Alexandra Lujan

RTO continues to trend… As we move into fall, it feels like déjà vu for many companies: the push for in-office work is back. Remote roles are declining, but some companies have managed to preserve the flexibility—holding onto the momentum of remote work despite the pressure. But is it sustainable? At the end of the day, I believe hybrid work will win out over this ongoing back-and-forth. Why? It offers the best of both worlds: the collaboration and face-to-face connections of the office, and the flexibility of working from home. The workforce is evolving, and so are employee expectations. It’s not just about where we work—it’s about how we work best. Where do you see this going? Hybrid, remote, or full RTO? Drop your thoughts below! #ANickPerspective #WorkforceTrend #RemoteWork #HybridModel #RTO

8

2 Comments

Did you know you can still access California Paid Family Leave benefits even if you move out of state? Whether you're relocating for a new job, family reasons, or just seeking a change of scenery, your benefits go with you! Here's how: 1. As long as you have at least $300 in wages paid into "CASDI" (check your paystub) you qualify to take California Paid Family leave 2. This means that you can still take short term disability plus paid family leave even if you are not living in California! 3. You would get 60-70% of your wages from the last 5-18 months paid out to you! 4. Expecting partners can also take paid family leave as well (as long as they have the $300 paid into CASDI) Let me know if you have any questions! I offer 1:1 45 minute custom leave planning sessions where we can map out your specific leave situation! I've worked with over 40 expecting parents now to help them maximize their parental leave time, link in the comments to book!

3

1 Comment

Reposting to my Marketing friends... I am more than happy to connect you with Tal. He's an amazing Marketing Manager that simply has just not found the right fit yet. He's based in Germany, speaks 3 languages, has an iron clad work ethic, and a heart made of gold. His background is in Biotech & Mfg, but he's open to other industries. I am glad to make an introduction... #marketing #EMEA #DigitalMarketing

4

1 Comment

Back in February, I lost my job.  Corporate restructure, position eliminated.  It was tough, but I had an idea about what was next: I wanted to start my own company. Centered on marketing services to biotech. I hadn’t even advertised, and a couple folks were already interested. Excited, I began to work on setting everything up. But then Thomas reached out. He asked if I would jump on a call with one of his clients. They were looking for my industry perspective on a new AAV analytics machine they were developing. Since I now had a lot of free time, the answer was yes. I hopped on a meeting a few days later. What I saw blew my mind: - Technology spun out of Harvard - Highly accurate full:partial:empty ratios - The ability to get that data from CRUDE samples - All in one device roughly twice the size of a microwave My mind filled with implications of what could be done with upstream data like that: - Faster PD, shortened timelines - Absolutely transformational DOE results - Reduced costs by making each batch more efficient Cool company. Anyway, back to starting my own business. But then Philippe, the CEO of the company, reached out. He described the company vision, as well as some of the early wins they experienced with some big players in the CGT space. “Man. The trajectory of this company looks GOOD.” Then he offered me a job. At the intersection of science and commercial. Exactly where I love to operate, with plenty of room to grow. After meeting with the team in Boston, there was no question in my mind. This was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up. Therefore, I’m excited to announce that I’m joining NanoMosaic Inc. as Director of the Cell & Gene Therapy segment! In my opinion, the Tessie is a machine everyone is going to need: - 4 uL of crude sample - Full:partial:empty ratios - Results in under 4 hours If you’re at ASGCT, drop by booth #332 (in behind Thermo) to see it (and us!) in person. One more thing… The plan is to start in AAV. But the underlying tech is widely applicable to other vectors.  And there might be cell therapy applications in development too ;) #genetherapy #innovation #biotechnology #research #science

893

249 Comments

💡 Is Your ATS Holding Hidden Gems? There could be an A-player in your ATS, someone who got overlooked during your last hiring round. 🔎 Take a moment—search it up, and reach out. You’ve got rockstar candidates in your pipeline folder you haven’t checked in months. 🔁 Look them up, reach out, and check in. Don’t forget about the second batch of candidates from your last job posting. 📋 Go back, reach out, and keep the connection alive. Your talent community via CRM is filled with potential. 💼 Search, reach out, and follow up. Internal employee referral programs? 💡 Tap into them. Deploy a campaign today. Your hiring managers probably know people in their network with the right skill set. 🤝 Ask them! Before spending on job ads or agencies, use the free resources at your fingertips. The warm talent market is sitting right there, waiting for you to reconnect. 🔥 Pro tip: Make the most of what you already have before diving into cold outreach. 💬 What strategies are you using to maximize your existing talent pool? Let’s discuss below. #ANickPerspective #Recruiting #Optimization #TalentManagement

6

5 Comments

Tip #458: When you are interviewing recent graduates for roles with multiple openings, ask them who else they know. Reassure them that they wouldn’t be interviewing against them, they instead could be working alongside them at your company. #sourcing #recruiting #talentacquisition #referral #hiring #newgrads

3

Applicant Tip - please check your spam folders, recruiters may be reaching out to you after you have applied to schedule a call. Recruiters will send texts as well as most candidates won't accept a call from an unknown number. I am hopeful the lack of response means means they have a new role. That would be the best case scenario. The worst case is they still need a job and don't know a recruiter is trying to reach out.

33

1 Comment

Hey Jobseekers, :) Here is a list of new Talent Acquisition and People opportunities for various markets. While I am not recruiting for these roles specifically I want to make jobseekers aware they exist! Opportunities are happening all around you - Be open to them! :) -------------------------------------------- But how can you stand out in a crowded job market? Think outside the box and create a video resume that will leave a lasting impression. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 1) Script Your Story: Craft a concise 1-3 minute script highlighting your skills, experience, and passion for the role and company. 2) Lights, Camera, Action! Use your smartphone to capture your video. 3) Showcase Your Personality: Film a short clip of yourself doing something fun, like rock climbing, painting, or biking. 4) Edit and Share: Use a free mobile or desktop editing app to put your video together. 5) Post Your Video Resume: Share your video on LinkedIn, using relevant hashtags like #[Company Name], #[Job Title], #Creative, #RemoteJob, #HybridJob, and more. By taking this creative approach, you’ll not only showcase your skills but also your unique personality and enthusiasm. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating your video resume today! :)

4

The most important thing to think about when seeking a job is comprehending that you will almost always be the disadvantaged party because you are seeking employment and your potential employer holds all the cards and they can provide you with an income but they don't have to. Their ideal candidate will have loads of talent but does not realize it because of their deep level of insecurity due to being exploited and abused from previous employment. Such a person will reveal their skills and experience in the interview only after probing questions because they don't appreciate the value that they bring and are reluctant to brag about it. This insecurity may even manifest when they are asked how much they earned in their last job and they make excuses for being overpaid. This candidate will be seen as one that is ripe for super-exploitation and will quickly get a low ball offer in order to lock in the profit potential before someone else snatches up the candidate. If you don't wish to disappoint, you will accept the offer right away, even though it is not much higher or perhaps even lower than your last job. On the other hand, you can screw this whole process up if you instead walk into an interview with a relaxed and confident demeanor and list your skills without immediately going into excruciating detail. This will lead the interviewer with the impression that you don't feel the need to explain yourself because the value of the skill set should be self evident to the hiring manager. You may end up embarrassing the hiring manager because they don't actually know what that skill is and to cover up for their ignorance they will just smile and nod their head to demonstrate their superior breadth of knowledge. You can also screw things up by looking for a job while you are still employed. You will confuse your potential employer by responding to questions about your last salary by saying that the number you give will soon be inaccurate because you are up for a major promotion next month where you expect a 15% increase. And for god's sake, don't express that you are not desperate for a job (since you are already gainfully employed) and have only applied because you see the potential to learn new skills and appreciate the mission of the company. These are the pitfalls to avoid because they may lead to an employer evaluating you to be an expensive but high value proposition and you will stress them out by making them think that you might actually turn them down. You will dig yourself an even deeper hole when you make a counteroffer to the salary that they initially propose and force them to raise their offer or give you more vacation because they do not want to start the interview process all over again with a new set of candidates. This will piss them off and when they hire you, you will have to pay the price because they will be wary of asking you to do stupid shit for fear of you refusing.

3

I've been laid off twice in the past two years. Here are my layoff DO & DONTs. 🟢 DO: 1) Stay grounded. I was mindful to remain kind, calm, and gracefully receive the news each time. 2) Have your work backed up ahead of time. It's safer to save work consistently since layoffs are intentionally difficult to anticipate. Both my layoff meetings were scheduled an hour before I was let go. 3) Export unsaved work ASAP (if possible). I lost access to my work within an hour during my last layoff, and within a minute during my first one. Do not wait! 🚫 DO NOT: 1) Sign anything immediately. Check the deadline to sign and consult someone (ex. a legal professional) if possible. At the very least, wait a day and read anything you plan to sign! If something feels off, see if it can be amended. 2) Rush into decisions. A layoff is still a significant life change. Even when I felt "fine", I noticed I made smarter decisions when I gave myself a day before acting. 3) Try to figure it out alone. I waited 3 months to share I had lost my job after my first layoff. Ironically, it was only after I opened up to my network that I began to land more serious opportunities. --- A less-discussed aspect of layoffs is the sudden loss of your community. A layoff is isolating, because it removes you from people and professional spaces that were formerly a source of support. For those who have or may one day experience a layoff, remember that it's not an experience you need to face alone. I'm also figuring out my post-layoff journey, so let's connect and support each other. Reach out anytime – we're in this together! 💪

80

Great advice!! Try these suggestions in your next interview!

3

#Layoffs are the worst. Even when they seem inevitable, I think I am still shocked when I see them. Below are 6 tips to help navigate if you were to experience a layoff. One thing I think is important for you to do is to stay positive and reflect. Sometimes hitting the group running is not the best solution (at that time). Give yourself time to deal with the grief of being laid off before strategizing your next steps. If you need guidance on what those next steps should be, reach out to Black Women In Clinical Research ®. You can go to www.bwicr.com ➡ Career Services to explore options that will support you. #bwicr #clinicalresearch #networking

7

I am going to share my opinion (and it is JUST that) regarding Amazon's RTO policy announcement. I live in the Seattle area; I have LOTS of friends that do/have worked for "The World's Largest Bookstore", I worked there (not in recruiting) MANY years ago, so my opinion has some personal basis. Amazon is the undisputed EMPEROR of data. They have had 4 years to capture data from the results of remote, hybrid, and prior in-office work. You can bet your button these decisions are based on DATA, not Jassy's whim. If employees have issues with the environment, as always there is the option to find/create other options (lots of Amazonians move on to become entrepreneurs.) I personally would caution employees from publicly complaining too much; express your disappointment, sure. Rage against the machine? 18K layoffs last year is repeatable. And yes, I believe that part of this may be an effort to see disgruntled employees self-select themselves elsewhere; severance packages are EXPENSIVE and it is a lot easier NOT to backfill and have that flexibility instead of facing legal requirements about time restrictions on refilling a job. Finally, I guarantee you there are PLENTY of people that are happy to go into an office 5 days/week for whatever reason.

73

59 Comments

I had initially decided I wasn’t going to post about Amazon’s RTO mandate because there was already so much noise, but the more I hear of current employee reactions and experiences, the more I am compelled to add my thoughts to the conversation.   Because I don't believe that the backlash from employees about Amazon’s RTO mandate is about remote work.   Instead, it's about a profound breach of trust they are feeling, shaking the foundation of #employeeengagement and #employeeexperience at Amazon.   Where and how did the trust get broken? A few examples I have been hearing from current employees…   💔 Employees who were hired in the last few years during a time of heavy remote work, hired under the guise that their roles would always be remote, feel that the trust has been broken because this is not the expectations they agreed to.   💔 Employees who first heard about the RTO from the news instead of their own leadership feel like they can no longer trust their leaders for open communication and transparency.   💔 Employees who have altered their lives as a result of remote work now have to upend them (again), making them feel unheard and uncared for, another breach of trust.   Trust is the cornerstone of any successful organizational culture. Trust is what drives innovation and collaboration, organizational commitment, and high performance.   It takes time to build but can be broken in an instant.    And when trust is broken, it reverberates through every aspect of the employee experience, making people doubt your decisions and motives, making them anxious for the next change, making them wonder if they belong.    They become suspicious. And suspicious people aren't engaged or productive.   That's what we are seeing with these Amazon employees. It's not about WHERE they work, it's about how they feel they have been treated and the mistrust they now feel.   As Amazon moves forward, it will be interesting to see if and how they prioritize rebuilding this trust by fostering open communication, honoring commitments, and demonstrating genuine care for employee well-being. #iamtalentcentric

583

63 Comments

Straight talk you might not always hear from a Recruiter. Volume is a problem. Those searching for jobs are challenged to apply to a 100 jobs per week. Meanwhile, recruiters, who should care about candidate experience, are pulling efficiency levers that maddeningly frustrate those they should want to build relationships with. Let me give you an example. A job post says you need 3+ years of experience with a specific software. An application question asks, "Do you have 3+ years of experience with [that specific software]?" You have more than 2, but less than 3. Even though you have far more experience in that line of work, you answer "No" because you are an honest person. That "No" triggers a decline because it's a knockout question based on if-this-then-that logic. It's frustrating, and all the more so when that decline note comes 30 seconds after the one that just thanked you for applying. That's not AI; that's lazy, and it's the opposite of people-first. Here's some other hard truths. When a role is advertised on a job board, the percentage of candidates that reach a final interview from that ad is often 2-3%. Referrals, on the other hand, often reach final rounds at 10x that rate. The same is true when a recruiter reaches out to you proactively. If you're playing the numbers game, invest a little less in the 100-applications-per-week challenge and a little more into networking and discoverablility. A well-framed, cold outreach to an executive often lands back in our court to respond to. Even when it doesn't net you the response you're looking for, it establishes communication. Recruiters still run references. If you're searching, or if you know someone who is, and you are asked to be a professional reference, fulfill the courtesy and then snag 2 minutes of our time. You just did us a solid by being helpful to our hiring; we'll repay the favor. Contract opportunities aren't always posted because recruiting teams often outsource them to agency partners. So, get to know our partners. Recruiters play a big role in designing the interview experience, but make no mistake, recruiting is a team sport. If the process changes dramatically, if the reason you're declined wasn't a requirement of the job, if your follow-up thank you is met with radio silence, that should tell you something about what it's like to work there. Hidden, whited-out keywords on your resume might work for those few shops that use the tech to index keywords, but when they're discovered using Ctrl + F by those that don't, those reviewing your resume will be skeptical and likely decline you. Looking for a weirdly fun way to network? LinkedIn just released games that are Wordle-like, with a networking aspect. It's an easy icebreaker if your connections also play. Use that as a fun way to reconnect. This market is crazy. But it's far less crazy when we value connection, and when we are authentic and empathetic, whether you're hiring for a job or you're looking for one.

112

15 Comments

Attn Job Seekers: Time to Stand Out As a Sr Recruiter with close to 20 years of experience in people placement, I've witnessed the challenges job seekers face in distinguishing themselves among a sea of applicants. The burning question that always remains is, "How do I stand out?" Standing out in a competitive job market is a daunting task, but fear not, there are effective strategies at your disposal. Here are some tips to consider: 🌟 Creative Techniques: - **Personal Elevator Pitch**: Craft a short, engaging, and clear introduction of who you are. Include your name, title, and a concise statement that showcases your background, or expertise - a surefire way to leave a lasting impression. - **Leverage Social Media**: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to display your expertise, share industry insights, share your learning journey, standout from your peers, and network with professionals in your field. 🌟 Traditional Approaches: - **Update Your Resume**: Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job you're eyeing, highlighting relevant skills/preferred skillsets and achievements. - **Develop Strong Communication Skills**: Hone your interview prowess, focusing on clear and confident communication to effectively articulate your value. - **Network**: Engage in industry events, join professional groups online/local chapters, and seek advice from contacts who could offer referrals. - **Continuous Learning**: Stay abreast of industry trends and skills through online courses, relevant company trainings, and certifications to enhance your resume. - **Follow Up**: Post-interview, send a thank-you email to demonstrate appreciation and reaffirm your interest in the role. - **Own It**: Take ownership of your interview process. Ask for timelines. Follow up after interviews. Never wait for the call. Use your follow up emails as an opportunity to show interest, but also to ask for the role. By integrating these strategies, you can enhance your chances of making a mark and landing the job you aspire to. #jobseekers #careeradvice #standout #jobapplications

1

1 Comment

🚨 Beware of Scam Recruiters 🚨 To all those impacted by recent layoffs: I see you, I hear you, and I'm here for you. In the midst of uncertainty, it's crucial to stay vigilant. Recently, I received an email from an alleged 'Executive Search Director' pitching a job opportunity that seemed tailor-made for me. Exciting, right? Wrong. Upon closer inspection, it became clear this was a scam. The email was well-crafted, the company had a website, but something felt off. Turns out, my resume wasn't 'ATS compliant,' and surprise, there was a solution: a $19 fee for a supposedly helpful service. After 20 years in HR, I would hope I know how to make my resume ATS compliant and readable! Disheartening doesn't even begin to cover it. In these challenging times, it's essential to watch out for red flags like these. While some may try to take advantage, remember, there are countless legitimate resources out there to support your job search, whether free or fee-based. And let's not forget other heroes in this story: the mentors, HR professionals, and talent acquisition experts who genuinely want to see you succeed and can also provide advice. Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you for all that you do. Stay safe, stay smart, and keep pushing forward. Better opportunities are on the horizon. 💼 #JobSearch #ScamAlert #CareerAdvice #StayStrong"

21

Your post really resonated with me. You're definitely not alone in this struggle. I’ve experienced the same exhausting cycle—interview after interview, endless networking, customizing my resume and cover letter for each job, even paying for and attending a career fair—only to be ghosted, strung along, and left feeling disrespected. It’s incredibly disheartening, and like you, I’ve been left wondering what more I could possibly do. I consider myself lucky to still be employed, but the thought of not having that security is terrifying. I can only imagine the added stress if I were in your shoes. It's alarming how hiring managers and recruiters seem to have lost touch with empathy. The phrase “no situation is permanent” applies to everyone, including those in hiring positions. Just because someone is employed and in a position of power today doesn't mean they will be tomorrow. Despite everything, I want you to know that your resilience in continuing to push forward is commendable. It’s a difficult time, but you’re not alone, and many of us are going through the same trials. Stay strong, and don’t lose hope. Reposting for reach in my network.

1