Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Interviewing

When the warm weather hits we notice that people start thinking about moving jobs. Here are some tips from Careerbuilder.com to make your first impression count. http://msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=1110&catid=IV

Friday, April 6, 2007

Hot Jobs

See below for positions we are working on for our clients who are hot to hire! Contact me Jasmine Sharp at jsharp@smithhanley.com for more information.


Demand Planning Statistician - IL - 75k

Supply chain services company has an new opportunity responsible for producing and reviewing forecasts of sales in the U.S. and Canada. You will utilize established analytical methods to develop national supply plans, as well as improve the existing technical and business processes. MS Statistics or Economics, with experience with SAS required.

Sr Risk Analyst - FL - 65k

Financial services company has a position responsible for developing and applying statistical and analytical methods to optimize risk management strategies for the Retail Checking and Banking Divisions. Master's in statistics or related field, with 3-7 years applied experience using statistical analysis and experimental design to rapidly design, rollout and test value-adding changes to business strategies.

Sr. Associate, Campaign Management - IL - 85k

Financial Services client has an opportunity for a candidate to be responsibility for end-to-end planning for the entire marketing campaign process including campaign strategy implementation, scheduling and documentation. You will also develop campaign schedules throughout the month and ensures that all data sources and elements are available for coding. Master’s degree with Minimum of 5-7 years direct marketing experience, preferable campaign management experience with Campaign Management software.

Quantitative Analyst - MN - 100k

Our client a major financial service company has an opening for a Finance Manager. This position involves working on stress testing economic capital requirements under the Basel II framework. Economic capital includes credit risk, operational risk, market risk, interest rate risk, business risk, and reputational risk. Duties also include the building and validation of pricing and value at risk models



Friday, March 30, 2007

STATZ RAPPERS

Hi all, thought you would enjoy, a little lighthearted fun for Friday!

Mary

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Compensation for 2007

This year promises to be even more exciting for the quantitative professional. The career information most frequently sought by clients and candidates in the field revolves around salary and other forms of compensation. Whether you are planning to grow your staff this year or are assessing your own career path, here are some points to consider:

Hot Skill Set – Web analytics, pricing, credit analytics, analytically-based strategy.

Fast Moving Market – Candidates (especially at the more junior end) are receiving multiple offers and are going off the market in three to five weeks, much faster than the more typical eight to twelve weeks we’ve been used to seeing.

Relocation Challenges – Many companies are reassessing their relocation packages as the housing market continues to stagnate in many parts of the country. Unless these packages contain a safety net to cushion probable double mortgage payments, many candidates are not able to accept offers that require relocation.

Sign-on Bonuses – are back! In the last 90 days, nearly 40% of all offers have included a bonus as an incentive for candidates to “sign on”.

Cross Industry Job Changes – Candidates are changing industries far more frequently, even at the more senior level. Client companies are making offers to candidates coming from other industries as the talent pool tightens. This provides candidates with an ideal opportunity to expand their knowledge across industries.

Compensation – Many companies are offering more competitive packages to attract top talent. Here are some guidelines:

Vice President/Director $135,000 to $250,000 On the corporate side, this level typically involves managing a group – the bigger the group, the higher the salary. Oftentimes, the top salaries are offered by boutique consulting firms where business development may play a major role in the compensation package. Of course, ability to provide thoughtful leadership and strategic vision is essential at this echelon.

Manager $110,000 to $140,000

This position is often attained as the result of an internal promotion. Interpersonal skills are key – especially those demonstrating initiative, team building and the ability to direct group projects. While technical competence is important, remember that emerging executive-level administrative skills are what really count as you move up the business ladder.

Senior Statistician $80,000 to $120,000

Talented business statisticians with excellent communication skills can command base salaries of up to $120K. To move up from here typically involves picking up management responsibilities or business development skills.

Senior Analyst/Analyst $60,000 to $85,000

These are our most sought after candidates. With a master’s degree in a quantitative discipline and two solid years’ experience in the corporate world, this candidate will often receive multiple offers and be snapped up quickly. The market is red hot ­for candidates with this degree of experience – back to the level of the dot com boom.

Entry-level Masters $50,000 to $65,000

Demand continues to increase over 2006’s healthy level. Because companies are not always successful in hiring enough talent with one-to-two years’ experience, they will often choose an entry-level candidate with solid academic credentials. Hiring candidates who might require visa sponsorship has become commonplace; clients not willing to do this greatly reduce their pool of applicants.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

No Thank You Could Mean No Job

This article speaks the truth. Even though it may seem trivial, common sense matters when getting a new job. Whether it is dressing appropriately, making sure there are no typos on your resume, or sending a thank you note. Impressions like these matter.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/careerbytes/CBArticle.aspx?articleID=300







Friday, February 16, 2007

Hot Jobs

See below for positions we are working on for our clients who are hot to hire! Contact me Jasmine Sharp at jsharp@smithhanley.com for more information.

Senior Marketing Manager-Korea

Amazing International opportunity with a financial service company. In this role you will develop a completely new marketing plan for this successful firm including Marketing Strategy, Market Channel, and Consumer Analysis, and will give insight and guidance to grow into new channels.


Sr. Information Architect-IL- Salary up to 85k

Unique opportunity to develop information architecture and interaction designs support business strategy, marketing strategy, and desired user behaviors, in a retail environment. 5+ year experience in Information Architecture and concept development.2+ years in planning and executing usability research activities, including usability testing and evaluations. At least one year applying these skills to web-based design.

Research Analyst-MO-Salary to 55k

Kansas City based market research firm specializing in customer satisfaction and loyalty research seeking bright Research Analyst. You will be responsible for tracking and measuring studies for Fortune 500 clients. Experience with linear regression and factor analysis is very important. Multivariate analysis and structural equation modeling important. SPSS skills are a must. If you enjoy working in a fun, casual work environment, this job is for you.

Database Marketing Analyst -LA-Salary up to 65k

Our client a financial service company has an opportunity for a Database Marketing Analyst. In this role you will provide database analysis, and analytical support. Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, or Business. 3 years experience in financial industry, and database analysis. Knowledge of data mining, and its application in direct marketing.





Wednesday, February 14, 2007

CRM Technology

Came across this article and we would love to hear your thoughts.

In the age of advanced technology, marketing analytics is making superb use of software in campaign management, measuring customer value and in data mining. The tracking of marketing campaigns is an exact science and these sorts of highly developed tracking tools are essential to everyone in this industry even ‘technophobes’. Read and digest this article, who knows this sort of technology could be more vital to you then even the iPod.

http://crmguru.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/crmguru.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1619

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

10 Ways to Blow the Interview

Hi all, thought you'd like to see this article from Careerbuilder on interview tips - it has some great reminders on things not to do on your interview. One thing I would also note is to remember to dress appropriately. Although a lot of office dress codes are business casual, when in doubt remember you are trying to make the best first impression possible - a suit is usually a safe bet.

- Mary


Information abounds regarding what you should say in an interview. But it can be just as important to realize what not to say. It is also imperative to note that what you say say can be communicated through both your words and actions.

1. You arrive late to the interview. What it means: "I really don't care about getting this position." Arrive a healthy 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to give you time to collect your thoughts, review your notes and make a good first impression.

2. You're rude to the receptionist. What it means: "I'm difficult to get along with." Receptionists are the gate keepers and it's their job to be the eyes and ears of the company," cautions Lauren Milligan, founder and CEO of ResuMAYDAY, Inc. Besides, if hired, you may need their cooperation one day.

3. You answer questions with trite or cliché responses.What it means: "I'm just one of the crowd." Telling the interviewer you are a perfectionist and expect too much of yourself is sure to elicit a yawn, if not a discreet roll of the eyes, Milligan warns. Prepare potential responses ahead of time to avoid relying on the usuals.

4. You don't ask questions.What it means: "I'm not that interested in your company."The interview should be a two-way conversation "to determine if you are the right fit for the company, and if the company is the right fit for you," Milligan says. Use the interview to gather as much information about your potential new position as possible.

5. You answer the standard "Tell us about yourself," with "What would you like to know?" What it means: "I have nothing special to offer this company."This is your opportunity to steer the conversation into areas where you truly shine. Don't waste this chance by appearing to lack any outstanding qualities you want to share. And please don't start with where you were born. Focus on your career unless your birthplace is relevant to the job.

6. You use inappropriate language.What it means: "I'm unprofessional and if it shows in the short span of an interview, imagine what I'll be like in the office."Even if they're only mild and somewhat acceptable words, there still is no place for them in the interview.

7. You trash-talk your former boss. What it means: "I have no discretion; I'll blab any inside information." "If you left your prior job on poor terms, you need to put this relationship in a positive light for the interview," Milligan advises. "Even if your boss was to blame." You never want to bring negativity or antagonistic emotions into the interview. Keep it positive and upbeat.

8. You ask the interviewer to not contact your former employer. What it means: "I have something to hide."Even if you do not get along with your boss, you can always name someone else in the organization as a reference.

9. You exaggerate your accomplishments or credentials. What it means: "I'm not good enough on my own merits, so I need to lie to make myself look good." A skilled interviewer can easily identify fabrications in your background or experience. State your qualifications with confidence. You don't have to be Superman to get hired; you just have to be right for the job.

10. You don't thank the interviewer.What it means: "I have no manners." Forgetting to thank your interviewers in writing for their time can take the luster from even the most stellar interviewee.
By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Swivel.com: Cool data sharing website or nothing special?

I read a recent article about a new website - swivel.com, and I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/12/05/swivel-to-launch-this-week-communitize-your-data/

Described as both the "YouTube for Data" and "a place where curious people explore data — all kinds of data," Swivel is a user-generated data-sharing website with postings on anything from Super Bowl advertising rates to a breakdown of NBA players by their native country.

What do you think? Would you use Swivel for sharing new SAS procedures, unique statistical models, or other tips & tricks? Do you think Swivel has the potential to take off and be bought out by Google, or is it just a time-wasting device with nothing relevant to your career or interests? Check out www.swivel.com and share your comments on our blog.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Web Analytics and Emerging Statistical Opportunities

As we look at trends for 2007 and beyond, we cannot ignore the increasing presence of web analytics. Far more than just analyzing clicks to a site, there are interesting statistics involved. I found an interesting article in the Jamaica Observer that gives a nice overview of what jobs are out there in this field and also some salary information. Wayne Marsh is the author. An exerpt of particular interest is below:

"The standard for these new Internet career opportunities are still being defined as business owners clarify their needs based on the potential of the Internet. However, some have been in existence long enough to create a de facto standard. Below you will find a list of some of the more popular career opportunities that currently exist. I have listed the titles mainly as specialist but you may find many other prefixes or suffixes added to them such as director, vice President, manager, analyst, etc.

Web Analytics Specialist

Web Analytics is the process of transforming statistical data from your website into intelligence. When speaking about website statistics the most frequent statistic quoted is 'hits'. We have come a long way since then, as you can now not only measure how many visitors come to your site but also what path they took to become a customer. A Web Analytics Specialist's job is to analyse data and provide reports in order to facilitate business decisions and help glean relevant insights. The data analysed is not the raw website statistics stored in your server logs, but data generated from a web log analyzer. This is software that converts raw server log file ingredients into meaningful traffic data. As a Web Analytics Specialist you will know if your website is providing a return on investment. If you have an interest in market research or statistical analysis this career path is right up your street"

I would enjoy hearing comments on the web analytics job trends that you're seeing in your market space as well.

Best,
Emily

To view the complete article, please click the link below:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20061230T130000-0500_117305_OBS_NEW_AND_EMERGING_CAREER_PATHS_TO_CONSIDER_IN______.asp

For more information from the author, take a look at their company website at www.wsiwebprofits.com

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Hot Jobs

See below for positions we are working on for our clients who are hot to hire! Contact me Jasmine Sharp at jsharp@smithhanley.com for more information.

Director, Consumer Marketing & Research - Atlanta, GA - Salary up to 130k
Exciting opportunity to build an analytical direct to consumer marketing team from the ground up for a major financial institution. MS in Stats, Econ, Mathematics. Experience in building and managing teams. Strong SAS, and data warehouse skills required.

Director, Marketing Analytics -London or Scotland- Salary up to 200k USD
Exciting opportunity in the U.K. to work for a premier financial institution. Superior experience in database marketing, both strategically, and analytically plus 10 years minimum experience supporting direct marketing campaigns and analyses. Quant MBA a strong plus.

Statistical Analyst - OH - Salary up to 60k
Great opportunity to develop and apply analytic reports using quantitative techniques. Knowledge in the use of database query languages, SAS, advanced Excel, and Access required.

Strategic Marketing Analyst - TN - Salary up to 75k
Opportunity in the Pricing and Revenue Management group. Advanced degree in Quantitative discipline and 3-5 years experience building complex statistical models. Strong knowledge of of advanced statistical techniques (Bayesian forecasting, time series, regression) using SAS essential.

Analytical Insight Manager - CO- Salary up to 125k
Large CPG client looking for strong analytical background ideally in CPG industry. Good SAS, Consumer analytics, IRI/Nielsen/supplier side experience a huge plus. Will relocate right candidate.

Director, Marketing Science - MO- Salary up to 125k
Internationally renowned market research consultancy looking for technically savvy market research professional. Experience with regression, discrete choice, experimental design-pref. supplier side. Will work in SAS. Strong communication & presentation skills, highly visible role.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

The Holy Grail of Marketing Science Candidates

In the area of quantitative marketing sciences it is often the case that clients are looking for one of two things in a candidate:

1) strong statistical modeling and multivariate statistical experience normally using SAS or SPSS
2) a strong understanding or experience of statistical modeling and multivariate statistical techniques but the ability to then understand & interpret the insight derived from the analysis and how that may affect the business or to make strategic recommendations

This is a dilemma. As candidates join this market space at the Analyst/Statistician level, you learn the analytical business of your company from the ground up, you learn to mine the database, clean the data etc. and eventually build statistical models from scratch. Naturally as you progress you may work on higher-level statistical requirements, with different departments and larger datasets, but for the majority you don't get involved in what the direct business impact is of the analysis, making the presentations to clients, delivering strategic recommendations etc. This seems to generate a skills gap as you move up the ladder.

More and more we are working on roles that want a mix; the ability to build or understand models and multivariate analysis AND the ability to present the results to non-technical business people and have an impact on the companies bottom line. Do they want MBA's then we ask? "No" is always the reply, they want the best of both worlds, business statisticians with strong communication who are comfortable with feet in both camps. This is the holy grail of senior marketing science candidates.

I mention this for two reasons, firstly I may be completely wrong and I would love to hear from people in this area who are experiencing differently, likewise if I am right. But also as information to heed with an eye to your career progression. If you are working your way through the ranks as a Statistician and you can emerge in a few years with statistical analysis and modeling experience and have the business/strategy experience also, you will be a very marketable candidate. If you are already there, well, give me a call!!

Mark Tattersall :: Executive Recruiter :: Smith Hanley Associates :: 312-629-2400

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

New Year, New Job?

I came across this article on Yahoo, and I thought it was an interesting read, as well as encouraging. From our standpoint here we have gotten many new job orders in both Marketing Science, as well as Credit Risk Analysis. It seems that candidates who use SAS, and SPSS everyday are in high demand. It is a good idea to update your resume, contact your references, and talk with a recruiter who specializes in your field. Ex Quantitative Marketing Science

http://hotjobs.promotions.yahoo.com/cci/article.php