Report First Week as a First Class Citizen

Report First Week as a First Class Citizen When I lost my job 12 years and a month ago I learned that job seekers are treated like third class citizens. Or, maybe its just that we feel like we are treated that way. I remember checking my mail one day, as a job seeker it was a beautiful day but the neighborhood was eerily quiet. I seemed to be the only human around. Things changed, of course. I became a business owner (which has a lot of similarities to being unemployed) and an author (which was amazing), a professional speaker and a Pluralsight author.   I worked my way out of being a third class citizen, but it was seriously hard work, and it was years in the making. This last week, everything changed. On Monday I started my dream job at BambooHR, a company that makes award winning software for small to medium businesses. Im still pinching myself because this job is too good to be true and a part of me is wondering if Im going to wake up from a dream. Alas, I made it a week and I still have the job! NOTE: Im still running, managing, and keeping JibberJobber. Read about that in my announcement here. My job at BambooHR is like a a combination of all of the things Ive done over the last 12 years: I was brought in to create programs and products. Ill explain more as we move forward, but Im in my happy place of concept, strategy, vision, planning, etc. So how was my first week? Well, I got reintroduced to the power of a real company culture. BambooHR was founded on the premise of we want to create a great place to work so great work can take place, even before the founders had figured out what what their product, market, or industry would be.   Isnt that amazing? This company was built on lets build a great company culture before even figuring out the money part of it! Bizarre, isnt it? Company culture was the foundation of this company, and they ferociously guard it. That is an amazing foundation, and its an honor to be able to be in it, and contribute to it. I realize that this week Im still in honeymoon phase. Im still enamored by all of the new, and the transition. But Ive talked to others, some who have been here for a few months and some who have been here years, and Im seeing that this is real. Their investment in culture, and employees, is real. And that is amazing. So how was my first week? I wrote a course at Pluralsight on how to onboard yourself (instead of waiting for HR to put you through an incomplete onboarding process). Ive done some of the self-onboarding things from that course.   Ive found that I am also anxious to just jump right into my work. The first day was mentally exhausting, of course. I met a lot of new people (who know my name, and Im learning their names). I learned a lot about company policy and spent I think two hours learning about all of the benefits and perks (holy cow!). I met with my boss for a couple of hours and got settled into my workspace. The next three days I got a bigger and better vision as I was able to talk to my boss more, as well as have important conversations with people inside the company. This is new to a lot of people and its been interesting asking them what they think we are doing and what my role is. I spent Friday in my bosss office (he is out of town) and filled up his entire whiteboard, then brought in another whiteboard (and filled it up) with a massive brain dump. Im super excited. I wish I knew the names of more people but that will come. The commute is not my favorite but it could be worse (I drive about 20 miles against traffic, so I am usually at the speed limit the whole way). I drive past a bunch of recruiting billboards and company offices and think why would I ever work anywhere else? Definitely honeymoon stage, which Im hoping lasts a good three to twenty years :p Last week (and today) Ive spent about an hour of very focused work on JibberJobber each morning. I even got a couple of morning workouts in today I was lucky enough to get up at 6 (instead of 4). My brain is just going and going and going. So theres my one week report. I feel like this is a fairy tale, a dream that I might wake up from. I know there will be bumps in the road but Im very happy where Im at, and thankful that I have a team at JibberJobber that is moving the product in the right direction. Report First Week as a First Class Citizen When I lost my job 12 years and a month ago I learned that job seekers are treated like third class citizens. Or, maybe its just that we feel like we are treated that way. I remember checking my mail one day, as a job seeker it was a beautiful day but the neighborhood was eerily quiet. I seemed to be the only human around. Things changed, of course. I became a business owner (which has a lot of similarities to being unemployed) and an author (which was amazing), a professional speaker and a Pluralsight author.   I worked my way out of being a third class citizen, but it was seriously hard work, and it was years in the making. This last week, everything changed. On Monday I started my dream job at BambooHR, a company that makes award winning software for small to medium businesses. Im still pinching myself because this job is too good to be true and a part of me is wondering if Im going to wake up from a dream. Alas, I made it a week and I still have the job! NOTE: Im still running, managing, and keeping JibberJobber. Read about that in my announcement here. My job at BambooHR is like a a combination of all of the things Ive done over the last 12 years: I was brought in to create programs and products. Ill explain more as we move forward, but Im in my happy place of concept, strategy, vision, planning, etc. So how was my first week? Well, I got reintroduced to the power of a real company culture. BambooHR was founded on the premise of we want to create a great place to work so great work can take place, even before the founders had figured out what what their product, market, or industry would be.   Isnt that amazing? This company was built on lets build a great company culture before even figuring out the money part of it! Bizarre, isnt it? Company culture was the foundation of this company, and they ferociously guard it. That is an amazing foundation, and its an honor to be able to be in it, and contribute to it. I realize that this week Im still in honeymoon phase. Im still enamored by all of the new, and the transition. But Ive talked to others, some who have been here for a few months and some who have been here years, and Im seeing that this is real. Their investment in culture, and employees, is real. And that is amazing. So how was my first week? I wrote a course at Pluralsight on how to onboard yourself (instead of waiting for HR to put you through an incomplete onboarding process). Ive done some of the self-onboarding things from that course.   Ive found that I am also anxious to just jump right into my work. The first day was mentally exhausting, of course. I met a lot of new people (who know my name, and Im learning their names). I learned a lot about company policy and spent I think two hours learning about all of the benefits and perks (holy cow!). I met with my boss for a couple of hours and got settled into my workspace. The next three days I got a bigger and better vision as I was able to talk to my boss more, as well as have important conversations with people inside the company. This is new to a lot of people and its been interesting asking them what they think we are doing and what my role is. I spent Friday in my bosss office (he is out of town) and filled up his entire whiteboard, then brought in another whiteboard (and filled it up) with a massive brain dump. Im super excited. I wish I knew the names of more people but that will come. The commute is not my favorite but it could be worse (I drive about 20 miles against traffic, so I am usually at the speed limit the whole way). I drive past a bunch of recruiting billboards and company offices and think why would I ever work anywhere else? Definitely honeymoon stage, which Im hoping lasts a good three to twenty years :p Last week (and today) Ive spent about an hour of very focused work on JibberJobber each morning. I even got a couple of morning workouts in today I was lucky enough to get up at 6 (instead of 4). My brain is just going and going and going. So theres my one week report. I feel like this is a fairy tale, a dream that I might wake up from. I know there will be bumps in the road but Im very happy where Im at, and thankful that I have a team at JibberJobber that is moving the product in the right direction.

12 Things You Think at Your First Networking Event

12 Things You Think at Your First Networking Event Networking is important. We all know that sometimes it is not what you know but who you know, as the famous saying goes. This means you must take every opportunity you can to network. This includes  attending events, catching up with people on social media and even creating events or opportunities for yourself to meet new people in different industries. So what does a networking event involve? Your first networking event can be very overwhelming, especially as you are the new guy entering the complicated world of social circles and conversations. Overtime, networking becomes very natural and you start to enjoy the opportunities you are given and the new people that you meet. However the first time is often the worst. Here are the 12 thoughts that go through your head at your first networking event. It gets better, we promise! 1) I have absolutely no idea where this building is. Google maps isnt working and I am now going to sit and cry in the middle of the street. 2) I do not know a single person here. Why does everyone know each other? Why are they all hugging? SOMEONE HUG ME. 3) FREE WINE AND CHAMPAGNE. Do I look like an alcoholic right now? Probably. Do I care? No. 4) FREE FOOD! Do I look like a pig? Probably. Do I care? No. 5) I look extremely socially awkward. I am sitting alone. In the corner. Alone. 6) I am going to approach someone. This is it, this is the moment we have all been waiting for. 7) I lied, I am going to the toilet. I am going to my safe place, NO ONE WILL FIND ME THERE. 8) Suck it up and talk to someone. That man looks friendly. 9) Everything I just said to that man was inappropriate. No seriously, I should not of said that. 10) Okay conversation is flowing, Ive got this. Or is it the wine thats flowing? I just dont know anymore. 11) I cant remember anyones name. I also forgot to exchange details 12) I should really spend some time on improving my networking skills. Image: Shutterstock

How to Sell Yourself in an Interview Without Selling at All

How to Sell Yourself in an Interview Without “Selling” at All For any company that has a winning attitude, nothing matters more than getting the right people in the right positions. Therefore, as a job applicant, during the interview process you must make a compelling case that you are intelligent, competent, autonomous and knowledgable in the desired areas. However, it’s a catch-22: if you come across as attempting to convince an interviewer that you possess these qualities, you are much more likely to appear desperate rather than well-rounded. Essentially, the moment you begin to directly brag and display fake arrogance is the moment you lose an interviewer’s interest and your attractiveness as a job candidate. People hate being sold and hiring managers, recruiters and HR representatives are just people, after all. This begs the question of how one goes about influencing a hiring manager without coming across as ingenuine and needy of a job? The answer is subtlety. The only way you can “sell” the interviewer is to let them draw their own conclusions about you. Luckily, there are certain things you can do to increase the odds that their conclusions are going to be positive and welcoming, regarding hiring you. Below, you’ll find some key information that will allow you to sell yourself without actually “selling” yourself: Without  even saying a word: By: iconoclast020 When an interviewer meets you, they instantaneously categorize you as a winner, loser, or maybe somewhere in-between simply by how you present yourself. Use this knowledge to your advantage and let your looks, posture and facial expression sell for you prior to speaking your first word. For instance, when you greet an interviewer with a full smile and wide-eyes, they are much more likely to associate you with positive qualities. Your facial expression should say, “I like you.”    People like others who like them and tend to associate those people with desirable qualities such as integrity and competency. Thus, they are much more eager to want them around the office. Regarding dress know that opposites do not attract.    For instance, you are not likely to be perceived well at a bank if you underdress for the interview.    Don’t intentionally stick out.    It will not build the desired rapport.    Familiarity breeds fondness. Moreover, studies have shown that matching posture and movements will build trust and mutual respect.    Without being obvious, do your best to mirror the interviewer’s body language. The  most effective interviewing preparation: People (interviewers included) are interested in themselves and their own needs. Therefore, if you don’t know what your audience or a hiring manager wants, you can’t sell them. Luckily, the job description will give you more evidence than you need to formulate an accurate thesis as to what the individual wants in an employee. For instance, if a job description states the employer wants someone who is autonomous, take time the evening before the interview to write down a story or example of your autonomy.    With that example in mind, work it into the conversation at the appropriate time. Through the anecdote, the hiring manager will naturally see that you are the type of person who will allow them the ability to focus less on managing you and more on the necessary tasks they need done. If they list a certain skill that you have in-depth expertise with, formulate questions that display your knowledge of the topic. Don’t wait until the end of the interview to present these inquiries, as an interviewer’s assessment of you is likely to be firmly set by then. Rather, ask away when the topic is touched upon. During the interview: Speak without criticism: nobody wants to be around a pessimistic person.    Rather, interviewers are more readily sold by those who have a positive, happy outlook and perspective on life. In a genuine manner, convey thoughts that discuss success and, rather than talking about insurmountable hurdles, discuss how you plan to overcome any obstacles. Utilize your rate of speech as an influential measure. When you are making important points during the interview, after the statement it’s going to be helpful to pause for a second and mentally allow the hiring manager digest what you just stated. In the end: The phrase sell yourself is popular when it comes to job search. The basic idea is sound, but too many people lose any nuance in the attempted execution. Selling yourself, when it comes to interviewing, is really about paying attention to the cues you both receive and send, before and during the interview. Concentrate less on selling yourself and more on putting your best foot forward. Image: Shutterstock

3 things to teach your kids so they succeed in life

3 things to teach your kids so they succeed in life The kid competition starts early, with sleep. For the first six months of my sons life, someone would ask me every day, Hows his sleeping? As if sleep practices are a window into a babys genius. (And let me tell you something, if sleep is the SATs for babies, I am living with the village idiot.) Then there are parents who say, My son adores his books! like he is the next Shakespeare. And there are the parents who say, I bought puzzles for her age group but they were too easy for her! Two words: Who cares? I am not hoping for an early reader or a math genius. I am looking for my kid to be able to navigate adult life in a way that makes him happy. And since I do not have a trust fund to bequeath, my son will have to find happiness in a career. As a career columnist, I am pretty certain that there are things way more important than sleeping through the night: 1.Take risks Many people write to me to say they want to change careers and they are too scared. It doesnt matter how gifted these people are: they are stuck because they cant take risks. Parents are not natural teachers of risk because a parent is all about creating a stable home and keeping the kid from danger. (We have a joke in my family that if my mom is giving someone advice, it must be to do whatever has less risk.) But if a kid is scared to take risks the kid will get into ruts. The kid will not see possibilities. Adults who take risks understand that failing is okay. Kids need to get practice failing. 2. Be passionate Many adults cannot figure out what to do with themselves. They have never learned to look inside themselves. They have never developed their own, internal gauges. If you want your kid to figure out what career to go to when shes twenty-five, help her learn to figure out what shes passionate about when shes much younger. School does not teach passion. In school, a teacher tells kids what to investigate. Whether the kid is a genius or just an average student, school is not teaching him to follow his own passions. (In fact, you could argue that at the end of eighteen years of school, the kid with straight As had less time than the average student to figure out her own passions; those perfect students are too busy learning what they are supposed to learn.) There will come a point for your kid when his world is not made of Scantron tests but of wide-open, connected fields for the kids dreams. The kid needs a working, internal compass to move in this world. 3. Work hard to attain goals Gifted kids dont need to work hard to get As. Pray that you have a normal kid so that schoolwork can be a lesson on working hard. For kids who can do things easily, teach a kid to work hard at something else. Remember, though, that hard work is not an end in itself. I know too many people who worked hard in school, went on to Ivy League, and now have no idea what to do with themselves. Hard work only matters in the context of passion and risk taking. Otherwise, you can only work hard at someone elses dreams. So lets all raise dreamers, adventurers and leaders. And dont bug me when I tell you my son never shuts his eyes, because sleep isnt the only place for dreams.

Launchpad 4 Just Released! Best Job Search Advice From Top Career Experts - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

Launchpad 4 Just Released! Best Job Search Advice From Top Career Experts Throughout this year, Career Rocketeer published the first three volumes of Launchpad: Your Career Search Strategy Guide. Founder Chris Perry developed the CareerRocketeer blogsite and Launchpad series to help entrepreneurs and job seekers at all levels  launch their careers to greater heights. All you need is the right fuel to help you take off to success and to a better, more rewarding career experience. We like to think of our content as the premium fuel for your career jetpack. Launchpad 4 includes short articles on resume optimization, interviewing, personal branding, career search strategizing, professional networking, the use of web 2.0 search tools, and much more, by myself and such career experts as: Laura Bellis, Tom Cairns, Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Nisa Chitakasem, Phil Gerbyshak, Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Heather Huhman, Angie Jones, Matthew Levy, Perry Newman, Judi Perkins, Chris Perry, Brent Peterson, Todd Rhoad, Phil Rosenberg, Mario Schulzke, Dorothy Tannahill-Moran, Harry Urschel and Bill Westfall You can purchase the print or digital version of Launchpad 4 on the Career Rocketeer site. And check out the special offer for the Launchpad Career Search Combo Pack â€" all 4 volumes of Launchpad: Your Career Search Strategy Guide. Related posts: A compilations of some of my best posts: Executive Branding and the New Rules of C-level Job Search 00 0

Top Dos and Donts on How Jobseekers Should Conduct Themselves on Facebook - CareerAlley

Top Do’s and Don’ts on How Jobseekers Should Conduct Themselves on Facebook - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. It is never too late to be what you might have been.George Eliot Opinions differ dramatically when it comes to the way you should conduct yourself on social networking sites such as Facebook. What might be acceptable to one person, might be unacceptable to another. However when you factor potential employers into the equation, it becomes another matter. Suddenly you have more to consider than just family and friends seeing your timeline, you have someone who could decide your professional future. Believe it or not many employers do search for candidates on Facebook, regardless of the sector. With record levels of unemployment plaguing the country, it is important for job-seekers to do everything they can to increase their hiring chances including reviewing their Facebook profiles. Similar to online PR it is an opportunity for self-promotion. DO pick appropriate profile and cover photos first impressions matter hugely and these pictures should reflect how you wish to be seen by employers. That doesnt necessarily mean it cannot be a picture of you with your friends having a drink, but it should not include any nudity, drunken behaviour and so on. DONT swear a potential employer will read recent status updates, and with the introduction of timeline they may even view status updates from two years ago, so unless you would swear in a professional environment, you should not swear on Facebook either. DO use Facebook as a personal platform share news updates and articles that relate to your chosen career. It will show an employer that you are proactive, have a real passion for the industry and that you have a good knowledge of current trends. DONT use negative language when you go for a job interview you would never moan or be negative when answering questions, your attitudes on Facebook should be the same. Do not use negative language, especially about other people. Employers should see you as being a positive person who will be an asset to the team and saying nasty things or just being negative will put an employer off you in an instant. DO follow brands and companies on Facebook as well as following brands that you have a genuine interest in, follow brands that you would potentially like to work for and those that you are applying to work for. Doing this will enable you to view any news updates or promotions which will put you in good stead in an interview. DONT let an employer see your profile if you are uncomfortable with the above points the privacy settings on Facebook are extremely thorough. From being able to review anything you are tagged in before it goes on your wall, to making your profile unsearchable in Facebook and in search engines if you want to you can decide how visible you want to be, but bear in mind that Facebook can be a fantastic way of letting an employer get to see a little part of your personality that CVs dont allow you to do. THE GOLDEN RULE if you would not say it in a work environment, you shouldnt say it on Facebook. Author, Emilie Legrand, is an account executive at integrated search, PR and social media agency Punch Communications. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search.Visit me on Facebook

Will Your Creative Resume Hurt or Help

Will Your Creative Resume Hurt or Help Writing an effective resume requires t he proper format. Resumes that get you hired need to stand apart from the thousands of other resumes companies may receive for a given job listing. For this reason, many people think it’s best to get creative when writing an effective resume. Unfortunately,  resumes and cover letters  that are too unusual can raise red flags and prevent employers from even looking at them. It’s Not Tailored to the Job When prospective employees spend too much time getting creative with their resumes, they often fail to customize them to fit the exact specifications of the job to which they are applying. Whenever you apply for a position, it’s important to specify skills that relate directly to the job. Everything should be tailored to the job’s needs. It Has Too Much Flair The typical font styles may seem boring, but these are the ones employers expect. If you get fancy with fonts or use colorful pie charts and other features, you will take away from your actual skills and distract potential employers. Simple and easy-to-read is essential. You Overdid the Keywords While keywords are a must in today’s resumes and cover letters, especially when submitting them online, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Be careful to choose keywords that relate to your skills and the job, but don’t select too many. It’s also critical to write carefully so it doesn’t read as if you stuffed the keywords in for the sake of including them. Too Much Fluff Resumes that get you hired  are short and to the point. Employers don’t want to spend a lot of time reading. If your resume is filled with irrelevant information or you go into a lot of details, your resume is likely destined for the trash can. Before submitting a resume, read through it and cut out any unnecessary words. Getting creative with your resume and cover letter may seem like it’s the best way to get hired for a job, but it can hurt you in the end. Fluffing out your resume to make it look longer or more impressive is a serious mistake that can put your resume at the bottom of the pile. Too much flair or overstuffed keywords can also lead to disaster, rather than success. If you want to maximize your chances of getting the job you want, make sure your resume is factual and to the point. The best way to stand apart from the other candidates is by  writing an effective resume  that highlights your relevant skills.