Expanding a professional network is one of the most valuable things you can do for your career, whether you’re a job seeker, employer, or recruiter. Networking is much more than trading business cards or sending out LinkedIn requests; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and shared knowledge. Read the rest of this entry »
Building a Strong Professional Network: What It Is and How to Excel
by Veronica BlattHow to Create and Achieve Effective Career Goals
by Kerry Crockett
Career goals give your professional life direction. Without them, it’s easy to drift—jumping from job to job without a clear sense of purpose. But when your goals are clear and actionable, they become a roadmap to fulfillment, growth, and opportunity. The key isn’t just dreaming big—it’s creating goals that are realistic, motivating, and measurable.
Start by looking inward. What do you enjoy most about your work? What kind of impact do you want to have? What lifestyle do you envision for yourself five years from now? Defining what success looks like for you personally helps you build goals that are aligned—not just impressive on paper. Read the rest of this entry »
You Hired The Best – 9 Ways to Keep Top Performers Growing
by Veronica Blatt
Today’s guest bloggers are Bill Benson and Jeff McGraw with WilliamCharles Search Group located in Grand Rapids, MI and Pittsburgh, PA. WilliamCharles is an executive search and professional recruiting firm specialized in finding managerial and executive talent in finance, HR, operations, sales/marketing as well as president/CEO roles. They have a concentration of clients in Michigan, but they also work across the US. Bill and Jeff are both former chairs of the NPAworldwide board of directors. Read the post below for some tips on managing and developing top performers.
Fantastic, you have hired a series of “A” players! Now…how do you motivate, engage and develop those individuals so they thrive and do their best work? It is critical to hire right, but it is just as important to unlock their potential. Is your organization designed for top or average performers? Here are nine strategies to maximize performance of your top-level talent. Read the rest of this entry »
Position Your Recruitment Model Effectively to Clients
by Liz Carey
Recruiters are in the business of delivering unmatched talent solutions, but often, the way they position their search models and fees fails to properly communicate the value they bring. Whether you work on a contingent, engaged, retained, or hybrid basis, the key to attracting and retaining clients lies in clearly defining your recruitment model, differentiating your approach, and backing it up with measurable outcomes.
This guide will help you structure your recruitment models and fees in a way that reflects the results you deliver—aligning your expertise with the needs and expectations of your clients. Read the rest of this entry »
Recruitment Tips for Challenging Markets
by Veronica Blatt
We recently hosted a panel discussion focused on recruitment tips to survive and thrive during a challenging economy. The panelists consisted of NPAworldwide members with a wide variety of perspectives and who’ve been in business long enough to have gone through multiple economic cycles. Here are just a few of the tidbits that came out of that discussion. Read the rest of this entry »
AI Headshots – Yea or Nay?
by Veronica Blatt
I am seeing more and more AI headshots everywhere, and I’ve gotta say … not a fan. At first blush, I get it. There are a lot of good reasons why people opt for these: Read the rest of this entry »
Recruitment vs. Talent Acquisition: A Perspective After 25 Years in the Industry
by Veronica Blatt
Today’s guest blogger is Parvathy Krishnan of Cucumber Consultants in Hyderabad, India. Cucumber Consultants has core expertise in executive recruitment, with a focus on placing C-suite executives such as CFOs and other senior leadership roles across diverse industries. Parvathy is currently serving on the NPAworldwide Board of Directors. Here, she discusses the key differences between recruitment and talent acquisition.
Come September 2025, my firm turns 25 :-). Silver Anniversaries do something to one. I’ve found myself reflecting on how much the recruitment landscape has evolved and how some things are still misunderstood.
As we all know, terminologies have changed over the years, and many new ones have come into usage. Some words/ideas have been used interchangeably so much so that the real meaning is often not realised! Read the rest of this entry »
Strategic Applications Stand Out and Get Noticed by Recruiters
by Liz Carey
When you’re searching for a new role, it’s tempting to apply to as many jobs as possible, hoping one will stick. After all, isn’t it better to cast a wide net? Not necessarily. Recruiters often encounter a flood of applications, many of which come from candidates who simply aren’t a fit for the role. This can create delays in identifying qualified candidates and can even hurt your chances of getting noticed.
If you’re serious about finding a new job—especially in fields like accounting, finance, HR, and C-suite roles—it’s time to approach your applications with intentionality. Here’s how to stand out by working smarter, not harder, with strategic applications. Read the rest of this entry »
Temporary vs Direct-Hire Employment: Weighing the Pros and Cons
by Veronica Blatt
When considering a new job, it’s essential to evaluate whether temporary or direct-hire employment aligns better with your career goals. Both options have unique advantages and drawbacks and understanding them can help you make the best decision for your situation. Read the rest of this entry »
Questions to Ask Before You Accept a New Job
by Kerry Crockett
Landing a job offer is exciting, but before you give an enthusiastic yes, take a step back. It’s a big decision to accept a new job, and the details matter more than the title or paycheck alone. Asking the right questions now can save you from unpleasant surprises later—and help you start with clarity and confidence. Read the rest of this entry »