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Ask Penelope Trunk!

Personal & Professional advice, blogging help and beyond! Ask me your questions in the Chatter & Forum sections

Chatter: Quick questions that I can answer in 140 characters or less.

Forum: In-depth questions that need an in-depth response.

Network Leader: Penelope Trunk

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Andrea V. Lewis I want to know do prospective employers REALLY check all the references you put down? I have an interview next week and they're asking for 4-6. What types of information do they want to get out of ...MoreI want to know do prospective employers REALLY check all the references you put down? I have an interview next week and they're asking for 4-6. What types of information do they want to get out of previous managers, bosses, HR representatives, etc...

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Todd Nilson: If you gave me 4-6 references I would most likely try to narrow it to which ones were direct supervisors or peers who worked closely with you. If ...MoreIf you gave me 4-6 references I would most likely try to narrow it to which ones were direct supervisors or peers who worked closely with you. If you were a manager, I might want to talk to someone you managed directly, too. I'd call them first and maybe leave messages for the others if my first wave of checks didn't get back to me in a timely way. I'd be shooting for 2-3 good conversations about your work background.
16 hours ago

Andrea V. Lewis: Thanks for all the great advice. I have a better idea at what the prospective employer is ultimately "searching for" now. Thanks!
9 hours ago

Kim Campbell This question came up during a twitter chat today and I want to pose it here; Do employers hire you for your proven results or your ideas? I'm sure there's a bit of both...but are they given equal ...MoreThis question came up during a twitter chat today and I want to pose it here; Do employers hire you for your proven results or your ideas? I'm sure there's a bit of both...but are they given equal weight? And how do blogs help you build more "proven results" to strengthen your profile entering the job market.

2 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Scott Rafferty: Anybody can have ideas. In fact, we all have great ideas. But what sets people apart in employers eyes is if you can act and make those ideas ...MoreAnybody can have ideas. In fact, we all have great ideas. But what sets people apart in employers eyes is if you can act and make those ideas become a reality. If you can demonstrate that you 1) have great ideas, and 2)can drive a project to make those ideas come to life, then you'll be in good shape.
14 hours ago

paulmacp: I think it depends more on the job, than the employer (or maybe I should say the size of the employer). We have idea guys, dreamers (let’s call ...MoreI think it depends more on the job, than the employer (or maybe I should say the size of the employer). We have idea guys, dreamers (let’s call them strategic thinkers) here where I work, and we have people who are more tactical (rubber hits the road) results guys.

These two groups rarely get along (I am speaking professionally; personally I like them just fine -- I am a rubber hits the road type).

To make this situation work, you need the third type… a leader; which typically is not the idea man or the results guy.

The leader aligns one person's idea with the right results guy and referees (think WWE wrestling match -- you know white boards at 20ty paces) the process. We typically call these types program managers or project managers. A good leader will force the results guy to stretch a bit and the idea guy to accept (reality) a bit.
13 hours ago

Lori Dreyer Hi Penelope,
I was or will be soon laid off. About 16 of us were let go and our positions outsourced to vendors. We were chosen based on our territory's not our performance. I was the 5th ...MoreHi Penelope,
I was or will be soon laid off. About 16 of us were let go and our positions outsourced to vendors. We were chosen based on our territory's not our performance. I was the 5th ranking performer..No.2 and 3 were also laid off. Should I say I was laid off? or outsourced in my cover letter? Should I even say this in my cover letter? I do mention my ranking in the ocver letter and my resume. Please advise! Thank you!!

4 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Lori Dreyer: Bryon- Thanks for your reply..I like mentioning this int he elevator speech..it sort of gets it out of the way. I have received such great advice ...MoreBryon- Thanks for your reply..I like mentioning this int he elevator speech..it sort of gets it out of the way. I have received such great advice here !!
2 weeks ago

Todd Nilson: Why would you spend precious time talking about an outsourcing project in your elevator pitch? Unless it is somehow central to your career goals / ...MoreWhy would you spend precious time talking about an outsourcing project in your elevator pitch? Unless it is somehow central to your career goals / abilities to talk about your astounding outsourcing-plan skills, I'd leave it out, personally.
16 hours ago

sadya siddiqui Is there such a thing a being too resourceful? I think I am. I've always had good contacts &am perceived as a problem solver. When someone who is a senior position asks me for help,I see it as ...MoreIs there such a thing a being too resourceful? I think I am. I've always had good contacts &am perceived as a problem solver. When someone who is a senior position asks me for help,I see it as an opportunity to build my credibility. But i find peers who otherwise never call, one fine day making frantic calls to me asking for help. My response for ALL is 'I'll see what i can do".But i cant do this anymore. Now if i get a call from someone out of the blue I just don't pickup. What am I doin wrong?

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

sadya siddiqui recommended this

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sadya siddiqui: thanks Sarah , Vanessa & Penelope
1 week ago

Scott Rafferty: Like others have mentioned, learn how to say no. You time is your resource that should be used to advance your career. But when you bail out ...MoreLike others have mentioned, learn how to say no. You time is your resource that should be used to advance your career. But when you bail out coworkers, they are using your resources to advance their careers. Bad form on their part.

Secondly, work hard to manage expectations of those around you. If you've always hit a home run, a 3-run triple isn't going to be good enough. I'm not saying you should produce sub-par work, but I am suggesting that you pick and choose where and for what you want to be recognized for doing truly great work.
1 day ago

Shannon Coffey Hey Penelope, I'm curious to know if you've seen this Atlantic article (http://bit.ly/bU4srO) about a "new jobless ...MoreHey Penelope, I'm curious to know if you've seen this Atlantic article (http://bit.ly/bU4srO) about a "new jobless era," and what you think. Particularly the second page on "The Recession and America’s Youth." It takes some shots at Gen Y that I found surprising.

3 days ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

John Mattucci: You are right about this article. It is very harsh towards Gen Y. Basically saying, "they are too optimistic for this tough time, and will give ...MoreYou are right about this article. It is very harsh towards Gen Y. Basically saying, "they are too optimistic for this tough time, and will give up." At the same time Gen Y is being preached the benefit of thinking positively. Seriously, give me a break.
2 days ago

Andrea V. Lewis After taking some time off to re-evaluate my career path, I'm FINALLY getting job bites. The catch, a long awaited position just opened up for my husband in Denver. The COO has recommended him ...MoreAfter taking some time off to re-evaluate my career path, I'm FINALLY getting job bites. The catch, a long awaited position just opened up for my husband in Denver. The COO has recommended him & he's scheduled to fly out for an interview at the EOM. My question is, do you think I should continue w/ my job search out here (Los Angeles) or put it on hold? Plus, how long should I wait to tell potential employers, where I've interviewed multiple times that I MAY be moving? What's your advice?

4 days ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Timothy Johnson III: I completely agree with Sue's thoughts. There is currently a job I applied for, in which I might have a second round interview for. However, ...MoreI completely agree with Sue's thoughts. There is currently a job I applied for, in which I might have a second round interview for. However, that interview has yet to happen, nor do I have a job offer on the table. Therefore, it just doesn't make sense for me to stop looking for other opportunities, especially if the current offer doesn't pan out. I'd say keeping looking and contacting people.
4 days ago

Andrea V. Lewis: @Sue, @Timothy - I see your point. I guess I'll keep on trudging forward with my current interviews in Los Angeles and see what happens in terms ...More@Sue, @Timothy - I see your point. I guess I'll keep on trudging forward with my current interviews in Los Angeles and see what happens in terms of Denver. As you both said, once there is a firm offer on his table then I can decide how to handle things on my end. Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate it!
4 days ago

Delta Waters sooo, i want to know how to be alerted to your webinars...thanks!

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Shannon Coffey: Penelope often posts about them on her blog, and runs a banner announcing them up top: MorePenelope often posts about them on her blog, and runs a banner announcing them up top: http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/. And it looks like Ryan tweets just before they start: http://twitter.com/PaughGinney/status/9899278539. I sure hope she was kidding about quitting them. Despite the chaos of the last one (or because of?), I'm enjoying them more and more.
6 days ago

Delta Waters: hey, thanks shannon! i'm there...
6 days ago

Stanley Lee I think it would be better to follow up with my question here. Didn't think my first question in the webinar was answered all that well. My question was more in a context of having too many ...MoreI think it would be better to follow up with my question here. Didn't think my first question in the webinar was answered all that well. My question was more in a context of having too many self-discovery topics to blog about (I think they are all fairly interesting to its own right), but too overwhelmed to publish 2 to 4 posts per week (such as having a life or completing work assignments). I'm following http://bit.ly/cy0066 right now. What are your advices on that?

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Penelope Trunk: I like the advice in the post you link to. If you have a lot of ideas, just pick one. It doesn't matter which one you pick. Your goal is to get a ...MoreI like the advice in the post you link to. If you have a lot of ideas, just pick one. It doesn't matter which one you pick. Your goal is to get a blog post. You'll get a blog post no matter which topic you pick. Flip a coin.
1 week ago

Stanley Lee: I think my question is still being misunderstood. I have a lot of ideas, and I intend to talk about all of them in a certain order. Right now, I ...MoreI think my question is still being misunderstood. I have a lot of ideas, and I intend to talk about all of them in a certain order. Right now, I have a stack of 4 or 5 finished blog posts, but I'm publishing them one by one so that the latency period between posts aren't as long compared to if I'm not doing that. Thereafter, I can continue to work on the incomplete posts where I'm still trying to brainstorm answers for them. My question is more related to how to deal with the long latency periods.
6 days ago

Stanley Lee I know job security these days are a fact of the past these days (or rather location independence is a key source to income stability). With that said, since job security at a single location is ...MoreI know job security these days are a fact of the past these days (or rather location independence is a key source to income stability). With that said, since job security at a single location is safe to say non-existent, is location stability (i.e. staying at a location for a considerable amount of time, let's say 5 years) a desired status to achieve in general? Or is it more of a personal preference of wings or roots? Looking forward to hear from you.

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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John Mattucci: This made me think about that happiness research P has been doing. Where moving away from your family has to be off set by a $135 000 pay ...MoreThis made me think about that happiness research P has been doing. Where moving away from your family has to be off set by a $135 000 pay increase. And the interesting life vs happy life debate going on.
I'm finding that this balance of location stability with work stability is something that I am really battling out right now. I'm going to keep that research in the forefront of my mind.
1 week ago

Stanley Lee: @John: I think the happiness debate really is different for everyone's situation. Looking to find out myself.
1 week ago

Amanda Hite "Penelope, How do you make money blogging?" <- Just f'ing kidding.. Caught the tail end of the Webinar last night your hair looked great. At first I thought you were doing the 1 long ear ring ...More"Penelope, How do you make money blogging?" <- Just f'ing kidding.. Caught the tail end of the Webinar last night your hair looked great. At first I thought you were doing the 1 long ear ring 80's rocker thing but I was relieved to discover it was an ear piece.

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Adriana Nicholson Hi Penelope, You wrote about cold calling for a job in 2005 on your blog. Is that advice still pertinent in today's job market? If so, what elements does a good self-promotional pitch contain?

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Penelope Trunk: In 2005 social media was not around. Today it's much easier to make a connection with someone before you call them. If you know what job you want, ...MoreIn 2005 social media was not around. Today it's much easier to make a connection with someone before you call them. If you know what job you want, find someone on twitter or in a blog, or on brazen careerist that is in the company, and talk with them via social media. Establish rapport. Then ask for help with the job hunt.
1 week ago

Candice Reed I have a piece in the Huff Post today- MoreI have a piece in the Huff Post today- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/giles-slade/guest-blog-the-american-d_b_47... Let me know what you think about my take on jobs/careers in the new economy.

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Ryan Healy, Ann Ellingham Crutchfield and Christina G. recommended this

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Ann Ellingham Crutchfield: Great article. I'm anxious to read your book!
1 week ago

Mehul Kar: @melissa and candice. It was very inspiring. Check out my favorite quotations from it: More@melissa and candice. It was very inspiring. Check out my favorite quotations from it: http://blogs.uww.edu/offtherecord/2010/02/22/lemonade/
1 week ago

Lilli at Citi Thanks for the Live Chat with Citi on Wednesday!

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Ryan Healy recommended this

Penelope Trunk: You're welcome, Lilli! I really enjoyed it - you guys asked great questions.
1 week ago

Beth Nerbonne the webinar sort of stopped without a real ending? what happened there?

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Shannon Coffey: The twittered this just after it went down: "Apologies to all of our Live Video Chat participants, we had some tech issues that forced us to end ...MoreThe twittered this just after it went down: "Apologies to all of our Live Video Chat participants, we had some tech issues that forced us to end abruptly. More details coming soon!"
1 week ago

Ryan Paugh: Sorry for the abrupt conclusion everybody. Our building's internet went down temporarily and totally screwed things up. By the time we could get ...MoreSorry for the abrupt conclusion everybody. Our building's internet went down temporarily and totally screwed things up. By the time we could get back online it was already too late.

Penelope and I will be doing another live webcast on Tuesday, 8PM EST. The topic is career blogging. Click here to sign up: http://bit.ly/aGma1E
1 week ago

Stanley Lee Totally missed the webinar today, as it is in the morning for the west coast. How was the webinar today?

1 week ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Lori Fagerholm Thanks to you and Ryan for a great webinar, and yes, I will now be getting an accountant. Advice from all on how to find your first (and hopefully not too expensive) accountant welcome. Cheers.

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Melissa Breau: @Lori - I'd love an answer to your original question ab finding an accountant. I feel like finding someone who has experience working with small ...More@Lori - I'd love an answer to your original question ab finding an accountant. I feel like finding someone who has experience working with small businesses and/or freelancers is difficult... suggestions would be great.
2 weeks ago

Lori Fagerholm: @Melissa: It's proving to be more difficult than I imagined! I'm going to post to a few other networks here on Brazen, and I'll let you know what ...More@Melissa: It's proving to be more difficult than I imagined! I'm going to post to a few other networks here on Brazen, and I'll let you know what happens.
2 weeks ago

Stanley Lee How do you typically deal with member accountability and commitment in teamwork? I know communication and empowerment are keys to ensuring these traits are met. However, I've had trouble through ...MoreHow do you typically deal with member accountability and commitment in teamwork? I know communication and empowerment are keys to ensuring these traits are met. However, I've had trouble through my teamwork "career" of dealing with "free-riders", making the workload unenjoyable (I don't like to look like a whiner). I don't want to sound like I'm obsessed with the problem either, but it would be great blog post material for me. Your thoughts?

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Amy Ng: No worries - it's your blog so when you're ready to publish, I'll be ready to read it!
3 weeks ago

Stanley Lee: Here is another featured post on the network directly related to this question: MoreHere is another featured post on the network directly related to this question: http://bit.ly/bp17aX
2 weeks ago

Kim Campbell oh wow, I didn't know men were taking maternity leave. Fascinating. I may be really naive because I've not yet entered the job force yet(finishing up undergrad) but I wouldn't want to work for a ...Moreoh wow, I didn't know men were taking maternity leave. Fascinating. I may be really naive because I've not yet entered the job force yet(finishing up undergrad) but I wouldn't want to work for a company where I had to hide basic parts of my identity. Like being married.
@Sarah, you mean during the interview process? Don't mention any aspect of your personal life with your potential employer? Or as an employee don't discuss these things at all on the job?

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Melissa Breau: @John - if you're just interested in it from a theoretical pov I'd recommend checking out More@John - if you're just interested in it from a theoretical pov I'd recommend checking out http://www.lindseypollak.com/blog - she discusses a lot of things like that.

Otherwise, I think it depends on the discussion. Saying you're looking for a job in the area because it's where your wife found a job may make them wonder if you'll move if she finds something somewhere else ... etc. I think it's always better to not make it obvious until you have to.
2 weeks ago

Melissa Breau: Definitely a "less is more" situation.
2 weeks ago

Sarah Wood I need advice about going temp (from an temp agency) to perm. I've had great performance reviews and my boss (Chief Marketing Officer for insurance company) let me know I will be getting an offer ...MoreI need advice about going temp (from an temp agency) to perm. I've had great performance reviews and my boss (Chief Marketing Officer for insurance company) let me know I will be getting an offer letter within a week. My coworkers tell me to counter-offer no matter what. How do I do this? In person? Via email? What do I say? My position thus far has been Executive Marketing Assistant; my boss says he sees me as Chief of Staff one day. What is a reasonable starting salary?

4 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Melissa Breau: @P - I LOVE the conferences idea; I've never thought about asking for that before.
2 weeks ago

Sarah Wood: Thanks for all this great advice. I did use it and all went well :-)
2 weeks ago

John Gillmer Hi Penelope! This may be a repetitive (and annoying) question for you, but are your webinars available for viewing after they have ended? TY!

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Penelope Trunk: @John - it's not an annoying question. It's annoying that we are still not taping the webinars. But we'll get there.
@Amanda. So bummed ...More@John - it's not an annoying question. It's annoying that we are still not taping the webinars. But we'll get there.
@Amanda. So bummed about my hair. This is a problem working with all 20 yr old guys. I ask them if my hair is okay and they say yes without looking. I am thinking that you always look so good in your videos. I should hire you as my stylist.
3 weeks ago

Amanda Hite: To work with you I'd take a job working the copy machine.
2 weeks ago

John Mattucci Thought I'd drop this question from the forums...
As a young professional, is it a good idea to show that you are married or should you hide it?
Being married could make you sound ...MoreThought I'd drop this question from the forums...
As a young professional, is it a good idea to show that you are married or should you hide it?
Being married could make you sound grounded, however on the other hand, the possibility of maternity leave could be negative in the eyes of an employer.

One last thought, with many men now taking maternity leave, is being young and married and male say to an employer, "I'm going to have kids soon, and I will be taking maternity leave"?

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Morana Medved: I really don't think the marriage question should come up in an interview - it's illegal and it's a red flag. But I wouldn't hide the ring either ...MoreI really don't think the marriage question should come up in an interview - it's illegal and it's a red flag. But I wouldn't hide the ring either - if you are married it means the kids might come up in the future and if the company has a problem with people having kids would you really want to work for them anyway? They probably look down on sick leaves, too. On paternity leaves, in the past few years I've been around more men than women taking leaves, but then again, I work in the Bay Area.
3 weeks ago

Alfred Loo: For professional, middle level Executives, it doesn't matter. Some jobs like oil exploration, it does.
2 weeks ago

Lori Dreyer @Marci: Thanks Marci! Appreciate the advise- Interesting profession you are in !! L. Dreyer

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Stanley Lee May as well post my question here as well, since there are a fair number of issues about teamwork that have been bothering me for a very long time. How do you typically deal with ego-centric ...MoreMay as well post my question here as well, since there are a fair number of issues about teamwork that have been bothering me for a very long time. How do you typically deal with ego-centric people in teamwork settings? Would it be different between being in a leadership and non-leadership role? Also, how would effective communication help cope with it? I would be happy to clarify my questions more if it's helpful.

4 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Stanley Lee: @Angela: Thanks for "The Guild Hall Model" search term. This would be a perfect source for my second blog in the series: how to deal with ...More@Angela: Thanks for "The Guild Hall Model" search term. This would be a perfect source for my second blog in the series: how to deal with free-riders. Stay tuned.
3 weeks ago

Stanley Lee: @Angela: I couldn't find anything useful about "The Guild Hall Model" easily on Google upon your suggestion. It would be great to hear more from ...More@Angela: I couldn't find anything useful about "The Guild Hall Model" easily on Google upon your suggestion. It would be great to hear more from you about where you found such models.
3 weeks ago

Kim Campbell In a former video chat I asked about getting published in conventional press outside of blogs and wanted to open up the convo here. Do you guys think there's an advantage to writing for print? ...MoreIn a former video chat I asked about getting published in conventional press outside of blogs and wanted to open up the convo here. Do you guys think there's an advantage to writing for print? Does it help establish authority in your areas, especially for old school employers who may not be all that keen on social networking? What are your thoughts?

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Jay Hepner: Yes, I was gonna say exactly what Christina said, vis-a-vis print $.

Always looks good to get your name in print, and when you can, ...MoreYes, I was gonna say exactly what Christina said, vis-a-vis print $.

Always looks good to get your name in print, and when you can, shows higher level of appreciation from the marketplace at large / current thought leaders simply by virtue of your being given valuable "shelf space" / "column inches," not to mention those bigger paychecks.

Go for it, Kim!
3 weeks ago

Kim Campbell: Thanks Christina and Jay. The bigger paychecks would be nicee but I think what Jay mentioned specifically about demonstrating higher level of ...MoreThanks Christina and Jay. The bigger paychecks would be nicee but I think what Jay mentioned specifically about demonstrating higher level of appreciation from the marketplace is interesting too.

For now, I'm just going to keep writing, but this is something I will keep in mind. Thx!
3 weeks ago

Mara L Penelope-thought I should let you know, NPR is talking about Autism and Aspergers today on The Diane Rehm Show. I'd link you but work blocks it. It's playing right now, but in case you miss it you ...MorePenelope-thought I should let you know, NPR is talking about Autism and Aspergers today on The Diane Rehm Show. I'd link you but work blocks it. It's playing right now, but in case you miss it you can play it after 1pm(est). Just wanted to tell you about it since the segment made me think of you.

3 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!