To add to our recent post about social media. Here is a great article about DOs and DONT’s of social media that we found on ComMetrics.com:
http://commetrics.com/articles/social-media-metrics-how-to-do-it-right-while-avoiding-another-public-relations-disaster/
“Frenemy” (alternately spelled “frienemy”) is a portmanteau of “friend” and “enemy” which can refer to either an enemy disguised as a friend or to a partner who is simultaneously a competitor and rival (www.wikipedia.org)
How true those words ring when referring to Social Media.
In this age of technology we live in, the access that public has to the staggering abundance of personal information is astounding (see earlier blog post: What’s in a Name? posted 6/14/10.)
Social Media is a term that has recently come into popularity with the advent of Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. Little did Mark Zuckerberg realize the monster he was creating when coding the initial framework for Facebook at Harvard in the early 2000’s. At the forefront of the Social Media movement, Facebook has made your life available to the masses, and status updates have revolutionized how people can map your activities: what you ate for lunch, how you feel about the new Twilight movie (personally, I’m on team Edward), and even how you feel about your employer.
Wait. Back up a minute. Feel about your employer?
That’s right, kids.
I was on Facebook this morning and saw a status update from a friend of mine: Tired of the job, but I’m in a/c so it’s ok.
…ok. But it was the subsequent comments that were shocking. Someone commented on the post, and named names. And then, the kicker: said friend confirmed the workplace name.
Ouch.
While it might have been a great frustration release, it might not have been the brightest idea ever; particularly in this economy, and with such a competitive market. Now the fact that you’re tired of your job is public. Now your employer can see that. And find someone to replace you who isn’t quite so tired.
Everyone complains about their job, even those who love what they do. It’s the nature of work: it ain’t always easy. But by making public statements about the shortcomings of your gig, you’re putting yourself on the chopping block and putting your status at risk.
Now, by no means am I saying that you should roll over and just grin and bear an unbearable situation at the workplace. No, indeed. What I am saying, however, is that if you’re tired of your job, scootch-a-boot and start looking around quietly, and try and keep the kvetching to the kitchen table with family and friends that you trust, rather than launching those complaints into the blog-o-sphere with Facebook or Twitter.
On the flip side, social media could turn out to be your best friend when it comes to job hunting. LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, Monster, and yes, even Facebook, can help you land your next job. Recruiters love to check up on the latest and greatest resumes, and recruiters are a direct line to employers. I can’t even count how many candidates I’ve contacted off of those sites, and guess what? I’ve even been able to put some to work. All because they kept their availability and skill set updated and current.
So remember: if you’re going to use Social Media as a medium to communicate about employment, keep it positive! You never know who’s reading, and where the next great opportunity can come from.
Seattle Folks:
If you’re on the south-end
The Des Moines Arts Commission is hosting its inaugural Poverty Bay Arts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 25th in and around the downtown Des Moines Marina District. The festival will feature art displays in local businesses, dedication of a new downtown mural by Chandelle Anderson on S. 219th Street between Marine View Drive and 7th Ave, several performances and a poetry slam with prizes. The entry deadline for artists and businesses to register to participate is fast approaching on July 23rd. Please visit the event website at www.povertybayartsfestival.com. A full list of summer arts activities in Des Moines is available at www.desmoineswa.gov/artscommission.
and for your amusement:
http://artofmanliness.com/2010/07/02/how-prepare-for-and-rock-a-behavioral-job-interview/
Every single morning, I face the same dilemma. It’s a daily struggle, and I admit, sometimes takes nearly an hour to resolve.
What do I wear today?
Yup, that’s the dilemma. I mean, seriously. What do I wear? Should I go casual? Dress it up a bit? Am I meeting with clients? Candidates? Lunch date? What am I doing after work? Friends? Drinks? Gym? OK, so what do I wear? Dress? Pants? Skirt? Which top? What color? Heels? Flats? Accessories? Makeup? Hair?
It can be overwhelming.
What’s even more overwhelming is deciding what to wear to a job interview. I mean, this is your future. You must be properly clothed.
Before we go any further, let me be the first to admit that clothes are functional. They cover your butt and keep out the cold. But just because something’s functional, does not mean that it can’t also be fantastically wonderful. What’re the first three letters in functional? That’s right: FUN. Getting dressed should be fun, and that includes getting dressed for an interview. If you know you look fantastic, it’s going to show in your demeanor, your strut, your body language, everything. Those unspoken gestures are what makes or breaks some interviews, so let’s make sure you look your best!
We’re gonna cover the don’ts first, and this goes for the gentlemen as well as the ladies.
1. DON’T look sloppy.
That means whatever you’re wearing should be clean, ironed, and in good condition. And on top of that, you should look polished. That means hair in place, loose threads clipped, shoes shined, shirt tucked in, no runs in your stockings and no chipped nail polish!
2. DON’T wear something uncomfortable.
Make sure you’re OK with whatever you’re wearing. Make sure it’s not too tight, too loose, or too revealing. Make sure it fits properly!! That means putting in the time and the dough to go to a TAILOR. That’s right, a tailor. And trust me: it’s worth it. Best tailor? Check out Gus’ Tailor Shop on Ashland.
3. DON’T wear something inappropriate.
When you’re going on an interview, it’s important to do a little research beforehand. Is it a casual atmosphere? Corporate? Don’t be afraid to ask! If it’s corporate, go for a gorgeous suit in a neutral color. If it’s casual, you can be more playful and wear slacks and a shirt with a blazer, or a pencil skirt with a cute blouse. Keep in mind this is an interview. Too much skin is ALWAYS a no. ALWAYS. NO EXCEPTIONS. EVER. FOR ANY REASON.
4. DON’T overdo it on the cologne or makeup.
I remember one interview I had at my last job. We interviewed candidates in a small, intimate conference room. And his cologne was so strong I had to keep the door open just so I didn’t pass out. I had a headache after that one, which was distracting from the real reason we were there. You never know when someone might be allergic to scents, so your best bet is this: take a shower, skip the scent. Fresh soapy smell is always best. And as for makeup, try and lighten it up. No dark colored lipsticks or heavy eye makeup. You want the potential employer to be looking at YOU, not the foundation line between your jaw and your neck. Good brands to check out? Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and Lancome all boast natural but polished looks. Still confused? Go to Sephora and have a consultant give you a mini-makeover. They’ll show you how to use products so that you go to your interview looking smashing. Even better idea? Go two hours before your interview. That way, if you hate it, you can wash your face. If you love it, you look gorgeous at your interview.
And now, for my favorite part of fashion: the DO’s.
1. DO let your personality show.
Just because you’re going to wear a suit, doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with it. Gentlemen, try a sassy colored shirt or bold pattern (my favorite is the window paned shirt with bold lines.) Or wear a neutral shirt with a statement tie.
And ladies, feel free to go with some great accessories. Try several long chains with a simple blouse, or some amazing earrings. My favorite go-to jewelry designer? A line called by boe (www.byboe.com) by designer Annike Salame. Gorgeous metals and natural materials with clean lines and conceptual designs.
2. DO invest in nice interview clothes.
I know clothes can be expensive. I mean, seriously, who wants to spend $250 on a blouse that can only be worn on a few occasions? But trust me, it’s worth it to invest a bit of cash into your wardrobe.
And this is where places like Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx become your best friends: designer pieces at discount prices. If you’re wary of facing the treasure hunt and sheer volume of stuff at places like that, I would recommend J. Crew’s sale rack. And the best part? They have personal shoppers. For free. So if you get confused, they’re happy to help you figure it out! Same goes for Nordstrom: personal shoppers happy to bring your interview style up a notch.
QUICK TIP: Strapped for cash? Check out the styles and outfits in the expensive stores, then go to Target and find a similar look for less! Same goes for makeup: let the knowledgeable counter staff help you find great colors, then go find comparable products at Walgreens or CVS. Sneaky, but effective when you’re on a budget.
3. DO pay attention to your shoes.
Seriously.
It’s not just about clothes, it’s about the shoes, as well. Gentlemen, make sure they’re clean and polished, and no stink!
Ladies, best advice is: if you can’t walk in heels, don’t. But just because they’re flats, doesn’t mean they can’t be fantastic. Steve Madden has a ton of reasonably priced, comfy, functional flats that will surely complete your outfit.
4. DO opt for classics.
When I say classic, I DO NOT mean dated. But seriously, how much longer are leggings or white jeans going to be in fashion? But a great dress? Women’s fashion has been mimicking the 40’s dress silhouette for seventy years now, and why? Because it’s flattering on everyone. Men’s suits might have gotten skinnier and shinier throughout the years, but you can never go wrong with flat front slacks and a three-button jacket with mid-rise lapels and a single vent in the back. Trust me.
Overwhelmed? Check out www.thesartorialist.com for some of the best functional fashion from all over the world.
Still overwhelmed? Watch What Not to Wear on TLC. That Clinton Kelly knows how to do business casual like no one I’ve ever seen.
Happy dressing!
How to get those personal referrals
Personal referrals are important in the hiring process for the same reason customer reviews are important when making a big purchase. Before entering into an expensive or long-term commitment, people want reassurance that they’re making a good choice. For a hiring manager, that means personal referrals act as a testimony of sorts for a candidate’s professional abilities.
“A referral conveys a level of reference and trust, just like having a stamp on your résumé from working at a name brand company,” says Kathy Ullrich, president of Kathryn Ullrich and Associates, an executive recruiting firm. “When I moderated a panel of executive recruiters at Stanford Graduate School of Business, all of the recruiters said that the chance that they would look at an unsolicited résumé was slim. However, if the sender mentioned in the e-mail that they were a referral of someone trusted by the recruiter, then not only did the likelihood of the recruiter looking at the résumé increase dramatically, but also the possibility that the recruiter would speak with the person directly as a courtesy.”
Personal referrals can either be recommendations in letter form or just the simple blessing from someone in your network to reach out to one of their contacts, i.e. “John Doe suggested I contact you about the open position.” Here’s what you need to know about securing either type of testament to your hard work.
Whom to ask
“Recommendations should come from respected peers within your industry,” says Brad Ellis, a partner at Kaye/Bassman, an international recruiting firm. “The best letters come from people you have reported to, preferably your previous boss.”
Susan Howington, president and CEO of Power Connections, a professional networking firm, says that getting recommendations from people you’ve worked with in a variety of capacities, however, will give the best overview of your skill set. “Recommendations should come from bosses, peers, subordinates, fellow board members and – let’s not forget – customers. This gives a full 360-degree perspective that can be very impressive,” she says.
How to ask
When asking favors of your contacts, it’s important to be targeted and specific in your request.
If you’re asking someone you know for a contact at a company you may be interested in, Ullrich suggests something to the effect of: “As you know, I’ve been a product manager most recently at a mobile applications company and worked on X, an application that you may have used on your iPhone. I’m looking for product management roles at larger companies with mobile applications groups, companies like Apple, Google or Microsoft. Do you know anyone you can refer me to at these companies?” By stating your goal and your understanding of how your skills fit with the company you’re interested in, your referrer will feel more confident in providing you a contact, she says.
Explaining why you need a referral can also be helpful, Ellis says. “For example, say: ‘I am competing for a director level position and I am in the running with five other candidates … a reference from you (considering you had such an influential impact on me in the business as my mentor) would help solidify my ability to attain the job and demonstrate similar results in this new career change,’” he says.
Howington also suggests making the process simple for those you are calling upon for the favor. “I always tell my clients to actually provide some sample verbiage or content to those they are requesting the recommendation from. I think that people are appreciative of the gesture and most will approve the suggested content. If nothing else, it gets the ideas flowing and they might even embellish your original thoughts so you will end up with an even better recommendation than you had anticipated,” she says.
What to ask for
If you’re asking someone for an actual recommendation letter, “it should focus on cost saving initiatives, money brought in, turnaround situations where you helped improve your previous department, stability of your work history and, of course, how well they rate your performance,” Ellis advises.
Ellis says the best referral letters convey the following:
The candidate has done the job before.
The candidate is self-motivated and coachable.
The candidate has brought in — or saved — money for his or her previous employer.
The candidate is stable and not a job hopper.
The candidate’s proficiencies.
Ellis also advises that referral letters be geared toward specific positions whenever possible. “[Candidates should] match themselves to the hiring authority’s ‘hot buttons,’ or their motivating factors for hiring. Specific letters showing a correlation to the job you are applying to are the best.”
Do LinkedIn referrals count?
“Yes, LinkedIn referrals do count,” Howington says. “But don’t be fooled; good recruiters will check and track the referrals through LinkedIn. If the referrals look contrived or superfluous — like a situation where you tell someone, ‘If you write me a recommendation, then I’ll write you a recommendation’ or if it appears that you are going for quantity versus quality of recommendations — their impact can be diminished in the eyes of the reader,” she says.
In terms of finding people in your network who might refer you to a company you are interested in, Ullrich says LinkedIn is a good tool, but should not be the only one in your networking and referral efforts. “The recruiters on the panel [at Stamford] all wanted communications via e-mail rather than LinkedIn,” she says.
by Kaitlin Madden on May 14, 2010, written for www.theworkbuzz.com
“What’s in a name?
That which we call a rose,
By any other name would smell as sweet…”
Ah, yes. The famed passage from Romeo & Juliet by poetic genius William Shakespeare, which states that one is not solely defined by their associated name.
Bill had a point. While things have changed quite a bit from 1597, modern nomenclature isn’t always an accurate depiction, especially in the digital age. The irony or humor that you might have intended with your email handle may not always come across as such to potential employers.
These days, every person is high-profile. There’s tons of information at your fingertips-and that includes personal information like e-mail address, phone number, and preferred laundry detergent. And if it’s at your finger-tips, it’s at everyone’s finger tips. So, when you’re job-hunting, it makes sense to try and keep only the most professional appearance with accessible information.
One way to keep a great professional profile is to consider the e-mail address that you’re using. SassyGal69er@aol.com is not nearly as charming to a potential boss than it was to your 8th grade boyfriend. It’s imperative to have a handle that’s appropriate for the nature of your business. So, what do you want to consider when changing your e-mail?
First, it’s a great idea to use your name, or at least your initials. The service provider you decide to use can run your proposed name through their database in the blink of an eye to make sure it’s available. If it’s not, try adding a number to it. It can be your lacrosse jersey number from high school, your anniversary date, whatever. As long as it’s something you’ll remember.
If you have a name that is unusually long or difficult to spell, it might be advantageous to shorten it, or just go with a first name and added detail, such as SteveWebProgrammer@gmail.com instead of SteveDomonigolutanis@gmail.com.
Secondly, consider which domain you’re using. Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail are three great free options. There are pros and cons to each, but I prefer Gmail, myself. It provides a ton of free services, including a document-sharing program (much like an FTP site), which can be a huge advantage. You can post your resume and send a link out, or a schedule of your softball games, or a hilarious short story you’re trying to get published. Whatever you want, you can share it for free.
The other advantage to using a universally recognized domain is that it makes it very unlikely that you’ll have dropped e-mails. This is a key point, ESPECIALLY when you’re job hunting. Obscure domains are not only less recognizable, but they might also filter out and spam important e-mails.
Lastly, check your e-mail daily. Yes, it can sometimes be a pain in the butt. Yes, you might have to filter through spam. Yes, it’s difficult to focus on a job hunt while Groupon is tempting you with the deal of a century. But you never know what might come through that can change your career path forever!
In the age of immediacy that we live in, it’s easy to let stuff slip through the cracks, and it’s easy to forget to follow through or follow up. But what does that mean for you and your career?
Nothing good, I can tell you that much.
Follow-through has morphed from a business necessity to an optional after-thought. The standards have plummeted, and businesses and individuals are suffering for it. While it’s easy to brush off a tiny mistake once in awhile, those tiny mistakes easily build up to habitual happenings, which can be seriously detrimental to your professional life. It doesn’t matter how great you look on paper and how well you present yourself: if you don’t have the chops to back it up, you won’t be a successful employee.
So how do you combat forgetfulness, and set yourself up for success?
Well, I’d be happy to share an ancient technique that is guaranteed to boost your follow-through and productivity: the checklist.Yes, ladies and gents, the checklist! While it doesn’t sound like it’s a big deal, I promise it’s one of the most effective tools to help get things done. How do I know? Personal experience.
Once upon a time, I worked for an agency as a project manager. I was awful at it. I couldn’t keep anything straight, and would constantly be rushing to finish things I had forgotten to do, leaving a trail of typo’s and misinformation in my wake. Which, of course, just made things worse. I couldn’t get organized, and it was becoming overwhelming. That’s when a dear pal (and one of the best project managers I’ve ever seen) gave me a simple tip: use a checklist.
Now, every morning when I get to work, I make note of every thing that I have to get through that day. If I ever get distracted or lose focus, it’s easy to regroup. I just take a peek at my checklist. Have to call a candidate? It goes on the list. Have to follow-up on an e-mail? Goes on the list. Edit a document for typos? The list. Correct said document? List. Write a thank you note? Go to yoga? Need to buy coffee? List, list, list. You get the point. It’s boosted my follow-through and productivity levels through the roof, and it’s a trick I will use forever. And employer’s notice: trust me.
So do yourself a favor. Focus on your follow-through and follow-up. If you have to send an updated resume to be submitted for a job, do it. If someone calls about an opportunity, call him or her back. If you’ve been submitted and haven’t heard back in a week, send and e-mail. Put it on the list and it will get done.
And if you’re not partial to pen and paper (I’m a fan of the Post-It, myself), check out this sexy little app that the brains behind swissmiss and Fictive Kin have cooked up: www.teuxdeux.com
by BEN ALLEN on FEBRUARY 21, 2010 http://www.benallenblog.com/.
For all those budding IAs out there – listen up – I have a few tips for you. Perhaps it’s just 1 tip but it’s a biggie and it’s one worth discussing – including some tactics. Let’s cut to the chase here:
If you send in a portfolio along with your CV/resume make sure you add some context and explain your thinking
Simple but let me explain. I employ IAs, designers, developers and the like and it’s become standard practice to send along a portfolio with your CV/resume (I’m going to refer to this as CV from now on). With any luck I see some good CVs – short, succinct and focusing on both “soft & hard” skills. With creative folks though CVs are not enough… I guess that the idea goes that employers read these CVs but cannot really get the feel for the real creative juice of the candidate – what can one do? Enter the portfolio – a collection of ones beloved works. Show a future employer all the work that you’ve done in college, your intern-ship, your professional life. Problem solved – right? Well kind of.
When is a good portfolio bad & what can I do about it?
Just as it is easy to write a bad CV it is equally easy to write a bad portfolio – even if it’s full of the most gorgeous work you’ve ever seen in your life. I think the most common mistake made is the lack of context. While you would like to think that the “work speaks for itself” you need to make sure. Here are some ideas to make sure:
Tip 1. Group your portfolio
Break up your portfolio content into logical groups which show off different parts of your wonderful skill set (this should not be hard if you’re an IA). For example if you’ve done lots of form design work – group that. If you’ve done some nice sales/e-commerce sites – that’s another group. Mobile work, web apps, transactional sites – loads and loads of groups. The reason to do this is simple – different problems need different solutions and thinking. Good UX employers know this and they’re looking for candidates that know this too. Furthermore by grouping your saying “I do X, Y, Z” not just “I do IA“. If I’m the employer looking for an IA with transactional site experience and your portfolio has this group your portfolio is going to be screaming at me “give this gal/guy an interview”.tions
This is huge. A lot of IA portfolios I look at contain sketches and/or wireframes. Lots of boxes and arrows lovingly crafted into a web page, user flow etc. Adding annotations is crucial in explaining this craft. The boxes and arrows are essential but the thinking that goes behind it is infinitely more important. I might look at a wireframe and think “hmm… nice placement of the call to action”. Without annotations though – I don’t know for sure whether you’re a great IA who agonised over this placement, balancing against other trade-offs within the page, with respect to a pertinent research article, your analysis of Google Analytics etc. OR whether you just got lucky.
Tip 3. Walk the talk
Any IA or creative person has to walk-through their ideas. Whether your justifying your idea to the client, your boss, your manager – at some time you’ll have to open up your wonderfully annotated wireframes and take people through your thought process. It’s a massively important skill so why not show your employer how much you rock by showing them one of your own walk-throughs? This has never been easier – you can use screenr.com for free (and have an instant online library) or if you would prefer to have the content sit with you and you only you could download a free trial or buy Camtasia. Either way this approach is super-sweet because it kills 2 birds with one stone – you show your thought process AND you show off a key skill which every employer is interested in.
Tip 2. Add annota
Final thoughts
Selling yourself takes work and implementing the ideas discussed above are no exception. Great content production & the great tenacity it requires are amazing feathers to have in your cap and should be appreciated by employers – thanking you with an interview.
Over to you:
Does anyone do any of the above? Has it worked for you?
What’s the best portfolio you’ve seen & why?
Do you get an interview every time? What do you do to shine?
What’s better – a static portfolio e.g. paper/PDF or an interactive portfolio e.g. web site?
Job searches, much like first dates, are about giving the other party — in this case the employer — a once-over and presenting yourself in the best possible way. Also similar to first dates, job searches give you several opportunities to make a single mistake that is a real turnoff.
You’re on your own when it comes to finding true love, but for staying in an employer’s good graces, we’ve got you covered. So put on your best clothes, style your hair and make sure you don’t make one of these job interview gaffes that are certain to turn off an employer:
Turnoff No. 1: Arriving too early for an interview
The reason: Interviews are scheduled at specific times for a reason. Hiring managers have other meetings and responsibilities to deal with throughout the day, so they can’t interrupt their schedule just to meet with you. Also, interviews often have multiple components. If you’re scheduled to meet the hiring manager first, then have a conversation with some potential colleagues, followed by a tour of the company and finally a drug test, an early (or late) arrival disrupts everyone’s schedule.
The solution: By all means, arriving early is better than arriving late. However, from an interviewer’s perspective, arriving 45 minutes early and letting the receptionist know you’ve arrived is just as bothersome as showing up 45 minutes late. If you get to the interview location too early, go to a nearby coffee shop, take a walk around the block or sit in your car to pass the time. Checking in with the front desk five or even 15 minutes early is acceptable and shows the employer you’re punctual.
Turnoff No. 2: Letting your desperation show
The reason: Although you have been looking for a job for several months or even longer, don’t let your frustration become the interviewer’s problem. A negative attitude that causes you to vent about the hardships of being unemployed can leave you reeking of bitterness and repel employers.
The solution: Don’t get us wrong — being unemployed can be one of the worst experiences a person goes through, and anyone who has been there understands that eventually you reach a point where you want to scream. Nevertheless, do your screaming before you get to the interview.
When you’re preparing for the interview, think like an employer. Do you want to hire the person with amazing qualification, a great personality and the potential to grow with the company? Or do you want to hire the person whose primary concern is getting a paycheck, who sounds angry and who might quit the moment a better job comes along? Enthusiasm impresses an employer; desperation does not.
Turnoff No. 3: Being too aggressive with your follow-up
The reason: Employers want to see enthusiasm from job seekers, but they don’t want to be inconvenienced by said enthusiasm. Two e-mails, a handwritten note, a few phone calls and a quick visit to the office just to see how things are going will not impress a hiring manager. That approach will scare them.
The solution: Again, enthusiasm wins over desperation every time. You need to send a thank-you note, and you can send both an e-mail and a postal letter to cover your bases. Pestering employers doesn’t just make you look desperate, it also annoys them. They don’t have time for so many distractions and eventually the first thing they’ll think of when they see your name is, “Oh, that’s the one who wouldn’t leave me alone.” Prove you have common sense, which includes knowing when to stop.
Turnoff No. 4: Talking trash about anyone
The reason: You probably have plenty to say about your incompetent former boss and inept co-workers, but you know better than to say it. You’ve been told that employers hear you talk negatively about a past boss and think, “One day you’ll be talking that way about me.” You might forget that the same thoughts run through their mind when you talk about other organizations, too. If you’re interviewing with the No. 2 company in a specific industry, you shouldn’t take cheap shots at the No. 1 company every chance you get. Employers know you’re job hunting and that you’ve probably been just as unkind about them in other interviews.
The solution: Stay positive. Explain why you want to work for the company. Point out how your experience has prepared you for this move. You don’t need to pretend that your former employer is a personal hero, but you should demonstrate that you are bringing something from the company other than your 401(k). Rather than belittle the competition, promote this company. Say, “I know your competitor is doing this, and they’ve had some success, but you have the ability to do this and that to beat them.” The focus remains on this company and also on your ideas.
Turnoff No. 5: Lacking direction
The reason: Whether or not they are micromanagers, employers like to have some trust in their employees. If your résumé, cover letter or interview suggests that you have no goals, you are not an attractive candidate. If you don’t even know where you want your career to go, how can you know this job is for you? A cover letter looking for a job instead of this job implies that you’re floating from gig to gig until you get bored.
The solution: If you’re not positive what your future looks like, at least create a narrative that satisfies you. This job might not be your ideal one, but do you see yourself learning from it and putting you on a path to something better? What could you do after you spend some time working here? Figure out what that path is so you can show an employer you know where you’re going. You don’t need to promise that you’ll stay at this position forever, but you can suggest that you are eager to learn and want to move forward. Employers like ambition because these workers tend to care about their jobs and ultimately improve the business in some capacity.
Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer
Resume. That one word causes a lot of different emotions in different people. Fear, loathing, despair…love?
Yeah, that’s right. Love. I love reading and writing resumes. Formatting, editing, tweaking, creating, I love it all.
However, I’ve come to realize that I’m an anomaly, and most people really despise putting this stuff together. I was perusing the interwebs the other day while trying to help a friend put a resume together, and came across a fantastic article, Avoid These 10 Resume Mistakes, written by professional resume-writer, Dr. Katharine Hansen.
http://www.quintcareers.com/resume_mistakes.html
I strongly encourage anyone who’s updating their resume to take a peek, consider the list, and revisit their work. Happy writing!
Rarely a week goes by at SVC that we don’t interview someone who’d like to break into advertising copywriting or art direction. We’re delighted to meet them, of course, as our ad classes have been one of the mainstays of our portfolio training for umpteen years.
However, we’ve noticed lately that aspiring ad creatives seem less prepared than ever to break into the field. Why? Because advertising has changed so drastically in just the past couple of years. The old style portfolio with a dozen funny or provocative print ad concepts just doesn’t cut it any more.
So what would we do if we were in your shoes? These three things:
Read more: http://www.svcseattle.com/blog/svcthoughts/2010/01/looking-for-an-advertising-job-give-me-three/#more-155
Article posted at The School of Visual Concepts Blog: “Thought of the Hour”
Here are some quick portfolio tips to help us help you:
1. Is your portfolio viewable online? In many cases there may not be time for an in person meeting to show your portfolio- especially for freelance work. Be prepared to send a link to an online portfolio or at least a PDF of work samples.
2. Does your portfolio distract from your work? Your portfolio is meant to show off your work samples and your skills, and should not be over designed or cluttered. Showing creativity is good- but be careful not to tip the scale to messy or distracting.
3. Is your portfolio easy to navigate? Hiring managers will not look at your work if they have to try too hard. If they cannot navigate through your page or download your PDF than they will move on to the next candidate. If your grandmother can access your work easily you are probably safe.
4. Who is your audience? Your portfolio should be appealing to any kind of audience you will ever work with or want to work with. If it is extremely edgy or conservative you will pigeonhole yourself into one type of work. You should have a variety of your best work samples from every type of skill listed on your resume.
5. Have you paid attention to detail? Your portfolio is being looked at for design, development pieces and links working, spelling and grammar, etc- even if that is not in the job description. If you cannot pay attention to the details in your portfolio employers will assume you cannot pay attention to the details in their projects.
6. Who did what? Your portfolio should spell out what your contribution was to the project or work you are presenting and highlight your skills and strengths.
Project Manager for Media Productions– needed ASAP
If you know video and broadcasting inside and out, and thrive in a client-facing role, we would love to speak with you! This is an ideal position for someone who wants to combine media industry experience with the ability to drive a project and interact with clients! This is an immediate contract position with potential to convert to fulltime!
Overall Job Description
• Establish and maintain great relationships with current and potential clients and outside vendors
• Serve as producer on things such as, but not limited to: tv spots, films, short films, tv shows, long form content for web, experiential filmed content
• Be accountable for project planning and scope (goals, budget, schedule)
• Maintain project calendars, traffic projects and deliver client work on budget and on schedule
• Manage job through completion, reconcile budgets and close-out elements in storage
• Identify areas to grow client relationships, which are favorable to client and agency
• Assist with the development of new business for the agency, when necessary
Skills/Experience
• Bachelors degree with at least 2 years of experience in this field or a related field
• Experience and understanding of the business of advertising and content generation
• Knowledge and related experience with directors, editors, music houses, visual effects houses
• Have a thorough understanding of talent usage/rights used within filmed content
• Understanding of, and understanding of, producing TV and radio productions
• Superior organization and communication skills
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, MS Project, FileMaker Pro
• Proficiency on a Mac and PC
• Ability to learn new agency processes
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Excellent individual and group presentation skills
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Ability to assign and delegate tasks successfully
• Ability to define, analyze and solve problems
• Ability to lead by example and be flexible to change where necessary
USER EXPERIENCE DESIGNER with mobile experience
Location: Seattle, WA
Report to: Executive Design Director
Compensation: Salary based on experience level, (For full time benefits include, family medical, health club & commuting subsidy). 401k with Employer Match. Life Insurance, AD&D policy and relocation benefits.
Job description
This Seattle-based client is a fast-growing digital product development consultancy located. In this creative and inspiring environment new product ideas come to life. They provide business strategy, research and design consulting services to high profile clients. They design software and technology products and services that address real user needs, allow their clients to harness market opportunities, and deliver next generation user experiences.
Main responsibilities
Qualifications
If you are interested in this full time position, please contact Ariel Fredrickson, ariel@thesmartdept.com
Instructional Designer
A Seattle-based leader in providing learning solutions to global clients, provides exciting project-based opportunities for multiple professional learning consultants for variable hours up to 40 hrs/week for a minimum of three months. Competitive compensation provided!
General Description
The Instructional Designer works as part of the Client Services team to analyze and research client programs and training needs, and design and develop courseware and learning solutions targeted primarily toward the client’s workforce. Specifically, this position designs and develops instructor-led and web-based training in support of newly identified opportunities within the client organization. Other duties include conducting needs analysis and other research to identify and validate training needs, making recommendations on training designs based on customer requirements, developing content and first level project management. This position is flexible and can include telecommuting options.
Job Requirements/Responsibilities:
Education Requirements
Sr. Copy writer
As a Sr. Copywriter for our client you are responsible for the conception and execution of innovative copy for integrated, cross channel initiatives including large web initiatives, online advertising, digital marketing, print advertising and/or direct mail. You should possess sharp writing skills and have the ability to understand more than one voice; adapting your writing skills as necessary to long form or headlines. You should be able to partner with art directors and designers to ensure the art direction supports the concept.
You must be able to create a range of concepts for each project, be self-motivated with a positive attitude and have strong communications skills. Copywriters at our client must have at least 6+ years of professional writing experience in an advertising or interactive agency.
You must also have strong experience working on large cross channel and/or direct marketing initiatives including rich media, web, direct and print. Experience with online and offline media is preferred. Experience with online media is a must.
Freelance Information Architect (city/north suburbs)
Responsibilities:
Design the UI architecture, interface, interaction flow and aesthetics of web applications and web sites
Develop conceptual diagrams, wireframes, prototypes, visual mockups and graphic assets Develop and maintain detailed user-interface specifications
Build upon and expand established style guides and UI patterns
Present design work to product and executive teams for review and feedback
Promote usability best practices
Qualifications:
Experience as a user experience designer, interaction designer, user interface designer, information architect, or similar role
An online portfolio or samples of work demonstrating related experience
Experience working in a collaborative team and working directly with developers for implementation of designs
Fluency in best practices for web-based information architecture and design, as well as strong knowledge of usability principles and techniques
Familiarity with the technical considerations needed when designing for dynamic AJAX-based web 2.0 applications
Visual design expertise demonstrated through mockups and style guides
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in a variety of design tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, Visio, and Dreamweaver
Ability to prototype in HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and/or Flash is strong plus
Ability to create illustrations for stylized graphic artwork and icons is a strong plus
Demonstrated history of acquiring user data (e.g., conducting usability studies, performing user research)
Freelance/Full Time Flash Developer (city/northwest suburbs)
This position will develop lightweight multimedia/video applications for the web using object oriented Actionscript 3. Familiarity with 3rd party libraries such as Tweenlite and Bulkloader would be highly beneficial. Maintain a knowledge base on Flash-based technologies and solutions in the market. Indirectly manage the different team members activities to ensure the project success
Requirements:
Strong understanding of object oriented programming in AS3 using Flash or Flex
At least 4 full years professional work experience programming applications with AS3
At least 4+ years experience hand-coding Flash
• Experience with Rich Internet Applications, Macromedia Flash, particularly technical and coding aspects such as Object Oriented Action Script 2/3, Flash Remoting, Data Binding, Components, etc. required. Flex or Lazlo experience a plus
• Must have extensive knowledge of Action Script 2.0/3.0, Script Based Animation, Object-Oriented Programming, Flash Video (Progressive or Streaming), Event Driven Programming and XML
• Experience with Design Patterns, Advanced Object-Oriented Programming, MVC Architecture such as Cairngorm, Web Services, Flex and Backend/External System Integration a plus.
• Experience version control systems
• Experience with Analytics Solutions (Omniture, WebSideStory, WebTrends)
• Image production techniques using Fireworks or Image Ready
• User Interface Design, Information Architecture, graphic design experience a plus
• Understanding of good design principles and ability to adhere to complex design specifications during implementation
• Demonstrated ability to accurately estimate and scope development work
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong written & oral communication as well as presentation skills.
• Team management skills.
Beneficial skills
Tweenlite
Video Technologies
OOP Design Patterns
HTML/CSS
JSON
XML
Firebug
Javascript
Server Side Languages (ASP.NET)
Direct Hire: Sr. Internet Designer (north suburbs)
Job Functions:
1. Collaborate with Senior Internet Art Director and website team (Editorial, Internet Business team, Information Architecture, Internet Marketing and Merchandising, MIS) to determine company’s ongoing website design goals and initiatives.
2. Based on initiatives, identify specific projects and project priorities.
3. Assess full scope of any project by procuring information from all relevant departments. (Such as Merchandising, Direct Marketing, MIS, etc.)
4. Determine appropriate design approach for projects based on objectives, information gathered, available timeframe/budget, and current known leading themes in advertising, catalogue, stores, etc.
5. Present design recommendations (visual and content) to Senior Internet Art Director for feedback, further collaboration, or approval.
6. Develop website work schedules with internal and external project teams.
7. Manage the design implementation process, collaborating with internal web production group, or external sources where necessary (i.e. writers, photographers, producers, etc.).
8. Ensure that new design programs are produced at standards that uphold/elevate the company’s brand identity.
9. Communicate the status of projects to Senior Internet Art Director and internal teams.
10. Manage design projects within known budget.
11. Maintain an awareness of the housewares industry, competitors and cultural trends that affect both.
12. Provide excellent service to both internal and external customers whether through direct contact, over the phone or through written communications.
13. Maintain an awareness of loss prevention, security and safety following the guidelines provided by the Human Resources Department.
Web Designer
Looking for a talented Interactive/UI Designer. Requirements for the position MUST include:
Interactive Designer w/UI Experience
High Proficiency:
-Adobe CS (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
-Adobe Flash
-Handwritten HTML & CSS
-Experience creating Information Architecture as it applies to web design
and to application design (especially wireframing)
Some Profiency:
-Experience developing in a .Net environment
-JavaScript (and JavaScript libraries such as jQuery)
-ActionScript 2 & 3
-Adobe After Effects
Requirements
-Bachelor’s Degree
-Agency and large brand experience necessary
