Simply Trade

[ROUNDUP] Trade Recruiting Hacks: Entry-Level to VP with Colleen Erickson


Listen Later

Host: Annik Sobing

Guest: Colleen, Trade Compliance Recruiting Solutions
Recorded at: ICPA Conference (in-person)
Published: March 2026
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Trade Jobs Are Exploding—But Here’s How to Actually Land One (Live from ICPA)

Live from ICPA, Annik sits down in-person with recruiting expert Colleen from Trade Compliance Recruiting Solutions—the boutique firm specializing exclusively in trade compliance roles (import/export, brokerage, analyst to VP). They break down the tight talent market, entry-level realities, resume pitfalls, salary trends, and why busy pros aren’t jumping ship lightly. If you’re job hunting, hiring, or just curious about trade career paths—this is your roadmap.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
  • Entry-level truth
    • Skip certifications first (LCB exam, etc.)—companies want hands-on experienceover credentials.
    • Start anywhere (brokerage, import/export sides) to learn processes, then certify. Passion for global trade > classroom knowledge.
    • Mid-career job search toolkit
      • Free resume reviews from Colleen’s team: ATS-proof keywords, quantifiable achievements, consistent formatting—makes your resume “pop.”
      • They track your skills/location/preferences (remote/hybrid/office) and match future roles—no black-hole applications.
      • Salary & market intel
        • Annual Salary Analysis Report (free on their site/LinkedIn/ICPA): Ranges from specialist to director/VP, based on actual placements.
        • Hiring trends: Companies should streamline (no 6-round interviews for specialists); candidates—avoid emotional jumps.
        • Hot market realities
          • Jobs everywhere—they’re busier than ever, but talent pool is tight (75-day placements vs. prior 60 days).
          • Remote still king; compliance pros too swamped to job hunt actively. Patience pays—define your next role’s challenges/learning.
          • Interview Process Tips
            • Recruiters like hers bypass AI screeners—your vetted resume hits decision-makers directly.
            • Free interview prep: Screening, tips, mock sessions (some pros need the practice).
            • Mentorship for all levels: “Maybe your next step isn’t ready yet—let’s build toward it.”
            • Key Takeaways
              • Leverage networks/conferences like ICPA—build connections beyond job boards.
              • For hirers: Partner with niche recruiters to fill roles faster.
              • For job seekers: Get hands-on > certify; use free tools (resumes, salary data, prep); don’t settle.
              • Trade recruiting is personal—reach out anytime. Market’s hot; something’s out there for everyone.
              • Credits

                Host: Annik Sobing
                Guest: Colleen, Trade Compliance Recruiting Solutions

                Listen & Subscribe

                • Simply Trade main page: https://simplytrade.podbean.com
                • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690
                • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq
                • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8de7d7fa-38e0-41b2-bad3-b8a3c5dc4cda/simply-trade
                • Connect with Simply Trade

                  • Podcast page: https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/simply-trade-podcast
                  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/simply-trade-podcast
                  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod
                  • Join the Trade Geeks Community

                    • Trade Geeks (by Global Training Center): https://globaltrainingcenter.com/trade-geeks/
                    • ...more
                      View all episodesView all episodes
                      Download on the App Store

                      Simply TradeBy Global Training Center

                      • 4.6
                      • 4.6
                      • 4.6
                      • 4.6
                      • 4.6

                      4.6

                      22 ratings


                      More shows like Simply Trade

                      View all
                      Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

                      Hidden Brain

                      43,687 Listeners

                      Motley Fool Money by The Motley Fool

                      Motley Fool Money

                      3,228 Listeners

                      WSJ What’s News by The Wall Street Journal

                      WSJ What’s News

                      4,420 Listeners

                      The Mindset Mentor by Rob Dial

                      The Mindset Mentor

                      13,600 Listeners

                      Global Trade This Week by CAP Logistics

                      Global Trade This Week

                      4 Listeners

                      The Daily by The New York Times

                      The Daily

                      113,121 Listeners

                      Up First from NPR by NPR

                      Up First from NPR

                      56,944 Listeners

                      The Trade Guys by CSIS  |  Center for Strategic and International Studies

                      The Trade Guys

                      152 Listeners

                      On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

                      On Purpose with Jay Shetty

                      27,584 Listeners

                      Two Minutes in Trade by Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

                      Two Minutes in Trade

                      32 Listeners

                      Consider This from NPR by NPR

                      Consider This from NPR

                      6,462 Listeners

                      The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

                      The Ezra Klein Show

                      16,525 Listeners

                      The Big Take by Bloomberg

                      The Big Take

                      155 Listeners

                      The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

                      The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

                      11,013 Listeners

                      The Tucker Carlson Show by Tucker Carlson Network

                      The Tucker Carlson Show

                      16,982 Listeners