Conversations

I was asked to present on Social Media to our company this morning. When attempting to build the PowerPoint I found myself asking, "what is it we are trying to accomplish?". Well, in my office we are working on bolstering sales and finding great people. I think the same question and answer can be applied to someone searching for a new position.

How do we get there with social media? By starting a conversation and winning people's confidence in our abilities. I really feel that is relevant for an active job search as well.

You want to find the best company to work for. The best company that fits your needs and you in turn fit their needs.

How do we start a conversation!?

Lets say you are looking for a Business Intelligence position. Find a group on LinkedIn or another outlet and start asking professionals what they think... About something you read, something you thought would be a cool project, problems you have had with projects in the past. Make the topic interesting and open-ended so that people want to respond. Also, make the topic transferable to others to keep a wide level of expertise.

You will find that great professionals will answer your call. This can be a great way to learn about new companies and in turn expand your current network.


One of the best people at starting a conversation on just about anything is Ellen. Check out her twitter page or website. Every single time she is interested in something people listen... I think it is more than her "famousness". I think it has a lot to do with the way she thinks about every day things.

My 2 cents for the day :)

Ellen's billboard that I see on the way home from work everyday. Who doesn't love a crazy straw?

Long time . no post

So I am trying to be better in the New Year and contribute more to my blogs. Previously I have been posting tips on how to get the job you want and while I will continue down that path I think it would also be helpful to know what is going on in my office: current jobs, ideas, volunteerism, etc.

TPM in the workings

After the new year we have really begun to see a shift in the amount of contract/ contract-perm positions we have available. Before = 3 pages of jobs - now = 7 pages of jobs.

Companies have worked their budgets and are looking to move forward in 2010. I really do believe this.

We are working on positions from QA analysts, .NET developers, to Project Managers. We have had quite a few requests for remote workers. This is great news for Atlanta since the traffic is so awful and can save someone a TON of money.

The Proven Method has decided to participate in Habitat for Humanity. I am very excited for us to join a team in March and work together a little to help other people.



I think every company should contribute their time in some way. Builds CHARACTER!


We have also definitely updated our website since the last time I posted.

www.provenmethod.com

TIP OF THE DAY

- When a prospective employer asks you a detailed question about a previous project, answer with specifics about the work YOU did and be sure to ask if you sufficiently answered them...

I have found lately that when asked to describe previous work experience candidates are far too general in their answers. This can keep candidates from seeing the client or making it past the first phone screen.

Standing out in a crowd

How do I get a recruiter to see me?!

I have a couple ideas of ways to get attention so that you are brought up for EVERY possibility within an organization. It may seem as though some of these things are a waste of time, but I promise they are not and may be the key to helping you find the position you really want and not just one you are qualified for.

#1 Tell people what you want and can do not what you think you could do if it was the last job on the planet. ( you will be more passionate and will deliver a more promising pitch of your skill base)

#2 Write a cover letter that shows your communication skills and explains many of your "hidden talents" that may not be listed on a resume. (this can also help explain any time gaps)

#3 Find out characteristics of your hiring manager or recruiter, it is always good to connect with someone on a personal level..... And maybe you can help each other in more than one way!

#4 Ask for the Linked-in connection to the Recruiter or hiring manager. This will not only help you to expand your network, but to also ping a decision maker without being pesky :) This can also help with opportunities down the road, where numbers and emails get lost the networking site will be there to connect to old contacts.

#5 Find out who you both know and have in common. Sometimes this can be conquered by sending in a reference sheet early. It will be viewed and you could possibly know the same individual... It is perfectly reasonable to ask the decision maker to contact you first before using the references :)

#6 Humor. This works for everything

#7 Ask for a visit. If you can catch a person off guard and snag a visit with them it always gives you an opportunity to sell what you can do and again connect with other people

#8 Provide updated contact information.... This seems like common sense, but that mass email letting everyone know you are moving onto a new position or have changed your phone number can make a difference.

#9 Be upfront about your current interviewing process. Recruiters always want to stay in touch, whether they get you the job or not. Be sure to let them know where you are interviewing and how far you are in the process--- maybe they know someone and can help:)

#10 Referring colleagues. This is a no-brainer. Most recruiting firms offer referral bonuses and would much rather have a candidate that is a known entity. No matter what your friend is looking for send their resume to your most trusted recruiting pals. They will be grateful.

This is all I have for the day :) New sites to take a look at:

www.atlantawomensnetwork.com

www.thethinpinkline.com

www.zoominfo.com

www.atlantaevent.com