Signature Source Blog

Building Your Career in a Time of Uncertainty

Building your career in times of uncertainty

The economy is moving in many directions at once. On the one hand, unemployment is at a staggeringly low 3.7% as businesses have bounced back from the pandemic. Moreover, many employees have newfound flexibility and satisfaction as remote work increasingly looks like it’s here to stay in some capacity.

Then on the other hand, inflation is at its highest point in decades, and many industries—including many marquee tech companies—are laying off people in droves. You are not alone if you are unsure how to build your career in such a volatile environment. Luckily, as an executive-level employee, you are navigating this tricky situation from a position of strength and leverage. Let’s take a look at the good and bad of building your career in a time of such uncertainty.

The Good

If your company or sector thrives, you may be exposed to more opportunities and responsibilities than before. The ongoing conversation about professional ambition and hustle culture has left many wondering if it is possible to grow your career without sacrificing the rest of your life. Is it possible to have it all?

Columnist Callum Borchers on the As We Work podcast from the Wall Street Journal suggests, “A recurring theme that comes up in my own conversations with workers… is this idea of trying to have it all, but not necessarily all at the same time.” Take a longer view of your career. There may be periods where you spend long hours at the office and sacrifice an active social life in exchange for pushing your company and career to new heights and doing fulfilling work. There may also be different periods where family and friends are your priority, and your job is just a job. What’s important is knowing your priorities and deciding what you are willing to sacrifice for those priorities.

Even when we are putting work first, rest is important. Columnist Rachel Feintzeig—also on the As We Work podcast—says, “Oftentimes we do better when we do less. Much research shows that a smaller chunk of really focused time, followed by downtime, is a smart way to work.” As an executive and leader in the workplace, you may feel a responsibility to work tirelessly to guide others but keep in mind that rest and balance is an essential part of productivity, and your employees will follow your model.

The Bad

The tech sector, construction, auto, and real estate have all seen large-scale layoffs. Although executive-level positions are often insulated from the most severe consequences of economic uncertainty (such as company-wide layoffs), it is still worth making sure you are prepared for the possibility, so you are not blindsided.

First and foremost, make sure you prepare financially by accumulating some savings so that you can weather a layoff in the unfortunate circumstance that it happens. This is always good advice but is especially appropriate during uncertain times.

Second, focus on proactively networking, both internally within your company and externally. As an executive, you have an uncharacteristic level of access to high-level employees in both your own company and others. This access can allow you to gauge the likelihood of layoffs before they happen or the possibility of even better job opportunities elsewhere with companies who are actively recruiting executives. In fact, these opportunities are worth considering even if layoffs are not imminent.

Networking to Build Your Career

While networking externally and sharing your credentials and experience with recruiters, think broadly about how you can communicate your skills. Your leadership experience and soft skills can carry lots of weight even in a job move between sectors if framed correctly. The key is to cut through the jargon to share in simple terms what problems you have solved and how those solutions benefited your company.

Finally, it’s also worth considering that even if you don’t personally experience a layoff, people you work closely with may be let go. It’s important to recognize the aftermath as the mourning period. While it’s important to do the best work you can while the company is struggling so that you aren’t next if you find yourself distracted and unable to work for some time, that is entirely normal and human, and allowing yourself the space to deal with those emotions will help you keep your bearings and not burn out.

The Best

If you are still feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—Signature Source is here to help! We have over 17 years of dedicated focus and results of recruiting for top talent in the global mobility industry. Our expert team of relocation industry veterans ensures an unparalleled advantage in pairing the right talent with the right job at the right company. Search through the list of openings we are recruiting for on behalf of our clients to enhance your career, or contact us directly. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Benefits of Unusual Interview Questions

unusual interview questions

You’re sitting across from an interviewer, prepared to ace every question they throw at you. You’ve practiced answers to questions like, “What are your biggest weaknesses?” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?”. Instead, the interviewer leans forwards and asks, “If you were a beverage, what would be your defining characteristics?”

Reasons For Unusual Interview Questions

While this question may seem off the wall, more hiring managers are turning to unusual interview questions to determine if someone will be a good fit for their team. These interview questions, also known as “bank-shot questions,” make it easier to take a peek at what makes people tick, and it’s harder for someone to come up with a “right” answer.

Bob Brennan, who was the CEO of the data storage company, Iron Mountain, said that he likes to ask interviewees about their parents because it shows whether they can be vulnerable. He will say something like, “What are the qualities you like the best in your parents? What about the least?” He said:

“The body language changes when you ask those questions, and people have to make a decision. ‘Am I going to open up to this guy?’ Because it’s clear to them that I’m not going to go down a path of asking them why they chose [my company]. I don’t much care. I want to know what makes you go. And how willing are you to tell me that?”

Clara Lippert Glenn, the former CEO of the energy-industry training company Oxford Princeton Programme, said her all-time favorite interview question to ask is, “If you woke up tomorrow morning, and there were no humans left on the earth—just animals—what kind of animal are you?” Sometimes she’ll push it further by asking why they chose that animal.

Purpose of Unusual Interview Questions

Even though bank-shot questions may seem a little weird, they ultimately serve the same purpose as any other interview questions. They help determine if a job candidate will be a good fit for the company and the team.

Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen, likes to ask, “What are you doing when you feel most beautiful?” It might not seem like a relevant question, especially for a job that isn’t in the beauty industry, but looking more closely, the question can reveal a lot. Novogratz said:

“If people are honest with themselves, they know what I’m talking about. What are you doing when you are shining, when you’re in the zone when you’re on fire?”

In other words, the answer that you give should closely align with what they would be doing at the new job. Whether you’re looking for a new job or are hiring for a position at your company, bank-shot questions are something that should always be at the forefront of your mind.

Have questions about how to approach these more unique interview questions, we have a full interview guide by clicking here. Wondering about the current state of the job market – we have full consulting services to help. Learn more about us on our website or feel free to contact us here.

Why Boomerang Employees Are Important To Your Organization

Boomerang Employees are important to your company

People can come and go from a company, but some return to the place they used to work at. How is this possible and what are the logistics like? Returning employees, also known as “boomerang employees,” are beneficial to organizations and are an integral part of the workforce, especially in an age of labor shortages. Below are some tips on how to make it easier and more compelling for boomerang employees to return.

Normalize Leaving and Be Explicit About Returning

Some companies treat employees that leave as a personal betrayal but this is the last thing that should be done. Jen Andrasko, vice president and global head of alumni at Bain & Company, said that they think of employees as part of their ecosystem. She said:

“You need to be talking about your alumni and their successes and the work that they’re doing out in the world when you are meeting with recruits because they are your talent brand in the marketplace.”

Talking openly about former employees and what other career plans are in the works normalizes leaving a company. Similarly, be explicit that the door is always open if an employee wants to return. Andrasko, who is a boomerang employee herself, said that when she first left, her boss told her that she’d be missed but if she wanted to return, she could.

Create a Good Offboarding Process

Creating a positive offboarding process is another way to create a boomerang employee or attract future employees. According to Gallup, workers who have a positive offboarding experience are 2.9 times more likely to recommend the company to others, and they are likely to come back in the future.

Bain & Company provides departing employees with resources to support their individual career goals and connect them to alumni in their fields of interest. Andrasko says that by going the extra step to make these people feel supported, they are five times more likely to promote the organization.

Start Or Promote An Alumni Program

If your company does not have an alumni program then it’s time to start thinking about starting one! These programs are the perfect opportunity to promote your brand and cultivate talent. By encouraging former employees to join their alumni program, your organization is maintaining an ongoing relationship that could create boomerang employees.

Alumni programs let former employees stay in touch with what’s going on with the company (LinkedIn newsletters, monthly emails, etc.), which in turn can pique their interest again if they see something relevant to their career goals.

Stay In Touch

Lastly, let departing employees know that you want to stay in touch and exchange contact information such as email or phone numbers. This is an easy way to touch base and see what the other is up to.

When there’s someone at a company that’s in regular contact with a departed employee, they are more likely to come to mind when new career opportunities arise.

If you have questions about boomerang employees or just need more information about the current state of the job market, Signature Source is your go-to resource for all things about job hunting and job hiring. Learn more on our website or feel free to contact us here.

How To Write A Perfect Resume

how to write a perfect resume

Writing a resume is one of the most challenging parts of the job-searching process. In-person interviews are a great way to let your personality shine through but how can you stand on a piece of paper, much less one that has to fully encompass your work history and successes?

What Is a Resume?

First off, what is a resume? Kristina Schulte, who is a senior recruiter at Adidas, says that a resume is the most important part of the application process. This is because the resume is the first thing recruiters see and it determines whether someone will go on to the next step of the interview process.

It should be succinct and lay out all of your job history. David Golightly, who is the Signature Source Communications Manager, says:

“Align your core competencies or skills directly with the job description of the role you’re considering. The first review of your resume will be cursory, so it’s a best practice to always tailor the high-level information to what the potential employer requires for the position.”

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the job market or have worked at several jobs, there are some tips to keep in mind for writing the perfect resume.

Give An Overview of Your Jobs by Using Concise Examples

Recruiters are not going to spend more than a few minutes looking at your resume so you have to provide a snapshot of what you’ve done in just a few words. Recruiters from BCG’s Dubai office sum it up perfectly: everything on your resume should add value. Do not add “fluff” words or put experience that isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Similarly, choose examples that highlight important skills, hobbies, or projects that you’re proud of. This also allows the recruiter to have something in mind to ask you about if they decide to move on with an in-person interview.

Use Headers and Sub Headers

Using headers and subheadings keeps things on your resume looking clean and lays out what a recruiter can expect to find. Headers are used to provide a summary of who you are. Subheadings, on the other hand, highlight professional or personal experiences. For example, you can use a subheader to set off your education, skills, or hobbies.

Use bullet points after the headers and sub headers to provide more detail, which can delve into tasks that you worked on, technologies that were used, or projects that are of interest.

Is The Great Resignation Coming To An End?

is the great resignation almost over

The Great Resignation, which has seen employees from all sectors of work voluntarily quitting their jobs, continues to affect all aspects of the job market. As of March 2022, 4.5 million employees quit their jobs and there were a record 11.5 million job openings. However, the Great Resignation may start to see a slowdown due to various current events.

What Is The Current Job Market Like?

In an effort to maintain their workforce, many companies are offering better benefits and higher pay. According to CNBC, hourly wages increased by 6% and employees have the upper hand when it comes to choosing what they want from their careers. Julia Pollak, who is the chief economist at employment site ZipRecruiter, said:

“We are seeing massive demand for workers. This is a labor market that is more of a job seeker’s market than any we’ve seen.”

Employers are willing to offer more flexibility and financial incentive to keep their employees. They feel employees think that it’s easier to leave. As Daniel Zhao, Senior Economist at Glassdoor said, there are more opportunities to “go find jobs that pay better, offer better benefits, or quite simply are a better fit.”

Signs That The Great Resignation Is Slowing Down

The next few months will still be beneficial for employees and job seekers, but there is likely to be a slowdown. Thanks to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the pandemic, and the Federal Reserve raising interest rates, workers are going to want some stability.

Jobs in industries like leisure and hospitality are still seeking to fill a lot of positions, but it will be less stark as people tighten their spending. Zhao said:

“In the next few months, the hot job market isn’t going anywhere. [But] this is the time to take advantage of the tighter labor market for workers because there’s no guarantee these conditions will persist.”

From job seekers to employers, the Great Resignation has had a major impact on all aspects of the job market. Signature Source is a globalized talent acquisition firm that connects high quality employees with their perfect company. Retaining Employees is important, so is finding the best for your company. Signature Source has the resources to help. Learn more by contacting us on our website or by calling 1-888-613-4179.