Nothing is more important than displaying confidence in an interview... You have to understand your experience and be able to convey your abilities confidently. If you have not had this conversation with yourself, I suggest you do it immediately.
I came across this video this morning and I feel it accurately describes the best way to become positive and confident. Imagine if we all told ourselves everything that was awesome in our lives every morning. :)
Sometimes the best lessons come from little people!
May 21, 2010
May 12, 2010
Quotes of the Week
"Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious."
- Peter Ustinov
"Anyone who has never made a mistake
has never tried anything new."
- Albert Einstein
- Peter Ustinov
"Anyone who has never made a mistake
has never tried anything new."
- Albert Einstein
Feb 23, 2010
LinkedIn is the real deal
I have been using LinkedIn for about 3 years now and I can tell you... it is for real.
As a recruiter I receive A LOT of resumes. It is so much easier to pick up the phone and work hard to present someone to one of my clients if I know there are people that recommend them.
Everyone has a list of references. People you can count on to stand up for your experience when they are called. LinkedIn brings a new light to that process. When someone recommends you on LinkedIn it is displayed on your profile page. Prospective employers feel a sense of ease when they realize your past co-workers actually appreciated your work. What makes LinkedIn the best way to display those accolades is the ease of access. We are all sitting in front of a computer and a website is the easiest way to collect info.
Long story short. Send out some requests for recommendations on LinkedIn and build that profile. It is one of the best tools we have today in proving you are right for the job you want. Add the link to your resume and BINGO = you have created interest.
As a recruiter I receive A LOT of resumes. It is so much easier to pick up the phone and work hard to present someone to one of my clients if I know there are people that recommend them.
Everyone has a list of references. People you can count on to stand up for your experience when they are called. LinkedIn brings a new light to that process. When someone recommends you on LinkedIn it is displayed on your profile page. Prospective employers feel a sense of ease when they realize your past co-workers actually appreciated your work. What makes LinkedIn the best way to display those accolades is the ease of access. We are all sitting in front of a computer and a website is the easiest way to collect info.
Long story short. Send out some requests for recommendations on LinkedIn and build that profile. It is one of the best tools we have today in proving you are right for the job you want. Add the link to your resume and BINGO = you have created interest.
Feb 9, 2010
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.
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.
Mar 26, 2008
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
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
Mar 6, 2008
Quote of the day :)
"Aerodynamically the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly.
But the bumble bee doesn't know it.
So it keeps flying."
But the bumble bee doesn't know it.
So it keeps flying."
Feb 6, 2008
Networking Sites
With the news that many people have been laid off from The Home Depot (THD) corporate office I have been pounding the pavement so to speak on the networking sites.
It is amazing the response I have gotten from one email on LinkedIN. My company has decided to use some time to assist the individual's impacted most from the recent THD decision. I have received so many emails from people who would like to help. It has kept me VERY busy!! This has also made me realize how important online networking truly is.
In our fast paced environment it is imperative that we are engaged with others in as many ways as possible. Our networking sites afford us the ability to stretch far and accomplish so much in a short amount of time.
Here are a few tips I have for Networking online:
#1 PLEASE take some time and email out to a few contacts how you could be of help. Or who know that could help. This can cause a waterfall effect (pay it forward) that can help so many.
#2 Make sure your contacts know you are there and not just another name on the contact sheet. Stay in touch!
#3 Start with your neighbors, friends, and close colleagues. Then watch the list grow :)
#4 Join groups. This is the fastest way to make a lot of contacts who have similar interests
#5 Remember that you use networking sites. This may sound simple, but if you never mention it in a meeting with new people, or in an email with a new client that you would like to "friend" them you may lose them in the long run.
#6 Add it to your business cards. This is an awesome idea brought up by one of my co-workers.
#7 Have at least 10 contacts from your field. This will help if you ever need help on a project, job search, or continuing education questions.
Here are a few of my favorites
www.plaxo.com
www.linkedin.com
www.facebook.com
It is amazing the response I have gotten from one email on LinkedIN. My company has decided to use some time to assist the individual's impacted most from the recent THD decision. I have received so many emails from people who would like to help. It has kept me VERY busy!! This has also made me realize how important online networking truly is.
In our fast paced environment it is imperative that we are engaged with others in as many ways as possible. Our networking sites afford us the ability to stretch far and accomplish so much in a short amount of time.
Here are a few tips I have for Networking online:
#1 PLEASE take some time and email out to a few contacts how you could be of help. Or who know that could help. This can cause a waterfall effect (pay it forward) that can help so many.
#2 Make sure your contacts know you are there and not just another name on the contact sheet. Stay in touch!
#3 Start with your neighbors, friends, and close colleagues. Then watch the list grow :)
#4 Join groups. This is the fastest way to make a lot of contacts who have similar interests
#5 Remember that you use networking sites. This may sound simple, but if you never mention it in a meeting with new people, or in an email with a new client that you would like to "friend" them you may lose them in the long run.
#6 Add it to your business cards. This is an awesome idea brought up by one of my co-workers.
#7 Have at least 10 contacts from your field. This will help if you ever need help on a project, job search, or continuing education questions.
Here are a few of my favorites
www.plaxo.com
www.linkedin.com
www.facebook.com
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