018 - Listener Questions, Vol. 2 - Salary Negotiation, Counter-Offers, & Going Negative 

Jackie and Alexis answer questions from our listeners the following topics:

Salary Negotiation - how to negotiate salary as an entry level candidate without much experience.  Is it ever appropriate to do so?  Is it worth the gamble?

Counter-Offers - what to do if offered a position with a new employer, but then receiving a counter-offer from the current company trying to convince you to stay.  What's the best way to decide which offer is best, and navigate this messy situation with as much finesse as possible?

Going Negative - is it ever ok to be honest in an interview about past negative experiences at work?  How to handle it when pressed for information about a bad situation from the past.

www.ducciassociates.com/contact
Jackie Ducci, CEO:  [email protected]  
Alexis Baldwin, COO: alexis @ducciassociates.com

017 - Be Your Best Self to Attract the Best Opportunities

“Be the best version of yourself” is a phrase that’s thrown around a lot these days.  It’s a concept that is embraced by many, but thought to be a little hokey by others.  Whichever category you fall into, it’s important to know that there is actually a lot of merit behind this idea when it comes to getting hired, or advancing your career in general.  People who know who they are and project it confidently are the ones who stand out in hiring processes.  Why?  They are more real, believable, sure of themselves, and convincing.  They connect on a deeper level, and can more easily express why they are the fit for a job.  It’s all very attractive to employers.  So what exactly does it mean to be your best self?  And HOW do you do it?

Joining the show to discuss is Erin Lombardi.  Erin is the owner & founder of EL Strategic, a boutique firm specializing in business development, brand engagement, and broker services for small to mid-size businesses.  She lives in Loudoun, VA and is intimately involved in her community as an Ambassador for the local Chamber of Commerce, a mentor for the Young Entrepreneur Academy, a member of the Chamber Public Policy and Economic Policy Development Committees, and more. Erin has won multiple awards including being named to Loudoun County's 40 under 40 in 2019, and Young Professional of the Year in 2020.  She is also a former pageant competitor, and holds the title of Mrs. Loudoun County.

016 - Public Sector Jobs - Could One Be the Right Move for You?

Have you ever seriously considered a career in the public sector?  Most people haven’t (but probably should!)  Sure, government work isn’t for everyone.  But the truth is, public sector jobs have a reputation for offering unparalleled stability, excellent benefits, and more.  Whether you’re just coming out of school and starting your career, or looking for a change at any point along your professional path, opportunities abound to work in state and local government – particularly right now.  And, in fact, the number of those openings will only be increasing in the months ahead. 

Here to discuss the ins and outs of applying to (and working in) the public sector is Ryan Bingham.  Ryan’s own career launched to an exciting start in 2005 when he ran for mayor of his hometown – and won!  At age 22 he became the youngest mayor in Connecticut’s history, managing a $70M+ municipal government enterprise.  After serving 3 consecutive terms as mayor, Ryan went on to work in corporate and government relations at a leading environmental management company.  Currently, he works for Sullivan & LeShane where his focus is lobbying state and municipal leaders on behalf of clients in the energy, environment and government administration sectors, as well as expanding opportunities for client growth within Connecticut.  Ryan holds a BA degree in Political Science from Marist College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. He has been honored with Connecticut Magazine’s “40 Under 40” Award and also received Marist College’s Distinguished Alumni Medal.

Guest Contact Info:
Ryan Bingham
Senior Government Relations Director/Lobbyist, Sullivan & LeShane
www.ctlobby.com
email: [email protected]
Social media handle: @ryanjbingham

015 - Listener Questions, Vol. 1 - References, Attire, & Follow-Up

Jackie and Alexis answer questions from our listeners on the following topics:

References - how to determine who to put on your reference list, what to do if you don't have much work experience, and what distinguishes a great reference from a mediocre (or bad!) one.

Interview attire - how to know what's best to wear, particularly when interviewing with a more casual company or for a casual non-office position.

Appropriate follow-up - how to follow-up throughout the hiring process in a way that will actually be appreciated by hiring managers.  Showing enthusiasm is important, but nobody wants to be irritating.  So, where's the line?

We hope that you enjoy our first edition of this new format!  To submit a question for the next one, please use any of the options below:  

www.ducciassociates.com/contact
Jackie Ducci, CEO:  [email protected]
Alexis Baldwin, COO:  [email protected]

014 - Entry Level Job Search Hacks

Entering the “real world” is a stressful, overwhelming time for young adults and their parents.  Most graduating seniors come out of school well-educated, but without any idea how to actually land a job, let alone the RIGHT job.  While they lack basic job search skills, they also make mistakes at all stages of the hiring process that instantly disqualify them from consideration – without ever realizing it.  But believe it or not, it’s actually easy to make a great impression on hiring managers at the entry level.  You just need to know how.  So, what exactly can recent graduates do to secure their dream jobs as quickly as possible?

For answers, we’re turning to John Del Vecchio.  Professionally, John has been in the insurance business for three decades, and has been an Owner/Partner with Park City Insurance Group in Connecticut for the past twenty years.  John is also the father of two boys, both of whom are perfect examples of young adults who landed on their feet and launched bright careers right out of the gate upon graduating from college.  Much of their success was due to John’s excellent parental guidance and support.  Today, John shares some sage advice for other parents who might be feeling confused about how best to set their own kids up for success.  If your child has recently graduated or will be graduating soon (or if you yourself are a 20-something looking for some help landing in a great job!), this episode is for you.

Guest Contact Info:
John Del Vecchio
Owner/Partner, Park City Insurance Group, LLC
www.parkcityinsurancegroup.com
email: [email protected]

013 - You Want Me to Take a TEST?!?  The Role of Personality  Assessments in Hiring

Have you ever been asked to take a personality test or behavioral assessment when you applied for a job?  If not, chances are you will at some point in your career - and it’s a step in the hiring process that causes many candidates to really panic!  While these "tests" can be intimidating, they’re actually there to support everyone involved (including you), and to help ensure that the best match is ultimately made.  But how do they work?  What is the best way to navigate them as a candidate?  And why should companies consider using them if they don't already?

Today we welcome back repeat guest of the show, Kristi Dean.  A former executive team member at Ducci & Associates, Kristi is now the Founder & CEO of KLDean & Associates, a recruiting and talent advisory firm.  Kristi is more than a recruiter; she helps CEO’s, hiring managers, and team leaders make better hires and design high-performing, highly-engaged teams.  One of the tools that she uses regularly in her work is the Predictive Index, a popular and well-respected behavioral assessment.  Tune in to learn about PI, the value of personality and behavioral assessments (for both candidates and companies), and how best to approach them the next time you are asked to take one.

Guest Contact Info:
Kristi Dean
Founder & CEO, KLDean & Associates
www.kldean.com 
email: [email protected]
Instagram: @kdean_morethanrecruiting

012 - Networking is Everything! Here's Why (and How to Do it Effectively)

Everyone searches for jobs online.  Job boards, social media, etc.  But is that really your best strategy?  Recent stats have shown that roughly 60% of jobs are secured NOT online, but through networking!  The “hidden job market” is a real thing, and companies choose not to advertise positions for all sorts of reasons.  So, networking is key to maximizing your odds of landing in a great job.  If you are not already talking to your connections when farming for job leads, you are missing out on a lot of what’s out there.  But how do you network effectively?

For answers, we turn to Markette Sheppard, Founder & CEO of The GLOW Brands, LLC.  Markette is also an Emmy award-winning journalist and writer who has worked as an anchor and reporter at local CBS, NPR and FOX stations and at Essence magazine.  Networking has been a central theme in Markette’s career, both as a candidate navigating her path and as a hiring manager entrusted to make complex hiring decisions.  Her stories are relatable and thought-provoking, and she has a wealth of fantastic advice to share.  If you are looking to further develop your network (or put your current one to better use), this episode is a must listen!

Guest Contact Info:
Markette Sheppard
Founder & CEO, The GLOW Brands, LLC
www.glowstreamtv.com
@markettesheppard
@glowstreamtv

011 - Who's in Your Corner? How to Make a Recruiter Your Best Ally

A great recruiter can be the most valuable person in your network as you search for a new opportunity.  A full year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the job market remains tight.  Competition is fierce.  It is more important now than ever for candidates to do everything they can to get ahead.  Getting into the good graces of a recruiter (or recruiters) who know what they are doing can make all the difference between landing a fantastic new opportunity… or not.  But how do you find a reputable search firm?  What are some surefire ways to make a great impression?  And what are some recruiter pet peeves you must avoid at all costs?

Joining Jackie for this meaningful conversation is Dan Banner, CEO of Banner Associates.  Dan is a veteran HR strategist, advisor, and recruiting expert who brings over 3 decades of experience to the table.  As a former EVP/VP of Human Resources for various corporations in the DC metro area, and the current owner of a search firm that has been in business since 1999 – Dan knows his stuff.  Dan is also one of the rare gems in the recruiting industry who genuinely cares about people and the matches that he makes.  Whether you are job seeking now or might be at any point in the future, this is a discussion you won’t want to miss! 

Guest Contact Info:
Dan Banner
CEO, Banner Associates
www.bannerhr.com
[email protected]

010 - How to Win the Job with a Solopreneur (or Small Business)

Have you ever considered working for a solopreneur?  Most candidates don’t, because the idea of being part of such a small team can be unnerving.  But, bigger doesn’t always mean better!  And if you want to get hired by a very small company, you’ll need to know the traits and behaviors that will make you stand out.  Here’s a little-known secret: the things that solopreneurs look for in candidates are unique (and for good reason, because the type of candidate who will thrive in a 1 or 2 person shop is often quite different than someone who will fit well into a larger company).  Solopreneurs have a different concept of what the ideal candidate looks like.

So, how can you impress a solopreneur?  Clarisa Lindenmeyer is here to give us some answers!  Clarisa is a business strategist and the CEO & Founder of Proximity to Power, a consultancy supporting CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs in growing their companies.  Up until very recently, Clarisa was a solopreneur herself – until she made her first full-time hire.  She joins us today to share the story of how she found (and selected) her new assistant, and also dispense some fantastic advice about how you can get noticed (and, ultimately, win the job!) with any solopreneur. 

Guest Contact Info:
Clarisa Lindenmeyer
CEO & Founder, Proximity to Power
www.proximitytopower.com
@proximitytopower

009 - Looking for a Sales Job? How to Snag One with Confidence

Skilled, dedicated sales professionals are invaluable to any company – and employers know it.  When it comes to hiring for these roles, decisions are not made lightly.  But how do hiring managers determine whom to bring on board?  What traits, behaviors, and qualifications make a candidate a clear “yes” vs. an automatic “no”?  And how do those answers differ when hiring for a sales position vs. other roles within an organization?  If you currently work in sales (or have aspirations to land a sales job at any point in the future), this episode is for you!

For the unfiltered scoop on this topic, we’re turning to Mark Bloom, Founding Partner of NetWorth Realty USA.  NetWorth is a residential wholesale real estate brokerage based in Texas, with offices nationwide.  Their rapid growth trajectory is truly impressive, and as such, they are constantly interviewing and hiring salespeople at high volume.  From firsthand experience, Mark has some strong opinions (and a fresh, fun perspective!) on what makes a successful salesperson, and what candidates can do to impress when applying and interviewing for sales opportunities.  His candid insights and tips will help you land the next sales role you have your eye on – stat.

Guest Contact Info:
Mark Bloom
Founding Partner, NetWorth Realty, USA
www.networthrealtyusa.com
@relentlessrealestate
@networthrealty