If I Was Running A Company…Pop Culture HR Award #3

To be frank, I’m doing this a bit early because of the upcoming SHRM Conference in New Orleans (I’m not going because of budget, but will be looking through Twitter (#SHRM09) and the livestream session on Wednesday with fellow HR bloggers) and the July 4th Weekend.  For the third recipient of the Pop Culture HR Award, this one is pretty simple for the upcoming Fourth of July:  The person is American, came from a unique background, has a certain look you cannot match, a people’s person, and held the biggest position in America.  Ladies and gentlemen, I bring to you the third recipient of the Pop Culture HR Award…

DAVE KOVIC

To summarize the story of Dave, he owns a temp agency in Washington, D.C. (Georgetown to be exact) and he looked exactly like Bill Mitchell, who was President at the time, until he suffered a stroke and Bob Alexander, the Chief of Staff, hatch a plan to take over the Presidency with his agenda and using a “dummy” would make the plan go smoothly.  That did not happen as Dave became comfortable as President, set his own agenda and expose the corrupt system Bob Alexander was doing.  In the end, Dave went back to a local citizen and wants to run as councilman with the help of his temp agency staff.

There are several things that come from Dave:

1. He came from a temp agency background, although he was put in a shady situation.  He has given hope for anyone in the HR/Recruiting world that they can handle very critical decisions.
2. Dave delegates to the people who are experts in their field, give them a task and expect to handle the tasks given.
3. Dave knows what is right or wrong and although might be a nice guy, he knows when it is is time to stand up and be independent.
4. Dave wanted a jobs creations bill pass to Congress so “Everyone Works on Monday.”  He would know how to handle the stimulus.
5. Dave has a great network and support system from his “wife” Ellen, The White House Tour Guide, The Secret Service, Vice President Gary Nance, his temp agency staff, and Phoebe Cates…oh wait.

By using his HR/Recruiting/Entrepreneurial background, Dave quickly adapt to his role, either big or small, and if he can be President of the United States, anyone in HR/Recruiting who are good can be President someday.

Here’s to you, Dave Kovic…the third recipient of the Pop Culture HR Award.

If I Was Running A Company…Adapt and Ask

In the past couple of weeks, I have learn a lot from the recruiting world.  It all started with this tweet from Chris Hoyt, aka The Recruiter Guy, which then lead to a blog post from Jessica Lee, which lead to Jessica and I having lunch about our lives and careers.  That conversation then in turn lead me to start these virtual chat sessions at my virtual office, which I have some success (wonderful if you’re near the Washington Post Headquarters, not so well in Fairfax City or in Ballston.  Must be Location, Location, Location!!!).

This past weekend, there were three great posts I read: The HR Maven on personal and job interviews, Carmen Hudson on starting her own company, and Bob Corlett on backing up your talk.  What all of these have to do exactly?  I still got a long ways to go.

It is easy to sit on what you have and say you’re an expert on it, but even experts need to learn more and hone their craft.  I can say that I’m a damn good recruiter (you can ask my references), but there is still room to improve.  These posts I highlighted above made me adapt what I’m doing and tweak my business expectations.  If you want to grow in your position: adapt to change, have added responsibility, develop a versatile of skills, and be proactive what you do.

I also mention this on behalf of recruiters because we get a bad reputation for looking for talent and profit from it.  However, we are human beings and we care that you get a job.  You might not fit with an organization I’m recruiting (that’s business), but I know someone who might like you and if I like you personally, let’s have a talk outside the office building.  Remember, build a relationship first, then ask.

So for the recruiters out there, pay it forward if you know they’re a great fit with an another company and facilitate with who you’re talking to.  For the job seekers, ask a recruiter or an HR person. Some will deny you, some are cautious, and some will leave the door open. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

For everyone, if you want a conversation with me on anything from job seeking, your organization, sports, weird news, the word neufchantel, I’m easy to approach.  If you live in the DC Metro Area and want to chat one-on-one, give me a reply. If you live where I can’t take the local bus, here’s my contact information:

Phone: (703) 334-8454
Cell: (703) 618-2176
Skype: tracy.tran2
Google Chat/Talk (whatever its called): thispersonstinks

My door is always open and you’re always welcome…but don’t disturb Puffy.

If I Was Running A Company…Poker

I did not know this until now, but the World Series of Poker is going on right this moment.  There are so many events going on, but my personal favorites are H.O.R.S.E. (the real game for poker players) and RAZZ (the crappy hands win).  Why I’m mentioning poker in an HR post?  It’s the majority your job interview.

Job seekers know what to say, but that’s only part of the battle.  Hiring managers are also looking for non-verbal tells like body language, attitude, grooming, the tone of your voice, eye contact, positioning, and many others.  Non-verbal tells are what most people do not think in a job interview, but it is crucial.  So, what you do is think like a poker player.

If you want to master your non-verbal tells, have your friends over for a game of Texas Hold ‘Em, but include the rules that they can’t wear hats and sunglasses.  Look around the room and feel your competition out.  Imagine you’re in a room with 8 different hiring managers.  By looking at their body language, emotion, and position;  seek the person(s) out, just like you are applying for a company.  It also helps that you study a little background of the player so you would know what they do.  As a poker player, you must find the right person to grab their chips, which is similar for a job seeker to find someone that you are confident that this person can land you the job.  I would also look at the others and see what their tells are if you know they’re bluffing, acting, or telling the truth.  They might be your potential players (literally).

The saying goes in poker;  you play the person, not the cards.  The same thing goes to job interviews;  you play the hiring manager, not your resume (but be authentic and truthful).

Here’s a great video of the similarities between poker players and job seekers.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts: June 2009 Edition

Summer is coming up and I have to say this has been one of the mildest summers I have encountered. I really enjoying this, but then there’s always next month. Let’s get to it:

1. Domestic Terrorism

The past two weeks with the shooting of an abortion doctor at church and the shooting at the Holocaust Museum involving an 88-year old man.  Congress warned us the most dangerous threat to our country is not international, it’s domestic.  Sadly for some, the hysteria mentality looms large and some have this end of the world thinking that the world is crumbling down.  We can debate issues about gun control and abortion, but with these activities, we need to have a harder look at ourselves and not the issues at hand.

2. Iran Elections

I would write a whole blog on the Iran Elections and would like to share some information, but it is too gruesome for me to show it.  I do think the elections were rigged and influence by Ahmadinejad’s staff and Mousavi should of won the election.  Instead, a green revolution came to Iran and it is a huge mess (just look at the tweets and videos of the protests).  Mostly everyone in the western world knows where they stand.  I am also glad Obama is keeping quiet of the situation as he knows he has a powerful voice, but must be on the mark.

As for the news coverage, it has been shoddy as usual and I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but if you want great coverage of the Iran situation, go to:

• The Huffington Post
• The Daily Dish
• Twitter

3. The Lovable Losers

The Washington Natinals Nationals are pitiful and I’m going to keep saying that.  However, there might be hope.  The Nats did draft Stephen Strasburg number one and sign their second first round pick, Drew Storen already.  Now, there’s word that if the Nationals get last place again this year (ok, they’re going to be in last place), the prize for next year’s draft: Bryce Harper.

Seriously, I think the kid needs to slow down and enjoy life.  After his sophomore year, Bryce will take the GED and go to community college and be eligible for the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft and will be picked by the Nationals in all likelihood.  I hope the kid success, but he needs to be social and get out and enjoy being a teenager.  I would take full precaution.

4. Twitter and Facebook

Some of friends and family have been complaining about that I tweet too much and need to stop syncing my tweets with Facebook.  Okay, I admit I tweet a lot, but at least I don’t tell you everything I do like “I’m brushing my teeth” or “I’m in the bathroom.”

Now as for the syncing Twitter with Facebook…you have to live with that.  If you have different sets of rules for each profile from Twitter, Linked, and Facebook, that’s totally up to you and I’m fine with that.  In my case, I blur the line in all my profiles.  I would rather have a mix of my personal and professional details in all my profiles because I want everyone to get a real sense of me.  It will be never 100% but at least you get a good picture of who I am.  In Linkedin, you would know my skills and accomplishments, in Facebook, you would know my character, and on Twitter, you would know who I fit in the best.  All f them comes back to one thing…me.

Now I will warn you when a conference or a Capitals game comes up, I’m going to tweet a lot, so if you’re on Facebook, I’ll give you the signal to hide my statuses and tell you in advance how long it would be.  Now, isn’t that simple?

That is all for me…see ya.

The Stephen Strasburg Signing Countdown

If I Was Running A Company…Graduate Degrees

This is not a good time for new graduates (undergraduate and graduate) of getting a job.  They’re only hope is landing an internship or an entry-level job just to get a foot in the door.  Sadly, there are a few openings of those positions.  An easy solution is to get a graduate degree that you’re still honing your craft.  That might be true 2-3 years ago, but with all the information that is available, is it really necessary to have a graduate degree?

There are only a few positions that need graduate degrees from being a doctor, an architect, an engineer, and a lawyer.  A graduate degree in those areas is required because there’s an additional skill beyond what you learn and think.  Those positions are essentially a minor league farm system for firms in those areas.

What about the professional services positions like finance, communications, human resources, and others?  Although a graduate degree would be nice on your resume, it should not be a requirement in these jobs.  There are some positions that require or “strongly recommend” a Masters or MBA and some might be hesitant to apply for those positions.   Is there a way to go around it?  Absolutely.

Let’s be honest, if you are in a professional services position like myself, you’re expendable.  There are many financial, HR, marketing and communication positions.  If you’re doing a bad job, the employer can find someone else from the street and do the same work.  So, how could you differentiate yourself from the others?  You literally have to throw the kitchen sink.

Have the basics like your resume, cover letter, and references, but do not stop there.  Do some networking, build your social media profiles, join groups and follow your peers.  Then, study your position, the industry, and potential employers you want to focus from the resources you’re given from your local public library to the interwebs.  When you have the knowledge down, try to blend your knowledge, skills, and interests and start a blog.  Write a few posts of your experiences and ideas on how to tackle a situation and be very specific about it.

When you have all the materials needed, try to integrate your blog to the rest of the social media sites.  Also, start creating business cards with your contact information, background, your social media profiles and your blog website.  When you’re at a networking event, write your name on your badge and include your Twitter handle.  Then, follow-up on your contacts with your new signature line with the same things I mention on your business card.  It’s all about integration and if the recruiter loves what you’re doing, you might get a pre-screen.

A graduate degree is expensive, yet it brings a prestige to your resume which is great and all.  However, I would want employees who care about their craft.  If you’re willing to share your knowledge to an organization, do not be afraid to be out there and forward everything to a recruiter and flaunt it.  At the least, you might get a shot in a pre-screen.  .  The blog and social media would not help you get a job, but there will be someone who will give you an opportunity and when that comes…Seize It.   That is what all this information is there in the beginning: opportunity.  When you land a job, do not stop.  Continue writing your blog and still continue to learn through the different mediums because you never know the future will hold.

A graduate degree might cost a lot of money, but learning is priceless.  Don’t forget that lesson;  it might come up in an interview or a meeting.

If I Was Running A Company…Storytelling

I have to be honest and I’m in the minority on this: I love reading resumes.  I love to read each little detail of the applicant because you might discover a superstar or a diamond in a rough.  I understand people do not have the time to read all the resumes and keywords and the first half of the page are crucial on your resume.  However, there might be an untold story recruiters pass up.

I always feel when I’m reading a resume or going to networking events, I always try to fill in the blank or solve a puzzle for a certain client.  Of course, if the candidate does not fit on any of my clients, I forward their resume to someone else who wants to read it.  The resume is an autobiography of your working career and you are trying to find a publisher, which in this case, the company acts as your publisher.

The story has to be right the first time.  You are not going to capture everyone, but have a niche audience and focus on those people you want to gain since they have intrigue about the subject.  Tailor your resume to different areas like the …For Dummies books and promote the hell out of it from networking events to speaking engagements.  The story does not end until you found something that you want.

The point here is your autobiography never ends.  However, if you have great material from your past experiences, share it.  That is the same thing in a job search.  There are going to be many different variations of you and you have to select which one you want to share your story with.  If you are lucky, the customer (the company) might ask for an autograph and would like to interview you to know about your career.  All we want as recruiters is plot and information that will interest some or most of the audience.  Of course, do not try to be James Frey and lie that your book was factual, but in fact he had a strong imagination.  

What the customer want is a book that can be part in their bookshelves.  A company”s bookshelf shows who they are in theory, practice, and execution.  They collect the resumes they want and show it off to the rest of the world.  Let’s hope your resume is part of that collection for a certain customer to be proud of.  Of course, the customer can buyback your profile or donate it to charity, so don’t screw it up.