(What questions would you like to see addressed in these Monday Morning staff meeting posts? Send us an email at: sharry@orcms.com)
Posted by Dr. Sean Harry
A reader recently sent us this question: “Any tips on recognizing job postings that are not real? Posting to make Co. look good seems to be popular these days…”
For those of you who are not familiar with this practice, sometimes companies post a position for which they already have a strong candidate “in the bag.” They are 90% certain of who they will hire, but they are under some obligation (internal or external) to post the opening to the wider public. It’s possible that some exemplary candidate will come along in the process and that they will choose to hire that person instead of the one they are leaning towards, but it’s not very likely.
We may think it’s not fair. It feels like a “bait and switch” or a waste of time, but who cares what we think? The job is the companies, not ours. They are free to hire anyone they see fit. People hire people they know and trust, so it only makes sense that they will go with their first choice most of the time.
The only way to determine if you are applying for one of these “phantom” job openings is Read the rest of this entry »
Some good companies represented here. These articles from Dr. Sean Harry can help you if you plan on attending:
From Press Release:
Oregon Marketing Association Connects New Grads with Hiring Managers from Starbucks to Nike at June 3 Conference in Portland
Prizes include personal brand development and interview coaching sessions
PORTLAND, Ore. – Thursday, May 21, 2009 – This June, new graduates from universities across the state will attempt to enter the workforce and flock to Portland in search of entry-level employment. These new grads – as well as other Portland metro area jobseekers – face some alarming statistics, including last year’s loss of 3,400 marketing, business and creative services jobs (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and the Oregon Employment Department report that the state has a 10.8 percent unemployment rate (as of February 2009).
The Placement Project, part of the Oregon Chapter American Marketing Association’s (AMA) annual Forward conference, will provide new graduates and jobseekers with actionable advice on how to define, protect and market their personal brand in a world where an applicant’s Facebook profile is evaluated as carefully as their resume.
Speakers at the Placement Project have also donated their services for prizes that Read the rest of this entry »
(What questions would you like to see addressed in these Monday Morning staff meeting posts? Send us an email at: sharry@orcms.com)
Posted by Dr. Sean Harry
How to “stay cool” on the job search.
In the spirit of the terrific summer weather we’ve been having, I thought I’d write this post on “staying cool during the job search.” However, in this post I’m not talking about the weather. I’m talking about staying calm, cool and collected. I’m talking about outwardly appearing as if “not having a job is alright, because I’m waiting for the right fit to come along”, while inside you are thinking, “OMG! I NEED A JOB! ANY JOB, AND I NEED IT NOW!!”
When you are dating you want to play a little hard to get. If you come across as needy you probably won’t get a second date. You don’t want to scare off your prospective lover, so playing it cool is a good option.
The same is true of the job search. If you look or act desperate you won’t get many interviews. Now I’m not suggesting that you should act as if you aren’t interested. If you really want the job you need to express your desire and abilities to do the job well. If you really want the job you should ask for it – close the deal. What I’m saying is that you should “stay cool” — act more like a Consultant than a desperate job seeker.
Here are the 5 steps I recommend you do to “stay cool” in your job search. Read the rest of this entry »
(What questions would you like to see addressed in these Monday Morning staff meeting posts? Send us an email at: sharry@orcms.com)
Posted by Dr. Sean Harry
Filling in the gaps – professional and personal development for job seekers.
At the beginning of your job search you have very likely been conducting an assessment of your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Assessment is about helping you determine what you are capable of and willing to do in your next position.
At this point you have, no doubt, found an area or two where you have some gaps. You may need an additional degree, or some specific training. Maybe a professional certification is in order. Well, before you shell out the big bucks to go back to school or enroll in a course of study, there are some important things you should know: Read the rest of this entry »
Message from the YPOP about how this can help you:
What’s cool is that some employers who work with Boly Welch will be wanting to meet some unemployed tech folks who they may potentially hire at this event.
From YPOP Press Release:
Our community has been hit hard by the recession and the tech 
crowd has seen the impact first-hand. However, there remains massive energy around Portland’s technology scene that doesn’t always find its way to the companies and individuals who can most benefit from its vitality.
We believe strongly that the metro area possesses the resources and the will to take care of its own. Boly:Welch and YPOP invite you to meet our most innovative local talent at the first ever Pink Slip Party.
The Sponsors: Boly:Welch Recruiting and Young Professionals of
Portland at Backspace!
The Crowd: Portland’s technology professionals on the job market or
seeking new opportunities.
The Concept: Connect with other job seekers and employers in this
social networking format Read the rest of this entry »
(What questions would you like to see addressed in these Monday Morning staff meeting posts? Send us an email at: sharry@orcms.com)
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Posted by Dr. Sean Harry
Who is to blame for the recession? Who will bring us out of it? Back in February Mike Neiss wrote a blog post for TomPeters.com in which he blamed my generation (the Baby Boomers) for the recession. That got me thinking…
Then there is this post about a man who turned his job loss into a new life. Very inspiring, and I must admit a bit scary for some of us!
For me, these two posts raise a deeper question about the recession, massive job losses, and the future of work in America. Every economic shift creates change in the way we live and work, but I believe this one is going to fundamentally Read the rest of this entry »
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