The Resume Reconstruction Part I - Get rid of your Objective

Ok, so it’s been ages since I’ve blogged but honestly, it’s been a great 6 month break.  Much needed.  I feel refresh and energized to start blogging again so I hope you’re ready.  I’ve got a bunch of content lined up so it should be fun again...which is always important for me.

Quick update on me before this weeks topic….we are settled quite nicely out here in CA.  It’s farking expensive but the weather, availability of most everything and live at the Mothership it’s hard to complain.   I’m still a boy of the 603 but the 408 isn’t so bad.

With that, I’ve been talking to a lot of recruiter friends (nod to referrer!) and have come to a conclusion...it’s time for a resume revolution.  The whole state of resumes is terrible.  The entire thing is just messed up.  Most of them don’t tell the right story and get good candidates rejected without any conversation.  So, for me, that tells me it’s time to just nuke the whole approach and start fresh.  Let’s start at the top and take a look at the “Objective”.

Honestly, I’ve probably read about a million of these things and for the most part they all suck.  The objective of your resume is to get you a job (or the job).  Period.  End of story.  The objective really isn’t to get you a rewarding and challenging position that blah blah blah blah blah…..it’s to get you the job.

True story, I’ve received SEVERAL resumes where the objective has resulted in an instant reject.  I mean, instant.  Sending a recruiter that says “To find a role at WRONG COMPANY” will get you rejected immediately.  Last one I saw was looking for a role at Amazon….that’s great, I love Amazon but um, I don’t work there.  Trash.

Alright...so I’m not a big fan of just complaining so in lieu of an Objective what should you do?  Here are a few options.

1) Don’t stress it.  Start your resume with your best attribute (Education or Experience) so when a recruiter or manager sees your resume it JUMPS to their attention.  This is always my preference on a resume.

2) Start with a summary of skills or experiences.  I don’t love this to be honest but if you’ve got a bunch of skills/experiences that an employer will really value than sum them up, show them off and then dig into the details later in your resume.

Make sense?  I hope so, my big issue with resumes right now is that they are filled with junk and don’t truly show off what makes a person exceptional….so over the next few posts we’ll blow it up.  I leave on vacation this week but will be posting from parts unknown….until then, enjoy the week

You've Gotta Play to Win - A MegaMillions Career Lesson

Quick topic this week but a good lesson from this weeks crazy MegaMillions drawing and my love of scratch tickets (yep, you read that right)

As everyone knows, the MegaMillions drawing was HUGE...over $600M.  Well, like everyone else I picked up a few tickets and while I was there...I grabbed a few scratch tickets.  Again, I love those things.  I didn’t win...obviously, or this would be a very different blog.  Anyway, the lesson here is you’ve got to play to win.  If you don’t play the lottery, you’ll never win the lottery.  Period.

This lesson is really important when you’re looking for a job or thinking about taking on a new project.  If you don’t try or take a shot...you can be sure you won’t succeed.  Have.To.Try.  Another great way to phrase this comes from Wayne Gretzky who once said “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”

Makes sense...so, my question for you is this….are you taking the shot?  If not, why?

Enjoy the holidays, I’ll be traveling around a bit but will try to write more.  BIG post coming in the new year reflecting on some of my experiences in 2013 so that will be fun.

And finally, my scratch ticket won $10...which I reinvested into another ticket and lost.  My wife, won $100….laughed at me and pocketed her winnings.  That’s fine, I’ll keep taking my shots and it will keep paying off

My take on creative job search tactics

I’ve been hearing a lot of stories lately of people using unique and interesting ways to get recruiters attention.  I figured I’d take a little time to talk about them and give you my take.  I’ll be honest, I’m not really a big fan of this kind of stuff but I’ll try to be impartial.  Anyone who knows me, will tell you I’m more of an old school networker.  I like chatting on the phone or having a beer via G+ Hangout…..get beyond that and honestly I start to twitch.

Anyway, this isn’t about me...this is about you using some off the grid unique ways to get noticed by recruiters or hiring managers.  With that...here we go:

Running ads with your name on them -  This one was pretty popular a few years back and there were a ton of examples.  Apparently this worked and it became pretty popular but I never really understood the appeal.  It’s a little too shotgun approach for me, although optimizing and targeting the ads definitely helps.  The example I posted cost $150 which if you think about it is a great deal.  I don’t hate this approach, but when I see ads like this targeted towards me I always think they are spam and I just ignore them.

Making your resume look like a product or web page - This one has been popular for a while and will probably continue to be popular.  This particular post is a great example if you’re looking for one.  From my perspective, this is a good idea if you’re early in your career or in the market for a creative job.  A few candidates through the years have sent this kind of resume to me and I always enjoy checking the creativity.

Video Resume - I’m a sucker for the video blog, especially this one.  They haven’t really taken off but some places ask for them and there are a lot of good examples out there as well.  Done right, a video resume is a great way to show off your skills and personality for a potential employer.  You want to make sure use good quality video and have a well scripted plan to develop a professional video.

Creating personal action figures - Ok, last one. A coworker sent me this blog last week and I have to admit I love the idea.  I looked into making “Jeff Moore - Recruiter” action figures but kind the cost scared me off….I’ll keep researching.  Anyway, I think this is a cool idea but is potentially pretty expensive.  If you are in the toy industry or another creative role, this could really get you a great job.  For me, I just think having my own action figure would be fun :)

Alright, so there are a few thoughts...obviously, I’m only one data point and every recruiter is different.  Doing something creative can be a great way to get noticed but you’ve got to make sure whatever you do reflects your personality and your voice.

Good luck out there and if you find another other examples please share as I’ve love to see other examples.

Your priorities define you...

Happy holidays everyone!  Hope things are going well.  It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged but I really wanted to share something.  I had an interview this week and the candidate made a comment to me that I really loved, I mean….loved.  They said:

“The priorities we set define us”

It got me thinking, for those of you experience a job search or thinking about moving your career needle...what kind of priorities have you set?  Now, the idea of priorities is pretty complicated and honestly only you can set your priorities but I did spend a lot of time thinking about this and had a few thoughts I wanted to share

Rank your priorities - This one is obvious right?  The question really is, do you want to be the best parent in the world?  Best recruiter?  Does money matter?  Do you work to live or live to work?  Literally, there are a bunch of things to consider.  What you need to do is figure out what really matters to you...define it and then optimize your more tactical priorities from there.

Set sub-goals - Ok, so you have your high level priorities set.  Awesome...huge step and most people never get there so feel good about this.  Next, start trying to define what each one of those priorities really means and what you need to do to accomplish them….and be realistic.  

Build a timeline - You’ve got your priorities set and you’ve got a bunch of tactical steps you need to take to accomplish your goals...now you need a timeline.  The timeline will keep you honest and make you focus.  A key here again will be to be realistic.  For example, you can’t say you are going to interview for 50 jobs in the next month...not enough days in the month.  So, really focus on setting a timeline that you can work with and get things accomplished.

Get going - This is the most important step.  Get going and get it done.  The difference between superstars and everyone else is superstars get stuff done.  Now is the time to define yourself by not only setting priorities but getting them done.

That’s it this week, I’ll try to get a few more posts done by the end of the year and start strong again in 2014.

Good luck out there, the holidays are a GREAT time to amp up your job search

Should you move for a job? Maybe....

As my loyal readers know, I recently moved out to the Bay Area for my new role with Google.  Honestly, a year ago if you told me I’d be living in California I’d have said you were crazy..no way.  Well, things happen in life that make you change plans.  Sometimes its easy, sometimes it’s not so easy.  Regardless there ARE times when it makes sense to move for a job.  Let me explain a few times when packing up and moving is the right call:

The opportunity - This is reason #1 and #2 you move for a job.  You move for opportunities.  If you can’t find a job that’s even close to as interesting as the one you’d move for….take it and go.  You know how I feel about having a “career” as opposed to a job so if opportunity knocks get it done.

The adventure - This can go hand and hand with the point above, but the location matters.  For example, moving to California or Europe or some other moderately exotic location can be a great adventure….whereas you could have a great job but if it’s in Timbuktu you might want to think twice before taking the job.

The team - Sometimes a team is worth moving for and uprooting your life.  If you can find a “Dream Team” that will really grow your career and teach you all kinds of Jedi skills...do it. The team is the most important part of any opportunity so honestly this can make the whole thing worth it.

The cash - Now, you’ll notice this is pretty far down the list.  Moving only for the cash is crazy, bad bad idea because money can’t truly buy happiness.  Yeah, yeah, it can come close but it’s not the only factor in life.  That being said, I’m not stupid and neither should you be when it comes to moving for a job.  The cash matters.  Can you afford to live there?  Will the comp move you into that next level?  Again, it matter but it’s not the only thing.

Well, there you go..a few quick thoughts on relocating for a job.  You know how I feel about having a career, but the it’s bigger than that.  Life is an adventure and every once in awhile it makes sense to spice it up.

More soon, but good luck out there...the job market still sucks so try to keep focused on your longer term goals.

Living on a Prayer - Recruiting Advice from Bon Jovi

Alright, hope everyone is doing well.  As some of you know...I’m on vacation back east.  Spending a bunch of time off the grid in Maine or New Hampshire.  We did however venture out to see Bon Jovi in concert.  It was pretty awesome, nevermind the fact that the J. Giles Band opened....it was great to see Bon Jovi and relive my 80’s metal days.  As such, I wanted to write a quick blog with a few recruiting/career inspiration from Bon Jovi.  Now, before you make fun of me....most of the lyrics are from older tunes in the catalog...what can I say, I’m getting old.

Ok, here you go....

Rainy night and the worked all day, We both got jobs cause there’s bills to play, We got something they can’t take away, Our love, our lives - Born to Be My Baby

We’ve all had these days right?  Rainy day?  Daylight Savings Time?   Let’s face it, everyone has a day that just sucks.  But at the end of the day, remember.....work to live, not live to work.  It’s really important to walk away, get home and enjoy life.  If you can’t do that...its time for a new job.  Trust me, it’s happened to me and I’m a better man for it.

Take you higher than you’ve ever known - In and Out of Love

I’m pretty sure this lyric is about sex in the original song....but that’s not the topic here.  This line really makes me think of mentors....at your job or externally a great mentor will help you get higher than you every dreamed in your career.  Don’t have a mentor?  Find a few immediately....

Faith: you know you’re gonna live thru the rain

Lord you got to keep the faith

Faith: don’t let your love turn to hate

Right now we got to...Keep the faith - Keep the Faith

Pretty simple message here....through the tough times and rough days...keep the faith and focus on getting your job done.  If you can’t....maybe it’s time to look around for something better.

Right now the rules we made are meant for breaking - Lay your hands on me

This line is definitely about sex but I guess this is what I get for a Bon Jovi themed blog....honestly though..this is a great line.   Rules are meant for breaking....sometimes, not all the time.  The key is knowing when to ask for forgiveness or permission.....great employees bend rules or break rules when the need to do the right thing for the business.....just think twice :)

Tommy used to work on the docks

Union’s been on strike, He’s down on his luck...it’s tough, so tough

Gina works the diner all day, Working for her man, she brings home her pay

For love - for love - Living on a Prayer

Obviously a great song, one of the best.  The moral here?  You’ll have ups and downs through your career but you’ve got to keep working to bring home the bacon for the family (or retirement, or whatever)

Never say goodbye, never say goodbye

You and me and my old friends

Hoping it would never end - Never Say Goodbye

Insert “Jeff Moore always tells me to network in his blog” comments here......

Well now that we’re together

Show me what you can do - Raise your hands

Great line here, and a great moral for your career.  Once you get the job...you’re like 10% done.  Once you are there, you’ve got to produce.  Get it done.

It’s all the same, only the names will change

Everyday it seems we’re wasting away

Another place where the faces are so cold

I’d drive all night just to get back home - Wanted Dead or Alive

My favorite Bon Jovi tune by far, so good.  This one made me think of having a long commute.  Man, nothing sucks more than a long commute.  I’ve got a short one now so I’m spoiled but meh....I’d drive all night to get home.  Think of that next time you take a job, go on an interview or transfer locations....a crappy commute can ruin your job.

Ok, that’s it for tonight.....I might write a few more this week, we’ll see.....lots of ideas the question will be motivation!

Good luck out there

A few thoughts on having a great career and loving it

By the time I post this, I'll be moved to the Bay Area…crazy, but excited by the challenge.  This blog is one that I'm excited to write, @TedVessenes commented on a recent post of mine about finding something you love for a job..even better, having a career.  Ironically, I've been thinking a ton of the top of not only doing something you love for work but also moving beyond "jobs" and into having a career plan/trajectory.  It's probably a book, but who am I kidding I've got no time to write a book at this point.

So, a few thoughts on finding something you love and doing it for a career.  No matter where you are in your career…hopefully you'll be able to take a few of these nuggets with you.

1) It's hard…like, really hard to have a great career - Honestly, how many people do you know who've had a spotless beautiful and amazing career?  I'm guessing not that many.  Why? Because it's hard.  In order to have a great career you've got to work on it all the time and focus not only on kicking ass today…..but how to prepare yourself to kick more ass in the future.  Tough stuff. But, eventually you can figure it out.  I don't think I realized I truly loved recruiting until about 7 years ago.  I always enjoyed it and the checks clear if you know what I mean……but now, I'm a recruiter and it defines me.

2) Your early aspirations likely won't matter in the long haul - You probably won't hear this advice in the Career Services office but most likely what you "think" you wanted to be when you grow up ….will be very different from the "real" you that you'll become.  I went to school wanting to be a teacher….got into politics and wanted to be a lobbyist….and have been recruiting for 15 years.  In 1998, I had no idea what a recruiter was or why anyone in their right mind would want to be one.  Unless you have a VERY specific education or training….your career is likely going to be a wild ride.  Buckle up and enjoy…no doubt it will be crazy.

3) Passion comes in many shapes and sizes - In order to have a great and fulfilling career you need to do something you love. Well, maybe.  I mean, sure I'd love to have a career based on listening to heavy metal and watching football……but it's not likely to happen.  Thankfully, I love helping people with their career and pushing the envelope of recruiting…but work is work and metal is metal to me.  I honestly think you can have a great career doing something you enjoy, but doesn't have to be the ultimate passion of your life.  It helps, don't get me wrong…..but as long as you can do something you enjoy and do it well you can have a great career.

4) Jobs are for suckers - When I write a book, this will be the title because it's true.  Look, everyone needs a "job"….but if your looking at a job as an "end" you're a sucker.  Jobs are experiences and each experience should in theory lead you to a better NEXT job.  Fifty years ago, you took a job at a company and they took care of you for life….those days are over.  Figure out what you want your career to look like….and then get jobs at move you along that path.  Simple advice that will change your life.

4)  Bad experience, is eventually good experience - Every now and again you have to have a crappy experience to really appreciate the good ones.  I've seen a lot of crazy stuff in my career, but honestly some of my failures and train wreck experiences have made me stronger and better than I was before.  You don't want your whole career to be one crap experience after another…..but every now and again a little does of WTF will help you grow.

5) Coworkers matter - Your coworkers are ridiculously important when it comes to long term career success.  Why?  Two things..first they'll teach you new things and push you to do better.  Working in a vacuum will never get you to the next level, only great coworkers will do that.  Second….your current coworkers are likely to lead you to your next job.  Anyone who's read this blog before knows how much I preach the gospel of networking……your current awesome coworkers are tomorrows invaluable networking connections.

6) Company culture matters even more - I've had the luxury of working in some of the best corporate cultures in my career..and some that were not so the best.  A great culture will really help you achieve great things and enjoy your career.  A great culture pushes you to succeed but understands when you fail.  A great culture rewards strong performers and ruthlessly gets rid of bad behavior.  A great culture values you as a person and respects your work/life balance.   When you find a great culture, and a great team….doing work you love….you are in the zone to really focus on your career and get things going in the right direction. 

7)  If your job sucks or doesn't align with your career goals…..get a new one - Life is too short to be miserable at work.  I've said it once and I'll say it again…..don't settle for "ok" or "fine"….don't settle for a crap job and keep looking until you find one you love that helps you accomplish your carer goals.

That's it for this post, sorry if it's a little scattered……writing on a plane is not a personal strength!

Fun. Recruiting! Recruiting advice from the album "Some Nights"

Another one of my musical themed blogs.  Now, some of my loyal readers are probably thinking...”Wow, Jeff listens to pop music” instead of my normal hard rock or metal....well yeah, I like a little pop every now and again :)

I won’t get into too much of an overview of the band, because by now Fun. is one of the biggest new bands around and their album “Some Nights” is REALLY popular.  Anyway...I love it and honestly find it to be really inspiring.  It’s a great, album and if you give it a listen...I think you’ll find some job search/career inspiration too.  With that...Fun. Recruiting Advice:

Give me a second I need to get my story straight - We Are Young

Ok, simple lesson here...before you go on an interview make sure you are prepared. You’d be shocked at how many candidates don’t prep and bomb the interview.  Don’t be that guy.

Ten years of this, I’m not sure anyone understands - Some Nights

I love this line, and think it’s pretty relevant to a lot of people.  Sometimes you feel like no one really understands the work you do.  That sucks.  Don’t fall into this trap.  Take time to celebrate your work and make sure that you’re not the only one who appreciates your work.

Why don’t we break the rules already?  Some Nights

Ahhhhh.....one of my favorite topics. Rules are in place for a reason, gotta follow them.  However, sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.  So, every now and again break a rule.  Get shit done and clean up the broken glass later. Got it?

If you’re lost and alone or you’re sinking like a stone...carry on - Carry On

Yeah, so if you ever find yourself feeling like this at work?  Carry on out to a new job.  Seriously, life is too short to be miserable and getting depressed at work.  If you’re feeling lost and alone...get a new job.

We are shining stars, we are invincible, we are who we are - Carry On

No real recruiting lesson here but this makes me think of some of the teams I’ve managed, especially the one I manage now.  Superstars think they can do anything and get any task accomplished....so, if you’re as good as you think you are.....you’re invincible.

For once I feel like I belong - Why Am I The One

This is really about workplace culture.  When you find a place that really truly fits your personality.....stick with it.  Great cultures are hard to find and you should cherish your time working somewhere with a great culture.

Why can’t you see that no one is going to save us - Stars

Probably my favorite lyric for this blog.  Lets face it, for your career...you are the only person that has responsibility for your path.  You’ve got to always be thinking about #1 and making sure that you’re happy and enjoying what you do.

That’s it this week...I’ve been out in California getting to learn my new role so it’s been a little busy.  Lots of more content soon.  Good luck out there!

Spring cleaning and your career

With this whole moving to California thing I’ve been doing a lot of cleaning and getting ready for the move.  I was walking around outside today and was totally shocked at how beautiful it was...one of those epic spring days.  Anyway, the nice weather and cleaning really got me thinking about how you can apply a little spring cleaning to your career.  With that, here are a few thoughts on cleaning up your career:

Get a new job - Duh...what better way to clean things up than to get a new job and start fresh.  This is probably the most dramatic move right?  But hey, sometimes you’ve got to do the dramatic

Switch roles or take on a new project - Sometimes it doesn’t always make sense to get a new job...for whatever reason.  So, switch roles or find a new project.  There are lots of ways to refresh your career and a new challenge might be just the right idea.

Hire an intern - That’s right, no way to get things cleaned up and refreshed than to hire an intern.  This will make you responsible for someone else and force you to come up with cool work for them to do while they intern for you.

Take a class - You can never lose by getting more education.  I’m not saying you should go get your PhD or anything...but picking up a class or two and learning some new skills is a great way to clean up your career.

Volunteer somewhere - You didn’t think I’d say this did you?  Well, a GREAT way to clean up your career is to start volunteering and exploring your passion.  For a lot of us, work is work...and that sucks.  If you can find a volunteer gig or opportunity to help a group you're passionate about you may find it evolves into a new career path....and, it will feel great.

Get a new mentor - Mentors are some of the most important people in your life.  If you don’t have  a mentor, get one...if you don’t have three or four mentors....get a few more.  You’ll find great mentors can help steer you to greater things in your career.  Now...go get them now!

That’s it for today, I’ll try to write more later but the posts might be kind of sporadic until I get out to the Bay Area...but, I am going to be doing a few guest posts for Brazen Careerist so when those go live I’ll make sure to post links.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Recruiting lessons from the Elvis Dumervil fiasco

The story of Elvis Dumervil, has gotten a lot of press lately...but no one has really discussed it as a great example of a few things you can learn during your job search.  You can find a full description of what happened here, but basically the came to a verbal agreement with the Denver Broncos but didn’t get the paperwork to the NFL league offices in time...so they cut him, making him a free agent and likely costing him several million dollars.

So, what can we as job seekers or recruiters learn from Elvis Dumervil?

Get it in Writing - I’ve said this for years and I’ll say it for as long as I recruit.  Until the deal is in writing....it’s not a deal.  The old phrase “It’s not worth the paper it’s written on” comes to mind as people say things all the time, at the end of the day, a verbal agreement won’t hold up.

Deadlines Matter - Apparently the team and Dumervil’s agent were supposed to come to an agreement by 2pm EDT.......that didn’t happen, the paperwork was like seven minutes late and the deal expired.  When a company or recruiter tells you a deadline, stick to it......if not, you could find yourself wondering what happened to your offer.

Brinkmanship Fails -  The biggest lesson for me is that both parties here, the Broncos and Dumervil played a game of chicken and both of them lost.  Rather than sitting down and hammering out a deal, the waited until the very last minute and the whole thing fell apart over logistics.  When you’re negotiating an offer, just suck it up and get it done.  Games of brinksmanship end up being a lose-lose and that’s not way to start a new job.

Keep an eye on this story, it will be interesting to see how it ends.  This move has cost the Broncos about $4M.....what will it cost Dumervil?  Stay tuned as it’s going to be fascinating to watch.

More soon and good luck out there....

The problem with saying you'll do anything

Request from a friend and a recruiter “pet peeve” blog this week.   The topic...the problem with saying “I’ll do anything” in the interview.  As recruiters we hear it all the time when we ask candidates what they want to do...and honestly, nothing can be more frustrating to hear during the interview.

The issue really is that when you are interviewing for a job, not only is the company trying to evaluate you...but you’re trying to evaluate THEM too.  Saying you’ll “do anything” sounds great in theory but in reality it confuses the situation and makes evaluating the fit for a job almost impossible.  Here are two quick points to really show what I mean:

1) For you - Like I said above, the interview is as much your opportunity to evaluate the company is it is their chance to evaluate you.  So, saying you’ll do anything doesn’t really allow you to ask the right questions to evaluate the job.  A better thing to do is to say EXACTLY what you like to do and then make sure the role matches your interests.  Being upfront and expressing your interests allows you to openly and honestly see if the role is a fit for you.  Being “open” seems like a good idea in theory, but really does you a disservice.

2) For the company - For the company it’s a little different...basically, things can go two different ways.  The first way...they think you don’t know what you’re looking for and reject you.  The second way...they think you’re a GREAT fit for a role, make you an offer...and then you realize you don’t like the role.  Basically, it’s a lose lose....

So, next time you’re in an interview avoid saying you’ll do anything and be upfront and honest with the interviewer.  It might seem like a great answer but honestly you’ll be much happier in the long run explaining your interests and find a job that makes you happy.

Why every team needs an Avery Bradley

I talk a lot in this blog about the importance of the team, a lot of it is admittedly focused on hiring superstars.  And, as we all know hiring superstars is so easy.......um right, no it’s tough.  So, in this post I want to draw an analogy for you that will I think make a lot of sense.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley....chances are you’ve never heard of him but you’re very familiar with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce or Rajon Rondo.  Bradley? Who?  Well...let me show you a few stats from the Boston Globe:

In the Celtics’ first 30 games this season without Bradley, when he was rehabbing his shoulders, the team’s defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) was 102.1, the 13th-best mark in the NBA at that time.

But in the 27 games since Bradley has returned, the Celtics’ defensive rating has skyrocketed to 97.2, the second-best mark in the league...

Read that again.  One guy, one undersized 22 year old guard take the Celtics from a middle of the road defensive team, into an elite defensive team.  One dude.  The implications for those of us recruiting, hiring or building teams is huge.  It’s not necessarily about building a team of stars....it’s about building a team with a few stars (KG, PP, Rondo etc) and surrounding them with players that EVERYONE better.  No one will be driving Bradley to the Hall of Fame for what he does...but what he does makes Hall of Fame players better.

So,my question to you is this.  Do you have an Avery Bradley on your team?  If not, you should.  What would a workplace version of Avery Bradley look like you say?  Here are a few traits:

- A world class expertise in one very specific skill.  For Bradley, it’s defense

- That skill....rubs off on the team and make everyone better.  For the Celtics, it’s “team defense”

- Energy.  Watch this video and you’ll notice Bradley never stops.  His teammates call him the “pit-bull”......that energy is infectious and makes everyone play harder.

So, there you go....when you’re building a team hire as many superstars as you can (see the Heat, Miami) but make sure you supplement them with high energy specialists that make everyone better.

Until next time......good luck out there.

My Campus Playbook - What to do if you miss the career fair

As the spring college recruiting season starts to kick into high gear, it got me thinking a bit about two things.  First, are these fairs worth it for students?  And secondly, what do you do if you’re a student who can’t make it....well, here we go.

Are career fairs worth it?  Without a doubt these fairs are worth it if you are a student looking for a job.  Tons of companies and recruiters descend on campus to hire as many students as the can....it’s really a no brainer for you to attend.  If nothing else, it’s great interview practice to talk to so many companies over the course of a few hours.

What do you do if you can’t make it?  Now this is a bit more complicated b/c a lot of companies view career fairs as their primary recruiting vehicle on campus.  So...you’ve got to have a plan.  Here is what I’d do....

1) Ask your friends for connections - Chances are you’ve got a friend who attended the fair and met a ton of folks.  Ask them if they don’t mind either sharing names of people they met...or even pass out your resume to a few places for you.  Most companies are hiring for multiple roles so no fear of competition here so your friends should be a great asset.

2)  Ask your professors - Professors are great connections for you.  They have former students that work at great companies and in many cases may have worked in industry before becoming a professor.  They’ll likely be able to connect you with a few alumni too.

3) Go to Career Services or the Alumni Office - Schools have these offices for a reason...so use them.  Now, don’t show up expecting a job...go there with a plan.  Ask for company contacts or lists of alumni that have registered themselves with the school.  Basically, these offices should be able to provide you with enough leads to jumpstart your career.

4)  Start Networking via LinkedIn - The sooner you start your LinkedIn profile the better but get that going and start reaching out to folks who might help.  Research companies, groups, alumni associations, anything really that might help you find a cool gig.  There is no such thing as too aggressive when using LinkedIn for a job search

5) Ask your parents - Huh? What?  I bet you didn’t expect this one but it’s true.  You really have no clue who your parents know...sure you know a few of their friends but your parents likely have a big network of folks they can tap for you.....the trick is asking and making sure they realize you need help.  So, suck it up and ask mom/dad for some advice you might be surprised at what comes back.

Hope this helps, missing a college career fair should be fatal to your search...you just have to work a little harder.

Good luck out there, let me know if I can help!