An inside view from the Accounting & Finance permanent placement recruiters of Winter, Wyman & Company:
I split my time in between our Waltham and Boston offices and work alongside some of the best, brightest, most talented and well connected recruiters in the Boston area. My group ranges in age from late 20's to well... (they probably wouldn't want me to say) and their tenure ranges from 3+ yrs to 25+ yrs. I sit in a noisy cubicle with no privacy and everyone can hear every word you say. Let's just say that took some getting used to, but 6 years later, I love it. Every day I get to go to work and hear new things and learn more from everyone around me about the nuances, growth and life of the Boston job market.
What does that mean to you?
It means that all of our conversations provide each other a good indication of what's hot and what's not, which companies are hiring and which ones are in a holding pattern, and much more... In turn, that shared knowledge provides you with the information you need to start thinking about your next move. Should you go with a big company or a start-up? Are salaries on the rise or will you have to make a lateral move? Are stock options and/or sign on bonuses a part of the package anymore? Are bonus plans being reinstated?
Our team has the inside scoop and as you start thinking about your next move, it is worth connecting with Winter Wyman to get a pulse on the market. I thought it would be great to use my blog to share some perspective from each person on the Accounting and Finance team here at Winter Wyman so you can get inside access to some advice and start to get a better feel of this changing market as things continue to turn around...
So here we go everyone, let's meet the team! You will see our funny and our serious sides at the same time...
Our fabulous managers first of course:
Ken Martin, Sr. Partner & General Manager
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Ray Liotta, because I'm a bit paranoid just like Henry Hill in Goodfellas
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
When making any career related decision always take into consideration the long term impact your decision will have on such things as promotability, marketability and career stability. Often decisions are made taking only short term gains into consideration.
Carrie McGrath, Partner & Co-Manager (Waltham Team)
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Sandra Bullock, why indeed? Because she rocks. She continues to display what a strong and powerful woman she is.
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
Do your homework ahead of time. There is so much available to you via the internet now, there is no excuse for not having thoroughly researched the company you are interviewing with and coming up with some good questions regarding their business. You also should ALWAYS send follow up thank you notes. It does make a difference to many and often distinguishes you positively from the competition. Think of it as a follow up selling tool as well. Last chance to make a good impression!
Andrew Finn, Partner & Co-Manager (Waltham Team)
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would be it be?
Anthony Michael Hall
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
Take your search seriously. Put the time and effort into it that it deserves. Do your homework, be prepared, and take pride in what you do.
and the fabulous people who keep our managers looking good... :) in no particular order:
Jane Durant CPA, Partner
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Laura Linney, because she has a similar physical appearance and she is a great actress.
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
Have GREAT questions to ask each interviewer!
Glenn Freedman, Manager
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Billy Crystal because he's pretty funny and a bit cynical
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
Do your research before the interview so you are prepared to demonstrate how you can add value to the company if hired.
Elizabeth Gormley, Sr. Recruiter
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Jessica Biel - She seems to be grounded and someone that takes her job seriously but is playful and adventurous on her own time. When I look at Jessica I see a well-rounded woman who is approachable and has a natural confidence about her.
Jessica Biel - She seems to be grounded and someone that takes her job seriously but is playful and adventurous on her own time. When I look at Jessica I see a well-rounded woman who is approachable and has a natural confidence about her.
What is some advice would you give to a job seeker that is currently working?
Make sure you are mentally prepared to conduct a search, ask yourself WHY you are searching and WHAT it is that you are looking for. Do you have time to dedicate to a search? Let's be realistic, interviewing will all take away from your current work schedule (never mind the preparation and research you need to do beforehand!), so make sure you have reasons to be taking half days here and there. What is most important is to be yourself. The bottom line is that companies hire people they want to work with and people that they like. So take a deep breath; muster up that confidence and walk into the interview with a clear head so you can get that job!
Make sure you are mentally prepared to conduct a search, ask yourself WHY you are searching and WHAT it is that you are looking for. Do you have time to dedicate to a search? Let's be realistic, interviewing will all take away from your current work schedule (never mind the preparation and research you need to do beforehand!), so make sure you have reasons to be taking half days here and there. What is most important is to be yourself. The bottom line is that companies hire people they want to work with and people that they like. So take a deep breath; muster up that confidence and walk into the interview with a clear head so you can get that job!
Scott Gottesman, Sr. Recruiter
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Andy Garcia because it's all about Jimmy "The Saint"!
What is one of the most important things that companies are really looking for?
Culture fit and the future impact / added value the candidate could bring to the table down the road.
Scott's LinkedIn Profile: http://bit.ly/ScottGottesman
Kimberly Keough, Research/Marketing
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Johnny Depp...there isn't anything he can't do, would love to see him play a woman, and I never get tired of looking at him :)
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
When applying to an open position, tailor your resume and cover letter to the role in which you are applying. Also, if you are an out of state candidate, but are specifically planning on relocating to the area, address that in your cover letter (or the body of the email).
Surprisingly, many candidates don't do this and submit a generic resume/cover letter that isn't relevant to position or the company to which they are applying...even though they may be well qualified for the role. Employers receive hundreds of resumes everyday and sometimes only have the opportunity to spend less than a minute with each resume. Don't give them a reason to rule you out before they rule you in; make those few minutes count and make yourself relevant by clearly aligning yourself with the position requirements and stating up-front what makes you the candidate they're looking for!
Surprisingly, many candidates don't do this and submit a generic resume/cover letter that isn't relevant to position or the company to which they are applying...even though they may be well qualified for the role. Employers receive hundreds of resumes everyday and sometimes only have the opportunity to spend less than a minute with each resume. Don't give them a reason to rule you out before they rule you in; make those few minutes count and make yourself relevant by clearly aligning yourself with the position requirements and stating up-front what makes you the candidate they're looking for!
Kim's LinkedIn Profile: http://bit.ly/KimberlyKeough
Ryan Ledger, Principal Recruiter
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Jeremy Piven
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
In this difficult market, where there is a lot of competition, it is important to partner with an experienced recruiter that can help you not only find your dream job but be an advocate for you and work together to ensure you are the candidate of choice.
Ryan's LinkedIn Profile: http://bit.ly/RyanLedger
James Mellon, Sr. Recruiter
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Vince Vaughn, because he is a funny guy and doesn't take himself too seriously.
What is one of the most important things that companies are really looking for?
I think one of the most important things a company looks for is someone who not only has a good skill set for the position they are looking to fill, but also someone who is going to be a good company culture fit. 50% of the interview is the company trying to decide if the person they are meeting is going to be well liked and fit in with the existing team. I think a person should try to bond with the interviewers as much as they can by being personable, finding commonality and convincing them that they are a team player. This should of course be in addition to selling themselves on why they are a good fit for the role itself.
I think one of the most important things a company looks for is someone who not only has a good skill set for the position they are looking to fill, but also someone who is going to be a good company culture fit. 50% of the interview is the company trying to decide if the person they are meeting is going to be well liked and fit in with the existing team. I think a person should try to bond with the interviewers as much as they can by being personable, finding commonality and convincing them that they are a team player. This should of course be in addition to selling themselves on why they are a good fit for the role itself.
Jen O'Brien, Principal Recruiter
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Julia Louis Dreyfus...I have always heard that I remind people of her..maybe it's the characters she plays. I see her as upbeat, energetic, sharp witted and can also be a bit kooky.
What is one of the most important things that companies are really looking for?
Desire to work at their company in this role! Demonstrated passion for your profession, focus (knowing what you want), positive attitude and high energy. Lighter candidates who show this level of interest and enthusiasm are far more likely to get an offer from the company than someone who looks good on paper but doesn't convey these qualities.
Bill O'Connell, Partner
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Mark Harmon
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
Don't get discouraged if things don't happen quickly. Most qualitative searches take time. If the right job comes up right away that's great, but if it doesn't, don't panic and take something that's not the right role.
Bill O'Neil, Principal Recruiter
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Matthew Broderick because people tell me I'm a dead ringer for him and I'm as savvy and creative as his character Ferris Bueller.
What is one of the most important things that companies are really looking for?
Companies are really looking to hire people with great personalities (as long as they have the relevant skill set to do the job). If you can connect with a hiring manager on a personal level you have a great chance of getting the job.
Mark Rosen, Partner
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
James Woods - Poker playing actor (and taller than Jason Alexander!!!)
What is one of the most important things that companies are really looking for?
Companies are looking for the right personality fit. At the end of the day, you spend more hours awake each day with your co-workers than you will with your spouse. There needs to be a good fit; a match of personalities and communication styles.
Kristin Scott, Sr. Recruiter
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Jennifer Aniston because she is genuine, down to earth and stays true to herself. For someone who is already gorgeous, she keeps getting better with age. Who wouldn't want to be her?!
What one piece of advice would you give to a job seeker?
Be the most excited, enthusiastic version of yourself in an interview. Companies like candidates who are generally happy & excited to be there and are presenting themselves in a professional manner. Looking your best in your nicest suit is key as well.
If anyone could play you in a movie, who would it be?
Katherine Heigl. She is sassy, funny, smart and not afraid to speak her mind, which is a lot like me!
What is one of the most important things that companies are really looking for?
Confidence. It's all about the delivery of your answer. If you believe in what your saying, the person you are interviewing will believe it as well!
I hope you found our tidbits to be helpful and I also hope you enjoyed my team as much as I do. Please look us all up on Linked In. We look forward to connecting!
Stay tuned for more blog posts! As always, I welcome any feedback.
~Jill
Thank you for the helpful information!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome! Thanks for the feedback :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jill, I think this is a really great post! Good information and I think the movie character question helps the reader identify with who the advice is coming from. I will be interested in reading your blog again!
ReplyDelete