Culture, Your Company Vibe

 A few years ago, a candidate placed by us asked me "Suzanne, with all of the different companies and their cultures you search for, how in the world do you determine culture fit?"

What a great question. Eighteen years of experience has led me to believe that culture Fit is 50% of a successful hiring/long term fit equation. So, I decided to learn more about the how to determine any aspect of a client's culture. I read all of the "scientific" explanations based on stats, I studied leaders and employees of clients. Little of that made sense to me.

What I continually learn (and relearn) is not to exclude an excellent skill set/experienced candidate for a position just because I am not understanding or feeling the vibe for culture fit. One example (there are many) is a "rebel" in a corporate environment? This may work out but only if company employees are given enough freedom to lead, develop business, create, produce, calculate, etc..

So, what is best to determine culture fit? Tell me your key words. It's that simple

creative, family oriented, suit and tie, jeans and tennis shoes, lunch at desk, large corner office, music lovers, dog lovers, open minded, high tech, long hours, free lunches, gym, world travelers, yankee fans, charger fans, hard noses, ambitious, new and upcoming, stable and been around for awhile, progressive, in an acquisition mode, chess players, beach lovers, theater lovers, management style,

The list is endless, but more key words, and I learn what leads to a better understanding of the company culture. That aspect understood, in turn leads to a match not only in experience but culture as well.

AH, The Resume~

Crafting The Perfect Modern Resume [Infographic]

Very good, by Bit Rebels~

I read, almost daily, articles about the intricacies of creating the perfect resume. Few address the issue of WHO is going to be reading your carefully crafted resume.

A Computer?
A Senior Executive?
An HR Professional?
A Recruiter?
A Department Manager?

Obviously, everyone's perception is different, even with a well outlined position description. What if, for example, the department manager finds a video too time consuming?
What if, for example, the HR Professional, has just so much time to review and yours is lengthy?
What if, for example, the computer didn't pick up the key words desired to pass yours along to a human? 

FIRST, determine WHO will be reading your life's career words.

Every Breath You Take!

With recent news of a CIA nature~one thinks immediately about those emails & files sent through any type of web services. Recruiters must always be on top of the game for confidentiality of clients/candidates shared information..

I engage the services of a retired Navy Communications specialist, who owns a Cyber Solution Company  for all of my security programs~we are now and have always been encrypted with extra layers of words I hardly understand let alone pronounce!

So, don't hesitate to continue to send documents and emails to me~I have ALWAYS acted responsibly for another company or person's confidential information.

I can be reached online (email) at 619Suzanne@gmail.com or SLSCreative@aol.com..IF you are reeeaaallyyy security minded, also, use this one~ srl@hushmail.com for resumes/files

Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies Official Video (HD)

PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES:
If we are discussing a potential search position with you, please tell me ALL that is relevant. WHY?

It's important to be open and honest with the exec search consultant (aka, recruiter, headhunter, etc). For example:
You have been interviewing with a competitor of my client company? I need to know this~
You didn't like the client contact first meeting? I need to know this~
Your wife/husband doesn't want to relocate? I need to know this~
Your background reveals an issue or position not stated on paper? I need to know this~

In an effort to orchestrate the "Perfect Match" I need/have to have, honesty, open communication

This Blog was prompted by a white lie that cost my client time and money, cost the candidate a great opportunity, and myself time and money~

Be open with the search consultant. We are experienced at overcoming basic flaws of all sorts. It's called a human thing. There are no perfect companies, no perfect people. However, There are Perfect Matches.

(shaking my head) (thinking I should go for a run)

"If B/S were set to music, some days my office would be Carnegie Hall,"

Suzanne Levison

Where Will We Find New Social Media Professionals? | Social Media Club

Where Will We Find New Social Media Professionals? | Social Media Club

I read this interesting and enlightening article by Mike McClure in September.

Yes, so true. The points expressed in the article are ones I asked myself and colleagues after attending a social media seminar, 2008.

We have been busy the past few years developing our market
and are prepared for the ever evolving"revolution" known as Social Media

What we do is:

Executive Search~

Place specific talented individuals for clients. "The Perfect Match."

If You wish to discuss (confidentially) your company needs for social presence, I can be reached (emails) initially

619Suzanne@gmail.com

srl@hushmail.com

Search Clients/Geography for Recruiters

Many times I have heard, "Where are you located?" or "Do you know a recruiter located in our area?"

Clients: " The physical LOCATION of your collaborating search consultant is a non issue."



Does the consultant understand your industry? Or invested the time to research your organization? And understands the requirements for your open position (s)?

These are the issues of importance.

My own niche (fifteen years) as a search consultant for entertainment, events, meetings, exhibits, incentive, agency, film and related industries worldwide, have taken me to global locations for the perfect match. Much of the time with phone contact, at other times with in person meetings. Today our tools so enhance the search process ~~Skype, Google Voice, IPhone apps for these, OH, the list is endless.

Today, for example, I was at an off site location (coffee shop at the beach) for an early phone conference in NY. In a bit, I'll be in Skype conference with two prospective search client executives in London. This global reach is not a new adventure. Prior to the latest communication devices, the geographic location of a search firm, recruiter, consultant were a non issue.

What IS the important issue? ~ Do I understand your need to fill the open position?

Client Culture/The Search for Rhett Butler

OK, a true story. The story relates back to understanding your client culture.

In my opinion, no person can predict the outcome of the "Do we all get along" "Does it feel right" aspect of a search.

A couple of years ago, I secured a new executive search for a senior financial position. After much client consultation, I thought I understood exactly the client's requirements. I was so excited when the first viable candidate I found possessed ALL of the requirements as understood by me~In fact, he and the client contact (Company Prez) were going to be in the same city, same week..I felt as though the Heaven's had parted while terms like "perfect match" "dumb luck," "great timing" were...well, you get the picture The two met, talked for some time. Candidate called me, yes, super position, liked the company vision, let me call you back. So, hmm..I was sort of wondering at this point. He sounded not sure, vague, even.

So, of course next, the client and I connected..Yes, Ma'am, the meeting was fine, candidate was more than qualified, exactly as was described for experience, education, very personable, and all that..HOWEVER...We are a Southern based company with deep Southern roots and he's a YANKEE! We are talking the difference between grits and quiche. This gentleman would feel uncomfortable with in our organization in a matter of days. But you are right on the target with the type of experience we need.

Soooo, I hung up the phone, took a long hot bath, thought about that conversation more when suddenly it dawned on me~~

Ah! I am searching for Rhett Butler with a degree in finance.

The next day, we started from square one with a different attitude. A few days later I was given a was a referral to a possible candidate. He was what I would term an "up and comer." With some reluctance, I placed a call to him, he returned my call. Yes, he was interested in hearing more..Did I detect a faint Southern accent? Yes! We talked at length (of course) about the company, the position, and arranged an interview. The outcome of the meetings led to a filled position, a happy client, a happy employee (still two years later.)

Client Culture. Help me understand all of those nuances about your client culture.