You don’t have the time or the resources to evaluate every applicant who strolls in. to guide your work, you should develop a profile of your “ideal” candidate. You may never find your ideal, but you will establish a basic framework that outlines the person you are looking for.

Developing an ideal candidate profile is similar to viewing a lineup of suspects after you’ve witnessed a bank robbery. The individual you pick out may not be the actual bank robber, but chances are the real criminal is strongly similar. Often, a lineup helps police establish the silhouette or basic framework of the person being sought. The police is clear even if the details are not. Likewise, your ideal candidate profile will give you a sharper idea of what you are really looking for, so that you can increase your odds of finding him or her.

Use the following outline to develop of profile of your ideal candidate:

1. Must have, or have done, or be able to do:
   • Experience: type and years
   • Industry: type, or specific companies, and years
   • Skills or talents
   • Education

1. Should have, or have done, or be able to do:
   • Experience: type and years
   • Industry: type, or specific companies, and years
   • Education

1. Would be nice to have, or have done, or be able to do:
   • Experience: type and years
   • Industry: type, or specific companies, and years
   • Skills or talents
   • Education

Be specific when you draft your outline. If you want someone with strong follow-up skills, say so. If you want an assertive person who can handle high stress, say so. To create a good match between job and candidate, you need to define the person as closely as you define the job.

Keep your company culture in mind, too. If your company is team-oriented and flexible, you want a candidate who is comfortable with teamwork—and not everyone is. If your department is highly structured, you want someone who works well in a structured situation. Describe the qualities that your company values so that you can find compatible candidates.

Just remember that defining the candidate is a lot like shopping for groceries: the more you toss into your shopping cart, the more you’ll pay. The cost of filling a job is influenced by two factors: how long it takes to find the candidate, and the supply of qualified candidates. The greater the number of must have items on your list, the longer it’s going to take to find that person. The greater the experience, skills, or education requirements, the smaller the supply of candidates and the larger the compensation package required to hire the person.

My Consultancy–Asif J. Mir - Management Consultant–transforms organizations where people have the freedom to be creative, a place that brings out the best in everybody–an open, fair place where people have a sense that what they do matters. For details please visit www.asifjmir.com, and my Lectures.

The Blues face the Predators tonight in the first of a “three games in four days” period. Coming off a shootout win against Dallas, the Blues have won three of their last four games. The Predators, however, have won seven games in succession. The Blues will need to be at their best tonight and currently there are no changes in the Blues lineup apart from Chris Mason getting the nod over Ty Conklin.

There IS, however, speculation – namely from Andy Strickland that Eric Brewer could be doubtful for tonight’s game. Strickland is reporting that Brewer suffered an “upper body” injury during Wednesday’s fight against the Star’s Steve Ott. It’s likely that Darryl Sydor would step in if Brewer is unable to play tonight.

Can Paul Kariya break out of his slump?

Lots of questions ahead of tonight’s game against the Stars. One of the main ones being can the Blues awful Powerplay finally start putting the puck in the net? The Blues practice this morning concentrated heavily on the powerplay – let’s see if it starts producing. A change of personnel – or maybe reverting back to the “umbrella” formation that worked last year – whatever they do, SOMETHING needs to happen to break the Blues forwards out of this slump. We have good players – there’s no question about that – so maybe it’s simply a matter of time. Given time, quality players like Paul Kariya, will start scoring. It’s just a question of when – and with the season already 25% over (and the Blues currently last in the Central Division – 6 points behind the fourth placed Red Wings) – there’s not a lot of time left. It’s all very well proposing a trade…but who is out there who can help? Who would be worth chasing at this point? And more importantly…who would we give up?

Anyway – tonight’s game. It’s going to be physical. There is no doubt about that – especially considering the Steve Ott factor from the last Blues/Stars game. As such, the Blues are sitting out Patrik Berglund tonight and replacing him with Brad Winchester. Let’s hope Winchester plays mean. The rest of the lineup remains the same – with Ty Conklin getting the start in goal tonight.

Sources: Dan O’Neill and Chris Kerber

I’m not making this up. SXSW is already announcing an initial batch of bands for the 2010 festival. Unbelievable. I mean, I must admit that I’ve been thinking about it some, but it’s still about 4 months away! Regardless, some highlights that I noticed: Deer Tick, The Brunettes, The Coathangers, Robyn Hitchcock, We Are Scientists. Decent list, I guess. I’m pretty sure it will improve drastically when the full lineup finally comes out. SXSW ‘09 was literally one of the best trips of my life, so one way or another, I’m going back next year! Check out the full list here. (Via Pitchfork)

Twilight has officially gotten out of control. It’s already sad enough that New Moon had the most successful opening weekend in history… but now we have people biting other people in the theaters? And to top it all, Twilight-themed heroin was confiscated in Florida! See for yourself at io9. WTF?!?!?

So this will probably be my last post till next Monday. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend!

200+ Bands

Can David Backes get things going again tonight?

We all know what happened last season in the Blues game against the Bruins. The Blues won in a shootout after tying the game in the last second. The Blues then went on that amazing run in the second half of the season that culminated in a playoff appearance. The Blues are coming off back to back wins – with Patrik Berglund, Paul Kariya and BJ Crombeen breaking out of no point streaks. Is this the start of good things for the Blues? Let’s hope so. Tonight’s lineup is the same as the one that beat the Islanders 4-1 on Saturday:

David Perron-Andy McDonald-Brad Boyes
Paul Kariya-David Backes-T.J. Oshie
Patrik Berglund-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen
Alex Steen-Keith Tkachuk-Cam Janssen

Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Carlo Colaiacovo-Erik Johnson
Eric Brewer-Mike Weaver

Chris Mason

Once again, Darryl Sydor, Brad Winchester and Alex Pietrangelo are healthy scratches.

Source: Jeremy Rutherford

Alex Steen returns – sooner than expected

Alex Steen returns to the Blues lineup tonight after breaking his wrist on October 15 in Phoenix. Steen will play tonight on a line with Keith Tkachuk and Cam Janssen. Mike Weaver also returns to the lineup which means the healthy scratches tonight are Darryl Sydor, Alex Pietrangelo and Brad Winchester. Lineup is therefore expected to be:

David Perron-Andy McDonald-Brad Boyes
Paul Kariya-T.J. Oshie-David Backes
Patrik Berglund-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen
Alex Steen-Keith Tkachuk-Cam Janssen

Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Carlo Colaiacovo-Erik Johnson
Eric Brewer-Mike Weaver

It’s unknown at the moment who will get the start in goal but it’s expected to be Chris Mason. In the previous game, the Kariya-Oshie-Backes line was by far the strongest with Oshie getting the tying goal. Let’s hope they can continue this form – along with the rest of the team. It’s about time the Blues won 2 games in row.

Source: Andy Strickland

Should he stay or should he go?

Mike Weaver and Darryl Sydor will be healthy scratches tonight – which means that Alex Pietrangelo gets his ninth game. This is now decision time for the Blues – so expect to hear something very shortly. Expectations are that Pietrangelo stays with the Blues. Tonight’s lines are:

David Perron-Andy McDonald-Brad Boyes
Paul Kariya-T.J. Oshie-David Backes
Patrik Berglund-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester-Keith Tkachuk-Cam Janssen

Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Carlo Colaiacovo-Erik Johnson
Eric Brewer-Alex Pietrangelo

Chris Mason

Paul Kariya is back on a line with Oshie and Backes – he’s worked very hard whilst on the “stopper” line and let’s hope it pays off. Patrik Berglund takes Kariya’s place on the stopper line – and it looks like this is the way to try and get him to relax a bit. The pressure of being part of the top six is off – and he’ll be matched up against the oppositions top line. This should give Berglund a bit more space up front – let’s see if he can take advantage.

Chris Mason once again gets the start in goal.

Source: Jeremy Rutherford

Deciding what to do on a big party holiday like New Year’s Eve is always difficult; with 8 million events going on, it can be next to impossible to figure out where to spend your time and money. But when in doubt, do what I do: go where the best music is.

I am thinking 2010 will find me awash in a Sea of Dreams in San Francisco, dancing to an excellent selection of sights and sounds from the underground West Coast arts scene, enjoying circus performers, art installations and:

• Ozomatli
• Bassnectar
• Ghostland Observatory
• Yard Dogs Road Show
• Glitch Mob
• Marty Party
• Random Rab
• an-ten-nae
• Ana Sia
• EOTO
• Motion Potion
• and more…click here for full lineup.

The 10th Annual Sea of Dreams New Year’s Eve-olutionary Extravaganza will be held December 31 from 8PM-4AM at the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco; tickets start at $75 and are available here.

Already shaping up to be the biggest festival for 2010, Soundwave keeps adding to an already killer lineup.

Recently added bands include Placebo, Anthrax, Set Your Goals, Motion City Soundtrack, Enter Shikari, Shinedown and Closure In Moscow.

The festival itself already boasts some of the world’s music talent with Faith No More, My Chemical Romance, Jane’s Addiction, AFI, Paramore, HIM, Trivium and a host of others already on the bill.

Melodious musique de jazz will fill the air once more this fall as the Caribbean’s longest running jazz festival, the Martinique Jazz Festival, will be held November 26 to December 6. The festival, which dates back to 1983, has long provided a showcase for local and international artists to share their talents with a lively and appreciative crowd of music lovers from all corners of the globe. This year will be no exception, as a solid line-up of musicians are set to combine with interactive master classes, film screenings and exhibits to create the ultimate jazz experience under the warm Caribbean sun.

Among the international artists scheduled to perform are Elizabeth Kontomanou (France), the Kenny Barron Trio (USA), and Lionel Loueke (Bénin/USA). A highlight of the event will no doubt be the performance of steel pan master, Andy Narell (USA), who will team with calypso legend, Relator (Trinidad) to perform innovative “PanJazz” selections from their new album, University of Calypso.

Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA, commented on the festival, stating: “Over the years, the Martinique Jazz Festival has attracted some of the biggest names in jazz and scores of their fans to our shores. We look forward to more of the same in 2009 and beyond.”

Jazz luminaries who have performed at the Martinique Jazz Festival in years past include the Marsalis brothers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paquito d’Rivera, Chucho Valdes, and many more.

Martinique Jazz Festival performances will be held primarily at L’Atrium, in the capital city, Fort-de-France, with additional concerts and events held in the towns of Sainte Anne, Sainte Marie, Lamentin, Riviere Salee, Sainte Luce and the La Pagerie Museum in Trois-Ilets, childhood home of Empress Josephine.

The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – by any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world; as unforgettable as a summer romance or a first kiss. Named “Best Gourmet Island of the Year 2008″ by Caribbean World Magazine, Martinique is an overseas region of France that stirs the passions with distinctive culinary delights, awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, warm smiles and so much more. Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here. The Pompeii of the Caribbean, St. Pierre, is found here. The finest French products, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain, are readily available here. La Route des Rhums, a tour of the world’s finest rum distilleries based on France’s famed Route des Vins, is offered here. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c’est magnifique!

Lots of questions ahead of tonight’s game. Which version of the Blues will turn up? The team that so convincingly beat the Canucks? Or the team that basically rolled over when the Predators came to town? Following Dave Checkett’s comments yesterday, this is going to be one very interesting game – miss it at your peril.

With all defensemen healthy again, Darryl Sydor will sit this one out and his place will be taken by Carlo Colaiacovo. Alex Pietrangelo sits out again as well. The lines for tonight have been altered slightly…but they probably won’t stay the same – not with Andy Murray’s propensity for switching them around:

David Perron-Andy McDonald-Brad Boyes
T.J. Oshie-Keith Tkachuk-David Backes
Paul Kariya-Jay McClement-B.J. Crombeen
Brad Winchester-Patrik Berglund-Cam Janssen

Barret Jackman-Roman Polak
Carlo Colaiacovo-Erik Johnson
Eric Brewer-Mike Weaver

No word on who is starting in goal tonight but Chris Mason hasn’t got a great record against the Sharks so don’t be surprised if Conklin gets the start instead. I’m hoping Kariya doesn’t spend too long on the “shutdown” line. The guy needs to get out of his rut and to do that needs to play with goalscorers.

Source: Jeremy Rutherford

As promised, the first coverage of this big storm idling off the East Coast. Hey, it’s not the quality of your work, it’s whether you were first or not.

One monster I wouldn't mind looking straight on.

New York was a good call with big barrels and a lot of water moving. Crowds were very thin compared to our last trip up there in October. The NE winds at 20 something knots I think helped to write off the drive for most. And as usual New York was filled with characters, but an all around good vibe. Check back Monday for a big update. As detailed below, a lot has happened in my first day’s coverage. And yes there are more photos involving The Boys In Blue….

Shots taken: 103 (that’s almost 3 full rolls of film folks)
Wipeouts recorded: 2
Run ins with The Law: 1
Spots checked: priceless… er, I mean 3

More on these guys in Monday's big update

I swear New York is known for lefthanders!

Here's one with some perspective.

Brightside: It's all downhill from here.

More of the same tonight please guys

The Predators come calling tonight – their final game of a four game road trip.  So far, the Predators have lost in Anaheim and San Jose and won in Los Angeles.  The Blues, of course, are coming off a 6-1 win against Vancouver and hoping to reproduce more of the same.

The lineup for tonight remains the same as the Vancouver game with Carlo Colaiacovo, Alex Pietrangelo and Brad Winchester are healthy scratches.  This means the scarily good line of Boyes, McDonald and Perron should stay together for the time being.  Paul Kariya is due a bit of a breakout game – he’s worked hard out on the ice with little to show for it.  What better time than against his former team?

The early start to our fall has left me feeling a bit like My Cousin Vinny. I grabbed a big slice at Gino’s Pizza in Long Beach. Drank gallons of coffee at Bagel Cafe. Had a few close calls with the wacky City drivers (Where’d you get your driver’s license? A cereal box?! Ehh?) and out of control yellow cabs. On top of that, pigeons everywhere I looked. I was even written an email by the “Washington Krew” telling me how it is, tough guy talk, via E-Mail. And I quote,

“The “Washington Krew” want youse

in Joisy to know we aint happy about

you being so specific about the street in

LB… Better register your cars in NY cause

the Jersey plates really stand out”

Listen Buddy, haven’t you ever heard of proper grammar? I’m not sure if “you’se” is even a real contraction! Aaaay fuhgetaboutit. (see referenced spot burn here: http://vimeo.com/7110342)

All that aside, New York City gets really fun and has a lot of what we don’t here in The Garden State: lefts! Last month I spent the better part of a 3 day weekend either driving to/from NYC, shooting in NYC, or editing photos and video from NYC. Some of which can be seen at SurferMag.com

Steer the reigns toward another long weekend in New York, because the winds are looking pretty iffy for New J-e-r-s-e-y. So much better than being skunked in the home state. Watch out for those sneaky right-handers up there too.

Keith Tkachuk is back in the lineup tonight

Keith Tkachuk and Darryl Sydor return to the Blues lineup tonight whilst Brad Winchester, Alex Pietrangelo and Carlo Colaiacovo are healthy scratches. The actual lines are unknown but it makes sense for Tkachuk to simply slot in where Winchester usually is. The Blues scratching Winchester isn’t entirely unexpected. Lars Eller has made a good impact on the team and Winchester has been drifting during recent games. He hasn’t used his size to any effect and certainly needs to get meaner. There are a lot of prospects in the system and if Winchester wants to stay he’s going to have to put in the effort.

Alex Pietrangelo has had an unfortunate couple of games and sitting him for tonight’s game does make sense. He’s still young and inexperienced and it was made clear that he would not play every game. If he did play tonight then it would have been his 9th game – and the Blues would have had to make the decision as to whether to keep him up or send him back to juniors.

Playing the Canucks of course is an opportunity for a bit of revenge following their 4 game sweep of the Blues in last season’s playoffs. This could very well be the game that lifts the Blues out of their current slump.

Source: Andy Strickland

Re: long H1N1 vaccination lineups in Montreal

There was no lineup at Cavendish Mall this Sunday morning. Apparently, the first days of each group are the busiest. Every H1N1 vaccination center could post the lineup status in Twitter every 30 minutes.

Lars Eller will stay with the Blues for the time being

According to Jeremy Rutherford, Barrat Jackman and Andy McDonald will return to the Blues lineup for today’s game. The forward lines are unknown but Lars Eller WILL be playing. Originally bought up from Peoria under emergency conditions, the Blues say there are no immediate plans to send him back to Peoria. This is excellent news – Eller has added a new dimension to the team.

The two players sitting out today are Darryl Sydor and Keith Tkachuk. The Blues are calling it at “maintenance day” for the two oldest players on the team. Jackman will pair up with Erik Johnson, leaving Brewer and Pietrangelo together and Weaver with Polak.

Ty Conklin should get the start in goal today as our next back to back games are not until the end of the month.

Source: Jeremy Rutherford