Being a Contractor Isn’t Always Such a Good Deal
I want to be clear that I am not going to speak about employee consultants, but self-employed independent professionals
There are times in a person’s career where I believe it makes sense to be a contractor or temp. In some industries, being a contractor or temp early on affords increased wages, tax deductions and retirement planning opportunities than a person might have if they remained an employee.
For example, the junior person earning $40000, offered $35 - $40 per hour or $70000 - $80000 per year is now able to deduct their commutation to and from work, their lunch while on the job (if it is business related) and probably save more for retirement if they were an incorporated consultant than if they were an employee.
For the very skilled worker with highly sophisticated experience, they might be able to earn far more than if they were an employee. For example, the 28 – 32 year old technical professional with highly sophisticated experiences earning $70 - $200 per hour might only earn $120000 per year as an employee vs. $140000 - $400000 they might as a contractor.
But what about the average Jane or Joe? What happens when they reach their mid 30’s and have been doing the same thing over and over for 10 -15 years. What happens when their work peers are now 26 and Joe and Jane are temps. Can they return to the employee ranks easily?
Experience says that companies are distrustful of them and, if they hire them, will park them in staff level positions at “average salaries,” rather than at manager levels where wages are higher. After all, for many Janes and Joes, they have not led people or handled a budget process. They have avoided the politics of decision-making by being oujtsiders who were only at the client for a few months or a year.
So, I want to encourage contractors or temps to keep networking and to keep an eye out for opportunities to return to the employee ranks, before you get stuck as a 55 year old consultant.
The waters are often extremely treacherous then.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm. He has successfully assisted many corporations identify leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines as employees or consultants since 1971. He is also a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
To subscribe to Head Hunt Your Own Job, Jeff Altman’s job search e-zine, go to http://www.sayhi.to/JeffAltman enter your email address in the subscription box and lick to subscribe.. While you’re there, sign up to receive a daily digest of jobs emailed to you as we learn of them and read additional job hunting or hiring tips.
If you would like Jeff and his firm to help you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).
Friday, May 26, 2006
Listen More & Talk Less
Listen More & Talk Less
7 Steps to Avoiding Obvious Mistakes
There was an interesting survey I read recently that, I think came from Korn-Ferry, the international search fir. The survey said that the primary reason why people are rejected on interviews is NOT for lack of skills competency.
The primary reason people are rejected is that they talk too much—almost 40%. Approximately 20% are rejected because they behave arrogantly on the interview.
So, what does this say to you in how you should behave on an interview?
Keep your answers to the point of the question
Where possible, keep your answers to 30 – 45 seconds in length. For in-depth questions, you can speak for a minute
One of things you need to do in answering questions is to keep an eye out for rapport with the interviewer. If you sense you are “losing them,” ask a question that draws them back in.
Always remember that your voice AND body language are sales tools when you interviewer. You want to demonstrate confidence but not arrogance when answering questions.
Listen carefully to what is asked of you and what may be absent from what is asked of you. If the absent item might be critical to the answer, politely ask if they would like you to expand your answer to include it.
If you are in a technical discipline and asked a question for which a technical answer or overview (plain-English) answer could be given, ask which they would prefer . . . or whether they would like a blended answer (Would you like me to give you an overview, go into detail or blend my answer for you?)
Speak to the person who is interviewing you as though they are someone with a problem and that they are trying to figure out if you are capable of solving it. Never “talk down” to them.
Following these seven recommendations will go a long way toward avoiding rejection for arrogance and over-talking.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
7 Steps to Avoiding Obvious Mistakes
There was an interesting survey I read recently that, I think came from Korn-Ferry, the international search fir. The survey said that the primary reason why people are rejected on interviews is NOT for lack of skills competency.
The primary reason people are rejected is that they talk too much—almost 40%. Approximately 20% are rejected because they behave arrogantly on the interview.
So, what does this say to you in how you should behave on an interview?
Keep your answers to the point of the question
Where possible, keep your answers to 30 – 45 seconds in length. For in-depth questions, you can speak for a minute
One of things you need to do in answering questions is to keep an eye out for rapport with the interviewer. If you sense you are “losing them,” ask a question that draws them back in.
Always remember that your voice AND body language are sales tools when you interviewer. You want to demonstrate confidence but not arrogance when answering questions.
Listen carefully to what is asked of you and what may be absent from what is asked of you. If the absent item might be critical to the answer, politely ask if they would like you to expand your answer to include it.
If you are in a technical discipline and asked a question for which a technical answer or overview (plain-English) answer could be given, ask which they would prefer . . . or whether they would like a blended answer (Would you like me to give you an overview, go into detail or blend my answer for you?)
Speak to the person who is interviewing you as though they are someone with a problem and that they are trying to figure out if you are capable of solving it. Never “talk down” to them.
Following these seven recommendations will go a long way toward avoiding rejection for arrogance and over-talking.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Concepts in Staffing
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm. He has successfully assisted many corporations identify leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines as employees or consultants since 1971. He is also a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
To subscribe to Head Hunt Your Own Job, Jeff Altman’s job search e-zine, go to http://www.sayhi.to/JeffAltman enter your email address in the subscription box and lick to subscribe.. While you’re there, sign up to receive a daily digest of jobs emailed to you as we learn of them and read additional job hunting or hiring tips.
If you would like Jeff and his firm to help you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).
If you would like Jeff and his firm to help you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).
Friday, May 19, 2006
Most Common Interview Questions……..
1. Describe your ideal job and/or boss.
2. Why are you looking for a job? Why are leaving your current position?
3. What unique experience or qualifications separate you from other candidates?
4. Tell me about yourself.
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
6. Describe some of your most important career accomplishments.
7. What are your short-term/long-term goals?
8. Describe a time when you were faced with a challenging situation and how you handled it.
9. What are your salary requirements?
10. Why are you interested in this position? Our company?
11. What would your former boss/colleagues say about you?
12. What are the best and worst aspects of your previous job?
13. What do you know about our company?
14. What motivates you? How do you motivate others?
15. Are you willing to relocate?
Interview DO’S & DONT’S
Do:
1. Arrive on time.
2. Establish rapport to be called back for a second interview.
3. Demonstrate by word and deed you are fit for the position.
4. Project a professional image. Dress appropriately. In these more conservative times, it's better to dress more conservatively, at least for the first interview.
5. Go in prepared. Do your background research, including internet, newspaper, etc. about the company, products, services and the person you are meeting with.
6. Reflect on ways you could contribute to the company. Be concrete and use examples based on past history and contributions to current/previous company.
7. Be engaging. Let your enthusiasm and interest for the job shine through. Clients don't hire wooden boxes.
8. Use action verbs and appeal to the senses.
9. If you were part of a team effort, acknowledge the team's contribution. If your achievement was your contribution, let the interviewer know (without bragging).
10. Have fun and relax. If you are tense, you'll be seen as rigid and uncomfortable. Breathe deeply before you start the interview and center yourself.
11. Debrief immediately with your recruiter (if you are being represented). Your thoughts and feedback will be helpful to the recruiter in his/her communications with the client, and can help influence decisions.
12. Send a thank you letter within 24 hours. This demonstrates your interest, attention to detail and another opportunity to market yourself. Reference key points covered during the interview and why you would be the perfect fit.
13. Be a role model for your profession.
Don't:
1. Oversell yourself. There's a time to sell yourself and your credentials, including presenting samples/portfolio. Watch for cues and clues. The conversation should shift to then discussing the job opening and its challenges/opportunities.
2. Undersell yourself. This is not the place to be modest. Make sure you can draw attention to specific accomplishments, and quantify and qualify them.
3. Go to an interview hungry. You will not be as alert. Make sure you eat beforehand. Likewise, eat “lite.” You don't want to appear sluggish.
4. Ask to go to lunch or get a snack with your interviewer/hiring manager. The focus of the first interview is to get to know each other. The food and eating can be a distraction. If the hiring manager asks the candidate to interview over a meal, that projects a different, more informal message. Beware, however. It's still an interview -- you are being watched and evaluated.
5.Use jest or humor to joke about your potential employer's products, services or employees. The hiring manager is an extension of the company's brand. He/she is proud to work for the company. Why take pot shots? In addition, no swearing or off color jokes. You want to rise to the top, not stoop to the lowest denominator.
6. Be arrogant or haughty.
7. Talk badly of previous employers, employees or companies. It will come back to haunt you.
8. Tell lies. Be honest. It's the best policy. If you have something to hide, the future employer will find out.
9. Interview in a monotone voice. It's boring and puts people to sleep. Modulate your voice, use inflection. Smiling helps too. Practice in front of a mirror. Would you want interview yourself?
10. Take anything for granted or make assumptions. You have to earn the trust of the interviewer to be asked back.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm. He has successfully assisted many corporations identify leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines as employees or consultants since 1971. He is also a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
To subscribe to Head Hunt Your Own Job, Jeff Altman’s job search e-zine, go to http://www.sayhi.to/JeffAltman enter your email address in the subscription box and lick to subscribe.. While you’re there, sign up to receive a daily digest of jobs emailed to you as we learn of them and read additional job hunting or hiring tips.
If you would like Jeff and his firm to help you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Background Checking
Background Checking
A few years ago, a manager I was working with at a hedge fund Googled the name of a job applicant for a technical position and found a posting where they had written that they were still working in technology only because they had suffered large trading losses and wanted to join a company where they could learn what they did wrong—in other words, learn how my client traded and steal the model. Suffice it to say, the candidate was rejected.
And, as they have for years, many are doing background checks including checks of your financial responsibility (credit checks).
So, remember that picture in the belly shirt with the beer in your hand toasting the photographer you posted on MySpace three years ago? And guy, remember that picture that was taken of you streaking through the frat house when you were 19 that’s still on your webpage?
Take this stuff down before it takes you down.
Jeff Altman , The Big Game Hunter
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm,. He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff since 1971. He is also a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
If you would like to subscribe to Headhunt Your Own Job, Jeff Altman’s free job search ezine, go to http://www.sayhi.to/JeffAltman. While you’re there, you can read other job hunting or hiring advice, search available technical and non-technical positions and sign up to receive a daily digest of positions we’re recruiting for.
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff or obtaining consultants, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, please include your resume).
Thursday, May 11, 2006
What Are You Reading?
What Are You Reading?
I’m sure you’re like me in that you want your physician to keep up to date on new treatment theories and practices for specialty.. Yet to talk to so many people as I do, self described professionals often do very little to stay current on technique or business requirements. Let me offer you an example from my own work.
In 1971, I started working for an employment agency filling jobs for technology professionals. The hot technology being sought was OS/COBOL and BAL. We were
Even the mechanism for delivering resumes to clients has changed radically. Whereas once we mailed resumes, then delivered them by messenger and then fax, now email is the prevalent technology.
Although my clients will teach me what I don’t know, I still take time to read business publications and employment websites. Two services you might look into are www.tradepub.com and www.zinio.com.
Tradepub allows you to sign up to receive free business publications based upon your profession and demographics. All magazines I receive are free.
Zinio offers free delivery of magazines to your inbox. I read Red Herring and US News & World Report this way.
I also read many magazines on their website where complete or abridged versions of current issues are hosted.
What are the trade publications that serve your industry? If you don’t know Google to find an answer and see if you can get a free subscription to it or read it online. If you’re like me, you need to stay current to the shifts in the currents in order to stay competitive.
Jeff Altman
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm, He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
To subscribe to Jeff’s free job search ezine, Head Hunt Your Own Job, or receive a daily digest of positions emailed to you, go to http://www.sayhi.to/JeffAltman
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume
Friday, May 05, 2006
Do You Have An Extra $25000 You Would Like to Send to Me?
Do You Have An Extra $25000 You Would Like to Send to Me?
Do You Have An Extra $25000 You Would Like to Send to Me?
The Other Side of the Question of “Who’s Your Client” and Why I Won't Answer the Question Right Away
I have been cheated.
Cheating takes many forms. Sometimes it is as simple as someone submitting their resume to a company almost as soon as I get off the phone with them (4 times. Total loss of approximately $143000).
Sometimes people list my leads as the “price of admission” to networking groups (attendees complete lead sheets for other members in order to receive leads in return).
In other cases, a person mentions to someone (a friend or colleague) a job that I told them about but doesn’t remember the where the lead came from or the person just goes directly to the company.
Lastly, there is one my information goes to other recruiters in an “innocent” way . . . at least innocent to the job seeker.
I know when I ask someone here they’ve been on inter views so that I don’t duplicate what they’ve already done for themselves, I have a busy practice and don’t need to steal leads. Other recruiters are thieves and when they ask, it is for the sole purpose of using this information to get new clients.
So I can document $143000 in four lost fees and believe that there are many others. So, when I ask you whether you have an extra $25000 for me to hold in order to insure that you don’t cheat me, I’m giving you a discount!
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm, He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
To subscribe to Jeff’s free job search ezine, Head Hunt Your Own Job, or receive a daily digest of positions emailed to you, go to http://www.sayhi.to/JeffAltman
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).
Ah! To Be Young, Single and Free!
Ah! To Be Young, Single and Free!
A road warrior is someone who may work in any number of professions—technology, accounting, strategy, to name a few—where the work requires 100% travel. Sunday night or Monday early, you are flown out to work at a client site; late in the week, you are flown home.
Consulting or professional services has the advantage of giving you experiences in a variety of business sectors and the ability to work in a variety of places in the US (or world, for that matter) On the other hand, you spend time at airports and don’t put down roots (although you can leave to move to industry at a later date).
Joining a nationally recognized firm gives you an advantage in that people recognize the brand and, generally, have a good association with people who come from the firm.
As a result, you can have some fun, work hard, learn a lot, develop great experience, grow within a firm (or leave with your knowledge and move to industry) and develop expertise that is valued by the job market.
BTW, people my age make good road warriors too; however, my experience suggests that the demands of being away from the family wear on road warriors as we get older.
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a
For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.sayhi.to/JeffAltman While you’re there, sign up to receive a daily digest of jobs emailed to you as we learn of them and my free job searchzine, Head Hunt Your Own Job. If you have a question you would like answered, email him at jeffaltmansearch@gmail.com
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com.
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