By: Karen Ross Much has been said about the changing nature of work in our society. Interestingly, the only real constant is the change itself. As noted recently in TechCrunch, despite all of the uncertainties, there are a few areas where we can reasonably expect continuity. First, there will be continued growth in the number…
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By Karen Ross When interviewing potential new employees, one of the most common internally-debated questions is “can they fit in well here and work well with our team?” Said plainly: are they teamwork-oriented people that can help elevate those they work with? This is one of the most vital traits to have in the workplace…
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By TJ Gutierrez Some heroes wear capes; mine wore Blues. Antonio Gutierrez Sr. wasn’t just my father, he was a United States Marine. I remember going to the Marine Corps Ball when I was 10 years old and seeing the room filled with hundreds of men wearing those beautiful Marine Blues, but my eyes kept…
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On September 11, 2001 I was visiting with friends in Florida and, when I woke up on that Tuesday morning, I saw those terrible images that everyone else saw of the towers burning on TV. Being from New York City, I was concerned for my family and I initially thought we were being bombed. I…
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To me, September 11, 2001 is a day of remembrance. A day when I felt the gravity of the world in a matter of seconds and the core belief that we were united beyond race and culture, but as a nation. This was a day where I saw people work beyond expectations and give more than…
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By Delfino Ballesteros As a senior enlisted non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, I was trained to overcome any challenge or obstacle thrown my way. I’d seen and been through a lot during my time in the service and, as such, I expected my transition to civilian life would be seamless when I left the…
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As Independence Day approaches, we at Sharp Decisions believe it is important to honor and remember the ones who have fought tirelessly for our freedoms. As the V.E.T.S. Program reaches its fifth July Fourth, Sharp Decisions CEO Karen Ross has continuously impressed upon our company’s veterans, and the rest of our staff, that it is…
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“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This phrase serves as a reflection and reminder of the freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy thanks to the sacrifices…
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By Karen Ross, Sharp Decisions CEO Our country is continuously challenged by the world, but the one thing that stands the test of time is our steadfast commitment to protect our values as a nation. From the time of the American Revolution, our flag and our pride…
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By Brian Suscavage I’ve always had a keen eye for technical things and the inner-workings of technology. So, when I joined the Marines out of high school, and was deployed to Iraq in 2005, I did so as a mechanic. After combat training, I was taught to repair generators. That was my only job. All…
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By Miguel Diaz Growing up, I’d always heard stories from my grandfathers about their time in the military that always captivated my attention. They made me want to join the military too. I wanted to be a Marine at first, but, because I was too young to enlist at the time, I went to college…
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By Michael Williams During my deployment to Iraq in 2006, my convoy was hit by an IED explosion. The PTSD I suffered as a result took an immense toll on my life. Finally, in 2010, the Army honorably discharged me from active duty – effectively an early retirement – and I rejoined my New Jersey…
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By David Tejada I am proud to say I am a fourth-generation military man. During the course of my career in the Army Reserves I served in arduous conflict zones in Afghanistan. While my experience in the military was extremely difficult, upon returning to civilian life I faced the new struggle of finding a job.…
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By Ethan Israel I know firsthand how hard it can be for veterans to find a substantial career opportunity. After six years in the Army National Guard, including a year of active service in eastern Afghanistan, I returned to my native Texas and quickly found out the job market was tight. I had deployed before…
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FOR VETERANS, underemployment is the new unemployment. With the U.S. Labor Department announcing earlier this month that veteran unemployment has hit a historic low, veterans groups, advocates and veterans themselves are sounding a new alarm: underemployment. The department cites that of the more than 3 million post-9/11 veterans employed in the civilian workforce today, less…
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By Nick Lopez As far back as I can remember, I have enjoyed working with intricate technologies, taking things apart and putting them back together. Naturally, when I joined the military, I did so in a technical role. As a member of the Army Signal Corps, I set up and repaired radio arrays and networks…
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Sexist attitudes are pervasive. It’s up to risk-taking women to change the tech game. From time to time, I’m reminded that for every two steps forward, we take one step back. The latest reminder came last week when reading The New York Times front page story “As Inequality Roils Tech World, a Group Wants More…
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By Bill Cortese At the risk of sounding cliché, September 11, 2001 was a day like any other during that time of the year. Little did we know that the beauty of that day would be shattered by an act of terror we have never seen on American soil, before or since. I vividly remember…
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Some think of Memorial Day as a three-day-weekend to mark the beginning of summer; however, it’s a day reserved for the remembrance of our nation’s heroes. We are forever grateful for those that make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. You will never be forgotten. And to those that continue fighting for our freedoms, we…
Details“It’s time to separate the warrior from the war and allow veterans to become citizens again. That means giving them a chance to succeed, not just survive,” states Karen Ross, V.E.T.S. program founder and CEO of Sharp Decisions. “The talent and skills only a military service man/woman could possess can be essential to the success…
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One year ago today, as part of the fifth anniversary of the White House’s Joining Forces, Sharp Decisions announced its pledge through the initiative to hire and train 500 veterans and military spouses through our award-winning V.E.T.S.™ (Vocation, Education, and Training for Service members) Program over the next five years. The announcement was made with…
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I would like to congratulate Infosys for their widely-covered announcement that they intend to hire more American workers. As one of the largest users of our country’s H-1B visa program to provide outsourced technology workers for their clients, we understand why they need to begin diversifying their talent pool by including more American workers. Second,…
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By Karen Ross Military veterans are some of the most disciplined, relentless and technologically-savvy people in the world. However, according to new research from the South West News Service, more than 80 percent of American business people don’t think veterans are able to seamlessly integrate into the workforce. The study, commissioned by Sharp Decisions, reveals…
DetailsAlmost every day we hear more news about the impending and already-enacted H-1B revisions threatening to shrink the employee talent pool of some of our most successful companies, especially in the technology sector. Just last week, President Trump signed an executive order to do a full review of the H-1B program, making sure there are…
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Sharp Decisions recruitment took center stage at the Denver Veteran’s Job Fair last week on Thursday, April 13. Molly Gravatt, Vice President of our Denver office and recruiter Brian Abraham welcomed U.S. Military Veterans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium and introduced them to our award winning V.E.T.S. Program. According to Molly, about 500…
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This past month was a boon for Sharp Decisions and its V.E.T.S. Program, especially since we celebrated our 4th birthday just last month. One of March’s high points was SDI’s founder & CEO, Karen Ross, being interviewed on Business RadioX discussing V.E.T.S. and its place in the technology solutions industry, the company’s dedication to the program, and…
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By Karen Ross When I was asked to participate in Project RELO, I was excited at the prospect of c-suite executives coming together and learning from transitioning veterans. But what I couldn’t grasp was the life altering experience that would come with this “retreat.” Of course, Sharp Decisions supports veterans through our V.E.T.S. Program and…
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On the sixth day of the 22 Push-up Challenge, Sharp Decisions’ New York office – our HQ – took part in the challenge. Thanks to our CFO Stuart Gottlieb, as well as Carl Noel, Jared Baiman, Eric Wegfahrt, Melanie Delgado and Karina Mendoza for doing their part to raise awareness for the 22 military men…
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On the fifth day of the 22 Push-up Challenge, our Phoenix office took part and really did a spectacular job. Thanks Steve Byas for taking the lead role in the video!
On the fourth day of the challenge, our Los Angeles office completed the #22PushUpChallenge. Thank you to Delfino Ballesteros for doing the push ups with us. Delfino is a part of our Sharp Decisions’ VETS Program and we are proud and honored to have him part of our family every day! Our LA office completed…
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Awesome work by our team out in Denver! On the third day of the 22 Push-up Challenge, Molly Gravatt and the rest of the Sharp Decisions Denver team completed the challenge as put to them by our CEO Karen Ross. Thanks for carrying this on across all of Sharp Decisions, Denver team! Stay tuned for…
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On day 2 of the 22 Pushup Challenge, our CEO Karen Ross took part in the challenge as challenged to by our own Aaron Christie. The #22PushupChallenge is in honor of the 22 #military members that commit #suicide on a daily basis. To the men and women of our military thinking of harming themselves, please…
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This is the #22PushUpChallenge started by our own Aaron Christie. This challenge is in honor of the 22 military members that commit suicide on a daily basis. Please know that you are not alone. There are people out there thankful for your sacrifice and want to help you. If you are thinking of harming yourself…
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This story appears here as seen in the Virginian-Pilot. Together again, at last. It was a hot, dry morning on the southern coast of Australia when Norwood Thomas and his son, Steve, reached their destination halfway around the world. After 70 years – and four flights, including one 16-hour marathon over the Pacific – the…
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According to Terry Sheridan of WSHU Radio, Long Island freshman Congressman Lee Zeldin is introducing legislation that would create nationwide “peer to peer” counseling for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It’s based on a program he helped create while in the New York State Senate that’s already up and running. Zeldin said the program in…
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Syracuse University’s Whitman School Is #1 Ranked Private Business School in the Nation by Military Times Whitman School Ranked #5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets” Business School Ranking Released: 8-Feb-2016 10:05 AM EST Newswise — According to a Newswise release, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University has been ranked #5…
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As seen in the Huffington Post, this is an interview with Jennifer Wright, who offers Mindful Yoga Therapy (MYT) training to Veterans and their families. She started with eight Veterans, ranging from OEF/OIF to Vietnam War Vets. One of those Vets introduced her to The Joseph House, a treatment-based shelter for Veterans in transition where…
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Health care systems and providers need to understand the unique realities of military culture in order to work effectively with veterans and military families, according to the findings of a UB research study as published by Bert Gambini. Results of the paper published in the journal Military Behavioral Health suggest that health care and mental…
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With November being Veterans Appreciation Month, the service of active and former military members is being officially honored again. There will be parades, speeches, and recognition for that one day, all begging the question “Now what?” Now, corporate America needs to change their thinking because veterans have a lot to offer as employees. They are…
DetailsThe head of our Charlotte office and Vice President and Business Development Manager, Chris Kenny was featured in the Charlotte Observer on April 18 heading into the NFL Draft.
DetailsDiversityBusiness.com, the nation’s leading multicultural social media site, has recently acknowledged Sharp Decisionsas one of the nation’s “Top Businesses” for 2014.
DetailsSharp Decisions has been selected for the 2013 New York Excellence Award amongst all its peers and competitors by the US Trade & Commerce Institute (USTCRI).
DetailsWhen Karen Ross created the V.E.T.S Program, she recognized that there was a dire need for Veteran jobs and while other organizations were sitting idle she chose to do something about it.
DetailsIt is easy for us to get lost in the post-interview whirlwind of thoughts, but one thing that is important not to forget: once you step out of the interview room you are not entirely done with the interview.
DetailsSome of us are happy with our lives at the current moment; others are hoping the New Year may bring with it a new job, stronger relationships, a promotion, etc. Whatever you wish for in the New Year, here are a few tips for setting and achieving those goals.
Details“This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!” – D.M. Dellinger
DetailsAn Army captain, skilled with foreign languages and trained to fly planes carrying personnel and cargo, wouldn’t be believed by most people to be lost in their career path.
DetailsEntering its 9th month in December, the V.E.T.S program has seen its share of ups and downs. Just like most programs in its early stages, the program is learning, adapting to the changes and continuing to grow.
DetailsIn today’s competitive job market, surviving as a recruiter in this cut-throat industry can be tough; especially when now more than ever before when there is a low supply of jobs that are in high demand.
DetailsSharp Decisions CEO Karen Ross was recently quoted in Business Insider’s article, “7 Things You Should Pay Attention To While Waiting To Be Interviewed”.
DetailsWanting more stability for his growing family, Victor joined [the military] and went off to Fort Leonard Wood for Basic Combat Training. After that, it was off to Arizona to learn the ins and outs of intelligence analysis.
DetailsAt Sharp we have been mostly thrilled at the feedback we have been receiving on our V.E.T.S program, a program which leverages the skill sets that veterans already have, while training them in specific QA Software Testing capabilities.
DetailsSharp Decisions had there first ever bowling social last night at Frames Bowling Lounge in New York City.
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Now that you understand elevator etiquette literally, now it is time to learn about the elevator pitch.
DetailsCrain’s New York Business recently published “Veterans find jobs program works” a really great article on Sharp Decisions’ veteran program. please check it out!
DetailsAccording to Crain’s New York Business’ annual list Sharp Decisions has ranked as the 11th largest women-owned companies in the New York Area.
DetailsUnless you are willing to take the stairs ten flights up each morning it’s a good idea to learn the proper decorum of the elevator, in hopes that it will make that minute of your (and your co-riders) day smoother.
DetailsSeptember 11th is a day that had a profound impact on almost all Americans. Today Sharp Decisions would like to take a moment to focus our attentions on all the amazing men and women who have returned from war.
DetailsMarvin Lovell, a young 19 year old boy from Brooklyn, was already considering joining the service; he wanted to participate in the advantages the service offered like education reimbursement, and a chance to see the world, but he was still on the fence. Once 9/11 hit, he asked to be placed in the military at the earliest possible availability.
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Debra Gioeli is a senior recruiter at Sharp Decisions.
DetailsSince its inception in March, the Sharp Decisions V.E.T.S.™ Program has flourished. With a goal toward serving America’s military members that voluntarily put their lives on the line for their country and bringing jobs back to America, the V.E.T.S.™ Program has continued to grow.
DetailsIn 2008, Christopher Nelson was all set to go into the Coast Guard. Two years later, he was in the Army, and the blast from a suicide bomber knocked him off his feet.
DetailsFor E-4 SRA (Senior Airman) Raymond F. Szwak Jr., the Air Force provided guidance in his twenties and early thirties; now Sharp Decisions’ V.E.T.S.™ Program is providing him with a future.
DetailsFor E5 Navy Engineer man Miguel Diaz, life is about adventure. Diaz’s grandfathers were both military men and when he heard their stories growing up, it made him want to join the military too.
DetailsWhen Nick Lopez returned from his tour of duty to Iraq in 2009, he found it very difficult to find work. Using his post-9/11 G.I. Bill stipend as a paycheck, he did other work with clients he had accumulated through his IT company.
DetailsAlthough Marivel Martinez, known as Mari to her coworkers, worked in the recruiting and staffing industry prior to starting at Sharp Decisions, she says the company has provided her with more than a job – Sharp Decisions has unexpectedly become her extended family.
DetailsSharp Decisions has been expanding its veterans program since its inception in March of this year. As the second class of the program is now into its fourth week, the program is growing more successful every day due to the hard work and high character of the veterans the company has employed.
DetailsResume Writing Part 1 discussed the basic principles and formatting tips. Now part two will review the main sections and more Sharp Decisions recommendations for an ideal resume.
DetailsResume writing is a daunting task. Knowing what recruiters, such as Sharp Decisions, and employers are looking for can be tricky, but sticking to some basic principles can resume building into a welcomed challenge.
DetailsAmericans that look to challenge the status quo on a daily basis are the ones that succeed the most and are often viewed as powerful leaders. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Michel sees that and an innate ability to lead in Sharp Decisions CEO, and V.E.T.S.™ Program founder, Karen Ross.
DetailsRecently, Sharp Decisions was featured in Forbes and Fox News Opinion in discussing the importance of our new veterans program.
DetailsAfter seven years with the National Guard, Ethan Israel found reintegrating to life in America was difficult and compared it to being frozen in time for a year while everyone else around him moved on.
DetailsAfter Sharp Decisions’ highly successful launch of the V.E.T.S.™ Program, with positive feedback across the board from companies of many industries, Sharp Decisions started training for its second class of veterans yesterday.
DetailsFind out where some of our available jobs are located on the Google map. Click on the job and read more about it to find out if the position is right for you.
DetailsA visionary entrepreneur, Karen Ross CEO of Sharp Decisions, is making a difference for veterans who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces who are returning to a tough job market.
DetailsIn our last post, we listed ways to increase job seeker marketability. We’ve compiled a new list—we’re big fans of lists around here—of 3 skills to increase marketability.
DetailsThe job market can sometimes seem like a windswept wasteland and the prospect of finding a suitable job like tracking down the one vestige of residual life. Equip yourself with these 5 tools to make yourself more marketable.
DetailsInterviews are just like any other big examination; a test to be passed. And, like most tests, you can prepare for it.
DetailsAs a business, Sharp Decisions understands the need to make cost effective decisions. So, when a hiring manager is hesitant—or downright adverse—about hiring a recruiting company because of the price, we understand. But, we’d also like to state our case, which is this: despite the price, recruiting companies are, in the long run, an economical solution to hiring.
DetailsNo matter how impressive your qualifications and resume, an unprofessional voicemail greeting can dash your chances of being hired.
DetailsWorking in the recruiting business, one quickly learns that each seemingly small detail can make a significant impact on an employer. Employers are bombarded by an influx of resumes, so they can afford to be picky.
DetailsYou wouldn’t wear an old frumpy suit into an interview, so why wouldn’t you customize your resume so that it fits the job to which you are applying and accentuates your assets in all the right places? Show off your most professional and polished self, while highlighting all the reasons that you are the ideal candidate for this particular role. In what follows, Sharp Decisions shows you how.
DetailsLast time, we mentioned the importance of leaving a good impression on hiring managers from the get-go with polite initial correspondence, and we discussed simple phone manners. In part two, we’ll be discussing e-mail etiquette.
DetailsWe all know how important the resume, cover letter, and interview are in landing that ideal job, but we often neglect the significance of those brief e-mails and phone conversations we exchange with potential employers. Before overlooking the role correspondence plays in the hiring process, Sharp Decisions has a few pieces of advice for you to consider.
DetailsFinding a job in today’s economy is tough. Landing the job that’s right for your qualifications and ambitions is even tougher. Why not let a firm with 22 years of success in helping good candidates secure great jobs help?
DetailsYou’ve perfected your resume and cover letter, and now, you finally have that interview you’ve been working towards. You’ve researched the company, and you’ve prepared answers for the questions you think you might be asked. But, did you think to prepare a few thoughtful questions of your own to ask the interviewer?
DetailsOn December 6th, 2012, the Sharp Decisions Los Angeles team hosted their annual holiday party at Keegan’s Pub & Grill in Torrance. Many thanks to all of our clients and friends who helped make for a fantastic evening.
DetailsWe are happy to report that Sharp Decisions’ East Coast operations are up and running in the wake of Hurricane Sandy – and that everyone here emerged safe.
DetailsFor the next installment of our Interview Stress Reduction (ISR) series, here are tips to help you successfully navigate the first few minutes of your interview.
DetailsOn September 9th, 2012 Sharp Decisions employees, friends, and family came together in Central Park for breast cancer awareness and advocacy in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
DetailsJob postings often result in hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants. Once recruiters or Human Resources professionals have done their initial sifting through those resumes, (see our resume formatting tips), they often use phone interviews to further narrow down the applicant pool.
DetailsWe welcomed our summer interns the first week in June, and they truly hit the ground running.
DetailsWe’re pleased to begin our new series of blog posts that highlight exceptional accomplishments by our employees.
DetailsResume building is the critical first step in a serious job search. Tweaking and tailoring your CV is a true art – and a time consuming one at that – but the subtlest choices can mean the difference between a job and an opportunity lost. We’ve collected some excellent layout and formatting tips from the Sharp Decisions recruiters for improving how you look on paper.
DetailsOur featured segment on ‘Net Worth,’ hosted by former NFL great Terry Bradshaw is finished and ready for the world. We’d like to thank everyone who contributed, both on and off-camera.
DetailsYou’ve just graduated from a premier university with your undergrad or MBA, and you’re primed and ready to join the workforce. Does a high-priced education translate into highly-paid position for a first job? The Sharp Decisions Magic 8-Ball says, ‘Outlook not so good.’
DetailsWe’re proud to announce our new relationship with e-signature provider EchoSign! Over the next few months, we’ll be transitioning all of our onboarding forms from paper to PDF, allowing our candidates to fill out and sign their documents from virtually anywhere.
DetailsOne of the more sensitive subjects we discuss with potential and existing candidates here at Sharp Decisions is their value with regard to salary and/or bonuses. These can be complex conversations – especially when a person is looking to re-enter the workforce.
DetailsWe’re happy to announce that Sharp Decisions owner Karen Ross was one of several high-profile woman business owners featured in a Septemper 18th, 2011 article, discussing innovation.
DetailsUp one position from 2010, Sharp Decisions has once again made Crain’s annual list of of the top women-owned businesses in New York, coming in at #13.
DetailsKeep up to date on job opportunities and up-to-the minute news from Sharp Decisions by following us on Twitter.
DetailsSharp Decisions has made its first appearance on Inc. magazine’s top 5000 businesses list, with a ranking of #4314. Within the IT Services industry, it ranks #562.
DetailsSharp Decisions Inc. is the 14th largest Woman-Owned company in the New York area, as ranked by 2009 revenues.
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