A resume is a marketing tool that job hunters use to introduce and sell themselves to prospective employers. Resumes are traditionally written on 8-1/2 x 11" paper but there is no hard and fast rule that says every resume must be presented in this way.
In the last few years video resumes have been growing in popularity. (A video resume is a short video created by candidates and uploaded to the Internet for prospective employers to review.) But are video resumes a good idea?
The answer is: it depends.
A few years ago one Ivy League graduate/Wall Street wannable became the laughing stock of Wall Street when he created a video that showcased his 140 mph tennis serve and weight lifting skills.
But there are also success stories. A political consultant who landed the job of his dreams with a video resume. And a sales manager who swears that his video resume was the key to his job search success. Their new employers back them up, saying that their video resumes did, indeed, enable them to successfully stand out from the competition.
While some employers appreciate this new approach to job hunting, others are more skeptical - in part, because of potential legal ramifications. Employers know that it is illegal to discriminate against any candidate on the basis of race, gender, age, or disability and are fearful that the use of video resumes as a screening device may open them up to lawsuits.
My advice is to proceed with caution. A video resume can showcase great communication skills, creative talents, and personality. For jobs that require good communication, creativity, and new media savvy, a video resume can be a great complement to a traditional resume. However if you aren't all that comfortable or professional in front of the camera, you don't need to use that much high tech razzle dazzle to get employers to notice you.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Encore Careers
Babyboomers may be the first generation in danger of leaving the world worse off than they found it. Or so says Marc Freedman author of Encore and co-founder of Civic Ventures, a non-profit organization intent on creating a vital workforce committed to social change.
Freedman believes that Encore Careers are emerging as a major social movement (between mid-life and traditional retirement) that encourages boomers to use their skills and experience to contribute to a greater good. He calls it a "give-back revolution", a call to service that can be met through the power of practical idealism.
His book is filled with inspiring life stories of "encore pioneers" who are inventing a new stage of work and creating meaningful Act II careers. Check it out and be inspired too.
Freedman believes that Encore Careers are emerging as a major social movement (between mid-life and traditional retirement) that encourages boomers to use their skills and experience to contribute to a greater good. He calls it a "give-back revolution", a call to service that can be met through the power of practical idealism.
His book is filled with inspiring life stories of "encore pioneers" who are inventing a new stage of work and creating meaningful Act II careers. Check it out and be inspired too.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
SSN on Employment Applications: Yes or No?
What should you do if an employer requests your Social Security number on their application?
This is the question that was raised on one job search blog and, I have to admit, the answer surprised me. Why? Because the author was recommending that prospective candidates supply slightly false social security numbers to prospective employers. (For example, if your ssn is 156-23-0097, you would give the number 156-24-0097). The rationale for this strategy is, as I understand it, to protect the job hunter's privacy while making sure that the application does not get kicked back because of incomplete information.
But there is an obvious downside to this strategy. First of all, it creates unnecessary work for the potential employer. If they do, indeed, want to use that information to check references, education, credentials, they are going to spend time tracking down false information. This is likely to annoy them and make the candidate look careless simultaneously -- not a great strategy to get hired.
In truth, there is no good reason for an employer to ask for your social security number before meeting you. If they want to check your academic credentials, for example, they can ask you to have a transcript sent directly from the school. The same holds true for certifications. You have a right to control the information that they receive about you. When you give them your social security number, you give up some of your rights to privacy.
I am big believer in boundaries aka setting limits. I also believe that you have the right to decide how much information you give to prospective employers. So what are your choices?
You can look for another way to apply for the job (other than through online applications) such as: networking, snail mail, fax.
Or you can put all "zeroes" in the SSN box. Although (technically) this is false information, it is obviously false information. It is a way to notify the prospective employer that you do not want to provide your social security number; but you also avoid causing them annoying and unnecessary work. Most employers will get the message and, in a perfect world, respect your right to privacy.
And if they can't or won't respect your right to privacy, maybe they aren't the best people to work for, anyway.
This is the question that was raised on one job search blog and, I have to admit, the answer surprised me. Why? Because the author was recommending that prospective candidates supply slightly false social security numbers to prospective employers. (For example, if your ssn is 156-23-0097, you would give the number 156-24-0097). The rationale for this strategy is, as I understand it, to protect the job hunter's privacy while making sure that the application does not get kicked back because of incomplete information.
But there is an obvious downside to this strategy. First of all, it creates unnecessary work for the potential employer. If they do, indeed, want to use that information to check references, education, credentials, they are going to spend time tracking down false information. This is likely to annoy them and make the candidate look careless simultaneously -- not a great strategy to get hired.
In truth, there is no good reason for an employer to ask for your social security number before meeting you. If they want to check your academic credentials, for example, they can ask you to have a transcript sent directly from the school. The same holds true for certifications. You have a right to control the information that they receive about you. When you give them your social security number, you give up some of your rights to privacy.
I am big believer in boundaries aka setting limits. I also believe that you have the right to decide how much information you give to prospective employers. So what are your choices?
You can look for another way to apply for the job (other than through online applications) such as: networking, snail mail, fax.
Or you can put all "zeroes" in the SSN box. Although (technically) this is false information, it is obviously false information. It is a way to notify the prospective employer that you do not want to provide your social security number; but you also avoid causing them annoying and unnecessary work. Most employers will get the message and, in a perfect world, respect your right to privacy.
And if they can't or won't respect your right to privacy, maybe they aren't the best people to work for, anyway.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
What's An SEO?
The job market is an ever-changing place. Just when you think you understand it, it changes again. I was reminded of this rather obvious truism when I came across a job listing for an SEO.
"Uh-oh", I thought "What does SEO mean?"
No sooner wondered than researched. The term SEO, I discovered, refers to "Search Engine Optimization" - a person who specializes in SEO is a "Search Engine Optimizer". The job is partly Marketing and partly IT (which is why it is also sometimes called "SEM" or Search Engine Marketing). SEO/SEM focuses on the way companies improve the volume and quality of traffic to their websites from search engines in order to drive sales and increase visibility.
Because it is still an evolving field, the job listings often encompass skills and experience in both marketing and technology and the position may be located in either the Marketing Department or the IT Department. Job listings can be found at sites like OASEO.com, Dice.com, and SimplyHired.com.
As some companies move away from the cost of outsourcing and more towards hiring an in-house SEO/SEM, the field will probably grow. To help facilitate that growth, some professional organizations and private consulting firms have developed week-long training programs and certifications. Think of it like Boot Camp for the Aspiring SEO. To find certificate/training programs try Googling "SEM training" and/or "SEM certification." Whoever shows up at the top of a Google Search clearly practices what they preach.
"Uh-oh", I thought "What does SEO mean?"
No sooner wondered than researched. The term SEO, I discovered, refers to "Search Engine Optimization" - a person who specializes in SEO is a "Search Engine Optimizer". The job is partly Marketing and partly IT (which is why it is also sometimes called "SEM" or Search Engine Marketing). SEO/SEM focuses on the way companies improve the volume and quality of traffic to their websites from search engines in order to drive sales and increase visibility.
Because it is still an evolving field, the job listings often encompass skills and experience in both marketing and technology and the position may be located in either the Marketing Department or the IT Department. Job listings can be found at sites like OASEO.com, Dice.com, and SimplyHired.com.
As some companies move away from the cost of outsourcing and more towards hiring an in-house SEO/SEM, the field will probably grow. To help facilitate that growth, some professional organizations and private consulting firms have developed week-long training programs and certifications. Think of it like Boot Camp for the Aspiring SEO. To find certificate/training programs try Googling "SEM training" and/or "SEM certification." Whoever shows up at the top of a Google Search clearly practices what they preach.
Friday, July 4, 2008
A Therapist Is More Than A Confidante
Not too long ago I overheard a conversation between two women - one was a hair stylist, the other a retired jeweler. They were discussing their jobs and how so many of their customers treat them like therapists.
"My customers tell me all of their problems," the jeweler said. "I feel like I'm their therapist."
"Me too," the stylist responded.
The conversation wasn't directed towards me and probably didn't have anything to do with me. But it annoyed me nonetheless. I have been a practicing therapist for over 25 years and still work hard to learn new skills and techniques that will be helpful to my clients. Yes, my clients bring their problems to me and I feel humbled and privileged to be a part of the solution to those problems. I am deeply aware of my professional responsibilities and how much depends on my ability to "get it right." This has caused me many worrisome days and sleepless nights. But, in the end, I almost always feel good about what I am able to accomplish with my clients and the positive impact that our conversations have on their lives.
A hair stylist - who listens to her customers' problems while she is cutting their hair - is a hair stylist who takes a genuine interest in her clients. Hopefully that interest translates into a good haircut that makes them feel good about themselves - because her reputation is based on the color and cut of her customers' hair, not her ability to solve their problems.
The jeweler who listens to her customers' problems is similarly situated. Her job is to sell jewelry to her customers. If they like what they see (and feel they are getting a good price), she will make a sale. Perhaps her listening skills enhance their trust in her and increase the likelihood of a sale. If so, being a good listener turns out to be good for business.
But there is more to being a therapist than good listening skills. Therapy is the treatment of mental illness and the relationship between therapist and client is a sacred trust. I like my hair stylist; she makes my frizzy gray hair look soft, wavy and brown. And, of course, if I look better than I feel better and if I feel better than I am less likely to be anxious or depressed. But I wouldn't entrust her with my mental health.
As for the jeweler, that's a whole different story. I've never wanted or needed jewelry to make me feel better about myself. So I can't imagine spending much time in the jeweler's chair, let alone telling her my problems. Nor do I think that a diamond ring will help alleviate whatever sadness or anxiety I am feeling. Not everyone will agree with me. Obviously some people do feel better about themselves when they are wearing a new piece of jewelry.
Every role is important and every role requires skill. But I would never pretend that I know how to cut hair or appraise a diamond ring. This is not the work of a therapist, just as therapy is not the work of a hair stylist or a jeweler.
"My customers tell me all of their problems," the jeweler said. "I feel like I'm their therapist."
"Me too," the stylist responded.
The conversation wasn't directed towards me and probably didn't have anything to do with me. But it annoyed me nonetheless. I have been a practicing therapist for over 25 years and still work hard to learn new skills and techniques that will be helpful to my clients. Yes, my clients bring their problems to me and I feel humbled and privileged to be a part of the solution to those problems. I am deeply aware of my professional responsibilities and how much depends on my ability to "get it right." This has caused me many worrisome days and sleepless nights. But, in the end, I almost always feel good about what I am able to accomplish with my clients and the positive impact that our conversations have on their lives.
A hair stylist - who listens to her customers' problems while she is cutting their hair - is a hair stylist who takes a genuine interest in her clients. Hopefully that interest translates into a good haircut that makes them feel good about themselves - because her reputation is based on the color and cut of her customers' hair, not her ability to solve their problems.
The jeweler who listens to her customers' problems is similarly situated. Her job is to sell jewelry to her customers. If they like what they see (and feel they are getting a good price), she will make a sale. Perhaps her listening skills enhance their trust in her and increase the likelihood of a sale. If so, being a good listener turns out to be good for business.
But there is more to being a therapist than good listening skills. Therapy is the treatment of mental illness and the relationship between therapist and client is a sacred trust. I like my hair stylist; she makes my frizzy gray hair look soft, wavy and brown. And, of course, if I look better than I feel better and if I feel better than I am less likely to be anxious or depressed. But I wouldn't entrust her with my mental health.
As for the jeweler, that's a whole different story. I've never wanted or needed jewelry to make me feel better about myself. So I can't imagine spending much time in the jeweler's chair, let alone telling her my problems. Nor do I think that a diamond ring will help alleviate whatever sadness or anxiety I am feeling. Not everyone will agree with me. Obviously some people do feel better about themselves when they are wearing a new piece of jewelry.
Every role is important and every role requires skill. But I would never pretend that I know how to cut hair or appraise a diamond ring. This is not the work of a therapist, just as therapy is not the work of a hair stylist or a jeweler.
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