Ask a Recruiter

Question:
Are letters of recommendations valuable?

Answer:
“Yes, but the names and numbers of your references are far more valuable. Those who want to learn more about your background through references want the option to probe and ask more details as it specifically relates to the job you are interviewing for. We consider letters of recommendation very generic and impersonal whereas a one to one reference allows us not only to capture information about you but also pair it with the emotion from your reference, for example, are they energetic, supportive and excited about you or are they lukewarm and ready to get off the phone? Tone of voice speaks volumes!” – Tiffany Crenshaw, Owner & Recruiter

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Tiffany? Have further questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments section and Tiffany will reply!

Travel Tips: Indianapolis, IN

As promised, here are a few more of candidate Brenda’s suggestions for Indianapolis, should you ever find yourself there for business or pleasure -- granted, this week’s installment is all about fun!

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

(Image from informallearning.com)

For the young and young at heart, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum is a “top of the list” pit stop! Indiana holds owner’s rights to the largest children’s museum in the world! Who knew? (Well, I did, but true confession, I’m a Hoosier by birth!) This fascinating, multi-level facility encompasses 400,000 square feet of fun, spanning 19 acres of land in the downtown area.

Duckpin Bowling in Fountain Square

(Image from i.ehow.com)

A bit difficult to explain, but so much fun!

Candidate Funny: Issues

Recruiter: As you know, you’ll need to travel for this position. How do you feel about that?

Candidate: I haven’t really thought about consulting before. Up until recently I wouldn’t even consider it because of my health. I had some gastric issues and it would be hard for the people around me on a plane.

Ask A Recruiter

Question:I got my Masters degree under my married name from my previous marriage and my Bachelors under my unmarried name. I have now remarried. How should I show all of that on my resume?
Answer:
“Should you get to the offer stage with a company, they will verify your education, and, in order to allow them to do that, will have you complete an Education Verification Authorization form of some sort. On this form, you will get the opportunity to list any and all names that you have been known as in the past. Given that, there is no need to list names with the qualifications on your resume, simply state the qualifications you hold, and the institutions they were awarded from.” – Eileen Dick, Recruiter
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Eileen? Have further questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments section and Eileen will reply!

Travel Tips: Indianapolis, IN

Candidate Brenda sent in the following restaurants in Indianapolis that you might like to try. She sent a few other suggestions of places to visit, so stay tuned for those next week!

Shapiro’s Deli

(Image from shapiros.com)

Shapiro's Deli has been a downtown Indianapolis staple since 1905. Lines are long at lunchtime, but it’s worth the wait! This casual deli is well known for their ultra-fresh product and sky-high sandwiches! Locals particularly enjoy the corned beef and pastrami.

St. Elmo’s Steakhouse

(Image from roadfood.com)

St. Elmo’s Steakhouse, centrally located on Illinois Street, is another landmark venue.

Candidate Funny: Challenged

Recruiter: What has been your greatest challenge?

Candidate: Finding a job. (Laughing)

Ask a Recruiter

Question:
Should I include references on my resume?

Answer:
“No. In fact, if you do so, you may find that your references are called and recruited themselves – maybe even for the position you are trying to pursue. Do not present references until serious interest has been shown by the employer or agency and a formal request has been made. However, have them ready-to-go so you can provide them on short notice.” – Jennifer Salter, Recruiter

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Jennifer? Have further questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments section and Jennifer will reply!

Travel Tips: Charlotte, NC

Our good friend Anne submitted a few suggestions of places to go in her hometown of Charlotte, NC.

Mac’s Speed Shop

(Image from perceptivetravel.com)

Mac’s was recently voted the #1 place to visit in Charlotte. Housed in an old transmission shop & car wash, it’s a place where beer, bikes and barbecue all come together. They have over 200 beers to choose from and hand pulled barbecue.

Las Ramblas

(Image from gayot.com)

If you’re looking for something a little more refined, Las Ramblas is an excellent choice. Las Ramblas is a Spanish tapas restaurant offering a large wine list and a number of specials, including 1/2 price bottles of wine every Wednesday and 1/2 price tapas Monday-Thursday 4-6pm. These prices will give you leave you with enough spare cash to check out some of the other sites in Charlotte.

Anne had plenty more suggestions for your trip to Charlotte, so we’ll share those later! We hope this will prove to be a helpful resource whether you are interviewing in Charlotte, relocating, or simply vacationing!

Candidate Funny: Kids!

Two year old crying and dog barking in the background from the candidate’s line

Recruiter: Do you want to reschedule the interview?

Candidate’s Wife: (Screaming over the noise) If she thinks this is noisy, she should be here at 4:30 when the rest of the kids get home!

Ask a Recruiter: Strengths & Weaknesses

Question:
How should I answer questions about my strengths and weaknesses?

Answer:
“Sit down and make a list of strengths and weakness and write an example of each. For instance, my strengths would be vision and dedication. I could back up both of these strengths with the story of how I started my company and examples of the hours and hours I’ve dedicated to making it thrive. My weakness would be impatience. I have little patience for people who take too long to process and digest information and for those who lack initiative. Unfortunately, I can give real world examples of how I have given up and done things myself when those around me were taking too long and not working at a pace I consider productive. So, with those examples in mind, make your list. Then select one strength and one weakness that you are most comfortable discussing and practice it over and over again. When you are interviewing, I highly encourage you to choose a position that your strengths and weaknesses fit. For example, if my weakness is impatience and my strength vision; I probably wouldn’t share this if I were interviewing say for a help desk position where you have to have the patience of a saint to work with users who just don’t get it and have little opportunity to infuse vision into your day to day work.” – Tiffany Crenshaw, Owner & Recruiter

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Tiffany? Have further questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments section and Tiffany will reply!

Travel Tips: NYC Restaurants

Beginning this week, Fridays will offer suggestions on some must-visit establishments in major cities. This should be helpful when vacationing, interviewing on-site, or moving to a new town. Who knows, you may even discover a new favorite in your own town!

Feel free to join in nominating places – restaurants, hotels, parks, entertainment venues, etc. Just send an email to dcarr(at)intellectresources(dot)com.

Also, if you have visited any of the places we mention, feel free to tell us about your experiences in the comments section.

Here are a few of Ashley’s favorite restaurants in NYC, including her opinion on what makes them so great!

Lure Fish Bar

Image from eater.com

(Corner of Prince & Mercer Street - downstairs)
They have a RIDICULOUS happy hour every day from 5 to 7 where you can get martinis for $6 and glasses of wine for $5. That is absolutely unheard of in the city, so jump on it! It’s a happening place -- it will be packed by 8 p.m. The appetizers are amazing - love the shrimp tempura, deviled eggs (with caviar!!!), and fried oysters. Awesome, awesome, awesome and you can't beat the price in the city. It's right next door to the Prada store in Soho. I was there on Tuesday night and walked by Dylan McDermott coming up Broadway!

Balthazar Restaurant

Image from balthazarny.com

(Spring Street between Broadway and Crosby)
This is my usual haunt when I'm in NY. The sister restaurant is Pastis in the Meatpacking district, but I prefer Balthazar. I had Sunday brunch there one day at a table next to KD Lang, and I went there for dinner one night just after Jude Law left. French type cuisine, great seafood, especially the oysters, awesome, fun NYC landmark. I've never had a problem getting a table, though you might have to wait.

Dude, cut your hair!

Wednesdays on the IR blog will now provide a bit of hump day entertainment. We will be sharing some of our funniest candidate moments -- interview stories, bloopers and quotes. Some will be longer than others, but all will surely incite some laughter, whether it is at the expense of others, or just because you're so glad it wasn't you!

So without further adieu, here is our first candidate funny!



Recruiter: So why did you leave that position?
Candidate: Not long after I was hired, they asked me to cut my hair. So, dude, I left.

Ask a Recruiter

Today we are launching an all new feature on our blog -- every Monday we will feature one candidate submitted question and an answer from a recruiter. To submit a question, simply leave a reply to any Ask a Recruiter posting.

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Question:
Does it reflect poorly on me if a previous employer has gone out of business due to the recession? Should I avoid using that employer as a reference?


Answer:
“I counsel my candidates in these situations to be honest and stick to the positive contributions they made as an employee of the firm. Emphasize the key responsibilities and accomplishments that you had with this firm and don’t get into negative or lengthy explanations about why it went out of business. The recession is a highly visible and salient force right now but companies have been starting up and going out of business for a very long time. It is not uncommon for individuals to have work history which includes a firm that is now out of business.” -- Stowe Blankenship, Recruiter


What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Stowe? Have further questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments section and Stowe will reply!