Jim Lappin’s Post

Now Hiring - Chicago Data Center Construction I spoke with a 16 year client of mine today. He is currently booked out until the end of 2027 with datacenter GC work. He's been building in that arena for 20 years and is having to turn work away for lack of people. If you're in the area and interested in working in the industry as an APM, PM or Estimator, let me know and I'm happy to share details. [email protected]

That business client/person you see as a relationship, might only ever see you as a transaction. Recognizing the difference can save a lot of time.

“If you're not paying for the product, then you are the product” -Quote from Netflix Documentary The Social Dilemma I watched this when it came out and agree with the statement. Users of zero cost services often comment on how bad the service is, or that it was better in the past. Social media, LinkedIn included, is a good example of this.

Of the 320 million people in the US, I think 318 million of us are recruiters.

All else equal, people default to price. I'm not sure who to quote but I've heard this a long time ago. This is true of purchases you make as well as a career/job you work. Two identical new cars and you will buy the cheaper one. But can two jobs be equal? The difficulty most companies have is communicating what makes them unique. Unless they just pay more, the ones that figure this out, are the ones that are most successful in their hiring.

Anyone who thinks that pizza and donuts do not add to a company's morale has never had an office full of interns.

My annual reminder

Why were you let go? This can be a terrifying interview question, but it's also the most predictable if you're unemployed. There are a lot of reasons people get fired. Maybe it's lack of work or maybe you screwed up. Either way, what the interviewer wants to know, is if it's a repeatable situation or a one time mistake. Good people can get let go for cause and still be the best employee someone else can hire. Here are some tips: -Know that it happens and it does not mean it will again. -Have references from your former employer that you can offer in the interview. -Be honest about what happened. If it was for cause, explain what happened and what you learned. -Practice your answer before you start interviewing. Hesitation will lead them to assume the worst. I'm sure there are a lot of other good tips. Feel free to comment.

"People should be lining up to talk with me" Years ago I talked with someone who said those exact words to me. It was a time where his specific experience was like gold. He was an estimator at a good company. He said he received so many recruiter calls that he would tell them all the same thing. Get me 25% raise and I'll move. I passed, know that he would either take a counteroffer, or move to my client only to leave my client for a few more dollars. Recently, and several moves later for him, he called saying he has been out of work, and needs something asap. The problem is, he is significantly overpaid to what the market is currently paying and he will not consider market rate. Add to that, he has turned down offers/accepted counters/or just basically created a reputation of conceit. All industries go through cycles. How companies treat people is headline news, but just as important is a person's industry reputation.

"50% of hiring managers created job openings to keep a warm talent pool “at the ready” for when they are hiring without the intention to hire" -Forbes article on ghost job posting I've seen recruiting companies do it too and it's just shady. Stop that!