credit@work
the limited positions they do want to
fill, but hiring managers report that a
disproportionate number of applications come from candidates who are
not qualified for the positions for which
they apply.
Although companies recognize how
essential credit and collections personnel are to the health of their business,
some remain hesitant to add full-time
staff in any area until they see signs of a
sustained economic recovery. The use
of interim professionals is an increasingly popular option for companies
seeking to keep up with business
demands while reducing the possibility
of having to lay off core employees
should conditions continue to fluctuate. Temporary assignments also provide an opportunity for managers to
evaluate potential hires firsthand before
extending a job offer.
Melding Staffing Approaches
Although a tight focus on cost-control
continues to shape the hiring landscape
in credit and collections departments—
and in every business area and company—organizations also realize that
carefully chosen additions to their staff
are critical to their efforts to navigate
the current economic climate and
ready themselves for potential new
opportunities.
Prudent yet forward-looking companies are selectively adding employees
when they identify a specific and sustained need while relying on flexible
staffing strategies as needed to help
them manage through a period of continuing change and uncertainty.
To request a complimentary copy of the
2010 Salary Guide and read about the
most current hiring trends, please visit
www.roberthalf.com/SalaryCenter. ●
Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of
Robert Half International, parent company of
Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance &
Accounting and Robert Half® Management
Resources. Mr. Messmer is author of
Managing Your Career for Dummies® and
Job Hunting for Dummies®, 2nd Edition.
His most recent book is Human Resources
Kit for Dummies®, 2nd Edition.
Dear Andy,
Q: In the course of my job, I must
frequently participate in group discussions, and sometimes I’m called
on to facilitate these meetings. I’m
not sure I’m always effective,
though. Can you offer any tips on being a better communicator?
The answer to your question involves a wide range of practices and advice, but let
me start by identifying one of the most common mistakes businesspeople make
when it comes to making themselves understood: Resorting to buzzwords and jargon. Too often, people use meaningless words and phrases in place of clear and
straightforward language. When this happens, communication breaks down as audiences tune out what many see as simply “company speak.”
A recent Accountemps survey asked senior executives to name ѡ