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Heath Port Should one indicate on their LinkedIn profile when they are between jobs? I have heard conflicting views on this. On one hand it helps advertise to perspective employers you are available, but on the other it doesn't really give you an opportunity to explain why you are between jobs. What do people think on this? I voluntarily left my last job so my wife and I could move to Denver for her new job and now I am on the hunt for a new job. Thoughts? Recommendations?

21 weeks ago from Rocky Mountain Networking, Denver Careerists, Networking Tips, Mentors & Mentees and Ask A Coach 3 more

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Natasha Smith: I'm going to go against the grain and say that you absolutely should list your unemployment on LinkedIn. Networking is all about letting people ...MoreI'm going to go against the grain and say that you absolutely should list your unemployment on LinkedIn. Networking is all about letting people know a) what you can do for them and b) what they can do for you. It's a give-and-take. There's nothing inherently wrong with being unemployed; you simply don't want to come off as desperate, which many unemployed people inadvertently do. As far as leveraging your period of unemployment, there are many ways to do that. For instance, you may be spending your time exploring a passion, educating yourself, volunteering, or of course, supporting your family in any number of ways. You've also just moved to a new area, so you're still getting settled in. Maybe you challenge yourself to a new endeavor and start a blog chronicling your experience. The questions about what you've been up to or why you left your last job should be answered concisely and confidently, but your focus in an interview is playing up your strengths and letting the interviewer know what unique qualities you'd bring to the position. Anyone who doesn't give you an interview because of your status as currently unemployed isn't worth your time, in my opinion.
21 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny: Great question and great follow-up from the Brazen Community. My thoughts are that you should always be working on "something." Being ...MoreGreat question and great follow-up from the Brazen Community. My thoughts are that you should always be working on "something." Being "unemployed" means you are not working for someone else. I like the idea of volunteering or working on some kind of project that does NOT show a gap in "employment."

I think there is a difference between getting your foot in the door for an interview and showing your value. If you cannot get your foot in the door, you really don't have an opportunity to example your gap in employment. You can take on a project or two while you are unemployed and have that on your resume / LinkedIn profile. Once you get in the door, you can talk about the projects you are working on and the transition from the last time you worked from someone else.

I would definitely factor in the perspective of whom you would like to hire you. They are looking through stacks of resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Let's say you don't have a referral to speak to your greatness; they have nothing to go off of except your profile and resume vs. the profiles and resumes of tons of other folks. You might as well give yourself the best chance of getting the opportunity to explain your situation and your greatness.

Your Ambassador,
Mike Bruny
1 week ago

TOP IDEA: Heath Port In the business world, a mission statement defines the purpose and guides an organization and spells out who/what it is to its stakeholders. I believe when career planning we should do the same thing a first step: ttp://tinyurl.com/7qahe28

2 weeks ago from Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking, Blogging Ideas and Denver Careerists 2 more

JRandom42: Classic Dilbert on mission statements:

MoreClassic Dilbert on mission statements:

http://tinyurl.com/6rvqjof

http://tinyurl.com/83vtyyb

2 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Edward Antrobus In an effort to be more of a full-serve, one-stop shop, I've expanded my ebook file conversion service into a full-blown e-publisher. Not only will SEAM Publishing convert your files to ebook files capable of being read on the Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc, but now I will list them for you on Amazon & Barnes & Noble as well! Please check out http://www.seampublishing to tell me what you think of the site I put together for this project. Thanks.

5 weeks ago from Brazen Bloggers, Wordpress Bloggers, Denver Careerists and Innovators Incubation 2 more

Noel Rozny recommended this

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Edward Antrobus: Apparently I forgot the .com Oops. Try MoreApparently I forgot the .com Oops. Try http://www.seampublishing.com
3 weeks ago

Megan Atkinson: @Edward - I have been gone a while but I must tell you how excited I am to see this venture really coming to life for you! Beyond cool!
2 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Heath Port It's a New Year and time to retake stock of my priorities and make sure I am focusing my energy effectively! http://wp.me/p1MmA7-41

3 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking and Boulder, CO 2 more

Edward Antrobus What do you use for RSS feeds? I've been using Google Reader ever since I knew what RSS was, but am looking to switch. I could care less about the social features that it's loosing; I don't use them anyway. But the new look makes my eyes hurt. I need more contrast.

10 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers, Brazen Bloggers, Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking and Ask A Coach 3 more

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Edward Antrobus: Kate, in Reader once you have the new look, you can't go back to the old look.
9 weeks ago

Kate Davids: I know, but they'll take it away eventually!
8 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus As I've gotten older, I've started to suffer from poor circulation in my feet. Three layers of socks (liner, cotton, wool) inside my steel-toe boots seems to be fine down to about 40 degreees, but below that I've been suffering from cold feet. Does anyone with cold weather experience have any suggestions? Work keeps me outdoors for 10-12 hours per day.

13 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Green and Environmental industries, Brazen FoCo and Rocky Mountain Networking 2 more

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La Donna Lokey: I started getting cold a lot and it turned out that I was anemic. Taking some extra daily iron or SlowFE might help--it definitely warmed me up ...MoreI started getting cold a lot and it turned out that I was anemic. Taking some extra daily iron or SlowFE might help--it definitely warmed me up in a matter of days! Other than that, a friend of mine who worked outside in winter got neoprene battery-powered socks. Definitely keeps the toes toasty!
10 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus: La Donna, I'm fairly confident that I'm not anemic. My hermatocrit is tested on average twice per week when I donate plasma and it is consistently ...MoreLa Donna, I'm fairly confident that I'm not anemic. My hermatocrit is tested on average twice per week when I donate plasma and it is consistently just a little bit higher then we would like it to be (more red blood cells means less plasma and longer donation). I average right around 50%
10 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Heath Port There is so much to consider when planning long term for your career, but if you take a more strategic approach it can help sift through the noise. http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3W

14 weeks ago from Rocky Mountain Networking, Boulder, CO, Denver Careerists and Blogging Ideas 2 more

Noel Rozny recommended this

Noel Rozny: I like this post and am definitely going to use some of these ideas as I start planning for the new year. Definitely leave room for surprises too. ...MoreI like this post and am definitely going to use some of these ideas as I start planning for the new year. Definitely leave room for surprises too. It's a cliche, but it's true: "life is what happens when you are busy making plans."
13 weeks ago

Heath Port: Thanks Noel. I agree. Definitely want to build flexibility into the structure. That's why I like approaching career planning this way. The ...MoreThanks Noel. I agree. Definitely want to build flexibility into the structure. That's why I like approaching career planning this way. The further out in the planning time line you go the more open you can keep it to compensate for life's changes and as you get closer to real time you can be more precise and deliberate. I plan to get more into this in the follow-up posts I have planned.
13 weeks ago

Heath Port I decided to starting writing reviews of books I have been reading as part of my blog. Here is the first one on "Lift - Becoming a Positive Force in Any Situation". http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3z

15 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking and Boulder, CO 2 more

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Heath Port: @Vickie, yeah, I figured why not. I am already reading the books and figure someone could benefit from my thoughts on the book before reading it ...More@Vickie, yeah, I figured why not. I am already reading the books and figure someone could benefit from my thoughts on the book before reading it themselves. Plus, if other have read it and comment on it then will only enhance the benefit for everyone.
@Edward. Thanks for the tip. I will definitely check it out!
15 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny: @heath, that is great. I'm working on going through all of Seth Godins books. I started a Seth Godin Book Club on FB where I capture notes and ...More@heath, that is great. I'm working on going through all of Seth Godins books. I started a Seth Godin Book Club on FB where I capture notes and will put it all together at the end of the year. www.facebook.com/groups/sethgodinbookclub . Feel free to give it a look.
15 weeks ago

Heath Port I am fascinated with organizations' and individuals' behaviors as they navigate change. My latest post explores our natural reaction to change and some simple things to consider to be ready for change in a professional setting. "To Fear Change is Human. To Adapt is to Add Value." (http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3J). Would love to hear your suggestions on prepping for change as well!

15 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking, Boulder, CO and Blogging Ideas 2 more

Heath Port Have you effectively used lateral moves as part of your career path or do you see them as a career killer? http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3s

16 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees, Blogging Ideas, Rocky Mountain Networking, Boulder, CO and Denver Careerists 3 more

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Barbara: Lateral moves are a career killer, unless you are offered experience overseas, or certainly retards your career growth, if it is not at corporate HQ.
15 weeks ago

Heath Port: @Barbara, I think it depends on how you define "career growth." If we talking about purely moving up the ladder to the next title then you are ...More@Barbara, I think it depends on how you define "career growth." If we talking about purely moving up the ladder to the next title then you are probably right. For me I feel like my career grew as I gained more experiences and skills from each lateral move. I even made a lateral move from one large company to another. When I finally did move up the ladder, I was actually able to use the experiences from each move to get the promotions because I could show how each position helped prepare me for that new higher role. On the other hand I have seen people make lateral moves that did not seem connected mainly because they saw a higher paycheck or hated their current position. This made it harder for them to speak to why they had made lateral moves rather than upward ones. In that case, I would say that can hurt or slow down your career progression. Also, I think it comes down to the individual. Not everyone is motivated by climbing the ladder, some are more motivated by taking on new challenges and can be happy at a certain level. I have talked to more and more recruiters that don't necessarily see this as a bad thing like they did in the past. As long as you can show that you are effective at what you do and can learn something new and solve the problems they are looking to have solved.
15 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Heath Port Sometimes you have to take risks to explore new career avenues! My recent posts explores this concept with my recent decision to leave the safety of my job in Chicago and move to Denver without a new one lined up. http://wp.me/p1MmA7-3o. Feel free to share your own risk taking stories!

16 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Rocky Mountain Networking and Boulder, CO 2 more

Heath Port Does being an accomplished generalist hinder or help you in the current job market? http://www.heathport.net/2011/09/27/the-curse-of-a-generalist/

19 weeks ago from Boulder, CO, Interview Advice, Rocky Mountain Networking, Denver Careerists and Ask A Coach 3 more

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Laura: @jrandom42 Ha, Michael Brown had a generalist command of patronage, and that was about it, but I guess that's all you need to climb the ladder.
17 weeks ago

Laura: At a company I used to work for, in a true Dilbert moment, they abolished "centers of excellence" which were essentially work centers staffed by ...MoreAt a company I used to work for, in a true Dilbert moment, they abolished "centers of excellence" which were essentially work centers staffed by specialists, because in some geography and in some subject matter, it didn't work. The work centers continued on but we couldn't call them centers of excellence, so we coined the term "periphery of mediocrity." Point being, it's a polarizing issue and I'm not even sure why.
17 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Heath Port While on the job hunt I have been thinking about how I sell/brand/present myself and blogged about my thoughts/approach here: http://wp.me/p1MmA7-2N. Feel free to add your own tips and experiences!

18 weeks ago from Interview Advice, Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO 2 more

TOP IDEA: Heath Port In today’s cyber-verse of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and yes even blogging, it can become all too easy to wrap ourselves in a cyber-cocoon of security. (http://tinyurl.com/3epndgt) Sometimes even an extrovert like myself needs to be reminded of the importance of building and maintaining a network! (Inspired by a recent Network Roulette event).

20 weeks ago from Networking Tips, Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists and Rocky Mountain Networking 2 more

Heath Port My brother sent me a post the other day that explored the idea that people are hardwired to fear creativity and may not realize it. This got me thinking about my own experiences and inspired my most recent blog post: Beware of Those Shifty Creative Types! http://tinyurl.com/3ujlhc5

22 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking, Blogging Ideas and Mentors & Mentees 3 more

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Heath Port: @Kathryn, thanks for sharing that perspective. I hadn't thought about how complexity of the solution could play a role. Also, I will have to ...More@Kathryn, thanks for sharing that perspective. I hadn't thought about how complexity of the solution could play a role. Also, I will have to look for that Wired article. It sounds interesting and definitely something I would agree with at initial pass. I think that need to find the "bullet-proof" solution plays to our need to control and have certainity in our decision making process. I think it gets back to risk aversion, and even though the creative solution has more potential holes, it could have a greater potential pay-off compared to the sure thing, yet more times than not we will move towards the sure thing with the lower pay off. I think the ability to override the tendency to go the safe route is what really separates entrepreneurs from others.
22 weeks ago

JRandom42: "Shifty Creative Types" like Bernie Madhoff? :)
21 weeks ago

Heath Port If you haven't read it, I highly recommend this book. I am reading it now and it is excellent so far. Even if you aren't in the business world I still highly recommend it and its a quick read. The concept centers around openly sharing knowledge and helping others as the key to success in the new economy as opposed to the previous method of divide an conquer intrigued me. http://timsanders.com/books/love-killer-app.html

22 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees, Networking Tips, Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO 3 more

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Heath Port: You both have good points. I think it's my fault for not being clear on the crux of the book. Its not really focused on business models per say ...MoreYou both have good points. I think it's my fault for not being clear on the crux of the book. Its not really focused on business models per say as much as it is on individual behavior. His main point is really to be willing as an individual to be open and help others and be seen as a wealth of knowledge that you are willing to share with others rather than the old model of knowledge is power so you should keep it all to yourself. The argument is that you set yourself up more to be seen as valued by others over the long run and throughout your career rather than a mini tyrant. Now don't get me wrong there are lots of people that have built their little fiefdoms hoarding information, but that is as much that individuals employers fault for rewarding the behavior as it is that individual. These people typically don't do well when in a situation where they are moving from one new career move to another. They only can operate if they can manage to hold on to the position they are currently in. And in this day and age where people move around a lot professionally, that isn't as sustainable.
21 weeks ago

JRandom42: As big and powerful as Linux has become, it's become even more vulnerable. Kernal.Org, the main repository of the core linux kernal software, got ...MoreAs big and powerful as Linux has become, it's become even more vulnerable. Kernal.Org, the main repository of the core linux kernal software, got hacked and no one realized it for over 6 months. They still don't know if the kernal was compromised or not still. Also, with over 500 different distributions of Linux (see distrowatch.org), it's vulnerable to forking and fragmentation in more and different directions.

And let's not get into the long-standing fights on the direction of Linux, as chronicaled by slashdot.org
21 weeks ago

Heath Port Some people have a natural ability to promote themselves, but for me this is typically an uncomfortable experience. Is this an easy experience for you or do you struggle too? Check out my post and let me know what you think! http://tinyurl.com/3qmvea9

23 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees, Blogging Ideas, Boulder, CO, Denver Careerists and Rocky Mountain Networking 3 more

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Todd Halverson: I agree Heath. When switching career paths, I have found that most employers are looking what skills do you have that will benefit the company. ...MoreI agree Heath. When switching career paths, I have found that most employers are looking what skills do you have that will benefit the company. They want to know that you are a leader and not a follower. You accomplish and get results you are not just a doer.
22 weeks ago

JRandom42: @Todd, so this brings me back to a couple of philosophical questions: If everyone leads, who follows? And if everyone leads, which direction do ...More@Todd, so this brings me back to a couple of philosophical questions: If everyone leads, who follows? And if everyone leads, which direction do they go?
22 weeks ago

Heath Port I saw a stat the other day that many of the unemployed are made up of younger generations and those around retirement age. Then I saw this HBR blog post on the entitlement of Millenials and unemployment and wanted to get the Brazen crowds thoughts: http://tinyurl.com/3rek99h. What do you think? Unfair characterization? Spot on? Or somewhere in between?

23 weeks ago from The Madtown Crew, Madison MAGNET, Boulder, CO, Mentors & Mentees and Denver Careerists 3 more

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Shelly Pleasant: Edward.. that is too funny! Im soo going to use that!
23 weeks ago

Todd Halverson: @Edward.... that is a great line from one of the masters. There are also reports out there that the highest unemployment rate is military ...More@Edward.... that is a great line from one of the masters. There are also reports out there that the highest unemployment rate is military personnel with tours in Iraq and/or Afghanistan.
22 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus Anyone know how to get out of the Denver OPT? According to the tax guide(http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/571/documents/TaxGuide/Occupational%20P...), I shouldn't be charged it, since my job-site is actually in Windsor.

23 weeks ago from Rocky Mountain Networking, Brazen FoCo and Denver Careerists 1 more

Heath Port Saw an interesting study on how mean people tend to get paid more and it got me thinking...http://tinyurl.com/3tyy24r

24 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Blogging Ideas, Madison MAGNET and Rocky Mountain Networking 3 more

Heath Port Feeling productive today! How about you? http://www.heathport.net/2011/08/17/feeling-productive-makes-you-feel-gr...

25 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers 3 more

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Heath Port: @Noel, doesn't it just give you that extra energy to feel that productive on a day off? I know sometimes I can feel like my days off were wasted ...More@Noel, doesn't it just give you that extra energy to feel that productive on a day off? I know sometimes I can feel like my days off were wasted which can be a real bummer!
@Kathy, glad my use of groovy brightened your day a little bit. :)
24 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus: No, not in the least. And I do have work to do...and have to be to bed early for tomorrow.
24 weeks ago

Heath Port Purpose can be a powerful thing, but I didn’t realize just how powerful of an impact it can have on the achievement and fulfillment until recently. http://tinyurl.com/3ve6qlg

26 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Blogging Ideas 2 more

Vickie Elmer recommended this

Heath Port Purpose can be a powerful thing, but I didn’t realize just how powerful of an impact it can have on the achievement and fulfillment until recently. http://tinyurl.com/3ve6qlg

26 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Blogging Ideas 2 more

Heath Port Hello all, my wife and I just moved to the Denver area so she could take on a new job. I ended up leaving my career in corporate strategy and planning in Chicago behind to make this move and I am now on the job hunt in the Denver metro area. Would anyone have any recommendations on area recruiters? I have an extensive background in the health care industry but I don't necessarily need to stay in the industry for my next job. Any advice, information, etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

28 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO and Rocky Mountain Networking 1 more

Edward Antrobus and Jason H. Parker recommended this

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Heath Port: @Regina. Thanks for the tip.
@Edward, thanks for the warm welcome and the tip on collectivenet. I will definitely check them out. We are ...More@Regina. Thanks for the tip.
@Edward, thanks for the warm welcome and the tip on collectivenet. I will definitely check them out. We are excited to be here!
28 weeks ago

Cal Shilling: Heath, I'd reach out to a company called Constant Contact. They are a strong Saas email marketing company with a regional office in that area. I'm ...MoreHeath, I'd reach out to a company called Constant Contact. They are a strong Saas email marketing company with a regional office in that area. I'm not sure what roles they may have available but they are always hiring.

27 weeks ago

Heath Port I am always amazed when I am treated to great customer service. When this happens it not only makes my day that much better, but it also makes me wonder why this isn’t the norm? http://tinyurl.com/3zvl4z6

28 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, The Modern Strategist, Rocky Mountain Networking, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO 3 more

Jason H. Parker recommended this

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Regina Richardson: When I get great customer service, I make a point of speaking with the manager(s)...they so rarely hear the good stuff.
28 weeks ago

JESS Kalinowsky: A great deal of the time when one is treated well, they fail to give acknowledgment. I find it especially gratifying to make a point of thanking ...MoreA great deal of the time when one is treated well, they fail to give acknowledgment. I find it especially gratifying to make a point of thanking for the good customer service. Recently I reviewed a restaurant, and pointed out to the owner how great the customer service experience was from a busboy. The owner never shared that info with his employee. I asked the employee a day or so later if the owner had shared my compliments, and his response was "he never says anything nice to us!" That is sad! BAD OWNER! And I will point that out in my next review of the restaurant.
28 weeks ago