The Perfect Fit

Optimize Your Resume For Applicant Tracking Systems

Have you been working hard to update your resume but haven't received any interviews? More employers are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Yours could quickly be sorted away if the right keywords or format are not there.

As International Update Your Resume Month is celebrated in September, it's time to re-think your resume with AI in mind. As companies are relying on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring processes, these systems scan resumes for keywords and rank them based on relevance to the job description, meaning your resume needs to be optimized to pass through these filters and land in front of a hiring manager.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning algorithms to enhance their functionality. These technologies help ATS analyze and rank resumes more efficiently by:

1.    Keyword Matching: AI helps ATS identify relevant keywords and phrases in resumes that match job descriptions, making it easier to filter out unqualified candidates.

2.     Resume Parsing: AI-powered ATS can parse and structure data from resumes, such as work experience, education, and skills, allowing for more accurate candidate screening.

3.     Ranking and Scoring: AI algorithms can rank and score resumes based on how well they match the job criteria, helping recruiters quickly identify top candidates.

4.     Bias Reduction: Some AI-driven ATS aim to reduce unconscious bias by focusing on skills and qualifications rather than names, gender, or other personal information.

5.     Automated Communication: AI can also automate communication with candidates, such as sending acknowledgment emails or scheduling interviews.

Before starting to update your resume, make sure you define precisely the role or title you want to apply for. Once you are clear on the role you want, optimize your resume for ATS to increase your chances of getting more interviews. 

One of the most important aspects of optimizing your resume for ATS is incorporating the right keywords that match the job description and the skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is looking for. Carefully read the job posting and highlight the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned. These are the keywords you should include in your resume.

1. Use Relevant Keywords

One of the most important aspects of optimizing your resume for ATS is incorporating the right keywords that match the job description and the skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is looking for. Carefully read the job posting and highlight the

Hiring Heatwave: The Unsteady and Unpredictable Talent Market This Summer

As summer winds to a close, advertising agencies and marketing firms have faced unsteady, unpredictable challenges in talent acquisition that reflect broader industry trends and specific pressures unique to these sectors.

Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Competitive Market: The competition for top talent in the marketing and advertising industries is fiercer than ever. Agencies are not only competing against each other but also against tech companies and other industries that offer attractive packages and more flexible work environments. This intense competition has made it difficult for agencies to not only attract but also retain skilled professionals, particularly in digital and creative roles. The rising demand for specialized skills like data analysis, SEO, and AI integration further complicates the landscape, as these skills are in short supply and high demand across multiple sectors.

The Impact of Economic Uncertainty: Economic factors, such as inflation, fluctuating interest rates, and geopolitical instability, have made it challenging for agencies to predict and plan their talent needs. Many agencies are cautious about expanding their teams, leading to delays in hiring or a preference for short-term contracts over full-time positions, while their clients have the same feelings of uncertainty.

Remote and Hybrid Work Dynamics: The shift towards remote and hybrid work has become a double-edged sword. While it has allowed agencies to access a broader talent pool geographically, it has also introduced challenges in maintaining company culture, fostering team collaboration, and ensuring consistent client service. Balancing the flexibility that remote work offers with the need for in-person creativity and brainstorming sessions remains a significant hurdle.

Why and How Recruiters Add Value in Hiring Top Performers

In today’s competitive job market, hiring top performers is critical for organizations aiming to maintain a competitive edge. However, attracting and securing these high-caliber individuals is no easy feat, especially when they are already thriving in their current roles. This is where skilled recruiters come in, playing a pivotal role in the talent acquisition process.

The Value of Engaging Passive, Top-Performing Candidates

One of the most significant contributions recruiters make is their ability to engage passive candidates—those who are not actively seeking new opportunities but who may be open to the right one. Top performers are often deeply committed to their current employers, having invested time and effort into achieving success within their organization. These individuals are not scouring job boards or sending out resumes; they are busy excelling in their roles. Engaging with these passive candidates requires a nuanced approach that goes beyond standard recruitment practices.

Recruiters add value by leveraging their networks, industry knowledge, and relationship-building skills to identify and connect with these top performers. They understand that these candidates are not just looking for a job; they are looking for a significant opportunity that aligns with their personal and professional goals. By positioning the opportunity as a natural next step in the candidate’s career progression, recruiters can effectively persuade them to consider making a move.

Understanding the Vision, Values, and Goals

A key aspect of a recruiter’s role is aligning the vision, values, and goals of both the client (the hiring organization) and the candidate. This alignment is essential for ensuring long-term success and satisfaction on both sides.

For the client, it’s not just about filling a role—it’s about finding a candidate who will thrive in their corporate culture, contribute to the company’s mission, and stay committed over the long term.
A recruiter’s deep understanding of the client’s business, culture, and strategic objectives enables them to identify candidates who are not only technically qualified but also a cultural fit.

On the candidate side, top performers are often driven by more than just a paycheck. They seek roles that offer growth opportunities, align with their values, and allow them to contribute to meaningful work. Recruiters who take the time to understand a candidate’s career aspirations, personal values, and long-term goals are better positioned to match them with roles where they can truly excel.

The Art of the Match

Recruiters act as matchmakers, carefully balancing the needs and desires of both the client and the candidate. This involves more than just assessing qualifications on paper; it requires deep insight into what makes both parties tick. The best recruiters are those who can see beyond the resume and job description to identify synergies that others might miss.

For example, a recruiter might recognize that a candidate’s experience in a different industry could bring fresh perspectives to the client’s team. Or they might see that a candidate’s personal values closely align with the company’s mission, making them a perfect cultural fit. By focusing on these deeper connections, recruiters can facilitate matches that lead to lasting, successful hires.

Conclusion

In the quest to hire top performers, recruiters provide immense value by engaging passive candidates, understanding the vision, values, and goals of both clients and candidates, and making thoughtful, strategic matches. Their expertise not only saves time and resources but also ensures that the right people are placed in the right roles, driving success for both the individual and the organization. In a world where top talent is a key differentiator, the role of the recruiter is more important than ever.

Please get in touch with me and let’s talk about how I can help you research and recruit and hire the  best performers at any level in modern marketing, advertising or digital media.  Thank you!

Recruiters Who Specialize Offer Exceptional Value

I recently had a meeting with a client who asked if I knew of any “local” VP level Strategy Directors?  I told him that in fact, I did . . . I explained I was recently contacted by a very experienced and successful EVP level “Head of Strategy”.  He’s worked at premier agencies and helped them win millions of dollars in new business . . . clients like, HP, Dell, British Telecom, a Renowned University’s Medical Center, Japan Airlines, Universal Orlando among many others. 
 
He has international experience, collaborating with teams on almost every continent, with agencies like TBWA, Ogilvy & Mather, Mindshare, FCB Global . . . !  I could go on and on . . this senior strategist is very, very special . . . and,  he’s willing to re-locate!
 
I’m using Steve as an example.  Because we specialize and have earned a trusted reputation over 20+ years in business, we have exceptional, top performers in almost any discipline a brand or agency might need.  Our database is over 11,000 and we have more than 7300 LinkedIn Connections.  We have superior marketing and media performers in a diverse range of vertical categories . . . located all over North America.
 
The added benefit is that these candidates are open and ready to be interviewed.  These candidates are not actively job hunting but are open to new opportunities that align with their career goals. This initial stage of research and identification of existing candidates could take less than one or two weeks!
 
Our thorough process ensures that we understand the vision, values, and goals of our candidates. This knowledge leads to retention, with over 70% of our candidates staying with our clients for more than three years.  This knowledge allows us to negotiate fair and discounted fees since the comprehensive search process is expedited. We're happy to pass these savings on to our clients.
 
The client I met with was surprised and had never thought about utilizing the existing database of a recruiter who specialized, in this way.  There are other advantages and benefits, but the ease, speed and quality of hire, simply can’t be beat!  Neither can the cost of this service.
 
Get in touch with me and I’m happy to answer any questions for you! 

2024 Job Market Chaos: What U.S. Workers Really Want from Employers

Every day, I speak with candidates who are incredibly frustrated by the job application process, whether through an online posting or even applying directly to the employer.  It’s a very unsatisfactory process . . .

Though 2024 is only about halfway over, I think most of us can agree that this year has been anything but predictable. Hiring is all over the place, with some sectors facing layoffs while others continue to staff. Even the monthly BLS jobs report offers little clarity amid the relative chaos. And that’s without getting into the other myriad factors impacting the recruiting landscape. 

Still, even without a pithy catchphrase to describe what’s happening (Great Resignation, anyone?),
it’s evident that there are gaps between where employers stand and what job seekers experience. That’s what the 2024 Employ Job Seeker Nation Report sought to uncover by surveying more than 1,500 U.S. workers in April. Here’s a look at some of what these folks had to say: 

    They’re keeping the door open. While 79 percent of workers are     satisfied with their current jobs, some 86     percent would entertain     other opportunities, with 46 percent eager to see what’s next.

    They’re starting with what they know. Though 4 in 10 workers     indicated they are seeking new     employment, the majority (58     percent) have looked for a new position within their current company.

    They’re after more than just money. Higher compensation is a factor     in looking for a new job, but it’s not     the only one. Career     advancement, greater flexibility or remote work, better company leadership, better     company culture and a change in location     are also top of mind.

    They’re confident in their candidacy. Half of active candidates believe that finding a job in this current     market is easy, with     56 percent saying that today’s job market favors candidates. Collectively, about two-    thirds of respondents think it will take them     less than three months to find a new job.

    They do have some concerns. Year over year, workers’ concerns about layoffs increased by six     percentage points to 40     percent in 2024. At the same time, concerns about their employer’s financial future also rose four points to 38 percent.

But what does it all mean?  Our team’s analysis shows that while workers understand the complexities of the labor market,

Unleashing Superior Talent Acquisition: Harness the Power of Specialized Expertise

Earlier this week I had a long conversation with a new client prospect.  She didn’t understand the benefits of "engaging" a recruiter who’s a specialist in the area she’s looking for help with.  She did not understand why she should pay any portion of the fee in advance.  I’ll save my response to that question in another blog post!
 
I went back through our conversation and decided to summarize the benefits of using a recruiter specialist, so those of you who might need help from a third party recruiter in the future, will understand what some of the benefits are and be able to make a more informed decision for your company's benefit.

1.  In-Depth Industry Knowledge:  Specialized engaged recruiters have a deep understanding of their specific industry, enabling them to identify candidates with the precise skills, experience, and cultural fit required. Their expertise in industry trends and challenges ensures they stay ahead in sourcing top talent.

2. Targeted Network and Access: Recruiters specializing in a particular field have a targeted and extensive network within that industry. They build relationships with key players, influencers, and passive candidates who are often inaccessible to generalist recruiters. This access increases the likelihood of finding highly qualified candidates open to the right offer.

3. Enhanced Candidate Evaluation:  Specialized recruiters possess an experienced understanding of the technical and soft skills required for roles in their field. This expertise allows them to conduct precise candidate evaluations, including assessing industry-specific competencies and cultural alignment. They ask the right questions and understand nuanced responses, leading to a more accurate assessment of a candidate's suitability.

4. Strategic Insights and Advice:  With their specialized knowledge, recruiters can offer strategic insights and advice tailored to your industry. They help refine job descriptions, compensation packages, and employer branding to better attract top talent. Their understanding of industry benchmarks and best practices ensures your hiring strategy is competitive and aligned with market standards.  All their experience and expertise is focused on you, the Client in support of recruiting the very best talent available.

5.  Efficient Search Process: Specialized recruiters streamline the search process by quickly identifying and reaching out to potential candidates within their network. Their industry specific referral network professional associations, and networking events allows them to efficiently identify, source and screen candidates. This efficiency reduces the time-to-fill for difficult roles, helping you secure the best talent faster.

Available Now! Creative Copywriters: ECDs, GCDs, CDs, ACDs and more!

Happy July 4th Holiday!  I hope you enjoy your time off to relax and refresh.  It seems like an unusual number of folks are taking this time of summer to look for new employment!  July is typically one of the slowest times on the creative calendar!

Fiscal years ended on June 30, as did many client and agency budgets.  Not much happens in July because of summer vacations and it seems overall summer lethargy (or relaxation!) rules!  Budgets for the new fiscal year haven’t really kicked in yet . . .

Historically, copywriters are among the most difficult, if not the most difficult recruiting searches.  Frequently, every client from one employer who’s involved in the interview process has a different expectation/understanding of how a candidate would (or could) fit in!  Portfolios are very subjective.

I’ve never been contacted by more creative writers at every level of an agency or brand at the same time, in my 23 years of recruiting.  I currently have candidates from ECD of global holding agencies and a Cannes Grand Prix winner, to other ECDs with Cannes Lions, Advertising Emmys, D&AD, One Show, Platinum Hermes (and more) awards, working with iconic global brands (From Mercedes-Benz to McDonald’s or Nike to Neutrogena! Bacardi, Coke, Rolex, Dyson, DeBeers).

It goes on and on . . . every level writer from Junior on . . . It’s just surprising to me that so many contacted me in such a sort time frame!  If anyone’s looking to add a writer to your team, please get in touch.  These folks are all open to remote work and a surprising number will re-locate for the right opportunity.

Available right now,  are also agency and brand marketing leaders available with diverse experience and responsibilities.
Thanks very much!  Enjoy your Fourth of July Holiday weekend!

Elevating Recruitment Excellence with AI: Enhancing Our Expertise for Your Success

To All Our Existing and Prospective Clients:

I hope this letter finds you well. As your dedicated partner in the on-going quest for top-tier marketing talent, I am excited to share a transformative development that is significantly enhancing our recruitment capabilities and ensure we continue to exceed your expectations. Bishop Partners has always prided itself on its meticulous approach to identifying the best candidates for your unique needs. Today, I am thrilled to explain how the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will make our already successful and experienced recruitment process even more efficient, accurate, and tailored to your requirements.

Our Foundation of Trust, Honesty, and Discretion
For years, our firm has built a robust database of over 11,000 marketing professionals across North America. This extensive network, coupled with our unwavering commitment to trust, honesty, and discretion, has cemented our reputation as a leading recruitment firm. Our personalized approach ensures that we deeply understand your needs and the specific nuances of each role we fill. This commitment to excellence will only be amplified with the strategic implementation of AI technologies.

The Power of AI in Recruitment
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing various industries, and recruitment is no exception. By integrating AI into our recruitment process, we will enhance our ability to identify, assess, and present the best candidates for your specific opportunities. Here’s how AI will transform our recruitment process and benefit your organization:

A Recruiter’s Reputation, Reach & Referrals, Leads to Results & Repeat Clients!

I believe the employees are a Company’s most valuable asset.  I’ve worked hard for over 23 years to become and remain one of the best Marketing, Advertising & Digital Media Recruiters in North America.  The trusted reputation I’ve earned results in the most accomplished marketers reaching out to me confidentially,  to help them identify the next step in their career.  My Clients are the benefactors of that effort.  Here are some examples:
 
Kasey: ECD/SVP CD-Copywriter, New York, 30 Years’ Experience, Hybrid, Remote or will Re-lo

Pitched and won: Jose Cuervo, Dyson, Levis, Wisk detergent, Microsoft, & More
Allstate, McDonalds, Coke, Nike, DeBeers, Kraft, Corona, Rolex, Hyundai, Visine, Lego & More



Employers: DDB, JWT, W&K, Portland, Leo Burnett, BBH
Awards:  Cannes Film Grand Prix, Cannes Lions, Clio HOF, One Show Pencils, Advertising Emmy
 
Erina: EVP Marketing, Communications, Sales, San Antonio, MBA, hybrid or remote. 
Employers:  Hospitals/Healthcare Systems, Pediatric Healthcare, Biosciences, Life Sciences
Marketing, Brand and Salesl Leadership, PR, Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
 
Mateo:  ECD/GCD-Copywriter, St. Louis, 27 Years’ Experience, Office, Hybrid or Remote. Will re-lo
Clients:Bacardi, Dewars, Nike, IBM, Dewars, HSBC, Panasonic, Nextel, Molson, Bluefly.com, More.
Platinum Awards:   Hermes, Viddy, AVA, Vega, MarCom, DotComm
Scores of Industry Gold Awards: Telly, Vega, AVA, Hermes, Viddy, DotCommConsistently successful new business strategist, conceptor and presenter.
 
Beth: VP of Brand Strategy, Copywriter, Publishing/Author, St. Louis, 25 Years’ Experience, MA & MFA, in office, hybrid or remote. 
Clients: Amazon, E-Commerce, CPG, Microsoft, P&G
Awards: Print Magazine Regional Finalist, Communication Arts Annual, One Show Finalist, Clio Finalist, Hatch Award Finalist, 1st Place Chanticleer Little Peeps; Mom’s Choice; Bank Street; and Emory Global Health eBook Award.

If you're an employer, you might very well be excited about one of the candidates who are already in our database.  We're very willing to significantly discount those recruiting fees, since there is no search involved.  Of course, I'd be happy to help you identify, recruit and hire any "Most Valuable Employee" from scratch, as well.  Just give me (Bob) a call to see how we could help you.

Thank you very much!

Compelling Resumes Help Reach Career Goals

I’ve been contacted three times this week by people who asked for resume writing help.  It’s remarkable that none of us has ever received any real education or “training” about how to write a resume . . . possibly the most important document you’ll ever have to write.  I always feel a great sense of satisfaction when I help a candidate present themselves in a compelling way to help them reach the goal of being hired for a job they really want!

 
The task of writing a resume is even more daunting, because your resume is likely being scanned by an “algorithm” as a first step, not a human!  Fundamentally, applying for a job online is almost a complete “waste of time”, because the results very, very, rarely are worth the amount of time spent or anxiety created . . . especially if you really, really want that job!
 
The online job application process is so broken that sometimes, the candidate doesn’t even receive a response that they’re no longer being considered.  It’s a nasty screwed up practice that is set up for the benefit of the employer, not the prospective candidate.  Do you even really want to work for a company that cares so little about their future employees?
 
There’s very little question or doubt about the fact that by far, your best approach to looking for a new job is through networking.  Talk with friends and colleagues and let them know that you’re open to a new opportunity.  If you want to work for a particular employer or brand, use LinkedIn to see if you know anyone who works at that company.  Ask them to please walk your resume to HR and say a good word about you . . .
 
When you apply online, if your resume is selected by the bot (algorithm), then you actually have to impress someone (likely in HR) that might be distracted by other tasks, or simply not really know what the job’s responsibilities entail.  It’s very, very difficult to succinctly say the right things and make someone want to actually talk to you about the job.  There’s a whole other set of interviewing best practices, if and when you get to that next step . . .
 
I take pride and get incredible professional satisfaction, when I’ve succeeded in helping someone take their next career step, or land the job of their dreams.  I consider myself lucky to be able to do resume and career consulting for as a profession!  Contact me to learn more . . .