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“What should I do when I see negative publicity?”

ESS Candidate Newsletter – APRIL 2021

Columbus, OH – APRIL 2021

In this month’s, ask the recruiter, we discuss what to do with negative publicity.

Introduction – Aaron Wandtke
Recently Filled Positions
Ask the Recruiter “What should I do when I see negative publicity?”

Introduction:

Last month, we shared we were experiencing a record number of new search assignments. The result of all these new searches is that we just completed the best first quarter in our company’s 20-year history! All the movement we have seen has blown us away. Our firm is using new strategies and tools to help us keep with the demand.

Companies typically pay out their annual bonuses in the first quarter causing more people to become open to a job change in the second quarter. The second quarter is a great time to update your resume to make sure you have captured all your significant accomplishments from the past year. There are a good number of senior opportunities available, so we encourage people to have an updated resume to respond when the right opportunity becomes available.

If you need any help in your search, please reach out. In addition, if your department or company is looking to add people, please keep the ESS team in mind.

Ask the Recruiter – “WHAT DO I do when i see negative publicity ?”

The continuous news cycle and negative news out there to get our attention has never been greater. Companies you may choose to interview with may also have negative publicity out there that may cause you to pause and question if you should proceed. Below are some best practices we recommend for people feeling uncertain about the news they hear:

  1. What is the source of the information? Is the information coming from a credible source? Where is the source getting the information they are reporting? Is it from current employees, ex-employees, investment firms focused on stock price or is it another source?
  2. Do your research. Who could help you get more information? If you do not have personal contacts, you can use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to find people to research and potentially speak with for more details. In addition, trade publications and associations have resources that may be helpful to gather information.
  3. Ask the interviewers. In our experience, employers are aware of most news reports about their company. Many companies proactively communicate these details with their staff and their response to what was reported. Because of this, most hiring officials are equipped with information they can provide about any news.

The biggest mistake people make in these situations is to say, “I heard something from a friend”. Who is the friend? What do they know about the situation and can it be verified? At the end of the day, you want the best information so you can make the right decision for yourself. Every company has negative publicity out there so make sure you do your research before making a career decision.

I can be reached at 614-885-8490 or by e-mail at aw@ess123.com.