My job search website is no more. I let the domain registration run out. I removed the site from public view. Why? Because I got hired.
I started working at Fry Hammond Barr in Orlando, FL three months ago as an Interactive Strategist. So I don't need the website now.
I also won't be updating this blog or the associated social media channels (besides my LinkedIn - it's just so handy at keeping my professional info up to date). I'll probably take them offline in the near future.
So I bid adieu to HireThatRedhead.com. It served its purpose well.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Help Find Vince
My friend and classmate Vince Binder has been missing since April 2, 2010. He is a graduate student and teaching assistant at Florida State University.
My friend Phil and I built and are maintaining the search effort website with details of his disappearance, including news, updates, social media connections, photos, and videos.
Please check it out at www.HelpFindVince.com and help in any way you can.
My friend Phil and I built and are maintaining the search effort website with details of his disappearance, including news, updates, social media connections, photos, and videos.
Please check it out at www.HelpFindVince.com and help in any way you can.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
"That Redhead" Featured on AOL Careers Online
I am featured in an online article in the "Find a Job" section of AOL Online. Check it out HERE.
The article also features Michael Williams, who started www.joblessredhead.com (and stood with a sign on a freeway exit in California to advertise his website). We were connected through a twist of fate and our shared interest in marketing. You can find out more in the article.
If you need the full link to the article, it's http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/03/25/jobless-redhead/. I'm grateful to get some online coverage, and hopefully it will lead to some good job leads. Let me know what you think of the article. As always, also let me know if you hear of any good job opportunities.
The article also features Michael Williams, who started www.joblessredhead.com (and stood with a sign on a freeway exit in California to advertise his website). We were connected through a twist of fate and our shared interest in marketing. You can find out more in the article.
If you need the full link to the article, it's http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/03/25/jobless-redhead/. I'm grateful to get some online coverage, and hopefully it will lead to some good job leads. Let me know what you think of the article. As always, also let me know if you hear of any good job opportunities.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Streamlining The HireThatRedhead Site
I've made a lot of updates recently. If you've not visited HireThatRedhead.com in awhile, I encourage you to do so.
I added my most recent job experience to my resume - Book Pool Coordinator at Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend. Check out my RESUME to find out more.
I added an option to subscribe to blog posts by email on the homepage, care of www.FeedBurner.com.
I scrapped the old BLOG page on HireThatRedhead (on which I originally embedded my blog site) in favor of a simple link to this blog on the sidebar. I enjoyed the novelty of the former page, but I enjoy simplification and "ease of use" more.
I changed the RECOMMENDATIONS page to more easily exhibit all the recommendations I've received from three different sources - traditional letters, blog comments, and Linkedin.
I've put the website through a process of continual improvement over the last few months. I think it's pretty good for someone whose forte is not necessarily web design.
Let me know what you think of the improvements.
I added my most recent job experience to my resume - Book Pool Coordinator at Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend. Check out my RESUME to find out more.
I added an option to subscribe to blog posts by email on the homepage, care of www.FeedBurner.com.
I scrapped the old BLOG page on HireThatRedhead (on which I originally embedded my blog site) in favor of a simple link to this blog on the sidebar. I enjoyed the novelty of the former page, but I enjoy simplification and "ease of use" more.
I changed the RECOMMENDATIONS page to more easily exhibit all the recommendations I've received from three different sources - traditional letters, blog comments, and Linkedin.
I've put the website through a process of continual improvement over the last few months. I think it's pretty good for someone whose forte is not necessarily web design.
Let me know what you think of the improvements.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Redhead is an International Hero
Okay, not really, but this is the coolest viral video (interactive no less) that I've seen in a while. It's also a great piece of online marketing. Thanks to Dr. Phil Grise at Florida State University for passing it along. Watch it in full screen for the full effect at http://en.tackfilm.se/?id=1266977465535RA64.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Beyond The Resume
It really pays off to get creative during the job search and application process. This holds especially true in the communication and marketing field. Here are three examples of what I've done recently to wow and woo potential employers beyond the standard resume or job application.
In December, I hand-delivered a small gift-wrapped, personalized ornament to a local advertising agency a week before Christmas.
I got it from an ornament kiosk at the shopping mall. I asked the attendant to address the envelope to the agency and write on the front, "A job for Christmas would be nice...". On the back, I asked her to write "... but I guess an interview would suffice." The back also featured my contact information and website www.HireThatRedhead.com.
By hand-delivering the gift, I was able to meet the agency director. I got an interview after Christmas. The director later told me that I would make a great addition to her team, but the economy had the agency in a holding pattern at the moment.
For another local firm looking for a communication coordinator, I created a contest and wrote a custom press release for one of their properties. I've posted that press release in my online portfolio and you can also read it here (I've changed the name of the business and owner). I had two interviews with the firm, and they offered me the job, but I turned it down. Unfortunately, their budget didn't allow for benefits.
Most recently, I sent my resume to a nonprofit looking for a researcher for an 18-month grant project. Instead of just emailing a resume and saying how much I'd love an interview, I outlined a brief proposal about how I would actually conduct the research using in-depth interviews, surveys, focus groups, and on-site observation. The nonprofit's president complimented my insights, and I think I made a great impression on him.
I've also sent hand-written post cards to a few HR managers and marketing directors to set myself apart from the hundreds of other applicants. Post a comment if you've done something creative during your own job search or if you've got any ideas for mine.
In December, I hand-delivered a small gift-wrapped, personalized ornament to a local advertising agency a week before Christmas.
I got it from an ornament kiosk at the shopping mall. I asked the attendant to address the envelope to the agency and write on the front, "A job for Christmas would be nice...". On the back, I asked her to write "... but I guess an interview would suffice." The back also featured my contact information and website www.HireThatRedhead.com.
By hand-delivering the gift, I was able to meet the agency director. I got an interview after Christmas. The director later told me that I would make a great addition to her team, but the economy had the agency in a holding pattern at the moment.
For another local firm looking for a communication coordinator, I created a contest and wrote a custom press release for one of their properties. I've posted that press release in my online portfolio and you can also read it here (I've changed the name of the business and owner). I had two interviews with the firm, and they offered me the job, but I turned it down. Unfortunately, their budget didn't allow for benefits.
Most recently, I sent my resume to a nonprofit looking for a researcher for an 18-month grant project. Instead of just emailing a resume and saying how much I'd love an interview, I outlined a brief proposal about how I would actually conduct the research using in-depth interviews, surveys, focus groups, and on-site observation. The nonprofit's president complimented my insights, and I think I made a great impression on him.
I've also sent hand-written post cards to a few HR managers and marketing directors to set myself apart from the hundreds of other applicants. Post a comment if you've done something creative during your own job search or if you've got any ideas for mine.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
New Year Job Search Resolutions
The New Year is a time to look back at your lifestyle, find the things that you want or need to change, and strive to make those changes. I've been actively searching for work since August of last year, and I have learned a few things along the way.
So I resolve to do (or not do) the following in my job search from now on:
1 - Stop the Resume Blasts
No more will I email or apply online for every (and I mean EVERY) job that my qualifications seem to fit. I know this seems counterproductive at first, but hear me out. Some think (as I once did) that you should apply for as many jobs as possible because it gives you more chances to get a job (like playing multiple lottery tickets). A job search is not a raffle however. I think it's better to focus more time and energy on jobs my qualifications fit better and that I actually find interesting. This gives me more time to focus on an opportunity and to follow up with the hiring manager. I've found a personal objective to be invaluable in choosing job opportunities.
2 - Leave Time for Follow Up
In the past, I was applying to so many postings that I sometimes left out this crucial part of the process. I think the most important time spent in the job search is getting your name "branded" in the mind of the hiring manager. This is done with email, phone calls, or even just dropping by the office to briefly introduce yourself. It's amazing how much more a manager will remember you (and your resume) if you can just attach a face to your name. I'm not suggesting attaching a picture to a resume however. I'm also not suggesting you pester the hiring manager into knowing you. There's a fine line between persistence and nuisance.
3 - Continually Improve
I have gone a couple weeks in the past without reviewing or updating my resume. Considering this is the most important document in my job search, I probably want to look at it more often. I might catch a spelling or grammatical error that I just didn't see before. I might find a word or phrase that I can craft better to reflect my skills and experience.
4 - Get a Second Opinion
I am convinced that people are biased towards the "perfection" of their own work. So I suggest that you shouldn't be the only one besides the hiring manager to see your resume and cover letter. We are less likely to catch our own mistakes. A friend or family member however will probably catch our typos and let us know what words or phrases are confusing.
5 - Get Personal
Take time to personalize your correspondence to each company and to each hiring manager. If the cover letter looks "cookie cutter," then you're less likely to get noticed. Go to the website and find out more about the company. Include what aspects about the company interest you the most. Relating some knowledge of the company exhibits that you're at least interested enough in the job to do a little research.
6 - Keep at It
It's important to always be looking, networking, and applying. You can't wait to start applying for the next job until hearing from the last job application (this is not resume blasting however). That's how you miss opportunities. It's also important to catch opportunities that aren't in newspapers or on websites. These are jobs that you hear about from friends, family, past coworkers, or even waiting in line at the grocery store. Post on Facebook or Twitter that you're looking for work (and what kind of work you would like). Ask past professors and coworkers to let you know if they hear about opportunities. You might just get a few people out there looking for you too.
Good luck to you in the New Year if you're looking for work. Let me know in the Comments if you have any other tips for job hunters to make their searches more effective.
So I resolve to do (or not do) the following in my job search from now on:
1 - Stop the Resume Blasts
No more will I email or apply online for every (and I mean EVERY) job that my qualifications seem to fit. I know this seems counterproductive at first, but hear me out. Some think (as I once did) that you should apply for as many jobs as possible because it gives you more chances to get a job (like playing multiple lottery tickets). A job search is not a raffle however. I think it's better to focus more time and energy on jobs my qualifications fit better and that I actually find interesting. This gives me more time to focus on an opportunity and to follow up with the hiring manager. I've found a personal objective to be invaluable in choosing job opportunities.
2 - Leave Time for Follow Up
In the past, I was applying to so many postings that I sometimes left out this crucial part of the process. I think the most important time spent in the job search is getting your name "branded" in the mind of the hiring manager. This is done with email, phone calls, or even just dropping by the office to briefly introduce yourself. It's amazing how much more a manager will remember you (and your resume) if you can just attach a face to your name. I'm not suggesting attaching a picture to a resume however. I'm also not suggesting you pester the hiring manager into knowing you. There's a fine line between persistence and nuisance.
3 - Continually Improve
I have gone a couple weeks in the past without reviewing or updating my resume. Considering this is the most important document in my job search, I probably want to look at it more often. I might catch a spelling or grammatical error that I just didn't see before. I might find a word or phrase that I can craft better to reflect my skills and experience.
4 - Get a Second Opinion
I am convinced that people are biased towards the "perfection" of their own work. So I suggest that you shouldn't be the only one besides the hiring manager to see your resume and cover letter. We are less likely to catch our own mistakes. A friend or family member however will probably catch our typos and let us know what words or phrases are confusing.
5 - Get Personal
Take time to personalize your correspondence to each company and to each hiring manager. If the cover letter looks "cookie cutter," then you're less likely to get noticed. Go to the website and find out more about the company. Include what aspects about the company interest you the most. Relating some knowledge of the company exhibits that you're at least interested enough in the job to do a little research.
6 - Keep at It
It's important to always be looking, networking, and applying. You can't wait to start applying for the next job until hearing from the last job application (this is not resume blasting however). That's how you miss opportunities. It's also important to catch opportunities that aren't in newspapers or on websites. These are jobs that you hear about from friends, family, past coworkers, or even waiting in line at the grocery store. Post on Facebook or Twitter that you're looking for work (and what kind of work you would like). Ask past professors and coworkers to let you know if they hear about opportunities. You might just get a few people out there looking for you too.
Good luck to you in the New Year if you're looking for work. Let me know in the Comments if you have any other tips for job hunters to make their searches more effective.
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