Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Donovan Chandler is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Donovan Chandler and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
All Activity
Donovan Chandler
Hi everyone. I'm sorry I didn't get to have one last beer with you all, but I'm excited to announce that I've found a job! I'm actually already working from Oakland CA. It's a great position with a great company.
Joshua, I think I owe it to your Information Interview strategy. I evangelize it to everyone looking for a new position!
Donovan Chandler:
Firstly, I have to credit Joshua Waldman at More
Firstly, I have to credit Joshua Waldman at http://careerenlightenment.net/ for the basic concept. I looked for a link to send you to but couldn't find one. It might actually be part of his course materials, so I'll just give it to you in a nutshell.
If you ask for an interview, you immediately frame the interaction as a high-stakes conversation. You probably don't want that, and the hiring manager probably doesn't want to deal with it either. You're much more likely to get a positive response if you merely ask for a short discussion about his/her role at the company.
Sure enough, everyone I asked agreed to my request. At that point, I found that I got a lot of helpful information that helped me determine my fit for the job and the best way to apply. And, perhaps more importantly, it established a personal connection within the company. In my case, the person I "interviewed" ended up going directly back to the company and advocated for me! It doesn't need to be a hiring manager that you approach. In fact, that person told me he was too busy.
Joshua provided additional suggestions and template messages, but hopefully this gives you the basic idea.
91 weeks ago
Firstly, I have to credit Joshua Waldman at More
Firstly, I have to credit Joshua Waldman at http://careerenlightenment.net/ for the basic concept. I looked for a link to send you to but couldn't find one. It might actually be part of his course materials, so I'll just give it to you in a nutshell.
If you ask for an interview, you immediately frame the interaction as a high-stakes conversation. You probably don't want that, and the hiring manager probably doesn't want to deal with it either. You're much more likely to get a positive response if you merely ask for a short discussion about his/her role at the company.
Sure enough, everyone I asked agreed to my request. At that point, I found that I got a lot of helpful information that helped me determine my fit for the job and the best way to apply. And, perhaps more importantly, it established a personal connection within the company. In my case, the person I "interviewed" ended up going directly back to the company and advocated for me! It doesn't need to be a hiring manager that you approach. In fact, that person told me he was too busy.
Joshua provided additional suggestions and template messages, but hopefully this gives you the basic idea.
91 weeks ago
Patrick Ambron
An open question: To recent grads and young professionals. What has been your experience in the job search? Have you had trouble considering your lack of experience, and the current competitive job market? What have you done to counteract that.
One the other end, to those on the other side of the desk, what are some things young professionals can do that makes them stick out?
Lindsey:
I graduated from my MA program in May to a dismal economic climate in the US and in Paris where I've been living for the last 3 years. I endlessly ...MoreI graduated from my MA program in May to a dismal economic climate in the US and in Paris where I've been living for the last 3 years. I endlessly heard "we want someone with more work experience, not just internships" but how do I get the experience if they won't give me a chance? The catch 22. To stay afloat in this market, I found a position with a start-up where I do Marketing & Comm. We're a 2 person team, the pay is avg but there is lots of potential for growth. It beats unemployment!
108 weeks ago
108 weeks ago
Donovan Chandler:
The job search has been rough! My market (FileMaker development) is small to begin with, which doesn't help. After no success with cover letters ...MoreThe job search has been rough! My market (FileMaker development) is small to begin with, which doesn't help. After no success with cover letters and resumes, I've decided to invest in my online presence and in reaching out for personal connections. It's still too early to tell how much more effective it is, but it's certainly more encouraging talking with people than it is trolling through job boards!
108 weeks ago
108 weeks ago
Joshua Waldman
Team PDX...I am friends with PCC's Director of Career Services. She is a labor market expert and excellent resume coach. How about finding a venue to allow her to present 30 minutes about Labor Market for Gen Y?
Joshua Waldman:
Bret, That's great. The sooner you can let me know our venue, the better. Becky's schedule fills up fast. You guys will love her presentation, and ...MoreBret, That's great. The sooner you can let me know our venue, the better. Becky's schedule fills up fast. You guys will love her presentation, and she'll be available after to hang out. Let me know where, so I can book her.
108 weeks ago
108 weeks ago
.thumbnail.jpg){kind=avatar}
Daniel Holke
The Ken Blanchard quote on leadership reveals that just having authority does not equate to leadership. If you have a position of authority you may have the rights to leadership so people will follow because they HAVE to. You do not automatically gain influence over them. Taking a bit from John Maxwell, if you build relationships people will follow because they WANT to & you will gain influence over them. Through results, people development & respect you grow even more influence, ie leadership.
Travis Power:
If average people are like me, then not many are sitting around hashing out core values. I didn't start doing this until taking a leadership class ...MoreIf average people are like me, then not many are sitting around hashing out core values. I didn't start doing this until taking a leadership class and I'm an introspective person to begin with. I think its really important though so that you can act within your values, helping to maintain authenticity during tough decisions.
I think everyone would benefit from creating personal vision and mission statements. Who am I? What do I stand for? Whats important to me? Create your brand around this.
109 weeks ago
I think everyone would benefit from creating personal vision and mission statements. Who am I? What do I stand for? Whats important to me? Create your brand around this.
109 weeks ago
Donovan Chandler:
@Travis, I completely agree on the importance of personal reflection and direction. Though it's seldom talked about, there's a darker emotional ...More@Travis, I completely agree on the importance of personal reflection and direction. Though it's seldom talked about, there's a darker emotional and spiritual aspect to each of us that can even lead us down some terribly misguided and painful avenues if we're not consciously developing our whole selves. It's easy to gradually get off track without realizing it otherwise.
108 weeks ago
108 weeks ago
Grady Locklear
Nice to see a solid turnout at the meetup - Joshua, Eric, Alyssa, David, Monica, Sky, Donovan and Emily. It was fun :)
Grady Locklear:
Lorena, Cory, Lance, Liz, Bret, Brett, Sean, Amye and the rest of you... hope to see you there next time :)
112 weeks ago
112 weeks ago
Donovan Chandler:
It was good to see you all. Hopefully we see even more new faces out next time.
112 weeks ago
112 weeks ago
Mariusz
heh, user experience feedback: when I'm viewing a group, I need to go to Groups link at the top to view my other ones. Unless I'm missing something obvious, I find it a rather cumbersome way of navigating. Anyone else similar feelings ?
Donovan Chandler:
I was just looking for a way to switch to another group. It would be nice to have a shortcut. Why not a drop-down under "Groups" in the top nav?
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Donovan Chandler
Unfortunately, I have a user group meeting that night, but I might be able to hop over a bit after 8.
Lorena
Any interest in a PDX group get together? Maybe at a McMenamins or similar? Could be good networking opportunity.
Donovan Chandler
During slow times, it can be difficult to find/keep focus. Do you have any strategies for evaluating your time use effectiveness?
120 weeks ago from Freelancing
Janna Marlies Santoro:
Yes, please start a forum topic -- I would love to get a conversation going around this...
119 weeks ago
119 weeks ago
Donovan Chandler:
Done - This discussion has been moved to a forum topic. I'm looking forward to your input.
119 weeks ago
119 weeks ago
Ryan Easttum
New to PDX via Buffalo - any insider tips or things I wouldn't know about (outside the obvious), but should??
Donovan Chandler:
Portland Monthly also provides easy lists of things to see or do. Here's their website: MorePortland Monthly also provides easy lists of things to see or do. Here's their website: www.portlandmonthlymag.com
120 weeks ago
120 weeks ago
Private Message
Following (12)
