When changing my career into new industries, how do I effectively create an image that I can learn and am eager to learn any type of new business that wants a success minded person in this struggling economy?

Recruiter’s Advice:

It’s going to be difficult. You need to sell the intangibles. There are 3 factors that make people successful: Attitude, Skills required to do the job, and work ethic.

Sell those skills to a future employer.

Every job seeking website I’ve come across lately requires a fee to become a “premium” member. Without paying that fee the websites’ are generally useless. Is it worth the money to become a premium member on one of these sites to facilitate thorough resume distribution and the ability to apply for more “robust” positions?

Recruiter’s Advice:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding your question on if you should pay money to a job board to become a “premium member.” It is my experience that paying additional money to a job board to increase your visibility in the marketplace will probably not be worth the money. In today’s market, there is a great deal of talent available and the companies are diligent in dissecting the job boards on exact skill sets they are looking for and if you have the those skill sets, chances are they or a recruiter will find you. Please understand that this is entirely an individual decision and the fee may increase your visibility on their site a bit but overall, it is my opinion that this service will not greatly increase your chances of being contacted by a prospective employer. All the best and good luck.

I am currently searching for my next opportunity inthe job market and have found that many companies in need of leadership in recruitment and patient customer services do not directly seek candidates in the usual job posting manner. In fact based on my experiences they tend to be unaware their need or unwilling to make the investment to structure internal departments to support these bottom lines.

My question is: how do I first identify these companies and their needs and then approach them with solutions that they will be comfortable with and support. I do have very successful experiences in making this happen however was never faced with searching for organizations that are in need.

Recruiter’s Advice:

First off, I would like to thank-you for the email.

Although I am not entirely sure what you do, I can give you this advice. I would use the web as your main search engine for a new role. I do not mean going to a job board such as Monster or CareerBuilder, but rather using Google or another search engine to match keywords for the specific role you are looking for. From time to time you can find internal postings from companies that may be looking for your type of specific skill set. Don’t just send your resume, pick up the phone and call someone. A resume can not effectively communicate who you are or what you can bring to the table. It is after all a snapshot, not a full picture of your past experiences.

You should also try to network with any of the connections you have made through the years. This can be tough to do, but you never know who a friend or acquaintance may know in order to point you in the right direction. Best of luck to you in the upcoming year and all of us here at the SearchLogix Group hope you have a very successful 2009.

I worked for the same company for 30 years where I started in a low level managerial position in HR and after a number of promotions and assignments ended my career as the VP/Senior Dir. of Distribution and Logistics. In view of today’s job market, what should be the best approach in my job search?….pursue a Director + position or consider a lower position and work up from there.

Recruiter’s Advice:

I would recommend a multi prong approach for your job search. The first thing would be to leverage your network and see if that can spark any conversations. The job boards are obviously another option, although candidates often mention to me that they spend hours and the return is nominal. In other words, do not depend solely on Career Builder, Monster, etc. & make sure you are using your ‘search’ time effectively.

If you decide to pursue ‘Director’ level roles be prepared for a deliberate search process. I have heard this from quite a few candidates, particularly over the last 2 months that companies are taking longer to fill roles.

If you find a company that you would like to work with, accepting a Manager role with the opportunity to be promoted is definitely a viable option.

I am trying to get back in to the logistics/transportation field after being out for 6 years. What is the best way to showcase my knowledge of the industry without being up to date with current systems?

Recruiter’s Advice:

Thank-you very much for your recent inquiry to our firm about getting your career path back on line and what to do in regards to establishing some key points to reflect your industry knowledge. I would advise you to formulate a resume that is really built around your past accomplishments. Most people, when they make the step to get “back in the industry” will put together a general resume that reflects everything in their tool bag. I would strongly advise you to be very specific and concise while reflecting your industry achievement and knowledge. I would also get involved in any local chapters of Supply chain/Logistics organizations such as the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) or any spin off type groups. Talking with people in the know and sharing your experiences will help you to find the right employer. If you had success in the past there is no reason to think you can not do it again! Sharing ideas and taking a pulse of what is happening in industry will allow you to search for the right job.

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you all the best in securing a fantastic position.

My family needs to relocate to Florida from NW Arkansas. My daughter has special needs and her physician is in Florida. She has special trust to pay for her medical needs. How do I explain to an HR rep that I need to move for long term needs of my child and for them not to feel I am trying to take advantage of their insurance?

Recruiter’s Advice: 

Nobody needs to know why you’re applying for a Florida opportunity, other than “it seems like a great opportunity.” Nobody is going to care about the insurance. If it is pre-existing, it might not be covered, but you said you have a trust so it’s a mute point.

Companies are more skeptical about relocating someone because they  “need to move” and want a company to pick up the tab. Also they get concerned that you might not be able to “sell your current home.”

When in doubt, honesty is the best policy.

I have a 12 year progressive career in sales. Currently, I am a Sales Manager for a mortgage company. Prior to entering the mortgage industry, I had 10 years experience with a major global packaging company. Currently, I want to enter back into the packaging arena in sales. Would potential employers view my experience in the mortgage industry favorable?

Recruiter’s Advice:

Favorable isn’t the right word. Does it help? No. Does it hinder? Maybe a little, I would work your network. People hire people and you need to “win them over.” 10 years brings a lot of experience.

Good Luck!

Brett Stevens 

President

The SearchLogix Group

I am considering a move from Jacksonville, Florida to New York City. I have never had to relocate for a position before, and it would be with a new company. What kind of benefits / allowances / assistance should I require (moving, some of kind “safety net” or “buy out” as part of the contract should the position not be all that it was promised to be, etc.). I have never had to move for a job before, and this would be a drastic step. Also, I am used to making a $35,000 base + about $20,000 to $25,000 in bonuses annually. How would this translate to living in Manhattan?

Recruiter’s Advice:

You have asked a couple of good questions and you really need to consider both of them thoroughly before you make a move. To answer the question in regards to compensation, take the following steps and you can determine what your salary would need to be in Manhattan to live a comparable lifestyle:

1. Click on - http://www.searchlogixgroup.com/industry/links.htm
2. Then click Relocation Services
3. Then go to Relocation Tools

As far as relocation, packages from company to company are very different. Additionally, packages differ within an organization depending on the level of the position you are going into. The majority of the time for anything that is less than a Sr. Manager role, an organization would pay for the cost of household goods to be packed and shipped. If you are renting, they may provide some assistance to break a lease if there is a fee involved to do so. We have never seen an organization pay realtor fees and closing costs on new homes for positions under the Director level.

As far as a safety net or buy out, it is something you can certainly ask for and potentially negotiate. However, the same usually holds true in regards to level and relocation. An organization is much more likely to put one in place for senior level executives, not very likely lower level positions.

Hope this helps. Good luck in your next career move and feel free to contact The SearchLogix Group should we be of further assistance.

I’m a former Logistics / Materials Manager currently in Healthcare and hating it. I’m looking to return to the Supply Chain / Logistics field. APICS will offer a certification in Supply Chain Management in the Fall. Kennesaw State will offer a 10 week Logistics Certification program as well. Is there any enhanced value to the candidate to work toward these certifications, or does it matter to the hiring manager at all?

Recruiter’s Advice:

THANKS for asking! Our experience is hiring authorities look at:

• Work Experience that is directly related to the role they are hiring for. “Show me” that you’ve done this before and could excel doing it again at my company.
• Absolute bare minimum necessity requirements (i.e. degree, 3 yrs experience, direct supervision of 5 or more candidates, location, etc)
• Salary level
• Outside indicators of being able to exceed expectations. Examples include the specialty courses you are considering taking

Is it worth the money? That has to be your call. What are you going to do differently with the information taught? Certifications are very helpful but it is a little like assuming all college graduates are therefore equipped to performance identically. They’re not. It’s what you bring the hiring authority’s table and can back up your claims for expected superior performance.

By the way, let us help. Please send your resume. Let’s see if The SearchLogix Group might be working on something you might want to consider.

I am a 45 year old executive with a rich and successful career history. Two years ago, due to circumstances that I could not control, I was forced to take a position beneath my skill level and previous salary level. I have limited opportunities to improve my position at this employer. What is most effective method for making my presence and availability known in the Atlanta market without negatively affecting my present position?

Recruiter’s Advice:

Thanks for your recent “Ask a Recruiter” inquiry. You asked for our opinion on the best way to handle a confidential search which allows you the opportunity to regain what you’ve lost over the last 2 years.

Our opinion is that you took advantage of the best career prospect the market had to offer at the time. You made a good decision and have gained additional insight/experience which will benefit future employers. You now bring more of what hiring authorities are looking for to advance their company objectives. You are now looking for greater challenges and career opportunities.

Limited potential with your current employer and a need for confidentiality sounds like why you need to stay close to good recruiters like The SearchLogix Group. For example, all of our searches stay confidential until you make the decision to go public. All of our searches must equally benefit the candidate and clients or we don’t make the placement. Searching for new career enhancing opportunities is not an easy task. It helps to put a professional on your team to help you through the process.

Our suggestion is to update your resume, send it to us and then occasionally browse our web site to ensure we don’t overlook an opportunity you might want to discuss.

Hope this is helpful. Thanks again for considering The SearchLogix Group.