With the New Year upon us, the realities of fresh initiatives and new and exciting business needs are weighing on corporate recruiters. What an excellent chance to add to your already dynamic team with candidates that are a perfect fit for your business culture. Clarity recruiters have unprecedented reach and access to an ever growing pool of highly engaged and driven candidates just waiting for the right opportunity.

Over the last year, Clarity has noticed a growing number of candidates placed in temporary positions convert to permanent after placement. This shows the eagerness of our clients to continue the investment in talent and also reflects well on the quality of the candidates that are placed by Clarity.

With New Year’s resolutions abound, many indications show that candidates are eager to take advantage of the improving economy to jump out into the market and find that perfect fit.

As you have come to know, Clarity’s unique approach to client engagement and candidate recruitment has created numerous success stories. Clarity is able to reach into talents that feed every department and business need. Our aim is always to provide you with a select group of perfectly tailored candidates.

Reach out to a Clarity recruiter today at careers@claritystaffing.com and get started towards a great 2012 with the best candidates that are invested in driving success for your organization.

Jenny, a native Coloradan graduated with an Event Management degree from University of Colorado at Denver. Spending all her life in the Mile High City, she decided to venture outside of her comfort zone and ended up moving to San Francisco,CA to work for an event company. For three years, she coordinated rock tours and conferences/tradeshows for Bon Jovi, Jack Johnson and Apple. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine herself living in the Big Apple but here she is now working for Clarity and loving the city life. In her spare time, you can find Jenny behind her camera taking pictures of anything and everything. She loves all things vintage and spending time with her dog, Lolly, and her husband, Han.

How does NYC differ from Denver?

Oh, in so many ways! To start off… the AIR! There’s nothing like the clean crisp air of Colorado. During the winter you can drive 30 minutes up to the mountains and you’ll be hitting the slopes with fresh powder under your feet. But I do love the fact that you can drive 20 minutes outside the city and be in a completely different state. I also love the trendy cafes and mom and pop shops NYC has to offer. Denver is home but New York City is a great place to live and I’m excited to see what this place has in store for me!

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

I would want the power of instant gratification! At the snap of my finger I can make anything happen or have anything I want just like Samantha on “Bewitched”

Who? Director of Operations

Time at Clarity?

I began working for Clarity in July of 2006, originally in a recruiting/account management role however in 2009, I transitioned into my current position managing Clarity’s business operations.   The position of heading up Clarity’s operations is a busy and challenging role! 

What she does:

Clarity has experienced tremendous growth over the past five years, especially within the past few years while I served as Operations Manager.  We have accomplished the successful launch of a new business entity, Clarity Technology Partners, we expanded our presence to include DC/Northern Virginia, Silicon Valley, and North Carolina, we have added recruiters to all of our existing offices to better serve our loyal client base, and we appointed Moira Donahue as the director of the New York office.  These changes do not make my job easy, but allows Clarity and Clarity Technology Partners to offer our customer service driven mentality to new clients and better service our existing client base.

Why Clarity?

Due to unstable economic times that continually challenge hiring practices and the job market, my time at Clarity has forced me to use creative, outside the box thinking.  I am fortunate to work for a firm that embraces innovation and technology.  This has allowed us to use multiple applications to better services our candidates and clients.  For example, Clarity recruiters use Skype to interview candidates preparing to relocate, we use tablet technology when meeting with candidates and clients, and have added e-onboarding as part of our application process.  Accessing information quickly and efficiently is essential to placing our candidates in meaningful roles and finding our clients lifelong human assets.

Favorite Place to Visit:

Having an international perspective on business is critical for managing and expanding our business, especially being headquartered in New York.  Travel is extremely important to me and each trip is a valuable learning experience.  I have traveled to countries all over the world and I always take time to visit global staffing companies.  It is incredible the possibility of success that is evident from several US based staffing firms.  Traveling to cities such as London and Barcelona mirrors some of the unemployment challenges we have faced in the United States and a city such as Tokyo is a reminder of the strength and resilience that is possible even after facing extreme adversity. 

One thing Most People don’t know about you:

In order to strengthen my understanding of operational effectiveness and strategic growth, I am in the process of earning my MBA from Baruch College’s, Zicklin School of Business.  Business School is demanding, yet offers knowledge imperative to understand appropriate utilization of resources in the functional areas of technology, personnel, accounting and executive decision making.  Learning alongside other New York City professionals provides me with a collaborative evaluation of our current business processes and offers new and progressive ideas, concepts, and philosophies.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/SAIEamakLoY

Bravo premiered its latest project last night, “The Headhuntress,” about an aggressive L.A based headhunter named Wendy Doulton.

We’re curious to see if the show takes off and makes a name for all of the recruiting agencies out there!!

Summer is over. That means no more escaping to the Hamptons or the Jersey Shore every weekend, the days are already starting to get shorter, and you can’t run out of your apartment in a tank top, shorts and flip flops anymore. But look at the bright side: you can finally walk to work without requiring a shower when you get there, get a seat on the LIRR on a Friday night or Saturday morning, and take advantage of all of the fun things to do in and around the city in the Fall!

After three months of living out of a suitcase, it’s nice to be able to stay put on weekends in October, November and December. There is a ton to do, and you don’t have to leave the island of Manhattan for any of it! Here are a few things that make Fall my favorite season to be in New York City:

1) The weather – say goodbye to humidity and hello to the crisp autumn breeze! Alright, maybe your tan will fade, but the best thing about Fall is your wardrobe. It’s warm enough that you don’t have to wear a huge coat, gloves, hat, etc., but you’ll feel perfectly comfortable in a sweater, jeans, boots, and a scarf.

2) Football – you don’t even have to be a fan of the sport for football season in the city to be tons of fun. It’s essentially just another excuse to get together with all of your friends, drink and eat good food, while showing some pride for your hometown! Every sports bar in NYC is overflowing on Sundays and usually have some great food and drink deals.

3) Pumpkin flavored everything – you can’t walk into a Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, bar or bakery after Labor Day without being surrounded by pumpkin flavored treats. From coffee, to muffins, to beer, it’s all pumpkin flavored and it’s all delicious!

4) Halloween and Thanksgiving – they’re both so much fun to celebrate, and are especially exciting around NYC. Along with the supermarket shelves being stocked with candy, there are other fun activities associated with these holidays. From hayrides to haunted houses! Plus, it’s an excuse to dress up and look like a fool without being judged (kind of).

These are just a few of the fun things about Fall in New York and some things to look forward to as the leaves start to change and the weather gets cooler. No doubt that New York is the best city in the world, but it can definitely be rough in the winter. Before long, we may be shoveling ourselves out of our apartments to get to work, so take advantage while you can!

October recognizes the accomplishments and successes of female entrepreneurs and business owners, and we’re proud to say we fall into that category! Clarity was founded in 2000 by Kelly Swanson and Anne Schlussler.  Both women worked for the same recruiting agency before pairing off and starting their own. Since then, Clarity has expanded all across the country- from California to Richmond, Virginia! As we continuously grow and recruit top notch employees for our Clients, Kelly and Anne look back on the past 11 years of memories and offer up some advice. 

When and why did you first have the idea to start your own business?

Kelly:  We were both working at another company and I thought I could do it better.  Apparently, Anne was thinking the same thing and after each of us had left we joined forces to build Clarity.  Great minds!

How did you two get started?

Anne:  We left our employer and then started meeting – at an Italian restaurant on the UES – to make a plan.  We literally ate pasta, drank wine and mapped out the company plan.

What did you learn from your previous job that helped you start up your own recruiting firm?

Kelly:  I learned a lot from my previous manager and team about riding the waves and doing your best to have a positive attitude when things did not turn out the way you had imagined.  Staffing can have its ups and downs…we are in the business of managing people.  It is a challenging business but also extremely rewarding.

There are a lot of agencies out there. How did you know yours would be successful?

Anne:  I knew that Kelly and I had something special – mutual trust and a need for humor in the office.  Staffing is a great career and can be very lucrative but you have to make sure you create the right environment.  As partners, we believe in an honest, open approach, and that also applies to our clients and candidates, alike.  We did not set out to build a super selling machine – we wanted a full service, direct and hard-working culture while also having fun. This turned out to be true and still is 11 years later.  I am very, very lucky to have this kind of partnership and friendship with Kelly as well as Moira Donahue (our other partner).

Were there any obstacles along the way? Tell us about one.

Kelly:  Lots of obstacles mixed with success.  Our biggest was most likely getting through this last recession.  It was difficult because it was the first time Anne and I had not been sitting next to one another.  We knew that Moira Donahue (Managing Partner of the New York office) was more than capable of running the show without us there.  We were communicating cross country about how to keep everyone motivated and pushing forward.  It was tough but with a great team and core leadership you can do it. 

What are some of the best and worst aspects about owning your own business?

Anne:  The best aspect for me is working with people I trust and respect.  If something is not going well, we just change it.  Controlling your own destiny is the best part.  That can be the worst too!  You are always thinking about work, you are always worried about someone or something at work – it never leaves you.  When I had jobs, I left them and went home and did not always stress out about every little thing.  When you own your own business you are not just responsible for your livelihood but every single person in that office.  That is a big weight and one that we take very seriously.  This can be hard over time – you cannot fix everything no matter how hard you try.

How long did it take before Clarity became profitable?

Kelly:  We were profitable within the first year.  It was not easy!  We ran very lean and continued to grow.

When did you know it was time to hire your first employee?

K&A:  We started looking into hiring right away.  We knew that we could not do it all.  After all, that is what we do for a living is build strong teams for our clients.   We hired the first person within a few months.

How do you juggle being a mother and business woman every day?

Kelly:  I think having kids actually made me a better manager; we had three kids in four years and in order to pull that off I needed three things: 1) great support both at home and at work. I was forced to delegate certain responsibilities to people I could trust to get it done.   2) Organize. Organize. Organize.  Respond to emails ASAP and focus on the important stuff.  I live and breathe by my Google calendar!  3) Expect the unexpected.  Kids are pretty unpredictable.  Being ready for any given scenario is a real asset.  Just like in business, knowing that things don’t always go as planned makes it much easier when they actually don’t go as planned.  A friend once said to me “you are going to drop balls, just make sure it is not a major one!”  I took that advice very seriously. We are human… we can only do our best! 

Any advice for women with a passion to own their own business?

Anne:  Do something that you can love and stay committed to for a very long time.  It is very hard and you have to make some big sacrifices, but make sure you are doing it with someone you trust (if you have a partner or partners) and have a plan.  These things don’t just come together – they take time and blood, sweat and tears.  That is not just a saying – it is true.  You have to have tough skin for the game for it to be fruitful and that takes guts and perseverance.  But if you find the right niche for you and you believe in yourself and your product, you will do great!

note: This picture was taken in 2005. The baby in this picture is now 7.

Have you ever considered this? A first round interview and a first date are almost the same thing! You spend the day before playing out the scenario in your head. You make mental notes on questions to ask and topics to discuss. And you wear your best clothes! When all is said an done, you just want the other person to like you and feel that you can be an asset to them and/or the team.

Here’s why interviews and first dates are comparable:

1. Dress for success. In both cases, you are trying to make a great first impression and nice, clean and appropriate clothes can help you!

2. Use discretion. Once you get your meeting, make sure to not spill the beans on every little detail of your life too soon. It can make anyone feeling uneasy, especially someone who’s looking to hire you or date you.

3. Put on a happy face. Who wants to go on a first date with someone who’s miserable? No one. Put your best face forward and don’t get too negative about any previous employers. The hiring manager may come to the conclusion that hiring you could lead to trouble.

4. Be honest. If your date asks you a question about your past, don’t lie. It’s bound to get out eventually and you’ll get dumped. Or worse (in this economy), fired.

5. Q&A. In order to learn about your date or potential employer you need to ask questions and give answers! In either case, make sure to prepare a list of questions for the other person (for the date, please make a mental list. If you whip out a sheet of paper with questions, you won’t be seeing that person again.)

Always remember: If you walk into a date or interview with confidence you will most likely leave with confidence!

I’ve been working at Clarity as the Front Office Manager for about four months. It’s a busy job. I am responsible for payroll, invoicing, parsing resumes, creating profiles, administrative office duties, answering high volume phone lines—the list could go on! But maybe most importantly, I am the first person candidates see when they walk through the door. You would be surprised by the number of people who forget that the interview starts the moment you enter the building. Like I said before, it’s only been four months. But already, I feel like I’ve seen it all!
A plethora of articles have been written on interview etiquette. What to say: “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today.” What not to say: “I hated my boss, so I flipped on him in front of the whole office. He totally deserved it! It was epic.” How to talk about your resume: “This role taught me how important it is in any position to pay close attention to the finer points.” What to wear: “Suit, jacket, and button-down shirt. And remember, iron the entire outfit!” But what about the time before and after your actual interview? It is crucial. It can make or break a call back opportunity. So here are a few things I’ve observed that I’d like to share with all interviewees.

BEFORE….
The Arrival. It happens to all of us. We leave the apartment with more than enough time to get to our big interview or meeting. Then the train is running 20 minutes late, someone spills their coffee all over your white blouse, and there is not a single free taxi in a 10 block radius. Panic sets in. We know how it feels; we’ve all been there. But don’t just show up 20 minutes late. All you have to do is give us a call and say, “I am so sorry, but the train is running late. I will be there in 15 minutes!” Our response? “Take your time! We’ll see you soon.”

The Door. I used to absolutely dread this part of any first round interview. How is it that every single door in Manhattan has a different mode of entry? Just take a deep breath, and be observant. Is there a button? Is there a sensor that automatically opens the door? Is there a sign that says “Push” or “Pull” on the door? Try the door gently. If it doesn’t open, take a step back and look around a bit. Chances are you’ll figure it out in about 3 seconds if you just stay calm.

The Receptionist. That’s me! If you want to make a good impression, say hello with a smile! Introduce yourself. Tell me what you’re here for and who you are meeting with. So many times, whether it is nerves or anxiety or pre-interview jitters, candidates will walk up to my desk with a blank face and say….nothing. Don’t freeze up. If you’re warm and personable, I will convey that to the person you are about to meet with, and your interview will be off to a great start! If you give me an attitude or are rude, I am going to let them know that as well.

The Paperwork. It’s a drag, we know. But it’s part of the process. So take your time, pay attention to directions, and be thorough! If someone fills out the paperwork the right way the first time, I am blown away. Sounds so basic, right? It’s true; the tax forms are complicated and have a goofy format. Mistakes happen, and we miss stuff. We are very understanding. But if I have to point it out 4 times and ask you to date in the same place….you get what I mean. If you take your time and read it over, you will make a great impression when it’s all filled out correctly the first time.

And AFTER….
The Exit. Ending on the right note is hugely important because you want to leave a good impression. Be genuine in expressing your gratitude for the time the interviewer spent with you. If they don’t offer (which most places will), ask for a business card of the people you met during that day’s visit. Acknowledge the receptionist and other office team members that helped you earlier. Smile, thank them, and wish them a great day. Sincere friendliness is truly refreshing!
The Follow-up. After you leave, send a thank you note or e-mail to your main point of contact. Tell them how much you enjoyed meeting them and that you look forward hearing from them. And leave it at that. If you write a thank you note, e-mail two days later “just checking in,” and then give a phone call the next three days in a row, it’s a little bit overkill. Be patient! There are a million things on that person’s desk to take care of in the next 20 minutes. If you do not hear anything back, it is appropriate to follow up ONE more time, a week later. If you still hear nothing, you can safely assume that your time and energy would be better spent pursuing other opportunities.
All in all, the most important thing to remember during the pre and post-interview time is to be personable and professional. Stay in interview mode before and after the interview, keeping in mind that you never know with whom you are interacting. It’s very simple: If you are positive and pleasant, it will go a long, long way!

You’ve guessed it:  the smartphone.  Even my beloved Granny has one, although she calls at least once a week to ask me a question about something that “just showed up out of nowhere!” on the screen that she can’t figure out how to disable.  I’m just so proud she’s become savvy enough to even HAVE this phone.  During my last visit home, I listened to my 9-year old cousin incessantly beg her mom for her very own “blinky phone.”  For a few years now, she’d seen her mom’s phone light up in that ever-present blinking fashion, and heard the beeps and tones that just might mean “Mimi is calling!”. I understood… my husband got an iPhone way before I did, and I felt pouty and left behind. I could totally relate to the whining that is necessitated by the lack of this little blinking device, and even jokingly shared with my little cousin some of my bargaining secrets that eventually led my husband to agree to my before-I-was-due-for-an-upgrade upgrade.

One of the reasons these “phones” is so crucial to us all is that the amazing gadgets go way beyond answering and making phone calls.  In fact, we barely even call anyone on it anymore… Instead we text, email, and message our way through our social networks, never actually holding a conversation yet staying more connected than ever.  The amount of information available to us through these tiny machines is stunning, and easier to access than ever.  With the digital space growing frenetically, there’s stiff competition out there in the mobile technology sector, and that usually means good things for us as consumers.  One area that’s no stranger to a vast array of options is the apps market!  They… are… fabulous.  It means you need only click an icon to retrieve saved information, view new products, read the latest news, snap a picture during a night out, or build a grocery list last minute in the grocery store.  The options are endless! 

I’ve compiled a few of my favorites below… Of course it doesn’t even scratch the surface of what’s available out there, but the hope is that some of these may be new to a few of you, and can be of great help the next time you need to hang a picture straight in your 400 sq ft apartment here in NYC, keep a nutrition e-journal (as if we don’t have enough to track in this busy world!), or comparison shop for the best price online before heading to the check-out line. J  Oh, and these are all FREE!  What could be better???

What the Font: Lets you take a picture of a sign, poster, etc. and will determine what fonts were used
Epicurious:  A whole slew of recipes, categorized
Evernote: Cloud computing at its best when it comes to lists and organizing your life!  Automatically syncs with versions of Evernote on your PC, iPad, etc.
Snapcal:  Integrates seamlessly with iCal, Evernote, and other calendar apps
CNN: Up to the minute news app
Real Simple:   To-do lists galore!
Yelp:  The yelp we all know and love, in to-go form
Hopstop:  Up to the minute train detours and directions based on what’s currently happening underground
Seamless: SeamlessWeb’s mobile app…  Great for ordering when you’re on the way home and want dinner to be waiting!
OpenTable:  Reserve tables immediately, before you forget
Meetup:  Keep track of all your upcoming meet-ups (meetup.com), and also integrates seamlessly with iCal.  You can RSVP and check-in through the app, too.
NYCWAY:  Find nearby options in dining, nightlife, coffee shoppes, showtimes, etc
NYTimes:  More news!
OPI: For nail polish lovers, this lets you view every shape of OPI nail polish. categorized by collection
Netflix: If you have a Netflix account, this lets you manage it from your app on your smartphone
Instagram:  Lets you apply various filters to give your iPhone-taken photos more character
Alarmed:  Alarm app that lets you wake up (and fall asleep) to your own customized playlists
Lose It!:  Helps you track your daily calories, weight goals, exercise calories burned, etc.  Very easy because it already has a ton of food items stored up so you’re not manually entering the statistics for the food
ShopSavvy:  Scans barcodes of products/items in stores, and automatically tells you where you can buy it online for a lower price
TMZ:  Celebrity gossip app… guilty indulgence!
AllRecipes:  More recipes!
WallpapersHD:  Pretty wallpapers for your iphone, categorized and filtered
WallpaperFree:  Same thing as above, just different images
Handy Level: Ideal for hanging pictures and things straight when you don’t have a level handy