In this episode of Talent Talks Podcast, join host Jeff Crilley from ‘The Jeff Crilley Show’ as he sits down with serial entrepreneur Michael Nadeau the Founder, and CEO of Cnect. From the outset, Michael’s drive to make things happen shines through, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.
1:18 – Intro of Michael Nadeau: Jeff introduces Michael, highlighting his entrepreneurial journey and the impact he’s made as the CEO of Cnect.
7:01 – Success on College Campuses: Michael shares insights into Cnect’s success in engaging with college campuses, illustrating the effectiveness of their approach.
8:02 – Employer Experience: The discussion turns to the employer experience, shedding light on how Cnect is transforming the hiring process for businesses.
10:52 – Fear Factor: Michael delves into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and how overcoming fear is essential for success.
13:02 – Feedback: Jeff and Michael explore the importance of feedback and its role in driving innovation and improvement.
13:43 – Rabbit Ears: Michael shares valuable insights on the importance of listening and staying attuned to market needs.
14:20 – Final Thoughts: Wrapping up, Michael leaves listeners with thought-provoking final insights and reflections.
15:44 – Outro: Jeff concludes the episode, thanking Michael for sharing his expertise and providing valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Tune in to Talent Talks Podcast for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders and innovators.
Congratulations! If you are one of the quarter of a million professionals experience layoffs so far in 2024, you now have the opportunity to find the best job of your life. Sound crazy? Stick with me.
In the last year alone, I’ve worked with over 500+ recruiting and talent acquisition professionals at all levels who have experienced the dreaded layoff. While it hasn’t been easy (or quick in some cases), the majority of professionals I’ve worked with are thriving and have landed at an even better position than the role they lost. As someone who’s spent their entire career in talent acquisition and executive leadership, here are three tips to help guide anyone who’s experienced a layoff.
Take a breath – This may seem out of place to have as the first tip to experience the dreaded layoff but hear me out. It’s human nature to have the first reaction to sudden change be one of either panic or a manic need for activity. That being said, there’s power in stillness. Remember this is an opportunity for a new beginning. Often professionals immediately rush into taking another job out of fear without fully processing what has happened. I’ve seen it happen where the same person is looking for a new job a few months later. My advice is whether it’s a weekend or a week or a sabbatical, make sure you take time to process what’s happened. Use the time to reflect on what you love, your skills, and what you want to do next. You’ll find your clarity improved substantially a week later compared to a day later from being laid off.
Embrace Your Network (and Export your LinkedIn Connections)On a recent poll, over 70% of recruiters and recruiting leaders statedthe most important factor in reviewing a potential candidate wasn’t their resume or LinkedIn profile; it was if they were referred from another employee. With that in mind, know that your professional network is your most powerful asset to finding your next company and role. The first step to your dream job is exporting your LinkedIn connections (request the full download of all info). It’s pretty painless and takes about 30 seconds to set up the initial download (link on how to do this here) into an Excel or Google Sheets file. I recommend sorting by company (target any companies on your wish list to work for and start with a common connection). and then creating filters by hiring managers and recruiters. For senior leadership roles, I recommend reaching out directly to any C-Suite contacts. You never know. A former boss, colleague, or college roommate could be your path to the career and company at the top of your list.
Great resource from the link provided about exporting your LinkedIn Connections
Have a (Project) Plan
The best way to handle uncertainty is to plan with certainty. I wrote briefly about the importance of having a project plan as an executive in my last article (link here) but this is even more important when finding (and landing) your dream job. The plan starts with a high-level focus on three stages.
Stabilize
Prepare
Execute
I’ve shared this plan with former colleagues, friends, and additional professionals who have been impacted, and feel free to use and make your own.
Sample project plan I recommend to professionals impacted by layoffs.
In closing, Mike Tyson’s famous quote: “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face” comes to mind. Now, I’ve never been punched in the face by Iron Mike but I can tell you from talking to thousands of professionals experiencing the dreaded layoff unexpectedly is the closest professional equivalent to this.
That being said, what I love about this quote is the reality that life will take an amazing plan and throw it out the window. When that happens, it’s how you respond that will determine your future. I hope this article gives hope, guidance, and a plan for finding an even better career for the thousands around the world.
As always, thanks for reading, liking this post, and sharing with anyone in your network you think could help them during a tough time. The purpose of, “The Lighthouse” is to provide content to shine light on solutions to challenges facing all levels of professionals. I’m happy to keep this conversation going with anyone seeking to level up to the next stage in their career and please connect and follow me with the links below.
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Revolutionizing Resumes: The Rise of Digital Profiles
Michael Nadeau
In a world where first impressions are crucial, job hunting can often feel like a confusing maze. Traditional resumes, a staple of the recruitment process for decades, now seem a bit dull in the face of modern innovation. That’s where Digital Profiles come into play, transforming static resumes into dynamic, personalized profiles for every candidate.
The Evolution from Resumes to Digital Profiles
Resumes, those black-and-white documents outlining a candidate’s work history, skills, and achievements, have long been the cornerstone of recruitment.
However, as the job market becomes more dynamic and technology-driven, the humble resume is undergoing a remarkable transformation.
In its place, the Digital Profile emerges, bringing a breath of fresh air to the hiring landscape.
What Exactly Are Digital Profiles?
A Digital Profile is like a 21st-century upgrade for traditional resumes. It’s a comprehensive digital snapshot of a candidate, allowing employers to quickly understand who they are and what they bring to the table.
They are much more than static documents. They encapsulate a candidate’s skills, work history, and accomplishments, and even include a valuable addition: the First Impression Video. Here’s what makes them unique:
1. First Impression Videos: Forget the days of relying solely on a piece of paper to gauge a candidate’s suitability. We have introduced the concept of a First Impression Video, enabling candidates to create a brief video introducing themselves.
This video is a game-changer, offering employers the opportunity to see and hear the candidate. It’s the equivalent of an in-person introduction, providing valuable insights into a candidate’s personality and communication skills.
2. Work History: Of course, a candidate’s work history remains a crucial aspect. A Digital Profile includes a detailed breakdown of a candidate’s professional journey, allowing employers to see their growth and experience at a glance.
3. Skills: The Digital Profile generates a ranked list of a candidate’s skills, making it easier for employers to understand their expertise and competencies. It streamlines the process of matching talents to job requirements.
4. Background: Beyond the basics, a Digital Profile often offers a glimpse into a candidate’s background. This holistic view goes beyond the standard resume by providing more context and insight into the person behind the qualifications.
Why Digital Profiles Matter
The transition from resumes to Digital Profiles is more than just a passing trend. It’s a response to the evolving job market and the need for a better way to evaluate talent. Here’s why Digital Profiles matter:
1. Enhanced First Impressions: The First Impression Video revolutionizes the initial interaction. Employers can now form their first impressions based not just on a piece of paper, but on a person’s presence, communication style, and charisma. This adds depth to the hiring process, making it more authentic.
2. Efficiency: The ranked list of skills in a Digital Profile provides a clear and concise view of a candidate’s capabilities. This streamlined format helps employers quickly match talent to job requirements, making the hiring process more efficient.
3. A Holistic Approach: Going beyond the basics, Digital Profiles offer a holistic view of a candidate. They provide a 360-degree perspective, enabling employers to better understand the individual behind the qualifications. This approach fosters a more personalized and insightful hiring process.
Embracing the Future
The transition from traditional resumes to Digital Profiles marks an exciting shift in the world of recruitment and staffing. With the power of First Impression Videos, comprehensive work histories, ranked skill lists, and deeper background insights, we are paving the way for a more efficient and personalized hiring experience.
As employers, it’s crucial to embrace this change and harness the potential of Digital Profiles in your hiring process. In this evolving job market, where first impressions matter more than ever, Digital Profiles can be your secret weapon for finding the perfect fit for your team. Say goodbye to dull resumes and welcome the future with open arms.
