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It’s Your Interview! Right?

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:20:48 +0000

In 1998, I applied for an opportunity to be a regional sales rep for a company based out of state. As part of the process, they flew the last few candidates to their headquarters in Maryland and we proceeded to interview with everyone in the chain of leadership within the organization. Everyone was really positive and professional…except the woman who would be my immediate supervisor.

In the first 5 minutes of my interview (the 5th in that day), she took a phone call from another regional field rep. The very position I would be in – but in another territory. I attempted to excuse myself as the conversation got a bit heated but the woman signaled that it was alright, to stay, and that she’d just be a minute.

There was no way to escape the conversation and yet I wasn’t even a part of it really…as I began thinking about the awkwardness of the situation I was in, I began to see that her management style was not going to be one I could thrive in. It was clear from her choice of words to the person on the phone, there was no mutual respect, no guidance or servant-leadership happening here.

She maneuvered the call with something akin to disdain and it was clear to everyone in earshot that she was unhappy with the performance of the rep on the line. Now, I realize that I don’t have the full story here – including how many occassions she might have mentored or assisted the rep in solving obstacles in his/her daily work to meet personal and professional goals. What I do know is, that interview at that very moment in time, was uncomfortable for me and I was embarassed for the person on the call with the manager and embarassed for myself that I’d been a secret witness to the belittling of a human being.

As a young professional, I also noted that I didn’t ever want to be that kind of manager or leader….you know the one that leads by intimidation and fear!

I didn’t take the job even though I was the candidate of choice for the group. In those days, jobs were more plentiful and because I was already employed and had the priviledge of a job waiting for me in Dallas, I could say no without hurting my finances. I also think it taught me a lesson that I had forgotten until I read a recent article that brought it all back.

It’s MY interview! It’s a two-way deal. Selling them on me is only part of the equation. I need to buy into why I want to work with OR for them. If you’ve ever been a part of a company culture that you knew wasn’t right for you and you just felt the negativity, like a mis-fit, then you’ll understand why whenever I read this recent article from Glassdoor.com I wanted to share it with you.

Seven Company Culture Questions You Must Ask Before Accepting A Job Offer by Meghan M. Biro, (http://tinyurl.com/3pcfcbt [Open in new window])

It’s clear that Ms. Biro has thought a lot about the effect of culture fit whenever job seekers are looking for places they’ll put a lot of effort into getting hired at.

It’s the same principal that experienced recruiters use when sizing up candidates for placement at their client’s companies.

1. If the culture is formal and structured, a person who has all the right experience and credentials, but little adherence to structure or the informal style of this employee is going to experience tremendous stress and also will frustrate their peers and supervisor. The walls will always feel like they are closing in and the formal professional-types are going to drive this relaxed person crazy!

2. A free spirited environment that has a come as you are and do what you know needs doing kind of atmosphere will not work for someone who needs more structure or standard operating rules or clearly articulated goals and responsibilities outlined with procedures to accomplish their work. They will always wonder if they are doing enough and this amoeba-like environment will be stressful for this type of individual. It would be demoralizing to think you are never sure of your place within a work culture.

There is tremendous confidence when you feel you’re in the right place! The article suggests a culture audit to see if this is the sort of place which matches the values and ethical behaviour you think and feel are a reflection of your own. Again, for your reference, see the link below.

Seven Company Culture Questions You Must Ask Before Accepting A Job Offer by Meghan M. Biro, (http://tinyurl.com/3pcfcbt [Open in new window])

Have you ever experienced being or hiring a mis-fit? Did you have someone who was a great producer but they were just not a good fit with the corporate culture? How did you try to help them be a better fit? Did they end up deciding or did the culture decide for them that they needed to move on to a better culture fit? Post your comments below.

LinkedIn recommendations – How Do You Get Them?

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:50:26 +0000

According to LinkedIn, “Users with recommendations are three times as likely to get inquiries through LinkedIn searches.”

I couldn’t agree more!

There are certain protocols to observe in building up your profile recommendations but for the most part, the single biggest reason professionals don’t get recommendations is because THEY DON’T ASK for them.

I know some of you are thinking that feels a little “guiding”… “if my connections were so impressed with me then they would just recommend me.”

THAT would be nice! If Only!

*Right now, if you know someone in your network you are incredibly impressed with, sign into LinkedIn immediately and write them a recommendation! They will be prompted to return the favor within LinkedIn. Unfortunately, if you are like many busy professionals, you won’t make the time to write them – unless…you are reminded!

Do you feel a little sheepish about asking someone to brag about you?
Asking for a recommendation can be a very uncomfortable thing for some, but never assume it’s uncomfortable to the person being you are asking. They are probably going to be flattered that you care about their opinion of your work and therefore will be happy to supply the recommendation.

The typical LinkedIn “out of the can” recommendation request reads:

Dear Name of Connection,
I’m sending this to ask you for a brief recommendation of my work that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions, let me know.
Thanks in advance for helping me out.
-Your Name

Out of respect for their time and depending on how well you know the person you are requesting the recommendation from, you could even prompt them with some dialogue such as:

Dear Name of Connection,
As you know, I am an independent marketing consultant/contractor and as such, I’m sending this to ask you for a brief recommendation of my work. In particular, I would like your comments as you have observed me performing duties, whether directly in our business dealings, at a trade show or some other professional interaction that impressed you (any which would enable you to make a positive recommendation of my abilities as you perceive them). I would like to include any recommendation you make of my character, work ethic or work product/performance in my LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions, let me know.
Thanks in advance for helping me out.
-Your Name

While the above is still pretty general, you can choose to write the entire thing out and ask them to post it as though it came from them:

Dear Name of Connection,
I’m sending this to ask you for a brief recommendation of my work that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. Perhaps you could say something like:

“I would like to endorse YOUR NAME as a highly dedicated professional. His/Her thoroughness and attention to detail was exemplary. I have always found him/her to be enthusiastic and an excellent people person. His/Her capabilities played a key role in developing the company to its current standing.”

If you have any questions, let me know.
Thanks in advance for helping me out.
-Your Name

Again, this really depends on how mature your professional relationship is with someone. You would obviously use your good judgment on when this is appropriate. Most people who know you very well and agree with your words will post it as is or even elaborate!

What if they don’t give you the recommendation?
Don’t assume they have any negative reasons for not providing you with a recommendation. I have found that in some cases, companies have direct policies that do not allow employees to provide recommendations and if it would appear to come from the company OR if it would damage their “vendor neutrality” in some fashion. Let’s face it, people also get really busy and don’t check LinkedIn that often or the notification emails end up in an unchecked folder within their email platform. After a few weeks time, you can go back into your Linked in under the “Received Recommendations” tab and manage your requests and even resend a reminder request from there.

Seven Questions to Ask Yourself while Job Hunting

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:53:51 +0000

In preparation for a job interview you most likely spend a majority of your time thinking about one thing; questions. While many job seekers study, practice and research questions that interviewers typically ask and how to best respond, many don’t spend any time at all on the other questions that matter. The ones that the interviewee should be asking.

Joanna Riley Weidenmiller recently wrote an article for Simply Hired’s blog that highlights the top seven questions that you, a job seeker, should ask before applying to any company:

What is this company? Weidenmiller writes that you need to explore the company and take a look around it’s website, mission statement, executive staff and find out what the company is all about.

Are there customers involved? Why would this matter? Firstly, if you’re asked in an interview it adds clout to know the company’s customer base and possibly the strengths and weaknesses as expressed by their clientel. Secondly, if you get the job, you’ll be working with them!

Who’s the competition?

Researching a company’s competitors tells you a lot. You can learn about the prospective company’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as what areas they may be striving to improve or grow. This is good material for your interview! As Weidenmiller also points out, you may want to apply to the competitor instead!

Why is the company special? If you can’t answer in one sentence why the company is special do you want to work for them?

What are the company’s employees like? Employees are an extension of a company and as such, typically are a great telltale indication of how a business is run. Are the employees happy? Check up on their website, social media, etc. and find out!

Can you fill out gaps in their company? Weidenmiller suggests that you ask yourself not only what position you’ll be filling but what gaps you can fill by bringing your experience to the table.

Do you know your names? This goes not only addressing your cover letters but also for when you interview. Be sure to do your research and find out who is creating the job postings and who is responsible for receiving and reviewing the resumes. Personalize your cover letters, your follow up phone calls and all other correspondence.

These are just a few of the questions that you’ll need to be asking yourself when applying for jobs. Job searching is a strenuous and time consuming venture so be sure that you ask yourself the hard questions and find out if a company is truly a good mach. By doing your research you’ll save yourself time and energy down the road. If you feel as though you may need some assistance finding the right fit for an employer don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Happy job hunting.

Avoid these Small-Talk Interview Blunders

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:20:25 +0000

Anyone in the predictive maintenance and reliability engineering fields can know how difficult the first face-to-face interview can be. You’ve made it through the rounds of call backs and phone screens and now you’ve landed the interview. If you’re nervous and anxious to begin with, knowing what to say and what not to say during your interview can be a struggle.

Often times the most stressful portion of the interview isn’t the interview at all but those minutes that lead up to the interview. Making small talk is expected – and shows that you have the ability to interact and converse well with others – which may be a valuable asset in your position. While I’m all for small talk – all too often the conversation meanders leaving both you and the interviewer and an odd or awkward juncture. An article by Anita Bruzzese of 45Things.com, a career advice site, highlights the major topics of conversation to avoid while making small talk:

The bad weather – This topic is old – too old. It’s almost better to say nothing at all. When you complain about the weather in an attempt to fill some of the dead silence the interviewer will hear one thing – complaining.

The fact that you’re tired – sure you may be tired but c’mon, really? If you say that you’re tired the employer, or interviewer, will draw conclusions about why you’re always tired.

What you like about ________ (fill in the blank with a compliment). Save your compliments and keep them to yourself. The truth is – these interviewers have heard everything. Giving a compliment early on can come off as schmoozing, or worse, fake.

How you’d love refreshment – Bruzzese stresses not to ask for something unless it’s offered. Let’s keep in mind – you’re here for the interview not the cup old day-old coffee!

It’s easy for us to all resort to these ‘safe’ feeling pockets of conversation when there’s a awkward pause or silence – but don’t! Stick to what’s at hand – the interview and keep the chitchat job-related and on-topic. If you avoid these conversation pitfalls you’ll be calmer and also have a clear mind to answer questions.

If you’d like more advice or think that NextUp Careers can help your predictive maintenance job search, please contact us!

Try These Five Apps for Your Job Search NOW

admin — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:27:18 +0000

Okay — so we all know that there’s a staggering amount of web apps out there. It’s almost overwhelming when you think of how nearly every facet of our lives has an app built around it. Although the five following apps were origionally compiled into the story 5 More handy Web Apps to Save You Time At Work for those who have jobs, let’s bend this a little further for those of you who are job searching still.

As a reliability engineering or mainatenance professional you may not think that these apps hold any value for you but think again!

1.) Print Friendly – it’s exactly what it sounds like. I use this app constantly and it’s a huge time saver. Have you ever needed to print out a web page but it ends up being a mess and a ton of extra pages? Those days are long gone with Print Friendly. Imagine you need to print out the pages of a propsective emplployer’s website to do some research. Enter the webpage URL and presto! You’re now job hunting — in eco friendly style!

2.) Vector Magic – this one isn’t free but once you use it you’ll understand why. This app saves me a ton of time and grey hairs when working with images, converting any graphic into a vector asset with a snap of your fingers. You could potentially use this app to enhance images within your portfolio, LinkedIN profile, or resume.

3.) Dummy Image - if you’ve ever updated a profile for an online database or completed an online profile for any job board you know how tricky it can be to select the right corresponding professional image if asked for one. This app gives you stock image place holders in a plethora of different sizes. Say goodbye to lost images on your harddrive — just use Dummy Image!

4.) Simply Noise - the dog’s barking, the phone’s rinking … is that a kid screaming in the background? Getting some peace and quiet at home to do the work that’s necessary for job hunting can be frustrating. Although one would think home would the be quiettest place for job hunting, it’s often the oposite. Use Simply Noise to drown out the clamor with calming white noise. My favorite is the ‘brown noise’.

5.) Showmewhatswrong.com – this app has to be one of hte most useful and user friendly apps that I’ve used in a long time. We all have computer meltdowns when you’d rather loose an apendage than that document you’ve been working on for 186 hours. First — don’t panic. Firstly — always save your applications, resumes, and any other job-related documents that you’ve been compiling. Secondly - If you run into a problem though that you can’t fix try recording your problem first with showmewhatswrong.com and sending it off to your tech-savy friend for help. This program records on-screen actions and then fires off the video to an e-mail recipient free of charge. Awesome!

Use these apps and more to streamline your job hunt. If you have any apps that you use for job search that you’d like to know post them here!

Step Up Your Career Search this Summer

admin — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:26:33 +0000

Here at Nextup Careers we blog a lot about the interview process. Well, of course we do! It’s our job to provide you useful information that can help you with your job search in the predictive maintenance and reliability engineering fields. That’s why, with summer on the way, we thought it might be timely to remind you that the heat is on for qualified positions. For some, summer may mean wind-down time, beaches, and SPF 30. For you, the job hunter, summer really should be a time to revamp your career search tactics.

It can be difficult to pry yourself away from the fun when the temps are warm but remember – while others are having fun and not concentrating on the job search – companies still need to hire qualified employees. While everyone is having a grand time relaxing, this is the perfect time to excell and truly spend some time working on yourself.

So – now I will ask the question. Where will you be when the amazing job opening of your dreams comes available? You’ll be ready to apply, ready to interview, and ready to get the job! Here are a few tips that can help ensure that you’re on A game this summer:

1.) Polish up your resume: Make sure it sparkles. There’s no reason why you can’t take time while your job searching to make your resume perfect. Yes, job hunting is a full time career but your resume is your capstone – the most important part. Career counselors are typically slower during the summer months so if you need help with your resume, do it now!

2.) Do some reading: Make it count. We’re not talking beach reads. Do some professional reading that you’ve always wanted to do. This may be a corporate newsletter, an awesome book written by a leader in your profession or a blog about your industry.

3.) Make solid connections: If you’re 100 percent of your job search time behind the computer that’s your first problem. You need to get out and about and make some connections. Summer is a great time for this. Think of each event and social gathering that you go to as a place to meet one new person.

Are You Slacking in Your Job Search?

admin — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:56:53 +0000

“It’s often advised that looking for work should be treated like a full-time job—that job-seekers should literally devote eight hours a day, five days a week to their job searches.” Unfortunately, devotion alone does not translate to success. Landing the ideal job means doing much, much more…

Lost in the job search discussion are the methods that candidates use. Michael Farr, author of “The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book,” suggests that job seekers create a daily schedule that keeps them on task and accountable throughout the job search process. While necessary, successful job seekers go above and beyond this call to action. They use personal contacts, school career planning and placement offices, direct contact with employers, professional associations, and internships in addition to trusted standbys, the internet and classified ads. Internet may provide a breadth of possibilities, but in the search for the perfect one, other resources MUST be used!

I speak from personal experience when I say that the internet isn’t the only solution. Looking back, I now realize that I skipped on many of the resources made available to me through my college and professional network. I, instead, opted to use CareerBuilder and Monster, both of which do a commendable job as career service providers. However, by limiting myself to these avenues, I spent months missing out on potential opportunities. What I found with these sites was similar to what many others experience applying to job; only a few get approved while the remaining applicants get shuffled to the bottom.

We’ve said it before here but I’ll say it again, make your job search your job! Pick yourself up and make a weekly schedule to keep yourself on pace. To help track progress, try meeting with a career advisor or even checking in with a friend or colleague to gauge your success. As I did, you’ll notice the turnaround will be immediate.

Not only will the resources you reach out to help with your resume and cover letter, they can use their clout to contact business leaders in the local community, effectually moving your resume from the bottom of the pile to the top of the consideration pool.

Searching for a job can be a tumultuous experience. Being successful doesn’t require a 40 hour a week commitment to the search, it requires a combination of responsible accountability and best practices. Don’t limit yourself to one or two avenues. Open yourself to any opportunities that come your way and take advantage of every single resource possible.

Have you been successful in your job search? Help others and share your experience with us today!

How to Deal with an Ambush Interview Call

admin — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:53:17 +0000

On Anita Bruzzese’s webiste, 45 Things, she recently wrote a blog, 4 Tips for Doing Well in a Surprise Phone Interview, that should be a must-read for anyone who is actively interviewing for positions.

If you’re job searching in the reliability engineering or predictive maintenance field you’re most likely familiar with the first phone interview. If successful, this will lead to an in-person interview, and sometimes, a follow-up phone call afterwards. In our age of technology, it’s easier, faster, and more economical for employers and recruiters to pick up the phone to screen potential candidates. For this reason, its important to prepare yourself for the surprise interview phone call; what Bruzzese says is the ‘ambush call’.

First of all – answer the phone and don’t avoid the call. Regardless of what you’re doing – fixing a flat tire, tying to feed the kids, at the gym (you get the idea) – you need to pick up the phone. Job recruiters are busy people, as are you, and the more available you make yourself, the better. With that said, if you’re in a loud, noisy environment, ask the caller if you can call back in five minutes and find a good place to talk, Bruzzese advises.

Secondly – always be prepared. Treat job searching like your job. You’re always prepared at work so take the same care with your job search and ensure you’re always ready for an interview—even when you’re not on the clock. Carry a copy of your resume with you at all times. Be sure to have easily accessible the names of the companies you’ve been applying to, including any pertinent contacts.

Thirdly – take a breather. Collect yourself and take a moment to gather your thoughts. Keep an even tone and inflection in your voice. Ensure that your not speaking too quickly and that you answer all questions completely.

Lastly – always envision yourself in a professional environment. Yes, you might be at home lounging on the sofa but don’t act that way. Be sure that you are professional, courteous and answer the interview question as such.

If you need more information on your job hunt in the predictive maintenance or reliability engineering field, take a look at our other helpful related blogs, Getting Past the Phone Interview , Following up on a Resume Submission or contact us directly,

Mistakes You’re Making RIGHT NOW on Your Resume

admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:30:01 +0000

So, how’s your resume looking these days? OK, be honest. Don’t go easy on yourself.

Alison Green wrote an awesome article recently, 10 Mistakes You’re Making on Your Resume that will tell you right now what you need to do to improve your resume, and your chances of getting hired. Regardless if you’re in the reliability engineering or predictive and industrial maintenance fields, this post can help you!

I whittled down what I thought to be the top five pieces of advice out of the article, but feel free to take a look at the story in its entirety. Thanks again to Alison Green for the great article!

List not job duties and accomplishments

This is by far one of my favorite pieces of advice. Think about it from the standpoint of the employer who is hiring you. Don’t answer just what you did. Answer what did you accomplish that went beyond the mundane day-to-day tasks and projects? Excite your reader!

Leave the subjective descriptions out

Green is dead on with this one. Removing any subjective traits will strengthen your resume and make it all about the facts. A prospective employer will read “Skillfully facilitated successful leadership meetings” and will dismiss the task because it reads as a self-assessment and not a job function.

Don’t leave out volunteer work

Don’t be timid to add your volunteer work to your resume. Often times it shows that a candidate is well-rounded and has a commitment to his or her community. Final word, if it’s relevant experience – add it to your resume. If it’s unrelated – leave it off.

Clarity over Creativity

It’s good to be confident and creative with a resume, but keep it within reason. Don’t go too crazy with the design of the resume and don’t let your desire to stand out from the crowd get in the way with functionality, Green states. Remember – they care about your qualifications.

Don’t forget a cover letter

Having hired individuals before, I can attest that the most important aspect to a resume is a polished, eloquent and thoughtful cover letter. The cover letter is the place to amp up yourself and your resume. Many employers will look at the cover letter as a testament to your writing and communication skills so take your time. If you need help – use your network to have friends read, reread and edit your cover letter if needed.

The final point, in my own opinion, is the most important. Remember – your resume is an evolving and ever changing document that needs to best represent and convey your talent to a prospective employer, so make it great!

Here at NextUp Careers we bring you some of the greatest articles, news and tips that we find for reliability engineers and predictive and industrial maintenance professionals. For more information on how NextUp can help you find the right job please contact us now.

Job Hunting : To Use a Personal Website or Not

admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:18:22 +0000

We’re seeing an alarming number of personal websites cropping up across the web and it makes one wonder – are they effective while job hunting?

The question begs to be asked – does someone who has a website solely to aid job hunting get more bites on a resume or application to a job than someone who doesn’t?

A New York Times article asks this question in Your Resume, for All to See, an article written by Patricia R. Olsen.

If you’re unemployed – having a personal website can do a great deal to help your job hunt. For example, sites like About.me have revolutionized how individuals not only share information, but form their identity by creating trendy, artsy one-page websites dedicated to all info about – you guessed it – them.

On the other side, Olsen does bring up the downsides to these sites and putting yourself out there for everyone to see. What if you’re job hunting while employed? Well, Kim Isaacs, director of Resume Power, a resume-writing service firm in PA, states that if an employer finds out that you are job hunting or seeking a new position you could be dismissed immediately.

A benefit of the personal website – it doesn’t limit one in the ways thatLinkedIndoes. For anyone who has a LinkedIn profile, you may have felt the pressure to attempt to define and describe your past positions in format that many find rigid.

Another bonus of having a personal website is that you can post, if you wish, your resume for all to see. With the ever-changing versions of software, Olsen points out that it’s a great idea to post your resume in several different versions – Word, plain text, and PDF for example. If you’re into analytics – you can set up your website with Google Analytics to track views, clicks, and downloads.

Beware though – anything that you post in your resume can be viewed online such as your contact information and address. In the article, Isaac states that many people are omitting their street address and personal phone numbers instead opting for post office boxes and Google Voice phone numbers. Also – be sure that any information you share is strictly professional.

Overall – personal websites will ease access to what you want employers to know about you. The easier you make it for a potential employer to contact you the greater your chances are for a call back. Read the full article to ensure that you take into account all of the pros and cons of a personal website and as always — don’t post something you wouldn’ want your current, or future employer to see!