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As spring semester approaches its end for seniors, many find themselves in the internal struggle of what life after college will look like. Finding an entry-level role, one that will hopefully start after graduation may be something you are looking for. A job in the recruiting space can provide you with instant career progression and give you the ability to learn about a number of business lines such as Accounting, Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology. Working in recruitment allows you to be collaborative with your peers and challenges you to help people find their dream jobs, which is very rewarding. If you like working with people and thrive in a fast-paced environment, recruiting is a great career to consider after college.

We interviewed some of our recent graduates at Arrow, Jenna Vasilakopoulos and Conor Fenton to gain their insight.

How did you get your start in recruiting?

“I was first introduced to recruiting in college when one of our partners, David Gaber, who is an alumnus at SUNY Oneonta, spoke to my business class about the recruiting space. After hearing about it in my junior year, I became interested in the industry as it was a profession I could see myself succeeding in. David spoke about all the benefits of a career in recruiting and that my outgoing personality would be a great fit, so I decided to give it a shot and am so glad I did.” – Jenna, Associate Director, Accounting and Finance

 “A friend of my fellow colleague Jon Swartz recommended that I check out Arrow. Being open to any client-facing role in NYC, after the interview process with Arrow I was sold on everything about the opportunity, the people, the culture and the organization as a whole.” – Conor, Analyst, Accounting and Finance  

What advice would you give upcoming college graduates about a career in recruiting? How do they know it’s right for them?

“Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The quicker you become comfortable being uncomfortable, the better you will be at anything you do. You never know something is right for you unless you give it a shot, and sometimes all you need is a shot. Bet on yourself.” – Conor, Analyst, Accounting and Finance  

“I would give the advice that if you are driven, motivated, and money-hungry recruiting is a great industry to be in. It is a very faced-paced environment where you are constantly challenged. Alternatively, it is a very rewarding and satisfying profession as well. If you enjoy challenging yourself, working hard, and reaping the benefits of your hard work, recruiting is a good direction to go in.” – Jenna, Associate Director, Accounting and Finance

How has Arrow Search Partners helped train and mentor you?

“Arrow Search has given me tremendous support and valuable mentorship lessons that go beyond the recruiting industry. The best part about work is that I am working day in and day out with people who want to see me succeed and be the best version of myself.” Conor, Analyst, Accounting and Finance  

“Arrow has taught me everything I know! As my first job and knowing very little about the accounting/finance space as well as recruiting space, they taught me everything. In addition to teaching me the fundamentals and basics, as mentors, they have helped guide me in every avenue. Arrow has become family to me as I not only look up to the senior-level team for assistance in the workplace but on a personal level as well. They really take you under their wing, guide, mentor, and help you flourish.” – Jenna, Associate Director, Accounting and Finance

What have you learned about yourself in your early years in recruitment?

“I have learned a lot about myself professionally and personally. I have learned to push myself outside my comfort zone, to be hungry, and to always come in with a motivated attitude. As a result, I was super successful in my first year of recruitment. With the positives, I also learned that sometimes scenarios occur that are outside of your control, and you will make mistakes but rather than get down on yourself, use every situation as a learning lesson that will make you that much better.” – Jenna, Associate Director, Accounting and Finance

What is your favorite story about helping out a candidate so far?

“There are a lot, as my favorite part of this job is meeting new people, developing new relationships, and helping each candidate in a unique manner that is special to them. However, my favorite story was when I helped a candidate gain a very large increase in salary. My candidate was 24 years old and young in their career. Being close in age, throughout the entire process, my candidate and I had a lot in common and related to each other in multiple manners. When I presented the offer details, the candidate said “Jenna, you just changed my life.” The response of my candidate put into perspective for me that recruiters really do positively impact the lives of our candidates. Of course, the commission I earned from closing the deal felt nice, but what felt even more rewarding was the gratitude, thankfulness, and excitement that my candidate expressed.” – Jenna, Associate Director, Accounting and Finance

When you are looking for a new opportunity, it is natural to want to present yourself in the best light to not only your recruiter, but to your future employer. One major benefit of having a recruiter is that they have the ear of their clients and can vouch for you. But they need all the information up front, even if you think it’s not relevant or may hinder you from landing the role. You want to ensure your resume and your work and life history is an accurate, truthful reflection of you.

Do not fabricate the following on your resume:

• Employment History (this includes the titles held at the company and the time frame in which you worked at the company)
• Professional Licenses (for example: a CPA verification)
• Professional References
• Education History
• Skills (only list skills you are proficient in)

Investopedia reported “a 2022 study from ResumeLab that surveyed over 1,000 people showed that 36% of respondents admitted to lying on their resume and 93% said that they knew someone who lied.” – Jane Fowler, reviewed by Andrew Schmidt, Investopedia.

Being straightforward with your recruiter and on your resume comes down to a few key reasons, one of which is a lot of companies run background checks. Odds are you are going to get caught if you lied somewhere on your resume. Falsifying your resume can cause you to lose out on a job opportunity and tarnish your reputation. The world is smaller than we think and there is a potential risk of this getting back to your current employer. Lying on a resume can negatively affect your chances of getting hired again. How would you expect a company to trust you if you cannot even trust your own skill set or provide accurate references?

It is crucial to be honest with your recruiter, even if you were fired previously or have a criminal history. Your recruiter can hear your situation and advocate for you. Misrepresenting yourself or withholding important information will hinder their efforts.  You were hired because of your intangibles, your skill set, and experience. If you do not tell the truth on your resume, you could have your character called into question.

Transparency is key when it comes to working with your recruiter. Regardless of your background or experience, being honest and forthright is the only way to work with your recruiter. It is imperative to be truthful and in turn, you could land the opportunity of a lifetime.  Interested in working with one of our Arrow recruiters? Take a look at Our Team to reach out today!

We are proud to announce our new temporary and temporary to permanent placement department, Arrow Search Staffing. The Arrow Search Staffing team focuses on connecting businesses to workers for temporary contract assignments.

What are contract roles?

Temporary job opportunities are available at companies to assist them with critical work that needs to be done immediately and with special projects that could arise from both growth within an organization or a challenging time where they need sudden support. These roles are set at a fixed pay rate and often for a fixed amount of time. If you are qualified, contract roles suit those that don’t want to be tied down to a full time job and also for those that have a specialized skill set that they can bring to an organization for a certain period of time.

How can I benefit from a temporary role?

There are a number of reasons why individuals can excel and learn from a temporary position:

• You are consistently exposed to new organizations and industries
• If you perform well in your role, you may be eligible for a permanent job opportunity at the end of the assignment. This could be a golden ticket to showcasing your talent and landing your dream full time job
• It can be a great way to network and expand your current skill set
• Positions can be both in-person and remote
• They can fill gaps and provide unique experience on your resume during a time when you may otherwise be unemployed
• They can provide additional income

Hear from our Director of Temporary Staffing who specializes in IT, Nicole Waida, as to why you should seek temporary employment.

“You should be seeking temporary and contracting positions because it allows for a variety of work. As a contractor, you get to work on different types of projects with different types of clients. You get exposure to the innovative and ever-changing world of tech. Getting to see how different platforms and languages are utilized in each new project with each new client will develop a robust background while building a diverse skill set!

As a contractor, you also have a lot of autonomy in your work. The client will typically look to you as an expert. You will have control over the work delegated and decisions made on how to approach a project, since it will be new to everyone on the team.

Overall, contracting allows flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to grow in your career.”

If you are interested in learning more about our contract roles, please email hiring@arrowsearchpartners.com.

Moving into 2023, as every year, we are faced with an interesting and ever evolving financial and recruiting landscape. Hear from two of our Partners who have been in the staffing industry for over a decade and have seen various job markets, such as the 2008-2009 financial crisis as well as during Covid in 2020.  Also, get to know a little bit more about them!

Q: Where do you see the job market in the new year?

A: Unemployment rates are currently at the lowest levels we have seen in the past 50 years. As companies created jobs due to growth in 2022, firms had to pay 15-20% more in wages to attract top talent. In 2023, I believe the Federal Reserve has elevated rates at an historic speed and companies will be more cost-conscious. Firms will be more selective on who they want to hire, and the unemployment rate will elevate to a 4.5%-6% level. While some firms have had layoffs, they have predominately been in the Technology sector. Our current client base here at Arrow continues to be hiring and in droves. The job market may not be as hot as 2022, but it will still be one of the better markets we have seen, especially for professionals in Financial Services!

Q: What drew you to recruiting?

A: To this very day, I am so thankful I fell into this profession by accident, out of college. I always wanted to do something where I felt like I could actually help someone in some way. Where clients can *truly* feel we made an impact in their lives. Growing up, both my parents were in sales selling products – but they never felt that sort of fulfillment. Recruitment is truly a win/win/win scenario.

The candidate wins because they are getting a new great job, the client wins because they are finding a new employee that will impact their business in a positive way and the recruiter wins because the firm pays a fee to the recruiter with nothing coming out of the candidate’s pocket. Our recruiters are in the business of helping people. On top of that, my wife and I have built lifelong friendships with clients and candidates we have worked with throughout our journey. Your profession is one of the most important things you have in life, to have an impact in a positive way for people is one of the most rewarding things in the world!  

Fast Facts

1. Hometown? Katonah, NY
2. Favorite sports team? Indiana Hoosiers!
3. Favorite hobby? Playing pickup Basketball
4. Favorite office snack? Banana with Crunchy Peanut Butter

-Blaine Braunstein, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Arrow Search Partners

Q: Where do you see the job market in the new year?

A: The job market has been red hot since Q2 of 2021. Coming into Q1 of 2023 the market is still very busy. I anticipate a pullback within Big Tech, Real Estate and the Banking sector but foresee industries like private equity, credit, public accounting, and consulting to be very active.

Q: What drew you to recruiting?

A: Growing up, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that was people focused. After starting my career in a corporate job within the banking sector, I realized quickly that wasn’t for me. I found my way into recruitment and never looked back. I love recruiting because I’ve been able to build long term relationships and give candidates and clients advice that helps them achieve their long-term goals. Every day is different, which makes coming to work exciting and rewarding.

Fast Facts

1. Hometown? Suffern NY, currently reside in Manhasset NY
2. Favorite sports team? Las Vegas Raiders
3. Favorite hobby? Exercise, watching the NFL and College Lacrosse and anything that gets the competitive juices flowing
4. Favorite office snack? Iced coffee and an RX Bar

–-David Gaber, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Arrow Search Partners

Overall, we are still seeing a hot job market and plenty of opportunities out there to advance your career. Our recruiters are always happy to speak to people who want to get educated on the current job market.

What are intangibles and why do they matter?

Intangible: /inˈtanjəb(ə)l/ (noun) – abstract quality or attribute

Intangibles set you apart, they make you unique. They are your “special sauce”. Some examples of intangibles include: personality, first impressions, etiquette, and energy.

Humans are simply hiring humans they want to work with. Intangibles are often the deciding factor in who sits at the desk. Think about your own intangibles as part of your interview preparation. Jot down a few before an interview. There are other attributes off the page that stand out to interviewers. Remember what makes you, you and go into the interview confident in who you are.

We asked our recruiters, “Why do intangibles matter?”

“When it comes to landing your dream job, there is so much more to the interview process than just your skillset, education, and general background. As simplistic as it may seem, who you are, your personal brand, and your interpersonal skills matter to make the lasting impression you need to land the job you want.

• Show intellectual curiosity – You want the interviewer to feel like you have a genuine interest in the job and come across as passionate about the position and company. An employer wants to hire someone whom they feel will never stop learning and plans to stay and grow with the company.  Don’t be afraid to give an example of a time when you took the initiative and asked to get involved in something outside of your “job description.” Make sure the interviewer knows you are someone who can be taught new skills.
• Show strong work ethic – This one might be the most important. Employers want to hire someone who is willing to go the extra mile and takes pride in their work. Emphasize your experiences, give specific examples of a time you did something you were happy with, and the impact it had on the project you were working on.   
• Interview etiquette – First impressions are everything – dress to impress, show up polished and presentable, be there early, stand up when shaking the interviewer’s hand, and keep consistent eye contact when answering and asking questions. 
• Be engaging –Your energy and the way you exude it makes a lasting impression on any interviewer.  Be excited, engaged, and enthusiastic; ask good questions, and show an understanding of what the interviewer just said by expressing an opinion. 
• Have good follow-up skills – Some job seekers have a hard time with this.  They assume for whatever reason the interview didn’t go as well as they thought, or the interviewer just didn’t seem interested.  Following up, believe it or not, can be an attractive quality to a prospective employer.  A short thank you note goes a long way.” – Alexis Ackerman, Executive Director and Kaitlin Feaster, Associate Director

“There are many ways to excel in an interview, and conveying meaningful intangibles is one of them. A strong resume will land you an interview but displaying these “soft skills” will help you get the job and beat the competition.  Employers are hiring you for your potential, so it’s important to express intangibles such as optimism, confidence, eagerness to learn, and intellectual curiosity during your interview process and throughout each round. Asking thoughtful questions and then patiently listening to your interviewer’s response may impress them more than reading every bullet point on your resume that they reviewed beforehand. Sharpening these “soft skills” takes time but is pivotal to crushing an interview.” – Adam Ellner, Senior Associate

“Intangibles are a crucial element of interviewing because your resume can get your foot in the door, but the intangible qualities are what ultimately lend to success. If you can demonstrate qualities like attitude, initiative, diligence, organizational skills, and industriousness throughout the interview process, an employer is much more likely to see you as an asset to the team than if you have everything on paper but lack the intangibles. The best candidates have the skillset necessary to succeed in the job to start with and the intangibles to succeed in the job long term.” – Sam McKeon, Associate

Many first-round interviews are taken via video on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another online platform. Interviewing well, technologically speaking, can be the deciding factor in whether you continue on in the interview process. 

• Always use a laptop camera for interviews. If you must use a phone, prop it against something so it doesn’t move. Nothing is worse than a shaky screen.
  • Your laptop should be centered to your face, think chest up with some small space above your head
  • Make sure your surrounding area and your face are well lit (not backlit, this will create shadows)
  • Place your camera lens eye level
  • Do not be too close or too far from your laptop
  • Consider putting your laptop on a box or purchase a laptop stand, so you can ensure good posture

• Make sure there is no background noise
  • If you are using headphones, do an audio check beforehand
  • ALWAYS keep your laptop plugged into power if possible, during the interview

• Eye contact
  • In order to present an engaging, open attitude, look at the interviewer directly on your screen
  • Do not stare at the camera lens

• Find a neutral background
  • A plain wall or background works, nothing distracting
  • Make sure you are seated upright in a chair….not on your couch or bed!
  • Rent out an office space if you are unable to take the interview from your home or office

• Dress to always impress…wear what you would normally wear for an in-person interview. Hint, hint: professional, appropriate, and no distracting patterns (especially on camera!)

I. What sets Arrow Search Partners apart from other recruiting agencies?

1. “Relationships- Our partners have built lasting relationships with clients throughout their careers. The organic growth of our client base sets us apart.

2. Different Recruiting Methods – There is a successful balance among everyone that is on the team. It creates a great learning experience for the more junior recruiters.

3. The Culture- The healthy competition and collaborative culture in the organization has enabled us to attract and retain the best recruiters in New York City.

4. The Passion- Everyone in the firm has a desire for each other to be successful. The willingness to assist and guide the younger recruiters on the team makes Arrow, Arrow.”

-Patrick Lupfer, Director

II. What do you look for in a candidate?

“The qualities I find to be most impactful are transparency and communication when working with a candidate. Someone who is not afraid to open up and share their excitement, hesitations and ultimate goals are always the candidates that have the most success in landing their best next step. I also believe curiosity and excitement are great motivators to have when you are going into an interview, as there is always an ability to network, learn and discover more throughout a job search process. I have found that balancing an open mind with the ability to be transparent with your recruiter is the best combination for success in the process.”

-Whitney Johnson, Director

III. What’s your favorite part about being a recruiter?

“My favorite part about being a recruiter is creating strong relationships with my candidates and clients. I meet so many great people and have the privilege of educating them on the market, allowing them to make hiring and career decisions. I take pride in impacting someone’s career in a positive direction and receiving appreciation in return for doing so. I also love working together with my team who brings passion and energy to our day to day. Everyone at Arrow is excited to come to work, help people, and make an impact in the industry.”

-Jeff Killian, Director

IV. What do you tell your candidates to help with nerves before an interview?

“Make sure you are prepared – do your research on the company, get a good night sleep and fuel up before the interview.

According to Alison Doyle at The Balance Careers published on June 22, 2022, the STAR Method will enhance your interviews. STAR is an acronym that describes how to structure interview answers.

• S stands for the situation. This is where you provide a very high-level overview of your role and what was going on.
• T stands for the task you were assigned or took the initiative to solve. In other words, describe in one sentence what made the situation a challenge.
• A stands for the actions you took. Step by step, walk through what you did.
• R stands for results. These are the outcomes of the actions you took to resolve the situation and challenge.

-If you are feeling anxious, go for a walk to clear your head, listen to music, or meditate prior to the interview.

-Pick your outfit out ahead of time. A good ensemble can make you feel confident and ready to conquer the world.

-Sit up straight, put a smile on, and walk with confidence. Keep your shoulders back and keep your head high. Positive body language sends off a good message to others.”

-Chelsea Kim, Director

V. What is your favorite part about the recruiting process?

“My favorite part of the recruiting process is making huge, positive impacts on my candidates’ careers and lives. As a recruiter, you assist professionals make career decisions which is a life changing moment for everybody. It is extremely rewarding when you see the entire recruiting process come to fruition from beginning to end. Whether you get your candidate a huge increase in compensation or their dream job, it feels good to know that you had such a positive influence in facilitating their job search. I also enjoy getting to know my candidates which makes the relationship that much more meaningful. This slice of recruiting is a ‘feel good’ piece that makes what I do so rewarding!”

-Jenna Vasilakopoulos, Associate Director

Entering 2020 the US economy and job market was arguably in the best position it had ever been. Unemployment was at 3.6% and it was a candidate’s market with many receiving multiple job offers from competing clients. This drove up compensation rates and had companies bidding against each other to land top talent.

At Arrow Search Partners our primary focus are placements within Accounting, Finance, Operations and Corporate Services. As an organization we had a great 2019, working with a large array of clients to help them fill their most immediate and sometimes incredibly difficult needs. Moving into 2020 we were extremely well positioned to push our business forward externally by assisting all of our clients as they grew their teams and internally with launching new verticals and divisions so we can be even more all-encompassing for our clients.

However, this was all before COVID-19 struck. As the virus gathered momentum, in what seemed like the space of one week the entire world and its economy was shut down to fight the pandemic.

Of course, as a recruiter this has presented unique challenges to the normally very busy and bustling daily cycle of our lives. It’s been no different for Arrow Search. However, with any tough times there are certain things that can be done to continue success in your career and in your life, and the current pandemic is no different. Recruiting has always been a marathon, not a sprint and the same rules apply.

To help stay the course, here are some key pieces of advice for everyone trying to get through this challenging job market and run their marathon.

Warm up

For any recruiter, organization is key. Consider spending at least 30 minutes at the end of the day planning the next one. You should know:

1. What meetings you have (both internal and external)
2. What calls you need to make to candidates and clients
3. Which companies you want to approach
4. What jobs you’re going to work on

If you’re not organized before you start work, then you risk losing time procrastinating. Set yourself up for the day before it’s even begun and you can hit the ground running. Of course, don’t forget to plan in your breaks and exercise—it’s important to wind down also. 

Set your Goals

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you can’t hit your usual goals. You can work with your manager to set obtainable, daily goals that will keep you moving and ready to hit the ground running when the pandemic lifts and you can even set some for yourself.

Whether it’s new conversations, video meetings, building out the company database or networking you should hold yourself accountable at the end of the day to see if you hit your goals and, more importantly, to keep developing as a recruiter.

Making placements and hitting deals is always the ultimate goal and that will never change but don’t get disheartened if that doesn’t happen during this time. It’s a marathon not a sprint.

Be Positive

There will be highs and lows. But there would also be highs and lows in the office. It’s important to navigate them in the same ways. You might not make a placement every day when you’re working from home, but you probably don’t every day at the office either.

If you bring the same positive energy to every virtual meeting that you do to an in-person meeting you’ll get better results and make better connections. You wouldn’t mope around someone’s office in a meeting, don’t do it to their Zoom.

Things haven’t changed at these times, we’re just running a slightly different path than expected. However, there’s lots we can be doing to prepare for the next phase and not lose any ground, both with clients and candidates and our own careers. The results will come, even if things are on pause for now.

Hopefully everybody will be able to get back to our new normal soon and we will be stronger for this whole experience as recruiters and as people. We are just on a detour on our marathon at the moment—we’ll be back on track and heading for the tape soon enough.  

You just graduated college and you are on your way to beginning a new career. You have internship experience in your pocket, but you always knew these jobs had an end date and you would be back to living the college life. Now it is time to start a real job with a real salary and real expectations. Life is about to change, what can you do to start off on the right foot in the workplace.

 

1. Take initiative- do not wait for work to be delegated to you. Of course, when you start a new job, there is a training process and it may be slow until your boss sees what you can handle. However, do not be afraid to ask for more work. Everyone loves a proactive employee; ask what you can do in times where work is not handed to you.
2. Proofread your work- This is one of the most important things to focus on when starting a new job. No one likes getting an email addressed to a different name, an email with spelling errors or reading work from an employee with grammar mistakes. Proofreading carefully will show your work ethic and the detail that you put into your work.
3. Build healthy relationships with your colleagues- It is important to show your team that you care about them and their success. Building a good dynamic with your boss, building trust and credibility should be a priority your first few months in a new job. It will lead to more opportunities and eventually a promotion.
4. Do not get discouraged by the learning curve- College is very different from the real world. There will be a lot to learn but try not to be intimidated by this new chapter. Let each day add value to your personal and professional growth.

Millennials make up about 50% of the workforce. And this number will continue to increase for years to come. So, what exactly do Millennials look for in the workplace and how can companies meet these needs?

The short answer is that millennials have most of the same career goals as older workers. Millennials are driven by making a positive impact at a Company, helping solve social challenges and doing work that they are passionate about.  However, there are a few things millennials look for in a job that firms should be aware of.

Millennials are always ready to learn. Most are always on the look-out for an opportunity to learn something new. In fact, one of the reasons millennials are leaving their jobs is a lack of training. To avoid this, Companies can add training for both new employees and first/ second year employees who are looking to increase their value.

Millennials are competitive and used to being in the public eye. They are used to everyone knowing everyone’s business and appreciate being recognized. Reward millennials for exceptional performance and celebrate their accomplishments. This will motivate other employees and will bring the millennials “friendly competition” mindset into the work place.

Millennials hate being called millennials. Many millennials feel they are judged based on stereotypes rather than their actual work. When criticizing an individual employee, make sure not to use the word millennial. Individuals want to feel they are being judged on their performance and work, not categorized into their generation.