How to Choose and Partner with a Recruiter

How to Choose and Partner with a RecruiterHow to Choose and Partner with a RecruiterAre you considering working with a recruiter? These professionals can help you get hired - but first, you have to find someonewhos a good fit to further your particular job search. For a successful relationship, its a good idea for you to accept some of the responsibility for the lebenspartnership. As a recruiter, one question I ask every job seeker that I partner with is What do you not like about working with recruiters? The following suggestions are based on the answers I have received, and will help you understand how to select and work with the rightemployment recruiterfor your needs. What the Recruiter Should Ask You Upon your initial contact, does the recruiter ask you about you and your interests and take some time to get to know you, before explaining their agenda? I have a rule for myself I recruit the way in which I want to be recruited. There is never an exception. Does the recruiter share some information about themselves? You want to know that you are working with a part that will be professionally empathetic to you. You and your recruiter will ideally be partners, working together to land you a job that will meet all your criteria. If you do not feel comfortable talking to your recruiter, or expressing your needs, the relationship is unlikely to meet with success. Questions to Ask the Recruiter Here are some basic questions to ask the recruiter before you establish a partnership. How long have you have been recruiting?Can you share the personennames of some of the employers you have worked with?What is your recruiting specialty?Do you work with companies that are looking to hire someone with my qualifications and experience?How many people with my background have you helped become hired in the last year?Who pays your fee?(it should be the hiring company) Recruiter Follow-Up How frequently should we follow up with each other and how will we do that? Of ten, even with email, Twitter, and every other modern technology available, the telephone is the best, and most immediate, tool available for the recruiter and the job seeker. Be certain that the recruiter has all of your updated contact information (home and cell phone, email that is not your current employers, LinkedIn, and Twitter). Make certain you have the recruiters preferred way of contact. If it is only the recruiters email, I would be concerned. Confirm Your Arrangement Ask the recruiter to please confirm what you have discussed in an email. Better still, you can confirm what was discussed in an email that yousend to the recruiter. Inform the recruiter not to send your resume to any companies without your permission. Ask the recruiter the name of the clients you are being submitted to. You want to avoid multiple submissions to the same company by yourself and/or other recruiters at all costs. This can stop your attempt to land a position with that company immediately. Your Job Search The recruiter should ask you where you are in your own efforts to find a position. If not, inform the recruiter where and what you are doing. If you have an offer for employment and have not officially accepted it, inform the recruiter. When You Have an Interview Ask the recruiter for the client company website address. Do your homework.Research the company. Make sure the recruiter has given you the name(s) and titles of the person(s) you will be interviewing with and what the interviewing process is. Google the name(s) of the interviewer(s). Search LinkedIn for the interviewers name and read their profile. Partner with your recruiter on this. This demonstrates to the recruiter your level of commitment and the recruiters level of commitment to you. Ask the recruiter what questions to expect on the interview. The recruiter should be able to prepare you for the interview with questions. Confirm Compensation Discuss in detail what the compensation for the pos ition is. Confirm an agreement on compensation with the recruiter through email. Most companies today will have a benefits link on their website, so check on benefits, as well. If you are comfortable with the responses and the interaction, and you and the recruiter have developed a rapport through this process, then you have chosen the right recruiter to partner with.

Annual Public Policy Symposium Explores Key Innovation and Com...

Annual Public Policy Symposium Explores Key neuheit and Com... Annual Public Policy Symposium Explores Key Innovation and Com... Annual Public Policy Symposium Explores Key Innovation and Competitiveness Issues Facing EngineersMembers of the ASME hauptplatine of Governors at the 16th Annual Engineering Public Policy Symposium in Washington, D.C.Leaders from across ASME recently convened in Washington, D.C., for a series of public policy auffhrungs. The week kicked off on Monday, April 8, with meetings with the ASME Board of Governors and the Committee on Government Relations. Following their meetings, attendees were treated to dinner in the Capitol Building. Congressmen Paul Tonko and Raja Krishnamoorthi both attended the dinner and provided remarks. The evening was capped off with a private tour of the Capitol building.On Tuesday, April 9, more than 150 leaders presidents, presidents-elect and executive directors from 45 professional engineering societies attended the Annual Engin eering Public Policy Symposium, which was held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. This was the 16th year that ASME served as the lead organizer of the event, which brings together organizations representing more than two million engineers nationwide. The symposium is designed to inform and engage leaders of the engineering community on public policy issues that are important to advancing research, technology, and the science and engineering workforce. The event is made possible by a grant from the United Engineering Foundation and its Founder Societies ASME, AIChE, AIME, ASCE and IEEE-USA.ASME President Said Jahanmir provided welcoming comments on Federal Investments in Engineering and Science to Spur Innovation and Competitiveness, highlighting the importance of research and development funding to the science and engineering community. More than 15 years ago, the National Academies discussed this issue in its report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm Energizing and Employing Americ a for a Brighter Future, whichJahanmir explained, was instrumental to the development and adoption of the America COMPETES Act, as well as continued efforts by Congress to increase basic research funding. The National Science Foundation reiterated this message in its most recent Science and Engineering Indicators report, stating that U.S. leadership in science and engineering is rapidly waning as major economies around the world continue to invest in boosting their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) capabilities. ASMEs Executive Director/CEO Tom Costabile (left) and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Patterson (right) with Dr. Walter Copan, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).Congressman Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, an engineer by trade, began the day by discussing the importance of investing in research and development (RD) to ensure the technologies of the f uture originate in the U.S., as well as the need to place an emphasis on STEM and RD funding at all educational levels, including in K-12.Following Congressman Westerman, Dr. Walter G. Copan, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provided the keynote speech in which he discussed NISTs Return on Investment for Unleashing American Innovation Initiative and the Manufacturing USA Program. Dr. Copan explained how these new initiatives are helping to strengthen American manufacturing through the support of innovative partnerships between the government and private sector to drive advanced technologies into the marketplace. The Manufacturing USA network includes 14 institutes, each with a specific technological focus. Through this network, the institutes are working to create a stronger, more sustainable infrastructure for manufacturing innovation and RD, including a strong and cohesive program fo r workforce development across the STEM disciplines necessary for leadership in manufacturing.Continuing the theme of U.S. leadership in RD, Matt Hourihan, director of the RD Budget and Policy Program at American Association for the Advancement of Science, provided an in-depth review of the position of federal funding for science and engineering research, as well as an overview of President Donald Trumps proposed budget request for Fiscal Year 2020. Hourihan noted that the presidents budget request called for a 14 percent reduction in non-defense RD and noted that increases in the defense budget do not automatically translate into an increase in defense RD. While decreases in funding have been proposed in many of the federal RD programs in the presidents FY 2020 budget, many of these proposals have appeared in prior budgets and have been rejected by Congress in the past. (Left to right) ASME Robotics Task Force Chair Chuck Thorpe, Rep. Paul Tonko of New York, ASME Bio engineering Federal Fellow Laurel Kuxhaus and ASMEs Executive Director/CEO Tom Costabile at the Board of Governors Dinner on April 8.A point-counterpoint panel discussion on the topic of Investing in Research, Technology and Innovation to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness, built on the speakers presentations. The panel featured Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, and Stephen Moore, Distinguished Visiting Fellow with the Project for Economic Growth at The Heritage Foundation. The discussion, moderated by, Lester Su, included a strong focus on research and development, as well as students and investing in STEM education programs at both K-12 and higher education levels, with contrasting views on how to implement stronger STEM curricula, as well as how to address the challenges both students and educational institutions currently face in funding higher education and world-class research.Congressman Jerry McNerney of California, who has his Ph. D. in mathematics and served for several years as an engineering contractor to Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico, concluded the event with remarks that succinctly tied together the themes of the day. McNerney spoke about his passion for the symposiums focus areas and his participation in several Congressional Caucuses to advance the STEM workforce, RD, manufacturing, and a number of distinct technology topics such as artificial intelligence, grid innovation, and other technology topics important to the science and engineering workforce and competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing and high-tech sectors.At the conclusion of the symposium, many attendees took the opportunity to meet with their members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to strengthen their relationships with policymakers, inform them of the importance of investments in federally funded RD, and to offer their services as a technical resource to policymakers.For more information on ASME public policy programs and events, visit Government Relations.

Best Career Advice if You Live in a Small Town - The Muse

Best Career Advice if You Live in a Small Town - The MuseBest Career Advice if You Live in a Small TownIve talked previously about the fact that I live in a smaller city. And, for the most part, I love it. I love the cheap cost of living, the fact that I can leave my front door unlocked without worrying, and that I can almost never run to the grocery store without crossing paths with someone I know.But, as much as I adore where I live, theres one drawback I notice time and time again Most career advice I read is geared toward people who have settled down in a major metropolitan area. Me? I dont have endless events and resources right outside my door- as a matter of fact, I have a corn field.Perhaps Im mora sensitive to this conundrum, as I make my living reading, writing, and just generally staying in tune with tons of career advice. But, even so, Ive made it my personal mission to close that gap and make sure that people who live in smaller areas know that they are just as entitled to a fulfilling, successful career as someone who lives in a downtown high rise. My first stop? Tackling some of that oft-repeated career advice you hear over and over again, and making it mora applicable to those of you who call a small town home. If youre sick of reading about endless networking events and how to make the most of your morning subway ride, this is for you. 1. Make the Most of Networking EventsNetworking is important- I wont refute that. And, its definitely possible to build a strong network regardless of your geographic location.However, so much of the advice I read mentions these elusive networking events- get-togethers where people chat and trade business cards over free chicken skewers and cheap glasses of chardonnay. But, if Im being perfectly honest, those sorts of things almost never happen where I live.Sure, Ive joined a few associations and have attended the occasional business event. But, in reality, those typically end up being regular social gatherings f or people who already see each other on daily or weekly basis.Formal events arent commonplace where I live. And, even if they were, theres a small pool of people to meet anyway.The TweakIve talked about this in detail before, but there is still such a thing as networking in a small city- you just need to be willing to adjust your approach.Networking doesnt need to be this structured, rigid exchange that only happens when you have a nametag stuck to your shirt. At its core, its really just a conversation- and those can happen anywhere.So, I make a habit of chatting with people everywhere- whether thats in line at the grocery store or in the next chair at the hair salon. Ive made some awesome connections that way- with people I never wouldve met otherwise. 2. Use Your Commute to Your AdvantageIve read countless articles that suggest you make the most of your long morning commute. And- dont get me wrong- I think its a smart tactic to get a jump start on your day and give your productiv ity a good kick in the pants.But, heres the thing about living in a smaller area Your commute is typically pretty short, and- in most cases- you need to be focused and alert because youre actually driving yourself (nobody wants a driver whos simultaneously making her to-do list). Public transportation isnt as heavily relied on outside of big cities- I couldnt tell you the last time I actually rode a bus- which means these drives are typically reserved for one thing Getting to work.The TweakOf course, you could simply choose to ignore this piece of advice altogether. However, Im a firm believer that there are still ways you can make the most of your commute- even if you need to have your eyes on the road.This could sortiment from grabbing a great audio book to using it as quiet time to get focused and ready for your day. Whatever works best with you is great Just dont beat yourself up by convincing yourself that you arent effectively using your commute. You may not be answering email s, but youre still using that time to your advantage. 3. Dont Burn BridgesAlright, so this is an age-old sentiment youll want to stick with regardless of whether you live in New York City or a tiny town where youre literally on a first name basis with everyone. Its good advice- that much you already know.But, Id argue that this clich warning becomes that much more important when youre swimming in a small pond. Rarely do you put in your notice, bid a final adieu to your boss, and then completely wash your hands of the situation. Chances are, youre going to run into him or her more times than youd even care to admit- whether thats in another professional setting (Ive heard far too many horror stories about this already) or at the local pharmacy. So, while its important to maintain strong relationships and a positive professional reputation everywhere, this advice deserves a little extra emphasis for all of you small towners. The TweakThis ones super simple to adjust just by adding a f ew key words Dont ever, ever, ever, seriously ever burn bridges. Enough said. 4. Keep Your Personal Life Out of the OfficeThis is another piece of advice that has seen some changes in recent years. More and more, people are integrating their work with the rest of their lives- meaning any personal tidbits arent quite as taboo in the geschftszimmer as they used to be.However, youll still hear plenty of advice from traditionalists who warn you to check your personal life at the office door. Your workplace is for just that- work. Getting to know people on a personal level isnt necessary. And, even more than that, some people advise that it will only serve as a distraction.But, when you live in a small community, this becomes that much tougher to abide by- particularly since everyone pretty much knows everything about everybody else already anyway. Your boss is also your kids soccer coach. Your co-worker lives just down the street, and takes in your mail and waters your plants when youre on vacation. In a small town? Lets just say that theres really no such thing as keeping your personal life separate- even if you wanted to. The TweakDont be afraid to bring a little bit of your outside life into your workplace- within reason, of course. They dont need to know the gory details of your recent bout with food poisoning or the juicy gossip of your falling out with your best friend. However, being willing to engage in some friendly chatter about outside interests can actually be a good thingWhy? Most people like to know a little bit about those that they work with day in and day out. So, the willingness to share a little of your outside life could bring you that much closer to your teammates. And- in a smaller town- thats practically expected. Theres plenty of great career advice available. However, a vast majority of it caters to people living in a big city with endless opportunities right outside their doorstep. And, if you live in a small area yourself? That can undou btedly be frustrating.Luckily, you can still apply a lot of the great advice you read- as long as youre willing to make a few tweaks. Give these four a try, and prepare to become the talk of the town (because you know thats inevitable). Photo of woman driving courtesy of Ippei Naoi/Getty Images.