The other edge? The Internet also makes it easier for current
employers to stumble onto an employee's
job search. Unless, that
is, the employee uses the privacy protections built into job sites
such as Monster.com.
The job seeker should also be careful when dealing with
headhunters. "Some [headhunters] will sling résumés all over the
Internet," says
Silicon Valley recruiter Jolie Downs. So, every
recruiter's call should be fielded with guarded enthusiasm.
Carefully vet all recruiters before giving away too much
information, and set ground rules about where your info can go.
Require the recruiter to get permission from you before sharing
your information further.
This may sound harsh, but savvy recruiters know that good employees
want to protect their rear flanks.
2 MBA Matters
Does the degree matter anymore? There's the blunt question, but
don't expect a blunt answer. The reality? It depends. Here's what
Downs, a principal at Paradigm Staffing, says: "An MBA isn't as
important as experience, but it also has to be said that some
companies still value an MBA."
Neil Lebovits, president and chief operating officer of global
recruiter Ajilon Professional Staffing, elaborates: "It's always
better to have an MBA than not, but it's not the necessity it was a
few years ago [when companies could be very picky about hiring].
Not having an MBA won't be the deal breaker it was two years
ago."
Still, MBAs are being heavily recruited these days. New York
recruiter
Thomas Fuller says, "We are seeing an uptick in MBA
recruiting. Those coming out of top schools are having no problems
getting jobs."
But the ticket to the fastest ride, whisper recruiters, is coupling
an MBA with relevant, tangible, measurable, on-the-job
accomplishments. Flaunt an MBA with proven profit-center successes,
and that is a nearly irresistible combination.