Leveling Up: Two Local Experts Offer Strategies For Job Hunting And Hiring Success In North Alabama

Job hunting, even in a strong economy, can be a daunting and arduous task. Long gone are the days of filling out an application in person and handing it directly over to the manager with a friendly introduction. These days, most jobs are obtained through websites and online postings, which can require some additional digital skills along with a polished resume. 

The process can also be challenging for employers who are actively hiring. It is a balancing act to decide which candidate has the right mixture of education, experience, and personality to fit best into the job role. 

Two local experts were asked to provide advice for those in the North Alabama region currently in the job seeking process, regardless of which side of the table they found themselves. 

Advice for Job Seekers

Mike Bean, President of PassionHR Consulting, encourages job seekers in the Huntsville-Madison area to utilize local resources like North AlabamaWorks! and the Alabama Career Center to find job listings, get help with their resume, and to seek out additional training opportunities.

“Networking is key,” he explains, “attend job fairs, local events, and engage with industry associations to build connections.” 

Bean also suggests that job seekers, “Consider upskilling through courses from the Alabama Community College System to remain competitive.”

Upskilling is an industry term that refers to acquiring new skills through reputable training programs. 

Job seekers may not realize that many of these programs do not require college enrollment in order to participate.

Matt Doss of Moseley Technical Services echoes the importance of networking, “Ultimately, the old adage of ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’ still holds true, and the best way to find a new role is to network.”

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, for instance, offers several ways to engage with people from a wide range of industries.

Doss adds, “Additionally, it helps to join associations and organizations that are part of the industry in which one is seeking employment.”

While managing your search, it is important to set alerts or reminders and check online job boards regularly as new postings may go up at any time. Job applicants should customize their resume for each application to increase their chances for selection. 

The University of North Alabama Career Center can also assist with resume and interview preparation, further enhancing the prospect of new employment.

The Selection Process

It is important to note that hiring decisions are often influenced by cultural fit alongside skills and education.

“Employers look for candidates whose values and behaviors align with the company’s mission and team dynamics. Additionally, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they reach a hiring manager, meaning keyword optimization in resumes is crucial,” Bean explains. 

Job seekers may also not realize how impactful personal referrals and professional references can be. Candidates who are recommended by current employees are usually prioritized over other applicants.

Doss tells us, “Submitting resumes alone is rarely the most effective way to get hired; again, it’s all about the networking and letting people get to know you outside of a professional setting that sets you apart from those who only submit a resume.”

Lastly, the selection process may occur in multiple stages, so consistency throughout the process is important.

Advice for Employers

Bean suggests that employers who are currently hiring, “should recognize the importance of transparency and timeliness in their hiring process.”

This is because clear job descriptions, realistic role expectations, and open communication about salary and benefits attract better candidates. Modern candidates value a positive experience, so timely updates and respectful interactions are crucial, even for those not selected as it affects company image and reputation.

Doss notes that for those employers who are struggling to find the right candidates or to retain top talent, it is best to seek the advice of a professional search firm that works within their specific industry.

According to Doss, “It’s far more cost effective to hire a professional than it is to continually make poor hiring decisions that ultimately lead to high turnover.”

The Experts

Insight for this article was provided by PassionHR, a Huntsville-based company that offers comprehensive HR consulting and recruiting services tailored to meet your organization’s unique needs. Their expertise encompasses HR policy design and review, talent acquisition, outsourced HR functions, leadership development and training, payroll management, organizational development, and change management. 

Additional information was provided by Moseley Technical Services. Moseley Technical Services has served the defense and aerospace communities for 30 years, offering engineering services, workforce solutions, and direct hire recruitment. They hold contracts in 27 states and provide both the technical expertise and support for human capital that fills the gaps for clients seeking to level up.