jobs

Elevation’s “Top 5” for Candidates and Clients

What a year it has been! The Elevation Search Solutions team is actively keeping a pulse on trends in the job market as company leaders and candidates respond to the effects of COVID-19. Company needs are shifting, and like many, we expect an increase in remote work. Companies across all industries are being challenged to assess their workforce needs and potentially adapt with technology. Therefore, we are closely monitoring the evolution and expansion of remote work as well as workforce automation. We also predict there will be a need to refresh talent due to the demand for new skillsets as business needs shift. Due to the many demands being put on businesses there may be a need to find more qualified candidates for current roles to improve their business. So how do we practice and prepare as we look forward? The Elevation team has put together a “Top 5” guide for our clients and candidates. 

Elevation’s “Top 5” for clients: 

  1. Keep it real 

    Whether it’s with your existing employees or prospective employees through the hiring process, keep it real! Check in regularly with your existing employees to ensure they have the support and mental health resources they need. We are all human, so let people know you’re human too!  

  2. Reach out a helping hand 

    If your business has been impacted by COVID-19 and you have had to lay off or furlough employees, you can still be an advocate for them. Take a moment to give them a recommendation on LinkedIn, offer to serve as a reference, or even utilize your network to help them transition. Every gesture counts and you never know if your small act can open a door for someone! 

  3. Hiring? Be responsive 

    Are you a company that’s hiring and in desperate need of fresh talent? First of all, let us know how we can help by emailing us at retained@elevationsearchsolutions.com. Secondly, be responsive! Even if a candidate is not a fit for your organization, take the time to follow up with them.  

  4. Stability amidst the instability 

    In this season of uncertainty, you are not going to have all the answers for your employees. With that being said, empower and ground them by making decisions based off of what you know today. Providing employees with resources, opportunities to connect virtually and regular business updates will help facilitate some sort of stability.  

  5. Be open 

    Create a safe space for your employees to share new ideas. We are learning new things every day and building a team environment reflecting different and diverse perspectives will take your business to the next level.  

Elevation’s “Top 5” for candidates: 

  1. Spruce up that resume 

    Been meaning to update your resume for a while? Now is your time! Build it out, make it more visually appealing and highlight things you want an employer to notice. Start by adding a 2-3 sentence section at the top highlighting who you are and focus on utilizing strong action verbs when describing your key accomplishments in previous roles. 

  2. Social Media double take  

    Do you think employers just look at your resume and application? Think again, and do a double take on those LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter posts. The way you represent yourself on these platforms reflects your values and voice! 

  3. “Zoom room” 

    Since we are shifting from in-person to virtual connection every day, Zoom and other similar platforms are here to stay. Create a “Zoom room, or a comfortable, professional place to set up your virtual shop.  Find a neutral background, set up your phone/computer so the interviewer can see from your shoulders up, and find some peace and quiet. When the time comes for a video interview, you’ll be prepared! 

  4. Follow up 

    Email the hiring manager to thank them for their time and consideration. Be consistent, considerate and follow up so you stay on your prospective employer’s radar and get regular updates on the status of the opportunity. 

  5. Utilize your network  

    Reach out to your network to share your background and what you’re looking for in your next role or company. People who know and trust you are most often your best advocates when considering a transition! 

Whether you’re a client or candidate, we are all in this together as we navigate the unpredictable COVID-19 job market. Reach out to us at retained@elevationsearchsolutions.com if we can be a recruiting partner as you expand or build your company or if you want to learn more regarding our rapidly growing clients seeking fresh top talent.  

Analyze this.

I find myself amazed of late at the number of companies in the business of data analytics that have cropped up, built out, or relocated over to Nashville.  Even some old familiar faces have new original divisions, mini companies within companies, busy analyzing what has been sitting on their books as a non-depreciable asset for years.  Information.

Sure, everybody knows that smart phones are the most obvious tracking devices for the glorious mundane messiness of all our habits, but this data exists everywhere.  I mean, really it’s everywhere.  And it’s being used in wonderful ways to not only improve our human experience, but to also simply make industry more efficient and effective. 

Think for a moment about the vast layers of coding, programming, and engineering that go into this data synthesis.  Now combine that with the in depth database and security administration aspect of maintaining all that.  Conspiracy theorists reading this will no doubt be nodding their heads in agreement at just more examples of Big Brother.  I consider myself to be a fairly seasoned individual and rarely surprised by much at this stage in the game, but sometimes I must admit that I do have my red pill/blue pill moments just like Keanu Reeves.  But for me it’s not Big Brother, just Big Data.  It’s using technology to get better at what you do, and it’s pretty damn cool.

Interested in being a part of these cutting edge companies?  I don’t blame you.  Interested in help finding cutting edge talent?  Don’t blame you there either.  We would love to consult with you about your needs, whether you are a future client or a future candidate.  We have some exciting times on the horizon.

Rachel Hoppes, Elevation Search Solutions

On CMA Fest

Nashville yielded music city to yet another year of record crowds in town last week for the CMA Festival.  As the bass boomed intermittently across the street at Ascend Amphitheater, our team were stalwarts grinding it out throught the dog days.  If at any point last week you found yourself wondering whether anyone was actually working downtown, then all you need to do is take a peek at our job board...and this blog entry I cranked out after a 30 mintue, 8 block commute.

ON CMA Festival (Sonnet 6.8.16)
CMA week June sings of the event
The siren song of festivals and beer,
Shouted serenade on all errant ears
Of cool temptation on white hot pavement.
As sun-dressed and jorted swarms the descent,
Snarling through city roads sensing your fear
Steady.  Endless.  Crosswalks.  Downshift, first gear.
The great crowd comes but I will be present.
Fixing a steely gaze on my future,
Sweaty masses descending on Ascend
Oh summer madness you fickle creature,
Nourisher of the deepest Nashville roots
Yielding for you I'm EC bound again.                                                                                      

Rachel Westfield Hoppes, VP of Miscellany
*I do not write music but am happy to sell these lyrics for the right price!