Leveling the Field: Remaining Competitive in an Evolving Web Marketplace

Version changes. Upgrades. Migrations. The world of web is constantly evolving. Almost as quickly as my wardrobe in fall!

Case in point, some topics of interest:

• To HTML5 or not to HTML5?
• Is the web dead? Are applications taking over?
• Cross browser compatibility?
• Flash and iPhone? GASP
• The future of Flash?

One topic that is always mutually agreeable is the concept of keeping up with emerging trends and adding to your repertoire. You have to be better, faster, stronger (insert Kanye West) than your competition and sometimes as an individual keeping up with the Jones’ can be a monumental feat. The cost alone can sometimes be crippling.

HOWEVER – there are ways to put a little shine on your skills, a little polish to your portfolio, a little bedazzle to your business. Ok – maybe I’ve gone a touch overboard with the bedazzle but you get the jist.

We’ve come across 3 tools that can help you add to your arsenal without signing up for a coding class (although I’m not discouraging ongoing education):

1. PadPressed:
Make your Wordpress site an iPad app
http://padpressed.com/

2. SenchaTouch:
The First HTML5 Mobile App Framework
Sencha Touch allows you to develop web apps that look and feel native on Apple iOS and Google Android touchscreen devices.
http://www.sencha.com/products/touch/

3. Flash Catalyst:
Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ CS5 software is an approachable new interaction design tool. Transform Adobe Photoshop®, Illustrator®, and Fireworks® artwork into expressive, fully interactive projects without writing code, and leverage the reach and consistency of the Adobe Flash Platform.
http://www.adobe.com/products/flashcatalyst/

The Keg Has Run Dry???? Tips for Job Hunting After College

This is a true story inspired by real events.....

I was talking to my younger sister last night. She just recently graduated with her Master's in English and she's been pounding the "pavement" - aka job boards - looking for work as a Teacher, Substitute Teacher, TA, etc. at the university level. Her method has been looking for openings, and responding in kind with an application or resume.

I posed the following questions to her:

· "Have you asked any of your professors if they know of any educators in your area they can introduce you to?" Her response, "No."

· "Are there any groups in your area that meet in your field that you can join?" Her response, "No."

· "Have you asked to set up a meeting at any of the schools you want to work at to see if they need volunteer help on exams, grading papers, writing workshops, etc?" Her response, "Not yet."

Today - I went to find her on LinkedIn and guess what? SHE DOES NOT HAVE A PROFILE. GASP!!! (To my sister - YES - I'm using you as an example - you can stay mad for approximately 10 days)

So pull up a seat. This is "I've Just Graduated Now What? - 101"

1. Use any and all resources available to you. LinkedIn, JobMagic on Facebook, social meet-up groups, people who may know people in your field, sisters who are well versed at resume revision. J HINT HINT

2. Get out of the house and go to networking events. Join a young professionals association! They always have GREAT events and tons of potential.

3. When you are at an event or stopping by a potential employer offering volunteer services, keep your options open and listen for cues. If the potential employer says, "We don't really need help in THAT area" that is your cue to say "Well what areas do you see a potential need?" USE EVERY MOMENT! Offer up any way that you can add value but make sure you say, "I would love to help with your career workshops. I am so impressed with this company any opportunity to be associated with and potentially considered for future openings - count me in!"

4. Get more than one opinion on your resume and cover letter. It is VERY hard to find typos on your own. Yes I know you majored in English - just try. J

5. Be flexible. I know you just graduated from college and feel that a role in management is your next step - but unfortunately, the companies you are talking to may not feel the same. They may simply not agree that your level meets their needs. Examine any and all options available. Education and experience are very different.

6. In a tough market, you may have to take a position that is not your ideal role, but is a stepping stone. Look into it. The path may lead directly to your goal.

7. Practice interviewing with friends. Sound corny? How many interviews have you been on? How often do you say "like" or "ummm?" You'd be surprised.

8. Do you have appropriate interview attire?

9. Do you have copies of your resume printed nicely?

10. Have you changed your voicemail so that the message sounds professional? I LOVE the Black Eyed Peas ring tone but a hiring manager may not.

11. Have you set your privacy controls on Facebook? Remember that over 70% of employers will look into your online presence.

12. You take out your piercings and cover your tattoos for an interview right?

13. Have you changed your email address from: awesomebeerdrinker@ISP.com?



So there you have it. You may not land your dream job right out of the gate, but with these 13 tips, you will certainly be going in the right direction.

TMI? If in doubt, leave it out.... Making social media work for you

• “OMG! I got so wasted last night!!”
• “Blacking out is no fun! How did I get home?”
• “I can’t believe I slept in a field AND lost my shoes?”
• “How did I end up in Hoboken?”
• “Have to go to court today – stupid speeding tickets!!”
• “I hate my boss – I can’t believe what an idiot I work for!”
• “This job is SO NOT worth $25 per hour!!”

Sound familiar? (These are actual posts by the way!)

Recently while at a client lunch I brought up the topic of my younger sister who graduated in May and how I have mentioned to her that her Facebook page is a bit inappropriate while job hunting. Of course, being a recent graduate and crusader her belief is that employers should not be looking at her Facebook page – that is her private life. So I turned to the Head of Digital for a HUGE investment company and said “Do you look at social media when selecting a candidate?” (THIS REALLY HAPPENED and it was less than two weeks ago)

His answer……………….. Drum roll please…………………………………………………
“OF COURSE I DO! For every single candidate.”

Listen up out there. Over 70% of hiring managers/HR managers in the U.S. will admit to rejecting someone because of inappropriate content on the Internet. Nowadays we are consumed with online social interaction. However, we have to remember that anything and everything you post will be seen by someone and that someone may be thinking of hiring you for an awesome job. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING:
• Blogs
• Twitter
• Facebook
• MySpace
• LinkedIn
• Naymz
• Pictures posted of you on other sites – regardless of if they are posted BY YOU

So you have a clean face book page but write a hilarious blog riddled with jokes about the government and your thoughts on communism? TAKE IT DOWN.

Repeat after me…..

Would I hand any of this content to a manager in an interview?
(lather, rinse, repeat)

So what do you do now? (OH THE AGONY)
• Privacy settings (TADA!!!) – make everything that is public facing SUPER private and only accessible by people that you are friends/family with – and even then – be thoughtful about what you post and try to keep it clean. (You kiss your grandmother with that mouth?)

• Google yourself. Seriously. Google yourself and see what comes up. There will be pictures listed that you didn’t even realize were still online.

• If in doubt, leave it out (YES IT RHYMES ON PURPOSE). If you think it might be something that an employer would find inappropriate, simply don’t include it.

• If it includes alcohol, anything illegal (yes stealing street signs and hanging them in your house is illegal), nudity, profanity, anything particularly scandalous in nature, etc. Take it down and/or leave it off. I know you are VERY proud of your “men working” sign you stole in college but again – an employer will not find it cute.

• I understand that you are very passionate about certain topics including civil rights, gay marriage, wars overseas, terrorist groups, healthcare reform, etc. HOWEVER – remember that in life you will NEVER always agree with everyone and perhaps it’s best to leave those topics for intelligent in-person discussions with friends.

• Finally – I understand that in this fantastic world of online communication our ability to communicate has gotten a bit off track. Keep in mind that even though your Blog/Tweet/Post is just a blog/tweet/post, extensive grammatical issues, spelling errors, and slang can often be a turnoff as well.

Yahoo!, Microsoft, and Anne Curry – OH MY!

OK – I have to say I work for a cool company. Not trying for brownie points here (can’t hurt) but a company that invests in the future to me – is awesome. So Aquent sponsored/is sponsoring some great events in 2010 and I was a very lucky attendee for two of them.

1) An Event Apart – for those of you not familiar with A List Apart – An Event Apart is an intense 2 day seminar for people who make websites with speakers discussing topics ranging from HTML5/CSS3 coding, content strategy, the future of web, and user experience. http://aneventapart.com/about/
2) Internet Week NYC and The Webby Awards – www.internetweekny.com and www.webbyawards.com.

Let me first begin by saying that both events were very different but offered stories/examples that I’ve been sharing with talent ever since. True story!

Biggest takeaway from An Event Apart:
Luke Wroblewski’s discussion regarding building mobile applications first, and desktop sites second versus simply shrinking a website to fit a mobile device. http://aneventapart.com/speakers/lukewroblewski/ This ensures an awesome interface and user experience. Can you say GENIUS? Think of how awesome most mobile sites are compared to the larger ones. Case in point – ANY AIRLINE. ☺ I triple-dog dare you to log into an airline site you’re unfamiliar with and find “check flight status” within 3 seconds. And then try their mobile site. ☺

Also – if you ever want to understand the design process and simply don’t know which approach to take or even better, an approach that you SHOULD take, you have to listen to any discussion by Jared Spool. He’s funny and really explains the different design decision styles in a fantastic way. http://aneventapart.com/speakers/jaredspool/

Biggest takeaway from Internet Week/Webby Awards:
Other than the fact that people LOVE free stuff? (ok.. guilty. I have added 4 new t-shirts to my wardrobe as well). But overall that people LOVE interactivity, Twitter/Facebook and other social media platforms are ONLY the beginning of connectivity and sharing, the Internet is only getting started and will continue to evolve, and simply that these events are a GREAT way to network and learn some fantastic tidbits about new technology, the importance of content, new ways to engage in social media, etc.. the list goes on and on.

Check out some of the photos/video from the week: http://www.internetweekny.com/ and of course the Webby Awards: youtube.com/webby.

That’s it for me this month. No advice you say? But that’s what this blog is about right?? You want advice – GET OUT THERE! To put it in perspective, a general admission ticket to Internet week for the exhibition rooms was $10. Think of that - $10. Two cups of coffee. One martini in the city. Two movies On Demand. Now think of the return on that $10. Priceless.

Henry…. You Have to NETWORK!

I can picture him now. Hunched over his laptop, furiously typing, re-entering the same information over and over again. Name, location, desired salary range, citizenship status, upload resume, click here, yes include a cover letter, and…. Done! Last resume sent for the day and his work is done. Now he can relax. He is the “Job Hunter” and for this blog I will refer to him as Job Hunter Henry – JHH. JHH thinks to himself “I hope this round of resume sendoffs yields some interviews and eventually my next job. After all, I’ve sent out over 250. Two or three have to stick right? They just have to….”

Hey Job Hunter Henry….. Look over here. YOU HAVE TO NETWORK!

OVER 60% OF JOBS ARE FOUND AND FILLED THROUGH NETWORKING (in-person and online). Often times, that number can inch toward 80%. So Job Hunter Henry from above has a very slim chance of truly gaining ground simply by sending over his resume.

So what does that mean you ask? Network, Network, Network….. oh, and Network.

In-person? (GASP)
• GET OUT THERE to networking events and join some groups. Dust off your cute blazer; print out directions, and head on over. I can see you sitting there. What are you waiting for? There are SO many great groups to join. Set a weekly/monthly goal of how many you want to attend.
• Attend those industry events that you may have never been a fan of – trust me. They’ve changed. Heck – I would even suggest volunteering at an industry event by helping to hand out nametags. Best seat in the house!
• Hand out business cards – even if they just say your name, specialty, and number. They will come in handy. And yes – your resume and portfolio should always be updated and if you have a link to some samples, have that on the card as well. (Please refer to last blog – The Proof is in the Portfolio)
• Nobody likes a wallflower. Work on your interpersonal skills. Simply attending an event but not talking to anyone will only serve to make you frustrated. Find a buddy when you walk in, chat it up, and together you will find yourself falling easily into conversation with others.
• Don’t over drink at a Networking event. It sounds like a no-brainer but I have been to many an event where I’ve seen people throwing back free cocktails only to leave with no contacts, no job prospects, and a potential hangover.
• Do your homework. Are you attending a mobile networking event? Be prepared to chat about mobile topics. Every industry has a blog/website/magazine. Scan it, and read up on some topics.
• Market yourself! BYOBM means Be YOUR Own Best Marketer. Make it your mantra. Be prepared to talk about the easiest topic in the world….. YOU! Have that 1-minute elevator pitch primed and ready. And as much as I want to know that you’re AWESOME at World of Warcraft or that you like to kayak on the weekends, remember the purpose and why you’re there.
• Accentuate the positive. Although you may have recently been part of a downsizing or you hated your old company, etc…. If someone asks you why you’re there, never answer with “Lost my job so I figured I would check it out” or “My boss is a jerk so I’m looking to leave.” ALWAYS accentuate the positive aspect – “I’m here because I’ve heard great things about this group and wanted to check it out. My specialty is Online Marketing and I thought a group of like minded folks would make a great addition to my network.”

Online?
• Utilize social networks like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook. “But I don’t get Twitter…” you say? It’s like falling off a bike – trust me. You can figure it out.
• Who do you know? Have you ever really looked into your network? You might be surprised who knows whom. Your mom may be a close friend of the mother of a hiring manager at a company you’ve been dying to check out. Do some homework. Make your net-WORK for you.
• Polish your online profiles. If you’re just out of college, chances are, there may be some photos, comments, postings, etc. that are inappropriate for prospective employers to see. Remember the basic rule – if you wouldn’t hand it to a hiring manager in an interview, take it down. (I’m talking to you Jennifer! My little sister who just graduated – YES YOU)
• Create content and engage in the community. Just having a Facebook account, Twitter, Linkedin, Spoke, etc. won’t be of much help unless you put yourself out there. Start a discussion. Interact.

So there… go. No seriously… go. Close this blog. I can see you still sitting there. Go out there and Network like you’ve never networked before. And remember this….. you never know who you’ll meet. ☺ Intrigued?

The Proof is in the Portfolio

Knock knock. It’s a lovely Saturday afternoon and you wonder – who could possibly be interrupting your bliss (including a large turkey sandwich and reruns of your favorite 80’s sitcom – insert for me – Perfect Strangers). You open the door with your speech prepared for the following:
• Candy/Girl Scout cookie sales – you may budge if they have Carmel deLites.
• Religious group passing out literature – always a fun bunch.
• Pesky siding salesman – even though your house is made of bricks
• WAIT – it could be your Mary Kay order. That would be awesome.
• Free pizza – you wouldn’t be terribly upset if a free pizza showed up.

As you open the door, you find two gentleman representing ABC Landscaping and they have in tow – hedge clippers, a lawnmower, and a bag of mulch. They look legit. And then you ask – “I do need some help with my landscaping – might you have some photographs of past work with you so I can gauge your design style and past successes?” They blink, look at you dumbfounded, point to the hedge clippers and say “We are very good.” The door closes and your lawn continues to be plagued by dandelions.

Why? PROOF. We all need proof. We need to believe you are a champion landscaper by showing us the amazing lawn work you did for Johnny Depp – yes I know Johnny Depp doesn’t live in my neighborhood but I can dream.

The point you ask? Time and time again I have this conversation with talent and the importance of proof. Being in the business of Interactive Design and Development – the proof is in the portfolio.

Here are my 8 tips to help your job search simply by maintaining a stellar portfolio:

• Spy. You heard me. Check out your competition. In this world of Internet accessibility, check out who you are going up against in this marketplace. Look at their portfolios… Do you walk away feeling wowed/jealous? What can you incorporate in yours? Creative hotlist, Krop, Behance, Coroflot, etc. Great places to start.

• I know you’ve been working and your portfolio is three years old because you haven’t had time to update it – but let’s be honest…you need to find time to update it. Your portfolio is one of the few things in life that SHOULD be kept up to date. (Apart from your Netflix subscription and dentist appointments).

• BYOBM – Be your own best marketer. Does your portfolio accurately display the type of work you can do and have done? As much as hiring managers love hearing “I know it’s not in my portfolio but I did some really cool work for XYZ….” Put in those pieces that you are excited about. Your excitement will come through.

• Stay away from portfolio styles that can exhaust a hiring manager. Case in point, I often have to spend several minutes trying to figure out how to navigate a portfolio before realizing that … OH! I have to click on those TINY little thumbnails at the bottom to view each piece. If a hiring manager is going to become fatigued or feel stressed by your portfolio, it’s truly not helping you.

o Simplicity is key
o Large graphics grab attention
o Easy navigation – are the arrows easy to find?
o Basic descriptions of your contribution

• So you designed an AMAZING web 2.0 site and you’re applying to a web 2.0 role that is PERFECT considering that most recent job you completed? If that’s the case, the manager should be able to find said work in 2 seconds. If they have to hunt for it, they won’t. I repeat – make it easy for them.
• I realize that it’s much easier to use your portfolio for multiple purposes including advertising your best friend’s photography business, your interests in hiking including vacation photos, your amazing progress in brewing your own beer, dating info, etc. But for the sake of argument – just go with me on this one. Less is more in terms of personal information. And please please please – no pictures of you sunning yourself on vacation. You laugh but it happens.

• Keep in mind your web portfolio is still a website – it must function as such. Think of what frustrates you about certain sites and evaluate whether or not the usability/functionality of your portfolio is up to snuff.

• And finally……the links should work. ☺ That’s it. They should work. Sound like a no-brainer? Seriously – check it. In multiple browsers. You’d be surprised.

To wrap up, please keep in mind that your portfolio is a reflection of you, your skill level, and your overall work (aka – what YOU offer) so whatever you create and send should truly be stellar, impressive, updated, comprehensive, and COMPLETE. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression………. Unless, the hiring manager has short term amnesia and let’s face it – this isn’t Falcon Crest (80’s primetime soap featuring Lorenzo Lamas – Google it – it was INCREDIBLE).

How to answer the toughest interview question..

Suit? No suit? Business casual…. What does that even mean? It’s 95 degrees out and you’re hauling down the street in a full suit, button down, and tie. You’re lost. AWESOME… and to top it off, you have about 1 minute to find where you’re interviewing and all of a sudden – nobody around you seems to speak English. Wait? So Park Street turns into Park Place but I have to cross over the highway? AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Nightmare? NOPE. It’s called interviewing. No matter how much you prepare, or feel comfortable, or read the different schools of opinion on the subject, they are still hands down one of the most uncomfortable situations to be in. Plus – that feeling of dread when you walk into the interview on a Friday wearing your suit while producing gallons of sweat – because suits are not really breathable – and you realize that it’s casual Friday. So there you stand, covered in sweat, clutching your briefcase/messenger bag – and you come trotting in as all heads swivel in your direction and you know what they’re thinking……..

“Here for an interview – ugh…… looks really hot and uncomfortable in that suit. SUCKS TO BE HIM.”

So you’re cruising through the interview. You’ve remembered the criticals:
• Make eye contact
• Firm handshake
• Thoughtful answers
• You’ve studied the company forward/backward
• You’ve formulated fantastic fact-finding questions
• You brought copies of your resume
• You truly want/enjoy the role and are selling your interest to the interviewer
• You are charming, engaging.

And now…… the final question. The interviewer stops, picks up his very expensive pen that could weigh upwards of a pound and says very matter-of-factly “Well John. I have to say you seem like a great fit for XYZ Corporation. So now let me ask you – what is your salary requirement?”

And it happens…. You feel yourself slipping into the void and your chair turns into a Venus Fly Trap (similar to Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors). What do you say?
• What you “WANT” to be making?
• What you “NEED” to be making,?
• What you “HAVE BEEN” making?

…… oh jeez!!! What if you overprice yourself? What if you underprice yourself and they could have paid you $10k more? OH THE MADNESS!!!

Let’s face it – money is THE MOST DIFFICULT THING TO TALK ABOUT. (Close 2nd – when a friend has something hanging out of their nose). Take a deep breath, remember this blog, and remember these tips:

Kelly’s 10 Tips for Salary Negotiation
• #1 – You are not there for charity and neither are they. It is a given that you are there to make a living – money is critical to “making a living.”

• #2 – They will rarely if ever quote a salary range to you out of the gate and if they do – it’s a vast range. Ie. This role will pay between $20k and $120k. Very similar to the cable guy’s work schedule.

• #3 – There are ways for companies to verify salary so whatever you do – do not blatantly lie about your prior salary history.

• #4 – I understand that you felt underpaid at your last job but an increase from $40k to $95k may be a hard sell to that company. If you TRULY believe that a $55k INCREASE is something you deserve, have reasons to back it up including what the market cost is for someone completing those tasks.

• #5 – KNOW YOUR MARKET – Are you a copywriter? What do other copywriters make on average. It is a much more convincing argument to say “I am looking for X based upon my prior salary and knowledge of the industry average of X amount.”

• #6 – “I’m flexible” is not an answer to a salary question. Gymnastics questions? YES. Salary questions – no.

• #7 - You should consider your three ranges and know them well. Your ideal salary range, your true salary range, and your bottom salary range – meaning that if you go below that range, paying your bills becomes difficult.

• #8 - Research the company you’re interviewing with – are they known for lower salary ranges but have AWESOME perks/vacation time, etc?

• #9 – Other than salary, what are your motivating factors? Do you want more time off? Do you really want a strong healthcare plan? Is there room for advancement in this company that would warrant a pay decrease in the interim because the overall long-term potential for growth is there?

• #10 – As hilarious as we all find it, $1 million-zillion dollars in the voice of Dr. Evil from Austin Powers is never the right answer.

If in doubt and you are truly uncomfortable, simply say “My most recent salary/current salary is $55k and based upon this role - ” and go from there. It sets the standard for the conversation without backing you in to an undesirable salary range.

Happy Job Hunting!