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The Twesume
In February, Enterasys, a Boston network-infrastructure firm, decided to exclusively recruit for a social media marketing position using Twitter. The firm promoted the position via tweets and only accepted candidates who tweeted their interest using the hashtag #socialCV. Among the requirements for candidates: More than 1,000 active Twitter followers.
Having narrowed the field down to about 15 finalists, Vala Afshar, Enterasys' chief marketing officer, says he's convinced Twitter recruiting is the way to go. "I am fairly certain I am going to abandon the résumé process," he says. "The Web is your CV and social networks are your references."
Jocelyn Lai, a talent acquisition manager for advertising firm GSD&M in Austin, Texas, says she regularly uses Twitter to get a sense of a candidate. "I watch people interact, learn what their positions are, who their best friends on Twitter are, whether they have a sense of humor. From that you can get a pretty good picture," she says.
I think that this echoes very nicely what I've said in Pitch Up!
Pitch Up! with the Daily Express
I was recently interviewed by the Daily Express and the article appeared on March 29th. The article was aimed at a growing sector of the workforce - the over 50s - and featured advice my my new book Pitch Up! about how to manage the application process and present the right image at interview.
Paul Boross, author of Pitch Up!: Pitch Yourself For The Job Of Your Dreams (£7.99, amazon.co.uk) agrees: “It’s far better to write 10 good-quality applications than have a scatter-gun approach and apply for 200. Every application you fill out should take time. Write it once and then rewrite and edit it before asking somebody to look it over.”
Every time you apply for a job you should produce a tailor-made version of your CV.
“Sites such as Linkedin.com allow you to list your skills and recent employment history," says Paul. “Do check your security settings on other social media sites such as Facebook. Those pictures of you dancing on the tables may be funny but they don’t give out the right impression to a potential boss.”
It's Not What You Know...
I recently did a recording for the second series of It’s Not What You Know, a sort-of-panel-show-cum-quiz-type-thing for BBC Radio 4 hosted by Miles Jupp.
I would describe it as ‘Mr and Mrs for mates’. There have been various guests so far – Anneka Rice, Dave Gorman, Kirsty Wark, Andrew Maxwell, Joe Lycett, Francis Wheen, Jonathan Agnew, Frank Skinner, Grace Dent, Bridget Christie, Justin Moorhouse, Dougie Anderson, Isy Suttie, Nick Helm, Alan Johnson, Diane Morgan and Frankie Boyle - that sort of crowd.
I did it with my old mate, Ainsley Harriott. It was great fun to record and will probably be in the prime BBC comedy slot of 6.30pm.
Not sure when it’ll be on yet but watch this space for details.
Paul Boross to be on Newstalk radio's Down to Business with Bobby Kerr show, Sunday 24th March 2013
Paul will be taking part in a live discussion on the subject of pitching, following the release of a new set of guidelines by the IAPI (Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland), joined by the IAPI's CEO and of course, presenter Bobby Kerr.
If you're in the area, tune in to Newstalk Radio at around 9:20 this Sunday morning
The ugly truth about job interviews
http://www.thehrdirector.com/features/graduates-and-recruitment/the-ugly-truth-about-job-interviews
Here's an article that was published recently at HRDirector.com
The way you look can count more than your CV. As unemployment in the Eurozone hit 11.9 percent in January 2013, recruiters are making difficult decisions in an increasingly competitive employment market, and whether it is conscious or subconscious, appearances count.
While qualifications and experience might look good on paper, factors like obesity, personal hygiene, tattoos and piercings could make the difference between getting the dream job and being overlooked at the vital interview stage.
"People need to think about their own personal brand, and how others see them" says psychologist, internationally acclaimed author and "Pitch Doctor", Paul Boross. His new book, "Pitch Up" published this month, shows jobseekers how to develop their own brand to compliment and fit in with the brand the recruiting company is aiming to create. "Companies spend millions developing brands and personalities that oftenpolarise opinion for products like mobile phones, cars and clothes. People should look at their appearance, their wardrobe and even their social media profiles to see what they communicate about themselves. There are brands that you aspire to, and brands you wouldn't be seen dead buying," says Boross. "Having a personal brand means being clear about who you are and accepting that you're not to everyone's taste."
According to Paul, employers will make certain judgements depending on your appearance. Whilst it's not fair or even legal for an interviewer to judge a candidate in this way, the research shows that people will weigh up subjective criteria first, usually without realising it, and then find a way to prove their decision afterwards. "We can't take the people out of the selection process, and even the most experienced and well-trained interviewers can still be biased, so you must do everything that you can to remove the effect of that bias".
Obesity - Some people will jump to a conclusion about your lifestyle, so get some advice on how to dress appropriately. There are many well known 'plus size' celebrities who look great, because they dress for the size they are, not the size they wish they were. Tattoos - More and more people are getting tattoos these days, so while they're generally more accepted than they were, the impression they send depends very much on the job you're applying for. Ask for advice from your parents or older relatives. Piercings - As for tattoos, piercings are more acceptable now than they were, with the benefit that you can temporarily remove them. Play safe and show the interviewer that you are serious about making a good impression.
Revealing clothes - Save these for the nightclub, because you won't get the job of your dreams by teasing the interviewer. You're more likely to send completely the wrong message about yourself. Probably the biggest single hurdle to overcome is a belief that your appearance is part of your personal statement, and you don't want to 'sell out' by wearing a suit and tie when it doesn't fit your personality. The point for you to remember is that you're not going to the interview to show off your personality, you're going to show them that you're the right person for the job. People, in their nature, are subjective and interviewers will always ask themselves the question, "What will my staff and customers think of this person? What message do they send about my company?" The secret of getting the job of your dreams is finding a company that sends a message that is equally important to you, too. Paul's new book, Pitch Up!: Pitch Yourself for the Job of Your Dreams is out this month, £7.99, published by CGW Publishing.