CM Access

Imagine that headline! Or if you saw this in your inbox: “We’re looking forward to meeting you. Please bring a certified check for $200 for the time the interviewer will spend with you.”

I don’t think very many people would be happy with either scenario.

This article on Inc.com talks about a website called Notchup.com that is setting up a system for passive job seekers (those not actively applying to jobs posted on job boards or telling everyone they know they’re looking) to be paid when asked to interview with hiring companies.

The argument is that companies looking for the A players in their market are struggling to even get people to listen to their offers. So throw them a couple hundred bucks to listen to your pitch and maybe they’ll be that much closer to joining your team and bringing more success to your organization.

The nay-sayers claim that passive seekers will become serial interviewers and only go on appointments to gain pocket-cash. They’ll be “psychologically” turned OFF from considering the position because they’re only there for the money.

I am not so sure anyone would be willing to make up excuses to leave the office during the business day to go and listen to an interview, AND get paid for it, if they’re NOT still willing to listen attentively to what’s being proposed.

I also think that, when I work with and meet people everyday who would pay employers to interview them for informational meetings, just to get some knowledge and start a new professional relationship, maybe there are other things that need to change before companies start forking over money to interview candidates.

The article mentions that guest columnist for Inc.com Joel Spolsky recommends companies find good interns, and treat them so well they don’t want to leave. You’re then able to train them in YOUR methodology and values, and they grow with the company, instead of throwing away millions in a high-turn-over world when you hire someone who’s simply out of the highest bid. Why is this concept so hard to conceive?

It seems a bit like Notchup was getting some cheap PR from Inc.com. I bet you’re going to go look at the site, right? Isn’t that what they’re hoping? Isn’t it half the battle to just get a top-level candidate in the door to consider the options?

Technorati Tags: paid to interview, hire young, passive candidates, try something new, cheap public relations

Since there are always things to do around here, and this never seems to be at the top of the priority list, I thought I’d just write a quick note to keep you all intrigued!

I have been asked numerous times what our perspective on the status of the job market is at this time of year. Toward the end of 2007, the standard response was always “It’s a crazy time of year, budgets are in review, people are travelling, decision making is slowed down.” All of which were true to different magnitudes for each client and every company.

However, what’s been going on now that 2008 is in full swing, people are “back to the grind” and hiring needs still exist? As mentioned previously, most growth in hiring is going to be seen in healthcare and in technology. But that isn’t directly applicable, right?

I am hearing from designers and talented marketing professionals that they’re not finding a lot of movement on their resume submissions and applications.
Does this mean companies that post open positions aren’t actually hiring for these available opportunities?
Does that mean that candidates aren’t qualified for the positions to which they’re applying? Does this mean so many candidates are being considered that no one has time to even respond that a resume was received?

From my seat, we’re seeing a lot of positions that are more technical in nature than we have in the past. And, according to Monster, more technical and analytical positions are going to be the increasing demand at all companies in the coming months.

Also from my perspective, while the occasional production artist or print design contract has become needed by companies struggling with maternity leave and other temporary scheduling changes, the highest demand in the communications and advertising industries is for web-savvy design and strategy professionals.

Suggestion? Bone up on your SEO/SEM knowledge, learn a coding language and build a personal website to showcase these skills, tinker around with Flash or take a course in web design. Smaller companies will be looking for more versatile multimedia designers who can also handle print collateral, while larger companies are seeking those who can take the great design concepts of their current staff and translate it into usable, strategic web pieces.

I am one of those people that sees coding letters like HTML and XML and kind of shuts down. “That’s for the programmers to worry about.” But the increasing demand is going to be for people who understand why a PHP format is required for certain projects, or why Java and .Net are kind of like two paths to the same destination. WhatIs.comcan help you get quick answers, or talking to a developer will help you, too.

Key point: Make yourself aware of the technology happening in the creative industries. It’s not going away, and it’s likely to be a key desire for many of the open positions in 2008 and beyond.
additional key point: why not think about exploring temporary or contract positions? Especially if you’re miserable in your current situation? You might be able to expand your knowledge and portfolio of experience, and you could just end up falling into a perfect position for something you never thought of before!

Technorati Tags: employment outlook 2008, hiring status, technical positions, web design, career advice

Hoping to continue to be a resource for job seekers and career-minded professionals, I thought it might be helpful to share this information that was shared with me about the top growing fields for employment in 2008.

Eight Top Fields with Major Job Growth can be found at the Yahoo Hot Jobs page.

While some are obvious, like healthcare and technology, there is also growth predicted for independent creative professionals (good news!) and support staff in facilities management. Anyone with a nursing certification or the ability to program and build computer software is definitely in a good position to seek out the best opportunity for their career.

The author, Sonja Carmichael Jones from EarnMyDegree.com also highlights a very smart strategy for helping to secure a new position, including many of the things we’ve mentioned here. Most importantly, take the time to research companies and know what you want.

Get to know what jobs fall within the major industries.
Determine the skills and accomplishments you have or need to meet the requirements and showcase them on your resume. If you’re not confident about your skills then consider taking a course, volunteering, or pursuing an internship to enhance your skills. It’s also a good idea to look for mentors — they can become your biggest ambassadors when you need an outstanding reference.
Locate and research companies that you want to work for, and then network to make the right connections.

She also says something I can’t say enough:

Keep a positive attitude and be ready to jump in and work with all the skills and energy you’ve got.

As someone who speaks with a lot of job seekers at all levels of their career, and all stages of the search process, I can tell you first-hand that there is a point of burnout and it is detectable by hiring managers and anyone in the hiring process. You must always stay upbeat, confident, and positive about your experiences and past employers. If this means visiting a counselor to reassess where your focus needs to be, then maybe you should! Take some time to re-center, to really get to know yourself.

ok, enough new-age mumbo jumbo! It’s a new year, and a great time to make a fresh start. Keep at it, and if you’re not sure you’re doing the right things, just ask any CM Access career advocate!

Technorati Tags: industry growth, new year job search, job search burn out, healthcare jobs, technology jobs

Too much to write, and too little time to do it in! I have been collecting thoughts, ideas, opinions to share with my wide audience of readers (ok, myself really) but today I have just one important tidbit to share:

Fall Networking event-o-rama!

There are so many ways to actually go and meet new people, build those ever-important relationships you keep hearing that you need to have during your career, that you had better have a darn good excuse not to try at least one before the end of 2007! This site is just one of many resources to find out what’s going on in Philly. Try the newspaper (they always have a business section, and a calendar) or meetup.com or search for associations that are of interest to you.

It’s not easy to talk to strangers, so take a friend or colleague with you. Your employer will be glad that you’re representing the brand (whatever it may be) and there are many things you can gain from listening to a speaker or panel, or just plain ol’ socializing.

The AMA in Philadelphia (yes, I’m promoting it because I am on the board, and I believe our content to be relevant and helpful to marketing profesisonals) is hosting some great events this year, and our October 10th luncheon at the Downtown Club (oooh ritzy!) is a presentation on how to use new Web2.0 tools in your business with Molecular internet consulting firm out of NYC and San Francisco.

More info is available at the PAMA site, (with a new design coming soon!)

Technorati Tags: PAMA, Networking, Philly, American Marketing Association, Molecular

(I just read about how blog post subject lines are supposed to be really great in order to grab and hold a reader’s attention, and yet…that will have to do!)

I wanted to put in a plug for next weekend’s PodCamp Philly! It’s really going to be a fantastic weekend, as the organizers have done such a terrific job of getting sponsors, and ensuring that this event, on the anniversary of the first PodCamp (Boston)–the idea of which has spread across the globe to include PodCamp Perth (Australia) and PodCamp Capetown (South Africa)–will be spectacular!

I’m also really excited that CM Access is going to be a part of it, since we definitely acknowledge how much we have to learn from the talented, technologically-advanced professionals in the new media space. And for those of you who’ve been craving another CreativeCamp to get all your inspired thoughts out in the open, we’re having a miniCreativeCamp session on Saturday of PodCamp.

If there are topics you’d like to discuss, questions you want to ask, or just want to know what the heck this PodCamp thing is all about, definitely come on down to this free event! First 350 registrants get a free tshirt, and I’ll be there, so come find me!! More information, and SIGN UPis at this wiki site.

Oh, and in case you can’t make it down to our city of Brotherly Love, PodCamp Boston is in October, and you can bet there will be a major turn out for that one!

Technorati Tags: podcamp philly, networking, podcasting, blogging, CreativeCamp, Philadelphia, PodCamp Boston

For those who’ve ever been to a job fair, you are probably aware of the rather deflated feeling you get as you’re leaving the huge auditorium/gym/conference room: a whole lotta nothing.

That’s not to say that job fairs aren’t a great way to learn, or that they’re not worth your time. They certainly can be! But are you working the room, or is the room working you?

It can be intimidating, especially when passing by booths that are manned by extremely outgoing company representatives, eager for the next person to talk to about their outstanding management trainee program, or their fabulous opportunities in the stockroom. But what other opportunities might you be missing by simply judging each exhibitor on their visual promotions, on their “list of opportunities”, or their reps’ first impression?

I see the job fair as almost the same thing as a trade show. Have you ever been to one of these? (A bridal expo is a good example of a trade show too.) It’s essentially a place for people to get exposure for their product/service/brand and to generate sales leads that will result in increased revenue. Trade shows are more effective when they get incredibly specific: almost any industry you can imagine has an expo for vendors and buyers. And since the job search is the “marketing me” process for you, the job seeker, this can be a great way to get some exposure of your brand!

Philadelphia has job fairs coming up in the next few months, and I thought in a good opportunity to share some tips about working the room, and not letting the room work you!

The general idea is this: (and kudos for reading this all the way to here!) The job fair can feel disappointing because there are so many others just like you. So make yourself stand out! You know you want to hit up that booth with the chocolate covered strawberries–make them want to write “call her!” on your resume the second you walk away. Be remarkable!

Technorati Tags: job fair, trade show, remarkable, follow up, be unique, research

Lately there’s been a lot of discussion about how video (viral or otherwise) is being integrated into marketing campaigns, and our online life in general.

I certainly love that with broadband, I can watch TV shows at any time I’d like, rather than having to commit my life to a network’s whims. I love that I can iChat with my sister across the country, in real time. And I know several people who are really getting into video e-mailing, with programs like HelloWorld making it easier than ever. And places like VidRez offer video resumes for anyone.

I’m not sure I’m ready to lose the certain amount of privacy that written communication still affords us. Most of us have never been on TV, let alone written, directed, and starred in our video.

But for video being integrated into marketing campaigns, it needs to get to a better place than the YouTube-platform, user-generated SuperBowl competitions. And now it’s getting into politics, with YouTube partnering with Senator McCain’s campaign.

Is it useful? Is it effective? Are consumers really being more inspired to recognize brands, or urged to make a purchase, based on a video they saw on YouTube?

I’m sure the debate will go on, and I’m hardly qualified to stage it, but the variety of uses for video sharing is a very interesting case. I think the more effective uses of video are not the general mish-mash that can be sorted through on the generic site, but instead how it’s integrated into a larger strategy, placed specifically on certain areas of a webpage, and used in conjunction with other tactics. And there’s also a big difference between a 3 minute video that someone seeks out, and an integrated Flash video within a superior, dynamic website.

I’d have to say this is my current favorite: effective use of entertaining video, in so much as it reaches consumers on a higher level. The Renegade Marketing group is really working toward the successful side of using video. Would love to hear what you think!

And while I’d love to support the effort of Southern New England chapter of the American Marketing Association made to work in the new media space, I’m not sure the value or effectiveness of this youtube video“>video quite hits the mark.

And videopodcasting is another topic of note. Not a podcaster myself, I haven’t quite the perspective to comment, but with the iPod capabilities to carry video, it seems to be a natural evolution of the popular subscription and personalization abilities we now have at our fingertips. And from what little I know, this guy gets it. (Though, is there anything Robert Scoble doesn’t get?)

It’ll be fascinating to see how video evolves as our use of the internet, instant communication, and marketing tactics adapt. If nothing else, we’re all going to be a lot tougher critics because the content of new pieces will need to consistently surpass all others for creativity and concept.

Technorati Tags: viral video, HelloWorld, ScobleShow, YouTube, video, Renegade Marketing, iChat, Flash, MenWithCramps, video resumes, VidRez

Ok…well this could be misleading. There are many ways to actually BE a good networker. The biggest ones are:

I’m well-aware that all these are debatably personality traits more than job searching or networking tactics. And we all know how difficult it can be to change others, let alone ourselves! So rather than saying that to really land a good job, you should just “be a nicer person!” I’ll pass along something that can easily become a habit, and with minimal effort WILL help your networking skills.

READ.

Everything you can get your hands on: Newspapers (online or in print!), magazines (for industry or just popular culture), and the newest resource of increasing importance: blogs and websites.

Once you are aware of what’s going on everywhere, you’ll start to see more and more occasion to offer something to a conversation, to have something worthwhile to say to a potential contact, and then you’ll become thoughtful and considerate (hopefully!). Blogs are quickly becoming a very important way to finding out what is going on in certain sectors of the economy.

[note: ok, ok…I’m saying how important blogs are on my own blog…bear with me, ok?]

If you’re new to this whole medium, and we all were at one time or another, there are several ways to make the information overload more digestible. Start by finding the right people to guide you through it. HINT: CreativeCamp this Saturday is an informal, laid back meet-up where you can ask anything you want from people who know what they’re talking about!

Or start with local blogs to explore what’s going on in your community and the neighborhood. With a simple search I found several that I’ll add to my reading list, including Phillyist, which has a lot of information about what’s going on ’round here. There’s also the Metroblogs network, that has over 45 cities (I think) including Boston and Philadelphia.

What better way to seem a bit more prepared than your colleagues? “I read on this blog the other day…”

Of course, like everything worth doing, it takes some effort. And if you just need a jumpstart, come out to CreativeCamp! Inspiration for all!

Technorati Tags: Philadelphia, networking, read, Boston, CreativeCamp, Phillyist, how-to

So I get this email from Chris Penn, and I thought “why am I getting a reminder email about something I never heard of in the first place?”

I click on the embedded link, like ya’ do, and within seconds I find out about something really cool: Bumrush The Charts. It’s basically a way to effect change against the corporate music entities by showing that through new technology, they no longer will have the power to tell fans what is popular and what isn’t. While this pretty lady says it pretty well, it’s actually a pretty significant concept.

I surely will be forking up the 99 cents for an iTunes song by the band Black Lab, and not because I’m rolling in the dough either. I have a lot of friends who are very talented musicians hoping to one day be signed by a big record label just so others can hear their music, and I don’t like the system they’re trying to navigate. As Seth Godin would say, “it’s broken.”

So come on, 99 cents for a song and a little good deed. Plus, they’re donating the money to college scholarships.

Technorati Tags: bumrush the charts, iTunes, Black Lab, new media, social marketing, good deeds

I still believe there is no real secret strategy for guaranteed success in your job search, but there are a number of ways to enhance your comprehensive efforts. These inlcude: networking, relationship building, self-awareness (personally and professionally), and competitive advantage (what do YOU offer?).

But today I realized one of the easiest ways to get a leg up on 1-your competition, 2-networking conversation, 3-interview preparedness.

Read the local business journal. The Philadelphia Business Journal was recognized as the number one newspaper in Pennsylvania in 2006 and they are part of a network of 41 regional business journals. What does this mean for you, the job-seeker or proactive career manager? It means that they have accurate, timely and thorough coverage of business events and information throughout the region. Before this starts to sound like a “subscribe now!” pitch, let me reign it in.

I learned this morning directly from the publisher, at an eWomen Network breakfast, how to truly use the information in the Business Journal to my advantage. By reading sections like People on the Move, and The List, you can find out what’s going on in companies you’d like to work for (or their competition!), congratulate people who’ve recently been promoted (kissing butt is ALWAYS a good way to get a hiring manager’s attention!) or even just compile a list of relevant target companies you’d like to consider for your next career move.

Subscriptions to Business Journals also allow you to access the full content online, and sign up for email alerts. This is how you can stay current with news and events, and keep your contacts warm. Let them know you think of them and their business by sharing relevant articles and events.

Yes, it costs money. Yes, it takes time to read the articles and sort through to the “Good” stuff, but (absolutely, positively, without a doubt) YES, it’s worth it.

as always, thoughts, concerns or comments are encouraged!

Technorati Tags: Philadelphia Business Journals, networking, strategies, secrets