I was recently a job hunter when I came to New York, and I must admit I had some frustrations. I felt like no-one cared about me, no-one liked me and I was rubbish at what I did. Well, for a while anyway. I started off the usual way of job hunting by having a little look online and applying for the odd job. And to be honest, this was a bit useless and I got little response initially. I really had not taken the time to really understand how best to write my resume (being used to writing CVs in the UK), I was being a little too broad in my searches and I was not focused on what I really wanted! How could a recruiter help me if I was not even sure what I was doing. For those of you who are unaware what the day in the life of a recruiter and in-house HR Manager looks like, imagine the following: Working to fill 10-20 jobs at one time Reading through hundreds of applications a week Getting countless phone calls each day from people who don’t know what they want and need advice, people wanting to apply…

This question can be useful for anyone, but particularly for those who want to get ahead and be more “successful”. Not everyone has great ambition to achieve this. Having read the odd autobiography and self-help-type book, successful people regularly explain the importance of surrounding yourself with successful people. Why? Well, as some experts, doctors, psychologists say, as humans we tend to follow what others do. Generally speaking, it is no coincidence that people who are brought up in underserved areas of the world tend to be less successful in business or their careers. And those that grow up in wealthy areas are more often than not exposed to more opportunities/experiences and therefore programmed to want to do well (mostly). Not all, but a lot of this comes down to how we behave as individuals, by following others. Again, why should you surround yourself with successful people, if you want to be successful? Well, as some experts say, the more you hang around those who have “better” jobs, earn more money, study more, strive for promotions etc. the more likely you will be to push yourself to do the same. This can be true in many ways: When you spend time…

Well, if the research is right, which I am sure it is, then look no further than Google (and other similar employee-engagement award-winning companies). If you take a surf online, you will find that Google tops all the major ‘best companies to work for’ lists, and has done so consistently for half a dozen years. Is it because they are cool people to work for like all those other silicon valley players, or is it more than casual dress and healthy fruit options that makes the west coast creatives so successful in attracting and retaining staff? I would say so. Since serious, and ongoing, studies into employee engagement began 20+ years ago, issues around attracting and retaining top talent has been snowballing over the past couple of decades. With the millennial factor thrown in – the next generation of leaders, that are info junkies who must, and can, read every review online before even choosing a good coffee – there is suddenly a great emphasis on knowing what employee engagement options can be offered to you, the job hunter. Companies that offer these meaningful benefits are places where Early Adoptors and dynamic leaders reside – offering progressive, positive and supportive places of…