by Angela Copeland | May 24, 2016 | Job Posting
The University of Tennessee Foundation is seeking a Director of Development in Memphis, TN.
Under the supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs or their designee, the ideal candidate will establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with UTHSC’s major internal and external constituencies which include the Chancellor and his leadership team, the Dean of the College of Pharmacy and their faculty, and members of related academic, administrative, research, and clinical programs; volunteers and alumni.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the University of Tennessee website.
by Angela Copeland | May 23, 2016 | Advice, Newsletter
Job searching is heavily influenced by first impressions. Many times, as job seekers, we focus on our qualifications and assume that the smartest candidate will win out.
Think again! Very often, hiring decisions are heavily influenced by first impressions.
As sad as it is, it makes sense. It’s difficult for a hiring manager to know who the good candidates really are based on your resume and a thirty-minute interview. So, they begin looking for other cues to draw hints from. Very often, those cues are in your clothes.
Unfortunately, when it comes to what to wear, there’s no one answer that will always work.
For many jobs, a standard suit is the best answer. Pick a suit in black, grey, or blue. A white or blue shirt is often the safest bet. Then, pair it up with a simple tie (for men) or simple jewelry (for women). Add in a pair of polished black leather shoes and you’re ready.
But, for other jobs, a more casual or hipper look is in order. For example, I once interviewed at a high end clothing company known for making casual clothes using natural fabrics in Southern California. Walking through the company’s front doors, many people gave me an odd look. I was wearing a very serious looking black pin-striped suit created with a synthetic fabric — and high, high heels. They were wearing natural fabrics like cotton and linen — along with sandals and flipflops. This situation can immediately send a signal that you aren’t a fit with the culture.
Advertising agencies are also a good example of this. When walking into an agency, you’ll want to have on a little more color, a little more attitude, and bring out your personal creativity. Agencies want to know that you can think out of the box and will be a fit with their culture. This is especially important if you’re transitioning from a more corporate environment to an agency.
If you are unsure about what to wear, ask a friend who works at the company. They should be able to provide clear direction on what normal interview attire looks like there. If you don’t know anyone on the inside, another potential option is to casually ask the HR recruiter who is scheduling your interviews.
Remember, chances are good that you’ll always be dressed a notch up from your hiring manager. That’s normal.
And be cautious. Do not be lured into the trap of casual Friday. Just because you may interview at a formal company on a Friday does not mean you should wear jeans. The entire company may be in jeans, but they aren’t interviewing for a new job. You are!
Whatever you do, remember to keep your hair, nails, and makeup to a minimum. Leave the perfume and cologne at home. The last thing you want to do is offend someone by your smell.
There’s one last consideration you should keep in mind when it comes to what to wear. It’s always very important to keep your job search a secret. Wearing a fancy suit to your current company will send the message that you’re interviewing for a job. If you need to, change clothes on the way to your job interview. I once changed in a fast food restaurant bathroom to avoid being detected at work.
But, if you do get caught looking nicer than usual, play it cool and nobody will know the difference. Years ago, I was working as a marketing director while actively interviewing. Someone stopped me in the hallway and said, “Do you have an interview today?” in a curious voice. I casually replied, “Everyday is an interview!” and kept walking. The person never suspected a thing.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | May 23, 2016 | Job Posting
Nordstrom is seeking a Vice President of Engineering in Seattle, WA.
The VP of Engineering is responsible for strategic planning, developing and executing the overall infrastructure, core platform, and operational excellence initiatives for the entire suite of Nordstrom’s technology. Provides leadership and direction by developing and communicating a clear vision of technology – identifies, recommends, develops, implements and supports industry-leading cloud technology solutions for all aspects of the organization. Exercises broad engineering leadership and accountability including resource planning and allocation, project management, software and data life cycle management, system integration, implementation, testing, security, shared information system interfaces, disaster and data recovery, hardware/software acquisition, web services and system design.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Nordstrom website.
by Angela Copeland | May 23, 2016 | Job Posting
The Memphis Grizzlies is seeking a Manager / Director of Youth Basketball Programming in Memphis, TN.
The Manager/Director, Youth Basketball Programming is responsible for regional and statewide growth of all revenue generating youth basketball programs – including Jr. Grizzlies Leagues, Camps, Clinics and Tournaments – resulting in increased registration and participation.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Memphis Grizzlies website.
by Angela Copeland | May 18, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column, Media
Business networking can be a tricky subject. With that in mind, I received a great question from a reader I want to share with you. The reader writes, “A recruiter recently reached out to me about a particular job they are hiring for. I’m not a good fit for it, but I know someone who is. Should I say anything, or should I keep my mouth closed?”
At first glance, it may feel strange to turn down an opportunity, only to refer someone else. It may feel like you shouldn’t get involved. It could seem inappropriate to speak for a friend. Or, it might even feel as though you’re saying, “I’m not really qualified, but I know someone who is smarter than me. Here’s their phone number.”
Fortunately, recruiters don’t take referrals this way. They understand that you aren’t always looking for a job, or that a job isn’t quite a fit with your skills or goals. Or maybe it’s not located where you want to live. Or possibly, your current job is going great.
By referring a potential candidate, you are both helping your friend – and you’re helping the recruiter. When the recruiter has another position, they very well may think of you again. They’ll know that if you aren’t interested, you’ll help to find someone who is.
I remember one of the first times this happened to me. I was completing graduate school when I interviewed with a large gaming company that was interested to relocate me to Las Vegas. It was a great job, and the interviews were going very well. Midway through one interview however, I realized it wasn’t for me. I looked at the hiring manager and said, “I’m sorry; I don’t think I’m the person for you. But, I know who is!” I had a friend who was a perfect fit. The company was so interested that they interviewed him for multiple rounds and flew him to Las Vegas. I’m not sure how it all turned out, but given the chance, I would definitely do it again.
Now, I’m not necessarily advocating for this specific approach, but for the general idea. It’s best to refer a friend before you have started to interview for the job. But, the thing to remember is that networking is a two way street. It’s not all about getting something for yourself out of every professional interaction. It’s also about giving. In a way, this process is like referring someone to your favorite hair stylist or dentist. You’re sending the recruiter a trusted person you know could do the job well.
Depending on the recruiter, another advantage could be a referral bonus. External placement agencies and headhunters often provide a small financial incentive to encourage referrals. It is typically only paid out if the person you refer is hired.
Providing a hiring referral can be helpful to you, your friend, and the recruiter. It strengthens both your internal and external networks, and can help your own search in the future.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
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