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SOURCING Techniques and Methodologies Discussions « back to group
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Good Morning!
Wal-Mart Stores, INC has formed a fairly new sourcing team and are looking into some potential training options. We had ASK Maureen on-site last fall and have reasearched AIRS and have been recommended Execuquest Search Team Training. Training is definitely a great investment, but we would like to make sure that we are receiving the most effective sourcing training. We would like a well-rounded training to encompass cold calling and web searching. Do you have any suggestions on what has worked well for your team?
Thanks, Jessica Thomsen Sr. Sourcing Specialist Wal-Mart Stores, INC
28 replies
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I have taken the AIRS SearchLab and most recently the XtremeLab Sourcing classes. I thought they were really good and showed some "out of the box" techniques. I've also taken advantage of emailing some of my challenges to the trainers and I received personal attention to those problems as they were able to help guide me and find a solution.
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Hello,I have been Recruiting for 20 years.I am not a novice at the Internet and can probably Boolean with the best. One thing I have learned, I can always learn something new from others. I was AIRS CERT and I just recently completed their -AIRS EXTREME LAB and will take the exam soon. I will tell you that the Advanced Course was excellent.The Material was fresh and although I knew alot I also learned alot. The Instructor, Peggy DeLong was outstanding and extremely knowledgeable.She was personable,knolwedgeable and most of all passionate about her subject material.
Now, here is a twist for the Group. I can speak from experience about many of the self professing 'Gurus' because I have used quite a few. Jim Stroud, Glen and Shally are amongst a few I have used and the best.I have paid for their materials, used the materials and their personal assistance and I would put Peggy DeLong right at the top of the list with them. They are all extremely knowledgeable and they all have many different strengths. Marketing and selling are truly one of Jim's, Shally and Glenn's strengths. Some times the self evangelism here on ERE gets really kind of overbearing and the circle seems to be a small circle of friends with alot of history and links.I would not hesitate to go to any of them or take their courses.Just understand that like the Internet you get very different results from the different web sites and it is the same when you use any of the Trainers. They are all very talented, different and bring varying results. You really need to know what you want, be able to ask the right questions and then work closely woth each to get desired results.
My most recent experience with AIRS and in specific Peggy DeLong was exceptional.Last week, I needed some extra one on one help with a very difficult search and Peggy did a one on one follow up session with me for over an hour-FREE_ and she really helped make my day. I have managed to identify 4 great candidates through her efforts.
AIRS MATERIAL is well written and up to date. I cannot say that every trainer I have used and ourchased there material had updated there course material withtin the year.It boiler plate templtes which is sold over and over and not really current in some cases.( I wont, at anytime, go into the two on line courses I purchased and had that experience.
If anyone wants a great experience with a Company that has years experience and very dedicated Customer oriented Trainers' then I can never say enough great things about Pegggy and the AIRS TEAM!The money I spent is hard earned money as I am self employed as a Contract Recruiter so I have to buy wisely. I would do AIRS Extreme Labs again when I think there is sufficient 'new material to justify the course.
If anyone wants to contact me personaly and work together on getting better at writing search strings and exchangeing them, please drop me a line. Like I said 20 years of Recruiting and I am very proficient at Internet Searching.Just dont have a lot of time to brag about it but I really enjoy doing Boolean strings.
Be well.Do your homework and know what you are buying and what to expect. Airs is a great Company with a solid reputation and many clients that are as happy as I am.Their customer service is something all of us in the business should strive for.
Bob Corbin
PS I have a strong Recruiting background and can write Boolean with the best. If you need some help ,get in touch with me and lets work on search strings.
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I recently participated in an AIRS Search Lab 3.0 course, and it was exceptional! -The material was highly appropriate and very well organized -We moved along and a rapid yet respectable rate for the experience level of the class -The expertise of the instructor was extreemly high - both from a content perspective but also from a training technique perspective - The accessability of the instructor after the course was over has been beyond my expectations - In general I have found AIRS customer service to be top notch - I've been recruiting for 7 years, and I learned a lot!
I could go on...but, I think you will get that I was very impressed.
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Thank you ALL for your responses. As Teresa Bustamante and Dave Mendoza pointed out, which was a complete miss on my part, Shally was at Wal-Mart a few years ago for training. Unfortanetly, at that time I was unable to attend that training. I do have calls into Shally, RecruiterAcademy, AIRS and Execuquest to discuss our training needs, what they can provide and at what cost. I value all your suggestions and very much appreciate it! If any of you need anything in the future, do not hesitate to contact me (jthomse@wal-mart.com).
Best Regards, Jessica Thomsen
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I highly recommend AIRS training classes. I myself have taken over 15 AIRS courses and they have been very valuable. My favorite classes are the 3 certification courses that they offer since these classes provide invaluable strategic sourcing training. They have provided a great number of tools now available to recruiters for sourcing purposes.
As everyone knows, the internet has grown tremendously these past 10 years. AIRS has been around for the duration. The one very valuable aspect of getting an Academy license is that you can take as many courses as you want in a year. The internet is an ever changing environment. There are tools added every day and literally thousands upon thousands of pages added every day. It is impossible for any one recruiter to keep up with all the changes while continuing to run a full desk. AIRS is outstanding because they keep up with the changes for us. I take their Search Lab 3.0 3 times simply because there is new information each time. It has helped me to keep up with the latest techniques and tools that I otherwise would not have time to do so.
Additionally, AIRS is outstanding for after class support. If you have a question or need help with your search, you can contact one of the trainers and they are there as a resource for you. I myself have called a few times on a week end and have reached a trainer each time who provided me with much needed assistance during those times. They have never let me down. I have not experienced this type of support from any other trainer or training company.
The trainers themselves are outstanding. I?ve gotten to know a few of them and they are true professionals and at the top of their game. Each holds a wealth of information that has proven to be very valuable with my recruitment efforts. They are the type of individuals that I believe we in recruitment should all follow. Take the Search Lab 3.0 first and see what I mean.
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Hello!
I have to agree with everyone on how great the AIRS training is. One of the most exciting parts of my career was an investment my employer made in me by offering me the AIRS Recruiter Academy. This gave me an opportunity to learn new and innovative ways to source, screen, assess, and close the best and brightest candidates out there. Everything from Fearless Cold Calling, Googling for Candidates, Coaching, On-Boarding, etc. I was able to take as many online webinars, in person workshops and conferences as I could schedule for one reasonable fee. This also included all of their certifications, Certified Diversity Recruiter, CDR, Certified Internet Recruiter, CIR, and Advanced Certified Internet Recruiter, ACIR.
Their instructors, customer service, sales team and management that I have had the opportunity to deal with have been awesome! Just awesome. I cannot say enough great things about them. That is not always easy to say these days.
Nicole, Sharon, Kathy, Brian, Peggy, Laura, Kelly, & Lisa are great! I even got an onsite conference with Employee Referral Programs with expert Dr. John Sullivan. All included in the one price. The onsite classes are always in nice places with great food too!
Feel free to contact me directly if I can answer any other questions regarding AIRS.
Here is a link for more info on the AIRS Recruiter Academy training.
http://www.airsdirectory.com/mc/training_academy.guid;jsessionid=7B1709F0B3F94124F7CF0D334BEF307D
In closing, no, I do not work there or have any other relationship other than one as a client.
Good luck!
Mason
W. Mason Preddy
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Jessica: Good luck with your Sourcing Team! Your email did not go into the skills of your current Recruiters, but you're absolutely correct, training is critical. I can attest to the quality of training through AIRS. My organization has been using AIRS for a few years and have seen a marked improvement in the sourcing skills of recruiters. AIRS trainers have been in the recruiting field & know the challenges of finding people. Their training classes are geered to recruiters at all levels, whether inexperienced & learning, to experienced & looking for new techniques!
In addition to the training, the Trainers do a fantastic job of making themselves available for follow-up questions. It's great to know that after the training is over, we can still call or email our instructor for specific help with issues. Because they view themselves as partners to their client companies, they partner with us for other topics like onboarding, ERPs, etc. and have provided us with valuable feedback and suggestions for starting or improving new programs.
I have found AIRS to be completely indispensable, and would recommend them highly to any organization.
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Jessica holds my old sourcing spot at Wal-Mart so I know that team like no other. I'm now at Avery Dennison and know most of the people who have replied to her question. I'm Maureen's #1 fan; Jessica knows this. I'm not going to speak to the quality of her training, only to say she opened Wal-Mart's eyes to a whole new aspect to diligent, intense, never quit, ethical sourcing. There have only been 2 times that I called her that she didn't IMMEDIATELY drop her calls and help me right then and there. She's tough on me which is what one needs. The 2 times she didn't answer, her husband Bob did. I've been a recruiter for 13 years and nothing beats Magic in the Method modules. Nothing. Wal-Mart had Shally and Glenn visit about 3 years ago and I'm an amazing fan of their work too. Maureen and Shally operate in two separate sourcing spheres, and, I believe, you need to know both, in tandem, to be the sourcer you strive to be, Jessica. Shally pulls no punches and gives you the truth and nothing but. He and Glenn are the absolute gurus of internet sourcing, hands down. When Shally speaks, I shut up and listen. Glenn bends over backwards to get me answers. I've heard great things about Barbara Ling and Dave Mendoza-- he's very knowledgeable & personable. I don't think there's much better than Kelly Dobbins from AIRS. She can break down any awful Google search string with the grace of her smile. I could call her now and she would be jonny-on-the-spot. Since I know you Jessica, you need to invest in AIRS, study Magic as if it's the bible, and have Shally teamed with Glenn or Dave come back into Wal-Mart. Limit it to the sourcing team as you don't have the buy-in yet from the rest of recruiting--- facts be facts. Sourcers are remarkable in that, since we are still rather an enigma, we cooperate. Good luck, Jessica.
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With the start of the school year not far off, employees of small businesses might have a hankering to take some courses. And company owners might want to think about paying for them to take some classes -- the learning may help their careers and in turn, help the business retain its best workers.
Many companies are willing to pay for courses that will help employees upgrade their skills or learn new ones. Others go further, making tuition reimbursement an employee benefit that even covers courses not directly related to the job.
Human resources professionals say that paying for employees' courses is a great motivator and retention tool for all companies, so a small business that offers tuition reimbursement will make itself more competitive when it comes to attracting and keeping good workers.
Beverly Kaye, an employee retention consultant in Sherman Oaks, Calif., said research has shown that one of the top reasons why workers stay with their companies is they're learning and growing on the job. Taking courses helps that process along.
Read the whole thing here.
maureen at techtrak.com www.techtrak.com
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I?ve been telephone names sourcing now for about six months and one of the first resources my boss was so generous in purchasing for me was Maureen?s course, ?The Magic in the Method?. I cannot tell you how invaluable I have found it or how often I turn to the easy-to-access online course when I need help. In the six modules she?s put out, there are over 150 telephone sourcing lessons with 25-30 actual scripts that WORK!!! And believe me... Maureen is constantly updating and adding to those lessons for your continued benefit - as long as you have the subscription, you WILL learn! (Assuming that you read it, of course...) Not so long ago, Maureen wrote a series called "Duck to Water" about a young lady that went to take the "Magic" course in Maureen's home... I was that girl. Watching Maureen in action IN HER ENVIRONMENT was one of the most exciting and motivating events of my whole life. I left there with something I am convinced is a special gift and I will use it to its full benefit. Let?s admit it, many of us are afraid of the phone! I used to be... until I saw Maureen put her own terminology and practices to the test. Anyway, I recommend her online course for starters. If you're not ready for steak, I suggest you begin elsewhere... this telephone names sourcing course is "meat and potatoes"!
In addition, I have looked at Shally's training and would love to take it someday soon. It's really incomparable to Maureen's training because Shally takes the internet - so vast and unexplainable - and breaks it down into something extraordinarily simple. What Maureen does is take something that is already simple (and is therefore mind-boggling in its effectiveness) and what many people might consider "behind the times" (after all, who needs a phone when you have the internet?) and show you how to get past that fear of rejection spawned by the "hands-off" technology of our day.
I have not done much research into the AIRS training, but have heard good things about it. I have participated in several sessions of Peter Weddle's training - there are some really great nuggets of information in there for all types.
So is there ANYONE else doing telephone names sourcing training?
Elizabeth Valdez Telephone Names Sourcer 419.296.3198 esvaldez3@yahoo.com
Check out my blog! http://plainfullyhonest.blog.com
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I've taken multiple AIRS training classes and have been amazed with the techniques used to find candidates. After every training class, I go home and practice everything I learned so it becomes second nature. By taking the time to solidify everything taught in class, I am able to create an unlimited number of searches based on my understanding of how the web works. I always find new candidates and everyone at my company wonders how I do it. AIRS does an excellent job in all of their classes in sharing the underlying logic for everything that is taught.
I have been so pleased with my classes that I would be willing to pay for them personally if my company hadn't picked up the tab.
Nicole
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Good Morning-
I am a huge endorser of anything Shally Steckerl offers for training and have been a longtime customer of AIRS as well. But one thing I wish I could attend this fall (and my schedule prohibits) is this SourceCon 2007 - looks like it could be of great value to anyone in the sourcing world........
Kelly
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Over the past year I have completed the CIR, CRD, ACIR classes among many other excellent courses offered by AIRS. I have eleven years recruiting and staffing management experience working at two different international staffing companies and was very skeptical about what I might get out of AIRS training. AIRS training has far exceeded my expectations. The course material, trainers and interactions with other industry professionals has been excellent. I have personally been involved with the development and delivery of basic and advanced Recruiting and Sales training at Yoh over the last three years. The knowledge I have gained from the AIRS courses gave me many great ideas and additional talking points in my efforts to build our internal training program. Additionally, the AIRS training has given me valuable information about leading practices in employee branding that has been instrumental in revamping our company web site. I highly recommend AIRS training to anyone involved with recruiting.
Peter Koutroubis Yoh, Director of Operations peter.koutroubis@yoh.com
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I have got to tell you that I have been very impressed with the AIRS training I have received. They are always up to date with their techniques and teach the recruiter how to find candidates, especially passive job seekers. I have seen Shally's sheets and while initially they look impressive they don't teach you how to do it yourself.
I have found that the trainers with AIRS are experienced in the field since they have been recruiters themselves. They are there via phone and email to help you when you get stuck. I have had both Kelly and Peggy as my trainers and would recommend them to anyone. Both are extremely patient and knowledgeable. Peggy took time during her lunch break to help me work some unique positions that resulted in a placement.
Yes, they are a little bit more expensive. But when you purchase the academy membership you get all the classes you can take in 1 year for one low price. 2 classes pays for the membership.
My recommendation - go with AIRS. You won't be disappointed.
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Wow! What an amazing number of responses. This proves that sourcing is becoming what it should be--at the forefront of every new search.
I have to say that I have trained with both Shally Steckerl and Maureen Sharib, and they do very different things. However, to understand what sourcing really can BE and DO for your company, you have to understand what your needs are and where your people are in terms of skill and more importantly, MOTIVATION.
Shally's knowledge of the Internet it astounding, and Maureen's knowledge of how to penetrate through telephone sourcing is no less than genious. If you have heard them both, you know what I mean. They know their stuff.
I ask for input on many things and will continue to do so, but always try to go directly to the source. Call Shally, call Maureen and get an idea of how they each might fit with your dynamic.
It?s important to remember that Internet sourcing is very different from telephone sourcing, so understand what it is you wish to accomplish on the front end ? I highly recommend either one of their training courses!
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We have had great successes with our AIRS training & offerings. I think the combination of the methodology, materials and especially the corporate trainers make AIRS stand out as a leading company in the 'Sourcing' Arena. Recruitment is about people and AIRS constantly reminds you and shows you old/new/improved ways to find people no matter what your industry. There are other options out there and I am sure they are good in their own right. But AIRS is the leader and continues to offer ideas and products that make sense.
There is no true method, religion or process that has to be followed - but looking for the 'free' ways to find people is at the core of what sourcing is. AIRS constantly delivers us new ways of finding people. I also like the other products and professional/personal development options that you can receive through the AIRS family.
In the people finding industry, its nice to have a partner & solution that is user friendly with great people backing it. I think that regardless of the size of your company or your industry, AIRS is going to give you the most complete package.
Happy Hunting.
Bruce
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Hi Jessica, I have trained extensively with both AIRS and Shally Steckerl. Here is my honest opinion. AIR's got me started in the sourcing industry and is very good training, but I got to the point where I needed more. I thought I knew a lot, then I started training with Shally, and he blew my doors off. He personalized the training for me and took my knowledge to many levels further then I ever imagined. He also introduced me to great tools like Infogist and the line of Broadlook tools, which are amazing. Shally also has his line of cheat sheets that can help sourcers on a daily basis without having to memorize all that they have learned. (I have all of them posted in front of me everyday for east access) My 2 cents.
So whatever you decide, make sure your sourcers practice every day what they have learned in training. Becoming a good sourcer is not an overnight event; you have to keep trying new techniques and continue to lean on a daily basis.
Best of Luck. Tim O'Connor Strategic Sourcing Lead Capgemini
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Jessica,
Training is the most important element to developing an effective and respected sourcing team. If your team is interested in training that will encompass real life situations (not theory), then you must look at Shally's training (www.jobmachine.net)
His training will encompass the latest search strategies which will allow you to locate more candidates than you will need.
Now that you have found all of these candidates, what's next? Don't worry, he will show you how to contact candidates professionally on the phone and by email. The results of both campaigns are predictable. Therefore, you will know the results before lifting up the phone or composing that first email.
More importantly though, you will find Shally to be extremely personable, funny and engaging. You wont' be disappointed if you have him train your staff.
If you have questions, reach out to me at markjennings10@yahoo.com or call 510.798.2369
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Jessica, as someone who has gone through various training options mentioned here, I can say with all sincerity that there are no other options equal to Shally Steckerl's JobMachine Inc. and Glenn Gutmacher. Did Shally and Glenn train Walmart recruiters in the past? If they have, indeed, I am confident the word of mouth of those who experienced their workshops will make their value proposition resoundingly clear, not to mention that they will be in a better position than other partners to understand your unique hiring challenges. Who else is better qualified to provide workshops and consultation than 'thee' person involved in developing the Central Sourcing organization at Microsoft, Google, and Coca Cola ... to name a few? :)
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I agree with Mo -- Shally does take sourcing to a whole new level. He taught a class for some of our best recruiters back in May and I am still hearing how much they enjoyed the class and how much they learned from him. I've done the AIRS training -- it was good, but very basic. If you want your recruiters to be outstanding at sourcing, you must talk to Shally and JobMachine.
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Being very active with ERE I have seen many training options. For our company we have used both Airs Training and Job Machine / Shally's Job Machine training.
Kathy Little and the folks at Airs are great, offer an extensive curriculm of courses and have a well recognized certification program.
In my experience though Job Machine takes sourcing training to a whole different level. My team was amazed with Shally's techniques and the training was customized to OUR needs. Shally also provide some invaluable templates and easy to use cheat sheets.
All in all both are viable options but we found the greatest value and the highest level of instruction from Shally and Job Machine.
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John Gates says the "AIRS courses are fairly affordable" and "If you want to save a little change, you can have a couple of people take these classes and then report back to the rest of the group on tips and techniques, but it is always better if everyone who needs training gets training, not just tips."
I couldn't agree more with the second statement, and couldn't agree less with the first one.
For sourcing training options that are more affordable for everyone on your team, consider (not an exhaustive list):
www.cyberrecruitingsecrets.com (Judy West) www.jimstroud.com (Jim Stroud) www.jobmachine.net (Shally Steckerl) www.recruiting-online.com (Glenn Gutmacher) www.risetrends.com (Barbara Ling) www.techtrak.com (Maureen Sharib)
-- Glenn Gutmacher
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I have participated in a couple of Shally Steckerl's webinars and have been impressed overall. The only glitches I encountered had to do with the medium--there were times when the web-based format let us down a little. Shally, though, is exceedingly well prepared and has a seemingly enormous well of sourcing experience to draw from. I'd recommend taking a closer look. Richard Detoy Executive Search Solutions
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Jessica,
I have done Maureen's training for phone sourcing and also have done some training sessions with Shally for web sourcing as well. I would recommend you look at Shally's (jobmachine.net) site and also Glenn from Microsoft for sourcing online training. Also, look at barbara ling-I can't vouch for her since I have never gone through any of her training.
Also, I have heard mix opinions on AIRS so I can't tell you if it's worth the time and $$$. I can tell you that Shally or Glenn could custom tailor their training to your specific needs and it has been quite helpful to our team. Both I recommend highly. Good luck!
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Jessica,
The last several companies I've been with have used AIRS recruiting training and loved it. It's convenient and very targeted. Also, they have great reference materials and handouts. I've used both the in-person and online training and felt both were good.
Lindy
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I have heard good things about the training given by Shally Steckerl at JobMachine. Does anyone have feedback on the quality of their sourcing training? Thanks.
Mark Rinovato Manager, Global Staffing Broadcom
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Hello Jessica!
A wise question, and I hope you get a lot of responses.
I have personally taken the AIRS fearless cold calling class as well as their Searchlab and other internet sourcing classes and have become an AIRS CIR (Certified Internet Recruiter).
The AIRS courses are fairly affordable and chock full of useful information and practical application. They have you create scripts as part of the cold calling class, they will actually help you to develop boolean search strings for your current searches. What's more is that you can sign up for unlimited training classes through AIRS for a flat fee. If there are several classes you want to take, this can be cost-effective.
If you want to save a little change, you can have a couple of people take these classes and then report back to the rest of the group on tips and techniques, but it is always better if everyone who needs training gets training, not just tips.
I would recommend AIRS without reservation based on my personal experience.
John
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We used David Szary from the Recruiter Academy for training at my former Fortune 500 company. He is a practicing recruiter AND trainer with a personality, so his training is not stale. He customized the training for our team of sales recruiters. You can google his website to find him. Good luck!
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