Advancing Your Career with Social Network Sites

Should Your Boss Be a Facebook Friend?
by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


The invites to join Linked In, Facebook, MySpace, Ryze.com and other social networking sites are flooding your inbox from friends, colleagues, ex-coworkers, college classmates, and even your boss. Do you accept them all or weed some out? And how can you build upon these relationships to advance your career?

Like much of our virtual existence, the rules for online networking follow those of the real world: Follow-up is key, flattery works, and don't put something in writing if it could hurt your prospects.

Networking Made Easier

Adding online contacts is just the first step of networking -- you must also keep in touch with them, says Alexandra Levit, a career consultant, blogger, and author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College."

"Mind your networks, and make sure you're using them to keep track of people," Levit says. "One of the biggest mistakes is to make a valuable contact and let it drop."

Maintain Distinct Identities

If you would rather your boss not find out the details of your Cinco de Mayo fiesta, separate your virtual personal life from work, via dedicated social networking pages, according to Anastasia Goodstein, founder of the YPulse.com blog and author of "Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online."

"Tell your boss you're setting up a page for professional contacts -- here's the link and 'friend' me there," Goodstein says. "Find a way to do it graciously, but keep it separate from your personal page."

Invitations and Recommendations

Rather than rejecting an unwanted "friend," accept the invite, but limit your interactions. "Just accepting them as a contact isn't going to do you any harm," Levit says. "Where I would draw the line is writing any kind of recommendation or endorsement of that person."

Use social networks to garner recommendations, and strengthen ties to business associates and colleagues by posting referrals for them.

"Nothing will endear you to the person more than telling them what you think of them and doing something nice," Levit says.

Keep It Confidential

Check your company's privacy policy before conducting certain kinds of business on a social network. Many companies are using search engines to monitor blogs, so watch what you say and where you say it.

"If you're talking about your top-secret product with a coworker on Facebook, I'm sure the IT department won't be very happy," Goodstein says.

At the same time, Goodstein adds, employers should spell out what's appropriate for chatting or blogging -- and what's meant for internal correspondence only.

Context Is King

When posting personal information or photos, leave out any revealing images, references to drug use, or material that might be considered politically incorrect. "Don't have anything on there you'd be embarrassed to have grandparents or religious officiants see," Levit says.

Managers shouldn't discount automatically a candidate with a questionable photo or posting, depending on whether the material violates company policy or can be chalked up to a youthful indiscretion.

"It's a great opportunity to ask them about it in an interview," Goodstein says. "Younger people have been online for most of their lives, so it could be something they posted 10 years ago, but they've probably evolved since then. You can tell by how they answer if somebody's going to be a good fit."

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Sample Cover Letter (Investment Banking)

by Vault.com


The following is a sample cover letter that illustrates a candidate's search for a job in investment banking. Use this example as a starting point for ideas on building your own cover letter.

October 1, 2005

Thom Flanton
Hiring Manager
Mock and Biddle
40 Wall Street
New York, NY 10001

Dear Mr. Flanton,

I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics and am looking for a full-time position in the investment banking field. I am extremely interested in beginning my career at Mock and Biddle. The investing history of Mock and Biddle, especially its stability during the 1980s junk bond and LBO craze, was the subject of my undergraduate thesis.

I feel I have much to offer in Mock's drive to involve a younger generation of investors. As the founder of the Oberlin Students Investment Group, I managed the capital of 31 of my peers, making 9 percent annual return over a three-year period, and raising the amount of capital from an initial $8,000 to $54,000 my senior year, all while maintaining a 3.8 average in my field. I want to apply that vision and multitasking ability at Mock and Biddle.

Mock and Biddle is my first choice for my entry into the professional arena, and I believe that my employment would be highly beneficial to Mock and Biddle as well. As co-founder Charles Anderson said in his 1962 commencement speech at Brown University, "There is no more sound investment than youth."

Thank you very much for your time and consideration, I look forward to discussing with you the ways I can contribute to Mock and Biddle's future.

Sincerely,

Mark Uberski

Vault.com is the Internet's leading destination for career advice and insider company information. Vault offers continually updated "insider" information with its exclusive employee surveys on over 5,000 companies.

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by Vault.com


The following is a sample cover letter that illustrates experience in pharmaceutical sales. Use this example as a starting point for ideas on building your own cover letter.

August 20, 2005

Mr. Burton C. Hasselbach
District Manager
Ethical Global Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
550 Totten Pond Road
Waltham, MA 02154

Dear Mr. Hasselbach,

I am happy to respond to your August 18, 2005 job posting in the Washington Post for a pharmaceutical sales representative. In researching the pharmaceutical industry, I noted Ethical Global's leadership position in research and development and in making its products available to underprivileged populations. Having decided to develop a career in biopharmaceutical sales and marketing, I am excited about the prospect of making a contribution to Ethical Global's worldwide sales force, and am attaching a resume for your review.

In several years of professional sales experience, I can list these achievements, which highlight my selling and leadership skills:

• Earned designation as top performer in my region for four consecutive quarters
• Received several letters of commendation from new customers (see my brag book) for excellent customer service
• Assisted in the training of new-hires in the sales organization and contributed to the update of the selling skills module of the training program

In the current tough marketing environment, I understand how essential it is to master the art of selling products while providing sustained, exceptional customer service, which exceeds client expectations. I am eager to learn the product knowledge essential to presenting pharmaceutical products effectively to physicians. A natural 'people-person,' I look forward to meeting physicians and to representing Ethical Global's products to them.

Mr, Hasselbach, thank you in advance for reviewing my resume. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you in a face-to-face interview, where you can assess first-hand the qualities of excellence and leadership I hope to bring to your organization.

Kind Regards,

Alan S. Foxworth Enclosure

Vault.com is the Internet's leading destination for career advice and insider company information. Vault offers continually updated "insider" information with its exclusive employee surveys on over 5,000 companies.

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The High Cost of Being a Workaholic

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

In a nation of overachievers, hard work is a virtue. If you work hard, you'll achieve your goals. If you work even harder, you'll achieve even more. Right?

Perhaps not. There are, in fact, several downsides to working too hard. Being the office workaholic can cost you coveted promotions, hurt your home life, and even turn friends into enemies. Evaluate yourself with the following five questions.

1. Are you busy ... or disorganized?

Are you constantly staying late and coming in early yet producing the same output as others? If so, your boss may come to view you as inefficient and possibly disorganized. Dave Cheng, an executive coach with Athena Coaching, says, "There are some people, type A's, who get a lot of satisfaction from doing lots of work, but the quality isn't necessarily superior."

Focus on getting your work done in a reasonable time frame. If you have perfectionism or time-management issues, ask your supervisor to help you prioritize things and learn when to let go of a task. Cheng says, "Just because you're working longer doesn't mean you're working better."

2. Are you delegating ... or hoarding?

If you have any aspirations at all to move into management, you must learn to delegate work. Again, tasks need to be completed in a timely fashion; if you're having trouble finishing a project, you must delegate to other team members, even if you happen to relish the task you're giving away.

Cheng, who has more than 12 years of experience in corporate human resources, reveals, "Some workers feel like if they do everything and they're the only one who knows how to do it, they're making themselves irreplaceable. However, sharing information and teaching others around you is a valued skill as far as management is concerned."

Focus on completion and quality and be generous enough to let a colleague learn and shine. If you lack sufficient support, ask your boss about expanding your group.

3. Are you hungry ... or is your plate full?

Once you've solidified your reputation as the office workaholic, you may find that when your dream project comes through the door, you aren't asked to work on it. Why? Your boss probably thinks you don't have the bandwidth to take on anything else. Always keep a bit of room in your schedule to sink your teeth into new challenges and opportunities.

Cheng reminds professionals, "Your ability to say no to certain things gives you the freedom to say yes to others."

4. Do you have friends ... or 'frenemies'?

Your workaholic ways are likely alienating once-valued associates. Above and beyond the obvious grumblings of, "You're making the rest of us look bad," your colleagues may dread collaborating on a project with you.

Lose the overly methodical approach, don't expect folks to come in early or stay late for meetings, and focus on process and outcome.

5. Do you work to live ... or live to work?

The best workers are well-rounded professionals with full lives, in and out of the office. Each year, new studies abound about the importance of vacations, hobbies, and enjoying your leisure time. But are you listening?

Your friends and family will be in your life a lot longer than you'll hold most jobs. Also, pursuing leisure activities you're passionate about can lead to a second career.

Cheng concludes, "Work-life balance is a choice. If you reflexively say yes to taking on extra work, you may live to regret it."

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Dispelling Myths About Job Seekers Over 50

by Susan Kushnir, for Yahoo! HotJobs


In "Field of Dreams" Kevin Costner heard a mysterious voice saying, "If you build it, they will come." Soon a team of deceased yet remarkably preserved ballplayers show up to play on Costner's newly renovated ball field. That mythical strategy may work in Hollywood, but not in the land of job seekers, especially those over 50.

There are, in fact, many myths about job-seekers over 50, and many aren't relevant to today's job market.

Myth: If you wait for the perfect job, it will come.

No way! Leigh Branham, author of "Keeping the People Who Keep You in Business: 24 Ways to Hang On to Your Most Valuable Talent," recommends spending at least 10 hours a week researching desirable companies. Then, circulate that list to your network of former colleagues, relatives, friends, etc.

Next, use the AIR strategy, which stands for advice, information, referrals. When you speak with someone in your network, emphasize that you are looking for advice, information on the most progressive companies, and suggestions for next steps including possible referrals.

Myth: "I'm too overqualified"

Yes, you've produced a lot of results, and some mid-level positions are no longer suitable for you. That's a good thing. You've morphed into a trusted adviser that others seek out for your know-how and can-do spirit. Companies are also interested in people with more gravitas and experience to help mentor Gen X colleagues.

Myth: Hold fast to the techniques that have worked for you in the past.

Limiting yourself to the paradigms you've always had will be just that -- limiting. Harry Newman was an over-50 employee with Chase Bank for over 24 years before it downsized. Harry recommends, "Approach the job as if you're self-employed, so that if tomorrow you need another job, you'll be prepared. It is a beginning, not an ending. Be open to possibilities."

For example, focusing on finding a job in a large company may have worked 20 years ago, but today half of new jobs created are in companies with under 50 employees.

Myth: "Companies aren't interested in me because I'm too old."

By 2012, 20 percent of the U.S. workforce will be older than 55, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Age becomes irrelevant when the focus is on results.

Greg Waldron, talent management officer for Porter Novelli, says, "I've never had so much job activity and been so sought after since I hit 50."

Maryanne Rainone, senior vice president and managing director of Heyman Associates, an executive recruiting firm, says that 33% of placements in 2007 were for candidates over 50. "Many companies want someone that has not just seen good times in the industry but also knows how to weather bad times." Bad times may include stock market plunges, company scandals, or buyouts.

Finally, stay energized, current, and enthusiastic about your field. Focus on your significant capabilities, rather than your lengthy experience -- it's all about your value, not your age!

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Dispelling Myths About Job Seekers Over 50

by Susan Kushnir, for Yahoo! HotJobs


In "Field of Dreams" Kevin Costner heard a mysterious voice saying, "If you build it, they will come." Soon a team of deceased yet remarkably preserved ballplayers show up to play on Costner's newly renovated ball field. That mythical strategy may work in Hollywood, but not in the land of job seekers, especially those over 50.

There are, in fact, many myths about job-seekers over 50, and many aren't relevant to today's job market.

Myth: If you wait for the perfect job, it will come.

No way! Leigh Branham, author of "Keeping the People Who Keep You in Business: 24 Ways to Hang On to Your Most Valuable Talent," recommends spending at least 10 hours a week researching desirable companies. Then, circulate that list to your network of former colleagues, relatives, friends, etc.

Next, use the AIR strategy, which stands for advice, information, referrals. When you speak with someone in your network, emphasize that you are looking for advice, information on the most progressive companies, and suggestions for next steps including possible referrals.

Myth: "I'm too overqualified"

Yes, you've produced a lot of results, and some mid-level positions are no longer suitable for you. That's a good thing. You've morphed into a trusted adviser that others seek out for your know-how and can-do spirit. Companies are also interested in people with more gravitas and experience to help mentor Gen X colleagues.

Myth: Hold fast to the techniques that have worked for you in the past.

Limiting yourself to the paradigms you've always had will be just that -- limiting. Harry Newman was an over-50 employee with Chase Bank for over 24 years before it downsized. Harry recommends, "Approach the job as if you're self-employed, so that if tomorrow you need another job, you'll be prepared. It is a beginning, not an ending. Be open to possibilities."

For example, focusing on finding a job in a large company may have worked 20 years ago, but today half of new jobs created are in companies with under 50 employees.

Myth: "Companies aren't interested in me because I'm too old."

By 2012, 20 percent of the U.S. workforce will be older than 55, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Age becomes irrelevant when the focus is on results.

Greg Waldron, talent management officer for Porter Novelli, says, "I've never had so much job activity and been so sought after since I hit 50."

Maryanne Rainone, senior vice president and managing director of Heyman Associates, an executive recruiting firm, says that 33% of placements in 2007 were for candidates over 50. "Many companies want someone that has not just seen good times in the industry but also knows how to weather bad times." Bad times may include stock market plunges, company scandals, or buyouts.

Finally, stay energized, current, and enthusiastic about your field. Focus on your significant capabilities, rather than your lengthy experience -- it's all about your value, not your age!

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Ten Ways to Lose Friends and Alienate Coworkers

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

The people you work with can make a bad day better. They can even make a less-than-thrilling job tolerable. However, if you get on the bad side of your coworkers, they have the ability to make your work life miserable.

Read on for some surefire ways to test the boundaries of your on-the-job friendships.

1. Eat stinky snacks.

You may be the most likeable person in your office, but your popularity will definitely take a dive if you begin bringing in overly aromatic foods. If your lunch involves microwaving anything containing fish, leave it at home.

2. Make endless meeting requests.

Learn how to determine when it's absolutely necessary to schedule a meeting (and for whom attendance is absolutely necessary). A tendency to request too many meetings will irritate your teammates as well as making it look like you cannot move ahead on a project autonomously.

3. "Reply to All" all the time.

Don't make your coworkers' lives more complicated by hitting "reply to all" on every single email. Also, if you have a beef with the author of the email, don't air your grievance to the entire recipient list. Discuss your problem face to face.

4. Pump up the volume.

Be aware of the volume of your voice, as well as how loud you listen to music. Avoid using speakerphone unless you're behind closed doors. Also, check the volume on your computer the next time you watch a video on YouTube. The content could be offensive to a cube neighbor.

5. Be the office boozehound.

Socializing with the people you work with can be great for business. Make certain, though, that you keep a close eye on your alcohol consumption. Your coworkers will definitely lose respect for you if you start slurring your words or, worse yet, falling down.

6. Take super-long lunches.

Every now and again, it's fun to take a leisurely lunch out with your coworkers. However, if you do it every day -- or even every week -- people will notice and probably grow resentful.

7. "Borrow" magazines or newspapers.

If you're a "Brangelina" watcher and your colleague's issue of In Touch arrives announcing their separation, you may be tempted to take it. Instead of snatching up the magazine, deliver it to the recipient and ask if you can browse through it when he's done with it. If you cannot wait, go buy the magazine yourself. After all, tampering with the mail is a federal offense.

8. Use your manager as a referee.

It is inevitable that you are going to clash with your coworkers from time to time. Resist the urge to seek support from management every instance. Rather, try to problem-solve yourself -- it could help you gain important managerial experience.

9. Avoid attending company gatherings.

Not everyone looks forward to these events and, in fact, some folks avoid them altogether. This isn't good for your career or your work friendships. You're missing out on bonding with your work buddies, whether it be over a silly scavenger hunt or an ant-infested picnic. Your coworkers will begin to take it personally if you never participate.

10. Always have the last word.

When you do have the inevitable disagreement with a colleague, it's important to make your point. This doesn't mean you always have to have the last word. Learn how to voice your opinion and move on -- and let someone else have the final say once in a while.

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Three Nonverbal Keys to Negotiating

by Pat Mayfield, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Whether settling a contract or nailing down salary terms, successful negotiators use nonverbal techniques to increase their power and enhance their impact on the outcome. Here are three focal points that will help build your negotiating power.

The Power of Body Language

Using body language is as important as reading body language. Practice these guidelines until comfortable.

The power standing position is: feet slightly apart and planted to the floor; shoulders comfortably back; neck straight, not tilted; stomach in; and arms comfortably by your side. Also use this stance when entering a room, except walk with a comfortable stride -- not too slow and not too fast.

Posture and Stance:

    * Stand or sit up straight. Don't slouch or lean against anything.
    * When seated, place both feet flat on the floor, not crossed or tucked under the chair.
    * Lean forward to exude energy, or lean back to appear more relaxed.
    * Don't cross your arms across your chest as a defensive move.

Hands:

    * Don't touch your face or cover your mouth.
    * Don't touch the other party except for the handshake.
    * To increase trust, keep both hands out in the open, not in your pockets or under the table.
    * Do not grip your hands or clasp in the prayer position.

The Power of the Eyes

Most people show their true feelings through their eyes. To build confidence:

Do:

    * Make direct eye contact with everyone involved.
    * Smile comfortably with your eyes as well as your mouth.
    * If possible, watch the pupils of their eyes. Pupils dilate when they see something they like.

Don't:

    * Stare or glare.
    * Look away when someone is talking to you.
    * Roll or rapidly move your eyes.
    * Blink often. The more a person blinks, the less he or she is trusted.

External and Internal Power

External power is having a strong appearance. If the negotiation is on your turf, your work area is part of the external power. Internal power is having genuine confidence.

Why are these types of power so important? Because if your external appearance or internal attitude turns off the other party, you may never get them to agree with you.

To increase external power:

    * Keep the negotiating environment appropriate to the situation.
    * Be dressed and groomed appropriate to the situation.
    * Speak slowly and clearly, and project with a strong full voice. The other party must be able to hear and understand you before you can get what you want.
    * Lower your voice tone to avoid a weak, high-pitched tone.
    * Be courteous.

To increase internal power:

    * Practice a mock negotiation several times. Practice is the best-kept secret of great negotiators.
    * Be thoroughly prepared. Know what you want and what you will give. Predict what the other party will want and will be willing to give.
    * Have everything you need with you to keep from getting flustered.
    * Truly believe in yourself.


Pat Mayfield is the president of Pat Mayfield Consulting, LLC, based in San Francisco and Pleasanton, California. She specializes in sales and marketing solutions, working with companies of all sizes.

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Interview Insights: Go Beyond the Conversation

by Doug White, Robert Half International


Acing an employment interview requires more than just answering a hiring manager's questions effectively. Sure, providing thoughtful responses that highlight your qualifications, communication skills, and personality is critical. But the subtle signals you send also factor heavily into whether or not you're offered the job.

Following are tips for making a positive impression when meeting face-to-face with prospective employers.

Be nice -- to everyone. Most managers don't make hiring decisions in a vacuum. And you never know who might play a role in the selection process. In fact, more than 90 percent of executives said they solicit the opinions of their administrative assistants as part of the hiring process, according to a survey by our company.

So, instead of impolitely yapping on your cell phone or demanding coffee (as some applicants have done while waiting for the interviewer), spend time reviewing the research you've collected on the organization. In short, be courteous and present a polished image to everyone you encounter, whether it's the CEO or the mail clerk.

Come prepared. Are you dressed to impress, or is your attire wrinkled and worn? Do you have extra copies of your resume on hand? Did you bring a pen and paper for taking notes, or do you have to ask to borrow a writing utensil? Showing up to the interview unprepared can cause a hiring manager to question your professionalism and interest in the position.

Watch more than just your words. It's critical to project an upbeat attitude by remaining mindful of negative non-verbal messages. A weak handshake, poor posture and downward gaze all convey a lack of self-assuredness. Crossing your arms can make you appear hostile, defensive or disinterested, while constant nodding or foot tapping could signify nervousness. On the flip side, wearing an enthusiastic smile and making eye contact are effective ways to ensure you come across as affable and engaged.

Offer your appreciation. You can continue to build a positive impression even after the interview concludes. Set yourself apart from the crowd by promptly sending a thank-you note to the key people you met. It's not only excellent etiquette, it's also a savvy way to reinforce your interest in the firm and recap your most valuable strengths. Even if you feel the interview went poorly, don't fail to follow up. After all, your thoughts about the meeting might be much different than the interviewer's.

The job interview is your chance to tell -- and show -- employers that you're a perfect match for their organization. Remember that hiring managers look at your behavior during the interview as a barometer of how you'd act and perform on the job. Put your best foot forward by being prepared, poised and polite.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

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