The recruiting industry is like no other. In all other transactions, only one party needs to be comfortable with their decision. In a hiring situation, the company can be completely sold on the candidate, but if the candidate doesn’t feel the same, there is no deal. Dealing with the human element successfully on both sides is what separates a great search firm from the rest of the pack, and that starts with making sure the candidate is set up for success.
Candidate Services
At Talance, we look out for the interests of both our clients and the needs of our candidates.
Resume Writing
Content is what makes a resume stand out – not fancy formatting or flowery words. Make sure you’re keeping it clear and simple for the reader.
Interview Preparation
The interview process is highly flawed and hasn’t changed in years. Ask transition questions to understand the interviewer’s needs to maximize the limited time you have.
Negotiation
How can you get the highest offer without shooting too high and losing the opportunity? Get educated or get a trusted recruiter.
Career Counseling
There are lots of career decisions you make beyond taking a new job. Making the right calls at various junctures along your career path will keep you on track with your long term plan.
Market Knowledge
It’s easier to make a career decision when you feel like you fully understand your options. This includes knowing who is hiring and what is currently in demand.
Been There Seen That
Believe it or not, some of these interview mistakes are more common than you think. The Talance Group is experienced about what not to wear to an interview, because we’ve been there and seen that.
Finance & Accounting Candidate Testimonials
Lauren was extremely helpful during my recent job search. I was looking in a small area of Houston, so I could work close to home, so it was a bit challenging. Lauren was very patient with me and understood what I was looking for. She did not try to place me in the first thing to come along downtown or in other areas of Houston. She checked in on me often and continued to search for me where all other recruiters had given up. She helped prepare me for interviews (which I had not done in 11 years so to say I was nervous is an understatement). She found me a great job close to home and I’m very happy! I highly recommend Lauren and the other staff at the Talance Group since a few others helped out along the way. Lauren will be the first person I contact if I need help again in the future.
Sherry M.
Consultant
When I first talked with Jennifer Drake over the phone, I knew she was the recruiter I wanted to work with. Jennifer is trustworthy, reliable, personable, and has a wide-range knowledge of Houston’s job market. She did not pressure me into making a quick job switch, and was very interested in helping me find the job that would make me happiest. Jennifer made an effort to get to know me and always made time to talk with me, whether it was giving me tips and advice in enhancing my resume and interviewing skills or getting to know who I was and what the best job fits were for my career goals and personality. If you are looking for a recruiter, it doesn’t get any better than Jennifer.
Anne S.
Risk Analyst (D&T Alum)
Lauren is the ONLY recruiter I’ve met that actually listened to my needs. Not only is she personable, but very good at keeping an open line of communication during the entire job hunt process. She also did a great job of prepping me for an interview which helped me land a great job in the industry I desired. Lauren will go above and beyond to make sure her clients are treated fairly. I would highly recommend working with Lauren on your next job search.
Jose R.
Securities Accountant
Jennifer Drake is the best recruiter I’ve ever worked with. She truly cares about finding the best job that fits your skills. Throughout my job search, I felt that she had my best interest in mind and that I was working with a friend not just a recruiter. Her coaching before interviews helped me immensely. She was there when I needed her the most and that is something rare to find. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for an exceptional recruiter.
Christina A.
Materials Management Accounting Specialist
Stephan is highly experienced and very knowledgeable in his line of work. He truly cares for his clients’ career goals and aspirations and focuses on that. He is a straight shooter and is very open and honest. He has a lot of contacts in many fields, which is rewarding. He is very involved in the whole recruiting process. He will help polish your resume, will discuss what and what not to say in an interview, and will guide you on how to present yourself. He follows up in a timely manner and keeps himself available at all times for his clients. The thing that most impressed me about Stephan was his quickness. You will see great results fast working with him. Highly recommended.
Imran M.
CPA
Jeff, to say you have what it takes to understand my background, experience, personality and in general, me, would be an understatement. You understood and valued the fact that the right fit was high on my list of priorities in finding a new position. You put in the effort to get to know me and therefore you were able to match me with what I was looking for in a company. You were available to take my call and called me on a regular basis to stay in touch. I appreciate that extra care. I am not exaggerating when I say you and The Talance Group are the best I’ve seen at what you do. Thank you again.
E. Roland
Senior Financial Analyst
Jennifer Silveira was by far the most professional recruiter I have ever worked with. She was very detailed in setting up the best match for both her clients; the Company I was hired on with and myself. Jennifer was a pleasure to work with. I never felt pressured into anything I was unsure about or uncomfortable with. Jennifer was very candid with me and always gave solid advice when solicited and delivered extremely valuable advice. I would recommend Jennifer to every CPA I know and if she isn’t available, the entire Talance group is excellent. A very refreshing experience! Thank you Jennifer & The Talance Group; I love my new job!
Rebecca S.
Joint Venture Accounting, SWN
I was referred to Stephan by a former colleague. Stephan had great reviews and placed my colleague in a really great company. I was already working with a few other recruiters and when I contacted Stephan, he called me right away and set up a meeting to meet me in person the next day. He worked on updating my resume, found me a great position that I knew would be a perfect fit, and helped me with preparing for the interview. Let’s just say that the other recruiters did not do that at all!! He is professional, succinct when the occasion calls it, and really knows the work environment. He offered all sorts of information, “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” He understood and was respectful that I was working with other recruiters and was able to provide helpful insight on the other positions. In comparison, he was just better! I have already recommended him to my friends and colleagues.
Anh K.
Manager (PWC Tax alum)
IT Candidate Testimonials
It was a pleasure working with Gary Kirkes at the Talance Group during my job search. During the time I worked with Gary, he was proactive in providing updates on opportunities that he was pursuing on my behalf and inquired on the status of opportunities that I was pursuing. Gary takes the time to understand what you are looking for in a position and is cognizant of opportunities that may not be a fit with your skill set or career goals. I would highly recommend Gary to other professionals who are seeking a new job.
Mark G
IT Manager
Adam Vree of the Talance Group did exceptionally great recruitment when he placed me in an amazing Project Server Technical lead role at the American Bureau of Shipping. I am very passionate about Microsoft technology and this role has helped me grow both technically and professionally in more ways than I can recount. Regardless of what the future brings I’m forever grateful that he decided to contact me for this particular opportunity. Adam has an enormous understanding of recruiting the right roles for my background. I feel fortunate for having the opportunity to add him to my professional network.
Barett H.
Project Server Technical Lead
I met Gary Kirkes through a cold contact I put out to him shortly after I had relocated to the Houston area. He immediately followed up with me and took time to learn what I was looking for and what my qualifications were. Unlike many recruiters, he insisted on a face to face meeting before ever submitting me to a client, which I feel is very important for senior management roles. He was engaged in a search for a senior IT management role with a unique client that he felt I’d make a good candidate for. He was very quick at getting interviews set up and coordinated. He stuck tight to the process as I went through several rounds of interviews. In the end however, the company felt that I wasn’t going to be the right match for their environment and opted to pursue other candidates. I have only good things to say about how Gary conducted the process and would recommend him and his firm to other candidates seeking technology roles.
Mike W.
Director of Operations
Having interviewed only 3 times in 12 years, I was pretty nervous about performing well in interviews. Gary not only had real world, applicable advice, he also took the time to work with me on my interview skills; it paid off because with Gary’s help, I nailed the interview for the great job I now have.
Harrison S.
Network Engineer
Adam has been a great resource for project procurement. He is very dedicated to his work and ensures that you are always informed. Furthermore, he is resilient in making sure you have new projects available when you are in the transition phase. I would recommend Adam to any of my professional connections.
Robert G.
Project Lead
Gary is a high-energy, dynamic professional who exemplifies the platinum standard of the recruiting industry. Using his connections, intelligence and industry know-how, he met and exceeded all of my personal needs. I will not hesitate to work with Gary from the Talance Group when it comes time for me to add headcount or explore new and exciting opportunities.
Lee N.
IS Manager
Gary – it’s been three weeks since I joined SCI that you recruited me for. I want to tell you I really enjoy it here and I appreciate all your help. Your guidance and insight have prepared me well for the interview and the job is a great fit for me.
Yangyang H.
Senior HR Project Analyst
I have been a close friend and business associate of Jami Davenport for more than 7 years. We’ve worked together as colleagues and as business partners. Jami has such a wonderful spirit and is a loyal, positive individual. She is someone that people turn to for extra help both personally and professionally. Her strong work ethic has helped many teams achieve success and her work is nothing short of exemplary. I am always impressed with her drive and determination; she never gives up on a situation or a person and fights for what she believes. I am very proud to recommend her.
Tammie R.
IT Consultant
