astronomical insight

I know its been a bit since I've actually posted about my new year's resolution, but I assure you that I've been keeping up with it. Taking the time to go on vacation was great for me, but what I've learned about myself since that time has been astronomical.

Day 38. I don't typically back down from a fight. But this time I did, offered a peace offering, and still feel really good about it.
Day 39. Taking steps to build my recruitment network. Big steps for me since I've always been scared to...
Day 40. Trying to be tech savvy... and adding new things to my blog (you can now ask me anything)
Day 41. Completed the full cycle of an interview process in one day. phew!
Day 42. Negotiated my first salary deal. Took some hard work but we came to the best resolve!
Day 43. First time in a long time... Went with a gut feeling and told someone how I really feel about them.
Day 44. Sometimes its best to just be yourself and let it shine through loud and clear.
Day 45. Had a valentine for the first time in years.
Day 46. Realized that my passion is noticed by others and valued.
Day 47. Even great people in the organization got there by chance.
Day 48. Be prepared for anything and stay calm (the apartment flooded).
Day 49. A peer asked to meet with me for advice on her career. I feel very honored.
Day 50. The next step in my career is on the horizon. I'll find out next week what that looks like.
Day 51. Drove on an expressway in Chicago (if you know how much I hate driving, you'd understand the importance of this experience).

formspring.me (gaining computer skills)

I would like to work on developing my computer skills. Due to my current situation, I do not have a home PC. How would you recommend that I get the training I need?

Take advantage of the resources around you. First (if you are currently employed), discuss training opportunities with your current manager. There are several CBT courses available that you can do from your desk. Additionally, check with the local library. Often they have computers for use. As well, there are multiple training classes you can take online. Lastly, check with local colleges or universities. Typically, they offer continued education classes and you may find something related to gaining computer skills. Best of luck!

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formspring.me (strange resumes)

What is the weirdest thing you've ever seen on a resume/application?

I don't know if there's one specific thing that I've seen that really threw me off kilter... The main thing that always throws me off guard and makes me ask "WHY????" is the format. Let me tell you... simple is always the better way to go. If it's too flashy, uses crazy font, or simply has no organization, I typically won't read it...

I think I'm going to start saving "bad resumes" as examples for people... Maybe that will help!

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formspring.me (creating a professional image)

I'm wanting to enhance my professional image but don't know how to do that? Suggestions?

You professional image is very important to developing your career. First, consider the qualities that you want to portray. Then, make a list of people you admire that represent those same qualities. The list may start out with "famous" people. When it comes to dressing for success, you may want to consider mimicking their style. Make sure that you add people to your list that work at your current organization, as well as people in your network (school, professionals in the same field, church, or other social activities). Take the time to sit down with these people. Ask them questions about tips they have for you to develop your personal image.

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formspring.me (what not to do in an interview)

Can you describe the worst interview you've ever conducted?

I imagine that you're asking this question so that you know best "what not to do" during an interview. So, I'll describe the worst interview and then give you some lessons to remember along with it.

The worst interview was with a gentleman that had been unemployed for sometime. Because of his situation, he had created two resumes - one for entry-level positions and the second for more advanced positions. He was interviewing for a fairly entry-level position and, clearly, forgot which resume he was referencing in the interview. As well, a defined requirement for the position was advanced Excel skills and he rated himself as a 9 out of 10. He definitely was not a 9 out of 10 as he had, quite possibly, the lowest Excel scores of anyone I've given the test to. On top of that, a large part of my job as a recruiter is to weed out those candidates that will not fill it with the culture of the organization. Not only did I feel that he would not fit in with the culture, at one point, I became very uncomfortable sitting in the room alone with him.

So, what lessons should you take away from this story? 1) Although, I recommend customizing your resume to the job, there is no need to down-play or over-indulge your skill set, 2) There is a big difference between being confident and proud of the work you've done compared to being cocky and over-exaggerating, 3) Be honest, and 4) Be yourself.

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formspring.me (degree vs. years of experience)

When recruiting, in the long run, which looks better to you as an applicant; A degree or years of experience in the field?

Every hiring manager is different. Some managers may put more value on a degree over years of experience. However, I'm sure you're aware of the trend where it's no longer a high school diploma that's required, but a college degree.

I make sure to sit with each of my hiring managers to evaluate what their needs are. Some need a higher level of formal training, whereas others value the real world experience. However, have both doesn't hurt either.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (resume: 1 page rule)

I just got an 8 page (technical) resume to consider for a potential hire. Whatever happened to the single-page rule? Are the best resumes you see generally shorter or longer?

Great question! Let me just start by saying there are ALL TYPES of resumes out there.

When I first started as a recruiter, I was doing IT recruiting and only knew the 1 page rule... That quickly changed. I quickly learned that for technical resumes, they need to be longer. Especially for candidates with lengthy experience. Technical resumes require so much detail because you can't simply say that you worked with a specific technology (i.e. Cisco) because that could mean ANYTHING. As a recruiter, I need to know specifically what type of Cisco hardware, firewalls, switches/routers you have worked with. So, the 1 page resume immediately goes out the window unless you just graduated college and have no work experience.

In general, I do not pay as much attention to the length of the resume rather the quality of the resume. The quality of the resume encompasses not only the information provided, but the layout as well. A recruiter is most likely only going to scan the resume at a first glance so you want to make sure that the important information can be found quickly (i.e. education/certifications, job responsibilities, and achievements). If you catch my eye the first go-round, I'll look at it more in detail later.

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formspring.me (preferred job boards)

Which job boards/sites have you used, and which did you like the best?

Traditionally, I've used either Career Builder or Monster. However, I've had to be a bit more creative with other postings. I've used LinkedIn, as well as sent out e-blasts to people in the industry.

It's about finding what works best for you, your company, and the specific position you're trying to fill.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (tough market and no response)

Lots of job seekers take it personally when they never hear back from companies to which they've applied. What advice would you give to new jobseekers vis a vis maintaining a thick skin and being persistent in a tough market like this one?

This is a tough one for me to answer. Mostly, because it consistently tugs at my heartstrings.

Its easy for me to say "Don't take it personally...", but I truly understand that it is VERY personal. Of course it's personal! Before I give you any advice... Let me give you some perspective and a little insight to how I function as a recruiter.

If a resume is handed or emailed to me as a referral from someone who works with me, I attempt to reply to either those individuals directly or the internal referral with the status of the position or their candidate's qualification.

If I post a position on one of the major job boards (Career Builder, Monster, Indeed, etc), I'm sure you can only imagine how many resumes I get a day. In every job description, I attempt to be VERY clear on what the requirements of the position are. So, I quickly go through all the received resumes and delete those that do not meet the basic requirements. You read that correctly... I delete them without responding. Then, I go through the remainder to look for the ones with the desired qualifications. The reason that this tugs so much at my heartstrings is that I WANT TO respond to every candidate, but it would be physically impossible to do so.

So, my first piece of advice... NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. As for names. Talk to people. Let them know you're looking. You are ten times more likely to get your resume in front of the recruiter if you know somebody at that company than you are with simply applying online. It it impossible? Absolutley not.

Which brings me to my second piece of advice and I'm going to borrow the next quote from a famous poster "Keep Calm and Carry On". If is a very touch market out there right now, but I will tell you that things are picking up. Slowly, for sure, but they are picking up. Keep a think skin. Be persistent. DO NOT GIVE UP. The right job will come along. Everything happens in its own time.

Best of luck!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (make the recruiters stop)

Now that I have a job, how do I get all these recruiters to *stop* calling me?

First of all, Congratulations!!!

Now, for those pesky recruiters.... (just kidding).

First, make sure that if you do not want to be called any more that you remove your resume from the Job Boards (Career Builder, Monster, Indeed, etc). As a recruiter, those are the first places I go to look for candidates. If your resume is out there, I think that you're actively looking for a position.

Second, contact the recruiters that you worked with during your job search. Let them know that you have found a job and would like to remain as either an INACTIVE candidate in their database or to be removed completely.

Hopefully the calls will stop after that!

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formspring.me (brainteasers)

Seems like there's a fad for asking really oddball brainteaser questions in job interviews these days...is there any way to prepare for those? Is there anything wrong with just saying "I really don't know"?

You know... It does seem like that's the fad right now... Although, I'm not a huge fan of it. My goal is not to trick you or make you uncomfortable. I've been told often that my interviewing style is more conversational. I want to make sure that you not only have the right qualifications for the job, but that you're going to fit in with the culture of the organization.

However, simply because that's not my interview style, does not mean that it still does not happen. What I can tell you is to prepare for those "typical" questions. Here's a list of the top ten most frequently asked interview questions: http://distinguishingyou.blogspot.com/2009/06/another-top-10.html

Now, for the oddball questions... If you honestly have no clue what the interviewer is asking you, do not reply with "I really don't know". Instead, ask for clarification. Have them expand on the question, or give you an example. Hopefully, this will provide you a clearer picture as to what they are asking you. Best of luck!

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formspring.me (resume objective)

How do you feel about resumes that start off with an Objective? They always seem vague and banal--is there any way to make them effective?

I was actually just having a conversation about resume objectives with a fellow colleague the other day.

Often, objectives can do more harm than good, especially if they are vague and lack any originality. If you're not going to take the time to right a GREAT objective, then you're better off not writing one at all. Let your resume speak for itself. No one says that its required and, quite frankly, most would not notice that it was even missing.

However, if you are going to take the time to write an objective... DO NOT be vague. Be specific. Take the time to not only customize your objective, but the ENTIRE resume to the job you're looking for. Here's the best "formula" I've found to help with writing an objective.

(BLANK LEVEL) position in (BLANK FIELD) where (BLANK EXPERIENCE) will add value to (BLANK AREA).

The level is what level of a position you're looking for... entry level, intermediate, senior, management, etc
The field is what field you're looking to go into... Sales, Finance, Marketing, Media Relations, etc
The experience is what you are bring to the table... # of years, education, industry knowledge, etc
The area is where your experience will add value... operations, customer service, project management, etc

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formspring.me (desired salary)

How do you answer the "desired salary" question on a job application? When is it OK to just say "negotiable"? And if you're applying for a job you really want, and you're willing to take a paycut, how can you communicate that w/o undercutting yourself?

Great questions!

The "desired salary" question is a tough one and requires the same amount of thought an effort as you would to applying for a specific position. Take the time to think about not only the dollar amount, but what benefits do you want as well. It's always okay to give a range rather than an exact number. Who knows? You may be willing to take a lesser salary if they give you an extra week of vacation or a company car.

As a recruiter, I despise when candidates say "negotiable" because it makes me think that you haven't put much thought into it. Of course, it's negotiable. Everything's negotiable.

The best piece of advice I can give is to ask the salary range up front so that you know what you're dealing with. Of course, salary isn't everything, especially if you're lucky enough to find your dream job... So, go ahead and ask the question, take the time to decide what your needs are and then communicate it effectively. It makes the offer process easier if all the cards are already out on the table.

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check it out

Well, well.... Who would have known? I am attempting to be tech-savvy. Thanks to the help from Nicole! Thankfully Blogger makes it fairly easy to be tech savvy. It's mostly point, click, copy & paste. Phew!

Anyways, I've added the feature on the right-hand side giving you the opportunity to ask me anything related to training or recruiting. I guess you could ask personal questions too... But that doesn't mean I'll answer them...

a break FOR inspiration

I took the last week to finally take a vacation. I went on a cruise to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. This break was the perfect time to reflect on who I am as a person, enjoy the company of some amazing people, and get some additional inspiration for grits&lime. Of course, I kept up with my New Year's resolution and really put myself outside my box and had a blast doing it!

Day 27. Got a phone call from my sister and it really was my niece asking for me. My sister and both of her beautiful daughters are soooo very special to me.
Day 28. Great planning makes even the most hectic of days go smoothly.
Day 29. One of my special talents is packing. I managed to pack 6 days of clothes in 1.5 carry on bags.
Day 30. I took my first vacation in 1.5 years. This trip was much needed.
Day 31. I put myself really outside my comfort zone and hit on a guy! woo!
Day 32. Went to Grand Cayman for the first time. I also sang karaoke for the first time. I sang Donna Summer's "Last Dance" and it was soooo much fun!
Day 33. We returned to Cozumel and I drove our Jeep around the island. Thank God I know how to drive a manual!
Day 34. I took a moment in time to acknowledge and stand up for who I am, what I believe in, and my expectations.
Day 35. I started reading an inspiration book and found a quote that reminded me to not be afraid to be by myself. This is the best time to find out who I am.
Day 36. I logged into my work email to catch up even though it was my day off... And actually restrained myself from actually doing any work. That's a first!
Day 37. I spent the day in my pjs and completely ignored my to-do list. For those that know me, know exactly how out of the box that is for me.

I should also note that while on vacation I came up with three new dress designs for grits&lime. Taking a break was an amazing time for inspiration!