Hiring Out-of-Town Candidates

The perfect candidate isn’t always located in the same city as the position. Of course if that candidate lives in a city that has taken a huge housing market hit, they may not be willing to relocate. You will have better luck recruiting a candidate for a position that requires relocating if they will be able to sell their home quickly. So bearing that in mind we thought we would let you know the top 11 cities where homes are selling fast according to Realtor.com.

1. Oakland, California
Median days on market: 50
Median list price: $319,000

2. San Francisco, California
Median days on market: 63
Median list price: $639,0000

3. Denver, Colorado
Median days on market: 66
Median list price: $259,000

4. Iowa City, Iowa
Median days on market: 66
Median list price: $259,900

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach, California
Median days on market: 70
Median list price: $345,000

6. Stockton-Lodi, California
Median days on market: 70
Median list price: $175,000

7. Bakersfield, California
Median days on market: 70
Median list price: $141,500

8. San Jose, California
Median days on market: 71
Median list price: $470,000

9. Anchorage, Alaska
Median days on market: 71
Median list price: $279,975

10. Fresno, California
Median days on market: 71
Median list price: $170,000

11. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Median days on market: 71
Median list price: $147,900

This information was based on Realtor.coms March housing data report. The national median days on market was 160 days, for the 146 markets that were reviewed in this report. This is an increase of 40 percent since last March.

The Skype Interview

When hiring authorities expand their recruiting efforts to include candidates currently residing in locations other than where the position is, the interview process can be costly. Enter Skype. If you haven’t already had a candidate take part in a job interview over Skype, chances are that you will soon. The service, which provides free video calls over your computer or smart phone, claims 170 million users and 40% annual growth. With the recent news that Microsoft purchased the company for $8.5 billion, it now seems Skype will become more prevalent todays business world.

According to Bill Rosenthal, Chief Executive of Communispond (a 42-year-old coaching firm that teaches communications skills to executives), Skype interviews are fast replacing phone screenings as a way for employers to check out job candidates before, or even instead of, an in-person meeting.

His six tips for projecting the right persona in cyberspace:

1. Choose a professional username.

As with an email address you use for business, a Skype account with a moniker like hotpants33 or partyanimal2011 is not a good idea.

2. Practice talking to your computer.

Before a Skype meeting or interview, “make sure you’re familiar with the technology,” Rosenthal suggests. “Practice using it. Rehearse with a friend.”

3. Arrange the right setting.

You want to be seen against an uncluttered background with no distracting objects, movement, or sound. “There shouldn’t be light behind you, because it will darken your face,” Rosenthal says. “Move your monitor if you have to.”

4. Block out interruptions.

Turn off your cell phone, of course, but also, if you’re Skyping from home, banish your family and pets for the duration. As with an old-school phone interview, howling dogs and interupting children will do you no favors.

5. Back it up a little.

“Don’t move too close to the monitor. You don’t want only your face showing,” Rosenthal says.

6. Make (virtual) eye contact.

Gazing at the computer screen instead of the camera while you’re talking will make you seem shifty. But “don’t stare unblinkingly at the camera”, either, which will just make you look weird.

“As in a live meeting or interview, remember that the first impression you make will be lasting,” Rosenthal notes. So, particularly for a job interview, be sure to look the part: “Even if the company has a reputation for being laid-back and casual, wear a suit.”