31Aug

We chatted with Jenny Rehkugler, Executive Director on the Accounting & Finance Temp New York team. Jenny had previous experience in staffing and recruiting prior to joining Green Key, but has truly thrived in the finance environment in the last six years.   

Are there any changes or trends you’re noticing in temp hiring?  

Pre-covid, we were hiring for strictly temp positions, but now we’re focusing on a mix of both. Like the market, our team has evolved, and we are now able to support candidates in all aspects of their job searches for both temp and direct hire roles. Clients are becoming more flexible, and it’s been amazing to expand our team and be able to help a variety of candidates in a variety of ways.   

How did you get your start in temp recruiting?  

I studied Public Relations and Marketing  in college and when I graduated, I was looking for a direction in my job search. My cousin worked in recruiting, and she suggested I look into recruiting as a career because she knew how much I loved working with people. I took some calls and interviews and started my career in temp recruiting within the banking industry. After a little over a year at my previous firm, Green Key reached out for a conversation, and I decided to make the move and take on a new challenge with Finance & Accounting. I’ve been here for almost six years now and I’m so fortunate to have the work culture that senior management at Green Key has fostered. People stay here for long periods of time because their work truly doesn’t go unnoticed.  

Are there any roles in-demand right now?  

We work with a lot of law firms and legal billing positions are definitely in-demand. We’re always looking for these types of professionals. On the temp side, we see a mix of everything – Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Accountants, etc. As with any industry, the market ebbs and flows week by week.  

What are some advantages or perks of working temp jobs, specifically in finance?  

It gives us the ability to help unemployed candidates find work immediately while also assisting them in their long-term search for permanent roles. We are truly able to help candidates in a well-rounded capacity.   

What are your goals for the last quarter of the year?  

Within the team, we just want to finish the year off strong. Having the ability to work remotely, I would love to expand our reach to other markets outside of the New York area.

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Green Key
Apr 3, 2024

Mastering Hiring Algorithms as a Candidate

Navigating hiring algorithms as a candidate can feel like trying to crack a secret code. With companies increasingly relying on automated systems to filter through countless resumes, it’s crucial for candidates to understand how these algorithms work and how to optimize their applications to stand out.

Why Companies use Hiring Algorithms?

According to Quartz.com, “Mona Sloane, a senior research scientist at the NYU Center for Responsible AI who worked on the project, says companies rely on automated decision systems for two reasons: to analyze a large volume of applicants, or to find workers with a niche skill set or level of experience. Employers looking to fill internships, sales, or service industry jobs, for example, turn to algorithms to narrow down the pool of candidates. But for niche roles in tech like software engineers, machine learning engineers and data scientists, for example, companies may use automated decision systems to find these workers and reach out to them even if they’re not actively looking for a job.”

Here are a Few Key strategies to tackle hiring algorithms effectively:

Formatting Matters

Keep your resume formatting simple and standardized. Avoid using fancy fonts, graphics, or unconventional layouts that might confuse the algorithm. Stick to clear headings and bullet points to ensure that important information is easily parsed by the system.

Keyword Optimization

Tailor your resume and online profiles to include relevant keywords from the job description. Hiring algorithms often prioritize resumes that closely match the job requirements, so highlighting your skills and experiences in alignment with the job posting is essential.

Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with action verbs to describe accomplishments and responsibilities. This not only makes your resume more engaging for human readers but also helps hiring algorithms identify relevant experience more efficiently.

Quantify Achievements

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other metrics. Concrete data provides hiring algorithms with tangible evidence of your capabilities, making your resume more compelling.

In conclusion, navigating hiring algorithms may seem daunting, armed with the right strategies, candidates can effectively optimize their applications and stand out in a competitive job market. The World Economic Forum reiterated this by saying, “Applying for a job can be overwhelming—even without algorithms in the way. But while lawmakers work out how to regulate this technology, job seekers and recruiters should know the limitations of tech-enabled hiring and bring people back in to correct its shortcomings.

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Green Key