Social Networking vs. UnSocial Networking

Social Networking vs. UnSocial Networking Many years ago, when I was setting up the categories for this blog, I created a category called UNsocial Networking.  Im sure I giggled when I put it into the list of categories, because really, how can you network in an unsocial way?  Networking IS social! But the term social networking has been hijacked by websites that facilitate networking online.  For example, when someone says social networking they are clearly talking about Facebook or LinkedIn or something like that. If someone simply says networking they are talking about something that scares the pants off of most people, right?  Were still quite intimidated by the concept of networking, especially if we think of it as a certain thing that we need to do to make sales, find a job, etc. I would like to define unsocial networking (surely a phrase that will not catch on outside of this blog) as the natural, unscary part of networking. Developing real relationships.  Having real conversations.  Emailing people.  Following-up with people. Im not talking about the used-car-salesman schmoozing.  Im referring to the simple human interactions that we already do.  Im not even necessarily talking about a purposeful, strategic and planned networking activity, tactic or strategy. Im talking about simply talking to someone. Unsocial networking isnt scary (unless you have social anxiety, and even then, one-on-ones can be comfortable and not scary).  It is what we as humans do. Check out the UNsocial Networking category for posts related to regular, natural networking And now, step away from the computer and go do some unsocial networking! Social Networking vs. UnSocial Networking Many years ago, when I was setting up the categories for this blog, I created a category called UNsocial Networking.  Im sure I giggled when I put it into the list of categories, because really, how can you network in an unsocial way?  Networking IS social! But the term social networking has been hijacked by websites that facilitate networking online.  For example, when someone says social networking they are clearly talking about Facebook or LinkedIn or something like that. If someone simply says networking they are talking about something that scares the pants off of most people, right?  Were still quite intimidated by the concept of networking, especially if we think of it as a certain thing that we need to do to make sales, find a job, etc. I would like to define unsocial networking (surely a phrase that will not catch on outside of this blog) as the natural, unscary part of networking. Developing real relationships.  Having real conversations.  Emailing people.  Following-up with people. Im not talking about the used-car-salesman schmoozing.  Im referring to the simple human interactions that we already do.  Im not even necessarily talking about a purposeful, strategic and planned networking activity, tactic or strategy. Im talking about simply talking to someone. Unsocial networking isnt scary (unless you have social anxiety, and even then, one-on-ones can be comfortable and not scary).  It is what we as humans do. Check out the UNsocial Networking category for posts related to regular, natural networking And now, step away from the computer and go do some unsocial networking!

Training on Resume Writing - Ways to Learn and Succeed

Training on Resume Writing - Ways to Learn and SucceedAre you looking for training on resume writing? If so, then you need to find out what's available. The way you write a resume is the first thing that employers look at when they are reviewing your resume.When writing a resume, you can't be sloppy and put together something that is flawed. You have to know what to put on the resume, and when to do it. You should be able to write in your own words, instead of using someone else's words as a template.It is important that you learn how to write a resume from an expert. With the help of training on resume writing, you will learn all about the tools that are available to help you be the best resume writer. It is not something that you can simply stumble upon. The best way to get started with this is to use the website of a company that has years of experience in creating resumes.You can get the best training on resume writing from this website that will give you all the tools that you n eed to be the best resume writer you can be. Training on resume writing is designed to help you write resumes that are perfect and that get employers interested in your job search. Once you have this training, you can start using what you have learned in a career as a professional resume writer.You can also get a free resume template that you can use. This will help you begin your training on resume writing, but you should always be sure to get the best training that you can. There are many places where you can get the best training on resume writing that you can find.One place that you can get this is from using the sites of career experts who can offer free training on resume writing. These professionals are well-versed in every aspect of resume writing and they can provide you with guidance in this area. Many of them specialize in hiring professionals, so you can be sure that you will find the best advice possible.Training on resume writing is a good thing, but you should also be ready to take the initiative and write the resume yourself. This will be the most effective way to learn how to use the tools available to you for your own resume. The more that you practice the skills that you learn about, the better you will become at writing resumes.Use the experience that you have gathered to make your resume the best it can be. You can go online and find many tools that can help you do this. Training on resume writing is only one of the tools available that can help you, but it is something that you can use to help you become the best resume writer you can be.

How to Do Pre-Employment Assessments Right!

How to Do Pre-Employment Assessments Right! SPONSORED: This post is sponsored by Skillmeter, the online skills testing platform for recruiters. Gone is the time when a company published a job ad, invited candidates for an interview, held interviews and selected the best one. However, hiring the wrong person can become a costly and time-wasting issue for an organisation. Many companies therefore consider pre-employment testing tools which will allow them to screen and select the most suitable, qualified and reliable candidates and screen out those that don’t seem to fit for whatever reason. What are the different types of  tests? Assessment tests are only effective if they are objective, reliable, valid and relevant to the job and industry. A company’s challenge is therefore to create a test that will assess the jobseeker’s knowledge, abilities and/or personality traits. The more customised the test is the better. Companies can now choose from various assessment options, such as: Hard skills tests    computer skills, language skills, clerical skills, math skills or other specific knowledge skills. Job related soft skills  customer service, sales ability, communication, team working, time management and many more. Tests on integrity  theft, trustworthiness, reliability, team and cultural fit. Personality tests   personal character traits (there are many personality tests to choose from, such as Predictive Index Test, Myers Briggs Type Indicator etc.) General reasoning or cognitive tests  how quickly candidates can process new information and analyse complicated scenarios (this type of tests is  becoming increasingly popular considering that the job market is getting tougher as time goes by). Many types of assessments are being presented in a multiple choice format. A particularly effective method in screening out immediately those candidates who don’t want to invest a lot of time in the employer’s interview process is the use of an “Essay Style Application”. Job applicants are invited to describe in more detail what they did, the way they did something and how they overcame various obstacles in the process. At what stage should these tests be set? One might wonder at what point in the interview stage companies are applying these kind of assessments? While some companies use these tests after receiving the candidates’ applications, others use them after the first phone interview, before the first face-to-face interview or between the first and second interview. How to communicate to candidates about the process tests: If, before applying for the job, candidates are being made fully aware of the hiring procedures, it reflects positively on the  company. Often candidates at different stages in the application process find themselves suddenly taking tests which are provided by third parties with external links without any form of introduction. In order to make this transition smoother it would be advisable to provide the job candidate with detailed information in advance regarding: type, structure, duration and reasons of the assessment. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to ask only those questions and to test only those skills that are really relevant to the job. This is an issue that most companies are struggling with since the line between job-related content and finding out about a candidate’s personality is not always clear. If tests are being purchased from third parties, they need to be critically analysed in terms of real job relevance. What is good for one company doesn’t necessarily have to be appropriate for another company too. A company should not hesitate to   make certain amendments if there are any concerns with regard to the content of the test. Once a candidate has submitted his/her application s/he should be informed about the next steps, such as: who and when someone from the company will contact them and what they can expect to be happening next. In order to be perceived as a professional and serious company with high standards it would be good to keep any job seeking person well informed regardless of their test result. This way a jobseeker would make a positive experience, negative word-of-mouth for the company would be avoided and the number of submitted applications would be higher. Benefits for the company: The benefits  for a company using tests include: saving  time in the selection process (only the most suitable candidates will be invited for a face to face interview). saving money. providing a deeper insight into a candidate’s abilities and potential besides a person’s resume. being  more objective (because the Hiring Manager would not be influenced by a person’s appearance, charisma and persuasive skills he would be only focused on the person’s ability). And once the right candidate has been hired, the company will notice further longterm benefits, such as decreased staff turnover, increased productivity and improved morale. Companies should bear in mind that an assessment should be an additional tool to make the right hiring decision but should not be a replacement for a face to face interview, background and reference checks. Hard and soft skills, experiences, qualifications, personality, company culture fit etc. still play an important role that also need to be taken into consideration. Author: Cezar Floroiu is the founder of Skillmeter.

Modern Careers Why You Should Become a Telephone Technician

Modern Careers Why You Should Become a Telephone Technician So you want to become a telephone technician, do you? While many people mistakenly believe this is an old, dead, profession, the reality is that the modern telephone technician is a high-tech engineer responsible for installation of complex PBX phone systems. They make good money too, but not without extensive education and training. Here’s what you need to know to get started. Job Duties A telephone service tech’s job is primarily the installation and maintenance of phone systems and networks. As a technician, your job usually consists of driving out to customers’ businesses or individuals’ homes, installing drop lines, maintaining crossover boxes, and installing and maintaining switchboard systems. You may also be responsible for installing new lines inside the home or an office and connecting it to the main company line outside. The Education To work in this industry, you need some education, but the requirements often vary from employer to employer. Some employers require their workers get special certifications in electronics. Others require only a high school diploma and the employer then provides on-the-job training. Almost all employers will require you to pass a mechanical-dexterity and ability test. This test will assess your ability to work in a variety of environments, use your hands effectively, and complete work with a minimum amount of efficacy and within a specific tolerance. You must have good eyesight and you absolutely cannot be color-blind. Degrees may be 2 years, with more advanced degrees being 4 years, but this is rare. Mostly, you can complete basic on-the-job training within a few months, though it may take up to a year or more to master advanced skillsets. You will also need company-specific education concerning internal infrastructure design. Typically, this kind of education is provided by the company when you’re hired. Most companies will either send you to special training and educational “bootcamps” or they will train you on-site. The Training Training consists of line installation and maintenance, installation of terminal boxes, installation of interior lines and connections, and maintenance of whole phone systems. It’s typical for the company to assign you a senior technician that you shadow for a period of time. Once you learn the basics of the job, you’re left on your own. What is hosted PBX?   Companies, like Broad Connect Telecom, that offer hosted PBX services to businesses, sometimes require additional training over and above normal telephone line installation. That’s because PBX, both traditional and virtual hosted systems, are complex telephone systems that must handle multiple incoming phone calls, route them to the proper extension or directory, and provide advanced prompts for prospects and clients. These systems also often require ongoing IT maintenance, and you may be required to work with the IT team within the company to help sort out issues as they arise or perform periodic maintenance on the phone system. The Salary and Benefits Now for the money everyone loves getting paid, and PBX technicians make some of the highest salaries in the country, depending on where you live. It’s true that if you’re an entry-level technician, the pay isn’t all that great, just $20,000 or perhaps a little more. But, if you’re doing complex installs in Boston, for example, you can easily earn $70,000 or more annually. Chicago is another great place to work, with salaries averaging $60,000 for technicians. Atlanta and Dallas both have some of the lowest-paying salaries in the phone technician industry, coming in at $56,000 and $44,000, respectively. Benefits depend on the company, but generally include health insurance and retirement packages (a 401(k)). The Future Of The Profession While employment opportunities throughout 2014 are expected to decline, the long-term outlook for the profession is good, given that traditional phone systems are giving way to VoIP systems, virtual PBX, on-demand video, and upgraded fiber optic networks. For example, Google Fiber is an up and coming fiber optics division of tech giant Google. As the company expands its operations, it will need technicians to build and maintain its infrastructure. It’s jobs like these that will propel the industry forward. Also, maintenance on fiber optics and modules powering these infrastructures will mean more jobs for technicians that can work outside in the field on commercial properties. Unfortunately, for the technician looking to do basic installs, the market is slimming down. Prewired buildings are everywhere nowadays, and the future of the profession is moving toward higher-end services. Fortunately this all means more training and of course higher pay. As the Social Media Marketing Director at BroadConnect Telecom, Jason Stephen Ali is at the forefront of the latest tech and breaking developments in VoIP, SIP Trunking and Hosted PBX Technologies. Jason avidly spreads BroadConnects breaking news and creates valuable business to business connections across the net. He is known by his peers as a mobile tech aficionado; and That Guy who regularly carries around 4 mobile phones.

Do You Have a Great Resume?

Do You Have a Great Resume?Resume writing is a very important part of the job hunt. In some cases, it can be even more important than applying for the position itself. People who have a great resume can get an interview without any trouble. On the other hand, people who have not written a great resume can still get the interview if they are shown a few examples.There are several styles for writing resumes. First, there is the 'first person' style, where a candidate explains everything in the first person. This is sometimes used for marketing as well as hiring purposes. The second style is the third-person approach. The third person approach uses a 'virtual first person' approach to describe what a candidate has done for the company or organization.Writing a resume should be as objective as possible. It should show the qualities that a potential employer looks for in a person. Ideally, the resumes should look for those things that a recruiter would want to see in a person. If a candid ate has the qualifications, but the resume doesn't come across as being objective, the recruiter might ignore it altogether.Resume writing styles are also different depending on the job that a person will be applying for. Someone who will be applying for a position as a nurse needs to come up with a resume that will highlight their abilities. Those who work in sales need to come up with a resume that highlights their skills.A resume that highlights the skills of a person should focus on the people and personal experiences that make them an asset to the company. A person can't simply be a good salesperson. Instead, they should highlight their interpersonal skills as well as sales skills. Hiring managers will always be looking for ways to promote others.Oncea person has written their resume, they need to take a step back and look at their career goals. If the goal is simply to get hired for the first job, then a simple resume may be enough. On the other hand, if the person is looking to advance their career to higher positions, then they need to use more specific techniques. For example, they may want to highlight their leadership capabilities, or their sales experience.Resume writing is an art form that takes a lot of practice. There are many mistakes that people can make that will get them rejected. One mistake that a person should avoid is using the first person style. They should use a more neutral tone when writing.Creating a professional resume takes some time and effort. The only way to really master this skill is to create a resume every single day. After a while, you will know how to write the resume you want without having to read hundreds of resumes. After all, a resume is only as good as the person who is applying for it.

How long it takes before you get comfortable at a new job - Debut

How long it takes before you get comfortable at a new job - Debut Hey new employee. If youve gone and gotten yourself a brand new job, you must be totally stoked.  And totally nervous. The office is a world away from university halls. It  can almost seem like a different planet for newbies. Its only natural to feel a little testy. Whether its figuring out where the bathroom is, learning how to use the temperamental coffee machine or guessing who you shouldnt speak to in the morning before their caffeine fix, theres a lot to process. Getting comfortable at a new job takes a while. But if youre wondering what the heck is taking so long, weve got the answer. A team of social psychologists at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario set out to measure this weird adjustment period. They conducted this  research in collaboration with firm Plasticity Labs, and subsequently launched the results in the Harvard Business Review. Heres how it all went down: The new job experiment The two hundred and thirteen employees were asked to complete an online survey. They were quizzed on topics like workplace characteristics (things like dress code), workplace sentiment (job satisfaction, engagement, sense of community, etc.) The survey then asked participants  to respond to specific statements. Things like: My workplace environment encourages all employees to express who they really are When Im at work, I dont show the real me' I would like my co-workers to show more of their true selves at work. The results 72% of the survey respondents said they are authentic at work, and took around two to three months before they were brave enough to show their true selves. Of this 72%, 60% were authentic by the three-month mark, and 22% by nine months. For 9% of respondents, it took them a little bit longer to settle in around 10-12 months. Another 9% reported taking an entire year, which, ouch, we feel for you. Generally, it shows that two thirds of people will settle into a new job in around three months time. It might take some time for the latter third of people, however, which is perhaps somewhat alarming. NYMag did point out this survey hasnt been peer-reviewed. This means there may be some issues with the way the study has been conducted. That being said, the results of this survey echo earlier ones on the subject, so it cant be too far off. Other interesting findings The survey investigated some workplace norms to see if they impacted employee authenticity. They found that dress codes tend to restrain an employees sense of freedom, and a no dress code work environment results in a more authentic employee. Also, there seems to be a direct correlation between authenticity at work and performance. The results indicate authentic employees report significantly higher job satisfaction, engagement, happiness at work and lower stress levels. Finally, a majority of participants (a whopping 80%) believe being comfortable enough to be authentic at work improves the workplace. If thats not an incentive for companies to encourage authenticity at work, we dont know what is. Download the Debut app and you could totally grab yourself a summer internship  way before anyone else. Follow Brenda on Twitter @brendaisarebel Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter

Your LinkedIn Profile Picture Maybe Killing Your Job Prospects

So I ask you, does your photo strive too hard to be what you think professional is supposed to look like?Or are you using it as an opportunity to convey your personality? Im not a photographer, but I would like to offer some profile photo tips.Dont be afraid to show personality. You can have personality and be professional at the same time.Experiment with action shots. There isnt a lot of room, but the more you can demonstrate YOURSELF in action the better. Can you fit yourself giving a presentation into the photo, shaking hands, or even leaning on a hand?Play with the negative space. You notice the first photo in this post has uniform negative space around the guys head. The second photo is visually more interesting. He accomplished this by turning his body and tilting his head.Smile and think inviting thoughts.Thats my amateur photography advice. If you have some more ideas, please share them in the comments below.

How to Network on LinkedIn

How to Network on LinkedIn For those of you who have talked to me, you know that I unabashedly love LinkedIn. As social networking goes for professionals, its my favorite.   LinkedIn has a much cleaner interface than other sites such as MySpace, Plaxo or Facebook. Setting up a profile on LinkedIn can put your name at the top of the Google search rankings and can help you get connected and be found   in ways you might not have imagined. LinkedIn is one of the best social networking sites to help you increase your online visibility. Because of its popularity among millions of people, the site has gained a significant presence in Google page rankings. Typically this means that when people search for your name specifically, they can find your LinkedIn profile as one of the first results. If you have a particularly common name, like mine, there are a couple of ways to help further boost your profile in Google searches.  Specifically, you should include your LinkedIn profile link in each signature you use from discussion boards to blogs to other social networking sites. You can also use your actual name in the URL you select for your profile. Or, you can differentiate yourself by what you do. My LinkedIn name is: erinkennedycprw. The cprw stands for Certified Professional Resume Writer and also sets me apart from the other 212 Erin Kennedys. Ideally, for SEO purposes, you really want to have just your name, but if it is already taken, like mine was, you have to figure out something else that will work for you. Once you have built your profile and included your job history and experience, you can start networking. Chances are that you will find many of your colleagues, classmates, and former university instructors. You can even branch out to the people who are connected to those in your existing network. For example, if you live in Austin and your spouse’s job is requiring that you relocate to Denver, you might not have contacts there. In this case, you can tap into your network to see with whom they’re connected. Chances are that somewhere among your connections, you’ll find someone who lives and works in Denver to forward your resume. The most important aspect of networking on LinkedIn is building that network well before you need it. Usually, the “pay it forward” concept works here â€" give out help before you need it yourself. Always make yourself available for LinkedIn recommendations as well as a good word toward HR when a contact wants to apply for a job at your company. By doing this, you highly increase your chances of getting your own recommendations when you need them. There is another way to use LinkedIn to your advantage. If you know your interviewer’s name in advance, you can look up his or her profile to get an idea of what to talk about during the interview. If you find something that the two of you have in common, such as the same university or previous job, you can bring it up during the interview.   However, this should be done carefully. Only you can determine whether the tone of the interview is somewhat light or very strict. While talking about the things you have in common can help set a lighter tone, this tactic should be approached with caution. Learning the basics of how to use LinkedIn for networking will help you maximize your networking potential. When you make yourself more visible in Google, make connections with your contacts’ networks and use LinkedIn for research, you can find your way to the next big opportunity.