two people at a desk interviewing for a job

Never Heard Back After Interview? Here’s When You Should Reapply.

Kelli HrivnakJob Seeker Advice Leave a Comment

Not hearing back from a job you applied to is one thing. But going through numerous rounds of interviews. You’re excited, confident, and already envisioning yourself in the role. Then… nothing. Radio silence. Weeks turn into months, and suddenly you spot the same job posting online again. Sound familiar? This scenario is more common than you might think, raising an …

Great leaders manage

How Great Leaders Showcase their Management Style

Kelli HrivnakHiring Advice, Interviewer training Leave a Comment

Interviews are a two-way street. One thing that can make or break their decision to join your team? You–specifically, how you lead. Yet so many hiring managers are humble or don’t know how to discuss their leadership approach, missing a huge opportunity to attract top talent who would thrive (or sink) under their management style. The Impact of Leadership on …

FEDERAL TO PRIVATE transition

From Federal to Private: Rebranding Your Government experience for Commercial Success

Kelli HrivnakJob Seeker Advice, Resume Writing Leave a Comment

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, many federal employees are considering transitions to the private sector. Whether due to federal layoffs, shifting priorities, or personal career goals, successfully navigating this transition requires strategic rebranding of your skills and experience. Why Consider Rebranding? The landscape for federal employees is changing. With DOGE-led cuts and shifting priorities in government agencies, many professionals …

Are Reference Checks Useless? Rethinking Their Value in Hiring

Kelli HrivnakHiring Advice, References Leave a Comment

“Would you hire this person again?” When conducting a reference check, how often will the reference on the other end say “no” to this question? It’s a situation that plays out over and over again- and, in reality, offers no value. References rarely break a job offer. Let’s be honest: Anyone with basic common sense is only going to provide …

peers who are interviewing together

The Critical Role of Peer Interviews in the Hiring Process

Kelli HrivnakHiring Advice, Interview Prep Leave a Comment

In today’s competitive job market, the hiring process has evolved beyond the traditional manager interviews. One increasingly valuable component is the peer interview – where candidates meet with potential future teammates. This practice offers unique benefits for both candidates and companies that shouldn’t be overlooked. Why Peer Interviews Matter Does a peer in the interview process influence the hiring decision? …

Hiring Dilemma: Should you Choose the First Candidate you Interview?

Kelli HrivnakHiring Advice Leave a Comment

When you find an exceptional candidate right out of the gate, should you continue interviewing others or make an offer immediately? This common recruitment dilemma requires careful consideration of several factors. A Real “Case Study:” Last year, I was tasked with identifying a Director of Enterprise Architecture for a digital solutions firm. Interestingly, the very first candidate I sourced and …

person at computer who looks like they are up to scam

Scammers are Targeting Job Seekers–Here’s How to Outsmart them

Kelli HrivnakCybersecurity, Hiring Advice Leave a Comment

In the wake of recent tech layoffs and economic uncertainty, job seekers are facing a new threat: increasingly sophisticated scams designed to exploit their vulnerability. These aren’t the dated Nigerian royalty money wire emails – Today’s scammers use realistic LinkedIn profiles, legitimate-looking job descriptions, and professional communication to run their game. The Breakdown of Today’s Modern Job Scam Recently, I …

Woman folding hands wishing for something

The Power of ‘Next’: The Recruiter’s Guide to Genuine Candidate Interest

Kelli HrivnakHiring Advice Leave a Comment

Early in my recruiting career, my mentor lived on one word that would forever change my approach to candidate engagement. “Next.” “Stop chasing down people who aren’t responding,” he said. “Move on to the next person who shows their mutual interest in the opportunity” This seemingly straightforward philosophy has become the cornerstone of my recruiting practice. It’s not about being …

Resume Scanner Tools: Do They Actually Help Your Job Search?

Kelli HrivnakJob Seeker Advice, Resume Writing Leave a Comment

In recent conversations with job seekers, I’ve noticed a concerning trend: many are obsessing over their resume scanner scores, believing these tools hold the key to getting their applications in front of hiring managers. As a recruiter, I’m here to tell you why this approach might be steering you wrong. What Are Resume Scanners? These online tools claim to evaluate …

How to Choose the Right Search Firm: Avoid Costly Mistakes and Find the Best Talent Partner

Kelli HrivnakHiring Advice, Recruitment Strategy Leave a Comment

In the competitive world of talent acquisition, choosing a recruitment partner is a critical decision that goes far beyond simply finding the lowest price. Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Subpar Search Firm Not all search firms are created equal. A subpar recruitment partner can be identified through several critical warning signs. Be cautious of firms that approach recruitment as …