The Candidate Advantage: Job Search Advice

Downsizing: Going from a big company to small one

*Props to my colleague Christina Woodward for suggesting this topic. She left a big company (Pepsi) a year ago to join our little start up Seven Step Recruiting and had thoughts to share about how this type of move affected her job search with us and other smaller companies she interviewed with.

Since it is much more common for candidates to go from a big company to a small company when changing jobs than the other way around, it's important that people understand how to navigate through the associated interview obstacles with making this kind of move.

How Much Notice to Give: The New Perspective

When deciding on the amount of time to give notice, don't fall for the guilt trip from your boss or what people tell you is the "standard" notice period. This is as personal and customizable an aspect to your job search as anything else. Know what should factor into this decision and why.

Don't let this candidate’s market go to your head

A strong job market combined with a talent shortage provides candidates with serious leverage. However, no one (and I mean NO ONE) likes a cocky candidate! Your hard-to-find skills may be in demand, but remember that there's ALWAYS competition in play. Stay humble and sell yourself whether you think you have to or not. Read on as to why...

Speed it up!

As the pace of the job market picks up, Hiring Managers will need to move more quickly. However, the candidate is also responsible for the speed of this interview process. Learn how to put your foot on the gas and avoid putting your foot on the brakes.

Job Boards are everywhere!!

The disenchantment is growing towards the traditional boards and a new crop is rapidly emerging. Popping up on popular blogs and professional networking sites, they are creating fresh, new channels to view IT positions.

Look into my Crystal Ball

Very rarely will you get all the offers out on the table at the exact same time. This means you'll have to decide without knowing how things would have eventually turned out.  If you don't have a crystal ball handy, there are other ways to predict your future.

Marrying the High School Sweetheart

Sometimes the first interview you do seems like "the one". Now, it very well might be! But you may also want to think about playing the field and doing a few more interviews before jumping into a decision.

The Salary Seesaw

Be aware of offers that are unusually high or low. There are lots of reasons why this happens and you'll want to know these things before ever accepting a job under these circumstances.

Turning the tables

You can research companies you're interviewing with beforehand online. But, make sure to also have questions that you can ask them in person. By interviewing THEM, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of what they want, but you'll also be reminding them that you are just as selective as they are.

The "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing"

Counteroffers are accepted everyday. Why? Because money talks. The harsh truth is that this can backfire leaving candidates in an even worse position down the line (unemployed!). Be wary and look at this situation from all angles before considering one.

Skeletons in the closet

First, let's be clear about what things we'll help you to address: unpaid parking tickets, being let go, bad credit. But, if what pops up from your past is a felony, well then..... "Houston, we have a problem".