Welcome to the Industry: Looking Beyond the Traditional Resume

When hiring for talent, one of the top criteria that recruiters often look for is whether a candidate is an industry match. Though having proper industry experience can be one of the keys to success when starting a new role, some say that it may be time to start looking beyond traditional resume requirements.

In a time of economic turbulence but growing demands for top talent, recruiters are facing the challenge of a narrowing talent pool due to the limitations of background industry.

An alternative recruiting method that many brands and retailers have been adopting to expand and diversify the talent pool: welcoming industry newcomers.

According to an article from Business of Fashion, “a resume heavy on experience outside the fashion world is increasingly seen as a plus”.  Given the increasing changes in e-commerce, sustainability, and global expansion of supply chains, many people outside of the fashion industry are proving to have transferrable skills that fashion brands are looking for. These sweeping changes have provided candidates with ample opportunities to grow in soft skills like adaptability or agility as well as other capabilities in analytics, marketing, or technology.

“With economic downturn potentially on the horizon, the payoff from diversifying fashion’s workforce and bringing new perspectives… could become greater in the next few months.”

More than having that perfect industry match, brands are recognizing the need to bring in candidates who can share in a company’s core values, passions, and understanding of their specific brand DNA.

Related articles:

https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/why-fashion-should-recruit-from-outside-the-industry/

https://au.hudson.com/insights/hiring/hiring-candidates-outside-your-industry/

Motivation Monday

Today’s #MondayMotivation, “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” - Suzy Kassem. Don’t be the person holding you back! Apply to the job of your dreams today.

Our Gen Z Hiring Guide

Gen Z is considered to be the first generation of digital natives. Having grown up using advanced technology, Generation Z favors innovative and streamlined uses of this technology in both their job search and in the workforce. 

If you’re actively hiring, here are some helpful tips to best attract and retain Gen Z talent:

1. Incorporate texting into the hiring process: Offering speedier channels of communication may be the deciding factor in attracting and retaining Gen Z workers long term. According to a Job Seeker Trends Survey, almost 80% of candidates indicated that they prefer scheduling interviews via text rather than email or phone call. 

2. Invest in digital platforms: Having a clear digital presence, especially on social media platforms, can help to establish trust even before the interview process begins. If a Gen Z candidate is interested in a job with your brand, it is likely that they will turn to your social media platforms to learn more about your company’s values, the work-life balance, and overall culture before the initial interview.

3. Update your website: Modernization is highly valued by Gen Z. In fact, 50% of Gen Z candidates said that they would not submit an application if a company’s recruiting methods are outdated. Staying up-to-date with the latest hiring trends will help guarantee that you attract the talent you’re looking for.

Articles referenced:

https://yello.co/blog/recruiting-generation-z/

https://recruitingdaily.com/gen-z-recruiting-trends-how-to-effectively-engage-and-hire-the-next-generation-of-workers/

Leaving Ghosting Behind this October

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to remember the large impact that ghosting can have on both candidates and your business. Leaving a candidate hanging can send a louder message than a rejection. According to a study shared by LinkedIn, “40% of candidates said that if they don’t hear back from a company they’ll never apply to it again.” Not only does ghosting your candidates leave them feeling confused, but it can also affect your brand’s image and long-term growth.

A good practice to help ensure that no candidate feels left behind, is to implement a follow-up strategy. Rather than leaving your candidates feeling spooked, you can strategize a plan using these three easy steps:

1. Be upfront about the volume of applications you receive.

2. Quickly let candidates know if they are not a match and not being considered.

3. Encourage your candidates to apply to other roles now, and in the future.

4. Offer advice and guidance to help them with their job search.

If your team could use support managing your candidates, our team can help. Connect with our team, learn more about our EB 360 solution, or reach out to us at info@emergingblue.com.

Managing Employment Gaps

We hear all the time from candidates who have employment gaps in their resume about their concerns for how to speak to their gaps in their resume, as well as during job interviews. Great news though, employment gaps won’t disqualify you from a job. Forbes suggests that you should highlight the gaps, add context to the gaps in a cover letter, and always be transparent. Click here to read helpful ways to navigate the conversation.

Resumes Done Right

Resumes matter! That is why we are resharing these helpful resume tips from a post we wrote in 2020.

As a recruiter, we cannot tell you how many times we’ve received resumes with missing details, incorrect contact information, and tons of misspellings. A well-constructed, tailored resume goes much further than a generic, outdated one. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are close to 10 million unemployed people. With that, as a Jobseeker it is make-or-break to have a resume that stands out, and gets your foot in the door. Read below for our helpful tips and tricks that will freshen up your resume.

Now let’s take a closer look at each section to go over the important parts. First we are going to examine the left side of the resume with the contact information, skills, education, and personal interests:

Next we will show what to include in the profile/professional summary section and the professional/relevant experience section:

We hope these practical tips support you as you create your newly updated resume. If you are looking for more resume help you can reach us via email for one-on-one resume assistance: info@emergingblue.com

You can also check out our previous resume writing blogs: Top 5 Resume Tips from a Recruiter, Resumes, It’s the Little Things

Interviewing Tips for Hiring Managers

We have created a ton of content around interviewing tips and tricks for candidates, but what about interviewing tips for new hiring managers? Interviewing doesn’t just require preparation from the candidate, but also from the person conducting the interview.

Interviewing is an art, and it can definitely be a challenge for new hiring managers! Luckily we are here to help. Below are some helpful, and practical, tips for new hiring managers, recruiters, and whoever else is interviewing candidates. Candidate care is important, and we organized the tips into: what to do before, during, and after an interview.

What to do Before

• Have an Interview Plan — Decide who is involved in the interview, who will meet the candidate, and in which order. Finally, determine how many steps there will be in the interview process.

• Print and Read the Resume — Just as the candidate is prepared, so should the interviewer. Take a few minutes before the interview to review the resume so you know who the candidate is, and you can develop interview questions to gain a better understanding of their background, experience, and accomplishments.

• Prepare Interview Questions — This an extremely important step because interviews should be purposeful and insightful. As you read over the candidate’s resume, develop questions to determine their level of work experience. This will allow you to gain a more thorough understanding of the candidate and lead you to make a better hiring decision. We suggest open-ended, behavioral-based interview questions because they give concrete and specific information versus yes-or-no responses.

• Lastly, check your Internet/Wifi and your computer/phone battery, make sure the lighting is just right (If it’s a video interview, Ring lights are a great purchase). Also, ensure you are in a quiet space with no background noise.

What to do During

• Keep to the scheduled time frames. Start on time and allot the time you need to fully screen the candidate, describe the company and job, and ask questions. If you’re going to be late or miss the interview, contact the candidate as soon as possible to explain the issue and to reschedule.

• If you do not get a clear response to a question that you ask a candidate, try asking an open-ended question that follows up on the original question or their response. Probing questions are fantastic!

• Be nice. It’s easier to “sell” the candidate on the job offer at the end of the hiring process if they had an incredible and inviting experience.

• Leave time at the end for questions that the interviewee may have, and make sure to go over the next steps so that the candidate is fully aware of the process and what’s to come.

What to do After

• Complete your interview notes quickly after the interview and share them with your team and/or upload them into your applicant tracking system.

• Debrief with your team — we suggest daily to go over candidates and discuss the remaining process.

• Time is everything, and often time kills deals. Therefore it is key to be quick with your process, and if you like a candidate and they are right for the job, then extend them an offer. You can assume that candidates are also talking to other companies. Don’t miss out on great talent because of a slow process. Be deliberative with candidates yet purposeful and quick with your hiring decisions.

We hope these interview tips help you out during your next interview and lead you to add great new talent to your team. From before, to during, to after the interview, there are important steps along the way to ensure a successful method for interviewing and hiring. As always, feel free to reach out if you need any interview training. Our talent leaders are always here to set you up for success and offer personalized training sessions.

Interested in having our team lead an ‘Interviewing With a Purpose’ training session for your team or company? Email us at info@emergingblue.com for more information on our virtual training seminars.

Be Confident During Interviews

Do you have a phone, video or in-person interview coming up? Are the jitters and butterflies kicking in? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us, and we have some solutions for you. Forbes gives practical tips for combatting interview anxiety so that you can ace the interview, and potentially land the job. From researching the company, to practicing your storytelling, these tips will surely have you more at ease during your next interview.

Feeling Stuck at Work? Get a new Career!

Job hunting during a global pandemic can be challenging (and scary), but it can be done. Business Insider provides practical tips for people searching for a new career. If you’re feeling stuck at work and want to switch to a role that you’re more passionate about, or a job that aligns with your values, pays more, or gives greater upward mobility and career progression, then these tips are perfect for you.

If you’re searching for a new job, let your friends and previous workmates know. Your network is a powerful tool — use it.

Build up your confidence and embrace your powerful skills.

During interviews — whether in person, phone, or video — make sure to speak about your added value and what you will bring to the team/company.

Click here to read the full article on Business Insider.

Land a Job With These Courses!

Looking for your next job opportunity? Check out these 13 online courses that can help you land your next job. From designing and editing your LinkedIn profile to writing a cover letter, these online classes will surely set you up for success.

Emerging Blue's Holiday Gift Guide

Here at Emerging Blue we love the holidays! We also know that choosing a gift can be challenging. But do not worry because our team of talent leaders have you covered! We put together a gift guide that will give you incredible ideas for presents for those loved ones in your life.

Rocket Book

Scott likes to keep organized by hand writing notes that upload directly to the cloud with Rocket Book. This eco-friendly option saves paper while allowing seamless transition of notes to multiple digital sources. Take notes, stay organized, and help the environment.

Deano Tote Bag

On Christina’s Holiday Wish List is SCOUT’s Original Deano Tote Bag.  This bag is perfect for all of Christina’s busy life needs.  With two active boys, Christina is constantly running from one schedule to the next, such as swimming lessons, grocery shopping and school PTA meetings.  This bag ensures everything Christina needs is in tow while looking and feeling stylish.  Plus, the quality is so good that it can withstand any Lysol wipe or juice spill, which every momma needs!

Vintage Dresses & Denim from The End

With events and art openings closed due to Covid, buying original vintage/art is inspirational for work and play for the Los Angeles lifestyle. That is why on Sally’s Holiday Wish List are denim and dresses from The End in Yucca Valley. Check out their super cool virtual shop: https://shop.theendyuccavalley.com/collections/all?page=2 ..

Nike Air Force 1 Boot

Eric is a huge fanatic for shoes, especially Nike. That is why on Eric’s Holiday Wish List this year he keeps telling everyone about the newly released Nike Air Force 1 boot that has caught his eyes. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, you never know the type of weather you’re going to get so these boots are perfect for rain, snow, hail or sunshine. And who doesn’t love a black boot?

Vans Leopard Sneaker

On Lindsay's Holiday Wish List are Vans Era Leopard low-top lace up sneakers.  Since Lindsay's wardrobe is comprised of primarily neutral tones, these sneakers provide a little bit of fun while maintaining her color palette.  Having a 6 year old son and a 6 month old puppy, Lindsay can only wear practical shoes.  These shoes are fashionable and comfortable for her on-foot, active, city lifestyle. 

Spacedye Leggings from Beyond Yoga

On Karen’s Holiday Wish List are the Spacedye leggings from Beyond Yoga. Super comfortable and flattering, she already has 3 pairs and finds herself reaching for them time and again when choosing an outfit. They have a ton of fun seasonal and basic colors to choose from and have held up well over the years!

We hope this Holiday Gift Guide brought about some great ideas for you. We also want to send so much holiday cheer your way. Happiest Holidays!

Register for Emerging Blue's Marketing Roundtable Virtual Event

Are you looking for your next marketing opportunity? Are you a recent or future graduate who has questions about the industry? Would you like interview support for your next marketing interview? If so, join us on December 9, 2020 at 12 p.m. pacific time as Emerging Blue talks with Marketing Leaders from the beauty and apparel industries. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and set yourself up for success for your next interview!

Roundtable Guests

Gail Jackson — Instructor at FIDM

Christina Wallace — Director, Growth Marketing at Mizzen+Main

Kelly Wyllie — Marketing & Advertising Executive

Cristina Martinho — Vice President, Marketing & E-Commerce at Palladio Beauty Group

Click here to register in advance for this marketing roundtable event!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Sign-up for Virtual Office Hours

Staffing, recruiting and talent leaders from Emerging Blue are holding virtual Office Hours every Wednesday from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. pacific standard time. Office Hours is a virtual event where candidates and job seekers can chat with Emerging Blue leaders to get career and job support in all areas. This weekly virtual event is open to anyone and everyone, and is great for people who have questions about job searches, need help with writing/editing a resume, perhaps you need interview tips for your upcoming virtual interview, or maybe you want to learn new networking strategies. Whatever your career need is, we are here to help!

Click here to register for the weekly Wednesday event — or use this link to join in last minute.

Want to know more about us? Emerging Blue is a staffing and recruiting firm that is built on people, and passion to do good.  We are a group that believes in supporting one another and helping others find that support. We partner with people and companies alike to align talent and brands.  We know every day is new, and with that, is an opportunity to embrace a new you.  Emerging Blue. New Day. New You.

Talk With Talent Leaders Every Wednesday

We have great news! We’re holding “Office Hours” every Wednesday from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. pacific standard time. “Office Hours” is a virtual event where staffing, recruiting and talent leaders answer any question you may have. This weekly virtual event is open to anyone and everyone!

If you have questions about job searches, how to write a resume, interview tips or perhaps networking strategies, then jump in to get all your questions answered by a panel of staffing and recruiting leaders. If this or next Wednesday does not work for you, do not sweat it… we are hosting the virtual event every Wednesday, so drop in to whichever virtual ZOOM session that works best for you.

Click here to register for the weekly Wednesday event — or use this link to join in last minute.

We look forward to supporting all of the job seekers out there!

What are you worth? Take the survey!

Take Fashionista's two-minute survey to see what other professionals at your level and in your field are making on average in 2020. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a better sense of what you're worth! Click here to take the survey.

Hiring For This Retail Holiday Season

The retail holiday season is going to be different this year.  With people still hesitant about shopping inside stores, and curbside pick-up and eCommerce shopping at an all-time high, staffing for your usual holiday season will need to be analyzed and thought-out.

Here are a few ideas to help you be prepared:

1. Listen to your customers. Ask your customers what their shopping preference will be this holiday season and how best you can support them. Based on the results, analyze your current org. charts and adjust where needed to support the additional staffing needs. 

2. Safety comes first. The last thing you need is a new hire that has to take 2-3 weeks off for testing positive. Therefore, ensure you’re following CDC guidelines when conducting interviews, staying 6 feet away, wearing a mask, and swap the handshake for an elbow bump. Also, when possible, utilize digital or video interviewing instead of in-person.

3. Extra, Extra! We can’t predict the future, but chances are there will be times when employees call-out last minute to care for someone or to care for themselves. Therefore, hire a few extra seasonal employees to allow for back-up needs.

4. Ask for help. This is the time to work with external partners to help recruit and hire for your staffing needs.  At Emerging Blue, we are here to support your hiring objectives with temporary staffing, seasonal hourly workers and pop-up retail support. Reach out to us at info@emergingblue.com to learn more about how we can help you!

Happy Holidays!

With Love,

Emerging Blue