It’s back-to-back job market goodness. Here’s part two of our examination of how to be marketable in this market, focusing on IT, project management, and other corporate management roles. Our guest today is Jeff Lipschultz, executive recruiter extraordinaire. He knows what he’s talking about.
Kristi Daeda: Jeff, such a pleasure to have you here with us. To give everyone some background, what types of recruiting do you specialize in?
Jeff Lipschultz: I am an external recruiter who works with small to medium sized companies looking to fill key contributor roles within their IT, Marketing/Sales, Finance, Project Management, and Executives teams.
KD: What sorts of job openings are you seeing currently? Are there trends in the types of skills employers are looking for?
JL: Technology! We have been filling jobs all over the IT spectrum. From Java to FLEX to SAP and PeopleSoft. We also have seen jobs for Database Administrators. We also have been asked to work on Information Architect roles, along with many support roles in the Healthcare world. Within my network, I’ve seen recruiters working on roles in Business Development/Sales, Accounting, some HR, logistics.
KD: What are the common traits of successful candidates for those roles?
JL: On the technology side, it is very important to be trained and aware of the latest versions of software applications/platforms that are part of your core competency. The best candidates have a strong curiosity about technology trends. In general, great candidates do their homework and know exactly what they want to do and how well (and why) they would fit into the roles they’re targeting.
KD: Do you see mostly high-level roles, mid-level or those with relatively little experience? Any feeling on the mix between management and non-management?
JL: Mid-level (some experience) seems to be the majority share at the moment. Companies cranking up the hiring likely need strong contributors with great experience to pick up the slack. Companies have been running lean for a while now. Most of my clients want future leaders.
KD: How much difference do certifications make in the hiring process? Are there certain certifications that are very in-demand?
JL: Training in general makes a difference; however, if the training hasn’t been applied recently, its value diminishes. Anyone who is an expert in Oracle or Microsoft applications should be certified. It proves one is serious about their craft. Even in non-technical roles, certification (like in Project Management or Six Sigma) can show expertise and dedication to a set of knowledge that can be applied to the job. Certification signals to hiring managers that you strive to better yourself as an employee by continually learning.
KD: If someone is considering training or education, which areas should they consider investigating?
JL: Key training should be in the areas of their expertise. However, understanding peripheral topics (ones that interface/intersect with the expertise topics) is also good. Taking a simple accounting or finance class may be a good idea if understanding the company’s finances may be important to performing well in a position where money is involved. Training tends to be job specific. I recommend researching as many job descriptions necessary to see a trend in the requirements for formal training and/or certification.
KD: Any other thoughts or advice for job seekers?
JL: Remain selective during the process. Ask good questions that allow you to assess how much you would enjoy the job and have a strong future. Interviewing is a two-way street.
Jeff Lipschultz is a 20+ year veteran in management, hiring, and recruiting of all types of business and technical professionals. He has worked in industries ranging from telecom to transportation to dotcom. Jeff is a founding partner of A-List Solutions, a Dallas-based recruiting and employment consulting company. He is a unique recruiter, a Six Sigma Blackbelt, and a founding member of the Dallas chapter of the Peter Drucker Society. Learn more about him through his company site A-List Solutions and his personal blog. And follow Jeff on Twitter.com/JLipschultz.
Related posts:
- How to get a job in accounting/finance – Interview with Morgan Nichols
- Interview Question of the Week: Communication and project success
- Changing Careers: Interpreting Career Trends in 2010
- Thoughts on Effective Management: Recap 2009
- Surveying the entry level job market – Interview with Heather Huhman
