The Gallagher Search Group, Inc.

Reputation RULES! The reputation of your organization is going to dictate how well you attract and retain top talent. Read that again The reputation of your organization is going to dictate how well you attract and retain top talent. It doesn’t matter how pretty the office is Or that you have Beer Fridays to celebrate weekly wins Or that you pay really well or have tremendous benefits Yes, of course, all of those things matter but they don’t move the needle on their own. They are add ons if all of the necessary boxes are checked. What do your employees say about you? What do your customers say about you? What do your former employees say about you? What does the market say about you? There are companies that cheerlead for themselves on social media and there is nothing wrong with that. Many companies should do far more of it than they do! But it is what OTHERS are saying that largely shapes and frames the reputation of your organization. When those OUTSIDE of the organization become cheerleaders and advocate, THEN you know you have a good thing going! And talent wants to be part of that good thing going!!!

Philly peeps, come on already! lol I see lots of recent grad posts and we often get calls from people saying, my son/daughter is a recent grad and are looking for a job.....well we have the job and have confidence that you, our peeps, are going to be the ones that find them! We are offering a referral fee (our little way of nudging you...lol) If you know of anyone that would be interested feel free to share this with them. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY- just need to find the right person! If interested please contact Hugh Gallagher 610-295-5171 *101 or Christine Gallagher 610-295-5171 *102 Are you a dog-loving, people-person with a knack for sales? Do you dream of a job where your furry friends can be your co-workers? Look no further! Our client is on the hunt for a Sales Superstar with a passion for pooches to join their pack in Philadelphia! As a member of our client's team, you'll be hitting the streets (and maybe a few dog parks) to spread the love for our amazing products. Your main mission? Making tails wag and customers smile as you introduce them to the latest and greatest in nutritious pet food. Experience in sales is a plus, but if you've got the charm and the drive, we'll provide all the training you need to succeed. Bonus points if you've got a background in route sales – after all, who wouldn't want to combine cruising through Philly's neighborhoods with meeting adorable pups along the way? This isn't just a job, it's a chance to turn your passion for pups into a rewarding career. So if you're ready to fetch some sales and unleash your potential, apply now and let's make Philadelphia the happiest city for dogs and their humans!

“Why won't you call when I’m at my desk and not on my phone??” Hopefully that got a giggle out of some of you! We were retained several years ago by a healthcare facility who wanted (needed) help with their recruiting function. I met with the COO/CFO regularly and the president occasionally.  We got “under the hood” to see what was happening in HR/recruiting. There were a multitude of recurring takeaways: -HR prioritized onboarding/paperwork/employee relations over recruiting -HR refused to enhance their own LinkedIn profiles and utilize LinkedIn as an online tool/resource -HR would not share a cell number with candidates so they could only be reached when physically at their desk -HR adopted an attitude that it was the candidate’s responsibility to make sure the process was going forward Direct quote: ”I’d be able to schedule a lot more interviews if these candidates would just call me back when I am at my desk!” SERIOUSLY??? Did you just say that aloud??? Reviewing the takeaways above: Does the candidate have your cell number to reach you after hours? No Are you staying late a night or 2 a week to make yourself available “after hours” for things as critical as scheduling interviews? No Are you showcasing yourself and your organization on social media (LinkedIn) so they can see you are a professional and you’re able to highlight open roles you’re working on? No Is it really any wonder how and why you’re not filling these openings? Folks, recruiting is a production role-it’s not a support role. Your people are your most valuable resource. I don’t care if you are in HR, a recruiter/TA professional, a hiring manager or president/owner-you MUST be recruiting all the time and SELLING your organization and opportunities. Your LinkedIn profile IS your digital website (much more so than your website). Your accessibility speaks volumes about how much ownership you take in your role and what critical functions it is. Own your role in the process!

I still have yet to meet a person whose life goal was to get into recruiting! I know it wasn’t me for sure but almost 30 years later, here we are! Starting off recruiting in the insurance industry in March of 1995... 5+ years of working insurance, I made the switch to the "recruiting insurance side" in March of '95. I figured my industry experience would make things seamless I've been wrong about things before… Working in a small, boutique firm on the Main Line (outside of Philadelphia), I was one of 3 recruiters (out of a staff total of 5-6 working in the insurance space. They weren't handing over their accounts, so I was starting from scratch. AKA time for cold calling. After numerous smiles and dials, I landed a client; an insurance carrier at the Jersey Shore. Searching for a property claims person to handle a South Jersey territory. Seemed cut and dried enough. Flashing back to 1995, there were no “real databases”-just piles of old resumes. LARGE piles of old resumes with notes scribbled all over them. The pre-internet era of recruiting would ensure (no pun intended) no one was seeking to get into this field! I found a “resume” in the old “database” .... A pile was a piece of paper with the guy’s name, number and what he did on it with a few scribbled notes. I called him to see if he was interested in discussing this opportunity. He said, "no but I think my wife would be." I’m thinking to myself, this is easy! I called the wife, sure enough, she is interested and I asked her to send a resume to me after reviewing responsibilities, salary, location etc on our call. She says, sure thing and I am now anxiously awaiting the happy ring of the fax machine that something is incoming... Fax eventually comes in and I am completely deflated. I am looking up and down her resume for where she handled property claims but it’s nowhere to be found. Defeated, I called her and said, I thought you told me you handled property claims. She replied, I have for the past 18 years. I said you know it doesn’t say that anywhere on your resume? She replies, It doesn’t? I said, "look, you sound great but this is a brand new client, I need a resume! Send something over & I’d be happy to submit for consideration." Remember, this was April of 1995, home computers were not widespread. Updating a resume took days compared to the seconds of ChatGPT. A day or two later, I get the new resume and submit it to our client (also via fax). Client responds immediately, the interview process begins... The candidate gets hired! Therein is the story of my very first placement...now we're up to over 1000! Two key takeaways here are: 1) Be grateful for whatever technology you’re working with today. Even if it's frustrating at times, it is VASTLY better than even 10 years ago. 2) People, when searching for a job-PLEASE familiarize yourself with your own resume and make sure it reflects your experience in job/title/responsibilities that you’re applying for!!

🚀 Exciting Opportunity Alert! 🚀 Are you a seasoned professional in the insurance industry looking for your next big career move? Look no further! 🌟 We're currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Commercial Lines Account Manager to join our client's growing team. As a key player in their organization, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of clients, providing top-notch service and tailored insurance solutions. What You'll Do: Manage a portfolio of commercial accounts, ensuring client satisfaction and retention. Collaborate with clients to understand their insurance needs and provide expert advice and solutions. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, carriers, and underwriters. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations to provide informed recommendations. What You'll Bring: Proven experience in commercial insurance, with a focus on account management. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities. A customer-centric approach and a passion for delivering exceptional service. Why Join: Competitive compensation package with opportunities for growth and advancement. Supportive and collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued. Access to ongoing training and development opportunities to further your career. Attractive hybrid work schedule giving you the best of both worlds! If you're ready to take your career to the next level and join a dynamic team of insurance professionals, we want to hear from you! Apply now and let's embark on this exciting journey together. 💼✨ #InsuranceOpportunity #AccountManager #CommercialLines #JoinOurTeam #CareerGrowth #ApplyNow

Making your way through today’s job market really is something like dating. After all, you’re looking for a “connection,” not just a job. Therefore…. Make that first impression count, understand the hiring managers needs and engage with the company over time without being overwhelming. Reach out to a potential employer/hiring manager on LinkedIn that tell them you understand their needs. Empathize with their goals and challenges, sharing stories that resonate: how you helped another employer meet challenges/exceed goals. Finally, when it’s time to “ask out” your “dream” company (asking for the job at the end of an interview), do so in a way that shows how hiring you benefits both of you: “My skills in X and my success in doing X for my former employer will help you reach you reach X goals.” Jobs, like dating, are all about relationships. You want to make sure the hiring manager understands how entering a job relationship with you will help him/her succeed while both of you will enjoy the journey together. #JobSearchAdvice #CareerAdvice #LehighValleyJobs

Our Lehigh Valley region is on FIRE! Hiring the right talent, then, means we all have to get out of our comfort zones and find innovative ways to recruit great talent. Here’s an idea: tap into local community organizations and interest groups. Such groups are filled with talented people who well could be looking for their next career opportunity. Another tip: let’s not be shy about “telling a story” in our job listings. I heard one idea about sharing success stories about an employee or two in the open position who have grown with your company. This helps you stand out among competitors and provides a glimpse of a candidate’s own future with your company. #LehighValleyJobs #LeHighValleyRecruiters #Recruitment

If you’re looking for work in one of the Lehigh Valley’s top industries (healthcare, tech and manufacturing), here are some tips to help you succeed in your search: First understand that job seekers with skills in these sectors are increasingly sought after today, a reflection of these business sectors’ need for workers. Healthcare: Understanding of and/or skills in digital health literacy/telemedicine are increasingly sought after, a reflection of this sector’s move to remote patient care. Tech: Cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing skills are in high demand, as more and more companies are looking to leverage new tech (AI) and keep data secure (cybersecurity). Manufacturing: Companies now have a big focus on robotics, automation and lean manufacturing techniques (those that focus on efficiency and integration of tech into the manufacturing environment) and if you have the skills in these areas, Lehigh Valley’s companies want to hear from you. Take a look at your skills if you’re interested in these business sectors and start keeping abreast of industry trends. Online resources such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera and even online courses that are industry-specific can help acquire new skills and expertise. If you take such courses and/or become certified in these new skills, make sure you highlight these in your resume and cover letter. Finally, don’t forget to share your real-world experience of these skills in your job interviews. Doing so further demonstrates not only your skill proficiency but also your commitment to continuous learning. #LehighValleyJobs #LehighValleyRecruiters #InDemandJobSkills

What’s the Lehigh Valley’s top workforce concern in 2024? Here’s my take: Employers face distinct hiring challenges now in a very dynamic labor market. What challenges? · Integrating remote/hybrid work models. · Adapting to always-changing industry demands. · Solving the “skills gap” in key business sectors, particularly tech. Businesses here increasingly seek employees who have a mix of soft skills (such as emotional intelligence and adaptability) as well as technical skills in order to not only drive innovation but also to create a workplace employees want to spend time in. In addition, our region’s economic growth requires strategic talent acquisition and retention practices, particularly in our region’s largest business sectors: healthcare, tech and manufacturing. Here’s my question: what is YOUR business doing to address these issues? Investing in workforce development? Leveraging the latest in recruiting tech? #LehighValleyJobs #LehighValleyManufacturing #LehIghValleyHealthcare

I truly can’t emphasize enough how powerful LinkedIn can be when it comes to helping you find your next job. In fact, it’s crucial: it’s truly unparalleled when it comes to helping you connect with hiring managers and recruiters. Here are four ways you can use it effectively: 1. Make sure your profile is complete. Use a professional photo (not one of you at the shore). Be specific in your summary about the industry in which you want to work. Create a compelling summary of your experience, skills and accomplishments. 2. Get active on the platform. Comment on your connections’ posts; just make sure to add value to the conversation. Share your own insights in your own updates on issues your business sector is facing. Do so at a bare minimum of two days each week. Doing this helps the LinkedIn algorithm boost your profile in searches. Most importantly, it shows that you’re someone who enjoys working in your sector. 3. Don’t simply ask for contact. Once they accept your connection request, read their posts and add comments (making sure they add to the conversation, as noted above). 4. Set up job alerts based on your business sector interest (perhaps even drill down for alerts from certain companies in which you are interested. Apply early and, especially if you’re already a connection, reach out to hiring managers directly. Consistency and genuine engagement are the keys to using LinkedIn to the full potential in your job search. #LinkedInTips #JobSearchSuccess #LinkedInNetworking