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    Concerned about Employee Monitoring Software? How to Ask about It in a Job Interview

    In today’s digital work-from-home world, as many as 60% of companies with remote employees use employee monitoring software to track employees’ activities during work hours. While this may be insightful for the company, it also raises concerns for jobseekers who value their privacy and autonomy. 

    If you’re a jobseeker who wants to know more about employee monitoring software before accepting a job offer, keep reading for tips on how to ask about it during an interview.

    What is employee monitoring software? 

    Employee monitoring software (EMS) is software used to keep track of when and how employees work. It essentially monitors productivity and collects data through employees’ tech devices. From supervising performance to intercepting illegal activities, employers use EMS for a number of reasons.

    The software may track:

    Time 

    Activity

    Project management 

    Email 

    Generally, if you’re on the clock, an employer has full discretion to make the rules. Employers do need to inform employees they maintain the right to monitor behavior. But they don’t need to be specific about the info they are obtaining or what they are using to get it.  

    And in case you were wondering: yes, employee monitoring software is legal. An employer using it might even notify employees and get their consent. 

    New data regulation laws

    In July 2023, New York City will release a new AI law requiring employers to inform candidates of any personal data collected during hiring and promotions. Oher locations inlcuding California, Washington DC, and Vermont are in the process of enacting similar AI-related laws. 

    New York’s AI law has received some mixed feedback from public advocates. Even tech leaders such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Brad Smith are calling for more oversight into AI algorithms at the national level. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also recently warned employers that they’re responsible for any AI-generated discrimination. 

    So, what are some graceful ways during the interview process to go about discovering if a company uses employee monitoring software? 

    1. Research the company’s policy beforehand

    Before going into the interview, do some research on the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. Check the company’s website or LinkedIn page for any information on their policy. You can also reach out to current or former employees of the company to get an idea of how the company uses monitoring software. In this instance, Glassdoor or Blind might provide relevant information.

    2. Ask about the company’s policy during the interview

    We wouldn’t recommend asking this immediately, of course. Determine how critical an issue this is for you and gauge the pros and cons along with the rapport you’ve created with the interviewer. 

    If you feel it’s necessary to your feelings about the role, you could ask the interviewer about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. You can phrase your question as follows: “Can you tell me more about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software? How does the company use it, and what kind of data does it collect?”

    Tone is important here. Be curious, and upbeat, to keep the conversation friendly but professional. 

    3. Ask about the reasons behind using the software

    It’s important to understand why the company is using employee monitoring software. Ask the interviewer why the company feels the need to use it and what benefits it provides. You can also ask about any specific incidents that led the company to start using the software.

    4. Ask about how the software is used and who has access to the data

    It’s important to know how the software is used and who has access to the data it collects. Ask the interviewer about how the software is used on a day-to-day basis and who has access to the data it collects. You can also ask about the security measures the company has in place to protect the data.

    5. Express your concerns and ask for clarification

    If you have any concerns about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software, express them to the interviewer and ask for clarification. For example, if you’re concerned about your privacy, ask about how the company protects your personal data. 

    If you’re concerned about being micromanaged, ask about how the company balances monitoring with trust. 

    For example, you might say: “Trust is a key value for me. How do you demonstrate trust with employees? Does the company have specific rules around being online at certain times or not using company property for private emails outside of work hours?”

    How can I protect my privacy? 

    Keep your work life and personal life separate. Assume what you do with company property is not private. This includes devices and programs (email, Slack, Zoom, etc.) you use through work.  

    When is the most appropriate time to ask?

    The simple answer is: the sooner the better. If EM software is a dealbreaker for you, don’t let time pass in the process without inquiring.

    Is a company using employee monitoring software right for me?

    Based on the information you get from any questions asked in an interview, how does that company compare to others? Determine what it is you’re looking for in the answers to understand if the company and role are right for you. 

    Concerned about employee monitoring software? Be proactive.

    As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital landscape, it’s important for both employers and employees to understand the nuances and implications of technology like employee monitoring software. Consider your own comfort and needs as a jobseeker regarding privacy and autonomy at work. Be proactive and ask questions if you have concerns. 

    If you’re a jobeeker on Hired, the Candidate Experience Team is there to help you throughout your search. The team is available to coach jobseekers through the hiring process and even support them if the need to ask tough or awkward questions arises.  More

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    Empower Your Career: Understanding Salary Inequality in Tech (2023 Research)

    A guide to Hired’s 2023 Wage Inequality Report for tech workers and jobseekers! Download the eBook

    There’s no question this job market is wildly different than a year ago. It’s more competitive and even intimidating. If you’re currently looking, finding a job is your number one priority, but equally important is an employer embracing qualities such as diversity, equity in opportunity and fair pay, as well as an inclusive workplace.

    We’ve curated the most valuable insights from Hired’s 2023 State of Wage Inequality report, and they’re all yours within the pages of this eBook. Consider it your ultimate resource for navigating the hiring market and guiding your search for a job where your contributions are appreciated and your voice is heard. Use this as a resource to understand the hiring market and guide your search for a job where you feel appreciated and empowered.

    Inside this eBook for tech talent you’ll discover:

    Findings on wage inequality and DEI in today’s job market

    Strategies to negotiate fair compensation 

    Real-life success stories from individuals who championed DEI

    Practical tips for identifying inclusive workplaces

    Actionable steps to promote positive change within organizations

    Impact of Salary Transparency legislation

    Are you ready to take control of your career, embrace diversity, and secure fair pay? Don’t miss out on this invaluable resource – download our eBook now and unlock the doors to a brighter future!Remember, the job market may have changed, but your potential for success remains limitless. Together, let’s create a world where diversity is celebrated, equity is embraced, and inclusion is the norm.

    Extra Resources

    Be sure to check out other resources from Hired, including:

    Virtual Event for Candidates June 27th, 2023

    Breaking Through Bias: How to Overcome Discrimination & Get the Tech Job You Want

    Blogs, Videos on Demand, & Guides

    Competitive Tech Job Offers? 6 Ways to Compare and Find the Right Fit

    Invest in Your Success: The Ultimate Salary Negotiation Workshop (Video on Demand)

    Your Guide to Salary Negotiation More

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    AI in Talent Acquisition, Talent Sourcing Analytics, & More: Talk Talent to Me May ’23 Recap

    Catch up on the May 2023 episodes of Hired’s Talk Talent to Me podcast featuring recruiting and talent acquisition leadership who share strategies, techniques, and trends shaping the recruitment industry. 

    AI in talent acquisition with Justin Ghio, Director of Talent Sourcing at Activision Blizzard

    Talent sourcing and people analytics with Shally Steckerl, Global Head of Talent Sourcing and People Analytics at LTK 

    Hiring and building a successful team with Erica Maureen Carder, Head of Talent Lifecycle at Wellthy

    1. Justin Ghio, Director of Talent Sourcing at Activision Blizzard

    AI is taking every industry by storm and tech recruiting is no exception. Justin encourages talent professionals to view AI in recruitment as a tool to enhance productivity and hiring processes. He explains everything he knows about AI in the talent sphere, why it is misunderstood, and how to make it work for you. Read this blog to dive deeper into the episode.

    “AI can’t do everything from start to finish for me. What it can do is give me 10 options to look at faster than I can think through one option.”

    Listen to the full episode.

    2. Shally Steckerl, Global Head of Talent Sourcing and People Analytics at LTK 

    Shally shares why we need to find talent-sourcing tools other than LinkedIn, the importance of balancing application friction, and how to optimize the applications coming in (especially when it’s free to apply). He tells us why he considers the interview set-up to be the first marker of recruitment success – and why recruitment success should not only be based on the number of hires.

    “You want to reduce friction so that you’re not making it inordinately awkward and difficult to apply but you also don’t want to reduce friction to a point where people can indiscriminately apply. There’s that fine balance.”

    Listen to the full episode.

    3. Erica Maureen Carder, Head of Talent Lifecycle at Wellthy

    For Erica, finding the right kind of employees – ones prone to growth and seeking out challenges – is fundamental to success. She talks about why this individual attitude is the number one thing she looks for in prospective hires. She also shares what makes for capable employees and why there are no perfect candidates out there.

    “If you have employees that are stagnant, guess what? They are not going to be engaged.”

    Listen to the full episode.

    Want more insights into recruiting tips and trends?

    Tune into Hired’s podcast, Talk Talent to Me, to learn about the strategies, techniques, and trends shaping the recruitment industry—straight from top experts themselves. More

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    9 Smart Tips for Jobseekers to Identify & Avoid Job Scams in 2023

    With layoffs on the rise, job scammers are keen on taking advantage of a crowded market. As a jobseeker, it is important to be aware of job scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim to them. Often, scammers are seeking money, personal information, or free labor. 

    Don’t let the job search become more overwhelming than it already might be. Use these tips to spot job scams and protect yourself during your search for a legitimate new role. 

    1. Do your research 

    Before applying for any job, research the company thoroughly. Check their website, social media presence, and online reviews to verify their legitimacy. Glassdoor is a popular resource for checking out company reviews and getting the inside scoop on employers. If the company has a poor online presence or lacks information about their products or services, consider it a red flag.

    2. Watch out for job postings with vague descriptions

    Legitimate companies usually provide a detailed job description, including the required qualifications and responsibilities. If the job posting or ad doesn’t provide specific details about the job responsibilities, qualifications, or compensation, it might signal a scam. Real postings should have clear and concise descriptions of what the job entails and the qualifications required.

    3. Be cautious of unsolicited job offers

    If you receive a job offer without having applied for a job, chances are you are dealing with a scam. While recruiters may reach out to notify you about job opportunities, legit companies do not send out unsolicited job offers to random people. This is another point at which you should do some research. Look into the individual’s LinkedIn profile and be careful before clicking any links they share with you.

    4. Never pay for a job

    If a job requires you to pay a fee for training, equipment, or any other reason, you have a scam on your hands. Employers should be paying you. Companies never require jobseekers to make upfront payments. 

    Related: Expert Tips: How to Manage Your Finances While You Job Hunt 

    5. Be wary of high-paying job offers

    If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of job offers that promise high pay for minimal work or require little to no experience.

    Related: Try Hired’s salary calculator to see how companies value your experience.

    6. Verify the job offer

    Before accepting a job offer, verify it with the company directly. Scammers often use fake company names and email addresses to impersonate legitimate companies.

    7. Protect your personal information

    Do not provide your personal information, such as your social security number or bank account information, until you have verified the legitimacy of the company and the job offer. Employers should only ask for this information after you’ve been hired. 

    A note on background checks 

    Typically, any part-time, full-time, or IC employee, regardless of department, seniority, or employment status, will complete a background check. 

    Expect to complete once an offer is in hand. More often than not, you’ll find a sentence in the offer letter stating, “Please understand that your offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.”

    Companies often use third-party services for their background checks like Checkr, Trusted Employees, GoodHire, and ShareAble.

    Background checks usually cover these areas: 

    County Criminal Search (Current)

    National Criminal Search (Standard)

    Sex Offender Search

    SSN Trace

    Global Watchlist Search

    The timeframe of background checks may vary by company, with some looking for current data and others looking into the past 5+ years.

    Sometimes companies will also run a credit check. This is for a few different reasons. According to NerdWallet, these checks are more likely if your role involves security clearance or access to confidential customer data, company information, or money. They don’t see your credit score, but a high-level version of your credit report. Basically, they’re looking for any signals of financial problems providing a vulnerability to fraud or theft. 

    8. Job scams often target workers receiving benefits

    If you’re unemployed and plan to file for unemployment insurance, be careful. Do not google “unemployment benefits” to apply. Many of the top search results are fake sites, encouraging you to register your claim while taking your personal information. Instead, get the correct agency’s URL from your former employer or verify them through your state government site. 

    Even after you’re registered, be careful when it comes to communication. Many scammers send texts suggesting there’s a problem with your benefits. They might say they need additional financial information to process your claim. Or that you’re owed additional money and they need to confirm information. 

    The majority of workforce agencies communicate with you by mail or a secure portal on the website. If you get a text that appears suspicious – do not click on any links or respond. Report it for phishing, block the number, and delete it. 

    One of the classic “tells” of a phishing email has always been misspellings or poor grammar. It’s safe to assume that with ChatGPT and other AI tools, scammers of all varieties will use them to their advantage. So, be extra vigilant. 

    This is also a good time to make sure you have your voicemail set up. It’s tempting to quickly answer calls when you’re job hunting, but let it go to voicemail if you don’t recognize the number. 

    First, job scammers often like to record you saying “yes” or other things they can manipulate later. Second, it’s often better to take a beat and return the legitimate calls when you have the time to focus on your response. 

    9. Trust your instincts and inquire

    If something seems off or suspicious about a job offer or company, trust your gut and proceed with caution. Ask questions about the company, culture, role responsibilities, etc. to evaluate the opportunity. 

    While you should inquire about these aspects for any job (whether it’s a scam or not!), questions will help you weigh the legitimacy. Real employers and recruiters would be happy to share more about the company and verify its authenticity. 

    Related: 7 Interview Questions You Never Have to Answer (& How You Should Respond)

    Completing technical assessments is common for tech roles 

    When it comes to tech roles, it is common for employers to request jobseekers complete technical assessments and challenges. If you are seeking a job in tech, keep in mind what’s reasonable when it comes to these tests. We asked Hired’s Senior Internal Recruiter, Jules Grondin, for her insights. Here’s what she had to say:   

    You should be given notice ahead of time on the languages used in the tech assessment or have the option to choose the language you’re most comfortable with to complete it.

    Expect to spend about 60-75 minutes independently on a tech assessment. This is not including a follow-up interview with the hiring manager or team.

    To expedite the tech interview process, ask about the tech stack from the start and tailor your work examples accordingly. Be eager and ask questions. Teams will prioritize scheduling and next steps to candidates who actively engage and are excited about the opportunity. 

    While accuracy is important, employers often look for your thought process in solving any sort of tech assessment. It’s important to show your work and be able to speak through the steps you took.  

    Every role is different but know what might be fair to expect from potential employers as a tech candidate.

    At Hired, we partner with employers to offer jobseekers a few ways to showcase their technical skills. 

    Hired Assessments empower jobseekers on the platform to take remote technical tests to prove their skills to employers. When Hired jobseekers successfully complete an assessment, they’re rewarded with a badge that surfaces on their profile for employers to see. Fun fact: High-intent candidates who earn technical assessment badges are 3X as likely to get hired!

    Coding challenges are an opportunity for talent to take 45-minute technical tests so employers can see the coding skills they bring to the table. Jobseekers can bypass the first step in the interview process (and win some awesome prizes) if they impress recruiters.

    Related: Want to Ace Technical Interviews? A Guide to Prep Software Engineers

    The job search process can be daunting and even more so if you fall victim to job scams. Such scams complicate the search and may take both a financial and emotional toll on unsuspecting jobseekers. Follow these tips to protect yourself, evaluate opportunities, and have a smooth job search!  More

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    Investing in Early Talent, Relearning, & More: Talk Talent to Me April ’23 Recap

    Catch up on the April 2023 episodes of Hired’s Talk Talent to Me podcast featuring recruiting and talent acquisition leadership who share strategies, techniques, and trends shaping the recruitment industry. 

    Putting people first with Kelly Minella, Head of Recruiting at Calendly

    Investing in early talent with Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Quintrix 

    Relearning and eliminating biases with Jenny Cotie Kangas, Director of Employer Branding and Awareness at PandoLogic

    Creating a thriving company culture with Maryjo Charbonnier, CHRO at Kyndryl 

    1. Kelly Minella, Head of Recruiting at Calendly

    Put people first. You’ll be more likely to make quality hires and maintain a cohesive work environment, according to Kelly. In this episode, she shares how she knew her CEO cared about prioritizing people and the importance of a talent team having a shared understanding. Plus, Kelly tells how the introduction of interview training has made Calendly better and why you should always be asking for and reviewing candidate feedback.

    “I applied [to Calendly], and my first conversation was with our CEO, Tope Awotona, and it was fabulous. I remember calling my mom afterward and being like, ‘Mom, that was special’. And the reason why, and why it has remained special, is how much priority he puts on people.”

    Listen to the full episode.

    2. Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Quintrix 

    Investing in early talent is becoming more popular. Krishna discusses why businesses need to think more about this talent in the long term and how companies can better support their new recruits. He also dives into his game-changing post-deployment framework and why many candidates are falling short of the mark. 

    “Career development, or lack thereof, is the number one reason for people to leave their jobs and explore other opportunities. So, you want to make sure that the candidates are constantly receiving the support, feedback, and career development to be successful.” 

    Listen to the full episode.

    3. Jenny Cotie Kangas, Director of Employer Branding and Awareness at PandoLogic

    Sometimes the best approach to a challenge is to start from scratch. When Jenny lost most of her memories as a result of a head injury, she underwent a process of extreme relearning. Though the experience came with hardships and frustrations, it was hugely beneficial to her professional life. In this inspiring episode, Jenny shares how learning to explain things in their simplest form, eliminating biases and blindspots, and employing reverse engineering strategies leads to true organizational change.

    “When you storytell something in a way that makes sense to a 10-year-old – all of a sudden everybody can understand it. Not just the top 10% or the most experienced in your organization, but everybody can. And when you’re trying to actually make change happen, your goal is to hit everybody, not just the top 10%.”

    Listen to the full episode.

    4. Maryjo Charbonnier, CHRO at Kyndryl 

    Maryjo isn’t afraid of a challenge. In fact, she has sought out difficult problems to be part of a solution. Her passion for change-making led her to be Chief HR Officer at the world’s largest startup with over 90,000 employees and $19 billion in revenue. As an expert on cultural processes, Maryjo explains what it takes to cultivate and maintain a thriving company culture. 

    “One of the most important things HR people do is listen to what isn’t said.” 

    Listen to the full episode. 

    Want more insights into recruiting tips and trends?

    Tune into Hired’s podcast, Talk Talent to Me, to learn about the strategies, techniques, and trends shaping the recruitment industry—straight from top experts themselves. More

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    How Many Candidates Should You Interview for a Job? Hiring Best Practices

    A lot of hiring managers want to know, “How many candidates should you interview for a job?” It’s a common conundrum faced by many decision-makers during the recruitment process. In the challenging and ever-evolving world of business, one of the most important decisions a hiring manager, recruiter, startup founder, or CEO will make is who to bring on board their team. As the backbone of every organization, a quality workforce can shape the success or downfall of a company. With such high stakes involved, it’s crucial to be equipped with an optimal strategy when conducting interviews.

    While there is no universal answer, this blog post will explore some key factors to consider when determining the number of candidates to interview for a specific role.

    6 Things to Consider When Determining How Many Candidates to Interview for a Job

    1. The Complexity of the Job or Role

    The complexity of the job position plays a significant role in determining the number of candidates you should interview. For roles that require advanced skills or specific experience, you might need to interview more candidates to find the ideal match. On the contrary, for positions with less complex requirements, a smaller pool might suffice. Evaluating the complexity of the role will aid in approximating the breadth of your interview pool.

    2. Candidate Availability

    An equally significant consideration is the availability of qualified candidates. If you are in a field or location with a limited number of qualified candidates, you may need to cast a wider net and interview more individuals. Conversely, in areas with a high concentration of professionals in your required field, you might have a larger pool of qualified applicants, allowing you to be more selective.

    Hired has a career marketplace pool of high-quality, high-intent candidates for tech and sales roles. Get a live demo and see how it changes your hiring process for the better.

    3. The Interview-to-Hire Ratio

    Another useful method to estimate the number of candidates to interview is the ‘Interview-to-Hire Ratio.’ This ratio represents the number of candidates you need to interview before making a hire. According to research, this ratio can range from 4:1 to 20:1 depending on the industry and the role complexity. Thus, the ratio can help you figure out the potential number of interviews to conduct.

    4. Quality over Quantity

    While the number of interviews you conduct is crucial, it’s equally important to stress the quality of candidates over the quantity. Interviewing too many candidates can be overwhelming and time-consuming, and may not necessarily yield better results. Moreover, it can be detrimental to your employer brand if candidates feel they are merely a number in a long line of interviews. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a balanced approach and ensure each candidate receives the attention they deserve during the interview process.

    5. The ‘Rule of Three’

    A good rule of thumb to follow is the ‘Rule of Three,’ which suggests interviewing at least three candidates for every job opening. This allows you to compare and contrast candidates effectively, ensuring a fair hiring process. However, remember that the ‘Rule of Three’ is a guideline, not a strict policy. It should be adjusted according to the role, industry, and the quality of the candidates applying.

    Too many inbound candidates, but not enough qualified ones? Learn how to manage and even prevent this recruiting challenge.

    6. Adaptability is Key

    Lastly, remember that flexibility and adaptability are essential in the hiring process. If you haven’t found the right candidate after interviewing a significant number, it might be a signal to revisit the job description, requirements, or your recruitment strategies. A successful recruitment process should be fluid and responsive to the market conditions, candidate availability, and company needs.

    Insights from Talent Leader Trent Krupp

    When asked, ‘how many candidates should you interview for a job,’ Trent says

    “Short answer: As many as it takes. Long answer: Typically you should expect to talk to 7-10 candidates, make 2 formal offers, and receive one acceptance. Having a recruiting culture that’s focused on speed and efficiency makes a massive impact on your success.

    If you’re able to go from meeting someone to presenting them with a firm offer within 7 business days, you’re going to be better than 90% of companies out there. [MAANG companies] may be able to pay higher salaries than you, but they can’t possibly compete against a 7-day end-to-end hiring cycle.

    Being slow & indecisive, creating artificial scarcity (rejecting someone because they don’t have experience with THE particular JavaScript framework that you happen to use), or trying to hire people for significantly below market rates are all enemies of success.

    In my personal opinion, the first one or two engineers you hire should probably be the most experienced you can find. They will be making critical architectural decisions likely to be incredibly complex and expensive to unravel in the future. You need to get it right, and being penny-wise and pound-foolish does not make sense.

    Finally, these guidelines are for typical individual contributor positions. VP or Director-level hires, or positions requiring very specialized knowledge will be different.”

    Let Hired Help You Cut Down on How Many Candidates You Need to Interview for a Job

    In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many candidates you should interview for a job. It’s a decision that requires a clear understanding of the role, the job market, your company’s needs, and the potential talent pool. Always remember that each interview is an investment in your company’s future, so take the time to make strategic and informed decisions. Happy hiring!

    Learn more about how Hired helps employers of all sizes find the right talent, right away! More

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    How to Create a Strong Personal Brand: The Key to Beginning a Networking Relationship (VIDEO)

    A strong brand is not only relevant for businesses. It’s important for individuals too, especially those navigating the job search. A strong personal brand that speaks to your skills, values, and expertise is crucial for networking and your overall career. 

    It’s your identity. What should people think about when they hear your name during conversations or in the media? What populates when hiring managers or recruiters search for you online? 

    Watch this on-demand webinar to hear experts from Get Hired: Future-Proof Your Career in Tech discuss what it takes to make your personal online brand effective and how it can lead to a new career and networking opportunities.

    You’ll hear from:

    Revenue & Product Marketing Manager, Multiply, Lee Brooks

    Senior Platform Engineer, RVU, Suraj Narwade 

    Lead Talent Acquisition, GTM, International, Sonatype, Heidi King-Underwood

    Founder & CEO, Hustle Crew, Abadesi Osunsade

    Read an excerpt of the conversation here and scroll down to access the full webinar. 

    When it comes to seeking talent, what do you want to learn about someone from their personal brand?

    Suraj 

    When it comes to hiring someone from a personal brand perspective, the first thing to call out here is that you obviously see a resume. But I think in today’s world, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, etc. act as a resume together. From a personal brand perspective, I will look at how they are presenting themselves and how they are showcasing their knowledge on any of the platforms. 

    Lee 

    For me, one of the most important things is: Are they fit for the role I’m hiring for? Does their personal brand give me confidence they have expertise in the areas I’m recruiting for? Sometimes it’s easy to tell from someone’s personal brand. Sometimes it’s more difficult, but if I was looking for someone who was good at creating content or social media, I hope I’d be able to get that from their online profile. 

    Another one that’s really important to me is cultural fit. How would someone’s personality, values, and work style fit? At Multiply, we’re all remote workers. It’s quite important that you have someone who can fit into that culture and thrive. 

    The third one is passion and drive. Are they enthusiastic when they’re talking online? This leads to culture a little bit but do they really show passion and drive for their work? I think you can tell through the content, achievements, and overall approach to their career.

    Heidi 

    The cheat is we are bundle searching. We’re looking for keywords. Make your LinkedIn profile as full as possible, like you would a CV… Talk about everything you were doing and everything you’re looking to do. 

    On LinkedIn these days, you can actually put how to pronounce your name. Make things as easy as possible for the recruiter. What are your pronouns? Let’s make sure I don’t insult you by presuming… 

    Talk about the tech stack you’re utilizing. If you present yourself on a third-party site, put the link there. Make it available so I can actually forward it to my hiring teams. I might send over that link and say, ‘What do you think about what they’re putting out or their content?’ It shows… you’re using your own recreational time to highlight you’re really passionate about this. Include stand-out elements like volunteering… If you have certain skills or have done a workshop on LinkedIn learning around diversity and inclusion, that goes with cultural fit.

    Related: Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO)

    It shows passion and drive around the fact that you’ve gone off and taken on that skill and you recognize it as a skill. There are so many different elements but the more words you put on your professional site, CV, and personal sites, [you increase chances that] we will find that by doing boolean searching. The more content you have and the more authentic you are about yourself, the easier it will be for me to find you. Put your contact information out there too if you want to be contacted. That’s really important.

    Watch the full collaborative panel discussion to learn:  More

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    6 Reasons You Think You Don’t Need Hired

    Or, Why It Could Be Your Best Recruiting and Hiring Solution

    We meet a lot of people who think they understand what Hired is, and what we do. Truth is, there are a few misconceptions out there. We’re not a recruiting agency, a job board, or a social network. We work for employers, connecting them directly to qualified candidates for tech and sales roles. We focus on talent most in demand by employers, which are generally Software Engineers, DevOps, UX Designers, Product Managers, and Data Scientists. For sales, it’s mostly Candidate Experience and revenue-based roles, such as Sales Managers. 

    It’s free for candidates to submit a profile and interview requests from employers. We also have a dedicated Candidate Experience team to support them. Using sophisticated AI and transparency into compensation expectations and preferences, we surface matching talent to employers, saving both parties loads of time. Despite this, we know hiring managers, recruiters, talent acquisition professionals, and C-Suite executives have questions – even objections.

    So, is Hired the right fit for you and your hiring needs? Let’s see. If we are, super! Let’s continue the conversation. If not, keep visiting and enjoying our content for recruiters, hiring managers, and talent leaders. Maybe we’ll connect down the road. Here are some common reasons you may think you’re not the right fit. 

    1. “We’re under a hiring freeze.”

    If you’re on a hiring freeze, it’s likely attrition is a risk for retaining talent. Recent data from LinkedIn shows the typical attrition rate for tech and sales talent is between 10-12%. This only rises in times of uncertainty. If retention is a concern for you, we can help in several ways. 

    Our research shows that highly-rated aspects of an ideal company culture and work environment for software developers include opportunities for professional development and career growth. We work with several partners, who help our customers upskill and develop their tech and sales teams.

    Hired offers the most efficient solution for sourcing talent when you need it. Plus, our Customer Success team is happy to work with you to improve your hiring processes through an interview guide revamp or company profile page review. Then, once the freeze lifts, you’re ready to go while your competitors are just warming up. 

    2. “We’re in the midst of layoffs.”

    We know that’s a tough experience for everyone involved, and we’d like to support you and your colleagues with free resources during this difficult time. 

    If, however, you want to reduce the cost of vacancy, and you need to backfill crucial roles, but outreach or recruitment marketing is discouraged during layoffs, we can help.

    Working with Hired to discreetly source and screen candidates for immediate roles or to nurture your pipeline avoids the optics of “spray and pray” LinkedIn outreach or job postings on your site. If your hiring managers and sourcers are stretched thin, Hired offers services to act as an extension of your team.

    For individuals seeking a new role, we offer free career resources, including a Jobseeker’s Guide to Bounce Back Better than Ever, which may be useful to share in your networks. 

    If you want to earn new certifications and skills, or even want to attend an immersive bootcamp, we have partners to help. If you’re on the platform, earn badges to broadcast your skills using Hired Assessments. Candidates with badges earn more interview requests. 

    Keep in mind, Hired also has hundreds of companies continuing to interview and extend job offers. They know some pretty amazing talent suddenly becomes available after layoffs and it’s a prime opportunity to connect and establish a relationship with them. 

    If you’re already on the platform and need assistance – reach out to our Candidate Experience team. They’re there to help you be successful!

    3. “We’re focused on other initiatives during the hiring slowdown, like Employer Branding.”

    We understand, and we’re happy to help with that too! We also offer employer branding services such as co-marketing or events to participate in that would allow you to maintain a brand profile while hiring is on pause. 

    Need to rethink your funnel or customize them for specific roles or regions? Our team is available to assist by auditing your messaging and processes before making thoughtful recommendations. 

    Let’s create more productive experiences for your hiring teams in the future and optimize the candidate experience. Now could be an excellent time to tackle some big rocks or strengthen areas deprioritized during hypergrowth modes. Reconsider policies, rethink requirements, and redraw maps of how you attract, hire, and retain employees. 

    Check out these related resources: 

    4. “We’re not a ‘tech company,’” or “We don’t have many tech roles to fill.”

    Are you sure? Your company may have an industry focus on healthcare, consumer goods, or agriculture, but you probably employ tech workers. You may have one, two, or 10, compared to the hundreds employed by global household names like Amazon or Google. 

    Regardless, the tech roles you have may be challenging to fill, especially if your turnover is low, (congrats on your retention!). If you have a lean tech team, odds are the company is pretty dependent on them and needs open roles filled as soon as possible. Whether it’s moving projects forward or ongoing support for the business or its customers, chances are you need a specific skill set and you need it fast. 

    We can empower your internal team to efficiently source the precise subroles you need. Frontend, backend, full stack engineers? We’ve got them. DevOps, data analysts? You bet. UX designers and product managers? We have a lot of them, too. 

    We have a vertically-deep pool of pre-qualified, responsive candidates for a simple pay-per-hire rate with a dedicated Customer Success team at less than the cost of recruiting agencies.

    Eliminate the waiting game and move faster. How? Our candidates’ profiles with salary expectations and wishlists plus our system’s robust filters provide better matches and enable you to personalize your interview requests. This helps you connect with candidates at a deeper level immediately and generates amazing response rates. 

    5. “Hired is too expensive,” or “It won’t work with our current hiring tools budget.”

    Passive sourcing can bury your inbox. But, the candidate pool slows you down because of outdated profiles or the search functions don’t deliver the candidates with the skills you need.  Lockdowns changed the way many people regarded work/life balance and what they wanted from their job or career. The Great Resignation, or Reshuffling, had tech workers flexing their power in a competitive market. 

    A survey of technologists in October of 2022 indicated 74% are actively looking for or open to a new role. Despite the layoffs that thundered through the second half of 2022, the unemployment rate for the tech industry fell to 1.5% in January from 1.8% a month earlier. The national rate fell from 3.5% to 3.4%, for comparison. 

    There is no slowdown in the number of tech professionals who are looking for new opportunities at other companies.  

    So, when you do have open roles, they are more critical than ever and the competition for top-tier candidates is intense. We provide the most efficient solution as our candidates are fully vetted for experience, skills, and salary requirements so we connect you with the people you need quickly. 

     Plans

    We offer various models including a subscription-based scenario with a predictable flat fee and unlimited hiring. This level offers beta access to new features, more compensation data, and premium customer support. Data shows customers often average 50% savings on cost per hire using this model.

    If flexibility is more important for now, go Pay Per Hire. You get access to the same tools and features for DEI to surface more underrepresented candidates and eliminate bias, as well as compensation transparency, completed assessment scores, and third-party integrations like an ATS. Depending on your needs, this allows you to get started quickly and further evaluate before making a commitment. 

    Whichever works best for you, ensure you and your team benefit from the highest value-add tools to meet hiring needs, achieve DEI goals, support your brands through volatility, and deliver the strongest ROI.

    We found a lot of companies could use assistance in working with decision-makers to get support for hiring and recruiting tools. We created this to help – Get Internal Approval for Recruiting Tools: A Step-by-Step Playbook.

    6. “We don’t need Hired – our inbound pipeline is flush with candidates.”

    Perhaps. But who are they? Are they qualified? Are they willing to work in a hybrid environment? What’s their visa eligibility? What’s their preferred working time zone? How much time will you spend screening and are they legitimately a good fit for the open role(s)? 

    Hired brings you the right talent, right away. It’s likely your team is expected to do more with fewer resources. Take advantage of the widest pool of the most active and curated talent on the market and enable them to source in the most efficient way possible. 

    Lean on Hired Assessments and candidate-earned skills badges to quickly filter and vet your full pipeline of candidates. Using this asynchronous tool frees up your team from in-person proctoring, creates a better experience for candidates, and empowers your team to assess a greater volume of candidates across multiple time zones.

    Need temporary or ongoing help to source, screen, and manage communications with candidates? Use Hired Sourcer to shortlist and coordinate the back and forth between candidates and hiring managers. It protects your employer brand by providing a better experience for candidates and allows hiring managers to focus on their daily priorities.

    Want a customized report of time and cost savings estimates? Check out our Savings Calculator. 

    Conclusion: Hiring the right people has never been more important.

    Let’s talk. Let’s explore how Hired can help you with more than quickly attracting and hiring qualified and experienced tech and sales talent. 

    We’re eager to understand your needs today and down the road, so we may support you and your goals. We are happy to show you a demo of the platform and connect you with team members to learn more about sourcing, events, tech assessment tools, and more.  More