by Clinton Lancaster

Networking, resume writing, and interview tips were just a few of the topics discussed at a free job search program August 4 at Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers, AR, hosted by Cameron Smith & Associates.

Street Smarts, a job seeker seminar developed by CSA, is designed to help those in career transition get the tools and knowledge required to find the right job. Presentations given by members of CSA range from detailing the advantages and disadvantages of social networking to recommended attire at a job interview.

With the Internet becoming so important to job search, the benefits and risks of using job boards and social networking sites were explained during the seminar. Information on networking sites such as Linked In was presented, urging attendees to consider the help it can provide in networking and branding oneself in the job market.

While resume writing may seem like a simple task to some, proper resume writing and a professional format can propel a job seeker to an entirely new level. How to highlight career accomplishments, the golden rules of resume writing, and other valuable tips were given, all aimed to help attendees freshen up and improve their resumes.

The interview process can be scary for some and there are many factors most aren’t even aware of that can easily make or break an interview. Tips such as how to prepare, how to present oneself and how to follow up after an interview were covered during a detailed and informative presentation. Tips included how to approach one of the most sensitive subjects of all: money.

The evolution of Northwest Arkansas as home to numerous suppliers’ offices and successful recruiting tips were topics of discussion during Cameron Smith’s speech at the June 15 Northwest Arkansas Recruiting and Staffing Professionals (NWARSP) luncheon. 

Northwest Arkansas recruiting and staffing professionals gathered at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for the monthly luncheon where Smith, president of Cameron Smith & Associates, was the main speaker.

Smith discussed the exponentially increasing presence of supplier offices in Northwest Arkansas. Since 1994, there has been a steady rise in suppliers locating to the area to be closer to Wal-Mart’s home office. Between Bentonville and Bella Vista, Ark., more than 1,200 suppliers have offices while more than 5,734 people are currently employed on supplier teams within a 27-mile radius.

Smith presented advice on how to be a better recruiter, no matter what the industry. He encouraged recruiters to think at a higher level, develop a strategy and recruit within a niche. Smith also shared some recruiting scenarios in which these tips can be successfully applied.

Integrity, objectivity and confidentiality, among other characteristics, were identified as major pillars in developing professionalism and a strong code of ethics in the recruiting industry.

At a recent meeting of Northwest Arkansas Recruiting & Staffing Professionals, Cameron Smith addressed some issues surrounding the crucial partnership between human resources professionals and executive recruiters.

Smith told the crowd of corporate recruiters and independent "headhunters" about his background as a recruiter, the beginnings of Cameron Smith & Associates and the unique market in Northwest Arkansas. He also described the uneasy relationship between HR and executive recruiters.

"HR may resent search consultants for over-promising and under-delivering. Some recruiters have a reputation for being aggressive and fast-talking. For the partnership to work, both sides have to cooperate. There must be a commitment for a win / win."

Smith provided a list of reasonable expectations clients might hold. For instance, a company should expect the search firm to show a clear understanding of the position, the company and the goals of the search.

The code of ethics extends to the candidate as well. Hiring professionals owe the candidate the courtesy of confidentiality, full disclosure and timely communication.

Smith also reminded the audience that whether they represent a company, an agency or just themselves in the job market, each individual must address the issue of personal branding. "People do business with people. Not companies, not services - people." 

The Arkansas World Trade Center, in partnership with the Department of Commerce, will host a Brown Bag Lecture Series this May in celebration of World Trade Month. All events are held at The Arkansas World Trade Center located at 3300 Market Street, Suite 400, Rogers, AR  72758.

Free Trade Agreements and the State of Trade
Speaker: Israel Hernandez, Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service
Thursday, May 1, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.   

Opportunities and Challenges in Doing Business with India 
Speaker: Dr. Abdul Shaikh, senior international economist and regional coordinator for Africa, Middle East and South Asia Trade Information Center
Thursday, May 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

State of Trade in the Western Hemisphere and the Colombia Free Trade Act 
Speaker: John Anderson, Senior Director for Western Hemisphere affairs, International Trade Administration
Thursday, May 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  
 
Opportunities and Resources in China 
Speaker: Matthew Quigley, international trade specialist, China Business Information Center
Thursday, May 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.   

African Growth and Opportunity Act and African Trade Initiatives 
Speaker: Karoli Ssemogerere, attorney and expert on U.S./Africa affairs
Thursday, May 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

If you are interested in learning how to maximize your company’s potential in these emerging markets, you’ll want to attend these free lectures at the Arkansas World Trade Center. Please remember these are “Brown Bag” events. You may bring your lunch or order from Baker Brothers. Beverages are provided by AWTC. http://www.arwtc.org/newsmanager/articlefiles/76-WTM_website.pdf

If you are considering a career in the Wal-Mart supplier community, Cameron Smith has some great advice for you. Make time to visit the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce Job Fair on May 5th at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center to hear Cameron’s presentation on How to Break into the Supplier World. The presentation begins at 12:30 p.m. and is free to the public.

Cameron will tackle the frequently-asked questions of career changers, newcomers and recent graduates and provide “golden nuggets” of proven tips that can help you map your route to a supplier job. Anyone wishing to learn more about the phenomenon of Wal-Mart vendor teams, what they do and the skills they require will want to attend this free presentation.

The Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce Spring Job Fair is set for noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5th, and will include representatives from dozens of employers in Northwest Arkansas. For more information, contact the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce at 479.636.1240.