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"The combination of T.J.'s business acumen, career/life counseling, and long-term vision are invaluable in this economic climate. T.J. is the type of teacher, advisor, and business partner that every business professional needs." M.S. Director of Operations and Finance — Industrial Manufacturing
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"I have been very impressed with the professionalism and expertise of Centennial, in the way they listen to their clients needs and have the ability to find the type of talent my organization is seeking. I have rarely come across talent searchers that genuinely want to understand the needs of the clients through a series of well prepared questions and can convert that into win-win results. Mike Jr. is enjoyable and sociable individual and I would not think twice about asking Mike and his firm to do more searches for us." R.C. Vice President of Sales — Consumer Package Goods
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"It's really simple...Trust, Integrity and Expertise. Whenever there is a recruiting, search, talent or business adviser needed, I personally turn to Mike at Centennial because I trust him, he is a man of integrity and has exceptional expertise." D.D. President — Marketing Communications
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"From the initial contact throughout the entire process, Centennial was top-notch in identifying our needs and then meeting them. The process and interactions were consistently positive, professional and enjoyable. Consequently, the next search assignment will begin with Mike & Centennial." D.B. Human Resources Director — Consumer Package Goods
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"As Vice President of Supply Chain, I have had the pleasure of working with Mike Sipple Jr. on several assignments that required professionalism, compassion, and confidentiality. Mike and team have exceeded our expectations in all categories. Mike has proven to be a great resource and partner when called on for general questions regarding topics related to human resource trends." M.L. Vice President of Supply Chain — Distribution
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"Mike is a detailed professional recruiter and talent coach. Mike communicates clearly and timely, and maintains a high degree of patience with his clients as they identify the right candidate for the position to be filled. Mike maintains a high level of ethics and professionalism." D.C. President — Industrial Manufacturing
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"I've worked with Mike in several capacities, most recently when he recruited me into a new marketing management position at my current company. Very professional, open, and helpful; good sounding-board. I highly recommend him. Additionally, I've had a mutually beneficial professional relationship with Centennial (not as an employee) for nearly 15 years." B.P. Marketing Manager — Transportation Services
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"Centennial's genuine interest in both candidate and employer, and ensuring a good match between them shines through. It does not end with job placement. Three years later, Mike Sipple Jr. and the team still display an active interest in my career and personal growth. I regard the Centennial team as friends and partners." B.D. Director Corporate Services — Global Communications
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"Centennial has always impressed us as a creative hard working partner of clients AND as an organization of impeccable character. It is rare for one to work w/ persons who have a level of conscientious and humble attitude AND gifted talent for their profession. I would trust the Team @ Centennial with any aspect of my business or life as well as hire their organization for any mission critical talent acquisition issue or opportunity." M.F. Chief Executive Officer — Corporate Consulting
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"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your guidance and leadership throughout my career transition. I admit I was apprehensive when first introduced to the idea of using a career coach, but after our first session I knew that I had made the right decision. I needed a person that could give me direction, coaching and accountability, but most of all needed to know that someone was on my side. I not only accomplished my goal of a career in a new field, I also feel that I gained a friend."
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"I would recommend to anyone who is struggling in their job campaign to enlist the help of you and your associates. You are very knowledgeable and up-to-date about the job market; you are professional, yet personable; and you are patient and understanding towards the frustrations we deal with as job seekers. If I had to do it over again, I would have called you sooner…much sooner!"
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"The challenge you helped me most with involved showing myself in the broadest terms possible. As a professional pilot and manager of aviation operations, I had difficulty communicating the breadth of my experience and allowing others to see me in a way that would be valuable to their organizations. Once you identified my strengths and experience in information technology, team leadership, process improvement and training, a whole world of opportunities emerged. Your coaching during the offer/negotiation process enabled me to leverage this opportunity to maximum financial compensation."
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"The point you make of networking to find the unadvertised positions is right on track. Developing a target list of companies and than utilizing a methodical approach to network into these organizations really works. I will always be grateful for your assistance and could not have succeeded without it."
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"This letter is to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mike Lynch for his tremendous contribution to the success of my campaign. His dedication, professionalism, knowledge, and encouragement were a constant source of positive reinforcement, which always managed to keep me focused on the objective. Mike’s logical approach to career search challenges and friendly, professional coaching enabled me to establish a solid foundation of incremental successes on which to build. It was these successes that validated the effectiveness of Mike’s methods and served as the motivating force in my campaign. This week I accepted a new management level position in a completely unrelated industry, with a salary increase of nearly 25%. Thank you Mike!"
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"I want to take a few moments to thank you for your assistance in my job campaign. It is like a jungle out there, and, fortunately, you were my guide. I soon realized that working hard in your career search does not always mean quick and definite results. It depends on what you know about today’s job market and of the proven tactics that will make a difference. That’s where you came in, Mike. The tools you gave me made the difference."
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Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What's next after we get good candidates in the door?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How do we attract the best talent that will be successful in our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Sr. President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What should be included in a job requisition to ensure that we get highly qualified applicants?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What's the best way to find the "needle in the haystack" when we get hundreds of resumes for every job posting?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we ensure we're spending time with the "right" candidates?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can companies benefit from partnering with us, even with internal corporate recruiters?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I differentiate from the masses?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we attract people who will be successful in our company?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: When evaluating multiple job offers, how can I decipher which is the best one for me?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What should be included in a job requisition to get highly qualified candidates?
View his answer >
T.J. Bugg
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Should a job description double as the job requisition?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are the top three challenges facing leaders today?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we find the "best" people for our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can we encourage "A" talent to choose our company?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Should we try to hire talent on our own before engaging a recruitment firm?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Why should you partner with a recruitment firm if you have in-house recruiting?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I differentiate myself from the masses?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can I be enthusiastic in my job search without appearing desperate?
View his answer >
Mike Sipple, Jr.
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: How can a Career Coach help me in my transition?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: As a job seeker, how can I stand out from the crowd?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: Networking. Everyone is doing it. Do you know how to be strategic about it?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: What are some effective resume tips that will help get me noticed?
View his answer >
Mike Lynch
Vice President
Centennial, Inc.
Q: When evaluating multiple job offers, how can I decipher which is the best choice for me?
View his answer >
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Career Management Resources
Forty Questions to Ask in Networking Meetings
Most job hunters, realizing that networking is critical to their search, work hard to arrange face-to-face meetings with contacts.
But setting up appointments with all the friends, professional acquaintances, and corporate bigwigs you can is just the first step. More important knowing what to say once you arrive.
Since wasting contacts’ time is a no-no, you should prepare an agenda before each meeting. Decide what you’d like to find out from your contact, then prepare questions to elicit that information.
To simplify the query-writing process, review the following list of questions. Pick those that are most appropriate, them tailor them to fit your personal situation and speaking style. Formulate some of your own as well, but don’t try to squeeze in too many questions. It’s better to leave contacts wanting more then to wear out your welcome.
What Work Is Like
- Could you describe a typical workday for me?
- What skills are required in your position on a day-to day basis?
- What parts of your job do you find most challenging?
- Despite these challenges, what motivates you to remain? What do you find most enjoyable?
- Are there any dangers I should be aware of?
- How often do you work past 6 p.m. and on weekends?
- Which seasons of the year are toughest in your job?
- I’d like to walk through and see with my own eyes where the work is done here. Can that be arranged?
State of the Industry
- Is this field growing enough that there’s room for someone like me.
- Are too many or too few people entering this profession?
- What developments on the horizon could affect future opportunities?
- This Industry has changed dramatically in the past five years. What have you seen from inside your company?
- How frequently do layoffs occur? How does it affect the morale of employees?
- Why do people leave this field or company?
- Who are the most important people in the Industry today?
- Which companies have the best track record for promoting women and minorities?
- Are there opportunities for self-employment in your field? Where?
Money and Advancement
- What would be my earnings potential, if I entered this field?
- To get promotions, is job-hopping necessary?
- How did you get your job?
- If you could start all over again, would you change your career path in any way? Why?
- How long does it take for managers to rise to the top?
- What is the background of most senior-level executives?
Skills and Experience
- What educational preparation would you recommend for someone who wants to advance in this field?
- What qualifications do you seek in a new hire?
- How do most people enter this profession?
- Which of my skills are strong compared to other job hunters in this field?
- What do you think of the experience I’ve had so far? For what types of positions would it qualify me?
- What you do think of my resume? How would you suggest I change it?
- Can you recommend any courses I should take before proceeding further with my job search?
- What companies might be interested in hiring someone with my background?
Fitting In
- Considering my background, how well do you think I would fit in this company and/or profession?
- How does your company compare with others we’ve discussed?
- Would the work involve any lifestyle changes, such as frequent travel, or late-night business entertaining?
- Considering all the people you’ve met in your line of work, what personal attributes are essential for success?
- Taking into account my skills, education, and experience, what other career paths would you suggest I explore before making a final decision?
More Information
- Where can I write to get up-to-date information on salaries, employers, and industry’s issues?
- What professional journals and organizations should I be aware of?
- Is there anything else you think I need to know?
- Who else would recommend I speak with? When I call, may I use your name?
today to discuss how Centennial
can add value to your efforts.
Reach Centennial directly at 513.366.3760.
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