This week's blogpost is generously provided by Bret Bernhoft, a Generation Y expert and public speaker addressing generational issues in the work place.
For Generation Y, job seeking is certainly nothing like what their parents experienced. Today, the need to be Internet-savvy as well as have effective networking skills is even more imperative than ever. For Generation Y to stay competitive in an ever-tightening competitive job market, they must become more innovative and creative when hunting for available positions. Generation Y has to play a much more closely-managed game of cat and mouse in order to secure their future employment.
As for many positions, credentials are important, including experience and education. However, despite their significance, credentials aren’t everything. It is the network of relationships a job seeker has that will ultimately ensure their success. Being a young workforce, Generation Y is competing in a world of well established partnerships and alliances, putting them at a certain disadvantage. Thus, a level of “hyper” or proactive networking must be undertaken by Generation Y in order to gain an upper hand.
Generation Y can be defined, in part, by their emphasis on community development. It is through the use of these skills that developing a series of productive relationships can be created and maintained. Generation Y workers naturally pursue a sense of identity and purpose through their relationships, thus making the process of networking much less uncomfortable and not as much of a hassle. Attending regular networking events and connecting through online professional groups are two effective ways of developing a name as a viable candidate. Websites such as LinkedIn and Plaxo are two examples of such opportunities.
Another successful strategy used by Generation Y job seekers is to become an expert in a certain field through online content creation. This would include the creation of a blog or a website that focuses on their area of expertise. Placing themselves in a position of reference, Generation Y’s ability to leverage any unique perspective or insight much more effectively creates a specific area of expertise. Companies are actively searching for fresh and exciting ways of thinking, giving even the simplest of blogs a very real purpose.
No matter the strategy used, Generation Y must be able to articulate their value to a company and initiate the relationships to help secure employment. It is a very competitive job market these days. Without a plan of action, younger and less experienced job seekers could be left behind. Generation Y, unlike any generation prior, must use their advantages in technology knowledge and community-building in order to gain the upper hand.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Video résumés – A passing fad or the future for job searchers?
There’s been quite a bit of buzz on business networking sites and blogs lately about video résumés. What are the pros and cons of such a concept?
Upon first blush, these types of résumés might sound like an ideal way to constructively and convincingly build a case to get hired, but there are some definite down sides to this medium.
Most people are not actors, and posing in front of an unflinching and non-interactive camera isn’t going to bring out the natural flow that happens when you are projecting yourself in an interview. Anything delivered to the hiring manager’s desk in video form can potentially received as flat and out of context. The advantage of an actual interview is the opportunity to have the natural flow and ‘give and take’ of a conversation. Video résumés don’t deliver this.
Another thing to consider is that in the American workplace, revealing your age before an interview might actually be a way for hiring managers to make subjective decisions about your ‘value’ to the workplace in the backroom, without having the accountability of having a face-to-face interview. Ageism and bias for many reasons are already a problem, and this could be propagated even further with a video résumé, which can reveal a lot of undesirable things about a person before their credentials are even revealed.
It also opens up employers for legal issues. In an online forum about this issue with MSNBC.com, a poster identifying himself only as “Greg in Texas” said:
“I am an employer and I have no plans to watch a video of any applicant. The issue is of a legal nature. Would someone sue me because I chose a better-looking applicant who was less qualified? A younger applicant who is less qualified? You betcha. I would be hung up in court forever and ever.”
Another thing to consider is the detail involved with producing the video résumé- is there going to be an interviewer, or are you going to just rattle off your background to the camera? How are you going to present the format? Is this going to be a formal production with edits and transitions? Or are you going to try and run the camera without breaks? If you don’t spend the money to get this produced professionally, any attempt to bolster your business image could come off amateurish, and could take you out of the running, let alone ending up on YouTube!
The best way to make yourself stand out from the crowd is to be extremely targeted with your résumé, and take the time to punctuate your accomplishments. Quantify, quantify, quantify. Show your value proposition, and do everything you can in your current employer to add to your skill sets, or if you are currently unemployed, volunteer and take continuing education to show that your résumé has traction and you have value.
Upon first blush, these types of résumés might sound like an ideal way to constructively and convincingly build a case to get hired, but there are some definite down sides to this medium.
Most people are not actors, and posing in front of an unflinching and non-interactive camera isn’t going to bring out the natural flow that happens when you are projecting yourself in an interview. Anything delivered to the hiring manager’s desk in video form can potentially received as flat and out of context. The advantage of an actual interview is the opportunity to have the natural flow and ‘give and take’ of a conversation. Video résumés don’t deliver this.
Another thing to consider is that in the American workplace, revealing your age before an interview might actually be a way for hiring managers to make subjective decisions about your ‘value’ to the workplace in the backroom, without having the accountability of having a face-to-face interview. Ageism and bias for many reasons are already a problem, and this could be propagated even further with a video résumé, which can reveal a lot of undesirable things about a person before their credentials are even revealed.
It also opens up employers for legal issues. In an online forum about this issue with MSNBC.com, a poster identifying himself only as “Greg in Texas” said:
“I am an employer and I have no plans to watch a video of any applicant. The issue is of a legal nature. Would someone sue me because I chose a better-looking applicant who was less qualified? A younger applicant who is less qualified? You betcha. I would be hung up in court forever and ever.”
Another thing to consider is the detail involved with producing the video résumé- is there going to be an interviewer, or are you going to just rattle off your background to the camera? How are you going to present the format? Is this going to be a formal production with edits and transitions? Or are you going to try and run the camera without breaks? If you don’t spend the money to get this produced professionally, any attempt to bolster your business image could come off amateurish, and could take you out of the running, let alone ending up on YouTube!
The best way to make yourself stand out from the crowd is to be extremely targeted with your résumé, and take the time to punctuate your accomplishments. Quantify, quantify, quantify. Show your value proposition, and do everything you can in your current employer to add to your skill sets, or if you are currently unemployed, volunteer and take continuing education to show that your résumé has traction and you have value.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Perils of Social Networking
In our electronically connected society, having an online presence is not only an easy thing to create, but also one that can be highly enjoyable and help us maintain our social connections.
However, caution should be taken when 'putting oneself out there' on the Internet. In a human resource context, prospective employers preparing to make an employment offer can also review online social media as part of the due diligence process on a potential new employee.
Think it doesn't happen that often? Prepare to be startled: A recent article in Computerworld Magazine indicates that now one out of five employers are using social media in the hiring process (http://tinyurl.com/4tkw66). There's even some software out there that aggregates information about people from all of the social media websites and "Googles" you and any other online web pages into one handy dandy little report which lands in the hiring manager's email inbox.
So the cute yet ridiculous photos of you partying it up last weekend or doing anything else that outside of your social network might be perceived as obscene, unprofessional, illegal or offensive should best be left on your computer and not online.
The rule of thumb to ask yourself when posting comments, photos or links is this: Would I be embarrassed about this if a potential employer saw it? If the answer is yes, remove it immediately.
Maintaining a professional online presence can remove any objections a prospective employer can have about hiring you. And they are checking your Facebook and MySpace page, so post with care!
However, caution should be taken when 'putting oneself out there' on the Internet. In a human resource context, prospective employers preparing to make an employment offer can also review online social media as part of the due diligence process on a potential new employee.
Think it doesn't happen that often? Prepare to be startled: A recent article in Computerworld Magazine indicates that now one out of five employers are using social media in the hiring process (http://tinyurl.com/4tkw66). There's even some software out there that aggregates information about people from all of the social media websites and "Googles" you and any other online web pages into one handy dandy little report which lands in the hiring manager's email inbox.
So the cute yet ridiculous photos of you partying it up last weekend or doing anything else that outside of your social network might be perceived as obscene, unprofessional, illegal or offensive should best be left on your computer and not online.
The rule of thumb to ask yourself when posting comments, photos or links is this: Would I be embarrassed about this if a potential employer saw it? If the answer is yes, remove it immediately.
Maintaining a professional online presence can remove any objections a prospective employer can have about hiring you. And they are checking your Facebook and MySpace page, so post with care!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
What Hiring Managers Look For In A Resume
This post has been generously supplied by Ernest White, an experienced human resources professional who has an extensive background in hiring and interviewing, with more than 15 years of broad experience in private and public sectors. His particular expertise is in employee relations, recruitment, diversity, succession planning and organizational development with a dedication to team growth and development.
_________________________________________
When applying for jobs, it is important that you read through the job specs thoroughly before submitting your application. A lot of what employers are actually looking for in their potential new employee is written right in the job description and requirements.
In fact, you should review your résumé against the requirements listed in order to make sure you have covered everything the employer is seeking. If you can address all the requirements by the information in your résumé or in your cover letter, you will be on the right track for getting the job.
However, there is a whole list of skills employers look for that are never spelled out in the job description. These skills are typically referred to as employability skills, which are skills beyond your technical knowledge and qualifications that make you a great professional in your field. But don't panic! You already have employability skills… you just may not think of them as critical for getting a job.
The employability skills have been grouped in eight categories:
1. Communication skills
2. Teamwork skills
3. Problem-solving skills
4. Initiative and enterprise skills
5. Planning and organizing skills
6. Self-management
7. Learning skills
8. Technology skills
Now that you have read the categories, you are thinking to yourself, yes, I have those skills. But did you ever think to list them on the résumé? Most people focus on their professional achievements and responsibilities, and they often skip these skills in favor of those that are job-specific.
However, more and more employers look for these skills in résumés. Your potential employer wants to KNOW that you are a team player, that you communicate well, and will show initiative when needed. While you may think this is implied by your interest in the available position, employers like to see these skills called out on your résumé or cover letter.
The best way to demonstrate these skills is through your experience and under your qualifications. Point out the initiatives you have participated in that required you to work in a team, under a deadline, or as a self-starter. Demonstrate your loyalty through pointing out your accomplishments at an organization and how they benefited your team as a whole (not just you).
You can showcase the employability skills in your cover letter by openly showing your enthusiasm for the available position, stating your commitment to your career objective, indicating your motivation and your integrity, and showing that you are above all un-selfish and credible.
These skills are just as critical to your ability to do a great job as your professional experience and education employers are looking for someone who will be a great fit on their team and in their organization, someone who works well under pressure but also has a sense of humor and has a balance between their personal and professional life.
Review your existing résumé. Does it contain any employability skills? If not, make revisions to incorporate those employability skills you feel you excel in. If you are unsure, ask your friends or family for an objective opinion, so that you can get a better idea of how people around you see you as a person as well as a professional.
Keep these attributes in mind as you compose your résumé and your cover letter, and especially as you are taking part in interviews. These skills can make a difference between knowing how to do a job and being qualified to exceed goals and grow in your career.
_________________________________________
When applying for jobs, it is important that you read through the job specs thoroughly before submitting your application. A lot of what employers are actually looking for in their potential new employee is written right in the job description and requirements.
In fact, you should review your résumé against the requirements listed in order to make sure you have covered everything the employer is seeking. If you can address all the requirements by the information in your résumé or in your cover letter, you will be on the right track for getting the job.
However, there is a whole list of skills employers look for that are never spelled out in the job description. These skills are typically referred to as employability skills, which are skills beyond your technical knowledge and qualifications that make you a great professional in your field. But don't panic! You already have employability skills… you just may not think of them as critical for getting a job.
The employability skills have been grouped in eight categories:
1. Communication skills
2. Teamwork skills
3. Problem-solving skills
4. Initiative and enterprise skills
5. Planning and organizing skills
6. Self-management
7. Learning skills
8. Technology skills
Now that you have read the categories, you are thinking to yourself, yes, I have those skills. But did you ever think to list them on the résumé? Most people focus on their professional achievements and responsibilities, and they often skip these skills in favor of those that are job-specific.
However, more and more employers look for these skills in résumés. Your potential employer wants to KNOW that you are a team player, that you communicate well, and will show initiative when needed. While you may think this is implied by your interest in the available position, employers like to see these skills called out on your résumé or cover letter.
The best way to demonstrate these skills is through your experience and under your qualifications. Point out the initiatives you have participated in that required you to work in a team, under a deadline, or as a self-starter. Demonstrate your loyalty through pointing out your accomplishments at an organization and how they benefited your team as a whole (not just you).
You can showcase the employability skills in your cover letter by openly showing your enthusiasm for the available position, stating your commitment to your career objective, indicating your motivation and your integrity, and showing that you are above all un-selfish and credible.
These skills are just as critical to your ability to do a great job as your professional experience and education employers are looking for someone who will be a great fit on their team and in their organization, someone who works well under pressure but also has a sense of humor and has a balance between their personal and professional life.
Review your existing résumé. Does it contain any employability skills? If not, make revisions to incorporate those employability skills you feel you excel in. If you are unsure, ask your friends or family for an objective opinion, so that you can get a better idea of how people around you see you as a person as well as a professional.
Keep these attributes in mind as you compose your résumé and your cover letter, and especially as you are taking part in interviews. These skills can make a difference between knowing how to do a job and being qualified to exceed goals and grow in your career.
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