7 strategies to get your resume noticed online:
Create a career blog: Start a blog that focuses on your career industry and include tips, articles, news, and industry related topics. You don't have to be a writer to create a blog. You can link to other articles and news about that industry topic and add comments showing your industry knowledge. Also, set up a page on the blog for your resume, where you are highlighting your industry knowledge, experience, and expertise. You can easily set up a blog for free using programs such as blogger.com or wordpress.com
Use free document sharing websites: There are a number of free file sharing websites that can help you gain more resume exposure online. Save your document in different forms such as DOC and PDF so your resume shows up under those search terms. Yes, recruiters will search for resumes using words such as pdf, rtf, doc, and cv. You can even save your resume as a powerpoint presentation! Here are few free sites to check out: keepandshare.com, slideshare.net, Google docs
Set up a resume web page: A one page website for your resume is great exposure and a great way to link others to your resume. You can add your website url to your resume, to other online profiles, and at the end of your signature in emails and posts. You can find free resume website builders such as: Emurse.com and VisualCV.com.
Social and professional networking websites: It's no secret that social and professional networking websites are becoming hubs for job seekers and recruiters. I use LinkedIn all the time when I'm recruiting and I'm searching keywords to pull up profiles of potential candidates. If you aren't on these networking websites, you are missing out on a ton of exposure. You can utilize these websites by putting in your professional profile or resume and links to your resume websites or blog posts. There are so many of these sites out there, but the majority of recruiters utilize LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace.
Use keywords: Recruiters are searching for resumes by using keywords and a lot of company resume databases are searching through resumes using keyword searches. If your resume doesn't have the keywords that are being searched, it won't be included in the results. I wouldn't go crazy with keywords, but making sure you have certain technology and terminology that's common in your industry listed on your resume is highly recommended. For more information on using keywords, check out my article Resume + Keywords = job opportunities.
Online groups: There are a ton of online groups that can help get you exposure online and recruiters are going into online groups to source for candidates. You can join industry specific groups, association groups, and groups based on location. I highly recommend joining LinkedIn Groups, I am always using the LinkedIn groups to source and contact candidates. Other groups you can look into are Google Groups, Yahoo Groups, and Meetup.com groups.
Job Boards: I wouldn't rule out getting your resume posted on the job boards. There are many recruiters who still use the job boards as their primary sourcing tool and even though I utilize more creative sourcing techniques, I still do some sourcing from job boards as well. So make sure you get your resume posted to popular job boards such as monster , Executive Openings! ,Job.com, careerbuilder
Don't miss out on being found online! Use as many resources as you can to make sure that your resume is getting noticed online.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
10 mistakes in interviews
Over the years, I have seen and heard things that would shock you and that you would never expect during an interview. So I have compiled a list of the top ten things not to do during an interview.
10. Do not bring your boyfriend, best friend or children to an interview. This is horrible interview behavior. I once had a candidate bring her entire family – there were seven very rowdy people in our lobby. You can imagine what we were thinking.
9. Do not curse or use profane language during an interview. Absolutely someone has done this before and they were promptly removed from the running. Using profanity during an interview is unprofessional.
8. Do not chew gum or smoke during an interview. Again this goes back to professionalism and smacking gum during an interview = not professional.
7. Do not argue with the employer. Even if you know you are right beyond a shadow of a doubt about something it is just bad manners.
6. Do not put your briefcase, purse, pocketbook, handbag, etc. on the employer’s desk. This is more subjective then the rest but it goes along with their personal space and professional etiquette. You would not go to a stranger’s house and prop your feet on their dining room table… same theory here.
5. Do not gossip or tell jokes. Jokes have no place in an interview even if it is related to the job and gossip certainly doesn’t either.
4. Refrain from bad mouthing your previous employer. This is like an epidemic. I think people get trapped because the employer wants to know why you left your last position. Even if you left because so and so was a horrible manager, they were misappropriating funds, Sheila was sleeping around, or Joe was sexually harassing you. It does not matter your employer does not want to hear it. If you speak negatively about a prior employer your potential employer will assume that you will bad mouth them as well. Zip your lip my friend and instead use one of these: “I am looking for growth opportunities, advancement or a better opportunity”, “We had new management and they restructured the organization”, or “The Company went through a layoff.” Only use what is truthful. If something bad happened and you left because of it, then obviously you are in search of a better opportunity.
3. Do not accept refreshments. Drinks spill and food makes a mess. Enough said.
2. Do not say ANYTHING negative about yourself, colleagues, previous employers, competitive organizations and do not tell them about your personal or financial troubles. Most importantly do not express your NEED for the job. We are all human and as humans, desperation is a turn off. You know this… remember dating during your high school years?
1. During the first interview do not discuss wages, benefits, vacations, perks, etc. This is a tricky one because what do you do if the employer brings it up? Here is a general rule of thumb; do not bring up salary, benefits, vacation, perks etc. If the employer brings it up there are two ways to respond. If they bring it up at the beginning of the interview and they would like to know your salary requirements you could say something like: I would really like to hear more about the opportunity before I could say what my salary requirement would be. OR you can give them a range. I typically do not like to commit to a number. I like to share a range. For example, if you were interviewing and they asked you what are your salary requirements you could say mid-to-high range. This gives them AND you some wiggle room. Often times you find that during an interview they will share with you what the budgeted salary is for the position. If it is within your range and they ask you about it you can share with them that it is within your range. It is perfectly OK to negotiate salary – but NOT during the initial interview. In fact, most experts will advise you to shy away from talking about it during the initial interview and instead leave it for when the employer brings it up during future meetings. Also, when they are asking you at the end of the interview if you have any questions do not ask them about benefits, vacation or PTO policies. These questions make you seem only interested in the perks and not in the position.
This is simply a basic list for your next interview. I assure you there are many more points to consider however, these are the most common mistakes I have seen. Review this list frequently and make sure you are not making the same mistakes at your next interview. Best wishes in your job search!
10. Do not bring your boyfriend, best friend or children to an interview. This is horrible interview behavior. I once had a candidate bring her entire family – there were seven very rowdy people in our lobby. You can imagine what we were thinking.
9. Do not curse or use profane language during an interview. Absolutely someone has done this before and they were promptly removed from the running. Using profanity during an interview is unprofessional.
8. Do not chew gum or smoke during an interview. Again this goes back to professionalism and smacking gum during an interview = not professional.
7. Do not argue with the employer. Even if you know you are right beyond a shadow of a doubt about something it is just bad manners.
6. Do not put your briefcase, purse, pocketbook, handbag, etc. on the employer’s desk. This is more subjective then the rest but it goes along with their personal space and professional etiquette. You would not go to a stranger’s house and prop your feet on their dining room table… same theory here.
5. Do not gossip or tell jokes. Jokes have no place in an interview even if it is related to the job and gossip certainly doesn’t either.
4. Refrain from bad mouthing your previous employer. This is like an epidemic. I think people get trapped because the employer wants to know why you left your last position. Even if you left because so and so was a horrible manager, they were misappropriating funds, Sheila was sleeping around, or Joe was sexually harassing you. It does not matter your employer does not want to hear it. If you speak negatively about a prior employer your potential employer will assume that you will bad mouth them as well. Zip your lip my friend and instead use one of these: “I am looking for growth opportunities, advancement or a better opportunity”, “We had new management and they restructured the organization”, or “The Company went through a layoff.” Only use what is truthful. If something bad happened and you left because of it, then obviously you are in search of a better opportunity.
3. Do not accept refreshments. Drinks spill and food makes a mess. Enough said.
2. Do not say ANYTHING negative about yourself, colleagues, previous employers, competitive organizations and do not tell them about your personal or financial troubles. Most importantly do not express your NEED for the job. We are all human and as humans, desperation is a turn off. You know this… remember dating during your high school years?
1. During the first interview do not discuss wages, benefits, vacations, perks, etc. This is a tricky one because what do you do if the employer brings it up? Here is a general rule of thumb; do not bring up salary, benefits, vacation, perks etc. If the employer brings it up there are two ways to respond. If they bring it up at the beginning of the interview and they would like to know your salary requirements you could say something like: I would really like to hear more about the opportunity before I could say what my salary requirement would be. OR you can give them a range. I typically do not like to commit to a number. I like to share a range. For example, if you were interviewing and they asked you what are your salary requirements you could say mid-to-high range. This gives them AND you some wiggle room. Often times you find that during an interview they will share with you what the budgeted salary is for the position. If it is within your range and they ask you about it you can share with them that it is within your range. It is perfectly OK to negotiate salary – but NOT during the initial interview. In fact, most experts will advise you to shy away from talking about it during the initial interview and instead leave it for when the employer brings it up during future meetings. Also, when they are asking you at the end of the interview if you have any questions do not ask them about benefits, vacation or PTO policies. These questions make you seem only interested in the perks and not in the position.
This is simply a basic list for your next interview. I assure you there are many more points to consider however, these are the most common mistakes I have seen. Review this list frequently and make sure you are not making the same mistakes at your next interview. Best wishes in your job search!
Basic interview skills, every job seeker should possess
It astonishes me how many job seekers in today’s day and age are held back because they lack the information and skills necessary to interview well. You may be amazed by what you don’t know.
Prepare a resume that sells. Sell the employer on your best attributes and what you can bring to them. Quantify when possible! This may sound like a no brainer but practice makes perfect. Actually practice answering interview questions. When I’m getting ready for a big job interview I think about all the questions I could possibly be asked during the interview and I already have my answers formulated in my mind. This way there are no long, uncomfortable pauses and I’m not scrambling to put something together on the spot.
Be prepared. Take a notepad to the interview with you. I usually jot down 3-5 accomplishments I am most proud of, my three biggest strengths, and my one weakness. Because you know they’re going to ask so you might as well be prepared. In addition to having your notes handy when they ask you those big questions you can also jot down notes during the interview. This is great because it makes the interviewer feel that you are really interested and are paying attention to what they are saying.
Be early. I recommend showing up 10-15 minutes early. Sure you will have to wait but what happens when the interviewer walks out to the waiting room and you’re not there yet? If you are going to be late because of an earth shattering emergency call ahead. But don’t be late! That pretty much assures the job is not yours. The common belief here is if you can’t make an interview on time you won’t make it to work on time. I would say that is a fair assessment.
Make sure you show up alone. When I was a recruiter for a staffing agency I don’t even want to go into how many people showed up for the interview and brought their family or kids along. This is a big no-no!
Bring extra copies of your resume. You never know when an extra person may sit in on the interview. I always bring one copy for everyone, a copy for myself and a few extras. Just in case there is someone extra.
I know you are nervous but do not fidget, play with your clothes, hair, jewelry, shoes, etc. It is just bad form.
When introduced make sure you smile, shake their hand firmly (but don’t break it) and wait to be seated until they sit down first. Common courtesy and professional etiquette – it’s the details that matter, believe me.
Answer their questions professionally and when applicable use an example from your previous experience. This confirms to your employer that you really do have experience in the area they are questioning you.
If they ask “Have you ever done…” something before and you have not; do not just say no. Say something like: “I have not actually had experience with that but I am confident that if someone showed me how I could do it.” Or “No, I have not done that before however, I am a fast learner and I am confident that I could learn quickly and provide the results you expect.” This communicates your willingness to learn new tasks, your ability to adapt easily and your confidence in your abilities. Being flexible and open is always a great quality!
When they ask if you have any questions do not say no! This is one of the biggest mistakes I see candidates make. If you say no it appears as though you have no interest. Even if they have answered all your questions surely there are some you can think to ask. I always have 2-3 questions jotted down on my notepad before I come in. They usually consist of ‘how the position/person is managed’, ‘what the management style is of the person who will be managing me’, and ‘what the next step will be in the hiring process’. The last question is always important; you want to know where it is going once you’re done interviewing.
It is not okay to ask the interviewer “How did I do?” That is BAD FORM! And puts the interviewer on the spot and they will most likely not tell the truth because if your interview was awful they’re not going to come out and say you did horrible you’re not getting the job. Plus, the majority of interviewers will discuss the interview with other team members before they come to a conclusion about your performance and the next step for you.
When you leave make sure you thank them for their time and let them know you look forward to hearing from them soon. This conveys your interest and is a professional way to exit.
Follow up with a thank you note. Yes, you MUST send a thank you note. Do you have any idea how many people don’t send thank you notes? Do you know how many people that do send thank you notes actually get the job?! Every interview I’ve been on that I’ve mailed a thank you note to I’ve received an offer (minus one). In addition, the majority of hiring managers I know will give someone a second look if they thought enough to send a thank you note. It lets the interviewer know you are still interested in the position, you are excited about it, and you are thoughtful, organized, and professional enough to send a thank you note. Don’t question it – just do it and see what happens.
Do not call the interviewer every day asking about the status. This is so annoying and YES people really do this. Please do not be one of these people; it will get your name scratched off the list so quick you won’t even see it coming. Calling a week after you mail your thank you letter to check the status is acceptable, anything after that I think becomes a nuisance. Chances are if the job was yours within two weeks of your interview you would have heard something.
Last but not least do not put your eggs all in one basket. I knew someone that every time he had an interview he immediately stopped his job search. I never understood this; he stopped sending out resumes, stopped applying on line, and stopped mailing out letters. He put all his eggs in this one basket and sadly when it didn’t work out he had lost two weeks in his job search, had to start all over again and was more discouraged then ever. Getting a ‘no’ is inevitable you are not going to ace every interview and be the perfect fit every time.
If you stay consistent, focused, and look at finding a job like it is your full time job then eventually you will succeed and it will all be worth it. Keep these interview tips tucked away and refer back to them before each interview.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
You are good, but overqualified for the Job
Too Good?
What do you do if you're overqualified for a job? Take a slice of humble pie and start presenting a realistic, honest and very salable picture of yourself, one that an employer wants to buy regardless of your qualifications. Here is how to do it:
What do you do if you're overqualified for a job? Take a slice of humble pie and start presenting a realistic, honest and very salable picture of yourself, one that an employer wants to buy regardless of your qualifications. Here is how to do it:
- Be clear about the job's specifications. It's critical that you understand exactly what the employer is looking for so you can concentrate on presenting yourself accordingly.
- Edit and tone down your resume so that it focuses on the qualifications the employer is looking for. If you're going after a project manager position, for example, avoid discussions of having managed complex billion-dollar projects if the employer is looking for a midrange PM who can direct projects on a smaller scale.
- Concentrate on your skills rather than previous job titles. Fancy job titles can be off-putting, and most employers--especially ones heading small companies--couldn't care a farthing about them. During the interview, expend your energy on selling your skills and why the company can benefit from them. Don't hesitate to go into great detail either. If you have a plan, system or technology that can save the employer a bundle of money, lay it out for them. I guarantee he or she will be all ears. The CFO and CIO might be invited into the boss' office to hear what you have to say. If that happens, you've scored a homerun. The game isn't won, but at least you're making points--and impressive ones at that.
- Don't mention salary. Let the employer introduce the subject. If the company thinks you're right for the job and being overqualified is no longer a barrier, the topic of salary will be broached faster than you expect. Throughout all the discussions, be laid-back and let the employer do most of the talking. Undoubtedly, you're going to take a salary cut, but if you handle yourself professionally and you also make a good impression, you might be offered more than the advertised salary. It happens often, especially when you're a deemed a hot property.
- Be humble. Most employers don't want haughty, arrogant professionals who think they're special. Demonstrate confidence in your abilities, but at the same make it clear that you're always learning, which is one of the keys to being very good at what you do.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Common Interview Questions for PM
Q : "Tell me about yourself."
A : "I love to jump into projects with both feet. I like sitting in front of a computer or at my desk for hours at a time thinking about a problem, plotting out the solution, making the presentation. Object-oriented technology [or any new technology] is my newest challenge."
Q : "What books and/or magazines do you read?"
A : Whatever you do, don't say, "I don't like to read."
Q : "What are your greatest strengths?"
A : "Pleasant personality/politeness, loyalty, willingness to work hard, motivation, persistence, tenacity."
Q : "What were your favorite subjects in school and why?"
Q : "How do you let off steam after you've completed a tough project? What do you like to do in your spare time?"
A : "For relaxation I like to read a mystery novel, go swimming, go skiing, make pottery .
Q : "Where do you plan to be in five years?"
A : The generic answer would be, "I would like to try the technical career track," or, "I want to follow the management career path."
Q: What is your long-range objective? Where do you want to be 10 or 15 years from now?
Although it's certainly difficult to predict things far into the future, I know what direction I want to develop toward. Within five years, I would like to become the very best _____ your company has. In fact, my personal career mission statement is to become a world-class _____ in the _____ industry. I will work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I will be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities that might be presented in the long term.
Q: How has your education prepared you for your career?
As you will note on my resume, I've taken not only the required core classes in the _____ field, I've also gone above and beyond. I've taken every class the college has to offer in the field and also completed an independent study project specifically in this area. But it's not just taking the classes to gain academic knowledge--I've taken each class, both inside and outside of my major, with this profession in mind. So when we're studying _____ in _____, I've viewed it from the perspective of _____. In addition, I've always tried to keep a practical view of how the information would apply to my job. Not just theory, but how it would actually apply. My capstone course project in my final semester involved developing a real-world model of _____, which is very similar to what might be used within your company. Let me tell you more about it .
Q: Are you a team player?
Very much so. In fact, I've had opportunities in both athletics and academics to develop my skills as a team player. I was involved in _____ at the intramural level, including leading my team in assists during the past year--I always try to help others achieve their best. In academics, I've worked on several team projects, serving as both a member and team leader. I've seen the value of working together as a team to achieve a greater goal than any one of us could have achieved individually. As an example . . .
Q : "What are your weaknesses?"
A : "I'm so compulsive about my work, that I can't stop until the job is perfect." Another approach is to turn the question into a discussion of your current professional goals. Example: "I plan to improve myself this year by taking a class in public speaking." Choose a peripheral weakness -- one that you may really need to work on, but not one that would disqualify you for the position in question.
Q : "Why do you want to work here at XYZ Company?"
A : "I've been following XYZ's growth and I want a company that I can grow with. Your company is solid and stable, with a growth rate of X percent last year and a great competitive position" Or, "I like a start-up environment where I can really make a difference."
Q : "Why should we hire you?"
A : "Because I would be an asset to your organization. I'm loyal, tenacious, motivated, and I learn fast. I'm someone who could be very productive very quickly."
Q : "What motivates you?"
A : "A job well done." "A challenge." "Interesting work/technology." Any or all of these answers work.
Q : "Tell me about a conflict you encountered and how you handled it."
A : "I sat down with the other person and asked what his issues were. Then I outlined my issues. We talked about which were the most important ones and which we could compromise on. We looked for the common aspects of our goals and placed those first. Then we decided together what to give up and what to keep, so that both parties felt they were winning something. Both parties were satisfied."
Q: What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
The key quality should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. A manager should also be a positive role model for others to follow. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person who I consider to be a true leader . . .
Q: If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?
That's a good question. I realize that it can be very easy to continually look back and wish that things had been different in the past. But I also realize that things in the past cannot be changed, that only things in the future can be changed. That's why I continually strive to improve myself each and every day and that's why I'm working hard to continually increase my knowledge in the _____ field. That's also the reason why I want to become the very best _____ your company has ever had. To make positive change. And all of that is still in the future. So in answer to your question, there isn't anything in my past that I would change. I look only to the future to make changes in my life
Q : "What are your salary requirements?"
A : "Salary is not my primary consideration. Of course, I have to pay the bills. I'd be open to any reasonable offer." Pause and maintain direct eye contact, even if it seems like forever. Do not be the first one to flinch. Do not over-talk. Be prepared for a long silence. Let the manager be the first to present a figure. It will give you power and control.
Q : "Are you interviewing at any other companies?"
A : "Yes, Mr. X, but at this point XYZ is my first choice."
If you're interviewing at a service provider, you will probably be asked to lunch. Remember that you're being judged on whether you know how to make small talk with a client and your overall manners and social skills.
A : "I love to jump into projects with both feet. I like sitting in front of a computer or at my desk for hours at a time thinking about a problem, plotting out the solution, making the presentation. Object-oriented technology [or any new technology] is my newest challenge."
Q : "What books and/or magazines do you read?"
A : Whatever you do, don't say, "I don't like to read."
Q : "What are your greatest strengths?"
A : "Pleasant personality/politeness, loyalty, willingness to work hard, motivation, persistence, tenacity."
Q : "What were your favorite subjects in school and why?"
Q : "How do you let off steam after you've completed a tough project? What do you like to do in your spare time?"
A : "For relaxation I like to read a mystery novel, go swimming, go skiing, make pottery .
Q : "Where do you plan to be in five years?"
A : The generic answer would be, "I would like to try the technical career track," or, "I want to follow the management career path."
Q: What is your long-range objective? Where do you want to be 10 or 15 years from now?
Although it's certainly difficult to predict things far into the future, I know what direction I want to develop toward. Within five years, I would like to become the very best _____ your company has. In fact, my personal career mission statement is to become a world-class _____ in the _____ industry. I will work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I will be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities that might be presented in the long term.
Q: How has your education prepared you for your career?
As you will note on my resume, I've taken not only the required core classes in the _____ field, I've also gone above and beyond. I've taken every class the college has to offer in the field and also completed an independent study project specifically in this area. But it's not just taking the classes to gain academic knowledge--I've taken each class, both inside and outside of my major, with this profession in mind. So when we're studying _____ in _____, I've viewed it from the perspective of _____. In addition, I've always tried to keep a practical view of how the information would apply to my job. Not just theory, but how it would actually apply. My capstone course project in my final semester involved developing a real-world model of _____, which is very similar to what might be used within your company. Let me tell you more about it .
Q: Are you a team player?
Very much so. In fact, I've had opportunities in both athletics and academics to develop my skills as a team player. I was involved in _____ at the intramural level, including leading my team in assists during the past year--I always try to help others achieve their best. In academics, I've worked on several team projects, serving as both a member and team leader. I've seen the value of working together as a team to achieve a greater goal than any one of us could have achieved individually. As an example . . .
Q : "What are your weaknesses?"
A : "I'm so compulsive about my work, that I can't stop until the job is perfect." Another approach is to turn the question into a discussion of your current professional goals. Example: "I plan to improve myself this year by taking a class in public speaking." Choose a peripheral weakness -- one that you may really need to work on, but not one that would disqualify you for the position in question.
Q : "Why do you want to work here at XYZ Company?"
A : "I've been following XYZ's growth and I want a company that I can grow with. Your company is solid and stable, with a growth rate of X percent last year and a great competitive position" Or, "I like a start-up environment where I can really make a difference."
Q : "Why should we hire you?"
A : "Because I would be an asset to your organization. I'm loyal, tenacious, motivated, and I learn fast. I'm someone who could be very productive very quickly."
Q : "What motivates you?"
A : "A job well done." "A challenge." "Interesting work/technology." Any or all of these answers work.
Q : "Tell me about a conflict you encountered and how you handled it."
A : "I sat down with the other person and asked what his issues were. Then I outlined my issues. We talked about which were the most important ones and which we could compromise on. We looked for the common aspects of our goals and placed those first. Then we decided together what to give up and what to keep, so that both parties felt they were winning something. Both parties were satisfied."
Q: What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
The key quality should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. A manager should also be a positive role model for others to follow. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person who I consider to be a true leader . . .
Q: If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?
That's a good question. I realize that it can be very easy to continually look back and wish that things had been different in the past. But I also realize that things in the past cannot be changed, that only things in the future can be changed. That's why I continually strive to improve myself each and every day and that's why I'm working hard to continually increase my knowledge in the _____ field. That's also the reason why I want to become the very best _____ your company has ever had. To make positive change. And all of that is still in the future. So in answer to your question, there isn't anything in my past that I would change. I look only to the future to make changes in my life
Q : "What are your salary requirements?"
A : "Salary is not my primary consideration. Of course, I have to pay the bills. I'd be open to any reasonable offer." Pause and maintain direct eye contact, even if it seems like forever. Do not be the first one to flinch. Do not over-talk. Be prepared for a long silence. Let the manager be the first to present a figure. It will give you power and control.
Q : "Are you interviewing at any other companies?"
A : "Yes, Mr. X, but at this point XYZ is my first choice."
If you're interviewing at a service provider, you will probably be asked to lunch. Remember that you're being judged on whether you know how to make small talk with a client and your overall manners and social skills.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Where not to work?
A few years ago I was forced to change jobs due to a consolidating marketplace and gross mismanagement; I had to rely on my own advice to find a job. After years of research and writing I realized I had a much better idea of where I did not want to work versus where I did want to work. But that turned out to be helpful…sometimes it’s easier to realize what you don’t want. It can be a valuable insight, so here are some things to avoid during your next job search.
Don’t work for a company that defines “workplace” as an office.
The boundary lines between “workplace” and “world” are blurring. Companies embrace that fact when it means working around the clock to manage international project teams and to support critical systems. Working at home is fine as long as it means extra hours, but off-site work during a regular business day is prohibited or made difficult to obtain.
Seek a firm that has flexible schedules to allow for different arrival and departure times. Also look for a firm that offers telecommuting. Even though (in my opinion) telecommuting is not something a project manager can do regularly, firms that allow telecommuting understand that work can occur anywhere, not just in the office. That is important to a project manager who may need a morning or an entire day at home to compile the notes from a risk planning session.
Don’t work for a place that says there is one way to do something…or that says “anything goes”.
Project managers need some room to challenge the status quo. Look for an environment somewhere between “complete control” and “utter chaos” that allows some ability to maneuver toward bureaucracy to throttle an outrageous customer--and toward flexibility to enable some change.
Look for the existence and use of a methodology, and when it’s your turn in the interview to ask questions, ask “how”--not “if”--it can be customized. If you don’t get a good answer, network around to find a project manager that is already employed and get an inside opinion about their approach.
Don’t work for a company that tells you how to organize your stuff.
No one’s office should pose a fire hazard, but I’ve seen extremely productive people with unbelievably messy offices. I’ve also seen pristine and orderly offices of people who presented a beautiful façade of productivity but did nothing.
There are different personalities and styles out there, and “clean desk” policies directly conflict with the “careers” section of the website that claims “we seek out-of-the box thinkers who challenge the status quo.”
This policy leads to a workforce that tends to have one personality and style. Managing projects against a gang of one-dimensional people means you better do it their way--and even if you do, you’ll be blamed for it in the lessons learned exercise (if you last that long).
Don’t work for a company that doesn’t include “aging” as part of its diversity program.
Everybody gets old and everybody is getting old. Smart companies are starting to recognize this and are seizing the opportunity by offering phased retirements and rehiring retirees as consultants.
With downsizings and flatter organizations, it’s getting harder to find a veteran employee. But those folks can be valuable to a project manager because they can tell you the history of what happened before: what was tried and failed, who doesn’t like project management, etc.
Not seeing any older folks around can mean a high turnover rate or a cost-cutting culture, and neither one is good. Find a place to work where you can stick around for awhile. Besides, you don’t want to have to go through all this interviewing again anytime soon, do you?
What to look in a perfect job?
Enough already with all this talk about the perfect job! How about we ditch that myth and settle for a great job? Look for these six components:
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