Tips

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2024 Recruitment Resolutions: Setting Goals for Hiring Success

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As we step into a brand-new year, brands in fashion, home, and beauty are buzzing with growth potential. For businesses in these exciting industries, setting recruitment goals that match the latest industry trends is key to steering your team toward success.

Setting hiring goals is not just about keeping up with trends—it's about staying one step ahead. Whether you're a brand riding the waves of seasonal changes or a store looking for top-notch talent to give customers an amazing experience, how you hire matters a lot.

First, before thinking about this year’s plans, take time to think about how last year's hiring went. What worked? What didn’t? You can learn from these experiences to help you for the year ahead. Some hiring strategies may have led you to fantastic talent, while others might've missed the mark. These reflections can guide us in making our hiring process better.

Celebrate Diversity in Hiring

Companies thrive when diversity is prioritized, not just in what they offer but also in the folks they bring on board. So, take the proper steps to make your hiring goals diverse too—look for talent from all walks of life. Having a team with different backgrounds and perspectives sparks fresh ideas, creativity, and connects better with a diverse customer base.

Being Flexible is the Name of the Game

Things change all the time, and being flexible is how we stay strong. Your hiring goals should be adaptable—ready to switch gears as new trends pop up. Whether it's adapting to online shopping booms, the focus on sustainability, or changes in what customers want, your hiring plans should roll with it.

Using Tech the Smart Way

Technology is a game-changer in hiring. We can use AI tools and data to find amazing talent and make the hiring process smoother for everyone involved.

At EB, we’re the experts in matching businesses with talented professionals who know how to navigate these industry shifts. We're here to help brands gear up for a successful new year and ensure that both job seekers and brands have a seamless experience. So, join us as we dive into 2024 with these tips in mind. If you have plans to hire this year, we would love to connect with you. It’s never too early to begin strategizing your plans for growth.

References:

https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/retail/our%20insights/state%20of%20fashion/2023/the-state-of-fashion-2023-holding-onto-growth-as-global-clouds-gathers-vf.pdf

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Strategies for Staffing Success in the Home Industry

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The home furnishings and decor industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with an increasing demand for exquisite designs and functional spaces. To keep up with the booming industry, brands are amping up their teams and hiring efforts. Here are some tips to overcome talent shortages and build a strong workforce to capitalize on the exciting opportunities in this dynamic market.

Strategies for Recruiting Success:

  • Showcase vision and culture: Highlighting a brand's vision, mission, and values can help to attract talent who resonate with the brand. Emphasizing the positive impact and influence that employees can make in creating stunning home decor experiences has great appeal.

  • Foster a collaborative and inspiring environment: Create a workplace culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and creativity. Provide employees with opportunities to contribute their unique ideas and grow both personally and professionally.

  • Leverage industry connections: Engage with industry networks, professional associations, and design schools to expand the reach and connect with talented professionals. Attend industry events and trade shows to build relationships and stay updated on the latest trends.

  • Utilize emerging technologies: Leverage emerging technologies, such as AI-driven recruiting platforms and digital portfolios, to streamline the recruitment process and identify top talent efficiently.

  • Partner with Emerging Blue for recruiting expertise: When it comes to navigating the talent shortage in the home decor industry, partnering with recruiting experts like Emerging Blue can make a significant difference. We specialize in connecting businesses with top creative talent. With our vast network and industry knowledge, we can help you identify and attract the best candidates for your home decor projects.

Talent acquisition teams and recruiters in the home decor industry are definitely embracing this exciting opportunity for recruiting success. By showcasing company vision and culture, fostering a collaborative environment, leveraging industry connections, and utilizing emerging technologies, brands can both attract and retain top talent. And for expert assistance in navigating the talent landscape, our team is here to support yours with our recruiting expertise and extensive network of creative professionals. Together, let's unlock the potential for growth and excellence in the home decor industry.

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Unlocking Potential: Tips for a Successful Career Transition to Fashion

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Thinking about making a career switch into the fashion industry? The secret to thriving in this dynamic field boils down to having a strategic approach that focuses on effectively showcasing your transferable skills. Check out some valuable tips from our talent matchmakers that can help you demonstrate your strengths and succeed in your fashion career.

Identify Your Transferable Skills

First things first, take a moment to assess your existing skill set. Even if you haven't worked directly in the fashion industry, rest assured that you've gained numerous transferable skills throughout your professional journey. These soft skills can fall into categories like communication, problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and adaptability. The key here is to recognize your strengths and align them with the demands of the fashion industry. This way, you can construct a compelling narrative that highlights the value you bring to the table.

Customize Your Resumes and Cover Letters

When it comes to effectively communicating your capabilities to potential employers in the fashion industry, customization is the name of the game. Tailor your resumes and cover letters to emphasize relevant experiences and achievements that showcase your adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Shine a spotlight on projects or initiatives where collaboration, deadline management, and attention to detail played a crucial role. Additionally, don't forget to showcase any fashion-related coursework, certifications, or workshops you've completed to underscore your commitment to continuous learning and acquiring industry-specific knowledge.

Leverage Networking Opportunities

Networking is a game-changer when it comes to transitioning into a new field. Seek out networking opportunities within the fashion industry to connect with professionals who can offer guidance and potential job leads. Attend industry events, become part of fashion-focused professional groups (there’s some great ones on LinkedIn), and make the most of online platforms to forge meaningful connections. Clearly articulate your passion for fashion and demonstrate how your transferable skills can contribute to the industry's growth. Actively seek out mentorship opportunities to gain valuable insights and guidance from seasoned professionals.

Pursue Internships and Volunteering

Internships and volunteering can be your golden ticket to gaining invaluable hands-on experience and bridging the gap between your existing skill set and the fashion industry. Look for fashion-related internships or volunteer positions that align with your personal interests. While these roles may be entry-level, they provide incredible opportunities to acquire practical knowledge, develop industry-specific skills, and expand your network within the fashion community. During the application process, highlight your transferable skills and express genuine enthusiasm for learning and making a meaningful contribution to the industry.

Embrace Continuous Learning and Skill Development

In the ever-evolving fashion industry, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning are vital for success. Stay up to date with the latest fashion trends, industry news, and technological advancements shaping the field. Make the most of online courses, workshops, and certifications to acquire specialized knowledge in areas such as fashion design, merchandising, marketing, or supply chain management. By demonstrating interest in expanding your skill set, you showcase your dedication to professional growth and ability to thrive in the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry.

By identifying and showcasing your transferable skills, customizing your application materials, leveraging networking opportunities, pursuing internships and volunteering, and embracing continuous learning, you'll lay a strong foundation for success in the fashion industry. As a leading staffing agency specializing in the fashion, home, and beauty industry, Emerging Blue is here to provide tailored solutions that connect talented individuals like yourself with exciting career opportunities. Whether you're seeking roles in design, merchandising, marketing, or other areas within the fashion, home, and beauty industry, we're here to help guide you through the recruitment process.

Referenced:

https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/how-to-demonstrate-transferable-skills-change-career-fashion-insider-advice/

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Crafting the Right Job Description for Skills-Based Hiring

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In today's talent landscape, job descriptions are no longer static documents merely listing responsibilities and qualifications. A well-crafted job description serves as a dynamic instrument, communicating the essential skills and competencies required for a position. By outlining these requirements, organizations can attract candidates with the right expertise, ensuring a targeted applicant pool. Furthermore, clear articulation of the outcomes and objectives of the role aligns candidate expectations with organizational goals, fostering better performance and engagement.

The Power of Language

Effective job descriptions hinge upon the language used. Clear and concise language that avoids jargon and unnecessary complexity enables candidates to quickly grasp the requirements and assess their fit. Additionally, incorporating inclusive language helps attract a diverse range of candidates, fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and equality.

Transparency and Candidate Experience

Job descriptions should go beyond surface-level requirements and provide transparency about company culture, growth opportunities, and the potential impact of the role. This level of openness empowers candidates to make informed decisions and ensures a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process.

Continuous Improvement

The journey of skills-based hiring extends beyond crafting the perfect job description. We encourage hiring managers to embrace continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating their job descriptions. This ensures they remain aligned with evolving market dynamics and changing skill requirements. Seeking feedback from current employees can provide valuable insights that contribute to the accuracy and effectiveness of job descriptions.

Job descriptions form the foundation of skills-based hiring, setting the tone for attracting the right talent. By crafting dynamic job descriptions, employing clear language, promoting transparency, and embracing continuous improvement, organizations can maximize their chances of finding exceptional candidates. 

Your Partner in Skills-Based Hiring

At Emerging Blue, we understand the power of skills-based hiring and the critical role job descriptions play in attracting top talent. Our services are rooted in integrity, expertise, and personalized attention. Our team specializes in crafting impactful job descriptions that resonate with the candidates your brand is looking for. We can grant your team access to our comprehensive range of recruitment services, designed to streamline your skills-based hiring process and help you build out your dream team.

Relevant Articles:

https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-strategy/why-skills-based-hiring-starts-with-job-descriptions

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2023/02/12/why-skills-based-hiring-is-on-the-rise/

https://hbr.org/2022/02/skills-based-hiring-is-on-the-rise

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Ready to Revamp your Resume?

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Emerging Blue Resume

As recruiters, we see hundreds of resumes every day and have learned what it takes to make your resume stand out from the rest. Your resume is typically the first opportunity for you to make a great impression with a potential employer. If you’re thinking of starting up a job search, here are five tips that will help you improve your resume and land your dream job:

  1. Make it easy to read: Your resume should be easy to read and visually appealing. Try using bullet points and headers to break up large blocks of text and make important information stand out. Be careful with the usage of several fonts and colors, as this can make your resume look cluttered and unprofessional.

  2. Quantify your achievements: Employers like to see examples of how you have contributed to your previous roles. Showcasing metrics and numbers to quantify your achievements and your impact at your previous position speaks volumes to your experience. Ex) instead of saying you "improved sales," say you "increased sales revenue by 15%."

  3. Keep it concise: It’s important not to let your resume get too lengthy. A best practice is to keep it shorter than two pages, so make every word count. Avoid using filler words and focus on the most important information that showcases your skills and experience.

  4. Summary statement: A strong summary or objective statement can grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and encourage them to read on, making it a valuable addition to any resume. It should be brief but powerful, summarizing your experience, skills, and career goals in just a sentence or two.

  5. Use a professional email address: Your email address may seem like a minor detail, but it can have a big impact on how potential employers perceive you. It is also helpful to include your phone number so that either the hiring manager or recruiter you’re working with can easily get in touch with you.

By following these tips, you can create a resume that stands out from other interviewees and showcases your skills and achievements most effectively. Remember, your resume is your first impression with potential employers, so make it count. If you ever need help writing your resume or would like a second opinion, we are always happy to be of help. Good luck with your job search!

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TikTok Takeover: Today's Hottest Marketing & Hiring Tool

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Emerging Blue TikTok Takeover Blog

Among all the social media platforms and channels, there is only one that has taken over like no other: TikTok. With over 1 billion users in over 150 different countries, TikTok has quickly taken center stage and is changing the ways of digital marketing as we know them.

TikTok has established itself not just as a social channel, but as a destination for all things beauty and fashion. The app has sparked and circulated some of the most popular trends in clothing styles, skincare routines, makeup hacks, and more.

Many brands are recognizing the app’s influence on consumer purchasing and have begun incorporating TikTok as a key tool in their digital marketing strategies.

“Brands can build off of trends by understanding the wider tendencies they reveal, and tap into specific trends by using them to tell stories about existing products.”

Given the platform’s algorithm, TikTok provides marketers an avenue for reach and engagement. Even without an established following or presence, as long as there is appealing content, audience engagement is bound to follow. This makes TikTok a social media platform with some of the highest engagement rates.

Brands are finding that there are two major ingredients to a successful TikTok campaign: Authenticity + Consistency

As brands continue to evolve their digital marketing strategies, they’ll have to add TikTok to their list of platforms. Through authentic and consistent content, brand deals with influencers, and participation in recent trends, brands can easily fast track to increased awareness, engagement, and creating a larger, loyal customer base.

In a job seekers’ market, TikTok can also be used as a recruiting platform. Many brands have shifted their use of TikTok to recruit summer interns or digital marketing related positions. By advertising these jobs through catchy reels with a link to the job application, brands have been able to take advantage of TikTok’s evolution as a creative alternative to the traditional job board or application/hiring process. “TikTok has already recognized its potential as the next big jobs platform, launching a #TikTokResumes pilot program” in 2021.

 Another trend to note is that candidates have been using TikTok as a way to showcase their creative work. For positions in the creative or artistic fields, TikTok can be an extension to potential candidate’s portfolio, providing brands with a clearer understanding of a person’s real time work.

Whether you’re a brand marketing a product, a hiring manager seeking talent, or a candidate showcasing your portfolio, TikTok demonstrates its ability as a tool to be used by nearly anyone and everyone in the workplace.

Articles referenced:

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Our Gen Z Hiring Guide

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Emerging Blue 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/

Keep These Tips In Mind While Hiring Recent Graduates

It’s always refreshing to watch as your team evolves with the introduction of new ideas, mindsets, and perspectives. If you’re planning to grow your team with the addition of recent graduates, there is much to consider.

While interviewing the fresh faces of the working world, your conversations should include, however also extend beyond, specific details of the job and real-world experience. You can’t expect a recent college graduate with little industry experience to have every hard skill the job entails. It’s important to look at the person as a whole and to identify their soft skills. As long as he/she is eager to grow and take on a challenge, the hard skills can be learned.

There are many other factors to consider prior to hiring a new grad, including developing opportunities for growth, providing diverse pathways, and gathering feedback from your current employees. To learn more about these talent acquisition tips, check out this Forbes article: 16 Talent Acquisition Tips to Keep In Mind When Hiring New Grads.

Father's Day Gift Guide 2022

How To Prepare For A Last-Minute Interview

When a company’s search for talent is a top priority, like it is for most businesses in today’s job market, we often see the interview process pick up speed. A prompt pace in the interview process allows for a more efficient, natural flow of conversation between client and candidate.

While recruiters and hiring managers are working overtime to find the best talent, there’s a good chance that you could be asked to interview without much lead-time. Though they aren’t always ideal, last-minute interviews are pretty inevitable. To be best prepared for an interview that could happen at the drop-of-a-hat, here are some great tips from Forbes.

  1. Research the company, team, and role.

  2. Review your elevator pitch.

  3. Update your START stories.

  4. Prepare questions for your interviewers.

    Click here to read the full article from Forbes.

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Managing Employment Gaps

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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.

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Interviewing Tips for Hiring Managers

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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.

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Be Confident During Interviews

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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 t…

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.

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Feeling Stuck at Work? Get a new Career!

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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.

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Talk With Talent Leaders Every Wednesday

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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!