Upfront at Microsoft

Heather Hamilton, Microsoft Staffing Manager shares some tips and techniques for getting in front of the hiring managers at Microsoft (and yikes… “few recruiters read cover letters”…read on).

Increasing the odds of getting your resume in front of the hiring manager

I’m not sure why I haven’t recommended this earlier. I guess that we get used to what we need to do in our daily jobs and forget what kind of info might be important to someone who doesn’t get to see it from the inside. I have a little tip that might help you get your resume in front of a hiring manager more quickly.

First, let me tell you a little about how your resume may or may not get in front of a hiring authority (it’s kind of like how a bill becomes a law…”oh yeah!”). When a recruiter is out looking for candidates, they tend to be looking for something specifically; either a set of skills or a general candidate profile. The customer of this work is the hiring manager (you could argue that the customer is also the prospect or candidate but I’ll save that for another post). The recruiter is looking for people that will meet the hiring managers needs. Typically, the recruiter will generate a certain number of candidates and then the filtering process starts. Assuming that the baseline skills are there, is there anything that knocks this candidate out of the running for this position? The recruiter wants to answer this question before they send the resume to the hiring manager. That way, the hiring manager is making determination based on skill sets and doesn’t look at the recruiter like they are crazy when the recruiter tells them that the hiring managers favorite candidate will not move for the position.

Typically, the recruiter will answer some of these questions by either e-mailing or calling the candidate and asking. Generally, they will ask if the person is open to relocation (if they aren’t in the same geography as the opening), do they have work authorization and are they interested in the company and the position. For good recruiters, it is only after these questions are satisfied that they will send the resume along to the hiring manager (the best recruiters know their businesses so well they also phone interview the candidate and then let the hiring manager know who is coming in for interviews, but it takes a while to build that relationship with the hiring teams).

Oftentimes, the recruiter has time constraints; either they have a lot on their plate or they are generating resumes for a meeting with the hiring manager say…tomorrow. So other than having the right skills on your resume, what can increase your odds of getting your resume in front of the hiring manager? Answering the questions about relo and work authorization right on your resume. I know it sounds weird and counter to the ridiculous one page resume that some people will have you believe is a requirement. But if you think about a recruiter who is working with a large # of positions and candidates with a deadline, the ability to answer those questions immediately significantly increases your odds of having your resume passed through to the hiring team pronto.

If you have posted your resume on a job board or included a cover letter, you might think “the information is already there, I put it in my profile/cover letter”. Well, I’ve got to tell you, few recruiters read cover letters (I’m sorry) and frequently, your resume becomes unattached from the e-mail you sent it in or the cover letter you attached it to. There’s a reason why it’s called an “attachment”…it gets detached.

Anyway, this is just a thought for those of you that want to try to grease the skids a bit with regard to getting your info in front of the hiring manager. Something as simple as “Current US work authorization and open to relocation” or “US Citizen Open to relocation” under your contact information could be a good thing. Even just “Open to relocation” would be great. Aside from sharing that specific information, it will show the hiring team that you are just a tad bit smarter than the other people applying!

Find more tips on Heather’s blog

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Compliments

Blush, Stand Tall or Shrink Away?

It’s a funny thing about a compliment, it can turn even a steadfast person into a blundering, toe-staring geek. Why are they so hard to take and remain standing strong? Well, there is probably all kinds of psychology around that question – but, what might be more helpful is this ‘how to’ link that I found which gives you plenty of tips on taking compliments.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Video Resume

Great Introduction or Bad 1^st Impression?

One of the newer ways of presenting yourself to employers is the Video Resume and/or Video Interview. Good idea, but will it help or hinder? Oddly enough the answer to that question is ‘both’.

I’ve been viewing sample video resumes and here are a couple of pointers for you to keep in mind if you are thinking about creating one for yourself.

Have it created professionally: The do-it-yourself videos are generally missing a very critical component and that is – 1^st impressions count! Many of the videos are created with poor camera work, candidates that are looking down while trying to read their script and background drops that are either wrinkled fabrics or so busy that you are unable to focus in on the candidate. Not to mention candidates grabbing various documents and/or trying to actually show a piece of work they’ve created. First impressions really do count and video resumes/interviews are definitely 1^st impression material. Always keep this in mind.

Focus on your appearance: Dress in business attire. Presenting yourself in a well-groomed fashion with clothing that is ‘business specific’ is key. If you are too casual you may leave the employer with the impression that you conduct your work in the same way.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Job Change – stay focused and ready

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day that has just made a job change. I’ll call her Sally. Sally had a job that she really did like. She enjoyed the company, liked what they stood for and could see where she could apply herself in several different areas in the future. It seemed like a recipe for success, so why did Sally make a change?

Sally told me that when she began at the Company she decided that she was not going to fall into the “autopilot” career trap. She set quarterly career goals and kept track of her successes, communicating frequently with her manager about areas of new responsibility she would like to take on.

She was rated as a top performer on her performance review, but of course was not happy with level of increase that was distributed (and who is these days…). She made sure she had a solid year with the firm before she began pursuing other opportunities. She did not want to look like a job-hopper, or someone who just could not be pleased.

Along the way she kept her resume tuned-up with new accomplishments, etc. In other words, Sally really took charge of her career and remained focused on her career goals. When Sally got a call from another employer with a possible opportunity she was prepared to meet with them right away. After several interviews with the firm and a few well-planned salary negotiations Sally received an offer, and what a great offer it was!

When I asked Sally what her new plan was, she said that she would take the same steps with the new employer. Set quarterly career goals and review them, keep track of new responsibilities/opportunities that she can take on, and keep herself market ready at all times. Sally is keeping her eyes wide open and making sure she gets the success she deserves in her career! How about you??

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Job Search Paralysis

At times job search can feel like you’re floating endlessly in the middle of the ocean just waiting for any piece of dry land (a.k.a., employer) to show up and rescue you. It can be a very frustrating time that leaves you feeling overwhelmed, disappointed and pessimistic. Negative feelings you don’t need to have hanging around you when you’re in job search mode – or anytime for that matter.

During this floating state you may keep looking out at the horizon and sifting through questions like: Where will I go next? Will I find a good employer? Will it be a good fit? Why isn’t anyone contacting me? Is my resume dreadful? What do I really want to do anyway? You may even begin to wish you could start over and get into a completely new career altogether. This can bring up a plethora of new, sometimes more, overwhelming questions and can be a time that you think you’re going to sink into job search oblivion. Swimming around in job search circles, going nowhere, can be an exhausting feat – and you may even decide to float aimlessly (swamping the world with resumes!) Stop NOW! If any of these sound like you – or any part of your job search, you must stop now and tackle this aimless process.

Part of the reason that this aimless process takes place is that you may realize that you are not sure if ‘what you do for a living’ is truly satisfying to you, or you may wonder if your chosen career is your true calling. What you may need, in this case, is to better define or perhaps even redesign your purpose. The answer is not that you’re a failure at job search nor are you going to be stuck in ‘dead man’s chest’ – lost at sea forever. Sometimes you must take a step backward to regain your positioning and purpose around your career.

So how do you begin to navigate this quest? Creating a vision for yourself that keeps your spirits alive during your search and helps you tap into your inner motivation can be a good place to begin. Remember, if top athletes of the world can use ‘visioning’ techniques to better their game – so can YOU! Here is an example of a visioning exercise that you can create for yourself:

Begin by envisioning being stuck in a dusty, sour-aired building. You reach over to a window, pull the blind away and slide the window open full and wide. Sunlight rushes in and touches your face and at the same time a fresh, crisp breeze engulfs you. You are no longer stuck, but are infused with new ways of thinking and feeling about your life and your career. The feeling that rivets through you in this moment is a fresh, new, wide-open way of looking at your choices in life. Keep this vision close by during your job search and tap into its freshness and feeling of ingenuity whenever you are lost and overwhelmed with the process.

Next, begin to do a bit of self-coaching. In other words, start asking yourself some pointed questions and journal on those questions to get a better picture of who you are on the inside. Because if you’re going after a career that is impressive on the outside, but does not tickle your fancy and take your breath away on the inside, then the lack of congruence can leave you feeling disconnected and disappointed.

Here are some questions to journal on to get you started:

• What is it to have a full, rich life?
• What is it I am tolerating?
• What keeps me going?
• What is present when I’m at my best?
• What is it to be prosperous?
• What am I resisting?

Answering questions like these, along with tapping in to a vision that keeps you inspired and motivated, as well as some good coaching to discover what brings you fulfillment, are all ways to begin to navigate job search paralysis and set sail for your true north.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Give Life

Here’s a heart-warming article that was written by a really great career coach. Enjoy – it’s a ‘true story’…

Give Life

Sometimes answers to prayers come in the strangest way. I’ve been feeling really discouraged lately about a couple clients. Their challenges go beyond the scope of Career Consulting and into the realm of life long setbacks and loss of hope.

In a quandary and feeling powerless, I heard a voice in the hallway. “This is the most beautiful Split Leaf Philodendron I’ve every seen.” I looked back to see a lady in a blue shirt from the plant care service.

I loved to talk about “Fred” (my Split Leaf Philodendron), so I left my melancholy state to share that I inherited “him” from my Grandmother Bold. “I have a ‘split-leaf’ too, but it’s not as nice as yours” she said.

She shared a quick story about a long stint of down turns and unemployment and then finding her passion for plants through an ad in the Newspaper.

She went on to tell me – “I saw a lonely pot with a dried up root ball in one of the offices I serviced a while back,” she continued to explain about how she acquired her plant. “I decided to give it a ‘courtesy water’. The next time I went back I did the same. And week after week I watched it come back to life. One day I was told the original owner had quite and wouldn’t return. They told me I could take it home. I continued to care for it as it was transplanted from a 6” to 12” to 15” pot and up. It’s now about 4 ft tall.”

My eyes welled up as she spoke. Silly, but I was thinking about my clients and how I was ready to give up. Her name was Rosa . The lady in the blue shirt said just what I needed to hear. Between the lines I heard “keep watering”, “keep feeding”, “keep hoping” “and leave the rest to me” and as I reached out to shake her hand, I looked at the emblem on her blue shirt and it said, “give life”.

Author – Carol Emerson, Career Coach

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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JobVent.com

I came across this site while surfing around on Truemors (also a great site – check it out too).

JobVent.com is a great source for inside ’scoop’ on employers. Take a look and see if anyone you work for is on this site and/or anyone you may be considering taking a job with. Some good stuff (wow – Sun Microsystems sure gets a hard hit…) GravityPeople has positive reviews.

Check it out for yourself – loads of information here.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Campaign for Women

More exciting times at FiredUP Careers – here is our latest press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Economically Disadvantaged Women The Focus of FiredUP Careers and Career Closet Campaign

 Los Gatos, CA — June 1, 2007 — Teaming together to help build strong communities, FiredUP Careers and Career Closet are joining in a campaign to benefit economically disadvantaged women in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

 “We have a shared vision with Career Closet in that sometimes dreams need a little help getting started,” says Robin Ogden, a partner in FiredUP Careers.  Her counterpart at FiredUP Careers, Chris Fogarty states, “If we want to build strong communities we have to give back.  One of the ways we can do that is through our expertise as career coaches.”  FiredUP Careers believes everyone should “Dig What They Do.”  With that philosophy in mind they have developed career enhancement products and training programs.  

FiredUP Careers knows that New Grads have worked hard and deserve to find fulfilling and rewarding work.  In teaming with Career Closet, FiredUP Careers is pledging to donate $5 from the sale of all New College Grad Edition audio products and gift promotions during the months of June through September 2007.   

Donation proceeds from the sale of FiredUP Interviewing – New Grad Edition products and gift programs will be received and distributed by Career Closet Executive Director, Jean Cecil to help expand programs within the organization and to empower women in their careers.  “Career Closet appreciates the helping hand extended by FiredUP Careers. They are committed to helping people be the best and happiest in their career choice!” says Jean Cecil.  

About FiredUP Careers

FiredUP Careers is a career counseling company for working professionals who seek greater fulfillment from their work.  Based upon the belief that “life is too short, dig what you do” they help people understand who they are, clarify what they want from their work, and develop strategies to achieve career, financial and lifestyle success.  Their products and services give you the tools and inspiration to gain extraordinary career success without compromising your life.  To learn more about FiredUP Careers visit them at http://www.firedupcareers.com 

About Career Closet

Career Closet – ‘empowering women, transforming lives’ was founded in Santa Clara County in 1991 in response to an overwhelming unmet need in the community. Our founders, Pallas Hansen and Charlotte Krumwiede, noticed that there were numerous programs throughout the area that provided vocational training and job search assistance to economically disadvantaged women.  It started with a casual conversation that led to a dream that became a passion. We determined to dress economically disadvantaged women in preparation for their first job interview. Our goal was to help them improve their self-esteem, compete in the market place, and get the job.  Learn more by visiting Career Closet at http://www.careercloset.org 

Media Contact:

Mike Fitzer
Fitzer Creative
502-741-8437
http://www.fitzercreative.com

link to press release on prweb: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/6/prweb530499.htm

New Grads – You can WIN!

I read so many articles that try to scare New Grads to death about their ‘coming of age’ into the real world. Sometimes I think these articles are written more for the parents than the New Grads. They are like finger-pointing, “I told you so” type articles about the financial burdens that New Grads are about to take on in the real world.

I would like to propose that New Grads are savvier than we ‘elders’ may think. Many New Grads don’t have the golden-spoon feeding them throughout their college experience. Many are footing the bill for college (or a majority of it) and are working part time as well as studying. I can name a handful right off the bat. Hats off to them! And those that do have the luxury of fully paid tuition and parental financial support are certainly not coming out of college as neophytes to the financial world. After all, they too have parents and you can’t tell me they haven’t been preaching the woes of bill paying, saving and investing for y-e-a-r-s.

I really don’t believe that these kids are skipping through college thinking that their upcoming employer paychecks won’t have taxes taken out, or that their auto insurance rates will be sky high (after all, if they drove at all in high school, they already know this – right?)

So, let’s stop scaring these New Grads who are the next generation of business, technology, educators and family heirlooms. Let’s give them the tools they need to make it BIG in this world. To really achieve success in their career and not turn them into ‘poor-me victims’ who think their bills are too high! Let’s turn into educators instead of finger-pointers. Sure they will be starting closer to the bottom of the career ladder and need to work their way up and prove their value – let’s educate them around how to achieve that. Yes, they will need to plan their finances (don’t we all?) – let’s educate them on how to plan, instead of trying to scare them with spooky financial stories. And, they certainly will have some bumps in their path to success – it’s just part of life.

So, if you’re a New Grad – what are the questions you have that would help you better prepare for work/life balance?

If you’re a parent – what do you believe is the most important information you would like your New Grad to be aware of when they step into the world of employment?

Let’s find out from both of you so we can get some good/needed information and tools up on this blog that will truly help New Grads make it BIG! That way when we say ‘I told you so’ it’s because we already know they are winners.

 

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

 

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Stuck with your Job Search?

It doesn’t matter what color your parachute is if you won’t jump out of the plane!

So, let’s work on that jump! Usually people who are stuck in making a career decision have found something to hold onto. They grab on so tightly that their fingers just won’t let go. Often with job search the quickest thing to grab onto is “the resume excuse”. How many of you have been working on your resume for… three months? Six months? Over a year? And haven’t sent it out yet? When someone asks, “How’s your job search going?” Your answer is “It’s going ok. I’m working on my resume right now.” It’s a quick and easy answer, but if you’ve been working on your resume for over a month and you haven’t tossed it out into the job market yet then that is a “sign” you are stuck.

So, what can you do? There are many things that will help you let go of “the resume excuse”. One is to hire a resume writer. Someone who has experience helping you delineate your accomplishments, talents and contributions. Another is to hire a career coach who can help you discover sleeping talents and new interests that have been blocked from surfacing. If those options are not affordable to you then begin to send your resume out to close friends, noting that it is a draft and you’re open to opinions as to how you “sound” on paper. Friends can often point out attributes you may have left off due to your own blind spots. Check online, there are many services that offer loads of free advice on resume preparation and can get you moving forward.

If those options don’t charm you then check out the many quality books that have been written on resume preparation. If you’re not sure where to find them, or which ones can help then visit FiredUP Careers and check out the recommended reading section.

The point is – begin doing something to let go of the “resume excuse”.

This weeks resume challenge: Schedule two hours daily this week to work on your resume. Plan for completion and distribution to friends for feedback by the end of the week.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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