EcommerceJobs.com

CLOSED: Director of Online Marketing - Los Angeles, CA ($100K+)

This position has been closed.  Click HERE to see a list of our current openings.

EcommerceRecruiter.com is the leading executive search firm serving the Shop.org, Ad:Tech, and IR-500 communities. To subscribe to our searches, click here. Alternatively, visit our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ecommercejobs. We are working with PriceDoc.com in their search for a Director of Online Marketing based in Los Angeles, CA. PriceDoc is website that connects cash-paying patients to health care providers who offer the services they need.

Position Description:

As Director of Online Marketing, responsibilities include hands-on management of everything related to driving and managing consumer traffic and provider subscriptions to the Company’s premier healthcare website. This includes overseeing all aspects relating/regarding Online Marketing.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build consumer quality traffic and increase lead conversion for company’s healthcare providers. Includes developing and maintaining traffic source relationships and agreements.
• Identify, design, execute and monitor overall strategic direction of company’s online marketing. Includes search engine marketing (PPC/Content/Landing Pages), HTML email marketing, affiliate marketing, vendor redirects and banner ads. Also, actively pursue Co-Marketing relationships and opportunities.
• Maintain and grow Deal of the Week product. Includes managing provider relationships, managing new deal launches and associated online marketing for deal of the week.
• Design and execute social media campaigns resulting in increased quality traffic and conversions. Includes managing bloggers, newsletters, video content generation and other social media content.

Supportive Responsibilities:

• Site Look, Feel and Functionality.
• Analysis of site traffic, online marketing ROI, and using web analytics.
• Support outside departments in their online product and communication needs.

Position Requirements:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Minimum 5 years experience with at least 3 years online marketing and/or online content development experience
• Must be able to give live examples of your social media work (e.g. personal blog, an online community group, forum, or page you help manage)
• Excellent writing, editing, proofing, and communication skills. Must be proactive, enthusiastic, organized and detail-oriented
• Must be passionate about community-building and social media
• Must have experience writing short-form content
• Must be comfortable interacting directly with customers, bloggers, etc in a professional environment and enjoy and have an affinity for social media and online marketing

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Applications for this position are being coordinated by Harry Joiner. To apply, CLICK HERE. Candidates, please be sure to ask Harry for packet #1202 of market research and company / competitive intel that will differentiate you in your candidacy. Due to the competitive nature of this search, thorough preparation for these interviews with this proprietary material is strongly recommended.

BEST CATALOG EVER [video]: "Crutchfield mails in 3-D." You gotta see this.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - People like to rag on catalogs as irrelevant and wasteful until they see one like this.  Leave it to Crutchfield Electronics to mail a 3-D catalog right as the "Summer of 3-D" is getting cranked up.  What a powerful branding device -- and think of the PR value!  If only my video did it justice.  RSS subscribers click here to view.

CORRECTION:  My video (which was unscripted and unrehearsed) says that Williams-Sonoma mailed 394 million catalogs in 2009.  That's incorrect, and I meant no offense.  The official Williams-Sonoma number is "more than 50 million."  My apologies.

Closed: E-commerce Merchandising Manager

This position has been closed.  For a current listing of our open job opportunities, click HERE.

EcommerceRecruiter.com is the leading executive search firm serving the Shop.org, Ad:Tech, and IR-500 communities. To subscribe to our searches, click here. Alternatively, visit our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ecommercejobs. We are working with The Vermont Country Store in their search for an E-commerce Merchandising Manager based in Manchester, VT.

The Vermont Country Store (VCS), an Orton Family business, is a premier employer in South-Central Vermont with over 60 years of experience exciting and delighting customers and employees alike. The company focuses on "selling products that don't come back to people who do." VCS catalogs, Web site, and stores are stocked to the rafters with a combination of more than 5,600 old-time products that are useful today, and brand name products that bring back memories and traditions.

Position Description:

The e-commerce manager will provide strategic merchandising direction for the e-commerce business.  The Manager will create a cohesive seasonal assortment of products to make VermontCountryStore.com a destination website and will be accountable for achieving company objectives in regard to sales, expenses, and profitability.

Major Responsibilities:

• Drive strategy for e-commerce site merchandising, including assortment planning and management, pricing, promotion, and production presentation to deliver a brand appropriate assortment
• Develop and execute a plan to integrate the Internet Channel into the catalog merchandising seasonal planning process. Establish the Internet as a growth channel and testing platform for new product, online exclusives, new channels and store fronts.
• Communicate the merchandising seasonal plan for e-commerce (E-Commerce Merchandising Operations, Internet Marketing, Creative Services) so that all team members are able to create their plans with alignment to the company merchandise objectives
• Work with buyers to develop cohesive assortments, competitively priced to achieve established sales and margin goals
• Ensure brand integrity throughout planning and implementation of e-commerce initiatives
• Review merchandise reporting on weekly and monthly basis and collaborate in seasonal analysis meetings
• Shop competition to identify new trends and ensure pricing strategy is competitive.  In addition, to understand how the VermontCountryStore.com assortment compares with key competitors in each category
• Work with the Marketing Team in the development of the user experience, new marketing opportunities, and new functionality and infrastructure needs to deliver a top-performing, brand-enhancing online shopping experience
• Supervise and ensure proper training and development of one or more Assistant Merchandising Managers for the e-commerce business

Position Requirements:

• 3-5 years of online merchandising experience
• 7+ years experience in retail, preferably apparel(ready to wear)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Must have experience with web analytics, Excel, PowerPoint
• Must have proven experience in driving change and creating support across an organization
• Must possess excellent communication and organization skills
• Must be flexible and have the ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Applications for this position are being coordinated by Harry Joiner. To apply, CLICK HERE. Candidates, please be sure to ask Harry for packet #1198 of market research and company / competitive intel that will differentiate you in your candidacy. Due to the competitive nature of this search, thorough preparation for these interviews with this proprietary material is strongly recommended.

Closed: Ecommerce Merchandiser - New York, NY

This position has been closed.  For a current listing of our open job opportunities, click HERE.

EcommerceRecruiter.com is the leading executive search firm serving the Shop.org, Ad:Tech, and IR-500 communities. To subscribe to our searches, click here. Alternatively, visit our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ecommercejobs.

We are working with  LittleMissMatched in their search for an Ecommerce Merchandiser based in New York, NY.

LittleMissMatched is a lifestyle brand that inspires girls of all ages to express their individuality and creativity. With six national stores and counting, the brand continues to rapidly evolve to include tween girl apparel, baby, furniture, and accessories.

Position Description:

This position works closely with Planning, Online Marketing, Online Creative, and Catalog to manage merchandising for the website and catalog.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.  Product Planning and Merchandising:

• Manage open to buy for online channel. - Manage product mix and profitability -Drive promotional schedule to meet revenue targets -Responsible for reporting needs, product analysis, including historical data for planning assortment for each season; selling reports and website metrics to optimize product assortment and placement
• Coordinate with the Online Marketing and Catalog to plan and organize featured products.
• Manage product association, showcasing, pricing and promotion in alignment with catalog and email offers.

2.  Website Management:

• Conduct product analysis, including historical data for planning assortment for each season; selling reports and website metrics and affect optimization of product storytelling, assortment and placement
• Create and manage calendars for merchandising, promotional and email -Analyze website key performance indicators, search and navigation to maximize sales, conversion rate and overall customer experience.
• Play a key role in developing the new features and functionality for website redesigns that improve conversion rate.

3.  Catalog:

• Make product and merchandising recommendations for upcoming catalogs, plan catalog pagination and revenue by category projections
• Create revenue projections for upcoming catalogs
• Analyze catalog performance

Position Requirements:

• 3 or more years of online/internet marketing and merchandising.
• BS degree preferred, MBA a plus
• Highly proficient in a must.
• Previous product merchandising experience with a business to consumer apparel or consumer products website and solid experience in site merchandising (has merchandising point of view) and developing site features/functionality that enhances the product/assortment presentation.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a high-paced fluid environment.
• Proven strategic and tactical thinker with excellent analytical capabilities.
• Experienced and comfortable with evaluating site key performance indicators
• Solid knowledge of the e-commerce industry and technologies
• Strong presentation and communication skills (both written and oral)
• Knowledge of online analytics tools in necessary, Google Analytics experience is preferred.
• Technical understanding of website structures and e-commerce modules preferred.

Applications for this position are being coordinated by Harry Joiner. To apply, CLICK HERE. Candidates, please be sure to ask Harry for packet #1201 of market research and company / competitive intel that will differentiate you in your candidacy. Due to the competitive nature of this search, thorough preparation for these interviews with this proprietary material is strongly recommended.

Closed: Ecommerce Planner - New York, NY

This position has been closed.  For a current listing of our open job opportunities, click HERE.

EcommerceRecruiter.com is the leading executive search firm serving the Shop.org, Ad:Tech, and IR-500 communities. To subscribe to our searches, click here. Alternatively, visit our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ecommercejobs.

We are working with LittleMissMatched in their search for an Ecommerce Planner based in New York, NY. LittleMissMatched is a lifestyle brand that inspires girls of all ages to express their individuality and creativity. With six national stores and counting, the brand continues to rapidly evolve to include tween girl apparel, baby, furniture, and accessories.

Position Description:

This position works closely with Planning, Marketing, and Catalog to manage inventory planning in support of the online business.

1. Develop, manage, and execute open to buy strategy

• Responsible for buys and reorders for all online product
• Manage to reasonable weeks of supply with constant in stock positions in core items/categories
• Make retail pricing, price change, and markdown recommendations to support product flow calendars and to achieve margin goals.

2.  Responsible for online product availability lists and maintenance of assortment sheets.

• Work closely with production to assure accuracy of availability dates as well as accuracy of information housed in assortment sheets
• Evaluate inventory levels and delivery status of core and seasonal and fashion product
• Make reorder recommendations and receipt plans by sku for core and go forward product 
• Owner of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and seasonal reporting and analysis in addition to any ad hoc needs as requested by VP Ecommerce or Chief Merchant.

3.  Must understand working as a vital team member within a cross functional team and the necessity of calendar discipline.

4.  Needs to have prior experience working in a multi-channel environment and the complexities therein.

Position Requirements:

• 2 - 4 years allocation/replenishment and retail planning experience (e-commerce preferred).
• Prior forecasting and sales analysis experience
• Experience managing open to buy
• Analytical capabilities to evaluate sales volumes and trends, analysis thereof and ability to effectively utilize data.
• Must be a self starter comfortable working in a fast paced environment with competing priorities
• Proficient in MS Excel a must; experience with MS Access helpful
• Strong oral and written communication skills.​
• Strong analytical, organizational, people and time management skills.
• Experience with online analytics such Google Analytics preferable

Applications for this position are being coordinated by Harry Joiner. To apply, CLICK HERE. Candidates, please be sure to ask Harry for packet #1197 of market research and company / competitive intel that will differentiate you in your candidacy. Due to the competitive nature of this search, thorough preparation for these interviews with this proprietary material is strongly recommended.

Closed: Ecommerce Catalog Coordinator - New York, NY

This position has been closed.  For a current listing of our open job opportunities, click HERE.

EcommerceRecruiter.com is the leading executive search firm serving the Shop.org, Ad:Tech, and IR-500 communities. To subscribe to our searches, click here. Alternatively, visit our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ecommercejobs.

We are working with LittleMissMatched in their search for a Ecommerce Marketing Associate/Catalog Coordinator based in New York, NY. LittleMissMatched is a lifestyle brand that inspires girls of all ages to express their individuality and creativity. With six national stores and counting, the brand continues to rapidly evolve to include tween girl apparel, baby, furniture, and accessories.

Position Description:

The position is within the direct to consumer group in support of various ongoing marketing and operational initiatives with a focus on execution of catalog campaigns. This position works closely with Planning, Online, Creative, Catalog departments and is responsible for owning and executing the daily tasks required to complete each catalog successfully and on time.

The Ecommerce Marketing Associate/Catalog Coordinator is specifically responsible for the acquisition of content needed to build each catalog and the maintenance of established workflows and timelines. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills (written and verbal). This individual should be self-motivated, have the ability to work independently, exhibit strong time management skills and the aptitude to work comfortably within a wide variety of team situations. The successful candidate must be able to multi-task and coordinate the efforts of multiple departments in completing each catalog. The Ecommerce Marketing Associate/Catalog Coordinator will perform these essential functions:

• Create production schedules and coordinate weekly meetings.
• Maintain project timeline and workflow throughout the various stages of catalog production.
• Work closely with the Buyers and Business Teams to ensure that all catalog assets are ready for final book build.
• Enter project into workflow and route catalog proofs to internal and external business partners throughout each stage. Obtain final sign-offs.
• Proof catalog pages for accuracy in overall look and feel, product information, pricing, and SKUs. Enter any changes into the workflow.
• Collaborate with the Art Director on each photo shoot. Obtain and inventory merchandise; create shot list and call sheet; coordinate photo shoot talent.
• Review and approve final catalog pages for print run.
• Prepare reporting pagination for post-drop analysis.
• Online Marketing and Operations
• Support cross channel marketing initiatives
• Coordinate and promote online contests
• Manage social media outreach
• Coordinate affiliate program management and conduct weekly and monthly affiliate performance reporting

Position Requirements:

• 2 years of coordinator experience related to catalogs
• Good understanding of the catalog workflow and creative processes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strict attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Sense of urgency and excellent work ethic
• Bachelors Degree
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word. Familiar with InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator a plus.
• Ability to hit deadlines and work under pressure

Applications for this position are being coordinated by Harry Joiner. To apply, CLICK HERE. Candidates, please be sure to ask Harry for packet #1200 of market research and company / competitive intel that will differentiate you in your candidacy. Due to the competitive nature of this search, thorough preparation for these interviews with this proprietary material is strongly recommended.

CLOSED: Director of Ecommerce - Dulles, VA

This position has been closed.  Click HERE to see a list of our current openings. To subscribe to our searches, click HERE.

EcommerceRecruiter.com is the leading executive search firm serving the Shop.org, Ad:Tech, and IR-500 communities. To subscribe to our searches, click here. Alternatively, visit our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ecommercejobs.

We are working with AOL in their search for a Director of Ecommerce based in Dulles, VA.

AOL is a leading global advertising-supported Web company, with the most comprehensive display advertising network in the US, a substantial worldwide audience, and a suite of popular Web brands and products. The company’s strategy focuses on increasing the scale and sophistication of its advertising platform and growing the size and engagement of its global online audience through leading products and programming. Check it out ...

Position Description:

The Director of Ecommerce will “own” the consumer experience online, ensuring it meets and exceeds business objectives, surprises and delights the consumer, and is aligned with AOL’s overall Brand Strategy. The role will be multi-faceted, driving design and usability, website marketing/merchandising, and ecommerce. The Director of Ecommerce will be supported by third party agency/creative expertise and a development team.

The Paid Services division is focused on growing new non-access subscriptions by leveraging AOL’s extensive reach and network of inventory to distribute best-in-class services that can be safely and easily purchased and managed on a consumer-friendly platform. In addition, the Paid Services division continues to manage AOL’s paid ISP/access subscriber base.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the online consumer experience, ensuring that it is “on brand” and exceeding business objectives of conversion and revenue/profit generation.
• Maximize usage of Storefront “real estate” to drive conversion; effectively merchandise categories and products
• Use web analytics and real-time testing to optimize the online experience, increasing conversion rates.
• Collaborate with outside design firm to design and update subscription services Storefront, driving outstanding visual design and purchase paths that entice, educate and increase conversion rate with consumer-minded approach.
• Oversee prototype and usability testing to validate interface designs.

The ideal candidate should have significant ecommerce experience in website marketing.  The candidate should have experience in developing business requirements, overseeing design elements, conducting usability testing, and optimizing the overall ecommerce experience. As such he or she will be comfortable working with designers and developers, product marketing, channel marketing, and technology teams.

Candidates should have a broad understanding of related deliverables (including information architecture diagrams, interaction flows, wireframes, screen mock-ups, interactive demos and UI specifications), usability testing, and web analytics tools/methodologies. The candidate will be able to thoughtfully contribute in a team environment and be passionate about the consumer experience online.

Position Requirements:

• Excellent presenting, verbal, written and story-boarding skills. Communicate consumer experience vision and objectives rationale verbally and visually.
• 8-10 years of directly related experience in ecommerce and/or website marketing.
• Be able to work collaboratively with other disciplines including direct marketing, product marketing and technology teams.
• Understand user-research and testing methodologies, and web analytics tools.
• Self-starter with demonstrated capability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business preferred
• MBA preferred

Applications for this position are being coordinated by Harry Joiner. To apply, CLICK HERE. Candidates, please be sure to ask Harry for packet #1196 of market research and company / competitive intel that will differentiate you in your candidacy. Due to the competitive nature of this search, thorough preparation for these interviews with this proprietary material is strongly recommended.

CLOSED: Manager – Marketing, Social Media Programs

This position has been closed.  Click HERE to see a list of our current openings. To subscribe to our searches, click HERE.

EcommerceRecruiter.com is the leading executive search firm serving the Shop.org, Ad:Tech, and IR-500 communities. Follow us on Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ecommercejobs.

We are working with American Eagle in their search for a Marketing Manager, Social Media Programs based in Pittsburgh, PA.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., through its subsidiaries, (“AEO, Inc.”) offers high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices. The American Eagle Outfitters® brand targets 15 to 25 year old girls and guys, with 950+ stores in the U.S. and Canada and online at www.ae.com. aerie® by american eagle offers Dormwear® and intimates collections for the AE® girl, with over 110 standalone stores in the U.S. and Canada and online at www.aerie.com.

The latest brand, 77kids™ by american eagle™, is available online only at www.77kids.com, offering “kid cool,” durable clothing and accessories for kids ages two to 10. AE.COM®, the online home of the brands of AEO, Inc. ships to more than 75 countries worldwide.

Position Description:

Own the strategy, scaling and execution of social media across three brands: American Eagle, Aerie and 77Kids. Develop social content and experience, monitor conversation and buzz, measure and report results, and evaluate technology.

Engage consumers and college students, and empower and harness AE associates. Drive social media awareness and education within corporate culture. Listen and react to consumer input and develop an organic, authentic & passionate community of multichannel influencers. Coordinate promotion of online and in-store events and magnify the social elements of every consumer touch point.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and coordinate the social content and experience across all AEO brand properties and communities (online and in-store), owning strategy and execution for AE, Aerie and 77Kids. Work closely and align with cross-functional brand teams.
• Support and drive all AEO promotions and sales events within social and community spaces. Reconcile multichannel conflicts and support holistic business needs. Responsible for all copy and media as well as ad hoc conversational responses, resolutions and updates.
• Moderate comments, content and conversation contributed by customers and store associates alike.
• Implement first-class program brand-monitoring program. Filter buzz and resolve customer service issues in the cloud. Personally ensure customers are heard. Determine strategy, team and toolset to drive success. Regularly publish quantitative trends and qualitative case studies.
• Own the social strategy for AEO’s growing campus ambassador program of 200+ student brand ambassadors across 30 campuses nationwide, working closely with program director.
• Maintain and circulate publishing calendars and timelines for social content and functionality by brand. Plan seasonal strategy for all three brands, integrating social with commerce and merchandising.
• Scale contributing authors across departments in AEO. Regularly feature new points of view and voices.
• Evaluate social media technologies and platforms, and recommend direction for investment and implementation. Stay on top of trends to keep commerce, cultural and community tools current and fresh.
• Responsible for all onsite social media integration, including ratings and reviews, moderation, social graph and profile enhancements and sharing functionality.
• Establish and execute the formal measurement of social media through analytics and KPIs. This includes sales, influencers, review volume, buzz, trends, Facebook insights, Twitter volume, etc.
• Integrate social media efforts within store and web environments. Contribute to conversion and brand experience, seamlessly and authentically. Establish AEO as an innovator. Drive internal awareness.
• Inform corporate policy for social media community moderation and employee best practices
• Additional duties include supporting: playlists, sweepstakes, loyalty programs and PR

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, English, PR, Communication, or related field required. Advanced degree (Master’s or MBA) preferred.
• At home with social and location services like Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Flickr, YouTube, blogs, etc.
• 3+ years of proven success in related field.
• Prior managerial/supervisory experience.
• High proficiency with traditional tools such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written communication/presentation skills
• Ability to collaborate with and influence peers and management in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting. Analytical and able to manage projects from conception to completion
• Non-traditional resumes and applications are welcome supplements

Applications for this position are being coordinated by Harry Joiner. To apply, CLICK HERE.

Closed: IT Database Analyst - Hollywood, FL

This position has been closed.  For a current listing of our open job opportunities, click HERE.

EcommerceRecruiter.com is the leading executive search firm serving the Shop.org, Ad:Tech, and IR-500 communities. To subscribe to our searches, click here. Alternatively, visit our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ecommercejobs.

We are working with Restockit.com in their search for an IT Database Analyst based in Hollywood, FL.

ReStockIt.com is a leading online retailer of supplies to small businesses.  Through its website, ReStockIt.com offers discounts on more than 200,000 products from over 3,100 leading manufacturers such as Energizer, Hewlett Packard, and Purell/Gojo.

ReStockIt.com has been honored with many prestigious awards including South Florida Business Journal Business of the Year (2008 and 2010), Finalists for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2007), Inc 500 (2008) and Internet Retailer 500 (2006-2010). ReStockIt.com’s revenues have grown aggressively since its inception from $1 million in 2004 to over $20 million in 2009 (42% growth vs. 2008).

Position Description:

This position will be responsible for database and report development, procedure development, and data analysis.  We are seeking a highly motivated, detailed, and analytical person. 

Responsibilities:

• Developing, streamlining, and maintaining reports using SSRS.

• Collect, organize and clean data for building reports.
• Full data validation and quality control of data.
• Predictive Model & Business Intelligence statistics.

• Developing and maintaining SQL Server Stored Procedures, Functions, Views, and DTS & SSIS Jobs to support data warehousing
• Developing and maintaining reporting interface applications in Visual Studio, utilizing SSRS.
• Developing and maintaining scripts and scheduled jobs to automate repetitive tasks.

Position Requirements:

• Effective analytical and communication skills.
• Experience in Visual Studio 2005/SQL Server Reporting Services.
• Experience in SQL Server 2000, 2005, and above. Ability to adapt to changes in a fast paced environment.
• Advanced level experience with Excel (pivot tables, formulas, etc..)

PLUSES

• Experience with pricing software and tools.
• Experience in margin analysis calculations.
• Experience in an eCommerce environment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university, at least 3 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education & experience is required.

Applications for this position are being coordinated by Harry Joiner. To apply, CLICK HERE. Candidates, please be sure to ask Harry for packet #1195 of market research and company / competitive intel that will differentiate you in your candidacy. Due to the competitive nature of this search, thorough preparation for these interviews with this proprietary material is strongly recommended.

JOB SEARCH TIP: "Did I reject you?"

I have a confession to make:  I hate recruiters.  Can't stand 'em.

As most of my readers know, I am a reasonably bright guy with an incredibly diverse professional background which includes multi-modal logistics, purchasing, inventory management, cost accounting, budgeting and reporting, international trade finance, sales, marketing, and ecommerce (obviously).  I had ALL of this experience at the time I was laid off in the 2001 recession, and I couldn't find a job to save my life.  Seriously.  I couldn't get arrested back then.

All of the recruiters I dealt with were totally useless.

In turn, each recruiter looked at my resume and saw a guy with "food industry experience" and stated flatly "I don't know anyone who's looking for a food guy.  We'll keep your resume on file, yada yada yada."  I felt radioactive.

It didn't matter that I was business-oriented.  It didn't matter that I was hungry.  It didn't matter that I had worked overseas three times and hold a Masters degree in international business from a top five school.  It didn't matter that I have great people skills and am self-directed.  It didn't matter that I had a track record of success in the food industry (and I had the references to prove it.)

All that mattered to recruiters was I was a round peg, and they had square holes to fill.

Now, I know what you recruiters will say in the comments section below: "What were they supposed to do with your resume, Harry?  If your resume wasn't a match, then it wasn't a match.  You know how that works.  We get paid to source candidates who fit the position requirements.  That's what we do."

Bullshit.  Complete and utter bullshit.

The resume is just a leading indicator of whether or not a candidate will create value for the client.  It's a starting point in the vetting process.  It's not the Bible.  In fact, resumes can be downright misleading.

The joke in the recruiting industry is that "a candidate is only perfect twice in their life: at birth, and on their resume."  That's why there's a cottage industry of resume writers trying to make balls look like strikes.  I've seen great candidates with lousy resumes and lousy candidates with great resumes -- and until some rocket scientist builds a web-based tool to separate the dogs from the stars, I'll have an important job to do.

A great recruiter is supposed to help his clients build better companies.  The goal is to source Game Changers.  Period.  In addition to sourcing the obvious rockstars, a world-class recruiter is supposed to bring the non-obvious candidates to the attention of the hiring manager and explain to them in the client's language why the candidate should be considered.  The client has Monster.com as a source of obvious candidates.

In any case, because of those lean years, what I have described above summarizes my approach to the recruiting business.  That's why I am a trusted advisor to my clients, who can draw on my diverse background to make equity enhancing candidate recommendations.

None of this makes me a genius.  It simply means that, evidently, I have an unconventional approach to recruiting.  It probably also explains why my team will touch 150 ecommerce searches this year.  Where other online marketing recruiters think their job is to knock you OUT, I think my job is to knock you IN.

But candidates:  Here is the point of this post ...

If you are an underdog in any search I'm managing, I absolutely promise you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that the hiring committee appreciates the unique ways that you can create value for their firm.  Very few ecommerce recruiters, I think, are as qualified or motivated as Harry Joiner to tell your story to a client in a way that leverages your strengths, mitigates your developmental areas, and positions you uniquely against the other candidates vying for the role.  However, ...

That doesn't mean you won't get beat!

I am very blessed to work with the most talented ecommerce directors and VPs in the North American online retail community.  The level of talent in this space is breathtaking.  And these are nice people, too!  That's what you're up against.  For my clients, picking the "best" candidate in one of my searches is akin to naming a favorite Beatle or picking one's favorite president on Mount Rushmore.  There are no wrong answers; there are merely "less good" ones.

Did I reject you?

If I did, it's probably not because of your background.  More likely, it's because of your competitors' [plural] backgrounds.  You just got beat, and there's nothing I can do about that other than help you understand where you came up short relative to the competition and how you can shore up those holes in the future.