4 Tips to Avoiding Unconscious Bias in the Hiring Process

4 Tips to Avoiding Unconscious Bias in the Hiring Process Have you ever met someone and thought, “there’s just something I don’t like about him,” even though you had no good reason to make such a judgement? We have all been there and many of us discovered that guy turned out to be a great person. The point is bias inevitably influences our judgement whether we like it or not, sometimes without us even realizing it. It’s something that takes a concerted effort to control and, in necessary cases, it must be avoided. This is especially important for hiring teams to grasp, which is why it is becoming more and more popular for companies to dedicate resources to overcoming bias during the hiring process. Though it’s their job to “judge” candidates, it’s their responsibility to do so on the basis of careful thought and evidence. Tip 1: Recognize your bias If hiring managers want to hire the best candidates, they first should be aware of the types of biases they may unconsciously be inflicting. These are some of the most common: Confirmation Bias looking for ways to make an initial judgement come true Effective Heuristic judgement based on superficial factors like a person’s weight Expectation Anchor adjusting expectations based off of an initial (and favored) candidate (the anchor) Gender Bias   judging a person’s capabilities on their gender Intuition gut” feeling Companies have even resorted to omitting names on resumes and applications to avoid any bias attached to a person’s name, gender, or other identifying factors in the earliest recruiting stages. Before a hiring manager meets a candidate, they should be aware of these biases so they can work to keep an objective mindset during the interview. Tip 2: Sleep on it You only get once chance to make a first impression. Yes, that’s the pesky and redundant phrase we’ve all heard throughout our entire lives that people place so much emphasis on, but is it THAT important? In a sales position or client relations it would be relevant. What’s more important, however,is the ability to make an educated decision based on facts, especially in a situation where a worthy candidate may have had a less-than-perfect introduction. Hiring managers should make a conscious effort to wait until the end of the interview to assess first impressions. Taking 30 minutes to sit, mull over the facts, and put careful thought into the final hiring decision can help avoid any first impression bias. Tip 3: Strength in numbers If a department has had problems with hiring decisions in the past, it could benefit them to have multiple people assigned to interview a candidate. It’s helpful to get other opinions, but hiring teams should collaborate only after they have taken the time to form their own opinion based off of the facts. The point is to add information to the discussion so it’s important not to allow other opinions influence what someone has already made up their mind about. After healthy discussion, the team should vote on which candidate they feel best fits the job. Tip 4: Standardize the process It’s difficult to get meaningful results if the process is constantly changing. Hiring managers can avoid bias by creating a standardized rubric that is used during each interview.They can customize the rubric to assess a combination of attributes (skills, experience, teamwork, cultural fit) that help determine whether a candidate is the appropriate fit for the company. If you’re having trouble finding a good fit for your company, examine the interview process and investigate to see if there is any bias affecting decision-making. Chances are, managers aren’t even aware that it’s happening and good candidates aren’t making the cut because of it.

Success Is More Than Just Showing Up - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Success Is More Than Just Showing Up - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Ninety percent of life may just be showing up, but oftentimes its those who stick around who get the greatest benefit. One of my favorite things to do whenever I go see a speaker, attend a networking event, or do anything special that has someone notable in attendance, is to be one of the last people who leave. This strategy has paid off for me on many occasions. The second time I ever hung out Jason Falls, before he became my No Bullshit Social Media co-author was after he spoke at a social media event in Indianapolis. I decided to stick around for a while, and see if I could talk with him. Instead, several of us went to a good dinner that involved wine and gumbo. We got to know each other well enough that I was able to hang out with him further, and develop a relationship that became a book. The day I wrote this, I got to attend a meet-and-greet with Canadian writer and humorist, Stuart McClean, host of The Vinyl Cafe, because my wife and I were hanging out in the lobby, chatting with his producer after a Vinyl Cafe concert in Indianapolis. Its the third time Ive gotten to meet Stuart, having interviewed him twice before, and he remembered who I was. (Which, for a Vinyl Cafe nerd like me, was quite the thrill!) Ive met people who have become friends, clients, and valuable referral partners, because I stuck around, chatting with other people who stayed. When I speak, I always stick around until the last person leaves the room, rather than rushing off to go back home or to my hotel room. Those are the people I remember the most, and whose cards are at the top of the pile when its time to start sending emails and following Twitter users. At every event, there are a few people who leave early, for whatever reason. Some people leave so early, you have to wonder why they ever came in the first place. Most people leave as soon as the event is over, ready to go home or to dinner. And few â€"  a very, very few â€" stick around to see what happens after everything else is done. This is where the real networking begins. What often happens is that the host, the special guest, and anyone left standing, will have a chance to hang out and get to know each other better. You get to start up new relationships, have a chance to meet some influencers and thought leaders, and meet people who could make a big impact on your professional career. No, you didnt get home early. No, you wont eat dinner until 10:30. Yes, youre missing your favorite TV show. But these problems are minor. While everyone else is safely tucked away into their home, bellies full, and snuggled up on the couch, youre sitting in a restaurant booth for three hours, having interesting conversations with some really smart people. Ninety percent of success may be just showing up, but thats what 99 percent of the people are doing. Its the 1 percent, those fortunate few, who get to hang with the people everyone else came to see, and then left when it was all over. Author: Erik Deckers is the owner of Professional Blog Service, and the co-author of Branding Yourself: How to Use Social Media to Invent or Reinvent Yourself and No Bullshit Social Media: The All-Business, No-Hype Guide to Social Media Marketing. His third book, The Owned Media Doctrine, will be available this summer.

Is a Vocational Course Worth It 6 Reasons Why It Is

Is a Vocational Course Worth It 6 Reasons Why It Is In 2017, there were over 200,000 international students taking up vocational and educational training courses in Australia. This underlines the popularity of these courses but are they really worth it and should you enrol already? While these courses were easy to dismiss in the past, statistics show that they indeed are a force to be reckoned with. The following are five reasons why you should consider taking a vocational course. Easy to Get In Higher educational institutions are highly competitive the world over and the situation is no different in Australia. Most reputable universities have stringent intake processes and require high qualifications for degree programs. Not so for vocational courses. These courses have a lower barrier to entry while providing value and the potential for further education. TAFE courses, especially at the level of diploma, allow one to earn credits which can shorten the study time if one decides to enrol in a related degree program. These courses can also give international students a taste of how it is to study in the country and enable them to join Australian Universities. Better Employment Prospects The average job search in Australia lasts 82 days. Of course, this varies with age, educational qualifications, and so on. Usually, most people associate higher educational qualifications to better job prospects, but this is interestingly not always true. The CICA report found out that 78% of vocational education and training graduates in Australia find employment after graduation as compared to only 69% of bachelor’s degree holders. And it doesn’t end there. The median salary for a VET graduate is $56,000. This is $2k more than what a first-degree holder earns. This is not surprising because vocational courses instill hands-on skills that are in high demand in the workplace today. Allows you to Find your Footing Even with the right career guidance, many young people find themselves not sure about what career path to take. Most Sydney TAFE courses allow you to learn useful skills and to try classes in a whole range of topics. This will give you a chance to see what piques your interest. Besides, you will get an opportunity to get in a real work setting allowing you to know whether that is the career you would really want to get into. Flexibility These programs are so flexible that almost anyone can fit in. You can take a full-time or a part-time course, you can study on campus, or you can take lessons from the comfort of your home, and your age or skill level does not matter. Vocational training courses range from certificate 1 all the way to advanced diploma. This means that there are many starting points depending on one’s qualifications. Allows Versatility VET courses are based on practical needs in the workplace. As a result, many vocational courses are focused on occupations that are rapidly growing or those that are expected to experience remarkable growth in the near future. This means that a vocational course is likely to throw you into a career that is in high demand. It doesn’t end there. The Career Industry Council of Australia notes that vocational training can provide a faster way to teach new skills. In just six months, a student taking a vocational course can learn new skills and enter a different market. Shorter Study Time Vocational courses take much lesser time compared to degree courses. This ranges from between several months to two years. Shorter study time means that there will be shorter interruptions in your daily schedule and that you can start earning without having to spend too much time in school. In addition to being short, vocational courses are way cheaper than degree courses. Do not Hesitate Whether you just want to improve your skillset or change careers, a vocational course can set you on the right path. With a host of courses to choose from, there is something for everyone interested in furthering their education.

How NOT to Let Social Media Ruin Your Career

How NOT to Let Social Media Ruin Your Career Social media? What a load of cr*p! is what Catherine Tates Gran character might well say. I agree with her, even though my working life largely depends on it. Okay, its a free world, post what you like, just dont be surprised if people then think what they like. Try this. Pick someone you know, imagine you have a juicy job for them and then spend time seeing what you can dig up online about them. At the end of it, are you mightily impressed, vaguely neutral in a meh sort of way or deeply into OMG territory? Now lets talk about you. Youre smart, you work hard and youre ambitious, perhaps with dreams of Audis and yachts. Youve got a lot to offer the world and its about time someone took notice and gave you more responsibility, right?  So lets say youve submitted your CV and an application for that leg-up job. When your potential employer looks at you, is your online presence a shining beacon of light flashing Pick me! Pick me! or are you lost in an uninspiring grey sea of collectively-drowning candidates? Maybe theres a promotion coming up, your line manager has put you forward and youre the only viable internal candidate. Its a slam-dunk. Except … theres that cherished (and well shared) picture of you on a stag weekend, hammered beyond belief, dressed in red and using a chainsaw to mow the words I will kill again! into a field whilst you wait for the Google satellite to drift over. Does it demonstrate your creative side, or is it a lead weight from HMS Millstone hanging around your neck? Have you noticed your peers being lured away to newer pastures with acres of fresh green grass whilst youre a wallflower in a concrete wilderness? If so, theres a good chance your online presence has tumbleweed blowing across it. Anonymity is also a terrible curse, as youre finding. Be a new you So, what can you do online to increase your chances of selection, promotion or being head-hunted? WAKE UP! Employers WILL check you out. Thankfully, most people know to clean up their history, profiles and general behaviour when job-hunting. Sadly, most then also become rather anodyne. Simply not doing something objectionable adds nothing to your perceived value. Post to show yourself as the sort of character that an employer would just love to have on-board. Join the real world When you walk into a meeting at work, youre never going to open with a tirade of, I got wasted last night and woke up in a builders bed, there is absolutely no bog roll ANYWHERE in this whole f*cking building, the worlds so screwed if that nob gets into The White House whats his name? I think pink cars suck. Everyone get out the way, I know what to do. God youre all ugly, whats for lunch? so why do the equivalent online? If you want to be seen as a professional, behave like one. Everywhere. Make yourself interesting Put yourself in the shoes of an employer. What would make you really interesting, as a candidate? Sure, you do a relevant job, youve got demonstrable skills and the right experience. That sounds like every other candidate, so what might move you to great gal or top bloke status? Think about the skills, interests or activities that might add to your perceived value and show that person. Show your journey If youre going to be someone whos going somewhere, youve got to build momentum. How did you get here? Where are you heading? Show the mountains youre conquering and scars from the route. Make someone think, STOP THE BUS! I want this person on here. Be social The clue is in the name social media. Stop broadcasting and start engaging. Listen. Think. If youre going to say something, move the discussion forward, dont nuke it flat with ridicule and abuse. Be social with more people in your line of work, not just friends. Engage with people who do a similar job to you and engage with people who employ people like you. Dont stick with tools and networks you already have. Where else do the right people hang out? Be radical How much do you really know about your industry and the challenges it faces, relative to your peers? Why not be an expert and run an online commentary on issues, as events unfold? Why not become THE expert? If one thing will make a difference to your prospects its this, but you must put the work in to the steps above, beforehand. Here comes the spotlight If you take all of the steps, taking the time to build momentum, youll make damn sure its worth an employers while to take notice of you. If Andy Warhol was right, using those online tools properly will get you the undivided attention of a recruiter or an employer for your fifteen minutes of fame, whilst they go, Wow!. Be who you need to be and you will get what you want to get. About the author: Jon Gregory is an author, editor, blogger trainer on all things job hunting, interview prep career development.

Top Professional Resumes Writing Assistants

Top Professional Resumes Writing AssistantsThe need for top professional resume writing assistants has been in a steady rise. With the growing demand, there has been an increase in the number of people who are willing to help. These people offer their expertise to those who want to prepare and edit their resume.With the demand for top resume writers increasing, it is hard to find a good person to take up your job. You should not despair though as this is not an issue. Most people turn to professionals. The professionals are experienced and are known for their capability in coming up with top resumes that stand out from the rest.The most important factor is being able to understand the needs of the clients. Resume writing should be written with a good understanding of the client. By this, you can tell what is appropriate and what is not. If your resume is not up to the mark, you will definitely be unable to get employment.There are professionals who do this work full-time and they are able to earn a good amount of money. This is the reason why many have turned to the outsourcing of this work. As we know, salary rates are on the rise in these times. If you are willing to part-time do the job, you can earn some decent amount in the process.There are many reasons for a resume to be revised by different people. It may be due to a change in the job or a position, relocation or promotion. The resume is not the only document which is reviewed. The cover letter also plays a major role. As soon as you get a rejection for a job you applied for, you will know the reason for the rejection.However, top professional resume writers are able to find the reason for a rejection. This is the main advantage of the hiring of a top professional resume writer. He is aware of the working of the resume and can check out the document before it goes to the client. This gives the client the time to look for other options if the one selected is not satisfactory.There are many websites that offer free services to hire such professionals. They do not charge any fee for this service. There are some websites that claim to be top professionals in the field but they will ask for a fee as well. Such professionals have better credentials than the others and this should be taken into consideration.However, there are a number of things to consider before hiring professional resume writers. For instance, they can help you design a good resume by editing it. If you take their services, it is worth paying for their services because they will ensure that your resume stands out from the rest. The top professional resume writing assistants are not only knowledgeable but they also bring in more customers for your business.

How Social Media Helps Londoners Find New Jobs [INFOGRAPHIC] - CareerEnlightenment.com

Great Tips on How to Retain Your Employees - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

Great Tips on How to Retain Your Employees Richard Branson, one of the top businessmen in the world said: Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business. It is as simple as that. Healthy, engaged employees are your top competitive advantage. This is the secret of running a successful business. How you treat and take care of your employees determine how your business is going to run. Today more than ever, it is raining notice letters in companies, and one of the top reasons for such high turnover is that employees are not happy with their jobs. Happy is one word but to achieve that happiness, the management has to work hard to know what their employees want and how to implement it. Some of the major reasons why employees quit their jobs are career development, work-life balance, manager behaviour, well-being, compensation and benefits, relocation, job characteristics, work environment, etc. So how do you address each of these issues? Do not worry, check out this detailed infographic from  Maximillion  that will help you tackle all of these major issues and some great tips and solutions to each of these problems which can probably help you retain your valued employees.