A Successful Job Search Is An Organized Job Search

When it comes to a job search, organizing your time equals money. An extended job search will cost you, so planning and prioritizing each hour of each day in conjunction with a well-created strategy for your search makes all the difference. I have come up with a few recommendations that draw from personal experiences shared with me by job seekers who organized every facet of their job searches, and subsequently had tremendous success doing so.

1. Define a space where you will establish your “headquarters,” but not where you will spend all of your time conducting your search. Sitting behind a computer screen all day and applying to any and all jobs you can find posted is not a productive use of your time, nor is it in line with the strategy successful job seekers are using to secure positions today. Contrary to what others may say, get out of that chair and out of that house and network! Meet a colleague for lunch or coffee, join professional associations and attend meetings, and conduct informational interviews with professionals in your industry. Connect with fellow alumni, and find a great place to volunteer. In today’s competitive job market, you cannot assume that the calls will be streaming in by simply posting your resume online. In fact, in my opinion posting your resume online is one of the worst things you can do. You need to be proactive, and connect with people as much as possible. Aside from briefly scanning new jobs posted online (use Indeed.com), the bulk of your designated online time is best spent on networking sites such as LinkedIn.

2. Once you have a defined strategy and headquarters, make sure you organize and keep track of all interactions so that you are as productive as possible. Whether that be by using a calendar, holding physical business cards, or utilizing an electronic system for organizing your contacts and job leads, the important thing is that you find the method that works for you and implement it. Some people do well with handwritten lists while others use spreadsheets. Still others use color-coded files. How you choose to do so is far less important than actually carrying it out.

3. Set aside defined times. Treat your job search as you would a full-time job. If you want to break it up in periods throughout the day, that’s fine. If you want to work a straight 8 hours, that is fine too. The importance of defining set times is so that you avoid wasting it on things that will not get you to that job any quicker.

4. Set weekly and attainable goals, and measure your success. The method you choose to document and track your goals is of no consequence, as long as you do it. It really is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer recording their goals in an Excel spreadsheet, while others favor a personal planner. You could track them in your iPhone, or in a spiral notebook. The most important thing is to keep them all in one place. The next step is to choose a day and time to list your weekly goals, and to evaluate the attainment of goals from the previous week. This is imperative because only by analyzing your prior activity will you be able to make modifications or alterations to your plan. I have found it works best to keep that day and time consistent each week so that it becomes a habit. Lastly, make your goals realistic. Goals that are set too high will inevitably produce feelings of failure, and keeping a positive attitude is vital to a successful job search. And don’t forget, it is okay to reward yourself once attaining your goals. Having something to look forward to is a big component of staying motivated.

The Professor Who Insisted on a One-Page, Typed Resume On Strathmore Paper….In 2010

 

A while back I had a recent college graduate relate a story to me about a professor he had while taking a writing class. It came time for the assignment of writing a resume, and the professor was insistent that the length of each student’s resume be no longer than one page, and absolutely no longer. Anyone who exceeded this length would fail the assignment. He went on further to state in no uncertain terms that the typing was to be nicely centered on Strathmore pure cotton watermark paper, and the watermark was to be face-up and readable in accordance with the print of the resume. Doing otherwise would also be grounds for receiving a zero on the assignment.

Using watermark paper and a typewriter was the norm in 1980, but this candidate wasn’t even born yet in 1980, and the incident took place in 2010. Obviously this professor had not kept up very well with changes in technology, or in hiring processes as a whole. Now while I have no way of actually verifying the facts of the story, the points illustrated are valid. From time to time I still hear from candidates that they kept their resumes to one page because someone told them that was the way it should be. 9 times out of 10 that someone is not in a position to be in the know. The simple truth is that times have changed. Professionals are changing careers or industries more often, and the competition among job applicants is heightened. Limiting yourself to a one-page resume based on the norm decades ago is just plain stupid.

The most important elements that constitute an effective resume are in displaying your relevant skills, personality and background……period. If you have conveyed everything that you need to, and it ends up at a single page, so be it. There is no reason to add unrelated filler just to make it two pages. But if you are leaving off important information merely to adhere to an arbitrary rule someone told you 20 years ago, you are doing yourself a disservice. The best of the best among the applicants in your job pool will have done a wonderful job on paper of demonstrating the significant skills and background to correlate directly with the position. I can tell you from experience that 98% of these resumes also exceed one page.

It is true that in certain industries such as IT and engineering, resumes can run as long as five or six pages. But keep in mind the reason is because often there are a plethora of projects to show as well, and there is a valid reason to do so. There are also a handful of industries, including creative fields where a one-page resume is still the standard. But across the board the norm today is two to three pages; optimally I would try to keep it to two, but for higher-level professionals it often goes to three. The reality is if I or anyone else in a hiring position were to eliminate resumes that exceeded one page, then we would be left with a very minute applicant pool. Ask yourself this question: do you really think that any HR professional is going to rule out top talent simply because their resumes are longer than a page when the goal is to find and attract the top talent?

What Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs and some Job Seekers have in Common

 

While I was a graduate school student at Notre Dame, I took advantage of numerous opportunities on weekends to make the 90-minute drive with friends from South Bend to Chicago to watch the Cubs play at Wrigley Field. Admittedly I have never been a Cubs fan, but watching a game at Wrigley Field is a unique experience, and unlike being at a baseball game at any other stadium.

Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is known for its ivy covered brick outfield wall, hand turned scoreboard, and unusual wind patterns blowing in off of Lake Michigan. The most recognizable image is the iconic art deco style red marquee adorning the stadium wall directly over the main entrance with the famous expression, "Wrigley Field, Home of Chicago Cubs.” It is the second oldest major league stadium still in operation next to Fenway Park, and has the distinction as the last major league park to have lights installed for play after dark (lights were installed on 8/8/88). Prior to games you can find dozens of fans standing outside the park on Waveland Avenue waiting for batting practice home runs to be hit over the wall, and if you stay until the 7^th inning stretch you will be treated to the traditional singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" started by Hall of Fame announcer Harry Caray in 1982. To say that Wrigley Field is rich with tradition and history is still an understatement.

I have watched games inside Wrigley Field from numerous vantage points around the stadium; the bleachers, 1^st base and 3^rd base lines, upper deck, and even a few rows directly behind home plate. What I started to find interesting was that no matter where I sat, there seemed to be a prevailing theme among a number of Cubs fans; they expected the worse. The Cubs could be up 7 runs going into the top of the 9^th inning, and there was always at least a faction of fans who expected that somehow, someway, the Cubs would manage to find a way to lose. This mindset was completely new to me, as I had never experienced anything quite like it. Why did so many fans have this attitude of pessimism, and where did it come from?

A quick look at the history of the Cubs provides a glimpse of where a lot of this gloomy outlook stems. The Cubs are known as the “lovable losers,” a title that is due in part to having not won a World Series since 1908. In fact, the Cubs have not even been to a World Series since 1945. It was in game 4 of that series that the Curse of the Billy Goat was laid upon the Cubs when P.K. Wrigley, the Cubs owner, ejected Billy Sianis, a fan who had come to the game with two box seat tickets; one was for him and the other was for his goat. Upon his ejection, a livid Mr. Sianis uttered, "the Cubs, they ain't gonna win no more." The Cubs went on to lose game 4, and the World Series in seven games. From that point forward, the Cubs experienced a down slide, often finishing with a losing record and nowhere near contention for a pennant. That was until 1969 when the Cubs got off to a hot start and looked destined to have a legitimate shot at the postseason. Well, it was that way until on September 9^th in a game against the Mets at Shea Stadium. A fan released a black cat onto the field, and the Cubs sputtered down the stretch. To this day many fans still attribute this incident as the cause of the subsequent collapse, an as further reinforcement of the validity of the “curse.”

It was not until 1984 that Cubs made the postseason again, this time against the San Diego Padres. The Cubs stormed out to a 2-0 lead in the best of five series only to see the Padres win three straight and represent the National League in the World Series. The painful part for Cubs fans was that the Cubs led 3–0 in the sixth inning only to watch the game, and series, blown on a critical error by first baseman Leon Durham. It would be nearly 20 years until the Cubs posed a serious threat as a World Series contender.

In 2003, the stars seemed to finally be aligning for the Cubs. After winning the divisional post-season series against the Atlanta Braves, the Cubs found themselves matched against the Florida Marlins with a trip to the World Series on the line. The Cubs took a 3-1 series lead before dropping game 5. But the Cubs had aces Mark Prior and Kerry Wood slated to start games 6 and 7 (if necessary), both at Wrigley. The scene on that chilly October night was electric. An estimated 200,000 packed the streets outside Wrigley Field, and thousands more packed into local bars around the park, in anticipation of witnessing a Cubs World Series berth. And it looked good, as the Cubs took a 3 run lead into the 8^th inning, with just five outs separating them and their first trip to the World Series since 1945. And then it happened. With one out, a fan by the name of Steve Bartman attempted to catch a foul ball hit by the Marlins that Cub left fielder Moisés Alou was also attempting to catch to record the second out. Bartman knocked down the ball, Alou was infuriated (as were most Cub fans in attendance), and the inning continued. After a walk, an uncharacteristic a booted ground ball by Shortstop Alex S. Gonzalez occurred that if played cleanly, could have ended the inning with a double play. It didn’t though, and the floodgates opened. The Marlins ended up scoring eight runs in the inning, and went on to win the game. I was in the MBA student lounge at Notre Dame watching the events as they unfolded along with a group of some 20 or so students. And once again, the pessimism immediately set in with Cubs fans among us once the Bartman incident took place. And like a self-fulfilling prophecy, the Cubs unraveled. It was one of the most unbelievable meltdowns I had ever witnessed, and the Cub fans almost seemed to spur it along. The Cubs still had game 7, but after taking an early lead in a back and forth game, the Marlins prevailed and went on to win the World Series against the New York Yankees (making it even more painful for Cub fans who watched their team disintegrate against the eventual champion, a team they should have beat). I hadn’t put much stock into the “curse” prior to October 14, 2003, but after witnessing everything that transpired that night I became a believer.

I can’t help but draw a connection between the attitude of Cubs fans expecting to lose, and the prevailing result. In my opinion, this pessimism doesn’t just have a little to do with the results; it has EVERYTHING to do with it. If you expect to lose, you are going to lose. A defeatist attitude cannot generate success. This same defeatist attitude is one that I see sometimes among job seekers. And without fail, those who expect they won’t get the job don’t. Those who convince themselves they won’t have a chance against the other interviewees not coincidentally end up not having a chance. Just as some Cub fans, the more negatively job seekers think about their job searches, the more they fail.

My advice in one word: STOP!

Talking from experience, I can tell when interviewees are defeated. Most of the time it is worn right on their sleeves. If you walk into an interview with little to no confidence, or expecting to not get the position, guess what – you aren’t going to get the job. If you find yourself in this same predicament, take steps to remedy the situation. I won’t pretend that I have a solution that is a “cure all” for everyone; every person responds differently to situations. What I can suggest however are some ideas from another post that have worked for others: Join a job search support group;focus on smaller steps; seek out social activities; seek out inspiration;volunteer.

Let me share an experience I wrote about previously, but that is highly applicable in this discussion (post here). I have a close colleague who I met for lunch one Friday afternoon. He had been laid off from a position as a Financial Reporting Manager for a Fortune 1000 company three months prior, and after a long and tumultuous effort to find a new job without success had all but thrown in the towel. It was apparent in his attitude that the negative effects of being unemployed and not having had any success in his job search had taken it’s toll. Instead of being confident in interviews, he approached them with self-defeat. How could he ever expect to land a job when he didn’t believe in himself?

His problem was not that he lacked credentials, accolades or experience. His problem was that he was wallowing in self-pity and self-defeat. It was as plain and easy for the interviewers to see as the words on his resume. I tried my best to give him a motivational talk, and suggested he go to the nearest bookstore and buy a copy of “The Power of Positive Thinking.” It could have been any of a number of books, and by no means am I promoting that exclusively (although I have seen many people thrive after reading it and acting upon its precepts). I knew though he needed something that would inject a dose of positivism into his outlook. If he was going to change his dismal outlook on his job prospects, he needed to first change his attitude, and leave the self-defeat behind.

On a Friday morning exactly 2 weeks later, I received a string of texts from him on my way in to the office. That very week he had been offered 3 jobs, and was on his way to accept one of them at that moment. He told me he let go of every negative thing that had been holding him back, tried to be positive, and it was as if suddenly a magnetic force was attracting hiring managers and recruiters to him.

Magnets work because they have a magnetic field. The end that points in the North is called the North Pole of the magnet, and the end that points South is called the South Pole of the magnet. Like magnetic poles repel each other, whereas unlike poles attract each other. If you are mired in self-defeat, you’re repelling people in a position to give you a job. If your magnet is steered in a positive direction, you will likewise see incredible results. It may not happen overnight, or in a week, or even in a month. But if you stay the course, it will happen, and you will be sharing your success story with others to inspire them. And it could happen for the Cubs too, but the defeatist attitude among some fans will have to change.

*(unfortunately at the time of posting this article, the Cubs have started the 2012 campaign off at 4-12; dead last in terms of record thus far in the National League, and only the Royals at 3-12 have a worse record in all of baseball…….looks like we’ll have to wait until 2013 to break the dreaded curse)

Building Rapport During Interviews Through Sports

I have conducted enough interviews by now to realize that most people on the other end of the line or chair on the opposite side of the table experience at least some nerves in varying degrees. This is absolutely normal, especially until the ice is broken and apprehensions are eased. Once and interviewee feels a bit more comfortable, and some rapport is built, the remainder of the interview is a breeze. The question for many interviewees though is how to break the ice initially and establish that connection?

I have found that the world of sports provides a popular set of topics that most people can relate to. One reason why is become something new happens every day, and fresh topics are always available. Unlike some potentially controversial topics such as politics or religion, sports are an avenue that most people view as entertainment and an outlet from the doldrums of everyday life. Honestly, I have to admit that in addition to building an instant rapport, there is just a likeability factor about people who follow sports.

When conducting interviews, I almost inevitably find myself bringing up something sports related with regard to the football or basketball team at the college the candidate graduated from, or about a professional team in the city in which they live. Part of my job as an interviewer is to help the individual being interviewed feel at ease, and if I can find a topic related to sports that helps him/her relax and move the mind away from anxiety for a few moments, then what I will learn during the course of the interview will be that much greater. This is turn helps me make a much better assessment of the skills, background and personality of each candidate.

What if you don’t know much about sports? I’m certainly not inferring you have to be a sports expert. Taking a little bit of time asking questions to people around you who are sports fans, learning about the history of your school’s football team, or catching an episode of SportsCenter on ESPN can be ways of generating enough knowledge that a topic (or topics) can be fresh in your mind to discuss if needed. Researching some of the best coaches or players in sports (present or past) can be great ways to bring up aspects of leadership and strategy. Think of other aspects relevant to the interview you are preparing for that you could wind into a sports topic.

As with any topic though, there is also a line in sports that should not be crossed. There are some sports fans who are passionate enough about their teams that they will not take too kindly to anything negative being said about that team. In these cases it is best to avoid that particular team altogether. For instance, if you are a Red Sox fan, and you notice Yankees logos plastered all over the interviewers Facebook page or office wall, you may want to use caution before saying anything baseball related. The same holds true with checking out the interviewers LinkedIn profile beforehand; if he/she attended Michigan and you are a die-hard Ohio State fan, it’s probably a good idea to avoid the topic of last fall’s football game. The last thing you want to do is inject negativity into what could be an otherwise wonderful interview by harping on sports or college rivalries.

And as a reminder, make sure to avoid any topic related to anything of a sexual nature, race, disabilities, marital status, religion, pregnancy or child care accommodations – we can’t ask them so there is no need to bring them up on your own, and offer up information voluntarily that could lead to your being passed over. It’s much harder for you to claim an unlawful interview when you imparted the information willingly. The best rule of thumb to follow – avoid talking about any of these topics during any interview situation. Also make sure to familiarize yourself with illegal questions that you should not be asked during an interview.

The Three Best File Types To Use When Sending Your Resume

In a previous post I talked about the three worst file types to use when sending a resume. Well how about shifting gears and talking about the best three file types to use, and why.


Microsoft Word - DOC

Microsoft Word is so commonly used at this point that it is safe to assume that any business or hiring manager out there uses it – that is unless they do not want to open 98% of all resumes submitted to open positions, and be forced to draw from a very small pool. This is the great thing about MS Word DOC; out of necessity people are forced to use it because it is the norm, This is why it is the best file type to use. As long as your resume isn’t too frilly or using uncommon fonts, you should presume that what you see on your screen will be exactly what the reader sees too.

RTF (Rich Text Format)

Rich text is a basic file format that includes some basic formatting information, and I like it because of the universality it provides. Users of Windows, Macintosh, and Linux PC’s should not have any issues opening an RTF file. Just be cautious as with other file types to stick to more commonly used fonts in order to avoid font defaulting.

Adobe PDF

PDF has become a standard file type, and Acrobat reader is a free software that is simple to download. The great thing about PDF’s is that fonts are embedded within, so there should be no issues with formatting slipping or changing in cyberspace and once viewed by a hiring manager. Be aware however that one drawback of PDF’s is that non-text based PDF’s cannot be read by most applicant tracking systems. So when applying to larger companies it is a better idea to stick to DOC and RTF in Word.


It was only a few years ago that you could send off your resume to a handful of companies each week, and expect a handful of interviews. Not now. The job applying climate has turned from one that was largely conducted online to one that now adds back much of the human element. If you are brave enough, why not personally drop it off to the hiring company, and give it your personal touch to the process. Just be sure to not take the gatekeeper or as I like to call her/him, “the Director of First Impressions,” and avoid too many gimmicks when doing so.

But at the end of the day, and after all of the tinkering with DOC, RTF and PDF file types, don’t lose sight though of the most effective way to get your resume into the hands of someone with hiring authority – networking. LinkedIn, alumni, informational interviews, and joining professional associations are all ways to network and tap into the hidden job market.

10 Ways You May Be Hurting Your Chances for Interviews And Not Know It

The biggest frustration I hear from job seekers: lack of interviews. Some are telling me they are sending out hundreds of resumes a week (which in and of itself is a big problem), while others are simply about ready to throw in the towel. I’ve even had a handful of job seekers who have made it to the interview round blame not being picked on the order in which they interviewed. In addition to some of the more obvious reasons, such as having an ineffective resume, or that the competition level out there is at an all time high, there are other causes that may not so readily come to mind. I have compiled 10 of the most common reasons from my experience below. If you are experiencing this same frustration yourself, take a careful look at each and determine if any could be contributing to your own lack of results.

Social media

As a job seeker, social media can be your best friend. It also can become your worst enemy. When it comes to Facebook, it is probably a good idea to set your profile privacy parameters in a manner that does not let the public see your personal exploits. Think of it as another “reference check.” If you are posting pictures showing you engaging in sketchy behavior, or making posts that could be construed as offensive or discriminatory I nature, you could be ruled out automatically by an employer. And just because you set your privacy settings or detag yourself from pictures, realize that they still exist. Once something is posted online, it never totally disappears.

Email address

Literally, one of the very first things a prospective employer will see, even before opening your resume via email, is your email address itself. Let me tell you from experience, I have seen some personal emails used to submit resumes that have been anything but professional. It may be funny to use such emails with friends, but probably not a good idea to use when sending your resume to employers. It’s better to stick with a professional "firstname.lastname@xxxxxxx.com" style email for your resume (i.e. John.Smith@gmail.com). Save the funny versions for your private interactions with friends and family.

Sending the wrong type of file types

The whole point in applying is to get your resume in the hands of someone who makes hiring decisions so that you can be selected for an interview; if your resume can’t be read or opened from the start, the entire point is nullified. I have seen more than one exceptional candidate passed over because his/her resume was not able to be viewed. Make sure to avoid using DOCX, OpenOffice.org ODT and JPG, and this is why.

Unrealistic salary requirements

When it comes to salary requirements, if a job ad doesn't specifically mention it, then DON’T offer it. Most ads don’t ask for salary requirements, but when they do, there are reasons for doing so. The most prominent is to weed out candidates who are out of the desired range. If your salary requirement is too high, you will most likely be screened out because the company assumes you will not be happy working for less than you desire. On the other end of the spectrum, if you state a salary that is lower than they intend to pay, then you may be shooting yourself in the foot assuming that you make it through the interview process. Either way, it is important to do your homework before you rule yourself out.

Lack of a degree when required

Many employers will overlook the lack of a degree if an applicant has sufficient experience directly related to the position. The key is to place the spotlight on the achievements, unique skill set, and distinctive background you do possess. You can also boost your candidate standing by emphasizing professional development or training endeavors in order to display a commitment to particular development within your field of expertise. If you have attended some college, then stress the coursework you have completed. If you have not completed any college, think about enrolling in a degree program so that you can list the name of the institution and anticipated degree and graduation date on your resume. Finally, do not mention on your resume or cover letter that you don’t have a degree. This unnecessarily brings attention to an issue that can be overcome, and you may as well raise the white flag in defeat by so doing.

Appearing overqualified

If you find yourself being told you are overqualified, don’t despair. There are strategies that can be successfully utilized to combat the overqualified label. The best way to address being overqualified is head-on. There is no need to dumb down your resume, or try to appear to be less qualified. Tackle the situation by bringing up the issue first. Don't shy away from the fact that you are overqualified, but rather use it to your advantage by emphasizing that you have a wide range of skills to draw upon, and that you can be an asset in many different facets of the organization's daily business operations.

Not understanding Applicant Tracking Systems

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are databases or other software systems that store and retrieve job information, and in theory identify and match applicants to specific positions open at any given time within an organization. Although ATS’s really only became mainstream in 2006, they are becoming more popular, and more companies are beginning to use them. An ATS can fulfill many functions, and can not only be used for screening candidates, but also for applicant testing, scheduling interviews, managing the hiring process, checking references, and completing new-hire paperwork. Each resume that is submitted can be stored for several months, or many years. It all depends on the time parameters set by the company. An ATS streamlines the search process as it can organize, screen, sort, track, and reply to applicants. But keep in mind that it is VITAL that you position your resume with the right key words so that you give yourself the best chance of being selected. The easiest way to incorporate key words is to read through the specific job posting a few times, and be mindful of the words that stick out as being the most important. These are the words you need to infuse in a key word section, Profile and Summary of Qualifications. But I caution you that you should include key words or phrases ONLY IF you have actual experience with it. The closer you can align key words wanted for the position with your resume, the greater your chances are to be selected. It may take 5-10 extra minutes to do so, but if it saves you searching for months, it is well worth it.

Focusing too much on you

The unfortunate truth is that right now in this economy, the power lies with employers. A prospective employer wants to know what you bring to the table, and what value you bring to their organization. If you don’t have the skills, education, or experience to meet the requirements needed in the position, it is completely irrelevant what demands you carry. And even if you do have the aforementioned background, but demonstrate a lack of genuine interest in the company by focusing exclusively on your needs, then you will not make it past the screening stage. Hiring decisions are made to fit the needs of the company, not yours.

Defeated attitude

It’s the dreaded letter, the one that says “Thank you for interest in applying for”…or “Thank you for taking the time to interview with us, but…..” More commonly now, a letter (or email) isn’t even sent to give you the bad news. You either figure it out when you never hear back, or when you finally get a call back or are lucky enough to talk to someone at the company directly. Regardless of how you find out, it is natural to experience any of a range of emotions; disappointment, failure, frustration and even defeat. How you respond to a rejection can literally shape the course for the rest of your job search, good or bad. If you choose to dwell on it, it can cripple your confidence, destroy your morale, and inadvertently affect the outcome of future interviews. However, if you choose to learn from the rejection, and take time to find out the specific reasons why you were not selected for a position, you can improve on any deficiencies and be better prepared for the next time.

Not networking

Finally, if you are not networking, you are missing out on the hidden job market, and thus over 80% of all jobs out there. According to the Harvard Business Review, networking is a crucial strategy for developing relationships that can help you gain insight into an industry or a company. In fact, 65 to 85 percent of jobs are found through networking. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that “70 percent of all jobs are found through networking.” And the New York State Department of Labor’s website states that “Eighty percent of available jobs are never advertised, and over half of all employees get their jobs through networking” These numbers are pretty compelling. It tells me as a job seeker that I should be spending anywhere between 65-85 percent of my time networking. I would actually suggest keeping that number more in the area of 80% or more. In fact a recent survey by the Wall Street Journal reported that 94 percent of successful job hunters claimed that networking had made all the difference for them. Don’t neglect using alumni as part of your job search, and any solid job search today should absolutely include LinkedIn.

Is Your Professional Appearance Negatively Affecting Your Interviews?

When I assess candidates I interview in person, there are four main components that I look for in determining the best. In no particular order, they are:

- Professional Achievements

- Qualifications

- Articulation

- Professional Appearance

I am not going to focus in on the specifics of all in this post, but instead devote this discussion to the importance of a professional appearance. Now while I have found that the top candidates have the full package (they seem to go hand-in-hand), there have been instances where aspects of appearance have adversely affected candidates. Now I am not suggesting you have to look like Brad Pitt or Megan Fox, but there are certainly steps you can take if you feel like your look is out of date or if you have actually received feedback that suggests a facet (or facets) of your appearance are not working for you.

First, I would suggest dressing for the part in your type of interview. If you are at the executive or senior management level, then obviously a suit and tie for men and either a suit with coordinated blouse, or fashionable blouse and skirt for women. Office workers would be best served with the same, with some tone down (minus suit jackets) when appropriate. Even for more clue collar work, I would recommend a nice pair of pressed slacks/skirt and shirt as a way to stand out professionally in comparison with your competition. About the only industry that seems to be able to get away with a much more relaxed or casual attire are professionals in the I.T. industry. I have had the guy with a Star Wars shirt, mismatched shorts and flip-flops show up for an interview. And in that industry, it is pretty common. But it is certainly more of the exception than the rule across the board. The bottom-line is to make sure that your interview dress is in line with the standards in your industry.

Details matter. As funny as this may sound, one of the most subtle yet distinguishing factors among interviewees is found in small details such as shoes, belt and fingernails. And I do not mention nails only for women; men should be careful to keep presentable and at least somewhat manicured nails as well. In every interview I can think of there has been at least one handshake, and those fingernails for a moment are on display. Being uncomely or dirty can have a negative impact. It seems almost silly to mention, but shoes that aren’t polished or a belt that is hanging on by a thread tells someone like me a lot about you; you don’t come across as detail-oriented. Unkempt hair, not shaving (men), and wearing white socks with a suit are little things that make bad impressions. Don’t let the details hold you back.

Smells are also a big part of appearance even though technically they fit in a different sensory category. Wearing too much cologne or perfume, or poor hygiene will not reflect well. I remember a few years back that there was one gentleman in particular who’s interview I had to cut short simply because the smell that permeated the room was one of not having bathed or showered for 3 weeks. Nice guy, but chances blown on bad hygiene.

Don’t go overboard. In other words, don’t become too flashy by displaying too much bling (jewelry, etc.) or by wearing a hairstyle that could be considered over the top. Remember, it’s best to err on being conservative, so purposely wearing flashy colors, wearing a min-skirt or carrying three Louis Vuitton purses may not bring the right attention. Instead be conservative in color choices, and leave the “extra” accessories at home.

Be up to date with your look. Steve Urkel’s glasses or Madonna’s hair may have looked good in the ‘80’s, but not so much today. Your appearance directly reflects on potential employers if you are hired. Invest in a few current outfits to look the part. Ask a hairdresser to help you with a modern look. For women, visit the makeup counters at your local mall or department store for a free consultation.

Finally, and I will bring this up because it does make an impression, is the perception that can be made by being out of shape. The stress of a job search can add unwanted pounds, and that will change the way you look. Although it is not supposed to happen, you are kidding yourself if you don’t think that some employers are gauging aspects of your physical appearance and drawing unconscious correlations in their minds to potential sick time due to illnesses or increasing the insurance premiums of the company. Invest some time in yourself by eating right and exercising. Not only will you look better, but you will also feel better, especially in alleviating some of the stress that can come from a job search.

The Three Worst File Types To Use When Sending Your Resume

In a previous post I discussed the best ways to send your resume via email – as a Word or PDF attachment. Sending in Word as a DOC or RTF file or as a PDF is your best bet because they are the most widely used out there. However in the case of PDF’s, be aware that non-text based PDF’s cannot be read by most applicant tracking systems. So when applying to larger companies it is a better idea to stick to DOC and RTF in Word, or even in some cases a TXT file (particularly when asked by a website to upload with that option listed). The whole point in applying is to get your resume in the hands of someone who makes hiring decisions so that you can be selected for an interview; if your resume can’t be read or opened from the start, the entire point is nullified. I have seen more than one exceptional candidate passed over because his/her resume was not able to be viewed.

Let me start with the three worst file types you can send your resume in. If you are using any of these, and have not garnered much response, the file type you are using may be largely to blame.

OpenOffice.org ODT

The biggest problem with ODT is that it is not universally supported by Microsoft Word (with the exception of MS Office 2010), and thus for the majority of resumes cannot be opened properly. In theory OpenOffice’s goal was to have an open standard file type, but that goal is far from coming to fruition. Even in the case of MS Office 2010, it is not used near widely enough to assume your resume in ODT can be viewed by anyone but a small number of people.

Microsoft DOCX

I know, some of you reading this right now may be scoffing at this because DOCX is becoming more common, after all it is an XML based version of MS Word. The problem though is that only more current versions of Microsoft Word are able to open DOCX. Again, the issue is that you will find that the majority of MS Word users have versions that are not as current, and thus will be unable to open your resume. And even if they can, any use of fonts that are outside the use of more generic fonts like Times New Roman or Arial will not be seen as you intended. It’s just as simple to save as a DOC and save yourself potential problems, so take an extra five seconds to do so and send that way instead.

JPG

While this option may be the safest of the three listed here, it can also be an issue when it comes to resume viewers who do not know what a JPG is (seems absurd, but I’ve seen it more than a few times), or when a resume saved as a JPG from a lower end software with low resolution meet high-resolution printers. The image is just not going to look right. The other major problem is that when it comes time to update your resume, you better have it saved in the program it was initially created in before saving as a JPG. You can’t edit a JPG (just like a PDF), so having just that to go by will mean having to recreate it from scratch.

One last file type that is not necessarily a problem but that also may not exactly be the best way to send in either is a TXT file. The reason is that it is basic computer text, and does not allow for any frills, fancy fonts or catchy formatting that can be created in MS Word. If your resume portrays a basic feel, your candidacy may reflect that also. TXT is interchangeable with another term you may have heard – ASCII. Whatever you do, don’t fall for the trick some resume writers use to fatten their pocketbooks with “necessary” services (converting a Word DOC to text).

The best file types to use are Microsoft Word as a DOC, as an RTF (Rich Text Format) or as a PDF in adobe. I will address these more specifically in an upcoming post, but be aware of these now because they are the most universally used and thus the easiest accessible by the vast majority. If your resume cannot be viewed in the file type you are using, you are spinning the hamster wheel – exerting lots of energy for no benefit.

Two Keys to Job Search Success: Be Persistent & Mix It Up!

There’s no way to sugar coat it – the job market is as tough as it has ever been. We have seen an unprecedented number of resume submissions for jobs, and the news about the economy out in the media is not exactly the most positive. But if you are a job seeker and need a new job, you can’t afford to give up. The best advice I can give you, and this is based on the observations I have made in crossing paths with countless job seekers from all walks of life, is to try to keep your head up and be persistent. There will be ups and downs, and it will feel like a rollercoaster at times, but it is critical to remain as positive as possible. Landing the right position may not happen as quickly as you would like or in the way you predicted, but it will happen.

A few years back I started working out with a personal trainer, because I had hit a plateau working out on my own. Once this happened, I found myself less motivated to go to the gym because I was not seeing results. There’s a funny thing that happens with our bodies, and more particularly with our muscles. Once they become used to the same routine, they adapt and resist. This is exactly why I had leveled out. My trainer’s solution was simple: he changed the workouts each week so that specific muscles would always be challenged differently and not become accustomed to the same routine. It also was a great help that I had him as a coach to make sure I followed through and didn’t take shortcuts. The combination of both ensured that the program worked successfully.

This anecdote is really no different than the predicaments many people experience during a job search. Once you hit a wall and seemingly see less response to the resumes you send out, or aren’t the top choice in interviews, it becomes easy to have your confidence shattered. In many situations there are still unresolved feelings and emotions related to your previous job, and these can of course have an additional impact in a negative form. It can be very frustrating when you start felling like nothing is working and everything you have tried is failing. But don’t give up. Find ways to mix up your search to keep yourself motivated in order to overcome the rejection and the discouragement that is common to feel.

In short, if you find yourself being stagnant in your own job search - mix it up! A few of the ways I have seen people do it are as follows:

If you know others who are also engaged in job searches, team up as job search buddies – similar to having a trainer or workout partner, having someone (or a few people) to continually motivate you, and vice versa, is a huge positive. Although it may feel at time likes a solitary pursuit, I have seen a number of people have success simply by not trying to do it all alone.

Join a job search support group – there are actually groups out there that have been created exactly for this purpose, and they have become more common during this economic downturn. Again having the support of others, and being able to share ideas and encourage one another could prove to be just the lift you need.

Focus on smaller steps – rather than being overwhelmed by feeling like you need to do everything at once, focus instead on setting a list of attainable goals each day that work toward the big picture.

Seek out social activities – I would suggest activities that aren’t necessarily related to your job search, either. Not only can these type of pursuits give your mind a break from the grind of a job search, but they can also be a great way to interact and practice networking. Don’t’ underestimate the power of human connections because of the emotional support and encouragement they can provide.

Seek out inspiration – whether you take a class in a field of interest, read articles or books about successful people, or take a walk in a park, finding inspiration revitalizes your outlook when you feel like you have hit a wall.

Volunteer – is there any better way to put your own problems in perspective than by helping someone else? As bleak as times may become, there are always people out there who have it worse. Giving back can help you refocus and recalibrate your own outlook. I can’t explain it in scientific terms, but I am still amazed just how many people I have seen successfully find new jobs as a direct result of volunteer work. Volunteering is of course a great way to network, and the good karma certainly doesn’t hurt either.

Above all, don’t let discouragement overtake you. Find ways to mix up your job search, and try one or several of these ideas. Or think outside the box and come up with your own. The important thing is to continually look for new ways to keep moving forward. Be persistent, and you will have success.

Should You Include Your GPA on Your Resume?

The question of inclusion of GPA on a resume is one I get from time to time, and is a topic worth exploring. There are differing schools of thought on what your GPA needs to be to include it on your resume. Some say if it isn’t 3.0 or above then don’t include it. Others believe a GPA above 3.5 is considered exceptional. In either case, I personally wouldn’t personally list anything below a 3.0. Doing so gives the screener nothing more than an arbitrary reason to disqualify you based on a number.

My experience has always been that candidates who have high GPA’s can set themselves apart initially from those who do not. I have to admit at least at a glance it is more impressive to see a candidate with a 3.8 GPA versus the applicant who lists a 2.8. Keep in mind that the average GPA in college is around 2.6 or 2.7, so anything at or below this will plant a “below average” perception of you at a glance. In some fields, such as those of a more technical nature, listing a GPA is pretty much a given as they will want to know what it is. Most non-technical fields are not so strict. Make sure if you do choose to list your GPA that you use an actual number that matches transcripts, and not just a guess. It won’t help your credibility any if you list a 3.6, when in reality your GPA is a 3.3.

I often see cases where candidates have achieved higher grades in their major versus the conglomerate of classes taken overall (particularly when taking into account the generals that are required to be taken). In this type of situation, consider including your GPA within your major if it is significantly higher than your overall GPA. Or perhaps you were a late bloomer (or just played around too much the first couple of years), and your GPA during the last few years was higher. If so, then list it accordingly.

What if you did not graduate from college? This really depends on the requirements and views of the specific employer, but the rule of thumb I always follow is that if you have completed some college, then definitely list it. If you have not completed anything at all, then explore this topic – addressing the lack of a degree on your resume.

Finally, as you progress during your career upward, the need to list your GPA diminishes. There is not one reason I can think of for someone who is 10 to 15 years into his/her career, and who has a track of upward progression to list a GPA. The farther away the date of the degree becomes, the less need to list your GPA.

Would you spend $50 for someone to convert a resume in Word to text format? Beware of this, and other SCAMS

This morning I was informed by a job seeker that he had paid a handsome sum for a resume writer to convert his resume to a format that could be posted online. I will make it clear that I do not advocate posting your resume online in any way, shape or form (The pitfalls of posting your resume online), but if you insist on doing so, don’t throw away your money by having someone do it (and convince you it is “difficult” to do). It’s just another in the long line of scams out there to upsell services beyond resume creation.

This type of resume is commonly called a text resume, or referred to as ASCII, and is intended for website posting. Simply open your resume in Word, then simply complete the following:

1. Click Edit → Select All
2. Click Edit → Copy
3. Click Start → Programs → Accessories → Notepad (this opens the Notepad program)
4. Click Edit → Paste
5. Turn on the “Word-wrap” feature in the “Format” drop-down menu
6. Save the resume as “yourname.txt” (for example, “JohnGill.txt”).

You have now saved your resume in .txt format, and it is ready to post. Let me reiterate; there are many more productive ways to conduct your job search (Does Your Job Search Strategy Follow the Numbers?), and posting your resume online is not one I recommend.

In fact, let me go beyond overpaying for someone to complete something that takes a minute to do on your own. I would advise you to be cautious of the majority of “add-ons” being touted in addition to a resume. Let me compare it to an experience I has this morning. I had to get the oil changed in my car, happened to drive by such an establishment, and noticed there were two docks empty. So I turned in, and got the oil changed. I am there for one thing – to change the oil. However, it becomes an opportunity for them to “sell” me on about 20 other things. Suddenly I am being barraged with “needs” to replace a barely touched air filter, windshield wipers, etc. It’s even being suggested that they should wash out the inside of my headlights, and rotate my tires, which by the way I just had rotated about 200 miles ago and keep up on it regularly since I paid for lifetime rotations and balances when I bought the tires! Get the picture? They attempted to sell me on anything and everything they could, even when it was unnecessary. The bottom line: they are in business to make money.

I have people all the time tell me how they paid hundreds and hundreds of dollars for customized cover letters for every single position (and they are encouraged to apply A LOT), LinkedIn profiles, bios, Thank You letters, follow up letters electronic resumes, scannable resumes. I haven’t even mentioned the companies that charge anywhere from $19.95 to $750 to spam your resume to “hundreds of recruiters,” and that may take the cake as the biggest scam of all. What starts as a simple need for a resume turns into hundreds to upwards of a thousand or more in “necessities” you didn’t even know you needed. And truth be told, 90% of them you don’t. Kind of like when I went to change the oil in my car.

I am going to be addressing some of the specifics in upcoming posts (and there are many). For now, just be aware of the actual return on money spent before opening your wallet for these types of services. If you still have money burning a hole in your pocket that you are intent on using, try some of these instead:

- Spend it to join a professional association or two (or more), and attend the meetings
- Take 10 people in your network to lunch, or 25 to coffee
- Invest in courses or certifications that will progress your career

Network, network, and network some more. Use LinkedIn, and increase your visibility (for free). Do yourself a favor, and don’t waste money on ineffective and useless products and services.

Join Professional Associations and Attend Meetings

Joining a professional association not only gives you an opportunity to become known in the industry and/or community, but it can also help build your brand, expand your business contacts, and most beneficially can enhance your job prospects. The latter is of most value to job seekers, as it is just one more way to tap into the hidden job market. The meetings themselves are usually filled with employees, managers and executives in the specific industry, and allows for chances to mingle and network. I have found professional associations to be valuable also in that you can share ideas, to ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. You also have an opportunity to communicate with others who may also be looking to share and learn new information, and if you are lucky you may even gain a new mentor.

Let me just throw out this piece of advice to follow when you are at a networking function such as this – strive for quality over quantity when it comes to contacts. Don’t be “that guy” who shows up and annoys every single person in the room for 10-15 seconds, business cards in tow. The only thing that is memorable about him is the mental not I have made to avoid him at the next meeting. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess he wasn’t received too positively by anyone else in attendance either. Rather, focus on striking up meaningful conversations and developing productive contacts with one or two people. One job seeker who I spoke to recently told me how showing up to one meeting, and making meaningful contacts with two people have literally led her to double her business in a short period of time. She didn’t talk to the entire crowd, because she didn’t need to. I speak from both personal experience as well as the experience of others when I say that making just a few contacts each time is the most productive method.

In the preceding discussion I have spoken more about the benefits derived from attending meetings, but there are also many perks from just being a member. One of these is the membership-only job listings a number have, either online or in print, and available only to members. It makes sense to advertise this way, because in theory the best candidates should be found among current industry professionals. I have also seen many associations that offer additional professional development options in the form of seminars, training or certification classes. Most often these classes and trainings can be completed through webcasts or podcasts, making it easy for you to do in the comfort of your own home. And don’t limit yourself to joining only associations exclusively in your area. There are numerous opportunities to join associations on social media sites such as LinkedIn, and now Twellow. If you aren’t taking advantage of participating in forums, chat groups or discussion boards on LinkedIn, you are not fully utilizing potential avenues that could lead to new employment.

There are associations for nearly every profession or area of interest, and many have national, state and regional chapters. To find associations that are of interest to you, simply go to Google and conduct a search. Three other resources that I have found very helpful:

Associations Unlimited - a database comprised profiles of approximately 460,000 international and U.S. national, regional, state, and local nonprofit membership organizations in all fields,

Weddle's Guide to Associations - http://www.weddles.com/associations/index.cfm

American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Gateway to Associations Directory - http://www.asaecenter.org/Community/Directories/AssociationSearch.cfm

Finally, listing your association membership on your resume is a way to demonstrate to potential employers that you are dedicated to staying connected in your profession. In some cases, it shows you are dedicated to staying in the industry, period. This is especially true when job applicants have two or more career paths, and it otherwise could be uncertain which path they want to continue on. If I can see a current membership in an industry specific association, it makes me feel a bit more assured of the intent. Along the same lines, don’t list previous memberships that are unrelated to the career path you want to pursue as they can bring unnecessary questions or concerns.

Job Board Alternatives

When I sit down or speak to job seekers who are struggling to get interviews or find a job, there always seems to be one commonality among them – they are spending over 90% of their time searching the big job boards, and some are literally applying to every single position advertised regardless of qualifications or chances of actually landing the job. The time spent is completely wasted, and the strategy in terms of numbers is almost opposite of what they should be doing. Statistically speaking, the breakdown in the time you spend on your job search should be more closely matching the following:

80% networking
10% with agencies/recruiting firms
10% applying to positions posted online, in a newspaper, or other publicly advertised method

(Full article here)

The hidden job market is where they should be spending the bulk of their time, and activities such as networking should be emphasized. There does need though to be time devoted to keeping up with jobs posted online, but there are some alternatives that can help maximize the time spent, and provide options in addition to the big job boards.

- Industry newsletters are great in that many contain job postings not otherwise found online or in the newspaper.

- Sign up for alumni listerves at your University or College, current student or not. These can be very helpful as they are exclusively for alumni and in addition to job postings are a great way to connect with other alumni.

- Search for and follow blogs pertinent to your industry, particularly those that have job postings. It may take some work up front, but stumbling upon postings that are not found elsewhere will be a huge advantage down the line.

- Join a professional association and actively attend meetings. These avenues not only give you an opportunity to become known in the industry and/or community, but it can also help build your brand, expand your business contacts, and most beneficially can enhance your job prospects.

- Use Twitter as part of your job search to connect with others in your industry, search job postings and follow companies. It’s important to also be aware of the most commonly used hashtags relevant to job seekers.

- Follow companies on LinkedIn and join industry groups in order to keep apprised of the latest jobs, many of which are posted before the job boards or not at all.

The problem with job boards is that you are going to be one out of a thousand applicants, and some of the jobs posted are actually scams and don’t exist. Don’t rely heavily on this method, because the results do not follow the successful recipe for a job search strategy. Think outside the box, and be creative. The more personal interaction you can garner or the more exclusive the job postings you can locate, the higher your chances for securing a position.

12 Ways to Avoid Blowing Your Internship this Summer

In a competitive job market, there is certainly is a need to make yourself stand out among the sea of candidates. For those of you who are graduating seniors, I’m sure you have been told a time or two that employers prefer to hire applicants who have career-related work experience. The experience gained from an internship can serve as a crucial addition to your resume, and could lead to an offer if you impress the employer enough. Although the internship you undertake might not be a perfect match for your major or your chosen career path, it still can provide you transferable skills, develop a strong work ethic, and give you as a candidate a competitive edge. Your internship can afford you ample opportunities to network, apply knowledge gained in the classroom to the real world, and decide if the specific field really is right for you.

The reasons to complete an internship are plentiful, but once you secure an internship opportunity, don’t simply assume all you have to do is show up. You should be prepared to work hard, and put your best foot forward. I have both seen and heard the horror stories in which interns did not work out. I have compiled a list of 12 DON’TS as a guide to use during your own internship to make sure you don’t blow it and end up as another story on the

• DON’T play on or use electronic devices during work hours. Phone calls, texts, games, and listening to music (unless it is permissible) are not going to impress your employer, and may even get you dismissed. Save ‘Words with Friends’ or responding to text messages for breaks or lunch.

• DON’T sleep while you should be working. While I’m sure you are chuckling by now, I wouldn’t be mentioning if it has not happened before.

• DON’T violate your employer’s policies. Being constantly late for work, failing to report absences in advance or misusing equipment creates a reputation of not caring or being unreliable. Violating other policies, such as confidentiality, safety or those involving sexual harassment usually will result in immediate dismissal. You could find yourself in hot water with the law, too.

• DON’T dress inappropriately. Look, I was a college and grad student not too long ago myself, and I was known for dressing comfortably; flip flops, shorts, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts. That usually changes when you are working as a professional. If you are a male and your internship dress code requires a shirt and tie, then wear a shirt and tie. If you are female and expected to wear a button up blouse and skirt to your knees, then it’s probably not a good idea to show up in a halter top and mini skirt. Unless your internship is on a beach, leave the sandals and bathing suits at home.

• DON’T lack initiative! Without trying to take on more than you can handle, actively look for ways you can make a difference by being proactive. There is nothing worse as a manager than to constantly have to be telling people what to do when they could easily be taking initiative and doing it on their own. Keep this in mind.

• DON’T blame others for your mistakes. We all mistakes, and particularly in a situation like a new job or internship you aren’t going to be expected to be perfect. But if you start developing a reputation for shifting blame, you aren’t desirable to hire, either.

• DON’T NOT take notes when important instructions pertinent to your job are being provided. Avoid becoming known as someone who can’t remember processes because you neglect writing them down. I once had a trial employee for a day who thought she didn’t need to take notes, even when I reminded her three separate times. It turned out her memory was not as good as she thought, because she spent the remaining seven hours trying to figure out what she was supposed to do. She was not invited back the next day.

• DON’T try to do too much. It is admirable to show your abilities and initiative, but taking on too much responsibility can backfire on you. Ironically you may actually be perceived as unorganized or incapable by trying to bite off more than you can chew. Take on a reasonable amount of projects or responsibilities, and execute those first before trying to take the load off the shoulders of ten people.

• DON’T eat outside of designated areas. If the company has a designated breakroom for eating, use it. Conversely if a policy is in place that outlaws food or drink at your desk, adhere to it.

• DON’T ask for ridiculous reimbursements. I have heard the stories of interns asking to be reimbursed for parking, bus fare or subway fees. Unless your employer specifically mentions such reimbursements as part of the overall package, then don’t embarrass yourself by asking for them.

• DON’T act entitled. Entitlement among younger workers is the number one complaint I hear from companies and clients, and it’s not even close. I have had many newly graduated college students tell me in interviews they will not take anything less than a position at the director level. Let me repeat that. I have I have had many newly graduated college students tell me in interviews they will not take anything less than a position at the director level. And they are dead serious. Early on in your career you should not expect to walk in and be presented a corner office or a parking spot with your name on it. It’s going to take time and proving your worth first. Acting entitled is a sure fire way of making sure this process is delayed or never happens at all.

• DON’T become upset at grunt work. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the reality of many internships is that they are created to fulfill the menial tasks. You have to start somewhere, so grin and bear it, do a good job, and keep in mind that you won’t be running to Starbucks or color-coding files forever. Well, not unless you complain too loudly and ruin opportunities for advancement.

Overall, make your internship an enjoyable experience and do try to have some fun along the way. Seek out ways to add value to the company through tangible achievements that will not only reflect well on a resume, but will also reflect well for you with your manager and with the organization. Ask questions when you need to, set and attain some goals, and learn all that you can about the industry and the company. You may even pick up a mentor along the way, and could even find yourself with an offer with the company.

How to Handle Resignations

As bad as things may have become, or as much as you want to take a parting shot at your soon to be “former employer”, it’s best to bite your tongue and take the high road. These are commonly emotionally charged situations, and doing something regrettable now can end up haunting you in the future. Trust me, I have seen more than one person who has waged a small war versus a former employer, only to end up having no course for which to retreat when a much needed reference is required in the future, or when paths cross professionally in some capacity again. It happens all the time.

A recent and much publicized letter by Greg Smith was published for the world to read in The New York Times as to why he resigned from Goldman Sachs, and it was not pretty. Mr. Smith provides a quite detailed account of the reasoning or such, and at one point calls Goldman a "toxic and destructive" work environment. I’m not here to judge whether what Mr. Smith did was right or wrong, as there have certainly been supporters on both sides of the fence. However one fact that is inescapable and undeniable at this point is that since it is public, it could at some point (or many points) be to his detriment. In the same manner, a scathing letter to a former employer in writing does not go away. It may feel good to emit frustrations at the moment, but there is no telling what harm that letter could do to you and your career down the line.

I have come up with five things you want to make sure you follow when resigning from a position. Not only will you leave more dignified than if you lash out, but it will also curtail potential issues that may arise and harm your job prospects.

• Avoid publicly airing dirty laundry on Facebook or Twitter – as tempting as it may be to vent and gain support from friends and family in order to feel vindicated on a public forum such as Facebook or Twitter, DON’T DO IT! Once anything is posted online – words, pictures, feelings – they are there forever. Even if you quickly delete or recant statements, keep in mind it only takes a split second for someone viewing it to capture an image on a screen shot or with a cell phone. It may seem you are getting revenge for the moment, but these situations always end up painting you in a bad light in the end. Avoid it all costs – it is not worth the damage it will cause you.

• Do it in person – whenever possible, extend the courtesy of resigning in person, with a letter in tow that can be presented at that time so that it is in writing. There are times when it is not possible to do it in person, such as in the case of a remote employee. But most cases do allow for it, and there is just a respect factor shown when taken care of face-to-face. Often times these experiences allow for opportunities to clear the air or bury hatchets. I would just advise to not let the discussion turn into the opposite; don’t let the conversation turn into pouring more salt on the wounds or fueling the fire. This will only make the situation much worse.

• Submit a resignation letter in writing – state the date you are submitting it, the date the resignation is effective, and thank your employer for the opportunity. Do not write anything negative or disparaging about the company or your co-workers. Keep it concise, and straight to the point. I am writing this post under the pretense of avoiding the negative effects, but there are other reasons for writing a resignation letter as well. You could be relocating, pursuing an opportunity to attend school, or otherwise. In cases such as these, convey your gratitude for the opportunities you have been given to grow professionally and personally, and if possible, give your employer more than the allotted time required for notice in order to ensure they are fully prepared to transition your position without any hitches.

• Honor the commitment for proper notice – if the policy for the company is 2 weeks, then give them the courtesy of 2 weeks. Offer to assist in transitioning the position or in finding a replacement if possible. Don’t use your leaving as an opportunity to leave the company in a lurch for purposes of revenge. I promise you, bad karma will eventually find a way of appearing back at you. There are a few cases where it is warranted to leave before the suggested time period, especially in situations where hostility or extreme negativity are present. There is no reason to continue on just to fulfill a time commitment if you are going to be subject to further abuse.

• Don’t let your negative emotions show in interviews – no matter how prodded you may be to give negative reasons for leaving a previous employer, don’t take the bait! I can’t count the number of times in an interview where the candidate says the right things, but the body language and tone of voice tell a different story. Do whatever you need to do in order to eliminate the negativity attached to your last position, because if you don’t, we observe it. It’s comparable to a gray cloud hanging over you; it’s noticeable. Nobody wants to hire gloom and doom.

Interview Order – Is There an Actual Advantage or Psychology to This?

I don’t get this question posed to me often, but once in a while it comes up, and is worth addressing. The inquiry is this, and is composed of two parts: is there an advantage to the place in order in which I interview, and is there a strategy hiring managers or recruiters use when setting the order of interviews? The third part of this question – are there any psychological effects in terms of order that affect the interviewer’s decision as to who is ultimately selected for the job?

The most common theme in relation to these questions has to do with the primacy and recency effects. These are terms used in psychology to describe the effect of order of presentation on memory. The primacy effect results in events or information presented earlier being better remembered than information presented later on. The recency effect results in better recall of the most recent event or information presented. Combined, these two effects are said to lead the earliest and latest event or information in a given presentation being recalled best, with the event or information in the middle being least remembered. In other words, the first and last people interviewed will stand out in the interviewer’s mind the best, and those interviewees in the middle will be forgotten.

Interesting notions, but how much truth do they hold? Although there have been extensive studies conducted in social psychology on these two effects, the findings have varied. Some studies have supported the theory of primacy, others the theory of recency, and other studies showed no effects for primacy or recency. Outside factors such as the person’s ability and motivation to process the persuasive communication, the context in which the information is learned or presented, and the individual’s attitude toward the information being presented are also contributors. The answer to the question is – it depends.

I cannot honestly think back to a time when a group of interviewees were interviewed and only remember the first or last; what I remember were the candidates who were “memorable” because of specific traits, background or real-life experiences. And not all were positive, so even though it is possible that an interviewer could be impacted by primacy and/or recency effects, an interview that did not go well will stand out as negative. There seems to be a strong assumption among some people that just because one interviews first or last it will give him/her a distinct advantage. Again, it depends on factors that influence the interviewer, but if a candidate in the first or last slot blows the interview, it will make no difference at all. Let me take this opportunity to stress the most important factor of all, and that is I would be much more concerned with how you actually prepare for and perform in the interview versus where in the pecking order you are placed. If you cannot demonstrate you are the best candidate, you will not get the job. Period.

It seems to me there is a small faction of people who have almost turned this otherwise non-issue into some kind of conspiracy theory as to why they are not being selected for jobs. I have run into a handful during my time, and in my experience the order they interviewed has nothing to do with it. However, their interviewing skills, experience, and abilities relative to the position and in comparison with the other candidates do. If you find yourself being passed up time after time after time, you probably want to examine your actual interviews instead of placing blame on the order you interviewed in. Further, realize that the order of interviewees most times is simply luck of the draw, with no thought whatsoever by the interviewer put into who interviews when. The order is commonly determined by who fits into interview slots when, or I have also seen it determined alphabetically. No conspiracy theories in these situations.

It is true that once resumes have been sorted, and skills and experienced assessed on paper, that sometimes a leading candidate (or candidates) emerges. But this is why interviews are held, so that interviewers can see firsthand if the same luster shines off the paper, too. So even if there is a leading or first choice candidate, there is no way of telling that this individual won’t blow the interview. It does happen, and whether this person was first, last or in the middle, it is irrelevant.

Now there is one way I can think of where there is a definite strategy in which interview orders are set. Sometimes recruiters do this, and save the best candidates for last. The reason is that they can glean information from earlier interviewees in terms of questions asked, stressed requirements, and client feedback in order to better prepare subsequent candidates with additional information. But it does not always translate into the candidates deemed by recruiters as being the best receiving the offer. Again, is an interview is blown, it won’t matter that he/she interviewed last. Or it may simply a matter of the client liking someone different. As with the other examples, it has less to do with the order, and more to do with the actual interview.

The bottom line is, there are many other factors that play into who is ultimately selected for a position outside of what slot in the order he/she interviews. While it is true that some interviewers are influenced by recency or primacy effects, other interviewers are not. My recommendation is rather than placing emphasis or worrying about where in the order your interview is going to occur, focus instead on the interview itself. Taking time to research the company, prepare good questions, and think about how you are going to answer questions with real-life achievements will carry much more weight to how you are remembered versus whether you were first or last.