SavvySugar

Applicant Tweets Herself Out of a Job

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:30:48 -0700

We’ve been talking lately about what not to do in an interview, but a recent Internet phenomenon got me thinking about what not to do during your job search in general. As Connor Riley found out the hard way, the Internet is not exactly, um, a private place to express your honest feelings about your quest for new employment.

Connor’s little slip-up is (unfortunately for her) a good example of the catch-22 of our social-networking-heavy culture. You never know if your friend’s friend might have a connection at the company where you’re applying, and while that connection might come in handy when you need an in, it can also ruin your chances if you’re publicly snide about your interview experiences.

Also remember, it’s not always just chance that a prospective employer happens to stumble upon your latest Facebook status update - social-network stalking is a popular way for employers to learn a little more about you before they take the plunge by offering you a gig. Although that can sometimes work in your favor, it's probably best to learn from "Cisco Fatty's" mistakes and confine your job-hunt snark to nonpublic conversations.

Has a comment you made on a blog or social networking site ever come back to haunt you during a job search?

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7 Steps to Take When You've Been Laid Off

SavvySugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:15:26 -0800

The economy has been shedding jobs at an accelerated rate, forcing many workers to be the bearers of bad news when telling their families they've been laid off. A lot of people haven't dealt with a layoff before and feel panicked entering new territory. Start the slideshow to see seven steps that will help you gain control after losing your job.

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5 Things to Accomplish Before 2009

SavvySugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:30:37 -0800

We are down to the wire of 2008, and now is the time when many of us procrastinate with the rationale that we'll be on top of our game in the New Year. There are a handful of money and job-related tasks that can't wait until the ball drops, so get on the ball now by accomplishing these five things before 2009. Start the slideshow to see what should be at the top of your to-do list.

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How to Find Out the Reason You Didn't Get the Job

SavvySugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:30:13 -0800

Networking to find work is an invaluable tool, but after you've networked your way in to an interview you're often on your own. A few unanswered emails and replies that the company has decided to go in another direction is enough to put a job seeker into a state of frustration, but your network could come in to play once again after you've been brushed off by a potential employer. Find out how when you read more.

Networking specialist Diane Darling recommends asking your network of friends, family, and professional contacts to anonymously assess your strengths and weaknesses by using the online polling tool SurveyMonkey.com. Diane tried the survey herself and ended up buying a new wardrobe - the poll answers suggested that her attire wasn't appropriate for the types of jobs she was after. She offers four questions to consider asking your network to answer anonymously.

What three words come to mind when you think of my strengths? What three words come to mind when you think about areas where I could improve?
Is there one aspect of my hunt where I am making a big mistake but appear unaware? If yes, what is my mistake?
What jobs do you think I might be good at that I haven't considered?
What type of jobs have I looked down on that might pay well?

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Your Two Cents: Do You Use Your Business Cards?

SavvySugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:00:06 -0700

Family and friends were the primary recipients of my business cards when I got my first batch from my first job out of college, but I've started using them more as I've gotten older.

Networking situations require an exchange of contact information, and business cards are usually the way to go. Do you use your business cards?

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News Flash: Money Is on Everybody's Mind

SavvySugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:21 -0700

Forbes released its 27th list of the Forbes 400 ranking the 400 richest Americans - you'll need at least $1.3 billion to join this club. Of course, Bill Gates made the list. - Forbes
Networking in a time of need: University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business called its alumni that were Lehman employees just one day after the bank filed for bankruptcy. - The Wall Street Journal
The federal government is considering forming a new agency to handle the mortgage-related assets that have crippled Wall Street. - The New York Times

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Your Online Reputation Could Actually Help You Get a Job

SavvySugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:30:40 -0700

Many of you have used social networking sites for professional networking, and we know that employers utilize these sites to serve their own purposes, too. A new CareerBuilder survey found that 22 percent of employers are clicking through the Internet looking for information on job candidates, and while many discovered information that caused some applicants to lose their places in the running, it's not all bad news.

About a quarter of those employers who have plugged applicants names into Google actually found information that made them feel more confident about typing up offer letters. Discover which factors positively influenced employers opinions when you read more.

Candidate’s background supported their qualifications for the job
Candidate had great communication skills
Candidate was a good fit for the company’s culture
Candidate’s site conveyed a professional image
Candidate had great references posted about them by others
Candidate showed a wide range of interests
Candidate received awards and accolades
Candidate’s profile was creative

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Tap Friends of Friends to Make Educated Decisions

SavvySugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:00:48 -0700

Some of the most valuable people in job searching have been those I've known only casually. They aren't people I networked with in order to find new jobs; rather, they're resources I used to determine whether or not particular jobs I already had my eye on would be a good fit for my goals. While networking to find new jobs is a priceless tool, sometimes it's not the job you need help with, but getting more information in order to make an educated decision.

When you're looking for a new job, ask your friends and relatives if they know anyone in your industry of interest. After you've been introduced in person or through email, ask the industry insider any question that isn't too personal to them. For example, ask them to describe the organizational aspects of companies in the industry, what it takes to succeed, what you can expect in the positions you've been offered or have applied for, if there's seasonal business, etc.

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Do You Attend Happy Hours For Your Co-Workers or Boss?

SavvySugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:00:45 -0700

A recent CareerBuilder survey found that 82 percent of employees go to happy hours to bond with co-workers, while 11 percent go to spend quality time with the boss. Which is a stronger factor in driving you to office happy hours?

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Ask Savvy: Should I Mention My Sorority on My Résumé?

SavvySugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:04:36 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I just finished a masters degree in engineering and I'm applying for jobs. My question is about my résumé, namely whether I should include the sorority I belonged to in undergrad. I've had it on there along with my other more technical activities to show that I'm well-rounded and social, but I've heard that some recruiters can be disdainful of someone mentioning something frivolous like a sorority.

My undergraduate school was a small technical university so the sorority scene was a far cry from partying animal-house antics, and it really was just a way to have a social life in a school with lots of antisocial kids who sat in their rooms playing video games all the time. So many engineers have trouble working with people, that I thought mentioning my sorority might be a good way to show that I am in fact social and good at teamwork, etc. But I guess I'm worried it could be misconstrued so I'm thinking about taking it off. Any thoughts on this from people with more experience would be greatly appreciated.

See my answer and share your own thoughts in the comments. Just read more.

While I wasn't a Greek girl myself, plenty of my girlfriends were in sororities. Did I judge them for their choice? No, and recruiters shouldn't judge you, either. A big draw for joining a sorority is for the networking and strong alumni connections, and if your interviewer happens to have been in the same house at another school that can only strengthen your position.

Because you're including your sorority membership along with your other undergrad activities, even a judgmental recruiter won't be able to simply pin you as a sorority girl. It's apparent that you're self-conscious about mentioning your Greek affiliation and have other activities to show that you used your undergrad time wisely, so if you do decide to remove it you'll still have activities to fill the space.

You've earned a masters degree and are years removed from your undergrad sorority days. Recruiters and prospective employers are more likely to focus on your academic achievements than overthink how you spent your time during college. I don't think including it or removing it will make or break your future employment. Do any of you ex-sorority girls out there have advice?

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