Occasionally we run into a candidate who is aggravated I sent him an email or made a call to.

“How did you get my number?” or “How did you get my email?” Sometimes the answer is THAT I was referred to you by an acquaintance or co-worker who really respects your ability.  That was the easy way. But other times the answer is “I did my homework.”

I researched the web, patents company’s products and unique design approaches, or product successes and tried to determine who was responsible. I do these things because the opportunities I choose to represent are some of the best in our industry at that given moment.  Having been around for over 30 years I really can choose which opportunities we will spend our time on at Analog Solutions.

My clients do good work and treat people well. They solve interesting problems and I want to help them recruit the best people in our industry at this moment.  My clients depend on us for that.  The candidates/individuals that we develop relationships with also value our service and depend on us and at a cost of zero dollars to them!  Where else can you get that kind of service for free?

So I offer my apologies to you, that I was told was a top notch professional with whom I should speak, or who really did stand out in my research as worthy of inquiry. Remember good career decisions involve making choices.  These choices should be made with some due diligence to increase the chances of making a quality decision.

Also, bear in mind that without an offer there is really nothing to reject!  A “no” is a perfectly acceptable answer to us in the recruiting world. We know that someone will find the opportunity to be great for them.  You after all must live with the decisions you make. Hopefully throughout your career you will make more right ones than wrong ones.  We can only be the catalyst for that information.  I am sorry you felt I crossed a line. I’m sorry you got mad or offended, or whatever made you write me that terse email. It made me a little sad. After all I was only trying to bring forth a possible opportunity that may or may not have turned out to be a positive outcome for you and your family.

The Analog Recruiter in me Likes Technology

I like to read a lot, especially about things that interest me.  So being an analog recruiter means I like to read up on new trends in technology, and also recruiting.  Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more articles about these two areas merging.  When I see that, I can’t help myself.  The analog recruiter in me gets excited!

Last week I wrote about how businesses are using social media tools in their recruiting efforts to get to know their candidates better.  Now, there is a firm that is delivering recruiting directly to the place where young people are spending much of their time: their smartphones.

CACI is a business that provides information technology solutions to federal agencies involved with national security, intelligence, and defense.  They’re a successful company, and part of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies list.  They have about 15,000 employees working in offices around the world.

More importantly, CACI is a power recruiter!

This information industry leader just launched a new smartphone app to attract job-seekers to their company.  It’s a brilliant move.  If you’re looking to attract young, dynamic individuals with talent, then you have to find ways to attract their attention while they text, check in on Four Square, or leave a status update on Facebook.

It looks like CACI has found a way to do that.

CACI has been on the cutting edge before with their recruiting efforts.  In 2012, they won the Recruiting Department of the Year Award.  To me, it looks like innovation is a big part of their successful recruiting efforts.

That’s something we share with them.  Analog Solutions recruits for a small, select group of firms in the semiconductor industry.  Need help with your recruiting, we know how to find the right people for your opening.

Let Analog Solutions help you with your next candidate search.

Source:  http://www.ere.net/2013/06/14/caci-launches-new-mobile-careers-app/ ; LIKE and COMMENT your thoughts about recruiting going mobile.

Analog World and Social Media

Our analog recruiting world indirectly affects social media, and we love it!

It wasn’t that long ago that the business community viewed social media as unimportant, a fad that young people used to waste time.  Many didn’t see how social media could be a benefit to business, and some of those same folks thought it would fade away.

Well, those days are over!  To say social media is here to stay seems like a pretty obvious statement in 2013.  What is surprising, though, is how businesses are discovering new ways to apply the power of social media tools to their daily tasks.

One area of business where social media is taking root is in the field of recruiting.  The rumors that hiring officials have been checking out candidates on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are true.  While LinkedIn is a natural for seeing what a candidate brings to a job professionally, Facebook and Twitter allow companies to get a sense of who the job seeker is as a person. 

Some might not be pleased with hiring officials checking out social sites, but checking candidates out is a legitimate way to minimize hiring risks.  Social media allows recruiters to get a better picture of a candidate, by learning about their likes, dislikes, and interests. 

In a recent article on ere.net, Raj Sheth suggests that companies may want to consider expanding their job search beyond LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to other social sites such as Quora, where you can gain insight into their career expertise.

Quora is both a blog site, and also a question and answer site.  It’s a mix of Blogger and Wikipedia, where users can get questions answered from blogs that were previously written. 

Sheth writes, “Quora enables you to take a deeper look into potential candidates. Other sites might scratch the surface, but Quora will highlight competitive intelligence, dialogue, and a reflective experience… Quora answers the question: Do they really know their stuff?”

Another social tool is Dribble.  The site showcases the work of web, graphic, interior and fashion designers.  It’s a great way to find a candidate by seeing their work first.  Then you can decide whether or not to pursue that person further.

Quora and Dribble are just two social tools available for use by recruiters.  There are many others where the work or thoughts of candidates can be discovered.  “As recruiters,” Sheth states, “we have to figure out what we can get out of these tools.”

Social media continues to change, evolve and grow.  As it does, it is proving to be a valuable tool to businesses not just in marketing their products or services, but also in attracting talent.

Source: http://www.ere.net/2013/06/06/social-media-recruiting-beyond-facebook-twitter-and-linkedin/#more-32473

Analog Recruiter shares cell phone study

As an analog recruiter I am constantly keeping up with cell phones and the
technology of communication through these devices.

The Pew Research Centers Internet and American Life Project released a new study on cell phone use recently.  The study showed that the majority of cell phones in use today are smartphones. 

That’s a new tipping point for the cellular industry.  Smartphone usage among U.S. adults grew to 56% in the past year, with 35% of cell users having a non-smartphone, and 9% not using any type of mobile phone at all.

The study indicated that those without smartphones tended to be low income, with a low educational attainment. 

The iPhone was identified as an “elite” device, since its owners had a higher level of education and income. 

Usage by device broke down tis way:

·      28% use Android,

·      25% use iPhone,

·      4% Blackberry,

·      1% Windows.

So what do the statistics really mean? 

They seem to indicate that the futuristic vision of Americans using advanced consumer technology devices is actually here.  We’re living that future---right now.  

On the other hand, the data shows that while these very cool, futuristic devices are available, they have not spread into all the sectors of the population yet.  Technology costs money, and not everyone has it in equal amounts to spend on smartphones.  Yet truly widespread use is just a matter of time.

The 56% usage number is a big deal.  Smartphones, powered by semiconductors, are here to stay.  Their use will only spread as technology costs continue to drop over time.  

We’re proud to be associated with the industry that makes smartphone use possible, the semiconductor industry.  The people we place in that field make these wonderful, futuristic devices possible.

Source: http://www.knightdigitalmediacenter.org/news/2013/06/who-isnt-using-smartphone-yet

Semiconductors Improve Our Lives

       Analog Solutions meets the needs of the chip industry as a semiconductor recruiter, and also an analog recruiter.  We’re proud to serve an industry that makes a product found in nearly every electronic device throughout the world.  It’s a fair statement to say that the semiconductor industry has improved the quality of all our lives. 

     Having brought about the information revolution, semiconductors are closely tied with computers.  However, their use has spread to multiple products that touch us daily.  The Semiconductor Industry Association recently looked at the positive impact of the chip and its industry.

     Semiconductors are in products that entertain us such as TVs, in smartphones that we use for many things, including communication, and in cars giving us better fuel economy.  Semiconductors are also used in planes helping with navigation, in military systems that protect us, and in healthcare systems that diagnose us.

     They also help bring the cost of technology products down.  Remember what a big, clunky cell phone cost in 1984?  Compare that to your smart phone today.

     Semiconductors are also in the top three U.S. manufactured exports for the United States, behind automobiles and ahead of planes.

     The industry has a further positive impact on our economy as a job creator and supporter.  Nearly 245,000 people work in the field, and one semiconductor job supports 4.89 other jobs across the U.S. economy.  That means there are more than 1 million additional jobs because of this industry.

     Those working in semiconductors also contribute more to the economy because their salary is 2.5 times higher than what the average U.S. worker earns.   

     The bottom line is this: The semiconductor industry is good for our country and the world, contributing positively to our economy, protecting our freedoms, and enriching our lives.

     Analog Solutions has built our reputation as a power recruiter in the semiconductor field by recognizing the importance of this industry.  This highly technical, highly specialized field requires the right people to work in it, if it is to continue to impact our lives positively. 

     We’ve recruited for some of the biggest names in the field.  We understand the need to find the right people, and we know how to get them because we know the analog and digital semiconductor business!

Gary Fowler, Executive Technology Recruiter, Analog Solutions

Semiconductor and Analog Industry Recruiter

President of Analog Solutions, Gary Fowler, drives annually at 
Talladega Superspeedway! One of Gary's passions, besides being an Analog Recruiter, is driving Sprint Cup Cars! Here is a recent 20 laps dooooooooooown in super lightening speed by Gary....

How to Select a Recruiter: The Dos and Don’ts of Effectively Working With Your Career Consultant/Recruiter

     The selection of a recruiter, or a few, is a very important decision to be made in your career.  The recruiting profession, like any other, is compiled of many different skill levels and work methods, and it is very important to select a professional recruiter based on their ability, quality of judgment, depth of resources, ingenuity and integrity.  While some recruiters are generalists, others are specialized.

     There are two types of recruiters: those who work as independent recruiters and those that are either employed directly by a company or on contract.  One of the key differences between the internal and external recruiters is obvious.  The internal recruiters’ main focus is on recruiting you to their company either now or in the future. 

     Unfortunately, you can’t select the recruiter you want to work with if that person is working inside a company.  Typically, the person assigned the requisition will be the one to deal with you. 

     The external recruiter generally represents multiple companies and is engaged with several different opportunities at any given time.  The more seasoned recruiter may also have access to a better selection of opportunities: They are generally identified and called based on their reputation and experience.  This allows the seasoned recruiter to work on the best and most unique positions, instead of just any opening that comes along.

     The selection criteria for an independent recruiter can be summed up below.  You should ask questions in these specific areas to get a better understanding of your recruiter’s capabilities:

1)     What is their level, or years of experience as a recruiter?

2)     What is their expertise in your functional area: Do they seem to understand your industry, its trends, compensation, key companies and players?

3)     Do they have knowledge of the opportunity and company they are representing?

4)     What is their level of relationships: Are they working with HR or the Executives/decision makers?

5)     Do they seem interested in fostering a long term relationship with you or are they simply trying to fill a specific position?

6)     How might they help you in preparing for an interview and will they help negotiate an acceptable package for both their client and you, the candidate?

7)     Do they seem knowledgeable of helping you with your resume?

8)     How do they work?  Will they send your resume without your knowledge , populating the databases of companies in hope of a fee upon hire?  Or will they only present you for a given position in which that you are both qualified and interested?

9)     Do they have the high level contacts to confidentially tap the unadvertised or non-requisitioned positions?

10)  Do they debrief both yourself and their client after your interviews and provide you with truthful feedback?

     Here are some helpful “Do’s & Don’ts” for effectively working with your chosen professional recruiter:

1)     Be honest and open on your career hot buttons, motivations, limitations and strengths, weaknesses and personal issues.

2)      Don’t use a recruiter to apply to a company a second time.  If you’ve already applied, don’t call your recruiter of choice and ask them to present you again, just because you have not received a reply from your initial inquiry, or those of another recruiter.  Most reputable companies will simply dismiss you as a candidate.

3)     Let your recruiter know where you have sent your resume.  Also, make sure you keep a record of where you have sent it, and where your recruiter will send it.

4)     Don’t use two, or more, recruiters to present you to any one company.  Again, you stand to lose out as a candidate.

5)     Stay in touch with your recruiter and keep them informed of any unique opportunities you hear about. 

     Finally, consider this: The best time to make a job change will often seem like an inopportune time for you!  Consider making a change when your current position is attractive and things are going well.  This puts you in the best position to potentially move to a better opportunity.  If you wait until you need a position, you run the risk of timing working against you.  The best opportunity is not usually available when you are ready, or need, to find something. 

     Also, don’t just consider the companies where you have friends or colleagues.  This can limit the quality of positions you could get and impact your career upside potential.  Don’t settle for the less attractive position because of a known entity.  Evaluate them all based on their merits and your ability to get an offer. 

     Remember without that offer you have no decision to make!

Gary Fowler, Executive Technology Recruiter, Analog Solutions, 
Semiconductor and Analog Industry Recruiter

Semiconductor Industry Down in 2012

     As an analog recruiter serving the chip industry, we understand that semiconductor manufacturing is vital to Silicon Valley.

     Sales and employment figures impact the region, the industry and also our business as a semiconductor recruiter.

     We’ve built our reputation as a power recruiter by successfully following and adapting to sales and employment trends in the market.  It’s the best way to serve our clients.

     There are nearly 50,000 people working at some 249 semiconductor businesses in Santa Clara County alone, according to California's Employment Development Department.  The industry remains a major employer in Silicon Valley. 

     With that said, the industry suffered a set back in 2012.  MercuryNews.com reported after an all time sales high in 2011, the industry that built the information revolution was down last year by nearly 6%, and suffered a 38% decline in profit!

    According to the research firm IHS, only eight of the world’s largest 25 chipmakers experienced positive growth last year, while nine companies experienced double-digit hits.  The researchers referred to 2012 as "a miserable year for the semiconductor market and suppliers."

     It’s not yet known whether the 2012 numbers are a trend, or simply an anomaly.  But in an uncertain economy, businesses can’t afford to take risks, especially when securing their most important resource.  People.

     Take the risk out of your next candidate search and go with the firm that has nearly three decades of recruitment expertise in the semiconductor industry: Analog Solutions. 

     Our name says it all. We know the analog and digital semiconductor industry.  We’ve helped some of the biggest names in the field.  We appreciate the high precision design and manufacturing required to produce chips.  More importantly, we understand the need to find the right people to work in this field, and we know how to get them!

     When you know something inside and out, you stay with it.  You build upon it. At Analog Solutions, we know the semiconductor industry, and we know how to find the right people to work in it.

Gary Fowler, Executive Technology Recruiter, Analog Solutions, 
Semiconductor and Analog Industry Recruiter