Can we change the hiring paradigm?

Those who participate in the Connecticut Re-Employment Group on LinkedIn have seen this subject come up in the past few weeks.

It's important to think of the goal when contemplating change. Job seekers want access. Access to the right people, often hiring managers or recruiters. Access to the right people that will allow them to engage. Engagement means conversations...asking questions and sizing up each other's credibility. It's the basis for all relationships, whether you're at a Town Hall meeting, a Little League banquet...or a job interview. There's no guarantee that you will find work by just getting access. On the flip side, you will get nothing without it.

Businesses are simply a collection of people. IBM, GE, Apple, Chrysler. Call them what you want. They function effectively when they accumulate the best people with the right attitude.

A paradigm shift is needed to allow job seekers more access. In 2012 the resume is still the primary standard of measurement of one's skills and character. Fair or not, that's the way it is. The world is changing and with the evolution of social media we are entering a phase where the resume is going to present itself in other forms.

Now, and in the future there will be an emphasis on establishing an online brand. An online brand is a reflection of who you are today, not a summation of the past 25 years. Are you smarter today than you were 6 months ago? How about 15 years ago? Are you inspired today by the same things that inspired you in 2002? Have you changed careers at any point in your life? When you answer all of these questions ask yourself....am I getting a chance to make these points in my resume?

The basis of the Connecticut Re-Employment Group is to build relationships with people you can help (and vice versa), create a personal brand using tools available and finding ways through your expanding network to showcase your current skills and abilities. This is a first phase of chipping away at the hiring paradigm.

Here's the next piece in changing the paradigm that I hope will reinvigorate the CREG brand. Let's find ways to increase access to hiring managers and recruiters. Step one is connecting the CREG brand with local businesses. Specifically local businesses interested in playing a role in helping the unemployed by hosting meetings. This process is underway. Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome.

Here's where I see CREG in 6 months (or sooner). In addition to having businesses host meetings, participants can request to demonstrate their skills and abilities to the audience. The audience will consist of business owners, hiring managers and recruiters. Imagine that? Rome wasn't built in a day. Making changes to the hiring paradigm will take some time.

Are you on board? Am I nuts? It wouldn't be the first time. I hope that you will embrace this process!

Ditch the resume. The new normal?

A recent article by Rachel Emma Silverman at the Wall Street Journal gave examples of a new trend in company hiring. Instead of soliciting resumes when posting a job, companies are asking candidates for links to their social media profiles and video depicting why they want to work for the company.

Amen and hallelujah. I have dreamed of this day. It is hardly mainstream but this train has left the station. Ultimately the emotion and depth of social media will trump the static object known as the resume.

This reminds me of one of my favorite sayings..."when the people lead, the leaders will follow." In the past 5 years internet users have poured themselves onto social media sites for a multitude of reasons. Some good, some not. Most are looking for some form of engagement. The business world is now seeing the value of this level of engagement. The resume is not the tell all indicator of someone's worth. Social media allows a business to see a person's collective brand through their profiles, photos, videos and tweets.

The large brick wall of social media resistance is coming down, brick by brick.

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Are you considering Social Media as a marketing tool for your business?

We are closing in on 2012. Will this be the year you initiate a social media marketing strategy in your business?

Business owners are considering this question...even those that are skeptical. Consider these 2 key principles:

• You need an effective marketing message that will attract customers to your business. 
• You need to be aware of all the marketing tools available to help you share this message. Social media in general and Facebook in particular. 

The new marketing term that I see over and over is "engagement". Simply put, this is when you have the ability to interact with prospects and customers about their needs and the benefits of your offering. Social media works best when you can have a conversation. Conversations will generate consistent business growth because you are showing a true level of engagement.  

Facebook is a great place to start. Create a Facebook page for your business and work on the following: 

1. Develop a strategy to get people to "like" you. 
2. Schedule time weekly to post information in the form of promotions, specials, events etc...
3. Focus your energy on the prospective customer. What are their dreams and how can you help them succeed. 

Your brand will thrive with an understanding of social media and a commitment to use it.