This paper analyzes a financial advisor job posting by CyberCoders on CareerBuilder.com, evaluating the effectiveness of its recruitment strategy within a competitive global business landscape. The paper examines how the posting uses industry-specific terminology, experience requirements, and benefit highlights to attract qualified candidates while deterring unqualified applicants. Drawing on academic sources related to internet recruiting and employee attraction practices, the author identifies the posting's strengths and proposes targeted improvements, including the addition of company background, explicit job duties, and candidate reference access. The paper concludes that CyberCoders' structured approach positions the firm well for its planned expansion.
When considering the ever-changing and highly competitive global landscape of business today, firms must stay at the cutting edge of their respective fields in order to sustain long-term profitability. With the current exponential growth of technology and the computerization of business and learning, consumers and investors have become much more connected to the businesses they patronize (Kurzweil, 2001). Accordingly, companies face the continuous task of finding new ways to understand and accommodate the needs of customers and shareholders, while simultaneously securing lucrative business models and productive work environments.
In achieving these goals, it is critical for firms to seek out and obtain the most qualified and reliable human resources. Many firms have begun to solicit candidates over the Internet. One popular website that provides this type of employment platform is CareerBuilder.com, which offers firms customizable templates for posting job positions to the public. The user-friendly nature of this process allows companies to greatly increase their efficiency in soliciting employees — provided they utilize the service strategically.
During research into the financial industry, one notable employment opportunity was posted by the firm CyberCoders. This business appears to have been extremely thorough in its planning and strategic outlining of the position. The information is presented in a clear and concise manner and targets the relevant areas of concern for the large majority of potential applicants. Because this particular position is offered in various locations throughout the United States — with relocation required — it is evident that the firm is engaging in significant expansion. Given that this is a relatively advanced employment opportunity, a number of requirements are placed upon applicants. These prerequisites include:
"At least 3 years of financial planning and/or investment sales experience, preferably in Stocks, Preferred Stocks, Mutual Funds, Taxable Bonds, Tax-free Bonds, Insurance, Annuities, Separate Account Management, CDs, UITs, ETFs, and Trust Management. Minimum level of production of $200K in trailing twelve months, and the ability to transition a high percentage of your clients to a new firm. Series 7 and 63 Licenses." (CareerBuilder.com, 2011, p. 1)
In addition to these core requirements, several other preferred areas of experience are noted, including retirement planning, structured settlements, small-company investment banking, and public company single-stock planning (CareerBuilder.com, 2011). The financial advisor role demands a broad and verifiable skill set, and this posting reflects that reality directly.
By tactically utilizing industry terminology and specifically highlighting the mandated level of required experience and pre-existing knowledge, CyberCoders has developed a sound strategy for deterring unqualified applicants. In doing so, the firm saves itself time and money while making its employment process considerably more efficient. Furthermore, while not explicitly mentioning salary figures, the posting includes several job-related perks, described as "high payouts, performance-based bonuses, product freedom, and a full range of benefits (401k, healthcare, dental)" (CareerBuilder.com, 2011, p. 1). By indicating the advantages of the position and meeting or exceeding the common expectations of applicants in this industry, CyberCoders sets itself apart from competitors in the labor market.
While thoroughly impressed with this job posting, a few select areas could benefit from improvement. Given the strength of the existing framework, these would be targeted additions rather than structural changes. For instance, including useful information about the company itself — its background and future plans — would give applicants a better sense of where the company has come from, how it has performed historically, and where it hopes to go (Braddy, Thompson, Wuensch, & Grossnickle, 2003). Such information would also better prepare candidates for future interviews (Braddy, Thompson, Wuensch, & Grossnickle, 2003).
"Add company background, job duties, and candidate references"
Ultimately, the strategic approach to this position taken by CyberCoders is commendable. The concise nature and efficient structure of this employment ad speaks clearly to this company's ability to organize and tactically achieve its goals. While a few additions to this framework could enhance the posting further, the original advertisement is strong enough to produce meaningful results on its own. In fact, given the diligence evident in this approach, favorable outcomes are to be expected. Especially in the context of a firm undergoing expansion, competent and reliable human resources are absolutely vital. CyberCoders appears well-positioned to achieve its desired levels of growth and increase its profitability through the strength of the qualified workforce this type of recruiting strategy is designed to attract.
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