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We know how easy it is to get stuck in a rut—to glide happily from day to day with the same comfortable routine. When it comes to marketing to Human Capital Management (HCM) buyers, it’s especially easy to rely on those ageless tricks of the trade you were taught early in your career: taking every potential client out to a fancy dinner, assuming your buyer knows nothing about business strategy, selling to the “cat lady” of HCM, playing up your company’s U.S. versus foreign identity. All of these marketing tactics work to a point, but what if we told you that turning these notions upside-down might work, well…even better?

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If you’ve never attended an HR conference, let alone SHRM, you’re missing out. I don’t want to sound like the guy who’s explaining the party you left – the one where 10 minutes later AC/DC showed up with the Hawaiian Tropic girls and things got a bit crazy…but that’s pretty much the real life equivalent of SHRM to the HR community. Don’t believe me? Well, Mark Stelzner breaks it down pretty well in his entry. Here’s an excerpt:

I know, you’re thinking this must be one out-of-control attendee from a sea of well-behaved professionals. But let me tell you something. I have been to well over one hundred HR conferences in my career and this is more “normal” than you might expect. HR people get shit-faced, misbehave, rant, party, dance and flirt to excess at these shows. My theory is this – all year long they have to model behavior as the dream corporate citizen. So, when the opportunity arises to hang out with their peers and finally let their hair down, they take full advantage. In some respects, I can’t blame them, but I would ask that people get their act together and maintain some dignity. While walking to my car last evening, I saw two thirty-something SHRM 2010 attendees, one rubbing the back of the other while she threw up in an alley. Both were still wearing their badges.

Can’t say I’ve puked with my name badge still on…that’s dedication, kids. I bet the subsequent morning seminar was a nightmare. I’d also wager that the offending female would have benefited from a restraint seminar at SHRM. Wouldn’t we all? I digress…

Tim Sackett offers his thoughts on SHRM over at Fistful of Talent. He lists many points that he wishes he had learned – along with a helpful list of suggestions to exhibiting vendors who want to impress him. The line forms to the left, vendors:

Quick Idea: for all the HR Vendors on how to do the SHRM Expo better next year: 1. Get a booth with some comfy chairs/couches and wifi access.  2. Get one of those big frozen margarita machines (it’s Vegas next year – so alcohol is welcome 24/7). 3. Let me come in, sit down, catch up on email and relax.  4. Come over and offer me a drink.  5. Sit down, introduce yourself and let’s talk.  The Expo has gotten so big – I think it can actually suck the life out of you if you stay in there too long.  Be an oasis of calm in a sea of crazy!

While you’re at it, vendors, you might think about hiring someone to cart Tim around in a branded rickshaw so he doesn’t get all tired from having to walk in the air conditioned exhibit hall. Geez, Tim. So demanding. Yet so… awesome.

SHRM Blog Squad member April Dowling was cool enough to submit her closing thoughts on the conference. Her entry echoes many others in wishing for more practitioners and generalists to speak and present:

As a generalist, I want to be able to take notes back to my office with points of interest greater than the sights and sounds. I want to hear what other generalists are thinking; I want to know what real Trench HR people are doing to make their companies great. Yes I attended the ‘Greatest Places to Work’ session; see my post on how obvious I found it. #snarky

I’m going to have to start using the “#snarky” hash-tag. By the way, is it redundant to put the “#” in front of a word and then call it a “hash-tag”? Is that like “PIN Number” or “ATM Machine”? Anyway, I think that April (and all others who called for more practitioners) has a point here; but if you want to hear what others think, maybe you should rally the troops. Get out there, call your HR proletariat comrades to arms, and do a group presentation / panel discussion at a few shows. Maybe you’ll inspire others to do the same and the content you desire will present itself because YOU WERE THE CATALYST! Or maybe everyone will point and laugh at you because you’re doing it wrong – but probably not.

Apparently Michael VanDervort thought we were limited by the traditional “Genie in a Bottle” rules and offered 3 wishes. Maybe he’s been listening to Christina Aguilera a lot lately. But seriously, how much X-tina is too much?

Shauna Moerke wants SHRM to engage and encourage participation in social media. This is a fantastic thought but the thing I can’t stop thinking about is the DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BACON CUPCAKE she mentions. WTF?!?! Checklist: Double? Super. Chocolate? Always good. Bacon? Goes with anything. Cupcake? Delicious. Best food ever? I’d like to find out. Send me some?

HR Fishbowl asks one of my favorite questions in Charlie’s entry. He really liked Al Gore’s presentation. I’m just hoping he didn’t make the masseuse drive to his hotel. What? I’m just concerned about her carbon footprint. You people take everything the wrong way…

Blogging 4 Jobs threw down two entries. I don’t know protocol on this, so I’m linking to both because it’s my blog. The first entry addresses HR’s resistance to change and encourages practitioners to jump on the HR 2.0 bandwagon. The second entry discusses golf and social media’s importance to HR. Please, enjoy.

UpstartHR wants to know how to keep the fire burning all year long after SHRM. Ben, my suggestion is that you take your notes and memories out for dinner at least once per month to somewhere that’s outside of your normal routine. That’ll keep the relationship fresh and the fire burning for as long as you want.

So there you have it, that’s what everyone wishes they had learned at SHRM. Now, I received several submissions from people who didn’t make it to SHRM or didn’t feel like participating fully in our discussion. Either way, they had good content. Let’s roll.

Gireesh Sharma makes a compelling case for HR being the mother of all business. If the CEO is the father and HR is the mother…what’s the rest of the C-suite? Is the CFO the rich uncle who makes everyone dance to get in his will? I WANT ANSWERS!

Naomi Bloom riffs on Embedded Intelligence. This stuff sounds completely awesome, but I can’t help but feel like we’re getting this much closer to Skynet from the Terminator movies. When is the software going to go against my gut instincts and hire people that I just don’t have a good feeling about? Next thing you know the HAL 9000 has locked me out of the office and has stolen my parking spot. I won’t stand for this!  (I know, HAL is from 2001, not Terminator)

Susan Heathfield asks, “What is Trust?” in her entry. I think trust is letting me do this blog entry with no real checks and balances. I mean, I could say anything here. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE POWER I HAVE?!?!

Benjamin McCall offers his 8 keys to good presentations. He left out Oprah’s biggest seller; give a ton of expensive crap away. Amazing how the audience will give positive feedback when they’re driving home in a new car.

Gautam Ghosh tells us his opinion of the Indian way of learning. I love this part:

But the crux of the learning method for India – is encapsulated in his statement that while the rest of the world believes that ”Feed a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and he will not be hungry again” in India the belief is ”help him discover his own way of catching fish, because then that is his own!”

Dan McCarthy gives us 10 ways to onboard a new manager. Funny, there’s no mention of corporate hazing. That’s just sad. It’s like they don’t want us to have fun anymore…

i4cp offers the keys to the future of HR Success. They mention that efficiency is just enough to get you a seat at the table, but isn’t enough to put you over the top. Well, since we’re talking about the future, might I suggest inventing the Hoverboard? No? Well, I guess tracking metrics and alignment & integration of your department will be a good starting point.

Amy Wilson helps explain how emotion can make you rationalize anything. The thing is, how do you rationalize a Miata? I’m not talking practicality, it’s the Diet Coke of sports cars and you all know it. If you’re driving a Miata you’d better be in a sorority.

Heather McCulligh gives us a guide to managing creative people…from Mad Men. Pretty funny stuff here, I can’t even comment. She also let’s you know about 10 bad habits you have, but probably are unaware of.

Go off the grid with HR Marketer. I hear “Dueling Banjos” in the background…

Amit Bhagria wants to know what’s wrong with HR. Can it be that they like motivational posters featuring cuddly kittens too much? (I’m joking, please don’t hurt me.)

And finally, Mary Jo Asmus offers an inspirational piece about the gifts we can all give.

There you have it. I hope you all enjoyed reading as much as we did writing. Thanks to everyone out there for your excellent submissions. I’m going to leave before that carnie over there verbally assaults me again. THESE GAMES ARE RIGGED, I TELL YA! I WANT MY STEWIE DOLL!

How to Land a Job Fresh Out of School

In this economic recovery stage, jobs for recent graduates are not plentiful. Thus, improving your resume to give more dynamic descriptions is necessary. Tips on vital social skills are also outlined in order to give you an edge over all other candidates.

Systematic HR

Lessons Learned From Gaming

Working as a team for five hours in order to take down “bosses” is a game worth playing. An online game called a MMORPG allows players to play together in order to accomplish a goal. Many similarities can be drawn from the game to the workplace.

Evil HR Lady

Help! I’ve Been Sick and Unemployed for 10 Years

A query about being out of work due to an illness begs the question of how to tell employers about the absence from the workforce. Read suggestions and share your thoughts about how to go about returning to work.

Fistful of Talent – Paul Hebert

HR Needs a Seat at the Table. LOL.

HR is ready for a seat at the table in the company. Their opinion needs to be heard in order to give everyone a voice. Either create your own mastermind group or your own table to get around the “cool kids” holding you back.

The HR Ringleader – Trish

Tactical vs. Strategic Leaders

The thought of the day states that a senior leader should be involved at a tactical level rather than “in the weeds”. Give your two cents about how your boss manages at your company.

David Zinger Employee Engagement – David Zinger

6 Employee Engagement Power Points

Six points to guide your management tactics are discussed including the Open Door Policy, culture within the office, consultation, engagement and strategy, how to make sense of work, and putting the employees first. Check out how to make your office more accessible for employees.

Fistful of Talent – Jessica Lee

Diversity Recruiting Lessons … From Broadway?

Take notes from Broadway’s attempt at gathering a new audience. Use of focus groups, putting a positive face on the show, word of mouth, recruiting, and starting young are all helpful in creating the new series of Broadway shows. These strategies are useful in whichever job you’re leading.

ERE.net – Dan Miller

Colleges and Universities Are Still Falling Short in Preparing New Grads for a Job Search

The lack of college coaching for interviews is obvious to employers. Knowledge on how to conduct oneself during an interview or prospect for jobs needs to be obtained. Seek up to date mentors in order to improve upon your techniques in the job search process.

RecruitingBlogs.com – Lori Fenstermaker

You Might Be a Recruiter If…

A few bullets display the typical recruiter’s daily life. Are you the official resume editor of your peers? Take a look at the rest of these.

SmartBlogs.com – Lance Haun

Majority Still Don’t Have Same-Sex Partner Medical Leave

A poll asking if your company has same-sex medical leave benefits comes up with the majority of people saying “no”. Almost 7 in 10 companies lack the benefits. How much longer can they resist the changes in society?

Two Color Hat – John Sumser

In The Know v 1.23

John Sumser’s latest blog lists five important links to check out.  From describing the media ecosystem and the role of content in the system to the work of David Denning, these links will keep you ‘in the know.’

Everyone’s Blog Posts – RecruitingBlogs.com – Brian Keith

12 Attributes of Kick-Ass Recruiters

Looking for a recruiter?  Brian Keith lists twelve important attributes he believes recruiters should possess.  Read more from his blog to learn what key areas he measures recruiters in.

The Productivity Blog – Mark Vickers

Beyond Efficiency: The Keys to Future HR Success

Mark Vickers offers i4cp’s Recommendations for the future of HR.  As efficient as your HR Team or department might be, it still my not be enough.  Read

Everyone’s Blog Posts – RecruitingBlogs.com – John Sanders

How to Land A Job Fresh Out of School

For all the recent college graduates, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  The old days of GPAs and relevant classes on resumes are gone.  Today what recruiters are really looking for is how much you understand about the job opportunity, and how you can deliver results.

Blog Posts For All Users on ERE.net – Chris Brabic

Recruitment Marketing Success Comes When You Think Like a Marketer!

Chris Brabic discusses the changing landscape of recruiting.  To recruit better talent, recruiters must think like marketers.  A few areas to focus on include sending out great messages to building metrics to measure successful marketing efforts.

HR Fishbowl – Charlie

Wanna Lead? Be Vivid!

Blogger Charlie summarizes Marcus Buckingham’s closing speech from last week’s SHRM 2010 Annual Conference and Exposition.  Buckingham shared his ideas on performance management and leadership in a simple and inspiring presentation. 

Blog Posts For All Users on ERE.net – Laurel Clay

June, a Good Month For Newton Applicant Tracking Software

Newton Software rates were through the roof this past month.  The software creates a seamless experience for both applicants and the business.  Read more about the latest highlights from June.

Inflexion Point – Mark. Stelzner

SHRM 2010 – Observations & Conclusions

Mark Stelzner offers his insight on this year’s annual SHRM Conference in San Diego.  Stelzner addresses the venue, speakers, engagement and attendee behavior.  Read more from Mark’s blog, and share your thoughts, comments and experiences from the SHRM Conference.

Marenated – MarenHogan

In Your Words..#TBEX ‘10

Maren Hogan offers her words of wisdom and suggestions for next year’s TBEX’10, from marketing takeaways to travel tips.  Any suggestions?

SmartBlog on Workforce – Mary Ellen Slayter

Live from #SHRM10: Rosetta Stone’s Duane Sider on The Growing Importance of Language Skills

Watch Mary Slater’s interview with Duane Sider, the director of learning for Rosetta Stone.  Shot live from this year’s SHRM Annual Conference, the two discuss trends in hiring, language skills, and career development. 

Everyone’s Blog Posts – RecruitingBlogs.com – Kellie Auld

Hiring the Right Fit

How much can you tell about a person from an interview? Kellie Auld offers readers tips for improving a company’s interview process.  One of the key points to hiring the people, Kellie advices, to know, like the back of your hand, what your organizational culture reall is? 

Blog Posts for All users on ERE.net – Tom Becker

Top Ten Reasons Why Metrics Drive Us Crazy”

Do you deal with metrics? Can’t stand them? Neither can Tom Becker.  He has compiled a list of his own and those of senior talent acquisition leaders thoughts on the pain in learning and growing to embrace metrics. 

HR Marketing

Attracting the best candidates in the business realm requires HR Marketing. The media chosen for marketing can vary from job fairs to webinars. However it is most important to choose the most relevant source of media to appeal to the people you are interested in.

RecruitingBlogs.com – Matt Deutsch

Should Recruiters Add Contracting to Their Business Model?

It appears that testing an employee out with a contract before full-time employment is on the rise. If chosen for the position, a conversion fee will be administered, if approved within the service agreement. Should all companies take the time to judge a candidate before hiring them full-time?

SmartBlog On Workforce – Mary Ellen Slayter

Paul Falcone, On How to Handle Difficult Conversations

Before choosing to fire someone, make sure you have documented issues prior to the final straw. Do not think these issues will fix themselves without corrective action along the way. Another tip to handle workplace conversations is to use guilt as an internal solution.

ERE.net – Dean DaCosta

The Art of Resume Sourcing!!

DaCosta writes that sourcing is far more important than a job posting. This way, you can search through resumes with qualifications in mind. Tips about how to search for them are listed from: understanding what you’re searching for, to not stopping short, to being patient.

RecruitingBlogs.com – Dean DaCosta

Recruiters and Falsehoods!!!

In the contract world, Staffing Professionals have been known to fib in promises of pay. These falsehoods of salary will come back to haunt the SPs and eventually all of them will be questioned due to a few bad apples. Is this the path to self destruction for the industry?

RecruitingBlogs.com – Adam Lewis

Why Did That Recruitment Agency Win the Placement?

Many factors go into creating the best recruiting process. It’s said that it’s an art form rather than a science. Your company needs to find its individual path to success.

HR Fishbowl – Charlie

An Employee Suggestion Box That Rocks!

Glassdoor.com is a free website that limits the leap of faith you must take before taking a job. Details from the employees provide the pros and cons of the job. Getting your employees to leave feedback will also be potentially beneficial for future candidates.

Work Matters – Bob Sutton

Free Good Boss, Bad Boss Webinar: Hosted by Rypple on July 8^th

A free one hour webinar based on the book Good Boss, Bad Boss will be led by Rypple, a company that sells “social software”. Forty minutes of book-talk will be followed by a Q&A session at 2:00 PM Eastern on July 8^th.

The Work Buzz – Kate Lorenz

Live from San Diego, It’s SHRM 2010

Inspiration from speaker Al Gore encourages others to find common ground with someone in order to solve anything. Sustainability and diversity are two other takeaways from the speech. In addition, insider interview secrets are revealed to prepare you for your next interview.

Punk Rock Human Resources – Laurie

Steve Boese and Workplace Bathroom Etiquette

Etiquette at workplace bathrooms are essential to the future of any employee.  Blogger Steve Boese details the do’s and don’t’s in a male bathroom.  Always member, choose the end stall farthest from the sink. 

HR Bartender – Sharlyn Lauby

Being Selfish is Good For Your Career

Don’t be afraid to say no.  Sharlyn Lauby discusses self-discipline in the workplace.  She addresses how in some situations it is ok to say no to invitations to benefit your own self interest and taking care of your own business.

Steve Boese’s HR Technology – Steve

Guest Post – A Beginner’s Guide to Using Social Media for HR

Social Media is entering in the corporate world whether we like it or not.  HR Departments are now adapting social media more than ever: whether it is using LinkedIn to recruit or using Twitter to engage and explain your business.  Read more from Steve’s blog to learn more about making the most out of social media in a corporate environment. 

Fistful of Talent – Jason Pankow

Doing Someone a Service by Screwing Someone Else…   

Is it right bringing in a candidate that meets your qualifications at a price lower than what they are actually worth? Jason Pankow shares a story from his corporate experience in which he helped hire an employee at a salary worth their skills and experience.  Have you had a similar experience?

Fistful of Talent – Tim Sackett

From SHRM 2010 – What Will Have Bigger Impact. Jobs or. XXX?

Obtaining open access to .different .Jobs domains is becoming more difficult.  Why? Watch Tim Sackett’s interview with Beyond.com CEO Richard Milgram to find out.

HR Ringleader – Trish

CEO’s, Web 2.0, and “Ostrich” Leadership

Blocking and/or banning employees from social media may harm your company’s competitive advantage.  In a nutshell, social media is becoming a vital tool for free advertising and marketing.  Read more from Trish’s blog about the negative effects of banning social media from the workplace. 

Lisa Rosendahl

Are Your Managers Right For Employee Relations?

No one’s perfect, thus no one can always be right.  Yet in the workplace there is a huge difference between needing to be right and doing the right things.  Are your managers’ employee relations on the right path? Read more to find out. 

David Zinger Employee Engagement – David Zinger

Employee Engagement and Vuvu-Zinger: Noise or Music?

Have you watched the 2010 World Cup recently, and wondered what significance the South African vuvzelas have besides making an ‘annoying’ noise? Watch Bryon Wallen turn the vuvuzela’s sound into a beautiful piece of music.

Ask A Manager

My Boss Wants To Know How I’m Spending My Vacation Before He’ll Approve It

One reader asks whether or not its odd for managers to be oddly invasive to know their employees vacation plans…before approval.  Read more from this reader and share your thoughts/ comments.

Candidate Differentiation

Does your cover letter stand out? In the recent Web 2.0 revolution, a candidate’s cover letter has remained traditionally unchanged. Read more from this blog to find out how, as a potential candidate, you can better convey your individuality and skills to recruiters. 

SystematicHR

The Future of Learning

The future of learning may already lie in the palm of your hand. The Blogger for Systematic HR writes about how learning experiences often happen randomly, and therefore can not be recorded. He foresees and hopes that the future of learning can be instilled in learning applications in our smart phones. 

Evil HR Lady

Should I Ask For More Money?

A concerned blogger asks Evil HRLady an important question regarding negotiations.  This blogger accepted a low job offer, and was unable to contact the HR Department to renegotiate. Please share your comments and/or advice.

HR Ringleader – Trish

HR HappyHour Show – Live From Gettysburg

Catch last week’s episode of HR Happy Hour radio show, where Steve Boese interviewed Colonel Cole Kingseed, Jeff Jackson, Goddard Richardson and David Learnmond discuss how leardership lessons from the military can be applied to a corporate setting. 

Punk Rock Human Resources – Laurie

Steve Levy Talks About Ageism & Label Questioning

Labels…they are everywhere and about everyone.  In the corporate arena, labels can be toxic or extremely beneficial. They can either help you get a job, or ruin any chance you have of getting one. Have you or someone you know ever faced a ‘labeling question’ during an interview? Share your comments and thoughts. 

Jason Seiden

Let’s All Tell the Truth, Ok?

When is lying appropriate? Or, on the other hand, is it ever appropriate? Maybe lying, either by omission or straight out lying, can be good thing because it could protect the people we care about. Read more from Seiden and share your thoughts on lying.

Steve Boeses’ HR Technology – Steve

New Territories

Some people like a challenge. Some people like predictability. Some like both. Steve Boese blogs about what the best way to organize job design might be, in order to ensure that both types of people’s preferences can be met. This not only benefits the organization, but also creates meaningful work for them as well.

Fistful of Talent – Kelly Dingee

Sourcing Monday Mania – Foursquare

Geo-location programs (such as Foursquare and Gowalla) have the ability to track where people are and where they going; creating a personal Big Brother. The question is; can these programs be used as a recruitment tool? Read more from Kelly’s blog to find out how.

Boolean Black Belt

How to Search LinkedIn for Diversity Sourcing

Did you know that LinkedIn’s search fields are bottomless? Well, at least up to 3800+ characters [including spaces]. From keyword combinations, titles or targeting specific genders, Boolean Black Belt shares his tricks of the trade for searching on LinkedIn.

 The HR Capitalist – Kris Dunn

When You Want Your Employees to Get A New Drug…

You can redesign your medical plan for 2011 and cut costs. How? Blogger Kriss Dunn suggests focusing on the top 5 plan design changes you could make at your company, one of which is an Rx plan. 

Management Excellence – Art Petty

Leadership Caffeine: Prepare Your Mind to Conquer Presentation Anxiety

Art Petty offers 6 Ideas for Coping and Conquering Presentation Anxiety. It is something many employees suffer from. Read more from Art to see how you can fight presentation anxiety. 

Two Color Hat – John Sumser

Employee Life – Cycle

John Sumser writes about the need for expanding variability in recruiting. Should recruiters be held accountable for the people they hire and their productivity? Share your thoughts and comments. 

Recruiting Blogs – Shannon Russo

Rant: Death to the VMS

Shannon Russo provides a playback of a recent experience involving the Vendor Management System program. She then goes on to question why only a small number of companies are capable of getting this process right. To read her thoughts, check out her blog. 

Recruiting Blogs – Kim Bechtel

Your Best Recruiters: Your Employees

Kim Bechtel reminds readers that the best recruiters within small businesses are employees. This is because small businesses are able to provide excellent customer service as well as merge the customer and employee experience. For this reason, small businesses have an upper hand on big businesses when it comes to converting a customer into an employee.

Ask A Manager

Can I Run My Business With A 4-Day Work Week?

Would employers and employees be happier with a four-day work week? A reader asks this question along with a few suggestions.

Recruiting Blogs – Becki Dunaway

The Black Hole of Recruitment – The Applicant Tracking System – Part 2

Becki Dunaway continues to express her frustrations about the Applicant Tracking Systems. She admits as a previous ATS user that the system is efficient, but as an unemployed Recruiter, she finds the system terribly annoying. To read her complaints against ATS, check out her blog.  

Recruiting Blogs – Shannon Russo

Do I Remember You?

Finding it difficult to differentiate yourself from other job seekers? Shannon Russo discusses the need to stand out and gives you four things you can do to make yourself more “rememerable.”

JibberJobber Blog

Census: Fake Jobs Bubble Burst

The influx of jobs in the U.S. will soon disappear along with the government receiving praise for their efforts. It is said that the federal government created jobs that are unsustainable and will put the temporary employees back on the streets. What do you think?

RecruitingBlogs.com – Adam Lewis

A Diverse Workforce Is a Better Workforce

When hiring a new candidate, don’t settle on someone who “fits in” to the group. Diversity has the ability to bring in original ideas and innovation, which gains attention for the company as a whole.

 ERE.net – Chalres Kapec

Lessons in Employment Branding…From True Blood?  

Comparisons between True Blood characters and their actions create an effective communication strategy in recruiting. Calling attention to consistent impressions and exposure are ways to sink your teeth into the competition.

ERE.net – Nick Tubach

Is Your Employment Brand Creating Enough Buzz?

Employment branding is the key to long term benefits for gaining quality applicants. Several benefits are discussed including increased employee motivation, increased manager satisfaction, and support for the Product Brand.

RecruitingBlogs.com – Kirk Baumann

Building Your Own A-Team

Creating an A-Team will prove to be extremely successful in your career. As a manager, recruiting the best team possible is ideal. Strategize the team, while allowing adjustments along the way. Fight for what you believe in and work together.

ERE.net – Michael Brandt

Fired Why?!?! How the “At-Will Employment” Clause Can Make For a Difficult Placement

Think twice before you wear that red tie, your boss has the ability to fire you for it. Under the “At-Will Employment” Clause, your boss can fire you for just about anything; except in Montana. Better hope you have a boss that communicates your progress within the company in order to avoid being blind sighted.

Compensation Café – Dan Walter

Everything in Compensation is Changing. Is that Such a Bad Thing?

In the business quotes regarding change are regarded in a positive light for the business world. The future always holds change, which in turn will increase our capabilities even further. “Embrace the potential, rather than dread the effort and uncertainty.”

HR Fishbowl – Charlie

What (the ‘f) Were You Thinking? A New Calling for HR…

Encouragement to question things in the HR profession may be seen through Al Gore’s speech at the 2010 SHRM Conference. Consider that a loud voice of reason is always necessary and appreciated in the career world. Why not let it be yours?

Recruiting Blogs – Dean Da Costa

Fact, Fiction and Reputation!!!

When you’re in a job position where you must be large and in charge, others may view you negatively because of your unwavering work ethic. Therefore, some fictional negative qualities may be connected to you. Be prepared to defend the positive aspects of your contributions.

Work Matters – Bob Sutton

Winner Take All Incentives and Cheating

Teachers and principals have been noticed cheating on students’ tests. About 5% of teachers cheated in order to get bonuses in their salary. In order to sway this epidemic, there needs to be an alternative way to get salary increases rather than basing it purely on students’ test results.

Total Picture Radio – Peter Clayton 

Onward Search Career Cast: Freelance Jobs in New York City

This article promotes a podcast based on the New York City area and its economy. The focus is on how human capital businesses keep the job market afloat in the uncertain stage we are in.

Two Color Hat – John Sumser

HRDemo

The false consensus on technology vendors is that they are juveniles trying to commit fraud. In an attempt to disprove this theory, vendors are invited to come tell their side of their story in Las Vegas on December 8^th and 9^th. 48 slots for vendors will be offered.

Recruiting Blogs – Jessica Miller-Merrell

Like Diamonds Comments Are Forever

Posting comments on blogs is similar to a diamond, and a diamond lasts forever. Before allowing your name to be on the internet for all to read, consider these factors: Face Value, The Mom Meter, and Strategy.

Recruiting Blogs – Geoff Clendenning

How to Lie On Your Resume, Get Away With It and Have a Great Career!

Contrary to the title, lying on your resume is not the way to go. Your qualifications need to be up to date, where you could use any said skills that day. Other necessities are to have a clean background check.

All Things Workplace – Steve Roesler

The Five Minds of a Manager

As a manger you must be prepared to behave in ways that work for everyone. Roesler gives 5 steps to consider when adjusting your reflective, analytical, worldy, collaborative, and action mindset.

Recruiting Blogs – Donato Diorio

What Do You Know About Internet Resume Searching Is Wrong

Donato Diorio explores how people use search engines to search the internet. 

Six Degrees From Dave – Dave Mendoza

The Greecing of America, Simplified

The whole world is feeling the ripple effect of the fiscal crisis in Greece. The problem with Greece is that its government is creating a society that is heavily dependant on public spending.  Unfortunately, the U.S. is doing the same thing, but it’s not too late for the U.S.

Productivity Blog

High Performance Organizations View Interns as Long-Term Investments

Companies are now looking at internship programs as long term investments.  Retention rate of interns to full-time employees has increased dramatically.  Read more stats from this blog. 

HR Ringleader’s Blog – Trish

Peopling – A Mash Up of HR & Marketing

Marketing Director Felix Wetzel offers his insight on people and HR.  Wetzel writes about a simple formula; people=brand.  Read more and post comments for Felix telling him what you think.

Steve Boese’s HR Technology – Steve Boese

Monsters Under The Bed

Monster.com Career Ad Network allows companies to opt-in to their network without having to buy regular Monster postings.  Career Ad Network provides a unique way for companies with limited reach outside of their own jobs to get their openings to a really wide audience.

Systematic HR

Style and Strategy: Nadal versus Federer

Strategy is everything.  Planning your company’s long term strategy to benefit in the short term can be a challenge. Organizations setting long term goals should be careful to redevelop their technology based on strategy, and not on the latest tech trend. 

ERE.net – Jody Ordioni

Recruiters, You Could Be Killing Your Employer Brand

Recruiting is a two-way process both for the employee and the company.  Employee candidates are put through the ringer through testing and interviewing processes. Should recruiters be held to the same standard?

Evil HR Lady

How Do I Convince My Boss I’m Ready To Manage Others?

Evil HR Lady responds to a concerned reader’s question on how to convince their boss they’re ready to manage.  How should they highlight their skills and talents?

Punk Rock Human Resources – Laurie

Credible Third-Party Recruiters

Is your recruiter credible? Blogger Laurie provides a checklist to use for recruiters, to weed out the professionals from the amateurs. 

Recruiting Blogs – Chris Brablc

Building Your Talent Network: Sodexo Does it Right

Chris Brablc addresses how Sodexo does a good job of building their Talent Network. Their process allows their potential candidates to interact with their company regardless of their interest level. He suggests three important things when building a Talent Network; collecting contact information, segmentation and targeted messaging, open and engaging.

Ask A Manager

It’s Not Illegal to Give a Bad Job Reference

Feel bad about giving a bad job reference? Don’t. It happens, and no it is not illegal if it is truthful. This blog post discusses the importance of honest references as a “do un to others” policy.

Recruiting Blogs – Brian Keith

Hiring Philosophy Via Dee Hock…

Brian Keith quotes Dee Hock on his philosophy about hiring.

Recruiting Blogs – Becki Dunaway

The Black Hole of Recruitment – The Applicant Tracking System

Becki Dunaway shares her frustrations with Applicant Tracking Systems. She reminisces about the good old days of paper resumes, the simplicity of applications without numerous questionnaires, and the courtesy of being told whether you’re “in” or “out.”

Recruiting Blogs – Lori Fenstermaker

The Recruiter Personality Test

Lori Fenstermaker discusses the Myers-Briggs personality test used by employers and the personality categories that may result. She also comes up with a few different personality categories of her own specific to the recruiting industry. To see her list of categories, check out her blog.

Recruiting Blogs – Laura Vezer

 Feedback – UR Doin It Wrong

Laura Vezer comments that she finds feedback is too scarce these days. She feels that it is something that candidates desire and hope for, but rarely receive. Whether it is positive or negative, such feedback helps candidates by allowing them to know which areas they need to improve.

Fistful of Talent – Steve Boese

It’s Not About the Technology… Except when It Is.

Boese takes the outdated says such as “It’s not about the technology” and states that statements like this fail to consider the reality of untapped potential in the technologies themselves. He includes the realities that all businessmen should know to keep up with the new workforce. To read more visit Fistful of Talent blog page.

Jibber Jobber

Networking: Tell Your Story

Do you know how to tell your story? Do you know how to sell yourself? When learning how to create your brand there are some stepping stones that you must overcome, in Brenadette Martin’s new book “Storytelling About Your Brand Online & Office,” tips on doing this are outlined into simple steps. To get a hold of her book, visit the attached link.

Punk Rock HR – Laurie Ruettiman

 Credible Third-Part Recruiters

In the market for a recruiter? In this blog, Ruettiman discusses the right way recruiters are supposed to conduct business, while pointing out that there are “losers in every industry.” When in the market keep your eyes posted to the right fit for you.

The Human Race Horses – Michael Vandervort

Insights on Social Media

Vandervort will be speaking to the Suncoast Human Resource Management Association in St. Petersburg, Florida on July 14^th, 2010. On his latest post he includes a link to register for this event, as well as key points he will be covering. Check out his post for more information.

SmartBlog on Workforce – Lance Haun

Much Ado About Turnover

How concerned are you about turnover in your organization? This is a question that was asked in SmartBlog’s e-newsletter which came back with interesting results. As the economy improves, increase in turnover will be seen, it is important for companies to recognize this.

Recruiting Blogs – Chris Fleek

The Importance of Personal Connection in Business

 In his latest blog, Fleek bring in his personal life to truly create a connection with the reader. He talks about creating a personal connection with your business client and how it can affect the work at hand. When meeting with a potential client it is key to make a connection outside the workplace and show that you and your company will be able to offer something beneficial to the prospect. Fleek relates his life to important workplace advice. Read more at RecruitingBlogs.com

B-Level Candidates? Then It’s a B-Level Company
Deutsch disagrees with the idea that only employed candidates should be considered when screening job applications. He feels like unemployed A-Level applicants who apply are disregarded in B-Level Companies.

Recruiting Blogs – Bernard Ferret

What is a Green Job?
The definition of a green job has become unclear therefore Ferret adds his two cents. He states that a green job is one that engages in non-profit environmental matters, protects the environment, and derives more than half of his revenue from green products or services. Check out the article for more attributes to a green job.

Two Color Hat – John Sumser

Top 100 v1.65 Jim Holincheck
Jim Holincheck, head of Gartner Human Capital Management, predicts the future of HR. He believes practitioners will want: Social Media as a Sourcing Mechanism, Data Driven Innovations that Improve the Quality of Hiring Decisions, and more.

Total Picture Radio – Chris Russell

Jobs in Pods Proving Jobcasts are Employment Branding Gold
Audio podcasts are the tools to catch the attention of job seekers. The “jobcast” concept combines a blog, a podcast, and a reporter style interview. These podcasts can be downloaded which help bring potential candidates to your position.

Ask a Manager

Don’t Stalk My Voicemail
The writer refutes calling techniques to an employer. A suggestion to repeatedly call and not leave voicemails is easily considered stalking. Instead, leave a voicemail and/or email the employer.

HR Web Café – Julie Ferguson

What Broke My Father’s Heart
The book What Broke My Father’s Heart can help communicate to employees support resources. Grief counselors, health care consultants, and other sources of relief can be found within the book.

Recruiting Blogs – Phil Rosenberg

Is Your Recruiter Any Closer To the Job Than You?
You have the right to not work with a recruiter that contacts you. If so, email the recruiter and tell them you wish to not be represented by them. In addition, tell them to not forward your resume to other companies.

Recruiting Blogs – Phil Rosenberg

Facebook Becomes Job Search Engine
SimplyHired pairs with Facebook to increase knowledge about the job search process. Now SimplyHired includes your Facebook friends to use social connections in order to increase chances at finding a job.

Jon Ingham’s Strategic HCM Blog – Jon Ingham

Social Learning for Business Success – Save Money & Increase Capability
Jon advertises his interactive Webinar that takes place at 11am June 22^nd. He discusses the steps to gain the most benefits from the explosion of social media.

TalentedApps – Justin Field

Have You Done Your Performance Review Yet?
This blog discusses the benefits of performance reviews.  Author, Justin Field, outline the benefits of getting a performance appraisal.  He lists the benefits from having a performance review from growing [your own] skills and competencies, and developing ones career.

ERE.net – Dr. John Sullivan

Making Your Employee Referral Program Work Smarter – Follow-Up Questions and Answers, Part 1
Dr. John Sullivan responds to public questions on how to make employee referral programs (ERP) work smarter.  The problem Sullivan sees in current ERP programs is that they currently lack formal design, goals and management.  Read more from his blog to see his responses.

Evil HR Lady

A Job With No Start Date
Evil HR Lady writes back to a concerned blogger who has been hired as a librarian for an HR Department; however her start date has continually been delayed, and she has been told to stop following up and just wait till the HR Department calls her when they are ready.  Should this reader be waiting? Share your comments.

SmartBlog on Workforce – Mary Ellen Slayter

Kaiser’s Christine Paige, on Designing a Wellness Program That Works
Mary Slayter outlines Kaiser Permanente’s senior VP Christine Paige speaking points about wellness programs at the Society for HR Management conference.  In her speech, Paige will discuss the positive impacts that wellness programs have not only on employees but on the organization as well.  Learn more from her blog.

Human Race Horses – Michael VanDervort

Talking Twitter
Michael VanDervot is head of the Blogging Squad at this year’s HR 10 Florida State Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida.  He discusses a ‘Tweet Up’ the conference will be hosting that will feature China Norman and members of the Blog Squad, such as William Tincup.

Bill Kutik – Peter Cappelli

The Courage to Go it Alone
Peter Cappelli, the director of the Center for Human Resources at The Wharton School, discusses the limits to professional norms and practices in HR.  He suggests that in order to be successful HR executives might want to reconsider talking about HR as a established set of practices than a profession.

RecruitingBlogs – Dr. John Kenworthy

Roles People Play
Dr. John Kenworthy expands upon the many different roles people play within professional and daily relationships. He discusses and delves into great detail about the normal development and potential deficiencies or roles, as well as the development alternate behaviors.

Punk Rock HR – Laurie Ruettlmann

Do You Need a Job? Any Job?
Desperate for a job? Make your time and effort worthwhile and check out Laurie Ruettlmann’s pointers for finding employment.

Boolean Black Belt – Glen Cathey

LinkedIn Shows New Search Options, Some No Longer Free
Convenience is no longer free on LinkedIn. The website has updated some of their features to require a fee. Search options that were previously offered to its users for free have now been changed to require premium status for use. To learn more and view screen shots Glen Cathey provided of the new features, check out his blog.

Strategic HCM Blog – Jon Ingham

Lynda Tyler-Cagni, ex-Ermenegildo Zenga on HR 2.0
Jon Ingham shares information about his recent discussion with Lynda Tyler-Cagni, Group Head of HR at Ermenegildo Zegna. Lynda tells him what she thinks HR 2.0 means as well as her thoughts on how well HR understands the opportunities presented by HR 2.0. Lastly, she recommends five steps for HR practitioners who are interested in this space.

Fistful of Talent – Kathy Rapp

BP: HR & Leadership Lessons
Kathy Rapp shares her list of “HR/Leadership Lessons Learned” that she created from reflection about BP. Her pointers are: Be Prepared, Beyond Promises, and Be Prudent but Productive. To learn more about each pointer, check out her blog.

Management Excellence – Art Petty

Leadership Caffeine: The Word Selection of Journeyman Leaders
In Petty’s latest blog, he points out the appropriate ways to select the right tools in communicating. Choosing the wrong tool can create damage to the person using it; he then continues to explain 8 ideas to help you choose your leader’s words like a skilled craftsman.

Recruiting Blogs – Peter Lanc

Leaders Don’t Need Job Descriptions- Lets Get Down to Business!
How often do you hear not my job description? In today’s world a job description goes out of date as soon as it is written. It is an evolving workforce and highly engaged people don’t need to be restricted. Lanc discusses the out-dated job description and how to get all employees involved.

Punk Rock Hr – Laurie

Do You Need a Job? Any Job?
In today’s economy the job market is dwindling, however there are still ways to make money. In this blog Laurie gives a list of advice on finding a job; any job.  Start by getting connected, and climb the later to success in the most unconventional ways; soon that dream job will be possible.

Executive Online – Meagan E Smith

Encouraging ‘Green Teams’
What more does a company want than to save money? PepsiCo is starting a new revolution in going green, cutting 20% of all their electricity and paper use. With this they have been able to save hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this blog Smith talks about the way business can jump on the bandwagon that will in the end actually benefit them in more than one way.

The HR capitalist – Kris Dunn

New Game at the Capitalist: Dude, Does This HR Video Suck?
In this comedic blog, Dunn post an original HR video that is based off “The Sopranos” which consists of managers want to “whack” their employees when a problem arises. The production quality was surprisingly good, which is much more than I could say for the acting. For more, check out the blog.

HR Technology – Steve Boese

Cleaning Off The Bookshelf
Looking for a good read? Boese gives a list on must-reads, good reads,  and the best book of the bunch for an “HR happy hour show.” Check out his blog for you next night stand decoration.

Handling Workplace Retaliation

Lauby proposes the question of whether employee suggestions/complaints are welcome in the workplace. She found that managers want to hear positive or negative comments. At the same time, managers are worried that an employee may file a complaint if they feel targeted. Robin Schooling suggests an outline of the sensitive topics to be discussed.

Ask a Manager

Employer Left Me a Message – But Wouldn’t Respond When I Tried to Get Back to Them

A reader informs us about the recent unpleasant encounter with a HR Representative. After sending a resume and cover letter to a company, a woman called the reader about the position available. Upon several failed attempts at communicating with HR, the reader concludes that HR has lost the decency of corresponding with interested applicants.

Work Matters – Bob Sutton

The Wise Boss: More Evidence For Expressing Confidence, But Harboring Private Doubts

Bob Sutton discusses the hardship leaders must face when choosing between being confident, while doubting what they know. He uses Andy Grove’s quote to “Act on your temporary conviction as if it was a real conviction, and when you realize that you are wrong, correct course very quickly.” Is it better to be overconfident in the workplace or allow others to doubt your competency?

Recruiting Blogs – Gavin Davis

How Far Back Should Your Resume Go?

Davis explains the key components of a quality resume. Information about previous employment more than 10 years back is unnecessary. He suggests to include only details that the employer may like to see, rather than everything you’ve ever done.

Recruiting Blogs – Stephanie Bressan

Text Message Job Service Keeps the Playing Field Level

For all the non-smart phone owners, there is an application to apply for jobs using SMStheJOB. This text message alert service informs those with the app about jobs that have recently opened in their field. Thus, it makes using a smart phone a thing of the past.

Recruiting Blogs – Neha

Importance of Training

Some of the essential qualifications of being a good speaker are speaking vibrantly, setting achieveable objectives, and not loosing focus.On the other hand, poor characteristics include not being prepared, reading off of notes, and ignoring the audience.

SmartBlog on Workforce – Mary Ellen Slayter

How to Innovate Your Way Out of BP-sized Problems

Mary Ellen Slater addresses four rules to use in order to innovate problem-solving approaches. She believes acknowledging the need for a creative process, broadening the innovative process to allow more perspectives, considering multiple ideas, and gathering an assorted group of experts, are the keys to a successful problem-solving process. Learn more from her blog.

The Work Buzz – Anthony Balderrama

The Supreme Court Says Workers’ Texts Aren’t Private

Anthony Balderrama discusses how employees’ right to privacy within their workplace may be under question. The Supreme Court ruled that in certain circumstances, the city may have access to employees’ privacy without technically violating their rights. Though this may only be the circumstances of this specific case, it is something of which employees should be aware.

Inflection Advisors – Mark Stelzner

DIY for HRO

Mark Stelzner presents his thoughts about the need for HR buyers to be self-sufficient. He states that buyers should be independent and take on complex transactions, instead of relying on hiring others to complete such tasks. To hear more of Stelzner’s ideas, check out his blog or a SHRM webcast titled, The HR Outsourcing Evolution.

Compensation Café – Ann Bares

It Takes a Village (or at Least Coordination across Disciplines) to Solve Today’s Workplace Challenges

The challenges of the workplace have changed drastically due to the recession. These changes have brought about serious issues to employees, such as burn out and stress. Ann Bares addresses these circumstances in her blog in reference to observations made of the workforce.

Evil HR Lady – Evil HR Lady

My Coworkers Are Taking Advantage of the System

Evil HR Lady vents about co-workers taking advantage of the system.  She invites readers to share their comments on what they think about co-workers who abuse FMLA, Family Medical Leave Act.  The Evil HR Lady details an example of a co-worker of hers who not only abuses the FMLA, but arrives late to work late, and upon his arrival continues to chat with co-workers for 15 to 30 minutes.   Do you have co-workers who abuse the system in more ways than one?

Two Color Hat – John Sumser

Top 100 v1.65 Jim Holincheck

John Sumser summarizes a quick bio on the head of Gartner operations, Jim Holincheck.  Sumser writes about Holincheck’s future outlook on HR, and what he believes practitioners will want.  Furthermore, Sumser addresses Holincheck’s belief that in the future of HR he sees an emerging end to the idea that people are all one thing.

Recruiting Blogs – Kellie Auld

Why Do Your Employees Stay?

Forget about exit interviews. Kellie Auld hints at an idea of creating ‘comment boxes’ for your employees.  Auld suggests having open communication with your employees in a way that actively incorporates them to changes and improvements in the company

Fistful of Talent- Paul Hebert

Recognizing Failure vs Acts of Learning

Should failing in the workplace be an act of learning? Paul Hebert discusses the possibility of not reprimanding employees for mistakes, but managing them in a way that promotes a learning environment.  Hebert suggests treating employees in a similar fashion to how parents ‘manage’ children; letting them fail in order to allow them to learn.

HR Ringleader’s Blog – Trish McFarlane

Gettysburg: Historical Leadership Lessons

Trish suggests checking out the Conference Board seminar on “Leadership Experience at Gettysburg.” This seminar offers an opportunity to learn amazing leadership life lessons in groups and individually.

Recruiting Blogs – Kim Bechtel

Generation Smeneration…It’s About People

The problem with recruiting today is people are still fixed on generational stereotypes.  Kim Bechtel advises recruiters to not be so age specific anymore; talented, skilled workers can be found in all ages. It’s just a matter of finding the right ones.

Recruiting Blogs – Adam Lewis

Do Video Interviews Save Time and Money?

Adam Lewis addresses a more efficient way to conduct interview processes. Interviewing, no matter how you spin it, costs money and drains countless resources. Lewis discusses how video interviewing can allow potential employees to have an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and save money.  Video interviewing, as Lewis discusses, can also play a vital role in cutting traveling expenses for international recruiting.

Recruiting Blogs – Guy Farmer

How to Praise Your Employees

In Farmers latest post, he describes ways that companies can praise employees more effectively, as well as including common thoughts and misconceptions on praise in the workplace. A misunderstood accusation states that praise makes people soft; however, on the contrary, people enjoy praise. You should be careful not to overly glorify, but when praise is awarded, you must do so in a nonthreatening and comfortable way. After understanding your employees, you can start to learn how to acknowledge them in a positive light.

Punk Rock HR – Laurie Ruettimann

Weekend ‘Work Rules’ During the Summer

Ruettimann discusses in her latest post the top 5 summer work rules. She gives tips to help employees have more fun, while enjoying weather outside. Work on the weekend is simply not permitted in her books.

Creative Chaos Consultant

Crushed! 5 Ways to recover From A Major Setback

Most everyone is aware of the Lakers recent victory in the NBA finals, as well as the Celtics loss in their Game 7 defeat. From this, however, the author states five things to regroup from a major setback. With this advice the fallen Celtics can soon become champions.

The Human Race Horses – Michael Vandervort

Labor Union Battling over Turf

In Vandervort’s latest blog he talks about the turf wars of the labor unions. He talks about a real life Spy vs. Spy cartoon with implications to union leaders and workers in St. Louis.

All Things Workplace – Steve Roesler

Ten Ways You Can be More Persuasive

Ever feel like you are not getting your message across at work? There are ways to be heard. In the latest blog from Steve Roesler, he states ten ways to be more persuasive. From Social Proof to Scarcity and Exclusivity, employees will be able to be heard in all areas of their work now.

Employee Engagement – David Zinger

Working Zingers: Waiting

Zinger writes a poem for the working class in his latest blog. Bringing a sense of humor into the hated waiting room helps lighten the mood. What will come next from this modern day Shakespeare?

Recruiting Blogs – Brian Keith

5 Reasons People Hire…

Here, Keith gives inside pointers to why companies hire new employees. Ask these questions to yourself when you are going into your next interview; they might help land the job! Companies need at least one reason to hire you.

Systematic HR

Employee Portal Experience Fundamentals

This blog explains the importance of portals within the HR world and how they are used by most in the present time. Creating widgets brings guests who are usually not motivated to utilize HR into this foreign place. These widgets are mostly used for solving problems or working with payroll.

Recruiting Blogs – Gary Hamrick

Mapping Out Your Job Search (Part 1)

After closing the doors to Hamrick & Associate, Gary Hamrick shares in his latest post steps that individuals who are currently employed should take to have time to plan for a work transition. His five steps provided lay out the job search preparation transition.

Work Matters – Bob Sutton

Strategic Use of Swearing in the Workplac

Sutton talks about the use of swearing in the workplace, if it is appropriate to use certain words to motivate, or use as tools. He writes 5 pointers when an employee is leaning towards cursing and how to do it in the right way.

SHRM Minutes Show Concern with Secrecy

Zappe gives his readers a rundown of the minutes (released Wednesday) from SHRM’s .jobs advisory council.  Beyond the content of the minutes, Zappe expresses his concern with the council’s secrecy. Since its formation, the council has withheld its minutes and replaced speaker names with numbers.  Learn more about the council’s recent meeting by reading the rest of Zappe’s blog.

Talented Apps – Meg Bear

Using Your Strengths to Help Others

Bear urges readers to add The Why of Work to their summer reading lists.  Author Dave Ulrich recently discussed his new book on the “HR Happy Hour” radio show.  He spoke about the ways in which employees can add meaning to their work. Read the rest of Bear’s blog to learn more about Ulrich’s emphasis on strength-building—on both a team and an individual level.

Ask a Manager – Alison Green

Unemployed candidates need not apply, and fired for being too hot

Green addresses the buzz around two recent job-related stories: the woman fired at CitiBank for being “too hot”, and a job posting from a Texas company warning that they would not consider unemployed job-seekers.  Despite such outlandish practices, Green warns that these are isolated incidents and do not represent a trend. She invites readers to share their reactions to the controversy surrounding the stories.

Recruiting Blogs – Donato Diorio

The Future Death of Social Networking

Blogger Diorio argues for the inevitable death of social networking.  Despite its omnipresence in the workplace, there is no single way to define social networking or its role in business.  Diorio goes on to trace the demise of business social networking along ten main points.  Do you agree with him?

HR Superstar – Bonita Martin

Disney Parks Finally Relax Dress Code

On a recent Disney World vacation, Martin couldn’t help but notice the outdated and uncomfortable attire of the park’s employees.  Despite the temperature (upwards of 90° F), employees were still required to wear long pants or dresses with pantyhose.  This week, Disney Parks finally relaxed their dress code policy.  What’s next? Martin recommends that the parks work with Lands End or Old Navy to design modern, more flattering uniforms.

Recruiting Blogs – Laurie Bell

Unemployed Doesn’t Mean Unemployable!

In light of the recent new about a company job posting warning that unemployed applicants would not be considered, Bell offers her own perspective on the issue.  She explains why layoffs are not always a reflection of an individual’s performance.  In addition, she offers some solutions for dealing with unemployment.  Her suggestions: become a freelancer/consultant, volunteer at a company in your area of interest, and as a last resort, go back to school (while still networking).

ERE.net – Brendan Shields

Making Your Employee Referral Program Work Smarter

In his latest blog, Shields posts a video from ERE.net’s webinar series.  The video features Dr. John Sullivan, an HR industry strategist.  Watch the video to learn more about using employee referral programs to recruit the best possible candidates for available jobs at your company.

ERE.net – Kevin Wheeler

Disruptive Recruiting: Rethinking what recruiting is about

In his latest post, Wheeler argues that “it is time to challenge our assumptions and reinvent the entire recruiting process”. How can recruiters add more value?  Wheeler’s answer: automation and process simplification.  Learn why these two goals are important and how to achieve them by reading the rest of his blog post.

Fistful of Talent – Tim Tolan

Chasing Stock Option Gold

Tim criticizes people who do not take pride in their career or in their work, but simply chase stock options. Tim believes employees should be happy and proud of their work.  Their compensation should reflect hard work and dedication to their profession and employer.

Employee Engagement – David Zinger

5 Zingers from The Why of Work by Ulrich and Ulrich

Zinger quotes 5 “zingers” from Dave and Wendy Ulrich’s book, The Why of Work: How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win. “As a leader, you create a more abundant organization when you help employees clarify their personal identity and enhance their signature strengths and then help them see how those strengths fit with the goals and values of the organization”

Jibber Jobber

Paul Bucheit on Wealth, Jobs and Dreams

The blogger notes that if workers are happy, work doesn’t stand in the way of doing the things they love. The reality is that people who truly have the desire and the drive to do the activities, travel, exercise, etc. that they love do not view work as an obstacle.

Compensation Café – Dan Walter

In Pursuit of the Perfect Performance Metric

There is no silver bullet or perfect metric for all companies or all people. Now is the time to start defining your company, your company’s future, and how you can use compensation to reach this future. When it comes to metrics, don’t be fooled into using a tool that’s often too simple for such long-term goals.

Recruiting Blogs – Andrew Turnbull

Searchtoemploy.com announces partnership with Thinktank Media

It is searchtoemploy.com’s aim to provide one of the most secure and compelling job websites on the planet using fresh thinking, savvy tools, and ideas that no other jobsite in the world has made a reality. They want to set the standard fir job websites–helping job seekers connect with employment opportunities and helping recruiters with their recruitment needs by reducing the costs for sourcing good candidates.  This will provide an avenue for better delivering job vacancies to the market.

TalentedApps – Meg Bear

What emotional stake do you have in your business?

The issue with HR in many companies is not whether you love or hate the department. The real problem is that too many companies invest all of their resources in finance, marketing and R&D–priorities that leave HR behind. Leaders need to be proactive in creating a successful human element.

SmartBlog on Workforce – Martha Finney

How to rebuild your team in a crisis economy

When the economy took a turn for the worst many people lost their jobs, and those that were able to keep their jobs now feel the heightened workload of a company suffering from an employee deficit. Now many employees are quitting their jobs, and managers are scrambling to convince them otherwise. The key for leaders is to create team building activities that do not produce competition but instead encourage bonding.

RecruitingBlogs.com – Chris Brablc

A Hiring Managers Perspective: Do’s and Don’ts of Getting an Internship

Brablc gives some advice on how to find the best candidates for your internship. He also gives a list of do’s and don’ts for the internship seeker. Do’s: Show translatable skills through examples, be different, research the company, and ask intelligent questions. Don’t’s: “To Whom it May Concern” and long-winded responses.

RecruitingBlogs.com – Matt Deutsch

Unemployed A – Level Players: A Hidden Opportunity for Recruiters

The problem for many unemployed people today is the fact that most companies are reluctant to hire them. With the recent economic downturn it is obvious that many talented top people may be jobless. The key for companies is to find the recruiters who are willing to peel through the enormous amount of resumes and find the ones that are A-level. From here it is up to the recruiters to convince these companies that such candidates are worth hiring regardless of their unemployed status.

Fail Spectacularly – Jason Seiden

Positive Thinking—Delusion?

When people are more successful than others, we usually justify it by saying things like “he has a magic touch” , “she’s got that it factor” or “I was on fire”.  However gaps in our language are often indicators of discoveries yet to come. For example we have recently discovered that birds fly migratory patterns based on magnetic sensitivity, and sharks hunt wounded fish because of the electric impulses thrashing fish give off.  So why not assume determination, intelligence, or athletic ability are governed by a set of genetic and environmental factors that we do not yet understand? This model makes the concept of self-determination much less complex.

The HR Ringleader – Trish McFarlane

3 Techniques to Give Direct Feedback to You C-Suite

Trish gives advice for when you’re giving feedback that could be detrimental to your job. She suggests not bringing other people into it and using your voice (avoid e-mail). Dropping anonymous notes in a box on someone’s desk isn’t constructive because the reader will focus on figuring out who wrote the note, not its actual content.

Punk Rock HR – Laurie Ruettimann

You Don’t Want That Job

When considering accepting job offers, take time and make sure it is something you want to do. Even when you are desperate for a job, it is not worth taking if you would be happier shoveling dog poop. Laure lists 10 negatives that could make or break your job decision.

Two Color Hat – John Sumser

Strategic Recruiting 1

Strategy plays a major role in recruiting, or “human capital acquisition”. The most important part of being strategic is being prepared for problem solving. John says it is vital to have a thorough and detailed planning process. However it is just as important to understand that things rarely turn out exactly as you plan them, so be prepared to deal with the unexpected.