Recession makes recruitment checks more stringent

21/07/2009

Experian Background Checking, the specialist candidate verification service, today revealed that the volume of recruitment background checks carried out in the first quarter of 2009 has increased by three per cent, despite the sharp drop in recruitment levels owing to the recession . The increase, measured against the same period in 2008 (January to March), demonstrates a tightening of recruitment practices across all sectors and company sizes.

With the economic downturn, attrition rates in companies are low as employees opt to stay where they are to retain their jobs in an unstable market and businesses recruiting are setting high standards for candidates to reach.

Avis Easteal, General Manager at Experian Background Checking, commented: “The tightening of recruitment practices is a response to the wide pool of candidates that employers can now select from. In times of recession, candidates are more likely to exaggerate their skills and or qualifications on their CV and employers want to be sure of selecting the right candidate. With companies reigning in costs at every opportunity, they don’t want to make a costly recruitment mistake.”

In addition, over the last quarter Experian has seen organisations increasingly looking beyond traditional employment references and requesting additional authentication, criminal record and adverse finance checks. Seven per cent of criminal record checks undertaken over the period highlighted convictions not disclosed in the application thus demonstrating the importance of this check.

Avis Easteal commented: “Organisations are increasingly aware of the financial, legal and reputational risks that recruiting a new employee can expose them to. Employers are becoming more diligent in their decision making and carrying out checks on the character of the candidate through Criminal Record and adverse finance checks rather than just focusing on their ability to do the job. Criminal record and adverse finance checks give known facts on which a decision can be made. Firms are rightly cautious and vetting candidates to a greater degree.”
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Partner Product Manager- McAfee- Colombia ( only locals)

The Partner Product Manager (PPM) - Partner Management is responsible for developing and managing multiple partner implementation portfolios. Within McAfee, Consumer Division, the PPM is expected to effectively serve as both a business manager and a technical implementation lead.
To achieve joint partner and McAfee program goals, the PPM is required to resolve problems and remove obstacles that may diminish business success by demonstrating strong communication, coordination and creative problem solving expertise. The PPM will work on a range of diverse partner implementation projects, requiring the detailed definition of published release requirements (PRDs), matrix team management, partner interactions, and the engagement of appropriate McAfee resources including business development, project management, application engineering, release engineering, web services, and customer/technical support. The PPM will work with engineering and product management to define, manage and deploy signed partner agreeements, while working with Business Development to monitor, track and optimize existing accounts. The PPM will also be responsible for providing pre-sales guidance and is expected to understand the current product offering set and deployment models as well as the road map features of future product releases - Support will be provided through the creation and publication of support tools; sales training; and on-site support for Tier 1 opportunities. The PPM will provide pre-sales support by having a diverse knowledge of existing and planned partner releases and best practices from successful partnerships.
The PPM will possess a diverse skill-set, including both a technical understanding of the Internet, consumer security software (anti-virus, anti-hacker, anti-abuse, and anti-spam) solutions and marketing expertise. Excellent written, presentation and analytic skills are required to manage the day-to-day operations of a partnership portfolio. The PPM role includes researching, validating, and prioritizing implementation requirements, documenting market and product requirements and evangelizing the partner program within the internal organizations.
Language Skills: Strong presentation skills. Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and verbal, is a must for all geography assignments.
Education Requirements: BS/BA - Marketing, Business Administration or technical degree; MBA a plus
Experience Required:
5-7+ years experience in product marketing/product management/partner management with a minimum of 3 years experience within a consumer-based web or software company.
Knowledge of XML a MUST.
Demonstrated business judgement, leadership and creative problem solving with cross-functional teams
Proven success delivering quality products/services or marketing programs with software/internet security solution and/or a web-based product

Victoria Guillemette
LATAM Contract Recruiter
Email: vguillemette@gmail.com
Skype: Victoriag6
MSN: victoriag_telp@hotmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/0/bb1/192

Systems Engineer -Located Colombia ( only locals) for McAfee

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:
Systems Engineer (Levels 1 through 5): Oversees pre-sale and/or post-sale support of company products/systems. Provides technical support in sales presentations, product demonstrations, installation and maintenance of company products to ensure that the system is functioning according to specifications. Provides answers to customer inquiries concerning system software and applications. Provides software development and consultation to prospective users. May build a mini-application based on customer requirements to demonstrate feasibility of the application, often requiring rapid prototyping. Survey Tip: If employee performs installation and maintenance of client systems over a long-term contract on a fee-for-service basis, match to Systems Integration Specialist (5691-5695).
LEVELING REQUIREMENTS:
Level 1:
• KNOWLEDGE: Learns to use professional concepts. Applies company policies and procedures to resolve routine issues.
• JOB COMPLEXITY: Works on problems of limited scope. Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. Contact with others is primarily internal.
• SUPERVISION: Normally receives detailed instructions on all work.
• EXPERIENCE: Typically requires no previous professional experience.
Level 2:
• KNOWLEDGE: Uses professional concepts; applies company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues.
• JOB COMPLEXITY: Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Has internal and some external contacts.
• SUPERVISION: Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.
• EXPERIENCE: Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience. In some companies, the requirement will be less.
Level 3:
• KNOWLEDGE: Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures; resolves a wide range of issues in imaginative as well as practical ways. This job is the fully qualified, career-oriented, journey-level position.
• JOB COMPLEXITY: Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Interacts with senior internal and external personnel.
• SUPERVISION: Normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments.
• EXPERIENCE: Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience. In some companies, the requirement will be less.
Level 4:
• KNOWLEDGE: Having wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Some barriers to entry exist at this level (i.e., dept/peer review).
• JOB COMPLEXITY: Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Internal and external contacts often pertain to company plans and objectives.
• SUPERVISION: Determines methods and procedures on new assignments, and may provide guidance to other personnel.
• EXPERIENCE: Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience. In some companies, the requirement will be less. At this level, graduate coursework may be desirable.
Level 5:
• KNOWLEDGE: Having broad expertise or unique knowledge, uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways. Barriers to entry such as technical committee review exist at this level.
• JOB COMPLEXITY: Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Contacts pertain to significant matters often involving coordination among groups.
• SUPERVISION: Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others.
• EXPERIENCE: Typically requires a minimum of 12+ years of related experience. In some companies, the requirement will be less. At this level, graduate coursework may be expected.


Victoria Guillemette
LATAM Contract Recruiter
Email: vguillemette@gmail.com
Skype: Victoriag6
MSN: victoriag_telp@hotmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/0/bb1/192

MARKETING YOURSELF IN TODAYS LABOR MARKET!

Okay, if you're going to find the job that you want, you're going to have to learn a very basic skill of survival in the workplace today -- you're going to have to learn how to market yourself.

Now, if you're like I am, you're probably terrified of the prospect. I know that I was. I'd always thought that marketing was a skill that took years to develop and that only people who were suave and sophisticated where able to market themselves. Luckily, I discovered that just about anyone out there can learn to market themselves.

In today's electronic age, it's easier than ever for you to successfully market yourself. What you'll need is a little bit of money -- and we're definitely talking only a little bit here -- and some drive and initiative.

1. Get up a web page.

This is important. You're living in an age where people today might be looking for your talents from anywhere in the world and unless you're able to be found by them, you're going to lose out. Both ResumeDirector.com and ResumeArrow.com provide free resume web pages when you join their services.

2. Track down leads.

If you're going to learn to market yourself successfully, you're going to have to be willing to track down any and all leads. Forget about trying to find a place that's currently looking for an opening to be filled. In all likelihood, by the time that you found out about the opening, it was already filled. What you need to do is drop a line to various companies that you're interested in working for and introduce yourself. If you do so in a sincere and clever fashion, you'll make enough of a favorable impression that might well cause someone in the company to let you know when an opening appears.

3. Brochure yourself.

One of the most effective marketing tools out there is still the brochure. If you're going to learn to market yourself, it's important that you have a brochure that you can present to prospective clients or employment officers. (If someone finds out about you online, you can send them a postal brochure with all the information that you want to impart to them and it will have a much longer lasting effect upon them than just a webpage they might have visited.)

4. Print advertising.

Since you're learning how to market yourself, you might as well learn that the print medium is still strong and powerful and people are still using it to find the services and skills from individuals. If you're a writer, for example, you might consider taking out a small ad in WRITER'S DIGEST and advertising your services. Or, if you're involved with architecture, you can take out some small ads in some of the architectural digests that might well generate some leads -- and possibly even eventual employment.

5. Locate people directly.

You can use the search engines to program for your local area zip code, your particular job skills, and it will direct you to various websites that are locally owned. From there, you can contact the individuals directly and introduce yourself. This is one of the more effective ways of getting an "in" with a local company.

When you're learning how to market yourself, you need to focus on the skills that you possess and emphasize them. In addition, it's important not to oversell yourself. The more honest and truthful you are, the more likely it is that you'll be able to successfully market yourself.

10 REASONS YOUR SEARCH ISN'T WORKING!

Initially, it is overconfidence that the process will be easy and [that] time should be carved out for family, sports and other activities that were neglected when working. The opposite is true. Getting a job is usually more work than being employed," Villwock says. "The core mistake is not procrastination, not working on a résumé or not going to a networking meeting. It is not knowing the process and working the plan to get the job that you deserve." You don't get it: You've scoured the Internet for jobs. You've blanketed the market with your résumé. You've sent a basic cover letter with every application. Why isn't anything happening?
While simply submitting your application materials and waiting for an opportunity to fall in your lap might have been enough to land a job at one point in time, the frustrating reality of today's job market makes that type of job search impossible. Instead, today's job seekers must go above and beyond if they want to stand a chance at landing a great opportunity.
Competing for work is a process that requires full engagement but generates significant momentum, says Jim Villwock, author of "Whacked Again! Secrets to Getting Back on the Executive Saddle." But, many job seekers get distracted in their searches and get frustrated when they don't see results right away.

Here are 10 reasons your job search might not be succeeding:

1. You aren't networking
No one can help you find a job if you they don't know you need it. Your friends, family and previous employers all know someone who knows someone, so utilize their knowledge and connections as you look for work.
Additionally, make yourself (and your job search) visible on social and professional networking sites like BrightFuse, Facebook or LinkedIn. According to a survey by Robert Half International, 62 percent of executives think professional networking sites will be useful while searching for candidates in the next few years. Thirty-five percent of respondents said they would use social networking sites as a recruitment resource.
2. You're skipping the cover letter online
For some reason, people can't get used to the idea of how to submit a cover letter online, so they just skip the step altogether. Wrong move, people. Your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression or address any inconsistencies on your résumé. When sending your application via e-mail, your cover letter serves as the body of the e-mail and your résumé is attached.
3. Your cover letter is generic
Now that we know you have to send a cover letter, the next step is making sure that it's not generic. You need to tailor each letter to a specific job and person, while clearly identifying the aspects of your background that meet the employer's needs, says Ane Powers, managing partner at The White Hawk Group, a career management firm.
"Your cover letter is your ticket to the interview. The ticket is voided and placed in the 'thanks, but no thanks' pile if it doesn't scream 'I am a perfect fit for this position,'" she says.
4. You're procrastinating
Oftentimes, when we don't see the results we want, we get frustrated and worried. After applying to so many jobs without hearing anything, you just don't have the energy to update your résumé, write a targeted cover letter or follow up with a hiring manager, so you put it off until tomorrow, then the next day and the next day. But why put off tomorrow what can be done today? Your dream job is not going to fall from the sky, so continue to endure and be proactive in your search.
5. You're only searching for jobs on the Internet
While job boards and company Web sites are a great starting place to find a job, the majority of open positions are never advertised, Powers says. Communicate with people who can help you: human resource managers, recruiters and successful professionals will all be key in discovering new opportunities.
6. You're not doing your research
This might be the most basic piece of job advice out there, yet some people still choose not to follow it. Executives polled by RHI said 25 percent of candidates didn't have any knowledge of the company or industry to which they're applying.
Things change every day in business, especially in today's market. It's important to know of any changes going on at the company where you're applying. If you are applying for work in a new industry, do some research to prove that you can be a valuable addition to that field.
7. You're blanketing the market with your résumé
"Attractive candidates demonstrate strategic marketing. Blanketing the market with your résumé demonstrates desperation and lack of strategic thinking," Powers says. Don't send résumés to every single job opening out there. Identify the organizations that meet your requirements and go from there.
8. You're not following up
Too many job seekers assume that if they haven't heard back from an employer, it's because they've been shot down for the position. While that may be true, there is also every possibility that your résumé never made it to its final destination or it got lost in the flood of submissions. Eighty-two percent of executives say candidates should contact hiring managers via e-mail, phone or personalized letter within two weeks of submitting their résumés, according to RHI. Just contact the hiring manager to say that you wanted to confirm your application was received and ask if there is anything else they need from you.
9. You have too many distractions
Try to focus on only your job search for a couple hours each day -- don't check your personal e-mail, make phone calls or surf the Internet (unless it's for jobs).
"Conducting a job campaign is a full-time job. As with any job, to achieve results, one needs to set goals and develop an action plan to achieve the goals," Powers says.
10. You don't ask for the job
Many candidates are shy about being to outspoken or upfront about their desire for the job, but many hiring managers will be impressed with your candor.
"Employers are looking for candidates who are excited about the position," Powers says. Be forward and ask for the position by telling the interviewer why it is a good fit for you and the organization.

Seeking for a Support Position – for McAfee. Locations: Colombia ( no relocation-only locals)

Dedication 24 x 7 support contact for Enterprise-level customers.
Candidates need to have Technical skills included knowledge in network protocols, Microsoft Exchange and Operational System, Lotus Domino, Linux and information security.
If also have knowledge in our products, including new products from Secure Computing, will be great.



EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

The ideal candidate will have a 4 year degree and or 5+ years of demonstrated industry
experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. The candidate must have a demonstrated, excellent organization skills, ability to communicate clearly within an account,
project management and strong problem resolution skills. The candidate must also possess a proven understanding of
corporate account business needs and knowledge of the support industry.
Prior applicable experience with named or dedicated accounts in a technical support environment and learning new
technologies while supporting existing products. Also requires extensive knowledge of TCP/IP Networking, hardware,
protocols, LAN configuration, security architectures and LAN/WAN technologies. Some travel required.
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

Must possess strong technical account management skills
Strong knowledge of security hardware, software, and management platform with emphasis on installation,
troubleshooting, upgrading, integration, and client/server operations is desired.
Associates degree or Bachelors degree, especially in computer or technical related fields are desired.
Professional organization certifications in computing fields are highly desirable.
Progress towards or completion of certifications with Microsoft, Sun, or Linux is desired.

• At least two years of full time experience in customer care/customer technical support

If you are interested email resume at vguillemette@gmail.com REF PRESALES COLOMBIA

How To Ace An Interview

A job interview is a screening tool. For you, it's an opportunity to assess whether or not you want to work for a company. For the employer, it's an opportunity to decide whether or not they want to hire you. Both sides are looking for a match.

You can ace an interview and win the job you want even in this economy; even with the competition that wants the same job as you. You will have to work hard, but it can be done. Know that the work you do upfront and afterwards will make the "during" (while you are interviewing) much easier for you.

Here's a checklist to help you:


I. PREPARE BEFOREHAND

- Do your homework and find out who you will be interviewing with. You are looking for job title, responsibilities, accomplishments, as well as anything else that impresses you about this person.

- Know as much about the company as possible. Get on their web site and memorize their products and services. Look at their press release section for news. Talk to a few people about what they know. Look online for comments, discussions, blogs, forums, and additional insights. Don't just look for good news. Look for challenges that the company is facing, and think about how you might contribute to their success.

- Write out the top 3 points you want to make sure you get across.

- Write down what makes you different.

- Have a story/example for each bullet on the job description and each bullet in you resume. Include the challenges you were up against, the action you took to solve these challenges, and the results you achieved.

- Write down answers to questions such as your strengths, weaknesses, where you want to be in the future, etc. The questions that employers don't always feel comfortable asking. The same questions you don't always feel comfortable answering. Nevertheless, expect to be asked these questions anyway.

-Write down the answers to the questions you don't want to be asked. If you have a gap in your resume, have a good response for when you are asked about it. If you were fired, be prepared to tell the employer why with a positive spin. Don't shy away from these questions and hope they won't be asked. Expect them to be posed to you and have your answers mapped out and ready to go.

- Write down questions to ask the interviewer; three to five should do. Questions like, "What are you looking for in a candidate?" "What's the biggest challenge you are facing right now?" These questions may be answered during the interview, and other questions may come up as the discussion progresses, but these questions will give you a place to start.

- Write down an introduction; an opener that says who you are and what you do. Include your past title, the type of work you have been doing, why you are excited to be interviewing with this company.

II. DURING THE INTERVIEW.

- Be upbeat, passionate, and excited to be there.

- Use your prepared introduction and introduce yourself.

- Right after your introduction; say something flattering to the interviewer. Reveal what you like about the person or the company. Include what impresses you the most. Sincere flattery starts the interview off in a positive way.

- Answer questions and ask them. Remember, it's a two way conversation, and an opportunity for both parties to see if there is a match. Don't forget to listen and let the interviewer talk.

- Make sure you cover anything that was not discussed in the interview before you leave. For example, did you cover your 3 points? Did you tell the interviewer what makes you different? Did you handle all objections properly? Did you ask the questions you wanted to ask? Cover this now; afterwards may be too late.

- Tell the interviewer again why you want the job.

- Ask what the hiring process is, and when you can follow up with them again.

II. AFTER THE INTERVIEW.

- Send a thank-you note. Email one version .Thank you cards work well here.

- Include in your email anything you left out during the interview. Add credibility to your email by mentioning something specific the interviewer said that impressed you.

- If you promised to follow up on a specific day and time, keep that promise.

- Continue interviewing. No matter how great an interview went, no matter how many people told you that you are "the one," you do not have the job until you have formally been given a job offer in writing.


- Don't let everything ride on one job. Keep going until you are officially employed.


Posted By: Deborah Brown-Volkman

I'm looking for candidates for a Risk Manager - Latin America, Agri Commodities (Oilseeds/Grain/Ethanol/Sugar) position

I'm looking for candidates for a Risk Manager - Latin America, Agri Commodities (Oilseeds/Grain/Ethanol/Sugar) position for a Global Supply Chain Management Organization, this position is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

My client is offering a salary range of $100,000 - $150,000 USD/Yr. base.

Please find below job description for your review:

Duties / Experience / Comments

Our client is a market leader in managing the global supply chain of agricultural, industrial and energy products. They operate over multiple offices across the globe managing a diversified portfolio of essential raw materials, integrating the sourcing, marketing, processing, financing and transportation.

In Latin America our client’s primary product activities centre on the sourcing and exporting of oilseeds, wheat, corn,coffee, sugar, ethanol and fertiliser trading and marketing.

Reporting to the Head of Global Risk the Latin American Risk Manager is responsible primarily for providing independent identification, review, analysis and monitoring of the market risks of the Corporate trading desks across their Latin American operations.
Major responsibilities include working closely with traders and trading & management, quantitative, analytics and risk technology you will ensure the completeness and accuracy of the Value at Risk, Stress calculations and timely delivery of a daily oversight report explaining positions and movements in VaR; monitoring trades throughout the day to monitor their impact on positions against limits and look for any unusual activity.

The ideal candidate for this position will be someone who has had at least 5 years commodity trading experience gained within a trading house, energy company or bank and subsequently progressed their career specifically into a Market & Commodity Risk Management role.
Candidate will ideally have had extensive and diverse knowledge in commodity risk management
of Agri Soft .

Applicant must be local, must have a good knowledge of Latin American markets and will understand the risks and work with the trading desks to create monitor and analyze suitable limit structures, methodologies and movements and understand how this will impact the risks held by the desks. This role is at executive management level and involves managing a small team.
Applicants who have had a commercial background prior to risk will be particularly well regarded.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors degree in Math / Science / Economics/ Finance / Business / Commerce (with quantitative component)
• Solid product knowledge of a broad range of products especially grains and oilseeds, corn, soybeans, coffee, cocoa, sugar.
• Experience in Market Risk, Front Office or very strong Middle Office for a trading related business
• Excellent Excel skills incl VBA other programming skills would be and advantage
• Very good communicator – evidence of ability to interact and present at all levels
• Attention to detail and strong proven analytical background
• Fluency in Portuguese & English a must.

email resume vguillemette@gmail.com

Regional Director - CALA Location:Sao Paulo, Brazil

Description:

One of the world’s leading network engineering companies that provide technology and service to global wireless networks is growing and expanding to the Latin America region looking for a Regional Director executive position.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for leading all company’s customer operations in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region, reporting to the Vice President, Americas. Will oversee all direct sales, customer intimacy and customer development, management of professional services, sales engineering and the support team.

Job functions:

• Exceed 100% of your annual business incentive targets.
• Make growth systematic in your territory and drive it on a year on year basis.
• Build and manage a qualified sales order pipeline.
• Maintain a healthy regard for risk management and do not expose the company to legal risks without corporate (CFO) approval.
• Company processes and procedures are adhered to within your region.
• Manage your expenses in line with the regional budget.
• Ensure costs and sales achievement % is inline.
• Build, develop, manage and motivate a: Direct sales team, Presales engineering team, Support team and Professional Services team.
• Partner with the leaders of the Americas Professional Services, Sales Engineering, Support, Finance and HR organizations to leverage best practices and ensure continuity with regional and global systems and processes

Requirements:

• 15 years in Sales and Sales Management, including Sales Engineering, is required.
• Extensive Enterprise software sales experience, including C-level engagement is required.
• Experience selling to wireless operators in CALA region is highly desirable.
• Experience working with partners / systems integrators to deliver services projects is desirable.
• Experience managing or working extensively with Professional Services Organizations is desirable.
• Four year college required, MBA highly desirable.
• Fluency in English and Portuguese, Spanish a plus.


Email resume: vguillemette@gmail.com