Eric Fehr: The Most Passionate Recruiter In The World

Eric is an intelligent guy. At Search Solution Group, he solves problems like Albert Einstein, and makes recruiting look like a piece of cake. While most of these attributes are natural to Eric, exposure to failure and triumph has given Eric the experience needed to become so wise at such a young age. Eric started out working for a direct sales company after completing his degree in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Learning the nuts and bolts of management and selling led way to Eric finding his true calling in recruiting. With almost two years at Search Solution Group, Eric’s understanding of the business is that the end result and amount of placements are directly correlated to the amount of effort and time spent. The great thing about Eric is that he is passionate and puts a great amount of effort and time into the job orders that he acquires.

As a psychology major, a large amount of Eric’s interaction with candidates and clients is based on asking the right questions. When asking questions, no matter if it’s on a first date, or in an interview, asking yes or no questions won’t get you the answer you’re looking for. Even the most seasoned professionals forget this concept. Specific, poignant, well worded, and door-opening questions are key to gaining a real conversation when making a sale.

Sometimes in the recruiting world, rollercoasters of emotion abound when making a placement, especially if a candidate goes haywire. In the spring of 2012, Eric was working on a VP role with the perfect candidate. As quickly as the job offer was made and accepted, the candidate backed out and accepted another position closer to home. Losing out on that placement with a great company was disappointing, but luckily Eric was given a second chance to fill the job when the position was re-opened several months later. From the despair that was the first attempt came the desire and passion to get it right the second time. Eric’s determination led to the placement of a great candidate and a happy client.

Eric’s words of advice: “Ask for help when needed, give good advice to those seeking help, and lean on your past experiences to help you solve problems in the future.”

Outside of work, Eric lives a low-key life that involves relaxing while watching sports and exercising. To Eric, watching sports is an escape from everything else that’s going on. To relieve stress even further, Eric plans to take up the hobby of shooting at the range like a boss.

The State Of Our Nation’s Jobs

As the indecision war wages between the government parties focused on pointing fingers and waving away blame, hard-working people are losing money, and some are losing their jobs.

As thousands of US citizens are deemed ‘nonessential’ to the function of their company and agencies, unemployment rates are skyrocketing. Not only are government employees in D.C. feeling the effects of the shutdown, people here in North Carolina are feeling the icy sting of unemployment.  And it’s not just government employees either. Companies that rely on government contract jobs, have been letting their employees go right and left. Even if both factions of the U.S. government settle a budget, it’s doubtful that government contracts will be awards frequently anymore.

The U.S. has been in an economic crisis officially since December 2007 and for some strange reason people are just starting to become aware of the recession. This is just a warning, but it would be in your best interest to update your resume, check your references, re-evaluate the security of your career, and contact the recruiters at Search Solution Group before it’s too late!

If you feel as though you may be laid off, planning and preparing before hand will give you a plan of action. If unemployed, having goals will help to keep you focused on becoming employed again. If unemployed, take time to get in touch with a recruiter. You never know if there is a position you’d be perfect for unless you search!

Additionally, now that you have the time, learn something, read something, or go some place new. You don’t have to spend money to do any of these. Library books, networking events, and blogging sites are free. There are plenty of things you can do to stay positive and keep growing each day.

If you are looking for a job, please take a look at the jobs posted on our website. Our recruiters are constantly looking for the perfect candidate to fill our positions, and it could be you we’re looking for!

Follow this link to find our open positions:  http://ssgresume.com/index.php/top-talent-candidates/search-all-positions-in-finance-hr-executive.html

 

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SSG’s Got Talent!

As an employer, hiring involves time, money, and effort digging through resumes that often result in junk candidates that would be a further waste of time and money. Your frustrating stint in recruiting has left you not wanting to hire anyone, but knowing that you seriously need to fill the position unless you want to be in the poor house.

You might as well sell your business, move to Portland, and live the rest of your days selling organic chicken and growing moon gardens. Yeah, grow some balls and commit to working with the best Executive Search Firm, Search Solution Group.

Here are some reasons why Search Solution Group is the Neiman Marcus of the recruiting world.

• Partnership: From the start of our partnership, Search Solution Group works to develop a strategy that fits your wants and needs like a glove. Search Solution Group works primarily as a retainer Search Firm, meaning that we are paid for our services up front. The benefit of this form of contract is the expertise that comes with working with a retainer Search Firm. While this is our normal procedure, Search Solution Group’s main goal is to find you Top Talent and will work under a contingency contract. This means that we would get paid once the best candidate is found and hired by you.
• Tailored Fit: We tailor your experience to make it the best. If you need help writing a job description, we are more than happy to utilize our expertise to provide that service.
• Streamlined Process: Open communication, diligent effort, persistent pursuit of the perfect candidate, and years of expertise allows Search Solution Group to streamline the recruiting process to bring you top talent quickly.
• Constant Contact: We give you email addresses, phone numbers, cell phone numbers, and are available to your needs 7 days a week. Search Solution Group is extremely communicative and consultative to give high levels of attention to each client.
• Professional Courtesy: Like the attendants who you trust with finding the best quality and correctly fitting suit at Neiman Marcus, the Executive Recruiters at Search Solution Group fit you with Top Talent with a professional manner. Our strong team of seasoned recruiting professionals use their networking, social media, and communications expertise to explore and find the most suitable and desirable candidates for managerial and executive-level positions.
• Fearless: While Search Solution Group consists of  professional and courteous Executive Recruiters, they fear nothing and expect success in every effort they make. Search Solution Group recruiters are aggressive, fearless, and ruthless when finding you the best candidate. We WILL headhunt talent from your competitors if it means finding you the perfect fit.

• The Dollar Bill: Search Solution Group gives you great talent guaranteed. When committing to the best Executive Search Firm, the price versus the return on investment is more important. Focus on the fact that Search Solution Group will bring you the best quality candidates out there. We search for the needle in the haystack for every client. No exceptions.
• NOT a one-trick pony: Search Solution Group doesn’t just specialize in one industry, We specialize in all industries. Our recruiters have placed candidates in industries that include: Manufacturing, Retail Management,  Distribution, Restaurant, Food and beverage distribution, Management, Energy, Health Care, Consumer Product Goods, Hospitality, Logistics, Oil and Gas, and Technology. Within these industries we place people in Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Benefits, Training, Supply Chain, Operations, Accounting, Finance, and Engineering. 
  
• Constantly Improving: Search Solution Group strongly believes that in order to be the best at what we do, we can never become stagnant or stale. Staying on top of new technologies and systems allows Search Solution Group to continue improving. We are constantly learning, reading, and gaining knowledge that could give you an advantage over your competitor when it comes to what skills your candidates should have.
• We think globally: As a top performing Executive Search Firm, we do not limit ourselves to working with candidates and clients from specific regions or countries. We think globally when searching for candidates. If there is a person living in London who we know will be your best option, we will get that person for you.
• Provide Advice: Search Solution Group believes in providing helpful, accurate, and relevant advice to both candidates and clients through this blog and our website. We are a social and communicative recruiter. You can find us on Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, and obviously through this blog!  You can also read useful career advice White Pages on Search Solution Group’s website. 

Interview Questions to Dodge

Before every job interview, it is necessary to prepare for the questions you may be asked. It is also important to be aware of the types of questions to not answer during an interview. Most often an interviewer is not asking such questions maliciously, but in a friendly manner. Keeping a friendly demeanor yourself and not responding defensively will allow you to transition the conversation to find the real reason behind the questionable question.

Be ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge around these following questions:

1) How Old Are You? : Your first instinct may be to say, “Not as old as your mom!”, but we all know that wouldn’t turn out well. Some companies have established retirement age and may ask if you are below that age or on the opposite spectrum ask if you are above the legal minimum for a job. These questions are acceptable for them to ask and pertinent for you to answer. However, if an interviewer directly asks “How old are you?” or “What is your date of birth?”, be prepared to redirect that question with the answer ” I do not feel my age is an issue with my performance in this job”. This will give the interviewer the opportunity to explain if age might be an issue, or take your answer and move on to the next question.

2) Are You Religious? : During an interview, you may be asked if you are available for normal hours of the work week. However, if you are asked what about your religious affiliation, that is straight up illegal. Be prepared to answer any questions regarding religion with the succinct answer: “my faith will not interfere with my ability to do the job”.

3) Are You Married? Do You have Children? Are You Planning on Having Children?: The interviewer could be trying to establish if you would be able to travel for the position, or it could just be friendly small talk. But it is actually illegal for an interviewer to ask about your marital status, if you have children, if you are planning on it, and your spouse’s occupation and salary.  To answer, you could turn the beat around say “It sounds like family is important here, are you married?” or let them know that you are able to perform all the duties of the position.

4) What is Your Nationality?  While you may want to immediately say ” Uh, no. My forefathers are not the ones interviewing here”, the question may have been asked to determine whether or not you are bilingual or if you are legally able to work in the country. Before jumping to conclusions,  you can either say  “These questions do not pertain to my abilities” or you could say “Yes! I am actually fluent in German, Swiss, Chinese, and Portuguese”.  Just make sure you actually are that multilingual.

What did you just ask me?

5) What is Your Credit Score? Questions about your financial situation or your credit score are not ones you should answer unless you are interviewing for a finance or banking position. Additionally, employers can check your credit history only with your permission. It is up to you whether or not to divulge that information. Any question that you may be uncomfortable with is not a question that you have to answer.

Before going in to an interview, think of any other questions that may pertain to you and find appropriate ways to answer these questions without putting yourself in perilous position. Our recruiters at Search Solution Group are experts at navigating such situations. If you have any questions, we are here to help!

 

Golden Post-Interview Steps To Take

After an interview, as soon as you can get back to your computer, send a quick and thoughtful email thanking the interviewers for their time.

The age-old suggestion to send a thank you note after an interview is still the best step to take. It doesn’t take long to write a simple note and it’s a good way to reiterate your interest in the position. Plus, any extra time that the interviewer is thinking of you positively is a huge plus.

A good tip to remember when writing your thank you email and note is to KISS ( Keep It Simple Stupid ) !

Sample Layout of a successful thank you note:

Paragraph one: A few quick sentences on your appreciation for the interview and their time. Remind them why you are writing.. to thank them! 

Paragraph two: This is the part where you remind the interviewer of how you are a great fit for the position and how you will be an asset to their company. If you felt you need to improve or add to any question that occurred in the interview, now is your time.

Paragraph three: Emphasize your enthusiasm and appreciation again, thank them, and if you had discussed the follow up process, mention how you are looking forward to following up with them soon. 

After you have squared away the important pleasantries, get down to business taking notes on your impression of the company, how you think you did in the interview, and ways to improve your next interview with the company.

Unless the company asked you to get back in touch with them if you have heard from them in a designated time-frame, only reach out to your recruiter if a week has passed and you haven’t heard any response.

Search Solution Group Recruiters are always willing to help with any step of your interview process!

First Impressions In The Blink Of An Eye

It takes only a quick blink of the eye for an employer to initially evaluate you. Within those first three to seven seconds of an interview, you could either be making a great professional impression, or failing miserably. Your appearance, behavior, body language, and how you are dressed are all taken in to account and judged accordingly. To make a great impression, follow these cardinal interview rules.

Be On Time

An employer you are meeting for the first time is not interested if the train was long or if traffic was slow. Taking those possible delays into accordance is imperative when traveling to an interview. It is better to sit in the parking lot for 10 extra minutes then walk in one minute late.  Plan to show up five to 10 minutes early to hit the sweet spot.

Look Your Best

While you may not want to sit in the bushes to stalk the company’s dress code, it never hurts to ask the hiring manager. Having freshly cleaned and pressed clothing is a no-brainer, but the little things like shining your shoes or lint rolling off the dog hair are conditions that employers notice. Covering up tattoos, removing excessive piercings, and having a clean-shaven face and controlled hair could be impressive or could doom you to failure in your career search if left unchecked.

Let Your Body Talk 

Mirroring body posture and communication style of your interviewer instantly gives you an edge. Humans unconsciously associate strongly with people they see following their body posture and expressions.  By mirroring, you are effectively saying to an interviewer that you are trustworthy, receptive to his or her opinions, and will be a confident and familiar employee.

“Look Eye! Always Look Eye!”

In the words of Mr.Miyagi, making eye contact shows confidence and confidence is key. In relation to good eye contact is a firm handshake. Limp-fish style handshakes are related to timidity and no one wants a timid employee.

Be Prepared

Like a good Scout, being prepared with pen, paper, extra resumes, and any sample work will do wonders to make a good impression. Taking notes during your interview will give you material to make a decision on your part while showing an employer that you are interested in what he is saying.

Look the part, be the part, get the part. And don’t forget to smile!

Job History & the secrets that they tell

I have been in the recruiting business for over twelve years and have owned this firm for almost a full ten years, the anniversary date is fast approaching. We have worked with clients from California to Maine and across the ocean in Europe. We have filled all sorts of interesting positions for our clients, some have been easy others much more challenging. But there seems to be one common job qualification that our clients have almost unanimously asked for or asked about……JOB HISTORY. They want to hire candidates with a good JOB HISTORY. I get it and I want to explain it to you.

 I am sure not everyone is going to agree with me and those who don’t will probably be those who have poor job history for either being fired(most likely numerous times), being stupid and quitting a job without another job or starting a business and not being smart enough to have it last more than a few months.  When I am trying to coach candidates and my employees on how to handle certain situations in this business I often use dating analogies because interviewing is so similar to dating. You need to make a really good first impression and leave the interviewer wanting more and excited to want to see you again. Heck after a good first date we all go and tell our buddies or girlfriends, that is what we want the interviewer to go and do. We want that person to tell their co-workers, make a special trip to see the VP or CEO and tell them how good this candidate is that we just interviewed.  However seldom if ever is someone running down the hall telling everyone how great the interview was and saying it is ok ” they have been laid off from the last 6 jobs in the last 3 years, but none if it was their fault”. That is such crap!!  We were just doing our morning meeting when one of our favorite clients called, she and most of her team have all been with the same company for over 20 years!! That is incredible and the majority of them live and work in a borderline economically depressed area of the country, so I don’t want to hear the excuses. They don’t quite get people who leave job after job and for that matter job history is an important part of the resume and interview process for this client and many more we work with.

Now this leads me to one of those moments when I finally saw the light. As a lot of you know I consider myself more of a behaviorist than a recruiter or business owner. Just like a really good poker player can read and find tells in their opponents I can read and hear what people are going to do most of the time when it comes to interviewing, selling and how they will react to certain situations. How do I do this?  If I told everyone than those of you smart enough to read might actually be half as successful as I am, so for now it’s my secret(s). But back to the light, I was attempting to get back together with my girlfriend for the 3rd time when she asked me to help her with her resume. That is when it finally made sense to me, she had a span of 3 years when she had 6 jobs. Just leaving for any old reason (my boss was mean to me that day, this other company offered me 1.00 dollar more) running from one problem to the next without trying to make her current situation better or for that matter herself better.

Again, dating is so much like interviewing if you ever get the chance to see your significant others resume and they have  bad job history, put on your NIKES and run like Forest Gump did !!!

You are so Perfect – What Kind of Candidate do you think you are?

Here I go again, bursting your bubble and telling you stuff you don’t want to hear. However, open your eyes and ears because I am speaking the truth! I know it hurts , but it’s the reality of the world we live in. I made this mistake when I was 18 or maybe even 23 years old. But really, if you graduated from college and have been working for a few years, you should not be making this crucial mistake. It’s to the point when I hear it or see it in an email I cringe!! It’s as bad as running your ugly gross nails across a chalkboard.

STOP I repeat STOP telling me and anyone else you are perfect for a job! Because you are not Perfect and nobody is. You might be good or the best candidate for the job today, or a solid fit. Sadly, you might just be good enough for what we need now and we will deal with it later fit. You might even be a good temporary fit or in most cases not a good fit at all. BUT you are never a perfect fit, it just doesn’t happen.

So, tell me your point of contact or your potential new boss that your skills match up well and the culture seems to fit you very well. Say you are excited to be interviewing for this position because you love the industry or the location is close to your home or favorite restaurant.  Say anything, but PERFECT. It’s the biggest turn off to see a seasoned professional, especially an HR professional send me an email and say how he/she is a perfect fit for “said job”. If you have to tell me you are a perfect fit and I cannot not tell that you are qualified for the job by looking at your CV then guess what, you are trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. It just won’t work.

I am telling this to you to help you. If you disagree, let me hear it……..