by Angela Copeland | Apr 6, 2015 | Advice, Newsletter
There’s something you may be doing every day that’s making you look old. And, you probably have no idea what it is.
It’s not your clothes, or your hairstyle, or the AOL e-mail address you’re using (although those aren’t helping either!).
What you’re doing is subtle, and worst of all, it’s the way you were taught to do things in school. How could or why would someone teach you to do something incorrectly? All I can say is this — the times have changed… possibly without you.
Now, before I get on a high horse, let me just tell you– I learned this lesson the hard way. I want to keep you from learning it the hard way too. Because, it’s very possible nobody else will point it out to you. They’ll just talk about you when you’re not around or wonder to themselves about your intelligence.
This sounds like a big deal, doesn’t it?
Well, this is how I learned my lesson the hard way: When I first launched Copeland Coaching, I wrote my e-book, “Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job.” I used a recommended, fantastic editor who read over the 100 or so draft pages I wrote. She combed through every page in detail, with great care.
When she was finished, I asked for general feedback on my writing style. I had never used a professional editor before and was very interested in learning as much as I could. She said something that I never expected to hear. “The one thing you really need to stop doing is that you use two spaces after your periods.”
Wait, what? Nothing about my writing style? Two periods instead of one? But, the teachers in school drilled two periods into my head. This must just be a minor creative difference, I thought. I left the e-book with double spaces and never looked back.
About six months later, I had a meeting with the wonderful newspaper I write a column for. I had been writing the column for a few months and with professional writers and editors in the room I again asked the question, “Is there anything I could do to improve my writing style?”
One of the people cringed. He said something along the lines of, “Your writing style is good. But, there’s one thing that would be great if you could stop doing. You use two periods at the ends of your sentences. We always delete them.”
This stopped me in my tracks. My mind began to spin. How in the world was this really a thing? How was it a big deal? How is it a pet peeve of professional writers? Where did I go wrong?
From the best that I can gather, two spaces were taught for years in school. At some point in time, the standard changed and one space became the norm. Unless you write for a living, you probably weren’t told about the change.
Simply put– your two spaces are dating you. I suspect you’re like me and don’t know. Anytime I tell a client about this standard, they’re always surprised: A. that this is a thing, and B. that anyone cares. They probably ignore my suggestion in this area just like I ignored my first editor.
This week, a friend posted on Facebook about this pet peeve with a link to a recent article on Slate.com. It inspired me to write this e-mail to you. Here’s how the article begins: “Can I let you in on a secret? Typing two spaces after a period is totally, completely, utterly, and inarguably wrong.” The author goes on to say, “What galls me about two-spacers is…”
What I’m getting at here is one space versus two spaces is apparently a very controversial issue. And, we’re being judged. If you’re out there applying for jobs, do what I’ve done and switch to one space. Don’t over think it. Just do it. After some practice, it will become more normal. And, it will prevent you from being the gossip of those who are more up on writing than the average person — and who somehow ties your knowledge of this fact to your intelligence.
If you were someone who wasn’t aware of this issue, I’d love to hear from you. Or, if this is also your pet peeve, I want to know. E-mail me your story at Angela@CopelandCoaching.com.
Also, don’t forget about the Multicultural Career Expo this Sunday, April 12th from NOON to 5 PM at Hilton Memphis. The event is free and open to the public. Both full time job and internship seekers are encouraged to attend. To learn more, and to register online, visit the Multicultural Career Expo website at www.CareerExpoMemphis.com.
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 and 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 | Apr 6, 2015 | Job Posting
Wilton is seeking a Director of Strategy & Planning in Chicago, IL.
Reporting to the CEO, the Director will support the analysis and execution of key strategic initiatives, aid in preparation of Board and Investor communications, and lead the company’s annual and strategic planning process. Additionally, the director and support ad-hoc analysis and projects at the direction of the CEO.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Wilton job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 6, 2015 | Job Posting
Wright Medical is seeking a Director of Quality in Memphis, TN.
The primary purpose of this position is to direct the development, implementation, communication and maintenance of the company’s Quality Systems and Policies in compliance with global regulations including but not limited to the following: ISO 13485, FDA Quality System Regulation requirements, EU Medical Device Directive, CMDD, HTA etc. Additionally, this position will be responsible for leading complex Quality System projects such as the implementation of a Global Quality System solution, UDI and GS1 conversion and other assigned initiatives. This position reports to the Senior Director of Quality.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Wright Medical job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 5, 2015 | Job Posting
Visa, Inc. is seeking a Senior Project Manager of Data and Information Products in Austin, TX.
The Sr. Project Manager will report to the Sr. Director of the Data Platform Project Management Office (PMO) within the D&IP Data PMO focusing on infrastructure and data platform related projects in support of dependent application groups and product offices.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Visa job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 4, 2015 | Job Posting
Regional One Health is seeking a Director of IT Applications in Memphis, TN.
Directs IT application services, resources and activities for Regional One Health services units to include clinical, financial, HR and ancillary. Ensures departmental business solutions, goals and objectives are met by ensuring the delivering of necessary application products and services.
Oversees business activities to ensure outcomes meet the ROH established standard of excellence; ensures the provision of cost efficient information services and systems. Prioritizes and coordinates requests for Application changes/new projects and ensures that projects are completed within specified deadlines. Responsible for development and implementation of information systems disaster recovery plans.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Regional One Health posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 3, 2015 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out today, “Business Means Business.”
Over the past 30 years, one thing is for sure. Business has changed. In fact, the change has been so dramatic that it’s become somewhat of a generational issue.
Whereas past generations diligently worked at a job for 20-plus years until retirement, today’s workforce would often be foolish if they tried this approach. Changing positions every three to five years has become a natural and necessary part of career progression. It’s how many workers diversify their experience, get promotions and increase their salaries. This movement also provides long-term stability.
Read my entire column for what’s changed, and what you can do about it –> http://bit.ly/1DFbTjZ
by Angela Copeland | Apr 3, 2015 | Job Posting
Youth Villages is seeking a Strategy Director in Memphis, TN.
As it embarks on an ambitious plan for continued expansion, Youth Villages seeks an experienced business strategist who combines passion for its mission with keen analytical, planning, and change management skills. The Strategy Director will work closely with Youth Villages’ officers and directors with a focus on supporting the organization’s growth and national influence. Based in the Youth Villages Memphis headquarters or Washington, DC office, s/he will facilitate strategic planning on the national and state levels, integration of new initiatives into the organization, and identify and analyze potential growth opportunities.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Youth Villages job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 3, 2015 | Job Posting
RetailMeNot is seeking a Director of Merchandising – Product Offers in Austin, TX.
The Director, Merchandising – Product Offers will be responsible for the strategy, sourcing, merchandising, and optimization of RetailMeNot.com’s product-level deal content. This position is responsible for the direct management of the merchandising team, which is one of five teams within the Operations Department. The Director will work close with the Product team to define, refine and analyze the current solution and direction for growth. In addition to working close with Product, the Director will work close with the Retailer & Brand Solutions Team (sales and account services) to identify the right opportunities to drive performance for the retailer and interest for our users.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the RetailMeNot job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 2, 2015 | Job Posting
eBay is seeking a Director of Thought Leadership in Culver City, CA.
The Director of Strategy for Thought Leadership will be a key member of the eBay Enterprise communications and marketing team. He or she will execute a global strategy to increase the visibility, awareness and credibility of eBay Enterprise. This individual will define and grow the business by developing and packaging compelling research on marketing and sales trends, solutions, and technology industry issues. The successful candidate will help the company establish a coherent voice and authentic thought leadership with strategic messaging across multiple channels. He or she will work closely with eBay Enterprise leadership team, senior executives on client executive councils, client business partners, and subject matter experts, conducting research and communicating insights in written reports, presentations, and client interactions.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the eBay job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Apr 2, 2015 | Job Posting
McKesson is seeking a Manager of Business Process Consulting in Memphis, TN.
This role will be responsible for partnering with National Redistribution Center Operations leadership, interacting with VPs, Directors and Managers within the region as well as with the local Operations team and distribution center employees.
Will be expected to lead process improvement projects that have a high complexity within the DC and across network boundaries. These projects are identified and scoped independently based on the needs of the business.
Will lead and support high level process initiatives across regional boundaries and throughout the supply chain. Initiatives typically originate at an executive level with executive level commitments.
This position will require a high level of supply chain knowledge. It requires a solid communication approach to facilitate work with customers and suppliers.
The role requires collaboration with other Business Process teams to develop and execute process improvement. A high level of project management and influencing skills will be required to ensure success.
Will need to be an expert in process improvement and have the ability to take challenging, ambiguous or visionary concepts to conclusion with team members across multiple functions.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the McKesson job posting here.
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