Assessing Candidates: Behavioral Interviews

Hiring the right candidate is crucial for the success of any organization. To make informed decisions during the recruitment process, employers need effective assessment methods. One powerful tool that has gained significant popularity in recent years is the behavioral interview. Below you will find the concept of behavioral interviews, understand why they are essential, and provide practical tips for conducting successful behavioral interviews to assess candidates accurately.

What are Behavioral Interviews?

Behavioral interviews are structured interviews designed to evaluate a candidate's past behavior and predict their future performance in specific job-related situations. Instead of hypothetical questions, these interviews focus on the candidate's actual experiences and actions in previous roles. By examining how candidates have handled specific situations in the past, employers gain valuable insights into their skills, competencies, and suitability for the role.

Why Behavioral Interviews are Powerful

  • Predictive Validity: Research suggests that past behavior is a reliable indicator of future behavior. Behavioral interviews provide a glimpse into a candidate's actions, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving skills, enabling employers to assess their potential performance on the job.
  • Objective Evaluation: Behavioral interviews employ a standardized approach, using a set of predetermined questions and evaluation criteria. This consistency ensures fairness and reduces biases in the assessment process, allowing employers to make more objective hiring decisions.
  • Skills Assessment: Behavioral interviews focus on specific competencies and skills required for the job. By probing into real-life examples, employers can gauge a candidate's proficiency in areas such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Tips for Conducting Successful Behavioral Interviews

  • Define Job-Related Competencies: Before conducting behavioral interviews, clearly identify the key competencies necessary for success in the role. Tailor your questions to address these competencies and align them with your organization's values and culture.
  • Structure Questions Effectively: Craft open-ended questions that prompt candidates to provide detailed responses about their past experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to guide the structure of your questions and encourage candidates to provide specific examples.
  • Seek Contextual Information: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the situations candidates faced by asking follow-up questions to delve deeper into their experiences. Ask about their role, the challenges they encountered, the actions they took, and the outcomes achieved.
  • Look for Transferable Skills: While candidates may not possess direct experience in your industry, focus on identifying transferable skills that can be valuable in the role. Look for adaptability, problem-solving ability, and the capacity to learn and grow.
  • Assess Cultural Fit: Evaluate whether the candidate's past behaviors align with your organization's values and work environment. Consider their ability to collaborate, handle conflicts, and adapt to your company's culture.
  • Active Listening: Pay close attention to candidates' responses, observe their non-verbal cues, and ask probing questions when necessary. Active listening allows you to gain deeper insights into their behavior and thought processes.
  • Document and Compare: Take detailed notes during the interview and compare responses across candidates to make fair and accurate evaluations. This documentation will serve as a reference during the decision-making process.

Behavioral interviews are powerful tools that enable employers to assess candidates based on their past behavior and predict their future performance. By focusing on real-life examples, employers can gain valuable insights into a candidate's skills, competencies, and suitability for a particular role. By following the tips provided in this article, you can conduct effective behavioral interviews that facilitate informed hiring decisions and increase the likelihood of selecting the right candidate for your organization's success.

Current Trends in Legal Industry Recruiting: Navigating the Evolving Landscape

The legal industry is undergoing significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, changing client demands, and the need for specialized expertise. As law firms and legal departments strive to adapt to these changes, the demand for talented legal professionals is higher than ever. In this blog post, we will explore the current trends in legal industry recruiting and shed light on the role of legal recruiters, executive search firms, and headhunters in connecting skilled individuals with exciting legal jobs.

Legal recruiters play a crucial role in the hiring process, particularly in a competitive legal market. These specialized professionals possess an in-depth understanding of the legal industry and the expertise to identify and attract top legal talent. Legal recruiters have extensive networks and insights into the needs of law firms and legal departments, allowing them to match candidates with the right opportunities. By partnering with legal recruiters, both employers and job seekers gain a competitive advantage in the legal job market.

In the realm of legal industry recruiting, executive search firms specializing in the legal field provide comprehensive solutions for identifying and recruiting high-level executives and leaders. These firms understand the unique requirements of legal roles and possess the industry insights to match organizations with exceptional leaders who can drive success. By leveraging their expertise, legal executive search firms help law firms and legal departments find transformative leaders capable of navigating the complexities of the legal landscape.

Legal headhunters excel in proactively seeking out and engaging top-tier legal talent for organizations. These professionals have extensive networks and insights into the legal industry, allowing them to identify and approach individuals who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. Legal headhunters are skilled at building relationships and effectively presenting the benefits of joining organizations at the forefront of legal innovation. By harnessing their expertise, headhunters bridge the gap between companies and exceptional legal candidates, facilitating successful placements.

Legal recruiting firms serve as strategic partners for employers and candidates in the legal industry. These firms specialize in understanding the unique demands of legal roles and possess the resources and expertise to connect the right talent with the right organizations. With their deep knowledge of the legal landscape and access to a diverse talent pool, legal recruiting firms ensure that employers have access to top legal talent while simultaneously helping individuals find fulfilling careers aligned with their aspirations.

The legal industry offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities. From corporate attorneys and litigation specialists to legal consultants, intellectual property experts, and compliance officers, the legal job market is diverse and dynamic. As law firms and legal departments adapt to changing industry trends, the demand for specialized legal professionals continues to grow. By partnering with legal recruiters and recruitment firms, individuals can tap into this wealth of opportunities and find the perfect fit for their legal career aspirations.

As the legal industry evolves, staying abreast of current trends in legal industry recruiting is essential for both employers and job seekers. Legal recruiters, executive search firms, headhunters, and recruitment firms play a pivotal role in connecting talented individuals with exciting legal jobs. By leveraging the expertise of these specialized professionals, both job seekers and employers can navigate the dynamic landscape of legal recruitment and contribute to the success of the legal industry.

Finding Your Path in the Healthcare Technology Industry: Advice from Healthcare IT Recruiters

The healthcare technology industry is experiencing exponential growth, driven by advancements in digital health solutions, telemedicine, electronic health records, and artificial intelligence. This rapidly evolving landscape offers a multitude of opportunities for individuals seeking a rewarding career in healthcare technology. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for finding a job or building a successful career in the healthcare technology industry. Additionally, we will delve into the role of healthcare technology recruiters, executive search firms, and headhunters in connecting talented individuals with exciting healthcare technology jobs.

In the competitive healthcare technology industry, partnering with specialized recruiters can significantly enhance your chances of success. Healthcare technology recruiters possess an in-depth understanding of the industry, allowing them to identify and attract candidates with the specific skills and experience required. These recruiters have extensive networks and access to a vast pool of talent in the healthcare technology field. By leveraging their expertise, healthcare technology recruiters can connect both employers and job seekers, ensuring the right fit for each opportunity.

Healthcare technology executive search firms specialize in identifying and recruiting high-level executives and leaders in the industry. These firms possess a deep understanding of the healthcare technology landscape and the expertise to match organizations with visionary leaders who can drive innovation and growth. Leveraging their industry insights and network, healthcare technology executive search firms connect organizations with transformative leaders who can navigate the complexities of the healthcare technology space.

Healthcare technology headhunters play a vital role in proactively seeking out top-tier talent for organizations. These professionals possess extensive networks and insights into the industry, enabling them to identify and approach individuals who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. Healthcare technology headhunters excel in building relationships and presenting the unique benefits of joining organizations at the forefront of healthcare technology innovation. By leveraging their expertise, headhunters bridge the gap between companies and exceptional candidates, facilitating successful placements.

Healthcare technology recruiting firms act as strategic partners for employers and candidates in the industry. These firms specialize in understanding the unique demands of healthcare technology roles and possess the resources and expertise to connect the right talent with the right organizations. By leveraging their deep knowledge of the healthcare technology landscape, these recruiting firms ensure that employers have access to top talent while simultaneously helping individuals find fulfilling careers aligned with their aspirations.

The healthcare technology industry offers a wide array of exciting career opportunities. From healthcare IT specialists and data analysts to software developers, digital health consultants, and implementation specialists, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in healthcare technology. As organizations strive to leverage technology to improve patient care, the need for skilled individuals continues to rise. By partnering with healthcare technology recruiters and recruitment firms, both employers and candidates can tap into this wealth of opportunities and find the perfect fit for their career aspirations.

The healthcare technology industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field with abundant career prospects. By leveraging the expertise of healthcare technology recruiters, executive search firms, headhunters, and recruitment firms, individuals can navigate the complexities of finding a job or building a successful career in this industry. These specialized professionals understand the industry's nuances, possess extensive networks, and have the resources to connect top talent with exciting healthcare technology jobs. Embrace the opportunities in healthcare technology recruitment to make a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare.

Embracing Current Trends in Automation Industry Recruiting

In an era of technological advancement, the automation industry has emerged as a driving force behind increased efficiency, productivity, and innovation across various sectors. As companies strive to integrate automation solutions into their operations, the demand for skilled professionals in this field has skyrocketed. In this blog post, we will explore the current trends in automation industry recruiting, shedding light on the role of automation recruiters, executive search firms, and headhunters in connecting talented individuals with exciting automation jobs.

Automation recruiters play a vital role in helping organizations identify and attract top talent in the industry. These specialized recruiters possess a deep understanding of automation technologies, trends, and skills required for success. Leveraging their expertise and extensive networks, automation recruiters are adept at sourcing and screening candidates who possess the technical prowess and domain knowledge necessary for automation roles. By partnering with automation recruiters, both employers and job seekers gain access to a vast pool of talent and opportunities in this rapidly growing industry.

In the competitive landscape of the automation industry, executive search firms specializing in automation recruitment offer a comprehensive approach to identify and recruit high-level executives and leaders. These firms possess a deep understanding of the industry's nuances and requirements, enabling them to match organizations with exceptional leaders who possess the vision and expertise to drive automation initiatives forward. By leveraging their industry insights and networks, automation executive search firms help organizations find transformative leaders capable of navigating the intricacies of the automation landscape.

Automation headhunters excel in proactively seeking out and engaging top-tier talent for organizations. These professionals possess extensive networks and insights into the industry, allowing them to identify and approach individuals who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. Automation headhunters are skilled at building relationships and effectively presenting the benefits of joining organizations at the forefront of automation innovation. By harnessing their expertise, headhunters bridge the gap between companies and exceptional candidates, facilitating successful placements in automation jobs.

Automation recruiting firms serve as strategic partners for both employers and candidates in the industry. These firms specialize in understanding the unique demands of automation roles and possess the resources and expertise to connect the right talent with the right organizations. With their deep knowledge of the automation landscape and access to a diverse talent pool, automation recruiting firms ensure that employers have access to top talent while simultaneously helping individuals find rewarding careers aligned with their aspirations.

As automation technology continues to advance, the range of automation jobs is expanding across multiple industries. From robotics engineers and automation technicians to process automation analysts and AI specialists, automation offers a diverse array of career opportunities. The demand for skilled professionals in automation is high, and organizations are actively seeking talent to drive their automation initiatives. By partnering with automation recruiters and recruitment firms, individuals can tap into this wealth of opportunities and organizations can find the right talent to spearhead their automation efforts.

As the automation industry continues to revolutionize various sectors, the need for skilled professionals is on the rise. Automation recruiters, executive search firms, headhunters, and recruitment firms play a pivotal role in connecting talented individuals with exciting automation jobs. By staying informed about the current trends in automation industry recruiting and leveraging the expertise of these specialized professionals, both job seekers and employers can navigate the dynamic landscape of automation recruitment and contribute to the future of automation-driven innovation.

shipping port, containers, and overall supply chain and logistics operations

Exploring Career Opportunities in the Supply Chain & Logistics Industry: Advice from Supply Chain & Logistics Recruiters

The supply chain and logistics industry serves as the backbone of global trade and commerce, encompassing the complex networks that ensure the smooth flow of goods from manufacturers to consumers. With the rise of e-commerce, globalization, and heightened customer expectations, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is ever-increasing. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for finding a job or building a successful career in the supply chain and logistics industry. We will also delve into the role of supply chain and logistics recruiters, executive search firms, and headhunters in connecting talented individuals with exciting opportunities.

To navigate the competitive landscape of the supply chain and logistics industry, partnering with specialized recruiters can make all the difference. Supply chain and logistics recruiters possess in-depth knowledge of the industry, allowing them to identify and attract candidates with the specific skills and experience required. These recruiters maintain extensive networks of professionals, enabling them to connect top talent with organizations seeking their expertise. By leveraging the expertise of supply chain and logistics recruiters, both employers and job seekers can gain a competitive advantage in the job market.

In the realm of supply chain and logistics recruiting, executive search firms specializing in this field play a vital role in identifying and recruiting high-level executives and leaders. These firms employ a targeted and comprehensive approach, understanding the nuances of the industry to match organizations with individuals possessing the vision and expertise necessary to drive success. Leveraging their deep understanding of supply chain and logistics operations, executive search firms help organizations find transformative leaders who can navigate the complexities of this dynamic industry.

Headhunters in the supply chain and logistics field are skilled professionals who proactively seek out top-tier talent for organizations. These experts possess extensive networks and insights into the industry, enabling them to identify and approach individuals who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. Supply chain and logistics headhunters excel in building relationships and presenting the unique benefits of joining organizations operating within this fast-paced and critical industry. By leveraging their expertise, headhunters bridge the gap between companies and exceptional candidates, facilitating successful placements.

Supply chain and logistics recruiting firms act as strategic partners for employers and candidates alike. These firms specialize in understanding the unique demands of supply chain and logistics roles, possess resources, and have the expertise to connect the right talent with the right organizations. With their vast networks, supply chain and logistics recruiting firms can access a wide pool of candidates with diverse skill sets, ensuring that employers have access to top talent while simultaneously helping individuals find fulfilling careers aligned with their aspirations.

The supply chain and logistics industry offer a myriad of exciting career opportunities. From supply chain analysts and logistics coordinators to warehouse managers, transportation specialists, and procurement professionals, the range of supply chain and logistics jobs is vast and diverse. As organizations recognize the critical importance of efficient supply chain management, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. By partnering with supply chain and logistics recruiters and recruitment firms, both employers and candidates can tap into this wealth of opportunities and find the perfect fit for their career aspirations.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in the supply chain and logistics industry, leveraging the expertise of supply chain and logistics recruiters, executive search firms, headhunters, and recruitment firms can significantly enhance your chances of success. These specialized professionals understand the industry's intricacies, possess extensive networks, and have the resources to connect top talent with exciting opportunities. 

Best Practices for Onboarding New Employees: Set Your Team up for Success

Welcoming new employees into your organization is an exciting opportunity to foster a positive and productive work environment from day one. Effective onboarding plays a crucial role in helping new hires integrate smoothly into the team, understand their roles and responsibilities, and become valuable contributors to the company. In this blog post, we will explore some best practices for onboarding new employees, enabling you to create a supportive and engaging onboarding process.

  1. Prepare Ahead of Time: Before the new employee’s arrival, it’s important to prepare a well-structured onboarding plan. This plan should outline key activities, training materials, and resources needed to facilitate a smooth transition. Ensure that necessary equipment, such as computers, software, and security access, is ready before the new employee’s start date. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to their success and helps them feel valued right from the beginning.
  2. Warm Welcome and Orientation: The first day sets the tone for the new employee’s experience. Start by providing a warm welcome, introducing them to the team members, and giving them a tour of the office or virtual workspace. A comprehensive orientation session should cover company values, mission, and culture. Share any employee handbooks, policies, and procedures that will help them understand the company’s expectations and guidelines.
  3. Clear Role Expectations: Clearly communicate the new employee’s role, responsibilities, and performance expectations. Provide them with a written job description and discuss how their role fits into the larger picture. Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with the company’s objectives. Regularly check in to ensure they have a solid understanding of their responsibilities and are progressing towards their goals.
  4. Mentorship and Buddy System: Assigning a mentor or buddy to new employees can significantly enhance their onboarding experience. A mentor can offer guidance, answer questions, and provide insight into the company’s culture. This supportive relationship helps new hires navigate their roles more effectively, build relationships, and accelerate their learning curve. Encourage regular check-ins between the new employee and their mentor to address any concerns and provide ongoing support.
  5. Training and Development: Investing in employee training and development demonstrates your commitment to their growth and success. Create a comprehensive training plan that includes both job-specific skills and company-wide knowledge. Provide resources such as online courses, webinars, or workshops to help new employees develop the skills they need to excel in their roles. Encourage them to attend relevant industry conferences or seminars, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
  6. Regular Feedback and Performance Reviews: Regular feedback and performance reviews are essential for the professional growth of your new employees. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss their progress, provide constructive feedback, and address any challenges they may be facing. This practice encourages open communication, highlights areas for improvement, and helps them feel supported in their journey. Recognize and celebrate their achievements, fostering a positive work environment.
  7. Social Integration: Facilitating social integration is vital for fostering a sense of belonging within your organization. Encourage team members to engage in social activities, such as team lunches, after-work events, or virtual coffee breaks. This not only helps new employees build relationships but also promotes collaboration and a positive team dynamic.

Effective onboarding is a strategic investment that pays off in the long run. By implementing these best practices, you can ensure a smooth transition for new employees, help them acclimate to their roles quickly, and set the stage for their success within your organization. Remember, a well-structured onboarding process creates a positive first impression, promotes engagement, and increases employee retention. With a thoughtful and comprehensive onboarding strategy, you’ll empower your new hires to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the team.

Navigating the Current Trends in Robotics Industry Recruiting

As the robotics industry continues to advance at a rapid pace, the demand for skilled professionals in the field is soaring. From autonomous vehicles and industrial automation to healthcare robotics and artificial intelligence, companies are actively seeking top talent to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge. In this blog post, we will explore the current trends in robotics industry recruiting, shedding light on the role of robotics recruiters, executive search firms, and headhunters in connecting talented individuals with exciting robotics jobs.

To meet the growing need for robotics expertise, specialized recruiting agencies have emerged, focusing exclusively on the robotics industry. These robotics recruiters possess in-depth knowledge of the field, enabling them to identify and attract candidates with the specific skills and experience required. By partnering with robotics recruiters, both employers and job seekers gain access to a vast network of industry professionals, facilitating successful placements and career advancements.

In highly competitive markets, such as robotics, companies often turn to executive search firms specializing in robotics recruitment. These firms employ a targeted and comprehensive approach to identify and recruit high-level executives, technical leaders, and other specialized professionals. Robotics executive search firms understand the nuances of the industry, allowing them to match organizations with individuals possessing the vision and expertise necessary to lead in this dynamic field.

In the realm of robotics recruiting, headhunters play a crucial role in proactively seeking out top-tier talent. These skilled professionals possess extensive networks and insights into the industry, enabling them to identify and approach individuals who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. Robotics headhunters excel in building relationships and persuasively presenting the unique benefits of joining an organization at the forefront of robotics innovation. By leveraging their expertise, headhunters help bridge the gap between companies and exceptional candidates, facilitating successful placements.

Robotics recruiting firms act as a strategic partner for both employers and candidates in the robotics industry. These firms specialize in understanding the unique demands of robotics roles and possess the resources and expertise to connect the right talent with the right organizations. By leveraging their extensive networks, robotics recruiting firms can access a wide pool of candidates with diverse skill sets, ensuring that employers have access to top talent while simultaneously helping individuals find fulfilling robotics jobs aligned with their career aspirations.

The demand for robotics professionals extends across a broad spectrum of industries. From manufacturing and logistics to healthcare, agriculture, and even entertainment, robotics is revolutionizing various sectors. As a result, the range of robotics jobs is rapidly expanding. Roles such as robotics engineers, software developers, data scientists, AI specialists, and robotics project managers are in high demand. With the help of robotics recruiters and recruitment firms, organizations can find individuals who possess the technical expertise, creativity, and adaptability necessary to thrive in these dynamic roles.

In the ever-evolving robotics industry, finding and attracting top talent is a critical success factor for companies aiming to lead the field. Robotics recruiters, executive search firms, headhunters, and recruitment firms play instrumental roles in connecting skilled professionals with exciting opportunities in this burgeoning industry. By staying abreast of the latest trends and partnering with these specialized experts, organizations and individuals can navigate the complexities of robotics industry recruiting and contribute to the future of innovation and automation.

Remember, whether you're an employer seeking robotics talent or a professional looking for robotics jobs, leveraging the expertise of robotics recruiting professionals can significantly enhance your chances of success.

Pay Transparency and How to be Compliant

May 22, 2023

Pay transparency laws are regulations that require employers to disclose information about employee compensation, both to individuals and publicly. These laws are typically in reference to salary range and benefits offered for a particular job. As many states have recently passed pay transparency laws, some enacted as recently as 2023, employers and third-party recruiters are required to be compliant in disclosing compensation and benefit information during the hiring process, when requested, and within job postings for roles in these locations.

Society of Human Resource Management data released on Equal Pay Day, March 14, 2023, shows that, among more than 1,300 human resources professionals surveyed, 42% of their organizations or more operate in a location that requires job postings to include pay ranges. Pay transparency is meant to reduce pay inequities, and reduce wage discrimination with the thought that the knowledge of compensation and benefits will help candidates to set expectations and negotiate throughout the hiring process. 

Below are pay transparency laws in effect by state, based on Pay Transparency Law Updates for 2023 - Foley & Lardner LLP:

California
Employers in California have long been required to provide applicants with the pay scale for a position upon reasonable request. However, beginning Jan. 1, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees, at least one of whom is located in California, must include the pay scale for a position in any job posting, including positions posted by third parties.

Colorado
Employers with one or more employees in Colorado are required to disclose the hourly or salary compensation, or a range of the hourly or salary compensation, that the company would pay for the role, in each posting for a job opening.

The Colorado Department of Labor has confirmed that this law applies, with a few narrow caveats, to all remote job openings so long as the employer has at least one worker in Colorado.

Maryland
Employers must provide the wage range for a position at the applicant's request, and employers are prohibited from refusing to interview or hire an applicant because they requested the wage range for the position.

Nevada
Employers must provide the wage or salary range or rate of pay for a position to applicants who have completed an interview for the position.

New York City
As of Nov. 1, 2022, employers with four or more employees are required to include a position's minimum and maximum annual salary, or hourly wage, in any job posting. The law applies to any position that could be filled by a candidate who resides in New York City or any position that could be performed at least in part in New York City.

Washington
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, employers must disclose the wage scale or salary range for an opening in any job posting. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries' Employment Standards Program has issued guidance for employers and sample job postings that meet the disclosure requirements under Washington state law.

Connecticut
Employers with one or more employees in Connecticut must provide a wage range to current employees and applicants upon the receipt of either: (1) the applicant's request or (2) the communication of an offer of employment, whichever comes first.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has confirmed that the law applies to employers within the state using the services of one or more employees for pay even if such employees are located outside the physical confines of the state.

Rhode Island
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, employers with one or more employees in Rhode Island must provide the wage range for a position to an applicant on request or at the time of hiring, whichever is earlier. Even when the applicant does not make a request, the law encourages employers to provide the wage range for the position prior to discussing compensation.

10 Best Interview Questions to Ask Candidates

May 22, 2023

By Christy Pashkovskiy, Director of Marketing

When it comes to interviewing candidates, it’s important to not only ask them questions about their experience and qualifications but also to ask questions that will help you assess their fit within your company culture and their ability to work with others. Here are some top interview questions to ask candidates:

Tell me about a time when you had to solve a complex problem. How did you approach it?
This question is designed to assess a candidate’s problem-solving skills. Look for candidates who can break down complex problems into manageable parts and who can come up with creative solutions.

Can you describe a project or accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?
This question is meant to give candidates the opportunity to showcase their achievements and highlight their strengths. Look for candidates who are enthusiastic about their work and who are proud of their accomplishments.

How do you handle conflict with a coworker or manager?
Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace, so it’s important to hire candidates who can handle conflict in a constructive way. Look for candidates who are able to communicate effectively, listen actively, and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
Time management and organization are crucial skills for any employee. Look for candidates who can prioritize their workload, manage their time effectively, and stay focused on their goals.

What do you know about our company, and why do you want to work here?
This question is designed to assess a candidate’s interest in your company and their motivation for wanting to work there. Look for candidates who have done their research on your company and who can articulate how their skills and experience align with your company’s values and goals.

What are your long-term career goals?
This question is designed to help you understand a candidate’s aspirations and motivations. Look for candidates who are ambitious and have a clear sense of where they want to go in their careers.

Can you give an example of how you’ve demonstrated leadership in the past?
Leadership skills are important for any employee, not just those in management positions. Look for candidates who can inspire and motivate others, take initiative, and lead by example.

How do you stay up-to-date with industry developments and trends?
This question is designed to assess a candidate’s interest in their field and their willingness to continue learning and growing. Look for candidates who are curious, proactive, and committed to professional development.

How do you handle failure or setbacks?
Everyone experiences failure or setbacks at some point in their careers, so it’s important to hire candidates who can bounce back and learn from their mistakes. Look for candidates who are resilient, adaptable, and able to take constructive feedback.

How do you handle a heavy workload or tight deadlines?
This question is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to handle stress and pressure. Look for candidates who can manage their workload effectively, prioritize their tasks, and stay focused under tight deadlines.

By asking these types of questions, you’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of a candidate’s skills, experience, and fit within your company culture. Use this information to make informed hiring decisions that will help your company thrive.

DRI Interviews Orlando Sellers, Chief Technology Officer at Hytrol

Cherie Shepard, Managing Partner of Direct Recruiters, recently had the opportunity to connect with Orlando Sellers, Chief Technology Officer at Hytrol for a series of Thought Leader Interview questions. He shared insights surrounding the material handling industry, emerging technologies, in addition to information about Hytrol and the unique services they offer. 

Please tell us about yourself and your company, Hytrol.

Hytrol is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of material handling systems for a variety of industries. In fact, we are North America’s largest conveyor manufacturer. We are a privately owned company with 1400 employees located in Jonesboro & Fort Smith, Arkansas. Our values of Faith, Family, Empathy, Commitment, Gratitude, and Community is what makes us who we are.

I am the Chief Technology Officer with accountability at Hytrol for Research and Development and core engineering product execution. Also, I am a dynamic Executive Leader with a distinguished career and demonstrated success driving multi-million-dollar growth, developing, profitability, and building or restoring market share in highly complex and competitive business climates, both domestically and internationally. Throughout my career I have demonstrated the capacity to formulate unique business solutions for large key-to-the mission initiatives and the tenacity to attract, recruit, and manage the organizations that execute them.

What led you to pursue a career in the Material Handling industry? 

My passion to provide a significant impact on the growth of companies in markets that are beginning the journey with Industry 5.0 has led me to this industry. The opportunity to leverage my cross functional experiences from disparate industries positions me well to develop innovative pioneering technology solutions that are market leading.

What have you found to be the most challenging aspect of your job?

As a transformational leader who was asked by the Board of Directors and CEO to position the company for growth, the most challenging aspect of my role is to develop pioneering products and technology for our customers. Developing value-added products and premium services as solutions to our customer needs requires an intimate knowledge of their businesses and willingness to pay for solutions that lower their owning & operating costs or drive additional revenue to their bottom line.

We know that IOT and Predictive Maintenance are having a big impact on automation. How do you see Hytrol developing these or other initiatives in the coming year?

Hytrol, like many other companies in the industry, is looking into IOT solutions for our customers. Predictive Maintenance, Predictive Analytics, and Robotics are areas that we will be investigating over the next several years.

What challenges do you expect the industry to face in the next 3 years?

We expect the industry will have slightly declining sales in 2023 that will continue until mid-2024. Afterwards, there will be a rapid 6 to 9 month recovery period leading to a growth in sales trend starting 1st quarter of 2025.

What would you consider to be the most important lesson learned in your career?

Watch as well as Pray. When coming to a new organization, spend the first 6 to 8 months learning the organization’s culture, people, and processes before making any suggestions or changes for improvement. This way you will learn who are your change agents, influencers, and targets of change. Additionally, you will also know which practices are truly the ‘best practices’ that need to remain in place. This is the ‘Watch’. Next, as you implement changes, everything will not go as planned. In fact, sometimes your organizations best initiatives will not go well at all. Use these instances as learning opportunities and seek new strategies and tactical plans to not repeat the situation. So, in these instances you need to ‘Pray’ all goes well.

Cherie Shepard is a Managing Partner and the Executive Search Director of DRI's PackagingMaterial Handling & Food Processing. With over 14 years of experience working with the leaders in the industry, Cherie works daily to expand these specialty segments by staying current with industry news and trends. In addition to phone and video conversations with the industry's thought leaders, she routinely travels to trade shows and networking opportunities to meet with these leaders.

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming edition of our exclusive Thought Leader Interview series, please reach out to Cherie Shepard at cshepard@directrecruiters.com