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!

Get a Hair Cut and Get a Real Job

Scene: Me sitting in an interview. In walks my interviewer who slightly resembles Steve Guttenberg from Police Academy – except my guy has a lazy eye. And the questions begin:

1: Do I sing in the Shower?
(Ummmm.. Anyone who claims to have NOT attempted Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” in the shower at least once is a liar. Don’t deny it).

2: If I could be a barnyard animal what kind would I be?
What kind of questions are these!!? Can I file an HR claim without having been hired because these seem a little strange and personal – perhaps even a little out of line. And why JUST barnyard animals? No love for sea creatures?

As I was escorted from the building I pondered how I might have answered each question differently. And then it occurred to me – perhaps these questions are super beneficial to the hiring process? And as usual upon doing some intense research (Wikipedia), I discovered that the behavioral interview question and the stress interview question have become the “go to” method for a lot of companies in determining the ability to think under pressure, personality/cultural fit, moral compass, etc.

Nerve wracking? HECK YEAH…. But my friends the ugly truth is:

YOU SHOULD (read must) PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THESE TYPES OF QUESTIONS.

Here are a few to get your blood pumping:
• What is your most memorable purchase and why did it make you feel good?
• Do you sing in the Shower? (Read above – Beyonce, Journey, and I do a mean Janis Joplin)
• If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be? (I’ve been dying to say sea cucumber just to gauge the response)
• If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time? (Obviously interviewing is at the top of the list since I’m sitting here with you)
• If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?
• If you could have dinner with a famous historical figure, who would it be? (Is Elvis considered a historical figure?)
• If you were a car, what type would you be? (If I say limo with a driver, is that still considered “a car”).
• If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be? (The power to erase my answers from your memory?)
• See this pen? You have 5 minutes to sell it to me. (You already own the pen!! Why don’t you tell me why you bought it!).

Ok – so obviously my answers are merely for entertainment value, but we must face it friends. These questions could crop up and I simply want you to be prepared as your advocate and Headhuntress. Perhaps throw them a curveball and ask them if they could star in any Bill Murray movie – what would it be? (If it’s Meatballs – RUN!!)

A Case of the Mondays??

I LOVE the movie “Office Space” – a lot (seriously – why are fax machines so tricky??). And let’s face it – it can be easy to slump ourselves into work letting the world around us take over. And why shouldn't we be sad/mopey/sleepy (or any of the other 7 dwarfs) – just turn on the television. Tiger Woods – bad guy. Healthcare – not reformed. Unemployment – still pretty bad. Job hunting – pretty brutal.

Case in point: One of my dearest friends this week made a video reel to apply to a job – apparently we’re “there” in terms of competition and difficulty. But I have to hand it to her – it was inventive and she was taking BYOBM to the next level and beyond! And to top it off – she had a blast.

I will say this: There is nothing worse than a sad, frustrated co-worker/friend/family member. It brings everyone down. So - Here are my tips for keeping your sanity during the winter months. And be prepared – these are not the normal “imagine yourself on a beach” tips:

1. Start each day by listening to a commercial from Bud Light’s Real Men of Genius campaigns. I listen to one everyday and have to say – I DIE LAUGHING.

2. Watch this commercial.

3. Make your FAVORITE breakfast before work. Yes you’ll have to get up early but seriously – chocolate chip pancakes ALWAYS put me in a good mood. (Or on the flipside – bring your favorite lunch to work – it will make your morning fly by – Thanksgiving Sandwich anyone?)

4. Watch a little kid walk down the street. There is always something uplifting about watching a kid attempting not to step on cracks while wearing GIGANTIC winter boots that makes me chuckle to myself.

5. If you’re a woman, wear a headband to work. You’d be surprised how many compliments you receive. Really want to up your game? Wear a new shade of lipgloss AND a headband. WATCH OUT WORLD!

6. If you’re a man, wear a brightly colored shirt that you typically wouldn’t wear – again – you’d be surprised how many people walk up to you and say “hmmmm.. something is different today.”

7. Attempt a game of Wii boxing before work. It’s hilarious and will get your heart rate up. Did I mention hilarious?

8. Sing along loudly to a Billy Joel song (or Black Eyed Peas…. Or Lady Gaga – my 6 month old nephew LOVES Poker Face) while in your car and don’t quiet down or stop when you see someone watching. You will chuckle about it all day. Want to up your game? Wink at your audience and hold out your imaginary thumb microphone as if to say “Want to be my backup singer?”

We’ll get through it – seasons change. Jobs will get better. And if we can have a laugh or enjoy ourselves more in the interim I say – What do you have to lose?

Consider Me Your VERY own personal Jerry Maguire – Sans Tom Cruise

Recruiter. Headhunter. Staffing Consultant. Placement Specialist. Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist. BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH! Let’s call it what it really is – we are your Agent. OH YES – think Jerry Maguire “Show ME THE MONEY” Cuba Gooding yelling in the bathroom kind of agent. And no – I will not scream into the phone for you. I love you – but that just seems weird and it’s been done already.

I’ve realized recently that candidates typically fall into one of two categories:

• The first camp, we shall call them the “I don’t believe in your value” team – call Recruiters when they are in dire straits and send half-done resume updates/portfolio samples because let’s face it – they are at the end of their rope and don’t see the value that we (THE AGENT) can bring.

• The 2nd group, I shall call them the “I TOTALLY GET IT and will CERTAINLY partner with you to make magic happen” team – they are responsive, helpful, updates resumes AND portfolios accordingly and view us (THE AGENT) as a valued partner and resource in helping them secure their next engagement (I know – it’s not a movie but we can’t all live in the world of Mark Wahlberg (HELLO! ENTOURAGE MUCH) and Rene Zellweger).

So the tough question (DUM DUM DUM….) – how do we shift the court of public opinion in group one to join the happily ever after of group two?

It’s simple – change the mindset. Build the relationship. Court a little. In this land of speed dating and internet match making – the same cannot be applied to creating a valuable agent/talent relationship. So let’s get back to basics people! Get to know one another and the things that make each member of the partnership awesome. And for the love of god recruiters – DO NOT EVER USE THE WORDS “TOUCH BASE.” Would you want your girlfriend/spouse/family to call to “touch base?” I don’t think so.

Want to see a grown man cry??? Take away his iPhone.

September 30th I attended MoMo Boston held at the Boston Harbor Hotel where there was the usual meet and greet of some of the finest minds in America but also a great panel discussion regarding mobile advertising, mobile platforms, the best types of phones, etc. Needless to say, out of a room of 200, there were probably 11 women. Oh well – it meant more white wine for me. And NO! I do not JUST go for the open bar – Jeez.

My reason for attending was compounded by the fact that one of the speakers was a young lad I watched accept an award with MITX for his brainchild – SCVNGR. SCVNGR is a revolutionary online mobile game for large scavenger hunts. Seth Priebatsch, the 20 year old CEO (dropped out of Princeton to start the company) fielded questions regarding the state of mobile along with fellow panelists from Getjar, Runkeeper, and Quattro Wireless.

The consensus:
• There are a LOT of mobile applications – some who last only days before being tossed aside by users.
• Mobile advertising is the future of the market.
• There are a lot of new styles of android phone coming out – 35 to be exact – but that means the need for strong UI/UX is HUGE.
• And the smart phone is here to stay.

Everyone is obsessed with smart phone technology. To prove this point - a lot has been written about iPhone addictions. There are even YouTube clips and hilarious blogs about it. However – I have first hand knowledge. OH YES friends. I have been given the “iphone shoulder.” Recently I was at a party and 4 out of the 6 participants in a card game not only sent continual text messages but all 4 whipped out their iphones to compare apps – this one downloaded a really cool way to scan his gym membership. And this one found a great way to keep track of his diet. ETC. ETC. ETC. ETC. ETC. All the while, none realized that they couldn’t even “unplug” for a 30 minute card game. Now if it was Monopoly, it could be forgiven. That game lasts for days!

Back to Momo: Worldwide there is some discrepancy regarding which platform is best. But the big take away – MOBILE ADVERTISING. I walked away from the event with some new knowledge regarding some AWESOME technology partnerships coming out – ie. You’re doing an online mobile event, and you haven’t eaten – well….. wouldn’t you know it. Your phone just sent you 3 restaurants within walking distance. GENIUS! Or you’re seeing a movie, and you use Goby.com to create your next adventure by quickly searching the vast expanses of the Internet from your phone. This could make living life spontaneously far more tolerable.

Did I leave feeling slightly less intelligent? You betcha.
Am I tempted to buy an iPhone – I plead the 5th.