Networking No-No’s

Networking No-No’s

Lisa Stamatelos

 

I recently attended an HR meeting at an organization I have been a member of for a number of years.  There is always a good, relevant topic and I have never left without learning something valuable. There are old faces that I have gotten to know over the years and always some new members.  After the meeting a few of the newer members introduced themselves to me, we chatted briefly and exchanged business cards.  Within a few hours of returning to my office, I received “the hard sell” emails.  “Lisa, it was great meeting you.  Let’s get together so I can find out more about your business and ways I can help blah, blah, blah.” I politely responded thanking them for their emails stating I was set for now (with whatever their service is)  and looked forward to seeing them at future meetings.  That should have ended it.  But noooooooo, follow up emails were even more aggressive.  Unreal.  Later in the day, I heard from a colleague, who I suggested attend, that she too had received hard-sell emails.  She asked for my advice on how she should respond.  She took the ignore them route.  Folks, this is not the way to network and build your business. Get to know people.  Chat with them at meetings.  Connect and Social Media.  Maybe send an interesting article relating to the topic from the meeting we attended.  Establish yourself as a subject matter expert.  Build trust.  I do not usually jump in and do business with someone I just met. I believe most people feel the same.

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Resume Objective – No Thanks

Resume Objective – No Thanks

Lisa Stamatelos

 

Received this today:

“I am looking for a long-term job that I could grow with that has great compensation and benefits. With my experience and ambition, I believe I’d be a great candidate for the positions I apply for. ”

Let’s put aside the lower case “i” in the word “I’d.” WTH in this objective statement tells me anything about why I should hire you? What sets you apart from a gazillion other applicants? SMH. I know there are HR folks who like an objective statement, I think it is a total waste of resume space.

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A “B” is an “F” in the Real World

A “B” is an “F” in the Real World

Lisa Stamatelos

 

I recently had a discussion with a client about Interns transitioning from college to their first job. She shared with me the shock that is often experienced when the newly hired receive some critical feedback on their first work projects.  She gave the example of an Excel worksheet.  In college turning in a spreadsheet that is 85% correct will get a “B.”  On the job it gets an “F.”  After graduation, it is important to remember that now it is expected that you know things.  You are no longer in the learning phase.  That is not to say that employers expect you to start on the first day knowing everything about the job.  However, it is expected that you have the skill set that commensurates with your degree. Attention to detail is key. Check and recheck your work prior to sending it off to your boss.

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