Generational Differences, Worried Parents and Jobs with Drive-Thru Windows
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
It is not a great time to be a recent college graduate in today’s job market. As tough as it has been for more experienced workers, these young adults have had a much more difficult time finding full-time employment related to their education. I have spoken to several 2009 graduates recently who have been looking for almost a year and found nothing better than part-time retail or restaurant industry jobs. A common joke these days is that “you can always become a Barista at Starbucks,” which, unfortunately, is not that far off from reality.
Be in the Top One Percent of a Job Search
By Jim Montembeau, Partner of Bell Oaks Executive Search
With the exception of The Great Depression, we are living in unprecedented times as far as economic conditions and job search are concerned. There are basic fundamentals for every job search regardless of the economy but today, given the number of professionals out of work, economic globalization and an aging workforce population, it is even more critical to differentiate yourself from all the others in transition. This paper is meant to provide information on the different tiers of job search and how to be in that top one percent or “Tier One” career seekers.
The Gathering Storm - Caution for Leaders in 2010…and beyond
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks Executive Search and
Brandon Smith, Founding Principal of Core Growth Partners
We are living in a new world, a new paradigm if you will. As we enter into 2010 it is unclear what the implications of this new world will hold for each of us, but we do know the impact of this particular recession has been far reaching and painful, affecting nearly every corner of the marketplace. Across the country, uncertainty reigns as the tepid recovery we seem to be experiencing is tenuous at best and unfortunately, job creation will likely lag behind as leaders are continually asked to deliver more with less.
Job Search Land Mines
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
I am an observer. People fascinate me and I enjoy listening to their stories, challenges and triumphs. As managing partner of Bell Oaks Executive Search, I have interviewed and spoken with thousands of individuals in career transition over the last 10 years. These interactions, along with my other experiences in executive search, have helped me develop a firm opinion about the obstacles that often deter people from landing a new job. Let’s call these obstacles land mines.
The image in your minds right now is probably of someone stepping on a hidden explosive device buried in the ground. In a job search, there are an endless series of land mines, often of our own making, which prevent well-intended candidates from reaching their goal of a new career opportunity.
Professional Service Firms: The Honey Bees of Commerce
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks & Brandon Smith, Founding Principal of Core Growth Partners
An “all hands on deck” call has been made. It is clear that the survival of many companies, and industries for that matter, is going to require collaboration with innovative, deeply influential partners. The corporate C-suite needs to understand what resources they have and may need in the short and long term to avoid knee-jerk reactions that may cause more harm than good. Nowhere has this call been heard loudest than perhaps among professional service firms.
As respective partners with two different professional service firms, our client experiences have been similar in many ways with regards to this new economy. We hope this piece will inspire further discussion on how organizations of any size can—and should—take advantage of the influence and cross-pollination offered by this sector of business.
Practical LinkedIn 2.0
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
I wrote the first version of this article well over a year ago. Much has changed in the world of social networking with the explosive growth of Twitter and Facebook and it is clear that how we build personal and business connections is ever evolving. In my view the best tool for connecting business people is still LinkedIn. It focuses on connecting business professionals and doesn’t bore you with the minutiae of Twitter or the more social, casual focus of Facebook although both are gaining popularity among recruiters to find candidates.
The Upside to a Job Search in a Down Economy
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
When faced with an opportunity to fundamentally change your life, will you take it? Many of us want to answer this question with a resounding “yes,” but may think that reality is not attainable. Not necessarily so. Consider the possibility that the current recession may be providing the catalyst for meaningful lessons and positive life changes to people all around you.
In my profession I meet dozens of business people every month, many of whom are professionals in transition.My interviews often take the form of an informal dialogue where I invite the job candidate to share not only work experiences, but also how they are feeling and coping with being out of work. The feedback has been illuminating. There are striking similarities in the challenges this group faces after they leave their jobs which fall into three distinct categories: relevancy, validation and balance.
Uncovering the benefits of these three areas now can benefit your work and entire life for the long term. Life challenges have a way of forcing much needed self discovery and what you learn can change your life. Now is the time to do it … we won’t be in a recession forever, and your focus will be shifted elsewhere again. Here are some ways to do that.
Job Search 101: A Tool Kit for Job Seekers
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
Based on interviews with literally thousands of job candidates, author Randy Hain shares the collective wisdom and experience of the partners and consultants at Bell Oaks on how to effectively manage a job search through four phases: Losing Your Job & Starting Your Search; Building A Network; Interviewing; and Negotiating an Offer & Landing a Job.
Dad, Is The Recession Over Yet?
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
My children are a constant source of wisdom and clarity for me. Our sons are eight and 11 and
keenly interested in what’s going on in the world. We share openly and candidly the current
state of politics, the economy and world news in a way they will understand. This past
Saturday, my wife and I were discussing the family finances and how to cut our budget in these
lean times when our younger son, Ryan, came up to me and asked if we could throw the
football outside. I let him know what we were doing, discussed the recession as we had before
and explained that we were trying to spend less money as a family. He looked at me for a
minute, said okay, and walked away to do something else. He came back 30 minutes later with
a question that was wonderfully simple and clarifying: “Dad, is the recession over yet?”
Ready or Not, Here They Come:
Motivating and Retaining the Millennial Generation
By Amy Larrabee and Erica Robinson of Bell Oaks Executive Search
Television, magazines, newspapers and book shelves are filled with people — some experts, some not — analyzing the most productive way to manage and get the most out of the Millennial generation workforce.
Popular headlines have stated:
• The “Millennials” are Coming
• Whassup? A Glimpse Into the Attitudes and Beliefs of the Millennial Generation
• The Millennial Invasion: are you ready?
What’s surprising is the disapproving and critical tone many of these pieces take. Is this really necessary?
Jack and Suzy Welch don’t think so.
Bringing All of You to Work
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks and Dr. Ron Young, President of TROVE Inc.
Have you ever known someone who had a meteoric rise up the corporate ladder, but seemed to lose himself along the way? Sadly, there are many who fit that bill. Quite possibly, you may even see yourself this way. How did it happen? Was the career success worth the price? Is it a necessary step in becoming successful? Fortunately, the answer is no. But first, what do we mean by losing one’s self? We define this as leaving behind or masking who you really are in order to further your career. Losing the courage to stand up for what is right. Forgetting where you came from or what–or who—got you there. Denying your internal moral compass, shutting off your emotions and not sharing your candid thoughts are examples of the critical pieces leaders often lose or hide in an effort to get ahead. Bringing all of who you are to work is the focus of this article, because it’s where so many leaders get off track.
Time To Think
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
As busy professionals with compounding responsibilities, isn’t it becoming more and more difficult to find
time just to … think? Commiserating with colleagues and friends, we share how our work days are filled
with an almost obsessed focus on getting as much work done as possible, countless meetings and squeezing
every bit of air out of our schedules. In our other (and most important) roles as fathers/mothers and
husbands/wives, we’re faced with another harried stretch of time each evening filled with family dinner,
kid’s activities and the myriad other things that families require. Weekends are more of the same.
Thoughtful Leadership
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
In today’s professional landscape, the term “thought leadership” can be interpreted any number of ways. You see the phrase included in a company’s laundry list of expertise areas, or voiced throughout the course of a strategy meeting. Some business executives embrace the concept more than others, and many bring it to life in a way that benefits the bottom line. Based on my understanding of the subject, I have come to define it this way: Thought leadership is the creation and advocation of an original idea that stimulates change for the benefit of an organization.
Leveraging Your MBA
By Jim Montembeau, MBA, Partner of Bell Oaks
You have spent the past two years trudging through business case after business case, creating pro formas, and working through discounted cash flows to evaluate an organization for a pending acquisition. You’ve read enough business books to forget what it was like to read for pleasure. Welcome to post-MBA life. Is it what you thought it would be?
Connecting … The Forgotten Art of Social Interaction
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
First and foremost, this is not another article on networking. Most business people have been inundated by countless tips on how to meet people and exchange business cards. This is also not an article on building relationships. I’m talking about the often-overlooked, elemental skill you need before you can form a true relationship or become adept at productive and meaningful networking … the forgotten art of connecting.
Diversity of Thought : The Next Frontier
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
The term “diversity” is taking on new meaning among companies that are focused on building
dedicated and strategic workforces. Most sizable companies today utilize some form of diversity
initiative in an effort to provide appropriate jobs and career opportunities for minorities and
women. They should be commended for their efforts and congratulated when successful. These
initiatives typically address race and gender, but how often do companies’ hiring policies target
candidates who think differently and don’t fit the traditional culture standard that has been in place
since the company was founded? Diversity of thought—often the last form of diversity to seep
into a company’s culture—is becoming an important recruiting strategy for today’s leading
organizations.
Headhunter to Trusted Adviser: The Future of Executive Search
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
If you are a hiring manager for your organization, you have probably worked with a recruiting firm to help you fill your open positions. It is likely that you experienced frustration with the process of sorting through the large stack of resumes submitted for review and how few of those resumes were a fit for your opening. It also may have seemed curious that the recruiting firm never actually met you or interviewed the candidates in person before recommending them. Did you ask yourself if their consultants really knew you and your company at all?
Ten Ways to Attract Female Talent
By Erin Johnson, Associate Partner
In today's marketplace, it is imperative that employers hire and retain a diverse team of individuals to lead their companies beyond surviving and into thriving. And just as important as how you get there is who gets you there.
Knowing How to Work with a Professional Search Firm Will Get You the Best Results
By Todd A. Warshaw, Partner of Bell Oaks
You’re a professional considering a job change and would like to explore the benefits of working with an
executive search firm to maximize your opportunities and earning potential. How should you go about
selecting a firm and how does a mutually-beneficial partnership between you—the potential candidate—and the search firm work?
