PASSIVELY" looking to make their next career move. BELOW IS A SNAPSHOT OF SOME OF MY CURRENT/IMMEDIATE OPENINGS: ADVERTISING: ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT - AE , SAE , ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, MANAGEMENT SUPERVISOR (DIGITAL AGENCY PROS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND) MEDIA PLANNERS - ALL LEVELS (DIGITAL & TRADITIONAL) INTERACTIVE WEB PRODUCERS - (ALL LEVELS) AGENCY CREATIVES - DESIGNERS, PRODUCTION, TRAFFIC, ART DIRECTORS, COPYWRITERS * I AM WORKING WITH BOTH GLOBAL & BOUTIQUE AGENCIES...FULL-SERVICE & DIGITAL SHOPS * ____________________________________________________________ BEAUTY: BRAND MANAG...