A Look Inside the Thoughts of a Hiring Manager - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / A Look Inside the Thoughts of a Hiring Manager - Introvert Whisperer A Look Inside the Thoughts of a Hiring Manager Haven’t you ever wished you could hear the thoughts going on inside the head of a hiring manager?  If you had the inside track it would help you understand what’s going on in the process and how to get a competitive advantage. Let me offer you that insight.  I hired hundreds of people in my 21 years as a manager and also hundreds more as a recruiter.  I also have compared my experience with other managers to help me improve my process and to broaden my perspective on hiring. Let’s start at the beginning of the process: - This is a PAIN…  I’m already working 10-12 hours a day just to get my work done and now I’ve got more work to do just to hire someone.  Who knows if the person I hire will work out and if they don’t then my life is seriously miserable.  Yep, I think a root canal is sounding like more fun. - I want this to be over quickly.  Maybe I can get this over fast.  I keep a stash of resumes of people who have been referred to me in my desk, let me start looking at those.  I really hope one of these matches what I’m looking for because if it does, I might get this over A.S.A.P.! - I’ll ask around.  I’m going to call and email a few people I know that always seem to be well connected.  I’ll find out if they have any hot resumes or know of people they think would be good at this job.  I’ll make it known to lots of people I know so maybe I can speed up this process and I won’t have to post.  My history tells me that referrals are always the best hires anyway. - I guess I better write job descriptions and posting.  I’m going to see if I can find an old job posting I used last year to copy from so I don’t have to start with a blank page. Maybe I can find someone else’s job posting and just reuse the parts of theirs that work for this job.  I never know what to write for a job posting anyway.  This is just another part of this whole process that I hate.  I dread the idea that we’d actually have to go so far as to post this online.  The deluge of resumes is a killer. The process has started: - I can’t read another resume!  OMG!  All of these resumes look and sound alike.  How am I supposed to pick from this pile of 50 resumes? â€" And there are another 300 in the system I’m sure are the same.  None of these resume’s stand out unless they are seriously bad or unqualified.  At least the bad ones are somewhat entertaining.  I can’t believe that someone with none of my hiring criteria is even bothering to send me a resume…it looks like they completely ignored my hiring criteria. - Now I’ve picked a handful of resumes, someone saves me from this misery!    So, I’ve picked out 10 resumes that all look like they can do the job.  I’m still holding out some hope that one of my “feelers” is still going to work out and a referral calls me. - Phone screen time â€" I actually don’t mind this part.  The fun thing about calling these applicants is that most of the time I don’t actually get them so I leave a voicemail.  If I don’t hear back from those people in 24 hours, I pitch the resume and move on to someone else.  I use follow up and attention to things like voicemail as part of my screening process.  It’s amazing how many people are soooo bad at responding in a timely manner.  They’re either rude or stupid â€" both things I don’t want to hire. - Phone screen for real.  I still like this part of the process because all I’m trying to do now is find a reason to not interview someone in person.  Short and sweet with only a couple of questions.  I can get this done before lunch.  I’m still hoping for a referral. Final phases: - UCK!  Interviewing.  Talk about a contrived event.  I’ve tried to figure out what the best questions are to ask all the applicants so I can compare them all when I’m done.  BUT, it only marginally helps the decision process in the end.  I might have a trusted staff member or peer interview my top candidates to help me sort out my decision but even that isn’t always a good thing to do.  At some point, interviewing is boring because its almost like reading resumes â€" they all start sounding the same. - I’m still hoping for a referral.  I don’t care how far along I am in this process.  If the right person were to come along, I’d dump all these candidates for a person my network endorses. - Decision time. ?  It’s been 3 weeks since I interviewed the last candidate â€" 5 weeks from the first interview.  I had a big presentation to do and it took all my time, then I had some other business issues to deal with.  I didn’t think it would take this long to get around to making a decision but that’s how business works.  I’ve got to take care of priorities and hiring just had to take second place. I think I remember which person I thought I’d choose.  I hope looking over the resumes and my interview notes help jog my memory.  I think this is the one.  I’m sure this person can do the work but mostly I really liked them, which makes me hopeful that we can work together well.  That’s what its all about.  I’ll get with HR and work up an offer.  Who knows how long that will take? The hiring process for most hiring managers is not a fun activity.  It’s extra work and never goes as fast as anyone thinks it should.  At some point, all the resumes and candidates blend together unless someone just happens to stand out. That doesn’t happen very much.  At the end of the day, the manager hires the person they liked most because they all appeared to be able to do the job. What should a job seeker pull out of this? They should focus on referrals and networking.  You will always stand out if you do. Bonus Tip: Adapting is key to your career survival, growth, and advancement.  Get Free Instant Access to Video series The 5 Most Common Ways Introverts Commit Career Self-Sabotage and How to Avoid Them.  Click here now: www.introvertwhisperer.com/careergoals  Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran, Introvert Whisperer, dedicated to unleashing your career potential. www.introvertwhisperer.com Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

What is it Like to Attend Siena College

What is it Like to Attend Siena College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. April is a senior at Siena College studying biology. Currently located in Albany, she specializes in science tutoring, math tutoring, English tutoring, and several other subjects. Check out what she had to say about her experience at Siena College: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. April: The campus is fairly small and feels like a small town. It is a very close-knit community and you often see professors or other students you know. Public safety makes rounds and there are a few blue light stations to call public safety from if you feel unsafe, and they will come meet you there. There are shuttles to the mall every weekend as well as cars you can rent. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants at Siena College? April: Our classes are small, usually capped at 30 students, and our labs are even smaller, usually no more than 15 students. This is really nice because the students and professors build a relationship and the professor knows their students and is invested in their success. Professors and advisers are normally pretty available, but it can depend on the professor. Many answer emails within a day, if not a few hours. Both are often pretty flexible when it comes to meeting with students. Teaching assistants hold office hours as well; when I helped with a class, I also answered emails and met with students when they were available outside of class. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? April: I live off-campus, but it seems like the dorms are usually fairly peaceful. There are RAs and RDs to handle any problems. There are a few places to eat, though most people complain about the food at the main dining hall. There is a focus of locally grown, healthy food. There are plenty of opportunities to get together with other students, whether its service-related, recreational, or a fundraiser. The events are advertised by fliers as well as a daily email digest. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Siena College? April: My school is known as a liberal arts college, but has been trying to become more widely known as a good school for science majors as well. Some people say that this is why the science curriculum is so rigorous. Im majoring in biology and I have always done well. I have been very satisfied with the courses Ive taken, except for organic chemistry, which was needlessly difficult. Still, labs and hands-on experience, as well as research opportunities, are emphasized as an essential part of learning. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? April: As a commuter, it was a little more difficult for me to make friends because I wasnt on campus as much and didnt take part in all of the activities. I am also a shy person. However, I did make connections in my classes, and even met one of my best friends (who also happens to be a commuter). There are many opportunities to meet people, though, and theres even a group that plans events specifically for commuters. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? April: The career center is always sending out emails with job and internship opportunities. They also offer resume critique services and mock interviews. We also have an office devoted to academic support, called the Nexus of Success. The counseling center is also very helpful for students experiencing many different challenges. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? April: The library is very comfy (lots of couches) and pretty quiet. There are also plenty of computers. In nearly every building, there are a few lounges and computer labs. My favorite lounge, the second home of many science majors, is in our lab building and has two glass walls and many different plants. Over-crowding is rarely a problem and we respect each others space and belongings. Describe the surrounding town at Siena College. April: Immediately surrounding the campus is a suburban area (and two cemeteries). Just five minutes away there are some small plazas with restaurants and supermarkets. Farther down, you have larger shopping centers with a variety of stores. The buses shuttle students to a mall about fifteen minutes away. Students go out often with friends, but there is also always a lot going on on campus. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? April: Our student body is just over 3,000 students. I love the small class sizes; its a big factor in why I chose my school. It lets me get to know my classmates and my professors, and allows me to feel more comfortable asking questions or going for help. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. April: This past summer, I did full-time research with my favorite professor and four other students. It was a really great experience and even made me decide to pursue grad school over med school. I learned and accomplished a lot, made new friends, and got to know this professor even better. Check out Aprils tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.